This was disclosed Friday by Port-of- Spain Mayor Joel Martinez at the corporation’s statutory meeting, held at the City Hall, Knox Street, Port-of-Spain.

Martinez did not want to disclose the location and the cost of the homeless centre, and he indicated he would leave the announcement for Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, to make.

“We have had a number of discussions over the last couple of months on the way forward in dealing with the homeless community.

We have set up a committee to take us forward in proposing how we will put up a building to serve the homeless committee and to run it over the next couple of months.” He continued, “The committee is to chart the way forward and to develop structure and scope. Also, to develop a public private partnership between the stakeholders which are the business community of Port-of-Spain, the city corporation, and the government of TT.” He assured the public the project will work because the plight of the homeless has been around for more than 25 years.

Martinez said an attempt was made 25 years ago through an assessment centre at the car park, at Riverside Plaza.

“It has served its time and it’s now considered now not fully appropriate to serve the homeless. As we can see at this time, the homeless are spreading throughout the city of Port-of-Spain into all the suburbs. Hopefully this will be the start of a project that will see some light at the end of the tunnel.”

After about five minutes it dawned on me that it was indeed Debbie John.

“You didn’t recognise me” were her first words as I dashed over to where she sat. Not only that but what was Debbie doing seated in the waiting area of the chemotherapy centre? She told me of her diagnosis and I promised to meet her again on those benches which is where I visited my friends. Eventually, I discovered that she was still working with the Express but from her home.

Debbie did not suffer fools gladly and called a spade a spade. She was quiet about her views though, which were sometimes conveyed barely above a whisper. She was astute and summed up an individual in the twinkling of an eye.

Debbie was a most sociable person. She liked a lime and so our friendship developed more in the social world where I could be found covering any event whatever, from the diplomatic ones to the one in a Queen Street club.

Debbie loved her family, starting with daughter Nadia, who was her pride and joy; her dad, in whose footsteps she had followed, and her mother Jeanie.

Then there were her brothers Anthony and Gregory, their wives Paula and Lydia, and most people would not know of her love and concern for her now deceased 11-year-old nephew, Paul.

A few months ago, we decided that on a future visit to St James I would meet up with her. “That’s a plan,” she said but for one reason or another it never came to fruition.

Ironically, last Tuesday morning I attended the funeral service of my friend, Jennifer Toney, the former Tranquillity Government Primary School teacher who I was visiting in St James when I met up with Debbie just over a year ago.

And on Wednesday morning I learned of Debbie’s passing.

I truly hope that we managed to complete that “stairway to heaven” for you, Debbie.

ANGELA PIDDUCK via email

“I’m not talking about perfection, as we all know a psychologist said crime is a perpetual reality but certainly it can be diminished with the collaboration and with the assistance of all in Trinidad and Tobago, regardless of race, ethnicity, political affiliation, prejudice, bias, whatever group you belong to we need to get together ladies and gentlemen and get this thing right.” He continued, “People are dying, and each man’s death diminishes me. Do you think it is easy to see someone in a drain…a young man in a drain, a mother weeping over that body, and all we can say is ‘it is gang-related.

It is drug-related.’ Let us no more treat life by that characterisation.” Carmona delivered this message before toasting to the celebration of the 55th anniversary of Trinidad and Tobago’s Independence yesterday at the Police Service cocktail reception, at the Police Administration Building, Port-of-Spain.

He said every life is important, renewable, and people can change before they die. “You don’t want them to change by their deaths, we can change them when they are alive and this is why I want to commend the police youth group initiative with the excellent work they are doing.” Carmona said TT has a lot of patriots who have displayed insurmountable character in making the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of this beloved county, and it hurts his soul that this reality is lost on the general populist who feel that one bad orange spoils the whole bag of oranges.

He said from his experience for more than 30 years, he has met officers of resilient calibre, character heart, vision and commitment.

“Sometimes I do greave quietly when police officers are malign by the community that we have. I am not saying it is a perfect world in this democracy in 55 years, there is human social dysfunction.

Sometimes we don’t get it right, but it do not mean we don’t want to get it right and in that regard I can tell you that there are officers in this present police service who are very committed to the task at hand.” Carmona said police officers are dealing with a level of criminality that is phenomenal, and there is a need to engage more technology.

He applauded the police youth groups because they have saved many youth of the nation, and also commended all the police officers who engaged in youth groups throughout the country.

“It really warms my heart when I heard that South Western had the highest detection rate of over 65 per cent and the crime rate in that area was extremely low.

I have to commend those officers. What is taking place in that region of Fyzabad, Siparia, Penal, is community service at work. Where the policemen are being respected by he community and they do not see the policemen as the enemy but as their friend.” This has to do with the calibre of police officers working in that area, Carmona said more importantly the calibre of police officers continuing to work in Laventille and the East West corridor particularly in St James.

“Whether you are on the left or the right, depending on whatever political allegiance you belong to. You know what is interesting? No body is leaving Trinidad and Tobago, all those who are criticising left, right and centre, they are not leaving Trinidad and Tobago. So we all have a vested interest in peace, security and social harmony.

Why don’t we get together and get something done?” He continued, “There is no need to be combated, belligerent, it is not about points.

A bullet does not have a brain. A bullet is a dumb piece of metal.

The bullet will take out its target. This is why we have to come together, this is not about politics, this is not about taking sides, left right and centre, this is about Trinidad and Tobago.” As Carmona lifted his glass to make a toast, he said, “Right on, go forward, get the job done.

Small and simple. It is my great pleasure to raise this glass and toast to the health and wealth of all in Trinidad and Tobago but more particularly to the safety of our police officers. We toast in fact to their renewed energy to get the job done to the sake not for one, but for the sake of all.”

Describing Independence as a time for empowerment, Charles said, “Tobago’s autonomy is a priority on the assembly’s agenda.” He said the THA is currently consulting with a Cabinet sub-committee regarding the draft bill on autonomy for Tobago. He said once this part of the process is completed, the draft bill will be sent to Parliament for debate.

Charles also said the THA is working to create, “stronger, long-lasting partnerships will redound to our benefit.” He said these include the possibilities of public-private partnerships,” as we seek to accelerate our development programme.” Charles the Assembly’s recently created Tourism Agency is taking a holistic approach to improving Tobago’s tourism product.

He urged Tobagonians and the rest of the population not to be distracted by negativity and naysayers as the country marks 55 years of independence today.

The final-year math student, reading for a BSc in Mathematics at the University of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus, is also the only contestant from Tobago.

She grew up in Les Coteaux, Tobago with her father, Glenford Wilson. While, she said, he was always there for her, he was never truly emotionally available. Her mother, Amril Melville, lives in the US.

She had two different experiences growing up. Living with her mother for five years, she was dressed up all the time as a girly girl.

Then living with her father who owns a garage and helping him scrap cars she was more of “a tomboy, scraping cars and wearing a jumpsuit.” Wilson who turns 24 on September 28, said about studying math: “I did math because it is what I am best at. I would like to become an actuary one day. I signed up for the CA (Certified Actuarial Analyst) certificate with IFOA (Institute and Faculty of Actuaries). That is where I would like to go in the future.” Wilson said she had always wanted to do some form of activism for child rights.

So when she realised, “I could not become a lawyer or anything like that…so because I realised that was not my nature. I felt pageantry would be the best forum to pursue activism.” While she is aware that she could have joined organisations in support of the cause, she felt entering the pageant would have been the best way to promote her cause.

“I feel pageantry would be the easiest forum for me to take over or have control or pursue my own personal agenda. Whereas simply joining someone else’s cause.” And that personal cause focuses on child neglect. “For instance, children who don’t have their parents around because, maybe, they’re incarcerated or, maybe, they’re too busy working various jobs. Or some parents just don’t have that innate love for their children and those are the areas I want to focus…” The cause has personal tones for Wilson whose father, she said, was always usually very busy and, “he was not the loving kind. He was not the family-oriented type of person.

He focused on work and I did not get to spend much time with my mother because she lives abroad.” Wilson felt she grew up on her own and wants to be the support for those who share similar experiences.

Although, she entered fashion shows from as early as six, Wilson did not envision a career in modelling.

She said: “It all began when I decided to start sewing. I went to designer Saleem Samuel’s store [work base] on Frederick Street to buy cloth and he asked me, ‘do you model?’ I said, ‘not really’ and he invited me to come walk in his show. [Monte Carlo] From there Saleem referred me to the franchise holders for the Miss Universe pageant and it began from there.” Although being relatively new to pageantry, Wilson hopes to do well, even win, despite having a lot of work to do in a very short space of time.

Growing up, while Wilson thought about entering the global pageant, it was more of “a fantasy thing.” “It was always a one day if I am lucky,” she said to the thought of entering the Miss Universe pageant.

Wilson believes while there are always things which need to be addressed in pageantry, she believes it provides and will always provide an avenue for young women to excel.

This year’s Miss TT Universe is scheduled to be held in October.

The proceedings began with a performance of the national anthem, prompting spectators to raise their voices in unison and sang aloud with the lyrics, as the stands echoed with the lyrics. For his arrival, Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley was met with uproarious applause, shortly before 7 pm yesterday morning as he and members of his Cabinet made their way to the stands for the spectacle.

Officers of the various arms of the protective services showcased their discipline, skill and rythm for their marching out, as members of their accompanying marching bands belted out classic calypsoes to more contemporary soca hits.

Members of the TT Regiment, the Coast Guard Air Guard and Police service and Cadets made up the armed detachments or front half of the parade, while the fire service, prisons service, Ambulance Brigade and the Red Cross made up the rear part of unarmed detachments.

Members of the police service mechanised division were drew an overwhelming round of applause as they crossed the grand stand, as one officer of the police traffic branch, carefully balanced himself over two motorcycles along the stand.

Along the parade route throngs of onlookers struggled to catch a glimpse of the parade, as they packed the pavements along Frederick street and the Western Main Road in St James.

Service men kept the crowds on their toes with their antics as they made their way down Long Circular road to the Police Academy, where the parade ended.

Newsday spoke to avid spectator and retired police officer, Randolph Greene who said that he has attended the parade for over ten years,he was overwhelmed with the large turnout of spectators and supporters.

“It’s a really warming sight to see so many people come out today in unity for our country and our sevicemen.

I saw in the streets a lot of young children waving their flags so I’m glad to see that the tradition has not died.”

In a statement yesterday, the union’s general council described as “unwarranted and unfounded,” Rowley’s personal attacks against Annisette.

“Mr Annisette is a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago, who is free to express his views on any matter relating to the governance of this country in keeping with the constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression,” NATUC said.

“He is also one of the leaders of a large constituency, first as President General of the Seamen and Waterfront Workers Trade Union (SWWTU) and as General Secretary of NATUC.”

This motion was passed during the city corporation’s statutory meeting yesterday at the City Hall, Knox Street, Port-of-Spain.

According to Akil Durham, Councillor for Belmont North and West, the funds will be financed by donations and contributions from the public and private sectors. He said the money will be authorised by the Council to be allocated to the fund.

In moving the motion, Durham explained some of the ways the funds will be used.

“The money under the fund will be utilised for charitable causes within the city, emergency relief due to a natural disaster, accidents and mishaps within the city, scholarships to needy students and members of the community within the city of Port-of-Spain.” He continued, “Promotion and hosting of national culture, artistic, religious celebrations and anniversaries as well as city receptions.” He said the decision of the motion will be sent to the Minister of Local Government for approval.

At the meeting, Deputy Mayor, Alderman Cagney Casimire stated “Issuing stop notices seem to be a challenge in the borough.” He added that buildings are being constructed with additions that have not been approved by the council and serving stop notices are important in taking action against owners. Building Inspector, Ian Murrell confirmed Casimire’s comments stating that residents and business owners are ignoring stop notice requests or simply refusing to come out to receive the notice.

Murrell stated that only four out of the 12 stop notices which were recommended to be issued were successfully delivered to the relevant parties.

Morris-Julian expressed her dissatisfaction with this figure, stating “Four out of 12 is unacceptable. It seems as if people are not taking these notices seriously.” She further stated that this called for the council to examine why the public thinks it is permissible to ignore an officer from the Arima Borough Corporation. “Accepting these notices are not optional, it is something that must be served,” she said.

Morris-Julian stated that she believes the corporation is being forced to pursue court action against lawbreakers in Arima. “We are ready to go to court. No one will get away,” she said.

She stated that both small home owners and big businessmen must be held accountable for their illegal actions. She said, “It seems if someone puts up a shed, we are there in the morning, but when it comes to big businesses there is a problem.” Casimire spoke of one particular business in the borough that has extended their wall onto the pavement. “On the side of Hearty Foods, there is a wall built straight to the end of the road, which allows patrons of the club upstairs to be received. The extension leaves no room for our burgesses, especially the students of neighbouring schools to use the pavements and on the opposite side there is a car park which is more dangerous for students,” he said. He called for a show cause notice to be issued to the business, as well as other businesses who are currently not upholding the building regulations of the borough.

Morris-Julian commended the Chief Executive Officer, Cheryl Sirju-Chong for her impeccable integrity and quick action which led to the arrests of two persons in a recent fraud matter. She stated, “The Arima Borough Corporation will not stand for corruption of any form, whether it is ten bags of cement or $100 000. It is not our money, it is the people’s money and we must treat it with respect.” She added that all arms of the corporation are working together to stamp out corruption.

This was disclosed during a recent meeting these exporters had with Trade and Industry Minister, Paula Gopee- Scoon, which was co-ordinated by ExporTT; Government’s export facilitation company.

Gopee-Scoon described the country’s export prospects from these local entrepreneurs as impressive and encouraging.

The minister said, “The discussions revealed existing and potential export opportunities in high quality gourmet foods, information technology and security value added services, agro processing, wine and speciality tea making and indigenous craft.” The minister added that “the constructive session pinpointed opportunities” for it and other government agencies to partner with these and similar businesses to facilitate their expansion and operation at full capacity.

According to the Trade Minister, “Government is very serious about entrepreneurship especially when it leads to foreign exchange earnings and import substitution.” “We have to introduce some other lines of assistance, providing you, the entrepreneurs with opportunities to bring your businesses to commercialisation. In order to scale up for export we must give consideration to product development, certification, facilities and other requirements cognisant of your potential to increase the country’s earnings.” Gopee-Scoon encouraged those involved in agro processing, in particular, to expand their involvement along the supply chain into raw material production.

It was noted that one firm had processed over 20 tonnes of local produce with prospects in Canada and Argentina.