On Monday, Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro and this country’s Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley, signed three agreements for: (I) A supply of natural gas from Venezuela to Trinidad and Tobago from Camp Dragon; (II) Shell Venezuela and Pdvsa entering in negotiations to evaluate opportunities to reduce gas flaring in northern Monagas state, and; (III) Agreement to obtain financing for a joint venture to encourage increased oil production. In a telephone interview yesterday, Seepersad-Bachan said any increase in TT’s gas supply would “always be of benefit to Trinidad and Tobago and diversifying those gas supplies, not putting all your eggs in one basket, will boost your reliability.” “But what is the cost to Trinidad and what would be the cost to NGC to purchase such gas?” Seepersad- Bachan asked.

“What is going to be the gas price that we are talking about from Venezuela because we are going to have to purchase that gas.” She noted that the Dragon field was about 17 kilometres from any drilling infrastructure in Trinidad and Tobago and could “link up to the Hibiscus platform” for onward shipment to Trinidad.” “The issue here is what is the state of development of the field, how far ahead is that development and what is the participation of the Venezuelan government in the gas field? Is it that we are purchasing gas from Pdvsa or is it going to be a joint venture between NGC and Pdvsa? Is it NGC all alone? Is NGC’s participation only in the construction of the pipeline from that field to whatever infrastructure such as the Shell Hibiscus platform in Trinidad and Tobago?” Seepersad-Bachan also wondered whether it would have been more economically feasible for government to give tax incentives to operators who are already conducting exploration activities in Trinidad and Tobago waters.

Speaking with reporters following the swearing in of new councillors of the Port-of-Spain City Corporation at City Hall, Port-of-Spain, Young said the next step with respect to the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation would be the announcement of the dates for the swearing in of councillors and aldermen. Following the release of the EBC’s final local government election results, the political parties in all 14 corporations have a four-day period to approve the allocation of aldermen to the respective corporations.

Once this happens, the corporations proceed to swear-in councillors and aldermen and elect their respective chairmen or mayors. All political parties which contested the November 28 Local Government election submitted their lists of aldermen to the EBC on November 7 (Nomination Day). As far as Sangre Grande is concerned, Young said, “We see it as quite a simple process as far as we are concerned and as we have stated before.” Asked if the UNC had any legal grounds to challenge the PNM for control of the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation, Young replied, “Certainly not from the PNM’s perspective. We are going to be proceeding in accordance with the law as we always do.” At a post-Cabinet news conference at the Office of the Prime Minister in St Clair on December 1, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley supported a position advanced by PNM chairman Franklin Khan on November 29 that the party will retain control of Sangre Grande.

“Once the results were clear enough to us and we sought proper legal advice,” the Prime Minister said. “We got it and as soon as we got it, we made that advice available to the public.

“It’s really frustrating right now,” Gomez said.

“There are about 25 other farmers in the community right now and all of us in some way or the other have suffered some kind of loss with our crops. The extension officer said that he was unsure when they would be able to send an official up here to survey the land or when they would be able to start the process for our compensation.” Gomez added that in the wake of the landslides he, along with others, have little choice but to to start from scratch as they are without any alternative means of supporting themselves. This is especially challenging, he says as many of the crops destroyed included plantain and cocoa which typically take between three to five years to yield a harvest.

“Those were trees we spent years and a lot of money managing and now, just like that, they are gone.” Leroy Peters, another farmer, said Minister of Works and Transport, Rohan Sinanan, visited the area yesterday and ordered an embankment in the vicinity of the Paria Main Road.

“I’m really concerned about what may happen if heavy rains fall again,” Peters said.

“These waterways might result in even more flooding and damage to the farmland than before when the soil becomes waterlogged.” Newsday attempted to contact an official at the Ministry of Land, Agriculture and Fisheries on the matter but was

“Even though this figure represents a downward trend of reported domestic violence incidents, it is clear that violence against women is still at an unacceptably high level in our country. These statistics are alarming and call for urgent united attention,” she said.

Jack-Martin was yesterday speaking at the official launch of the 2016 Information Fair/Exhibitions in commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (IDEVAW), at the Brian Lara Promenade, Port-of- Spain.

She said according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), one in three women around the world, has experienced some form of gender- based violence in their lifetime.

Jack-Martin indicated that recently, TT’s media has reported horrendous acts of violence against women and girls that have taken place over the past few months.

Jack-Martin noted that the Office of the Prime Minister (Gender and Child Affairs) also recognises that financial dependence on one’s spouse or partner contributes to the vulnerability of women, and indicated that programmes such as the Women in Harmony and the Women in Non-traditional Skills Training administered by Gender Affairs Division, equip women with skills that give them earning potential.

Between the period November 25 – December 10, which is Human Rights Day, for “16 Days of Activisim”, Jack-Martin said citizens can use the time to raise at the national, regional and international levels awareness regarding domestic violence.

“Why is it important? The Commemoration of the 16 Days of Activism helps promote the equal rights of men, women, boys and girls within the society. It raises awareness of the needs of and disadvantages suffered by vulnerable groups in TT. It also increases awareness of abuse and builds support for victims and survivors of abuse,” she explained.

Jack-Martin noted that in addressing the issue of violence against women and girls, one must consider the role of men and boys.

“Men and boys must not only be seen as perpetrators of violence, but as agents of change who also have a voice in the battle to ensure a life free of violence. Men and boys must stand against other males who perpetrate violence, holding them accountable for their actions.” She further stated, “We must also challenge the stereotypical notions of masculinity which perpetuate the subordination of women, and patriarchal norms and practices that create the conditions that condone and even encourage men’s violence against women.” She said tackling men’s violence against women is an essential component of any effort that seeks to create greater gender equality and equity. “I must acknowledge that men are also the victims of violence by their female counterpart. Violence against men or women is not and should not be tolerated in any form. I am encouraging the man to speak out if they are being abused and not to be shamed into silence,” she said.

Justice Frank Seepersad was critical of the ADB’s actions when it rented property at No 2 Mulchan Seuchan Road, Chaguanas, from 21st Century Insurance and Reinsurance Brokers Limited and spent some $10.3 million in customising the four-storey building for its head offices which was not permitted by law. In his ruling, in which he dismissed the ADB’s claim, Seepersad said there was little regard for the welfare of the public purse.

“This type of behaviour appears to be undertake far too often by statutory bodies,” he said, adding that what was also alarming was the absence of approval for many structures in the Borough of Chaguanas and little enforcement action by the authorities.

“There is a need for a clear and revised policy in relation to national development…As a nation we have to strive to ensure that infrastructural development is planned, ordered and decentralised away from the traditional urban centres.

The haphazard development that has characterised the last 25 years has contributed to the traffic gridlock that now confronts us and there is also need to review the reclassification/zoning of areas as many residential areas are now commercial hubs,” he said.

The ADB’s board went ahead with the rental and a lease was entered into at the monthly rental of $200,000 from May 2, 2012 to May 1, 2016. A dispute arose between the two parties after the ADB called on 21st Century to produce final planning permission for the four-storey building and placed the monthly rent into an escrow account but continued to occupy the building.

In July 2013, 21st Century, which received planning approvals from the Town and Country Planning Division, served a notice of termination of the tenancy on the ADB, which agreed, and the bank eventually vacated the property.

The ADB filed its claim for breach of a term of the lease and damages for misrepresentation while 21st Century filed a counter-claim to recover all sums due and owing as arrears of rent as well as liquidated damages for the non-payment of rent, cost of the rental of car park spaces at the Centre City Car Park, electrical and restoration expenses, loss of income rental and damages

Located on Clarke Road, they played unbeaten during the 2016 season and impressively defeated powerhouse Caraichaima East 4-2 in the final after moving past Success Laventille 4-3 in the semi-final.

The heavy-scoring Penal girls, in their march to the season’s top honours, also recorded massive victories against Holy Faith Convent of Point Fortin (20-0), and Point Fortin West (18-0), after signalling their intentions early with an 8-0 drubbing of Princes Town West 8-0 in their opening fixture.

Star performer for Penal Secondary was leading goal-scorer and Most Valuable Player, Alexia Ali who notched 25 goals for her team, while Kayla Garcia also tormented the opponents by finding the net 14 times.

Also playing a significant role in the team’s historic success was Jhaney Simon who was adjudged their most inspirational midfielder and most inspirational player.

Penal Secondary was captained by Jameela St Clair, and coached by Tyrone Clarke, while Lionel Regis was the teacher in charge of the country’s most talented bunch of female footballers.

Incidentally, Penal Secondary is located just 300 metres away from male champions Shiva Boys which in itself is historic as it represents the first time that the national boys and girls footballers champions have emerged from the same locality in south Trinidad.

Penal Secondary stats: Leading Goal Scorer and Most Valuable Player – Alexia Ali (25 Goals) 2nd Leading Goal Scorer – Kayla Garcia (14 Goals) Inspirational Midfielder and Most Influential Player – Jhaney Simon Captain and Goal-Keeper – Jameela St. Clair Coach – Tyrone Clarke Teacher In charge – Lionel Regis

PLAYERS: Jameela St. Clair, Khadeema Babb, Alexia Ali, Tiarra Guichard, Jan-Marie Ramsamooj, Faith Wilson, Shakeela Castle, Pertrice Tyson, Jhaney Simon, Kizzel Cudjoe, Kayla Garcia, Sashelle Paul, Whitney Forde, Betty Ann Thompson, Desta Cooper, Geneave Bain, Selena Singh and Kimberly George

Feature of the Arima Race Club 42nd racing day of the season will be a 1700 metres event on the turf course for horses rated 80-60.

According to the overnight programme, there are 97 horses entered will be run off at Santa Rosa Park, Arima, on Saturday.

Another batch of two-year-olds will be seen in action in a 1200 metres sprint on the main track.

There are some large fields on the day especially the fifth race with 18 horses entered.

Champion jockey Prayven Badrie has been booked for seven rides to make up the five-win leeway with challenger Ronald “Tiger” Ali (42 winners) who has four bookings, if he is to keep his crown.

It is even closer for the apprentice title, with Ridge Balgobin (15) holding a threewin lead over Jovika Boodramsingh (12).

Balgobin is booked for just three rides, but Boodramsingh (j) has six bookings.

Meanwhile, Hi5 wagerers will have over $36,000 to aim at on the single winner bonus, while the bonus on the Superfecta is over $13,000.

Harper won the round robin segment for the 12 finalists to dethrone defending champion FIDE Master Kevin Cupid.

However, Cupid had a promising year and the Trinidad and Tobago Chess Association (TT CA) adjudged him the Player of the Year.

WFM (Woman FIDE Master) Gabriella Johnson took the prize as the new female national champion, as last year’s winner WCM (Woman Candidate Master) Aditi Soondarsingh did not participate in this year’s event. Gabriella’s brother Joshua retained the title of national blitz champion.

Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Darryl Smith was present to congratulate the winners, the players and the TT CA executive.

The men from Speyside scored a hard-fought 2-1 triumph over Goal City at Mt Gomery on Friday.

But challengers Leeds United were shocked by bottom-ofthe- table Mason Hall USSS 1-0 in the latter game at the same venue.

Kyle Davidson and Rekiel Stewart scored onhe goal each for Sidey’s while Akini Ferguson was the marksman for the losers.

Jase George’s goal stood up to the end to give Mason Hall only their first win in their 17th game of the season.

Now Sidey’s have 40 points to Leeds 33 with six matches left.

The decision was taken to give a better showing in the 200m freestyle event which spashes off at 10.41am today.

Carter will be in Lane 0 in Heat 9 of 11.

Carter had some impressive 200 freestyle swims this season, where he beat Olympic champions Clark Smith and Townley Haas during his NCAA season.

The 100m backstroke preliminary yesterday was won by Jiayu Xu of China in 50.21 seconds.

Dr. David Salo, who is the head coach at University of Southern California (USC), accompanied Carter to the Canada-hosted championships which is taking place at the WFCU Centre in Windsor.

Carter is scheduled to compete in the 50m butterfly on Friday and the 100m free on Saturday.

Carter qualified for the Rio 2016 Olympics earlier this year in the 100m freestyle.

The 20-year-old won his heat in a national record at the Olympics but his time was not quick enough to advance to the semi-finals.