In Trinidad and Tobago, foreign currency inflows are dependent on exports of natural gas and crude oil. These have been undercut by low energy prices and falling production. In the midst of weak capital inflows, foreign reserves have declined and foreign currency scarcities have become a regular occurrence.

This country’s monetary authority utilizes a managed float. This year, because of a combination of fiscal pressures and a deteriorating external account, the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago (CBTT) allowed the currency to depreciate and it ended 2016 at TTD6.75/USD, with an average rate of TTD6.64/ USD.

What is the likely trajectory for the currency? This is quite simple and if one were to read the tea leaves, it becomes obvious. During the last six months, at least, we have seen various examples of downward pressure being exerted on the currency. Many citizens who are unable to get foreign currency from the banks have resorted to alternative sources, and in this country, these are a dime a dozen, so far. BMI Research reports that on January 15, the going rate on the black market at Piarco International Airport was TT$8.20 to the US dollar. Certainly, what we have seen is the development of an informal parallel market in this country – maybe even signs of deeper black market.

The shortage of foreign currency has resulted in very creative schemes. Local media reported that in December 2016, the Bank of Guyana stopped the purchase of Trinidadian dollars, possible confirmation that citizens of this country were purchasing US dollars from Guyanese exchange bureaus.

If the supply of foreign currency continues as it is, or gets worse, one can expect CBTT to continue its relatively conservative approach to allow the currency to depreciate. The BMI estimates that if there is no change in world price of gas or oil, and equally important, if the anticipated new supplies of gas fail to come on stream, then TT$7.40 per US dollar by end-2017 is possible. Hopefully the coming on line of the Juniper fields will save us from such a possibility. Even so, an exchange rate of over TTD7.00/ USD is possible by August, if not sooner. One would expect CBTT to be tentative to pursue a more aggressive speed of depreciation, mainly because of fears that it can lead to inflationary pressures, and the difficulties that the people operating below the poverty line, the unemployed and the dispossessed will face.

What will happen beyond six months will depend on the size of increase brought on by Juniper’s production, the size of the possible increase in gas and oil prices and the increase in conversions by the energy companies as they pay higher taxes to the government (assuming 100 percent capital write off will be no longer in effect). At this point it is impossible to make a firm prediction beyond six months

Dr Ronald Walcott, TSTT’s Chief Executive Officer delivered these remarks to business, leaders and Government and Ministry officials at the opening of the Connect @ bmobile Technology Conference and Exposition held at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad on January 17 and 18. Dr Walcott drew the guests’ attention to the fact that many of the top organisations worldwide do not have retail stores and noted, “There is this convergence of the service industry and ICT development that is very fundamental to the way in which we are evolving as a nation, region and globally and we have to recognise this and become a part of it if we are to move into this new technological era.”

Dr Walcott continued, “There is enough evidence to clearly demonstrate that there is a direct link between ICT development and economic development, so our remit as TSTT is not just to provide services. We have a vision to become the standard bearer for leading edge communications solutions in Trinidad and Tobago that will enrich the lives of citizens, businesses and visitors. We want to partner with you in your own development to provide the platform and solutions that will help you in this new technological era. We have been transforming ourselves since last year from being a traditional telecommunications provider into an agile broadband communications company.

“I am very pleased that we are hosting this conference because it is important that we create your awareness of both what technology is available out there and what the new TSTT is about.”

Connect @ bmobile, the first-of-its-kind technology conference and exposition in the country and region, was held to create awareness of the latest in technology and advanced technological products and services to help companies increase their productivity and profitability.

Connect @ bmobile had a full house on both days and was attended by Maxie Cuffie, Minister of Public Administration and Communications, senior-level Government officials, as well as IT managers and senior-level representatives from the private sector and supplier companies.

Learie Hercules, Technical Director, Product Innovation and Big Data Expert at AT&T, agreed with Dr Walcott and said, “Data is the new oil and artificial intelligence is the future.”

The keynote speaker continued, “The proliferation of today’s mobile devices demonstrates how people consume in this data generation. Before, customers only consumed data. Now they are generating data as well, so organisations should ensure they are obtaining value for their ICT investments by capitalising on this increasing volume, variety and velocity of data being generated by their customers. As a Big Data company, bmobile has a responsibility to bootstrap the productivity of the next generation by helping companies move from being consumers of content to producers.”

Attendees got the opportunity to view and discuss bmobile’s portfolio of ICT, Managed Services and Data Centre Services, including CCTV; hosted phone and PBX services; video communications cloud; corporate email powered by “Google Suite”; network management services; and data centre services such as virtual machines, storage and backup, co-location and cloud TCO.

Chevon Wilson, TSTT’s Vice President of Mobile Services and Ronnie Mohammed, TSTT’s Senior Manager Product Development generated a lot of excitement as they presented on the features and benefits of bmobile’s mobile 4G LTE and broadband 4G LTE services for the corporate and consumer markets.

The other technology experts, from the GE Global Research Center, Nielson, AMITEIS, VmWare, Mitel, Huawei and Google, led educational discussions with case studies on the industrial side of the internet, cloud technology and CCTV installations.

Participants witnessed how global leading companies utilised these ICT, Managed Services and Data Centre Services, which are offered by bmobile, to provide value to businesses by optimising their assets, operations and business to achieve a quicker turnover of data analytics, lower their costs and increase productivity, profitability and growth.

Connect @ bmobile was well received by the target audience. Steveson Dukhan, SWMCOL’s IT Manager commented, “The products and services that bmobile has in store for the future really augers well for the end user, whether corporate or consumer. It’s up to us to really harness what bmobile is offering and explore our options so we can provide a better service to our clients. I was especially excited to hear about bmobile’s LTE network.”

Hayden Mitchell, Managing Director of Coffee Express Limited noted, “I am glad that I came. We have field service technicians and what really interested me was the possibility of using field service automation, cloud based technology and data analytics to automate the whole field service and equipment repairs. The conference was really practical and timely for me.”

Wendell Mitchell, Group Chief Information Officer at the Guardian Group added, “Many companies put a lot of effort into trying to create and homogenise their data themselves. They fail because they aren’t experts. If bmobile and its partners could put systems in place so organisations don’t have to worry about the data, only how to use it, this will significantly improve their chances of success because they can focus on their core business.”

All three agree that Trinidad and Tobago is ready to embrace Big Data and data analytics to increase their productivity and profitability, with Wendell Mitchell adding, “Mistakes from bad data can have serious implications from angry customers to loss of income, market share or position.”

The initial step to perform a failure analysis investigation begins with visually studying the failed part and asking detailed questions regarding associated parts, plant environment and operational procedure. A summary of the investigation steps includes:
• Collection of background data and selection of samples (service history and conditions)
• Preliminary examination of the failed part
• Complete metallurgical analysis of failed material (mechanical properties, chemical composition).
• A thorough examination of the failed part including macroscopic and microscopic examination and analysis (electron microscopy). This includes fractographic analysis.
• Analysis of fracture mechanics (shear, brittle or ductile).
• Evidence Interpretation, formulation of conclusions and writing of final report (Including recommendations).

Some tests may include hardness testing, weld examination, case depth, decarburisation measurement, coating/plating evaluation, surface evaluation and or grain size determination, inclusions density, morphology and type, compound analysis, microprobe analysis, etc. Typically, these tests are conducted by strictly following test methods from internationally recognised organisations such as ASTM, BS, ISO, etc.

Investigation of failures in polymeric type materials (plastics) requires tests specific to this type of material. This includes Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometry, Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and thermomechanical analysis (TMA).

The main factors that relate to failure of components are material, design, manufacturing process and service condition, the last being the most common cause. the service condition factor also includes how the component was used, if it was abused or if it was just inadequate for the given task.

• The most frequent failure mechanisms observed are:
• Corrosion in its different forms (pitting, crevice, aerated cell, filiform, galvanic cell, etc).

• Fatigue
• Hydrogen embrittlement
• Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) Metallurgy is the science and technology of metals. It involves analysing the physical and mechanical properties of metals and examining how they are affected by composition, mechanical working and heat treatment.

At CARIRI’s Metallurgy Unit, our customers are our foremost concern. Our highly experienced and qualified personnel, as evidenced by our 40 years in the industry, have allowed us to treat with our clients’ most basic test requirements, as well as their more technologically advanced needs, with the same dedication and accuracy. We do this through our superior knowledge, equipment, expertise, quality certification and international accreditation.

We deliver first-class service based on excellence and expertise. We are leaders in finding solutions due to our well-established international connections and relationships, the innovations we have implemented, and our decades of experience. Our goal is to find “the best way” for our clients – not merely the easiest or quickest solution.

We work closely with our customers to provide service solutions that manage risk and reduce cost, while ensuring health and safety compliance at an internationally accredited level and quality.

We offer a wide range of tests and services that is comparable with established laboratories anywhere else in the world.

These include:
• Failure analysis of mechanical components
• Corrosion assessment and prevention of coatings and components
• Mechanical testing of material

We can start with looking at the forecast for the global economy, which is expected to grow by 3.25 percent in 2017, but international trade is not expected to keep pace, only increasing by 1.75 percent. We need to remember that between 1985 and 2007, real world trade grew on average twice as fast as global GDP, whereas over the past four years it has barely kept pace. Pascal Lamy, a former director-general of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), argued that the recent slowdown in global trade was only to be expected after years of rapid growth.

The world has become more globalised. However, the current form of globalisation, neoliberalism, free trade and open markets are coming under much criticism. The interests of powerful nations and corporations are determining the terms of world trade. In democratic countries, they are determining and affecting the ability of elected leaders to make decisions in the interest of their people. Elsewhere they are encouraging narrow political discourse and even supporting dictatorships and the “stability” that it brings for their interest. This is to the disadvantage of most people in the world, while increasingly fewer people in proportion are prospering. Free trade advocates knew from the outset that globalisation creates losers as well as winners, but have done little or nothing to ensure that the benefits of greater liberalisation have been equitably shared. In recent years, the losers have increased in number – and become more vocal. We have seen debt-driven growth lose its lustre and the search for a new and sustainable model for economic expansion in industrialized countries pick up pace. While this is happening, the problem of globalization has continued to produce immense wealth, yet seems unable to distribute that wealth fairly.

This has given rise to protest movements that threaten globalisation.

The western mainstream media barely makes available ample debate, allowing economic liberalism to be mixed up with the term political liberalism. We remember Margaret Thatcher’s slogan, “there is no alternative to globalisation, but what about a more equitable and sustainable development for all?” There is limited discussion that globalisation, coupled with the fourth industrial revolution, has resulted in a form of capitalism, driven by firms in competition with each other for lower wages and for machines to replace humans. This has led to a compression of the middle class, massive inequity, and increased numbers of losers in the developed world.

The question then arises: how President Trump would, if he could, reverse the effects of globalisation. This is not altogether clear. It would appear that those voters who voted for him were most concerned about the economy, trade, and what trade policy has done to blue-collar jobs. Is he intent on unraveling globalisation? The simple response is if President Trump were serious about a departure from globalisation he would have concurrently spoken against many other trade deals – Trade in Services Agreement (TISA) and the US-China Bilateral Investment Treaty. But he did not. Nor did he get rid of the 500 US trade advisers who represent corporate interests in the framing of such trade agreements. It does not look like he has any intent to shake the globalisation boat, maybe not yet.

Surely, he must know that foreign direct investment supports US jobs, reduces trade deficits, and announces foreigners’ confidence in the power of the US economy. Outside of protecting against foreign ownership of industries that are crucial to national security, opposing globalisation could hurt more workers than it helps.

Unscrambling the intricate web of international links set up since the end of 1980s would be a protracted process.

Roberto Azevedo, the current WTO boss, believed that the tit-for-tat protectionism used during the Great Depression would lead to world trade dwindling by twothirds in three years. “That would be a catastrophe of unimaginable proportions, now.” Christine Lagarde, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, argues that Trump’s “trade agenda” would undo all the growth benefits from his tax cuts and infrastructure spending. Does higher consumer prices and retaliation, two downsides to putting a 45% tariff on Chinese goods, make sense? To be honest the threat of trade wars and of force, as well as sanctions, are not solutions to the dynamic that dislodges humans from the production process.

The solution suggested by Trump appears to be demagoguery, not a thoughtful response to the problem at hand. We in this country need to interpret these events carefully. Next week we will look at the historical evolution of globalisation and how we should position ourselves.

At times I am tempted to roll back the years, lace up my boots and stake a claim for national selection, but Father Time won’t allow.

I have got to be realistic. Since the 60s all the way up to the present, I have seen the evolution of local football, and the development of top-class players. I have fond memories of the glory days -the 1972 era,Strike Squad era and the 2006 era.I have seen coaches come…and go, even kicked out.

Since that time,the senior football has become like an old PTS C bus,breaking down without warning.

The tenure of Stephen Hart offered hope, but the players let him down with their attitude .

Tom Saintfeit was thrown in the Bocas without a TT FA liferaft or jacket, and was rescued by his common sense.He knew he was swimming against the rough waters of criticism and long knives so he “duss it”. The Donald Trump approach(ultimatum) by Presisident David John Williams added to his discomfort. No one likes to hear…”You’re fired!” Your mission “Tallest”, and you have accepted it, is to rekindle the pride of of the’ 72 era of professsionalism, Strike Squad era of tenacity, and the true grit of 2006.

Don’t be afraid to tap into the brain of Everard “Gally “ Cummings, even Russell “Latas” Latapy.

Have Stern John give players some tips on scoring goals. You have gotten a tall order, “Tallest”.

As a former military man, you will know that surrender is not an option.

Let’s be realistic, you will win some, and lose some in the upcoming World Cup matches. However, the fans want to see attractive football, players stinging the palms of goalkeepers, and a defence stronger than the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation( NATO). Be careful not to bring “friend thing” into the football, but give deserving players their opportunity.

Keith Ander son via e-mail

It just amazes me that we are not advocating for Trinidad and Tobago to develop a “culture of peace”. We insist on continuing to develop the gun culture, the drug culture and the culture of violence and a culture of death. The simple definition of “culture” is the way of life of a people. Children are born into a way of life.

They are born into an environment which provides them with guidelines as to the way they must live. If our families are unable to provide the children with those guidelines, then our education system must. Why do we have an education system at all then? Headlines in the media shout to all of us, including the children: “Former National Security Ministers: Yes to guns, pepper spray”; “Kamla: Give them guns”; “Ramesh, Bring on the Death Penalty” and “Stop making excuses, bring on the death penalty.” He also said, “…..we do not need more laws, we need action.” Mahatma Gandhi made the statement, “If we are going to bring about peace in the world we have to begin with the children.” I echo Ramesh’s words “we do not need more laws, we need action.” Yes, we need action in the classroom. We need to develop a culture of peace. Would you believe that there is an entire curriculum that educators can find on the internet titled, Creating a Culture of Peace-A Practical Guide for Schools by Hetty Van Gurp.

This was piloted in 25 schools in Karachi, Pakistan. Permission has also been given to copy parts of the guide for your own school use.

There are contact numbers and emails. Educators who are serious and who understand that Peace is one of twelve Fruits of the Spirit must make Peace a part of their everyday interaction with students.

Each fruit is defined as “observable behaviours of people who have allowed the Holy Spirit to be effective in them.”(Loyola Press). The definition quoted suggests that each one of us possesses this fruit but we just have to allow it to work within us and for us. Education will facilitate this work.

I do not think that I am idealistic and have my head in icloud. We all want peace. We just have to begin the process and do not throw our hands up in the air and say that there is nothing that we can do but wait to be a victim.

Therefore, I am asking those NGOs, CBOs, Youth Groups, faithbased organisations, form teachers, principals and all who would want to begin the process of creating a culture of peace to get the practical guide. You can find the time within the curriculum, I am sure. As Ramesh said, “We need Action.” Let us act now, we cannot wait. I also know that true educators are creative and can adapt the suggested guidelines where necessary. Peace in the world is Universal. All progressive cultures are calling for peace.

Let us begin now. Know that without Peace all that we have gained will be lost. Our ancestors really suffered for us to progress and a culture of peace is the only way forward. Those crazy crapauds smoking we pipe for too long. Let us send them where they belong, into Black Stalin’s “Fire.”Here I go again. It just amazes me that we are not advocating for Trinidad and Tobago to develop a Culture of Peace.

Anna Maria Mora via email

Too much lawlessness in the country, enforce the laws, people are getting away with crimes because they know that there is no consequence for their reckless behaviour. God help us!

Modicia Martin via email

Junior Category:

1. Zakima Grant, Lower Cumuto Govt: Ah Want to Go

2. Terry Perez, Arima Boys’ Govt: Choose

3. Jason James, Arima Boys’ Govt: Victory Road

4. Sharla Grant, Lower Cumuto Govt: Proud Trini

5. Yirah McIntosh, Arima Boys’ Govt: Eagles High

6. Stefan Camejo (Reigning Monarch): Sacred Heart Boys’: song?

7. N’Janela Duncan- Regis, Eshe’s Learning Centre : Rise

8. Su-Yen Pantin, Arima New Govt: Why

Senior Category:

1. Tsahai Corbin, St Joseph’s Convent: Too Much Pressure

2. Desle Julien, St Mary’s College: We Lit

3. Denisia Martimbor, St Anthony’s College: Feeling The Vybes

4. Osei David, St George’s College: My Way

5. Sergio Camejo, Our Lady of Fatima College: Daz Yuh Business

6. Tyrese Willliams, Holy Cross College: Not Too Young

7. Oduduwa Aluko, St Benedict’s College: Time of the Year

8. Ethan Webb, San Juan South Secondary: True Love

9. Jennelle Ross, Tableland Secondary: Come Back Again

10. Shernifa Gibbs,- Guaico Government Secondary: Wet Meh Down

At 10am, Ragoonanan and the other relative were detained by a party of officers from the Customs and Excise and the TT Police Service’s Financial Intelligence Bureau (FIB). He was interrogated for several hours at FIB’s office in Port-of-Spain into alleged money laundering, drug smuggling and smuggling of US currency into the country.

But speaking with Newsday, Ragoonanan insisted he is being victimised and his name and character dragged through the mud by the State. Ragoonanan, 39, was released from police custody at about 6.30 pm and walked out of the FIB office accompanied by his attorney Gerald Ramdeen.

Ragoonanan who has been given State contracts to build schools and has a lucrative scaffolding and party rental company, said that during his eight-hour detention at the FIB office, he was questioned about his bank account and was asked repeatedly if he had any money in the United States, the British Virgin Islands and also if he was connected to any businesses (legal or otherwise) in those countries.

During the interrogation, Ragoonanan said, at no time was he asked about US$2 million which was found among plywood sheets in a container at the Point Lisas port in early November.

“I know nothing about that money. I don’t know how my name became linked to that and to my utter surprise, minutes after I was detained it was being reported on the radio news and online, that I was arrested and that charges were being laid against me for the US$2 million found in the container,” Ragoonanan said.

The businessman said he cooperated fully with the police and said he has nothing to hide. He believes he is being made a scapegoat by police and the Customs and Excise who are under immense pressure (political and otherwise) to arrest and charge someone in connection with the find.

Ragoonanan said the entire incident yesterday had left him drained and under severe emotional stress.

He fears his reputation and even business prospects could be negatively affected by the actions of the state and by media reports. He said if the authorities are truly interested, they can make their background checks into him and his business to see that he is legitimate.

In December, police and Customs and Excise officers raided Ragoonanan’s businessplace in Santa Cruz and seized documents and a hard drive from his computer. He was advised by officers of the FIB that he was the subject of an investigation and an effort would be made to interview him at a later date. Two other businessmen were also questioned in connection with the US$2 million find.

On November 2, a container with false documents arrived at the Port in Pt Lisas and a few days later a search was carried out of the container and US$2 million was found in blue crocus bags between plywood sheets.

The money is under lock and key at the Central Bank.

Yesterday sources at the FIB and Customs and Excise told Newsday they were working closely with US Customs and Border Protection in Tortola and Miami to bring closure to the investigation.

Ummah TT president Imam Rasheed Karim slammed US President Donald Trump’s actions as “unjust and discriminatory,” contrary to established American values and likely to do irreparable harm to that country’s image around the world.

In a statement, Karim said the Muslim ban would help ISIS terrorists to recruit misguided youths and so imperil the US Government’s efforts to provide safety and security for its citizens.

“The ban on Muslims entering the US will prove to be counter- productive in the long run,” Karim said, noting that refugees were fleeing wars and seeking a better life for themselves.

Karim urged Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley to denounce Trump’s actions.

“Dr Rowley must show some humanity and speak on behalf of all those who find the ban on Muslims entering the US to be repugnant and against international law as it discriminates against a group of people on religious grounds.” Karim called for a local campaign and coalition of Muslims, “to take lawful action to register our displeasure and objection to this unrighteous ban.

“We want the prime minister to represent us at the highest levels in registering our disapproval of the Muslim ban through the requisite diplomatic channels and we stand ready to provide advice and guidance to right this terrible wrong