They are, Ryan Cromwell, 28, of Fyzabad, and Fabien Thomas, 37, of Guapo Village. They had pleaded not guilty before Senior Magistrate Margaret Alert in the San Fernando Magistrates’ Court to the charge of robbery with aggravation.

Police prosecutor Sgt Krishna Bedassie led evidence from witnesses that at about 4.30 pm on June 29, at SS Erin Road, Debe, contractor Ramchand Roopchand was about to drive into the compound of his businessplace when Cromwell, Thomas and another man, who has since died in an unrelated incident, accosted him with a knife and a gun. They robbed him of the cash and a cell phone.

Police officers testified at the trial that a road-block was set up and the men were apprehended in the getaway car at Timithal Junction, Woodland.

Ap p r o x ima t e l y $3,000, a knife and the businessman’s cellular phone were found in the vehicle. Both Cromwell and Thomas gave evidence on their own behalf and denied the allegation.

Alert gave her decision yesterday and found both guilty as charged. Attorney Ainsley Lucky, who represented the men, told the court that Cromwell’s wife had died and he has two children. As for Thomas, he is the father of two children. Alert sentenced both men to 36 months in jail with hard labour.

In a statement on Monday, the Port Authority said that it was misleading to say that the cheese container was taken from the Port-of-Spain port.

The Port Authority in correcting the information said: “Regarding an article printed in the Newsday on Thursday 08 December 2016, “$.75M in Cheese Vanishes” – The Port of Port-of -Spain wishes to state categorically that the container in question was not received, stored nor delivered by this terminal. Investigations conducted by our internal Security Department also confirmed that such an incident did not take place at the Port of Port-of-Spain.

“The Port-of-Port of Spain wishes to take this opportunity to assure our customers that we take security matters on our terminal very seriously. We remain committed to ensuring that all cargo and goods of our valued customers are kept secure while on our port,” the Port Authority statement said.

In a statement, the chamber called on the Government “through the national security agencies – to use every available human and technical resource to effectively and efficiently stem the already high incidence of homicide and serious crime altogether.” It said it categorically denounced the “cowardly acts of injustice against members of the business community and, by extension, everyone who has had their right to safety and security trampled upon by perpetrators bent on disrupting the lives of ordinary citizens.” The chamber said that “immediate action is clearly warranted to maintain law and order in our beloved country in the face of a creeping sense of hopelessness.” In addition, the business body pledged its support and said that as “a national stakeholder in all key issues directed at the sustainability of our economy and the security and well-being of our people” it stood ready to assist.

The statement said that over the past week the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago have had to endure the painful and sobering reminder that crime continues unabated in the country.

It said that while this is nothing new, from time to time a “particularly heinous act of criminality forces those of us who live and work here to collectively and vociferously voice our outrage.” It said citizens came together to do just that this weekend at Mandela Park in St. James. It added that in a release dated September 2, the chamber fully supported the “commendable efforts” of the Government and the Opposition as they pledged to employ a collaborative approach to fighting crime. However, it said that since then it appeared that there has been little or no meaningful change except for a sharp escalation in the number of disturbing incidents which was compounded by the continued low detection rates of les than 25 percent.

“Right now I can’t move my arm at all,” said Roberts, “but the doctors said I would regain 50 percent of its use.” Roberts was shot in the chest on November 26 while campaigning through the Palo Seco area on the tray of a pick-up truck.

According to him, the bullet entered near his shoulder, deflected downward to break a rib which punctured one of his lungs, and exited his back near his spine. He visited the Port-of-Spain General Hospital yesterday for a further assessment.

Asked whether he had any idea on who shot him, Roberts said, “I believe I know where it came from, but I am leaving the police to do their investigations.” Investigations are being led by Sgt Haynes of the Santa Flora Criminal Investigation Department.

Roberts earned 602 votes for himself, beating the United National Congress’ Abigail Alexis who got 537. “They are saying it is the highest number of votes for an independent candidate in the history of the elections,” said Roberts. The People’s National Movement’s Christine Neptune, however, won the seat with a landslide 1845 votes.

Roberts credits his 602 votes to the work he has done in the community.

“How is it that after 100 years of oil and gas, our community is still in such a deplorable state? It means we have not had proper representation.” Roberts intends to continue working in the community through the group “People for Progress” of which he is chairman. Among other things, his focus will be on reinstating the defunct Palo Seco Trade School, the Carpenter Shop and Apprenticeship Programme.

“To fix crime in this country, focus needs to be on three things: education, employment and equity.”

The Prime Minister made the disclosure at the swearing-in ceremony for aldermen of the Diego Martin corporation at Pier One in Chaguaramas.

Rowley told his audience that Finance Minister Colm Imbert has identified funding for the construction of headquarters for both corporations and tenders will be issued shortly.

He recalled being invited to a sod-turning ceremony in 2006 or 2007 by former local government minister Ken Valley (now deceased) for the construction of a new headquarters for the Diego Martin corporation but that building was never built.

Saying the corporation had done well to run its business from two old houses and the people of Diego Martin had been very patient, Rowley was hopeful the corporation would get a new headquarters before the end of its new term of office.

Reinforcing an earlier comment made during the ceremony by Rural Development and Local Government Minister Kazim Hosein that local government reform will become a reality under his administration, the Prime Minister said he envisioned Diego Martin and Siparia being elevated to borough status.

After informing the councillors and aldermen that tax collection within the Diego Martin area will be one of the corporation’s responsibilities as part of local government reform, Rowley said that in the current economic circumstances facing the country, it was not about how much money one has but how one uses the money that is available. He told them he did not want to hear the word “clique” and that they are a “team” charged with the responsibility to deliver goods and services to all the people they represent.

The Prime Minister was also pleased that this corporation was the only one of the 14 local government corporations which is run by women. New chairman Susan Hong said she was ready, willing and able to serve both the Diego Martin region and the country by extension.

Observing there are “tough times ahead,” Hong urged her fellow councillors and aldermen to stay focused on the job at hand.

Awong said that for quite sometime, many monthly paid positions at the Corporation have been left vacant.

Awong, who was yesterday re-elected as chairman by council members, will now enter his second term.

Addressing the media following the swearing in ceremony hosted at the Corporation building in Couva, Awong called on the intervention of the Service Commission to assist with the problems of vacancies at the Corporation.

“There are a lot of monthly paid positions that are supposed to filled by the Service Commission and there are now people who carry out these functions that we have to employ on short term contract,” he explained.

Awong said the Service Commission needs to “step up their game and fill these vacant positions” as a way to move forward. He said that persons who even hold other positions have been carrying out additional functions in critical positions.

Awong said that he was humbled to retain the position as chairman, but also described it as a challenging job. Such a job, he lamented, requires an individual being people orientated.

“You must embrace servant style leadership.

You are a servant of the people. My doors at the office are always open, so you can walk in and see me anytime,” he said.

Awong said that one of his aims is to be the messenger of hope for the people. “We must always put the people first and we all have to work together to achieve this and remain humble.” Four aldermen also took their oaths during the ceremony. Also present at the ceremony was Minister of Public Administration and Member of Parliament for La Horquetta/Talparo, Maxie Cuffie

Senior police sources yesterday warned businessmen to be extremely vigilant as bandits – aware of the advent of CCTV cameras at most business places – are resorting to dressing up as women complete with wig, make-up and even padding for their chest to avoid identification via video recordings.

Police said that the bandit, wearing a black skin-tight outfit with his midriff exposed and heavy mascara and lipstick on, to complete the act, was dead as he attempted to rob the cashier at the Stir Fry King Restaurant and Casino at Ariapita Avenue, Woodbrook.

According to reports, the suspect entered the Restaurant and Casino hours earlier and was able to attract scores of men who purchased drinks and food for him believing the suspect to be a provocatively dressed woman.

However, at 11 pm, the ‘lady’ declared to a male patron that ‘she’ was going to the cashier to pay a bill. According to reports, the ‘lady’ instead pointed a gun at the cashier Pei Daxiu 37, and announced a hold-up. The cashier, fearing for his lie, handed over a bag containing $40,000. As the bandit was making ‘her’ exit, an policeman who is on vacation leave and who sources said is based at the Inter- Agency Task Force, observed was had taken place and shouted, “Police! Stop!” The ‘lady’ bandit turned around and fired shots at the officer who immediately drew his licensed firearm and discharged several shots at the bandit, who slumped to the ground in the restaurant and died almost instantly. As the shootout ensued, frightened patrons ran out of the restaurant and casino.

A report was made to police. When the district medical officer arrived and examined the body, he noted that the victim was a man dressed in women’s clothing.

The bag of cash was retrieved by the businessman.

A gun and several rounds of ammunition were seized.

The body was removed to the Forensic Science Centre in St James where investigators yesterday acquired the victim’s fingerprints which officers hope could lead to an identification via the Police Service fingerprint data base. Police sources yesterday called on Chinese businessmen to end their habit of keeping money at their business places instead of depositing same at commercial banks.

“Bandits are aware that Chinese businessmen keep large quantities of cash on site and thus Chinese businessmen have become a favourite target for criminals.

We are aware of the language barrier which is a deterrent to businessmen linking with the banks. But we are calling on the many Chinese Associations in this country to come to the aid of the Chinese business community.

This culture or habit of keeping money at the business place has to stop,” said a police source. Investigations are continuing.

The fixed bond, which will reach final maturity in November 2027, is amortised with six equal, semi-annual instalments due leading to maturity; principal payments to begin in year nine. The bond, which does not have a government guarantee, was priced on October 27, 2016 and issued in New York in 144A/ Reg S market. Funding took place on November 4, 2016.

“On October 27, 2016, Scotiabank in a strategic partnership with TGU, and working alongside Credit Suisse, RBC Capital Markets and CIBC Capital Markets, successfully closed a Rule 144A / Regulation S Bond offering, raising US$600 million in the international capital markets.” Scotiabank said the deal facilitates a fast, non-recourse financing for the liquidation of the debt to The Government of Trinidad and Tobago for construction of the La Brea power plant.

“The Rule 144A / Regulation S Bond is a very unique type of financing and required the expertise of a local and international team that focused on professional standards and efficiency. The proceeds were ultimately used to refinance in full the company’s construction cost debt and facilitate the rationalisation of the company’s balance sheet and capital structure.” Scotiabank’s Senior Vice President and Head, Caribbean East and South, Anya Schnoor said, “This transaction is an affirmation of the breadth and strength of Scotiabank’s international footprint to expand the range of financing solutions available to our clients.” TGU Chairman David D’Andrade, also commented on the bond transaction.

“TGU is now poised to leverage opportunities for growth outside TT, earning valuable foreign exchange and providing more high quality jobs for our citizens,” D’Andrade stated.

Describing TGU as an important asset for the continued growth of TT, Scotiabank said the TGU business model saves millions of dollars in overall operating cost but particularly in fuel cost.

“By using less fuel for greater power output, the plant has a smaller carbon footprint when compared to simple cycle gas turbine plants. This is part of TGU’s tenyear strategy to bring power production in TT up to international standards of efficiency, cost and sustainability,” Scotiabank stated.

Ahead of the transaction, TGU obtained a BBB rating from S&P and a BBB – rating from Fitch, in which Scotiabank acted as rating agency advisor.

“Investor confidence was so high, the bond was oversubscribed by four times and peaked at approximately US $2.4 billion.” The deal benefited greatly from Caribbean investor demand, which was assisted by Scotiabank’s local distribution capabilities and institutional investor relationships.

Based on final allocations, North American investors received 49 percent of allocations, while the balance was allocated to Latin America and the Caribbean (33 percent), Europe (17 percent) and Asia (one percent

Designer Kemal Manickchand, creative director of Kemal Design Studio explained the concept he had in mind when creating the display.

He told Newsday: “Each Christmas tree was intricately designed with the magic and the aspects of Christmas that makes this celebration so auspicious. Different types of local fauna were utilised, specifically with wings, to exemplify a ‘Trinbagonian Christmas’ and to fall in line with the setting of an airport.” He explained that each tree carried its own colour and theme to create an individual attraction within itself, and colours used were chosen because of their vibrancy and association with each winged representation.

Manickchand also indicated that some of the ornaments were handmade to give a more natural look such as the Scarlet Ibis.

“Each of the seven trees was designed to incorporate various elements of our local flora and fauna.

The essence – the glory of creation; the merging of the ethereal with the natural; the depiction of heaven touching earth,” he said. Manickchand explained that the representations in flight and their colours are as follows: gold – angels; white – doves; green – parakeets; orange – butterflies; purple – dragonflies; sapphire – hummingbirds; and red – Scarlet Ibis.

Manickchand added: “Presents under the trees were wrapped in bright attractive paper and each labelled with names from various cultures throughout the world, especially from our own Trinidad and Tobago, with an effort to create a personal connection with the airport’s visitors.” He also explained that the cr?che was built to recreate the humble birth of Jesus Christ with the tension sculpture hanging above with brilliant beams of light protruding to show the glory of the Saviour as well as to depict his protection and guidance over us.

“The entire display is meant to tell a story of the Lord’s birth while creating a local feel for its viewers,” he said. Manickchand had special commendations for the Airports Authority: “The Airport Authority has been very supportive throughout the execution of this display with their knowledge of creativity and their very accommodating and hospitable attributes.”

Last week we focused on adrogenetic alopecia (female pattern baldness), its effect on self-image and the need for camouflage techniques. Today I will be sharing with you some of the most common and effective ways to camouflage hair loss while you treat the underlying cause.

These techniques can even bring your sense of fashion to the next level, since you will be using hats, scarves, and the like.

You have to take note, though, that before trying these techniques, you should consult your trichologist or dermatologist for necessary guidance and recommendations on the treatment of your hair loss.

So what are the camouflaging techniques for hair loss? Wigs and Weaves There are synthetic or the human hair wigs/ weaves. Both differ in weight, cost and life expectancy.

Synthetic hair is cheaper, considering that raw materials are easier to procure. Some are heaver, while others are very lightweight.

They are easy to wash and to store. They can be used for up to nine to 12 months. However, being synthetic, these wigs/weaves do not have that natural feel and look.

The human hair wigs/weaves, on the other hand, are more expensive and should be maintained carefully.

Full lace wigs are always much lighter, because they are handmade and two/three strands are applied at the time.

These wigs can be made to any required specifications example, density, and can last as long as five years if stored properly.

Before purchasing wigs or weaves, conduct a sensitivity test because some people may experience an allergic reaction, like itchiness or irritation.

You should also pay close attention to the application of these wigs/weaves, to avoid putting pressure on the hairline and the weak/ thinning areas where you are experiencing hair loss.

If you are using a partial wig or weave, you should pay special attention to the colour and texture, to ensure that it matches your natural hair.

Hats, scarves and turban Wearing a wig can be uncomfortable sometimes, especially if you wear it for an entire day. If you are looking for something soft and easy to wear, your options can include turbans, soft hats, berets and scarves. Note that if head garments are too tight, they can create greater hair loss.

Therefore, you should ensure that these head garments fit your head perfectly. Also, they should match, not only the colour of your skin, but your outfit. You don’t want to focus the attention on your head through mismatching colours. There are many online tutorials on wrapping/tying head garments.

Make-up Yes, you can also use make-up to cover small patches on your head.

But this holds true only for thinning hair and will not work out well for areas that are already bald. You can use darker shades of your eye shadow palete to cover up the small patches of your head. However, you have to consider the colour of your hair roots. The safest colour is between dark brown to black. You can blend both to achieve a more natural look.

Note that make-up used to camouflage thinning hair, must be washed away often, to avoid clogging of the hair follicles.

These are only some of the fashionable ways to cover up thinning or balding hair and scalp.

I understand that it may be a challenging matter at first, but you have to remember that this condition does not make you less of a person.

Each person has coping mechanisms and it is up to you use yours effectively.

Nonetheless, if you think you’re having more difficulty than you expect, you can always seek the help of an expert.

We will make your journey easier for you.

You just have to believe in yourself and commit to the treatment.

Germaine Williams- Beckles is a doctor of trichology (DT T?CT), nutrition consultant (NC), motivational speaker and coach. Rayogee Wellness Lifestyle, Woodbrook germainewilliamsbeckles.

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