They unveiled the theme, Wanderlust – Taste the World for the Fete scheduled for January 29, 2017 from noon to 8 pm at the UWI St Augustine grounds of the Office of the Campus Principal.

Chairman of UWIDEF Ewart Williams welcomed the new management at the event launch, a media release said, emphasising that, “UWI Fete has always been known for its quality ever since its inception as the country’s first all-inclusive fete – we aim to raise expectations. Having Caesar’s Army as our event management team for 2017, will undoubtedly raise the bar once again.” More than just a party, 2017’s UWI Fete continues in the tradition of giving back where all proceeds go towards fund-raising for scholarships and bursaries for deserving students. Jules Sobion, CEO of Caesar’s Army expressed his desire to create “an enhanced experience – not just a party or fete. There will be something for everyone; a mix of the old and the new.” He elaborated that this year’s theme is set to be a “Foodie’s Paradise.” Patrons will have the opportunity to have a taste of the foods from six territories – Africa, China and India – three previous themes of UWI Fete and new countries will be explored namely France, Italy and Mexico.

The UWI Fete’s performance lineup thus far include Machel Montano, Roy Cape All Stars and Dil-e-Nadan. More acts will be revealed in the New Year.

To mark the launch of the fete, Caesar’s Army asked attendees to keep their eyes on the sky on Tuesday afternoon. A light aircraft, itself representing the event’s theme “Wanderlust” and travel, was later seen in Port-of-Spain and environs carrying the words UWI Fete Wanderlust.

The fete continues to be possible due to steadfast dedication of the UWIDEF Committee. Their work continues to provide the young people of TT and the region with opportunities for higher education despite the challenging economic environment nationally, regionally and internationally.

Early-bird fete tickets are available for $1100 at select Republic Bank outlets, from The University and online at ticketfederation.com. Regular tickets will cost $1250. Limited tickets for UWI alumni will be available for $1000 – for more info: contact The UWI Alumni Association chapter office at 662-2002 ext. 83523.

Those responsible for maintaining law and order are themselves becoming the lawbreakers.

Our Caroni lands are mostly uncultivated, our roadways congested and degenerating.

Vagrants are increasing, justice is woefully delayed and government service unreliable.

The structures we inherited were not understood by those upon whom independence was thrusted. Consequently, we find ourselves unable to understand the need for structure.

Perhaps it is pertinent to examine the structures and infrastructure we inherited.

When the red, white and black replaced the Union Jack, the Red House, President’s House and Whitehall were in immaculate condition. Our agricultural sector was integral to our food supply and foreign exchange earnings. We inherited 107 miles of rail and a railway system that connected Port-of-Spain with Arima, Sangre Grande, Couva, San Fernando, Tabaquite, Rio Claro and Siparia.

Driver’s permits recorded one’s driving record, permits were required for dogs and bicycles were inspected at the local police station before being given a tag to be used on the nation’s roadway. Forests were patrolled by forest rangers, water wastage and leaks were monitored and policed, sanitation inspectors visited homes and properties to ensure that the environment was kept clean.

Children’s health was monitored by health officers who visited the homes, and during school time it was an offence for schoolchildren to be away from school. Communities were maintained by a local government structure of counties and wards that ensured that drains were kept clean and street signs, bridges and roads were maintained.

One can go on and on, recalling the relationship between the police station, post office, magistrates court, library, health centre and warden’s office and the communities. But by now one ought to get the picture of a structured government that functioned well. The performance of these offices was not dependent on who was the Prime Minister; there were rules and regulations that governed how one performed.

Today most of what we inherited has fallen apart. We dismantled the rail system, destroyed our agricultural sector and put in place a local government structure that has no relation to the communities and totally lost as to what is required to build and sustain a community.

To stop the decay and decline in the quality of life for our citizens we must urgently put in place a pertinent structure of governance that meets specific objectives. Among them must be reduction of crime, rebuilding of communities, repair and renovation of our buildings and a traffic management plan that incorporates new roads and a rail system. We must define our agricultural plan and find a new model for economic growth and sustainability.

STEVE ALVAREZ via email

While the merits of QRC’s claim would be obvious to both the blind and the deaf, it brings to mind the recent local government election in which the incumbency enjoyed by the PNM was of little value to the Government.

To replace the People’s Partnership in the September 2015 general election, the PNM offered the nation several new and inexperienced candidates and won a majority. But the people’s current disappointment with the PNM’s performance was expressed in the 50- 50 seesaw result of the recent local election.

There can be little doubt about QRC’s need for expansion.

Some unsightly and temporary structures now litter the area east of the main and magnificent edifice which houses that institution.

To deny QRC the space to the West is illogical and perplexing, but to site a police facility adjacent to an educational institute so as to inhibit its growth and development is both irrational and idiotic.

MICHAEL J WILLIAMS via email

Rollin Bertrand, has suggested that the board of directors of the company hire a reputable investment banking firm to do an independent valuation of TCL’s shares and make a recommendation to the company’s shareholders whether they should accept or reject the latest takeover bid by the Mexican cement giant, Cemex.

Cemex on December fifth, made a bid to buy 132,616,942 TCL shares at a cash price of TT$4.50 each through an indirect subsidiary Sierra Trading.

If the bid succeeds, Sierra Trading would own up to 74.9 per cent of TCL’s shares because the company already owns 39.5 per cent.

In statements issued in Port of Spain, New York and Mexico City, the company said its offer is a 33.13 per cent premium over the closing price of TCL shares on the Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange the previous Friday.

Dr. Bertrand recalled that in 2002 Cemex offered a price of TT$5.62 for a hundred per cent of the company’s shares but the offer was rejected by the board. However, he said Cemex then made a hostile bid of TT$7.15, this time pitching its offer directly to shareholders.

He said the board hired the U.S. investment banking firm J.P. Morgan to do an independent valuation of the company’s shares and J.P. Morgan valued the shares at TT$10 each or U.S $1.64.

Dr. Bertrand called the latest Cemex offer “ridicuously low” and said he is anxious to see the advice of an independent valuation, adding that his own calculations suggested a share value of between TT$9.45 to TT$18.29 with an average of TT$13.75.

The Consular Section will host “Quiet Mondays” on the first Monday afternoon each month with special attention to minimise distractions and offer personalised service to applicants with sensory processing difficulties.

An embassy release said that in consultation with local experts, consular staff will implement available best practices to interact with developmentally challenged and autism spectrum applicants.

Accommodation will include reduced noise, dimmed lighting and shorter wait times.

“These simple but thoughtful changes will ensure that our special needs applicants are made to feel comfortable,” the release said.

For visas, a parent, guardian, or caregiver of a special needs applicant between 14 and 80 years, may request a special appointment.

Applicants will follow the routine online application steps for a nonimmigrant visa.

After securing an appointment, an expedited appointment request may be submitted with a brief note detailing the special need.

As all applicants under 14 years and over 80 may qualify for an interview waiver, the release said, “we do not anticipate having special appointments for them.” Applicants will be notified of eligibility when following the routine online application steps.

For US Citizen Services, a parent, guardian, or caregiver of a US citizen special needs applicant may contact acspos@state.

gov to schedule an appointment.

Detailed information about the entire visa application process is available online at http://trinidadandtobago.

usvisa-info.com, or telephone 868-224- 3099 from 7 am to 9 pm, Mondays to Fridays.

“Payless’ decision to give back to the nation’s children, (through) its ‘Shoes 4 Kids’ initiative; specifically to the Cyril Ross Nursery (CRN), is something that all of corporate TT should emulate, particularly at Christmas time, because Christmas means a lot to children and the benefits they get from this last the entire year. At the same time, we remember that we have been given Christ in our lives and this (giving back) is a way of celebrating that.” Mrs Rowley was speaking with Newsday in between helping residents of CRN (located in Tunapuna) pick out a pair of shoes each at the Payless store in West Mall, Westmoorings this past Thursday. Ten-yearold CRN resident, Faith P., echoed Mrs Rowley’s words while thanking Payless for their initiative.

“Words cannot ad equately express our appreciation for your generosity towards our institution. We live in times when all we hear are stories of gloom and doom. It seems like we are always surrounded by an atmosphere of hopelessness with countless acts of violence which we hear about on a daily basis.

Sometimes it makes one wonder if we have anything to be happy about but it’s organisations like yours,” Faith revealed, “that show us there is still hope for us children who reside in the various homes of our country.” “On behalf of my sisters and brothers, staff members of the CRN and the wider St Vincent de Paul Society, we wish to convey our gratitude to the Payless organisation for their seventh generous (gesture) to us,” Faith said, to much applause from those in attendance at the function.

This year marks the seventh edition of the annual Payless Gives.™ Shoes 4 Kids campaign, which takes place in several Caribbean Countries.

He was jointly charged with Kellon Dubique, 29, of Cocoyea Village, San Fernando; Don Sotio, 36, of Platanique Trace, Penal; and Nicholas Gajadhar, 25, of Usine, Ste Madeleine.

On Wednesday only Phillip pleaded guilty to the offence while his three co-accused pleaded not guilty.

PCs Khaleel, Mentor and Nanan, arrested the men on Monday at about 8 pm when the officers intercepted a Nissan Wingroad along Rochard Road, Penal. The court heard yesterday that when the officers searched the vehicle, they found the weapon – a .22 pistol. PC Khaleel of the Penal CID laid the charge while Sgt Anthony Baptiste prosecuted.

The three co-accused have been granted $60,000 surety bail to reappear on January 4.

Twenty volunteers, some accompanied by their children, attacked the task with gusto, planting a variety of herbal spices such as celery, parsley, chadon beni and chive and short-term crops of tomato, sweet pepper, pimento and ochro. For good measure, they also put down a few saplings of citrus and pomegranate.

“This is indeed a heartwarming gesture from Methanex. We have a lot of expenses at the home and these crops will go a long way in helping to lower our grocery bill. In addition, the residents will tend to the plants which will provide them with a welcome form of exercise,” said Latika Mohammed, Manager of the Home which houses 18 residents.

CAP member, Wendy Lee, said the Methanex Community Advisory Panel was delighted to extend its community outreach programme to the Couva Home for the Aged.

“This project fits snugly within our mandate of reaching out to our fence line communities in Central Trinidad. By starting this kitchen garden, we are actually helping these residents to help themselves.

At the end of the day, they will literally reap the fruits of their own labour.

I found this project to be very satisfying and was glad to engage two of my students in helping the elderly,” said Lee, a teacher at Holy Faith Convent, Couva.

Methanex’s Deborah Samaru said that this volunteer initiative underscores the Responsible Care® ethic that Methanex adheres to “The best legacy we can leave is the betterment of society and improving people’s lives. Bringing joy to the lives of some of our senior citizens is one way we are living the ethic.” CAP member, Ravi Ramlagan, engaged friends from the Lower Mc Bean Action Committee whose agri know-how was valuable in supervising the planting. Committee member, Reynold Johnson, noted that “we are doing this in the spirit of the season where our actions will bring joy to people.” In addition to the planting exercise, the Methanex/ CAP team presented the residents with personal care hampers and shared a delicious seasonal lunch with them.

The Methanex Community Advisory Panel comprises residents from the company’s fence line communities in Central Trinidad, such as California, Roystonia, Milton, Lisas Gardens and Esperanza.

Members meet with Methanex representatives at least four times a year to provide the Company with useful insights on concerns, needs and interests of the communities.

Other initiatives facilitated by the Methanex/CAP partnership over the past thirteen years include Certified First Aid and CPR training for 175 residents, Personal Safety Awareness, Preparing Young People for World of Work, Self-Esteem, Career Guidance, Fabric Design and Teenage Pregnancy Prevention.

Organised by Junior Achievement of Trinidad and Tobago (JATT), the student conference held at the auditorium of Queen’s Hall earlier this month, took on an almost evangelical tone as the youths heard from former Prime Minister Basdeo Panday, musician David Rudder, religious leader Pastor Clive Dottin, Managing Director of RBC Royal Bank, Darryl White, and youth mentors Nikolai Edwards and Ashton Blandin.

The session, titled “Maximising Manhood, Exploring Opportunity for Growth and Empowerment”, was hosted in collaboration with RBC Royal Bank and underscored the bank’s commitment to youth development.

The attendance by President of Trinidad and Tobago, His Excellency Anthony Carmona, who stayed to the end of the session, demonstrated his interest in the welfare of the youth and his support of the JA/RBC initiative to guide and empower the nation’s young people.

“This initiative today is critical to the positive development of the young men of our country. We believe in you and are confident you will succeed in whatever you put your mind to.

If anyone of you here needs help, or you just need to talk, my office is open to everyone,” the President assured the youths.

The ambience at Queen’s Hall provided the perfect setting for the compelling inter-active exercise.

The primary aim of the conference is to prepare young people to succeed in a global economy by providing them with knowledge, skills and meaningful exposure to inspirational mentors to reinforce their desire to be successful in life.

This Junior Achievement/ RBC collaboration represents one facet of the bank’s corporate youth development platform which is underpinned by its flagship project, the RBC Young Leaders Programme which helps young people develop leadership skills, apply teamwork in pursuit of common goals foster care for the community and the environment.

In his usual engaging style, former Prime Minister Basdeo Panday recounted his early years in St Julien’s Village, Princes Town, where he walked barefoot to and from school — four miles each way on a gravel road. He had a dream to be the best he could be and pursued it to become Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago.

“You must dream what you want to be and you must have a plan to fulfill that dream. There will be obstacles along the way but you must approach these obstacles as instruments for what you want to achieve.

If you keep dreaming and thinking positively, avenues will open up for you. Dream! Dream! Dream!” he exhorted the students.

Managing Director of RBC Royal Bank, Darryl White, told the audience that RBC welcomed the opportunity to partner with Junior Achievement in its objective to empower young people.

“The most critical investment that we can ever make is in people and that is exactly what we are doing here today.

CAL in a statement said a warning light illuminated on the 7 am flight BW 1501 and as a precautionary measure, the airport services were asked to meet and inspect the aircraft on its arrival at the Piarco International Airport.

CAL said the aircraft has been withdrawn from service.

Meanwhile, a passenger on the flight told a local television newscast that during mid-flight, one of propellers of the aircraft stopped.

He said the pilot announced that there had been a small engine fire, but was contained.

Meanwhile on December 5, flight BW 1541 between Tobago and Trinidad experienced a technical issue and the aircraft was also withdrawn from service to allow for appropriate inspections and procedures according to CAL.