Tom Saintfiet spoke about the preparations ahead of his first international assignment since taking up the position of coach earlier this month.

“I am very satisfied. It’s a big opportunity for me as a new coach, not having much time to see a lot of league matches, to train the boys and you can teach them your tactics and I have seen a lot of improvement.

We started about six days ago and the boys are very committed and working very hard to improve,” Saintfiet said.

“We need to get the spirit back. It will be a very difficult task in Nicaragua because they are also a good team and they are preparing for the Copa Centroamericana,” he added.

Commenting on the training schedule during the holiday period and being away from home from Christmas day until New Year’s Eve, Saintfiet stated, “I think the players coped very well with that.

They are very professional minded.

They know this is important for the country. We are not here for ourselves. We are in the first place to defend Trinidad and Tobago, to qualify for the Gold Cup and in the later stage for the World Cup.

“We are here on a mission and even if you have duty, there are people working all over the world who will not be with their families.

We are professional football players.

We know this is very important for the country.

“After the training (yesterday), the players are released. They go to their families and can enjoy the time with their families for more than 24 hours and (today) in the late afternoon we will fly to Nicaragua, I think everyone will still have a little bit of Christmas feeling but the focus on football will not be far away,” Saintfied said.

Saintfied also made it clear that the final selection of players for the Nicaragua matches was his decision.

“I don’t like to be in the media every day. I think it’s not needed to always have discussions on what people think about the national team…we know what we are doing,” he said.

“It is very clear that when I arrived here I had only a short period of time so I consulted with people with my knowledge of how I want to play. They were informed what type of players I was looking for and I watched a lot of games. The final selection that will go to Nicaragua is 100 percent my choice.

“I decided which players I wanted to select and I was very clear when I met the players that from Tuesday we go into camp and players who decide to go and play for their club, they will not be selected for the national team (for the training camp and matches vs Nicaragua). So in that way, it was not my choice who was not in the camp because they decided not to be in camp but the full selection is naturally very clear – my choice in consultation with my technical team but the final decision is the coach’s.” Two players will not be making the trip to Nicaragua – goalkeeper Marvin Phillip, who is nursing a shoulder injury, and defender Triston Hodge, who was left out for disciplinary reasons, according to media officer Shaun Fuentes.

TTFA vice president Ewing Davis will travel with the contingent as chef de mission and technical director Muhammad Isa will also accompany the team for the two matches.

According to reports John, who jogs regularly around Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain during the early hours of the morning, invited her sister Jacqueline, who is visiting from the United States, to accompany her on a brisk jog at about 4 am.

While the two sisters were jogging in the vicinity of the United States Embassy, on Marli Street, a black heavily tinted SUV with two occupants were heard shouting “look them, look them, shoot”.

Explosions were heard which John assumed to be gunshots.

A confused John and her sister wasted no time in making a quick dash towards the trees in the Savannah where they hid while the black SUV travelled south around the Savannah and made a circuit and returned and again shouted, “shoot shoot”.

By that time, John and her sister decided to cross the roadway under the cover of darkness and ran across to Marli Street where they began pulling the gate to the American Embassy. But when no one responded they ran further up the roadway on Marli Street and jumped two walls while calling out to residents with the hope that someone would assist them.

While climbing the two walls, which had barbed wire, John and her sister suffered cuts and bruises and their clothes were torn. After climbing the second wall they ended up on a compound occupied by Venezuelans. John and her sister tried speaking with the Venezuelans but they continued to look from their windows but did not attempt to render any assistance.

Dazed and bleeding from multiple cuts, John realised she was on Woodford Street and then realising that she was further exposed to danger used her cellphone to contact E999. Within minutes officers responded and took John and her sister to the St Clair Police Station.

While at the station the two women were allowed to compose themselves and were interviewed. Officers then took John and her sister back to the crime scene where the area was cordoned off.

John’s attorney Gerald Ramdeen, who was contacted by John, was also at the scene while officers marked off certain spots in the Savannah.

They also spoke with security guards at the American Embassy and an official of the Embassy has promised to provide surveillance camera footage to assist the police in their investigation.

Sunday Newsday understands when other joggers were alerted to the explosions they began scampering in all directions. When police returned to the crime scene yesterday some of the joggers were also interviewed and they expressed shock and outrage over the incident. Police officers later took John and her sister to their Cascade home where they were attempting to return to normalcy yesterday.

Contacted by Sunday Newsday, John confirmed the incident saying she was extremely traumatised.

“When I heard the men shouting ‘look them, look them, shoot’ I immediately decided to take the necessary actions to preserve my life and were it not for my athletic skills I may not be alive today. Right now I am bleeding, traumatised. I never expected this attack because I am a law-abiding citizen. I never troubled anyone, so why am I being targeted?” A clearly emotional John said the pain she endured while climbing the walls, being cut by barbed wire, was minuscule compared to what she is feeling right now. She however thanked the police for their swift response saying all the officers were professional and treated her with courtesy and care. “Trinidad and Tobago has one of the best police service in the world and people need to recognise this,” she said.

Asked by Sunday Newsday if she will be taking necessary security precautions, John said all she wanted to do was to spend a quiet Christmas with her family.

Sunday Newsday understands that in July, John received a telephone call by someone who threatened her life and indicated if she did not drop legal action taken against the HDC over her dismissal her life will be taken away. John, together with Ramdeen, reported the matter to officers of the Criminal Gang and Intelligence Unit and sources revealed that while making the report John was informed by officers they were in receipt of information that persons were plotting to kill her.

She was given key information and told to take the necessary precautions.

Her attorney also wrote to the registrar of the Port-of-Spain High Court asking that John’s matter be expedited on the basis of the threat to her life.

Acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams told Sunday Newsday he was informed scratch bombs were thrown at John and her sister adding all aspects of the investigation being pursued.

“But on the face of it that (scratch bombs) is what has been determined,” he said.

Police also informed Sunday Newsday they had secured footage from CCTV the streets and the American Embassy and they were searching for the two men in the SUV.

When contacted about this new information, John said the police told her they have evidence that it was persons throwing scratch bombs. She added she feels relieved but said the whole episode has left her shaken up and badly bruised.

Earlier this month, Minister of Public Administration Maxie Cuffie launched a national campaign to stop the sale and use of scratch bombs and illegal fireworks in Trinidad and Tobago themed “Have fun without having a blast”.

The campaign was inspired by Talparo grandmother, Sally-Ann Cuffy, who was severely injured and is missing a thumb because of a scratch bomb. During Divali observances the grandmother was driving her car when a scratch bomb was thrown through her window and, in order to save her grandchild, she grabbed the device that blew up in her hand.

“While I acknowledge that we are witnessing unacceptable levels of misconduct on the part of some of our citizens in our country today, I also give you the assurance that Government continues to make the issue of crime prevention our highest priority,” he said in his Christmas message.

He continued: “I and my Cabinet colleagues, along with the members of the National Security Council, the Police Service and the Defence Force, are taking all the necessary steps and exploring all the avenues that are available to us, to ensure the safety and comfort of the citizens of this country.” He made the comments as the murder toll stood at 450 nearing year’s end.

He pointed out that in his Christmas message last year he noted 2016 may prove to be a challenging year for us in Trinidad and Tobago.

He continued: “But I also acknowledged that, as a people, we have an incredible spirit of resourcefulness and resilience which would allow us to overcome any difficulties in our path.

I am truly heartened to say that as a nation we have stayed the course, making the sacrifices that have become necessary to ensure that we emerge from this period of adjustment stronger and more prosperous.” He explained the religious traditions of the Christmas period ask the Christian community to put unconditional trust in God’s plan of salvation __ that a child would be sent to grow and live among ordinary people and would teach love, sacrifice and forgiveness. “As we celebrate this festive occasion, in that same spirit of love and care, I ask you to spare a thought for our regional and international neighbours still overcoming the impact of ongoing conflicts and environmental disasters,” he advised.

Rowley noted the members of local communities __ most recently Matelot, Madamas, Brasso Seco __ “who are rebuilding their homes and lives following unanticipated and uncharacteristic climatic conditions”.

He advised, “let us continue to demonstrate our compassion for our brothers and sisters in need by sharing what we have with those who have lost their homes and other belongings during the year”. He also asked that we keep in our prayers the families who have lost loved ones through violent or other unfortunate circumstances.

“To you, I offer my deepest sympathy and condolences. May the hope that this season symbolizes give you the courage to move forward, in spite of your loss, trusting in the love and power of God,” he added.

He called on each citizen, each family and each community to remain optimistic about the future of our country.

“Moving into the new year, I want all of us in Trinidad and Tobago to focus on the positive developments that are taking place for our country __ our collaboration with the Government of Venezuela to access natural gas for our downstream industries; the imminent proclamation of the procurement legislation; Government’s move to enact whistle-blower protection legislation; the streamlining of the primary school curriculum; improvement of our healthcare delivery systems, the re-modelling of Government’s housing construction programme and our new thrust in re-shaping the tourism product we offer to the visitors to our shores,” he said.

“All of these initiatives are designed to uplift our country and position us as a thriving, advanced and progressive nation,” he added.

He advised citizens to resolve to make 2017 a year of peace, productivity and prosperity.

Chris Rambhal, 28, his common- law wife, Neesha Wattley, 26, and their four children, Ezekiel 10, Elisha, four, Ekisha, five, and baby Ekilsha, were presented with the keys by Housing Minister, Randall Mitchell, who described the family as an example of the HDC’s mandate to provide quality and affordable housing to the most deserving in society.

The key presentation was in keeping with the ministry’s goal of delivering “1,000 homes for Christmas’, although the family was the 1013th recipient.

Mitchell said he became aware of the family’s need after seeing them highlighted on television saying they lived “in a shack somewhere off Perseverance Road, Chaguanas and it was a shack that really had the most basic amenities, I mean from what I saw, really deplorable conditions, no running water, no toilet facilities, no electricity, not even proper flooring.” “I thought we should really do something about that, and what really moved me, and I’m sure a lot of others, notwithstanding all the trials faced by Chris and Neesha, they stuck together as a family and they stayed together,” Mitchell said, adding, “they tried and they continued to be productive citizens, buying and selling produce, and they continued notwithstanding the challenges of poverty, they sent their children to school. I am aware the children are doing quite well in school, and that tells me that they understand the role that education plays in alleviating the cycle of poverty.” “And I really thought we should do something about it because their example is the perfect example of what we really do at the Ministry of Housing because our mission is that we provide affordable housing that is acceptable and affordable so we decide to make this family’s dream come true,” he said.

Mitchell said Unicomer Corporation (Courts) had given the family a $20,000 credit voucher to furnish the home with furniture and appliances while DirecTV had given the family an entertainment system “so that the children can finally have a TV they can look at. I think it is the first time they will have a TV.” He also revealed an unnamed corporate citizen had offered to pay the family’s rent for a threeyear period and during that period, social workers from the HDC and the Ministry of Social Development would seek to get both parents “retrained and retooled” to ensure they would be able “sustain this family home and they can become more productive citizens, and enter the world of work and maintain this family.” Wattley, who at times seemed overwhelmed by the house, was full of praise for the HDC saying their previous home was “hell on earth” and was prone to leaks whenever the rain fell.

“The kids couldn’t play on the ground, when rain start to fall, you would get wet and you would have to get up and I would pray God let the rain stop or let the wind blow the rain away before you get a comfortable sleep,” she said.

“It was also next to a river bank, dirt floor, sometime you get up and dress to look neat and tidy and when rain fall your foot always muddy,” she said.

Rambhal, who said the children were eager to see their various rooms, promised to keep the house and its premises “maintained and clean”.

However, most retailers said that for this Christmas Eve, and in fact the Christmas season, while sales were brisk, it was slower than previous years.

This was evident by the comparatively small number of shoppers out yesterday.

In fact, one Diego Martin man commented that, while there was a lot of vehicular traffic, the pedestrian traffic was less than on a normal Saturday in the city.

Diane Perry, a hairdresser from D’Abadie, said she shops on Christmas Eve every year and she expressed shock at the “scant” number of shoppers in town yesterday.

“Christmas Eve usually has a whole lot of shoppers in town. I don’t know if people don’t have the money or don’t have the Christmas spirit this year because truly, I’m not feeling it in town’s atmosphere at all,” she stated.

The manager of Miguel Moses on Queen Street said she did not know if it was the fear of being a victim of crime, or the fact that many people lost their jobs this year, but not only were there less customers than previous years, but those customers were buying less.

Rhonda Williams, a street vendor selling Bath and Body Works products, said she believed this year’s Christmas Eve sales were slow because people were watching their budget due to the recession. She noted her more expensive products were not selling and most people were reaching for the cheapest. “People are looking for deals. I noticed they would ask the prices, check other places and then come back to buy, but still mostly the single bottles or smaller packages,” she said.

“Usually, two weeks before Christmas and up to Christmas Day, the minute people get their bonus, it’s so crowded that our sales reps don’t get a break.

But look at it today (yesterday), we have lots of people available,” exclaimed a supervisor at the Wonderful World’s Frederick Street branch.

A vendor selling toys on Charlotte Street said he believed he would return to sell his toys today (Christmas Day), as he felt many would remain on his hands. He said while yesterday’s rainy weather affected sales, he believed citizens were not in the mood to celebrate Christmas this year.

However, it seemed to be business as usual for Excellent City Centre on Independence Square. A supervisor told Sunday Newsday there was a line of customers waiting outside the doors when employees arrived to prepare for the store’s 8 am opening. She also described the customer traffic as “normal” for Christmas Eve as most people come in to buy last minute home accessories or gift wrapping items when they were finished shopping for gifts.

Whatever ones views, we’d like readers to be deeply inspired by the occasion, that commemorates the birth of the Christian Messiah, the Son of God, who ultimately sacrificed himself to redeem all sin. Is this theological tradition totally at odds with the picture of hordes of shoppers on Charlotte Street, Port-of-Spain, toting bags of groceries and gifts? Not necessarily.

The reality is that thousands of mothers and fathers have worked hard and saved their money to buy food and gifts for their children to celebrate the occasion, in an act of caring that truly reflects the Christmas spirit and emulates the Three Wise Men’s gift to the Christ Child. A million little acts of love are thus taking place across the nation.

Of course, one should avoid over-extravagance and over-indulgence, especially at a time when so many other persons have lost their jobs and may be challenged to meet even the basic necessities of daily life.

We’d also suggest the festival be underlined by a contemplation of the misfortune of those citizens who have lost loved ones to violence or road carnage, still all too prevalent in the past year. The revelry of us celebrating Christ’s birth must certainly not become a source of angst for others, whether by the hazards of drunk-driving, or excessive noise-making by bass-pounding loudspeakers or illicit firecrackers.

Between now and Old Year’s Night amid the revelry will be some soul-searching as to where we are as a nation, including much sorrow over the country’s high murder-rate for which murdered bank clerk, Shannon Banfield, 20, has become an emblem of. While we mourn and take stock, let us be encouraged by the thousands of persons who each quietly toil in their corner of the vineyard to try to make us a better people. We salute those persons who attended the vigils and peace marches held in the wake of Banfield’s murder. We hail those persons who give freely of their time to spare a kind word for the local wayward youngster, and those who run courses in pursuits such sport, music and art which each lift the human spirit.

We’d certainly endorse the words of Pastor Clive Dottin who has called on the population to unite across the superficial boundaries of personal background so as to be our brother’s/ sister’s keeper.

The economic lull coupled with joblessness and high-crime suggests to us that it is certainly time for this society as a whole to press the re-set button as to our priorities.

While the country has a hardcore criminality to be tackled by hard-policing, the longer-term goal should be to positively mould a better citizen, by as simple a step as showing our youngsters how much we love and care for them.

Parents need to spend more time with their children than at present, and guide them into active pursuits so as to take a break from their electronic gadgets.

In the absence of any nationwide plan to galvanise the huge energy generated by the public outpouring of concern at the Banfield murder (amidst all the other deaths), each one of us can use this holy period to commit to helping someone in our community to be a better person, in as simple a thing as helping a child with homework.

A casual glance at early morning television in TT will reveal thousands of persons across the land engaged in activities to uplift mind, body and soul.

Have fun, live well with your neighbour and hold on to hope.

Happy Christmas.

Therefore, let it be implemented expeditiously.” Several reactions followed. Leslie Gilkes: “Please get the hangman busy,” (Express, Dec 15); Chastising Fr Taylor, Catholic Archbishop Joseph Harris said the “death penalty cannot solve crime” (Guardian Dec 13); former attorney general (AG) Ramesh Maharaj said, “death penalty a deterrent,” and like Wayne Sturge, felt the penalty can be executed “within an efficient judicial system” (Guardian, Dec 15); Like Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, AG Faris Al-Rawi noted “hanging is the law” and should be implemented. (Newsday, Dec 3) Before that, Jay Rakhar wrote: “Criminals will continue to rape our citizens and decapitate them. We are at the mercy of the criminals. The death penalty is overdue.” Supporting death penalty, he noted it looks peculiar when an MP enters Parliament, takes the oath to uphold written laws, then opposes them.

(Express, April 1). This is different from when a Bill is debated. In a sense, the Privy Council 1993 Pratt and Morgan ruling — execute within five years — has given Caribbean governments a welcome non-execution defence, or excuse. To help settle the matter, in 1987 as an Independent Senator, I successfully moved a motion for Parliament and the NAR government to review the status and implications of the death penalty.

This motion led to a commission of enquiry headed by Elton Prescott, SC, which provided public support for the death penalty.

Following the joint PNM-UNC crime talks, Dr Rowley noted the complicated pathway to executions.

Two weeks ago, he gave a “law and order” speech at the opening of new Besson Street Police Station where he declared: “We have a situation on the streets that was linked to the country’s problem with dispensing swift justice. As head of government, I cannot say there is swift justice even when we are fortunate to have some detection and the perpetrators known. These perpetrators want to be free to commit more crime and facing the conviction…the cost of that freedom is paying their lawyers (in cash) to ensure that the process is delayed in court. In T&T, we better face up to that.” This declaration fell into Fr Taylor’s pulpit. Last year, (Oct 26), Dr Rowley said: “There is a human side but most importantly, there are serious issues in this country and as Prime Minister I will bring serious attention. Not all will bring me accolades but sometimes you have to do the right thing.” Last March, a regional anti-death penalty forum, including our lawyer Gregory Delzin, the passionate Leela Ramdeen and Rev Gwendolyn Greaves, sought to mobilize for abolition. Three weeks ago, a nation-wide petition (Change.org) by citizen Brent Gerard Housain is pleading with the government to implement the death penalty.

Five months ago, after being pressed by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights’ official, Ivan Simonovic, to abolish the death penalty, Guyana’s President David Granger cautiously replied: “I am advised by cabinet. Guyana is an independent sovereign state and it is not for me to get ahead of what people want.”(Newsday, July 25) Like Guyana and most of the Caribbean, over 80 percent of our population, including Catholics, support the death penalty.

At the regional anti-death penalty forum, several biblical references were made by Catholic priest Fr Arnold Francis — from Matthew (32), John (10) to Luke (30). Fr Taylor quoted for victim-justice and the death-penalty from Genesis (9:6), John (19:10, 11), Romans (13: 1-4), St Augustine and St Thomas Aquinas to the Council of Trent of 1566, the latter stating “the power of life and death is permitted to civil magistrates because theirs is the responsibility under law to punish the guilty and protect the innocent.’’ Fr Taylor seems correct — the Catholic Church, with its recent modifications over birth control, marriage and divorce and gender, is in a state of transition with confused members, a condition long noted by the late Fr Garry Pantin.

Official reports suggest that about 8.10 pm, 13-month-old Zion Alleyne was crushed by a reversing Community Comfort Patrol van.

Senior Superintendent Joanne Archie told Sunday Newsday the boy and his father were said to have been outside talking to the occupants of the vehicle and the toddler was last seen standing next to his father.

She said when the driver of the vehicle began to reverse onto the roadway, there was a loud thump, following which they soon realised that the toddler had been hit.

As a result, he was rushed to the Scarborough General Hospital and then airlifted to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex in Trinidad, where he died while undergoing emergency surgery yesterday morning.

Investigations are ongoing.

In her Christmas message yesterday she said amidst the merriment she is “painfully aware of the social and economic turmoil facing our country”.

“I know it is difficult for many to feel festive at this time, especially when those who govern our country appear to have abdicated their responsibility to citizens, choosing to abandon the poor and vulnerable and thousands of others who face uncertainty as we close one year and prepare to begin another,” she said. “Children have been victims of heinous crimes; parents and grandparents are at the mercy of rapists and murderers. Women and girls are disappearing, while an uncaring and impotent administration washes its hands like Pontius Pilate, refusing to take responsibility for protecting citizens.” She said as the country celebrated another Christmas countless families are unable to find shelter or purchase food and other necessities.

“My thoughts are with the thousands of people who have lost jobs, and who have little hope of finding an alternative means of survival.

Even those who have incomes are finding difficulty in coping as the cost of living escalates, with a promise of more hardships to come,” she lamented.

She however asked citizens to “never despair”.

“Yes, there are challenges ahead, and I urge the people of Trinidad and Tobago to continue to take courage and work together to address these challenges. Each of us has an important role to play in strengthening unity in our nation, and in moving the country forward,” she stressed.

Persad-Bissessar said in spite of adversity citizens have each another.

“Let us share that which money cannot buy, as we reflect on the Son of God who came to us in the humblest surroundings. He had nothing to give but love and compassion, delivered with humility. He taught us how to live. Let Christmas continue to inspire all of us and our families to come together, to share what we have, and give to those less fortunate,” she advised.

Persad-Bissessar said the nation is one of resilient people who have always lived together in unity and solidarity.

“Our common history of bondage and servitude has made us one family and we must continue to live that way, celebrating our strength and all that brings us together, while banishing hate and anything else that divides us. That is the universal message of Christmas,” she added.

“It is a time to follow the path of Jesus – to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, embrace the unwanted, and care for the ill. Let us do that and more and keep Christmas in our hearts and our lives every day.

Let us move into 2017 with a positive outlook, and renewed commitment to building our nation.”

Elizabeth Bridglal, 32, of Monkey Town Village, Barrackpore, a front seat passenger in the family car, died on the spot. Her husband Devinish, 35, sustained head injuries, their nine-year-old son, Emerald, and daughter Deliza,15, suffered injuries to their hands, feet and back. The woman’s niece Vishacar, 15, also sustained injuries to her hands and leg. They are warded at San Fernando General Hospital (SFGH). The driver of the pick up van also involved in the collision sustained injuries to his neck. He is warded at the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit. Medical sources confirmed all of the survivors are listed in a stable but serious condition and are being closely being observed.

According to a police report, at about 4 am yesterday Devinish was proceeding south along the M2 Ring Road, in the vicinity of Diamond Village, when the accident occurred. Reports said while driving around a corner, Devinish’s car and a grey Toyota Hilux pick-up van, heading in the opposition direction, collided.

Reports said Fire Services officers used the ‘Jaws of life’ to free the passengers who were trapped in the back seat of Devinish’s car. Bridglal was in the front seat.

A district medical officer pronounced Bridglal dead at the scene while an ambulance rushed the other occupants to the hospital.

At the family home in Barrackpore yesterday, Bridglal’s sister-in-law Usha Sundar, 46, said the family members were on their way home after attending a birthday party of a friend in San Fernando.

“My brother is always a safe driver, he is always extremely careful on the road. He said before the accident he saw this van swerving on the road and he tried to pull away, but it was too late,”she wept. “I just want to wake up and this will all be a dream, it hurts so much.” She said Bridglal was looking forward to spending Christmas Day with her family and had made plans to purchase gifts for her children yesterday. “She was going to buy her children gifts today (Christmas Eve) and she told me she had some baking and cooking all of which she was going to finish before Christmas,” she said. Sundar said when she got the news of the accident “the joy of Christmas left her immediately”.

“We cannot celebrate Christmas here, we now have to plan for her funeral, everything about Christmas has stopped.

Elizabeth (Bridglal) was like a sister to me, we were very close.

I don’t even know how to begin to cope with this,” said Sundar.

She described Bridglal as a loving, kind and family-oriented person.

Bridglal’s elder son, Emery, 10, was at the home of relatives in Barrackpore at the time of the crash. He was later told of the tragedy that befell his mother, father and siblings. The mangled cars were taken to the San Fernando Police Station. Investigations are continuing.