His outstanding record includes many things, but coming to mind immediately is that in the past, whenever he sought election as local government councillor for Moka/Boissiere #2, he walked the streets off Saddle Road, Maraval, climbing the hills including Ridgewood Private Road.

Martinez is the only person to have done this as he sought our votes. Take for instance the recent local government election, when people like myself voted because it is our civic duty, without having seen either in picture or human form the candidates for the area.

This pleasant and charming down-to-earth man will do just fine as mayor of Portof- Spain. God’s richest blessings, Mayor Martinez.

Angela Pidduck Maraval

However, we are at a loss to understand why the minister would state, “…although fireworks are banned in most urban areas, unless permission is sought and obtained at least 48 hours prior from the police, the law is silent on its use in most rural areas.” The Summary Offences Act, Chapter 11:02, Section 100, states, “Any person who throws, casts, sets fire to, or lets off any fireworks into, in or upon any street not being in any town, or into, in or upon any place being within 60 feet of the centre of any such street, is liable to a fine of $400.” This clearly covers rural areas, as Section 99 (a) defines the penalty for setting off fireworks without permission, within the boundaries of the towns, boroughs and cities listed in Section 99 (b) “and within two miles of their borders.” We recognise the difficulties faced by the police seeking to crack down on the illegal use of fireworks and scratch bombs. However, it would surely be better to confiscate stocks of scratch bombs and illegal fireworks from those selling the items than to try to catch individuals using them.

At this time of year, numerous stalls spring up selling fireworks, but few (if any) display a board outside their “premises” declaring they are licensed retailers, as required under the Explosives Act.

We commend the minister for the steps he is taking regarding scratch bombs. His next step, we hope, will be towards restricting the use of other fireworks, which threaten the health and safety of the population, particularly older people and, of course, animals.

Patricia A Green vice-chairman The Animal Welfare Network

Are we sinking because we can’t swim or because we are deliberately diving to the bottom knowingly without air? The fact is, the law has not evolved apace with the robust entertainment explosive demand. Is it sensible that any person, even a murderer, could discharge shotgun- like entertainment explosives in gangster-turf style on celebratory occasions, whether drunk, sober or in-between? Recently a grandmother lost a finger saving her grandchild when a scratch bomb was thrown into her car.

Pistols and machine-gun fire are easily camouflaged by entertainment explosives, as occurred with our nation’s first murder (conveniently forgotten) in 2016 (of a six-year-old child) in Beetham Gardens, or the innocent man who was shot in the back by a gun while onlookers thought it was entertainment explosives. Are we “conveniently forgetting” again and again?

Are people with criminal records permitted to get hunter’s licences for double-barrel shotguns? Obviously no, yet any convict can buy any amount of any kind of entertainment explosives and discharge them outside the Port-of-Spain Prison if they choose. Is this sensible? Are we sending the right message to our youth?

Should the law not require entertainment explosive licences in the same way we have shotgun licences for hunters (without police records), who have limits of where they can discharge in relation to human settlements, and of which specie they can kill?

Shouldn’t entertainment explosive detonations also have a limit as to when, how much, how long and where they can discharge their dangerous entertainment explosives?

Hunters must hunt in the forest, not in parks and neighbourhoods, so too shouldn’t entertainment explosives be zoned, not just anywhere — thrown into passing cars — by anyone, at anytime?

Is it enough for distributors to say they follow the law when they know fully well that the law is behind the pace of public demand for these dangerous entertainment explosives?

Can anyone imagine what we are doing to our dolphin, whale, fish, crustacean and micro-organism underwater when the “expert” authorities close one eye and approve marine seismic survey detonations anywhere, anytime, anyhow, and we gasp at whales, turtles and dolphins which beach regularly?

Can you imagine how marine species including lower food chain creatures function/mate/eat or spawn with the same type of entertainment explosives that occur unregulated underwater?

The question right thinking citizens must ask is whether entertainment explosives detonated at the expense of the aged, the terminally ill, or the innocent is uncivilized conduct, and what is the lesson we are teaching future generations if our Parliament legislates loosely so that this danger persists?

Must more grandmothers lose fingers, or worse, saving grandchildren before our administrators recognise their pivotal regulatory role? Our parliamentarians must do better.

Gary Aboud secretary, FFOS

Just to clarify Cuffie, I never implied “that the police have no role to play in treating with the issue.” If he read my letter well, he would have seen where I explicitly stated that we should “have our police clamp down on sellers of scratch bombs.” I am not a politician, so I have no need to put a spin on anything I write.

But one aspect of his response left me with my mouth hanging.

It seems we have a law regulating fireworks for “most urban areas” and not “most rural areas” in TT. Is that how our parliamentarians (past or present) legislate? I am sure the minister will communicate this to his Attorney General for eventual rectification.

Linus F Didier Mt Hope

Sunday Newsday recently spoke to vice captain of the band, Simmone Edwin, and the band’s PRO, Lisette Khan, who said it felt good to win, not for bragging rights, but because it meant that all their hard work paid off.

“It took a lot of energy, time, and effort out of us to prepare for the competition. I was just so glad we got everything right on the night of the competition that, by the time our performance was over, it didn’t matter to me if we won, but of course, we were very glad that we did,” said Khan.

Voces Jovenes has been a band for 19 years, but competing since 2002.

Edwin explained the band emerged from a carolling group founded by Aelsar Sealy, the current manager of the band, who organised the children in her Petit Valley community. They performed from house to house and at old folks homes in the area, the also sang some Parang songs.

However, when most of the children got to their teen years, they did not want to continue carolling and so the older children decided to form a parang band.

Voces Jovenes performed in seventh position with the Annunciation song, “Maria”, and the Nacimiento, “Una Sola Voz”.

“Maria”, was composed by Jennifer Mc Pherson in 2009, and “Una Sola Voz” was composed by Alicia Jaggasar for the competition.

The simple songs were then arranged by the band’s musical director, Candice Corbie, who they described as a “mad genius.” “I think everything just fit together on the night of the competition.

We started off with good material – it was correct, well written – and the execution of it matched the message we were transmitting,” said Khan.

They said only a deep love for parang and the family atmosphere of the band could have kept them playing all these years.

“You definitely have to have a love for it because the money is definitely not there, and the respect that we would like to see the rest of the country have for our artform is definitely not there so if you look to those things to get any kind of satisfaction you would probably not stick around for long,” said Edwin.

Khan added that the band’s motto was “Keeping the Tradition Alive.” She said the band members believe they have a responsibility to the tradition, and so have to present it as best as they can.

“We have a responsibility to teach and to encourage young people around us to one day join and pick up an instrument, learn some songs and continue. Parang is a really beautiful thing that I would hate to see die,” Edwin added.

To this end, members of the band visit two schools in the west helping school parang bands and teaching the students about Parang.

When it comes to youth, Khan and Edwin had nothing but praise for the band Voces de Promesa. The band, which tied for second place in the competition, is not only the youngest band on the NPATT circuit, but all its members are under 30. “The level that they brought this year shocked us in a good way. It definitely gave us a new-found respect for them as a band,” they said.

Khan noted that she remembered some of the members of the band from the Junior competitions and said she was impressed by the level of maturity they attained. In fact she stated that several bands on the senior circuit were from the junior competition, and that some of the younger members of older bands have young people who came out of the junior competition.

She therefore praised NPATT for it’s junior competition and encouraged the organisation to continue their work.

Edwin admitted that one of the most challenging aspect of the music is composing, especially since most of the members are not fluent in Spanish. However, the band still insists on proper Spanish lyrics which involves a lot of checking and rechecking.

“With the format of our traditional parang song, we practised so long for the competition to get it perfected.

Not only in our diction and the musicality, but with the structure of the song, which, for the competition, has to be a certain way,” Edwin explained.

Khan said the problem with some parang songs is that they are passed on to others who are not Spanish speakers.

“These people are learning the songs according to how the words sound and, of course, over time, the song would change so what you may end up with is different from the original in terms of grammar and pronunciation and you get a lot of broken Spanish,” she explained.

In addition to the band’s insistence on proper Spanish, the band is also all acoustic.

Therefore, they do not use any recorded tracks, bass guitars, synthesisers, or drum machines – even when performing in non-competitive programmes.

Although they keep the music traditional, Khan and Edwin believe change is good, but that any change should add value and not detract from the artform.

“Change is inevitable and necessary to ensure that the artform doesn’t stagnate. I see certain innovations that I find admirable, things that bring a freshness to the way the artform is presented,” Khan admitted.

However, she expressed disappointment that soca parang has been reduced mainly to sexual innuendoes. She also believes that there needs to be a strong distinction between parang and Latin music, although she did not mind if a parang band added contemporary Latin songs to their repertoire.

Edwin agreed saying that one of her pet peeves is what radio stations “pass off” as parang. “You can’t play a cuatro, a marac and a box bass, and throw in any lyrics and call it a parang. It’s a very poor reflection of what we do and I think it’s a little bit on the disrespectful side because, with the wide audience that stations reach, they are making people think this is what parang is,” she said.

That was the declaration made in a press release issued last Friday by the Caribbean Coalition on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (CCSRHR).

Furthermore, the CCSRHR complained that while Trinidad and Tobago and other Caribbean nations have signed on to multiple agreements and treaties to that effect, they have yet to uphold the principles outlined in those documents.

“…The right to healthy sexuality is enshrined in multiple agreements and treaties that have been signed by international governments including our Caribbean governments as far back as 1948 with the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights…All of these agreements seek to ensure the following – equality and non-discrimination; access to sexuality education; access to sexual reproductive health services including by young people; the right to choose a partner; gender equality; youth empowerment; and HIV and AIDS – for all persons, regardless of race, age, economic status, class, religion, sexual identity.

“However, despite the existence of these agreements, there still persists in the region major inequities in relation to sexual and reproductive health. In several Caribbean countries whereas the age of consent is sixteen, a young person cannot legally access contraceptives until the age of eighteen, creating a two year gap unprotected by our laws.

Meanwhile our youth are also denied the right to that high quality sexuality education in schools which would empower them to make informed decisions regarding their sexuality and prepare them to better manage their later adult lives as parents, partners and sexual beings.

Across the region daily, persons of different sexual persuasion live their lives under a cloud of stigma and discrimination.

These are just a few of the many equities that will be tackled over time by the Coalition…” In an effort to combat these inequalities, the CCSRHR is currently focused on advocating for comprehensive sexuality education in schools.

According to the organisation, comprehensive sexuality education in schools is essential for a person to effectively negotiate his or her sexuality.

All twelve members of Roget’s team were also nominated and subsequently elected unopposed signalling a victory for the OWTU’s long standing Rebel Movement.

The newly elected members will serve from January 2017 to January 2020.

Nomination Day was December 15 and the positions up for grabs were- President General, General Secretary, Assistant General Secretary, Treasurer, First- Vice President, Second-Vice President, three Vice Presidents, and three Executive Trustees while elections were scheduled for January 16, 2017. In his closing remarks Roget thanked retiring vice presidents Gregory Marchan and Sylvester Virgil for their years of committed service to the Union and to workers. Ricky Benny of the Petrotrin/Pointe-a-Pierre Branch and Marcus Cordner of the T&TEC, Scarborough Branch are the two new additions to the national executive.

The union’s National Executive for the period January 2017 to January 2020 are as follows:

1. Ancel Roget, Trinmar – President General

2. Richard Lee, Petrotrin Fyzabad/Palo Seco – General Secretary

3. Jennifer Charles, National Canners – Assistant General Secretary

4. Chandrasain Ramsingh, Trinidad Cement Limited (TCL) – Treasurer

5. Carlton Gibson, Trinmar – First-Vice President

6. Sati Gadajhar-Inniss, Powergen Penal – Second- Vice President

7. Ricky Benny, Petrotrin Pointe-a-Pierre – Vice President

8. Marcus Cordner, T&TEC Tobago – Vice President

9. Peter Burke, T&TEC Port-of Spain – Vice President

10. Lawrence Renaud, Trinidad Cement Limited (TCL) – Executive Trustee

11. Himraj Basdeo, Petrotrin Fyzabad/Palo Seco – Executive Trustee

12. Ozzi Warwick, OWTU Central Office – Executive Trustee

The 38-year-old former Defence Force, Wrexham and Sunderland midfielder was speaking after his first three sessions under Saintfiet with the current training squad which he has described as solid but enjoyable as the team continues its preparations for the two upcoming international friendlies against Nicaragua with daily sessions at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium in Marabella.

Regarding the call-up, Edwards, who last played for this country in 2013, told TTFA Media: “It came as a surprise. But in saying that a lot of people were saying that I should make a return but I was just keeping focused on supporting Ross (Russell) with Ma Pau Stars in the Pro League. Fortunately with the performances that I had, I think my selection was granted. I am happy to be back and amongst the guys… a lot of young guys but at the same time with a lot of skill and talent, so with my experience hopefully I can encourage the guys to fulfil their potential.” He spoke about Saintfiet’s approach so far.

“Very positive so far. He has his different style and methods.

He wants a full, fit squad and he wants everyone to be ready. He’s gone about it in the last couple of the days in the right way, getting to know the players, getting to see who can stand up to the strain and the pressure. The guys I think are enjoying the training right now and hopefully from that, only positive things can happen.” Edwards last played for TT in a friendly at home against Jamaica in 2013. He later suffered a serious knee injury while playing for Millwall which sidelined him for just around a year, with significant knee ligament disruption, involving the cruciate and lateral ligaments.

Edwards racked up more than 500 appearances in a career that has seen him run out for clubs including Wrexham, Sunderland and Ipswich Town. He returned from injury this year to help Millwall to within a whisker of gaining promotion to the English Championship, losing 3-1 to Barnsley in the playoff final at Wembley in May.

But having returned home to join Ma Pau Stars in the TT Pro League alongside fellow former UK-based strike Jason Scotland, the former soldier began to show worth again. “I never had second thoughts about the call when it came. I’ve always said that it’s a privilege to play for your country.

Yes I haven’t played with the team for quite a long time but this time it’s nothing different. Yes a lot of people may look at my age but at the same time I am enjoying my football still.

I still feel good and I feel i can still contribute something to the team and to the country. Only time will tell how things go. It was never a second thought for me to return to the national team,” Edwards said.

He hopes to play his part in helping the team move on towards the CONCACAF Gold Cup and Russia 2018 World Cup qualification.

“I think we like to do it the hard way but it’s attainable. It’s a new management. new coach, everyone will have their different style.

I think he (Saintfiet) has his style of how he wants the team to play.

The guys to mesh together, to pull in one direction and I don’t see why we can’t actually start putting points on the board and climbing up the table and hopefully come 2018 the guys can be going to Russia.”

In the Boys U-12 round robin category, Nicholas took care of Emmanuel Porther 4-0, 4-0 with little fuss. Charlotte was also in full control of her match against Alyssa Pascall which she prevailed 4-0, 4-2.

In the Boys Under-14 division, Liam Sheppard swept aside Zane Edwards in straight sets 4-0, 4-0 while Kyle Kerry got the business done 4-2, 4-2 versus Magnus Antoine. Ebolum Nwokolo showed class in emerging victorious vs Adrian Frection 4-1, 4-1.

In the female equivalent, Kelsey Leitch lost just one game while defeating Kryselle Cudjoe 4-0, 4-1, while Sebastian Sylvester beat Joel Augustine 4-2, 4-1.

There was also action in the Boys U-10 age group with close contests. Alex Chin needed tie-breaks to get past Jaylon Chapman 6-5 (6) while Kale Dalla Costa held off Luca Denoon 6-4.

Among the girls in that age bracket, Zara Ghuran was efficient in securing victory 6-3 against Jordane Dookie.

Jaeda-lee Daniel-Joseph squeezed a win vs Sydney Dyle 6-4 while Inara Chin Lee was flawless in crushing Nya Aashby 6-0.

Abigail Chin Lee had little trouble as well in triumphing over Eva Pasea 6-1.

Other scores: Boys U-10 – Zac Permell def James Hadden 6-2; Jace Quashie def Callum Koylass 6-3; Logan Hamel-Smith def Jason Brathwaite 6-2; Aariz Celestine def Varel Wilson 6-3.

Girls U-10 – Joy Augustine def Ailene Mohess 6-3.

Boys U-12 – Shae Millington def Ryan Conyers 4-0, 4-0; Lorcan Chan Pak def Dominic D’Arcy 4-2, 4-1; Saqiv Williams def Christopher Roberts 2-4, 5-3, 10-7; Ethan-Jude Trestrail def Jonathan Fernandes 4-0, 4-0; Jamal Alexis def Sebastian Ali 4-0, 4-1; Elias Ali def Andre Augustine 4-1, 5-3; Tyler Hart def Thomas Chung 4-0, 4-2; Tim Pasea def Nathen Martin 4-2, 4-2; Beckham Sylvester def Declan Sheppard 4-1, 4-2; Girls U-12 Cameron Wong def Trelicia Miller 4-0, 4-0; Ella Carrington def Jada Des Vignes w/o; Jade Ali def Adalia Badroe 5-3, 4-2; Gabriella Mackenzie def Haleigh Fabres 5-4 (3), 5-4 (4).

Santa Rosa secured the title last Sunday, after a 2-0 victory over Real Maracas at the Marvin Lee Stadium, Macoya.

“The younger players and the ones that haven’t played much, we’re going to give them the opportunity to play (today),” said FC Santa Rosa’s owner and coach Keith Look Loy, during a recent interview. “We’re going to treat the match and the opponents with respect.

We want to win it but we want to give the younger players the chance to play.” Today’s round of matches may be the last in the Super League, as we know it, as on Tuesday night, in a meeting at the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) office, Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo, 14 Super League clubs (both in the Premiership and Championship Divisions) agreed to form the Trinidad and Tobago Super League.

Nonetheless, the focus will be on how the final placings on the points standings will be, after today’s final day of action.

Second-placed Defence Force will travel to St Joseph to oppose WASA, Club Sando Moruga will host Petrotrin Palo Seco at the Grand Chemin Recreation Ground in Moruga while Guaya United will square off against Matura ReUnited at the Arima Velodrome.

Also on today’s agenda will be Real Maracas against Siparia Spurs at the Maracas Valley Recreation Ground in St Joseph, Police versus 1976 FC Phoenix at the St James Barracks and cellar-placed Marabella Family Crisis Centre versus Bethel United at Guaracara Park, Pointe-a-Pierre.

All matches today will kick off at 3.30 pm.