Addressing the Trinidad & Tobago Unified Teachers Association’s (TTUTA) 37th annual conference of delegates at Paria Suites, La Romaine Garcia said the greater role of the denominational boards in the education sector had arisen out of the national consultation on education.

“I know sometimes there is the feeling among some persons, including some officers of TTUTA, that the role that the church play be de-merged,” Garcia said. “But arising out of the consultations on education, it was decided we will cement the role of the church in education because we believe that the church has been playing a significant and important role in education.

We have decided that we would continue to forge a relationship with our church.

“There are challenges and I have been speaking publicly about some of those challenges. and the denominational schools that are owned by the board, they have been doing a fantastic job in our education system but I am not always satisfied with the role of the Boards because if you claim ownership of the schools, you cannot stand aside your responsibility and what I have noticed over the last few months is that where schools are experiencing difficulties, the Boards seem to demit to the teachers alone to voice their views, expecting the Ministry of Education to pick up the slack in all aspects of its operation,” he said.

Garcia continued: “And that is not right, if you own the schools, you have a responsibility to ensure that those schools operate at the best of its ability including the infrastructural component of our schools.” Speaking to reporters afterwards, Garcia, asked whether denominational boards would now be asked to fund their own infrastructural works, said government had “undertaken the responsibility to fund 100 percent the refurbishing, the construction and the repairs of schools.” “And I have no intention of changing that but what I am saying is that with authority comes responsibility and once you own the schools is that you cannot just sit back and say leave it up to the government. You must play your part also and this is what I am calling for by the boards I want to ensure they join hands with the ministry of education in all aspects of their schools,” he added.

He said Cabinet had agreed to the formulation of a White Paper on Education which had arisen from the national consultation on education and would be laid in Parliament.

And referring to recent videos of school violence involving school girls at the El Dorado West Secondary and the Arima Secondary school, Garcia once again reassured teachers that the Ministry would not “tolerate any indiscipline” in the nation’s schools.

“I am not going to tolerate that type of behaviour. I have ordered a thorough investigation into that.

The incident was never brought to the attention of the ministry and it was an attempt to cover up the matter. We will not tolerate any indiscipline,’ he said, adding, “Our school should be safe places for our students and teachers.

The Ministry will do whatever it takes to ensure that the environment is safe.” He however noted that the issue of teachers leaving the classrooms was of concern to the Ministry and which had to be discussed with the union.

“I know that there are some health and safety issues which we cannot turn our backs on and I know there is the question of OSH where health and safety issues seem to compromise the ability of teachers to perform to the best of their ability, I am aware of all those things but to me in some instances, some teachers in some schools use every opportunity to leave the classroom and that is something I want to talk with the union about so we can minimise those disruptions,” he said.

Garcia also noted that the Ministry had suspended the National tests for one year as it had “morphed into something that was undesirable” and had become “almost another SE A exam.”

Treatment for HIV in the region was 52 percent in 2016 compared to less than 5 percent in 2001, he said in a release to mark World AIDS Day 2016.

The new infections, LaRocque said, is a cause for concern given that the 2014 UNAIDS Global AIDS Report lauded the Caribbean for achieving the sharpest regional reduction in HIV incidence by 49 percent.

Noting that this year’s World AIDS Day was being observed under the theme, ‘Hands up for #HIV Prevention’, he said, the increase in infections calls for increased focus to be placed on combination prevention that includes treatment, behaviour change, communication, and provision of social protection to address individuals’ vulnerability.

As external donor funding to support regional and national response to HIV continues to decrease amid the call for greater emphasis on ‘test and treat’ in keeping the World Health Organisation 2015 Treatment Guidelines which states that people who are diagnosed HIV positive should be placed on treatment early, La- Rocque said, evidence shows that the earlier people living with HIV start antiretroviral treatment, they have better health outcomes.

To achieve UNAIDS goal of ending AIDS by 2030, he urged the international donor community to support the regional response to eliminate HIV and AIDS. “It is a matter of urgency that we fill remaining gaps in funding to assist in ending the AIDS epidemic in the Region,” he said.

Cole was adjudged as the Senior Male Player of the Year while Selvon took home the trophy as the Male Youth Player of the Year.

Kade Collier collected the prize for the Most Promising Player of the Year and the Female Youth Player of the Year was presented to Ranae Ward.

Former national player Reynold George was named as the Coach of the Year, Gavin Gamaldo was voted as the Manager of the Year, while George, Andy Taylor and Denyse Arneaud were recipients of Long Service Awards, for service towards the Club for at least 15 years.

Aklie Edwards netted in the 14th minute to guarantee Defence Force the win, and the $110,000 jackpot, at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo.

Jorsling, who notched seven goals in three matches, copped both the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Most Goals trophies.

“It’s the greatest joy, to achieve the MVP and the Most Goals title is a great joy,” said Jorsling.

Gordon, who was voted as the Coach of the Tournament, stated, “it’s a great feeling because the season hasn’t been going so well for us in the League. I think we (committed) to winning the trophy and to see everything fall into place, it’s a great feeling.” Gordon was facing his former coach Ross Russell, who is now at the helm of Stars.

Concerning the game plan, Gordon related, “I was playing the waiting game for a bit because I wanted to see what Ross would’ve offered.

Exactly what I thought is what he did.” Referring to the Stars’ strike pair of Jerrel Britto and Jason Scotland, Gordon noted, “he (Russell) tried to play off of Britto’s pace a bit, Scotty holding up the ball and Britto moving. I think we should have scored more goals but they had some great chances.

“I thought my goalkeeper (Andre Marchan) was brilliant, and also (Stars goalie) Glenroy Samuel. To me, the two goalkeepers (stood) out in the game.” Jorsling, the 33-yearold former Trinidad and Tobago striker, scored all but one goal for the Army-Coast Guard combination in this competition.

Asked how he copes with the pressure of being the leading striker in the team, Jorsling replied, “that’s nothing strange to me.

Since I’ve entered the Defence Force, this pressure has been on my shoulders and I welcome it. The guys believe in me. They work hard for me and I just try to repay them with goals.” With the season set to end in early February, Jorsling commented, “obviously we’re trying to make some ground in the League.

We have been struggling in the League but hopefully this (title) gives us some confidence to go on and do well in the League.” Gordon, on the other hand, pointed out, “I’m looking to win the Digicel Pro Bowl, to defend it, and also to try to come up to the top three in the League. I don’t think it’s beyond us, I still think we can come in the top three in the League.”

Ramnarine’s spell dismissed Moondogs for only 28 after Reload posted 78 for seven batting first.

Leading the way for Reload were Michael Harry and Hanuman Moonsammy, who scored 21 and 20 respectively.

Raj Persad pitched in with 18 for Reload while Avinash Mangla was the top bowler for Moondogs taking 3/13.

In another match West Indies cricketer Sunil Narine slammed 21 to guide S&S Web Source to an 11-run victory over Five Rivers United.

SUMMARISED SCOR ES: Round of 16 Reload 78/7 (Michael Harry 21, Hanuman Moonsammy 20, Raj Persad 18, Avinash Mangla 3/13, Narin Seetahal 2/12, Avidesh Mangla 2/13) vs Moondogs 28 (Terry Ramnarine 5/0) Reload won by 50 runs.

Comrades 68/4 (Brian Christmas 29, Arvind Kumar 15) vs Grande Boys 70/3 (Alex Frederick 34 not out, Ravi Khan 27) Grande Boys won by seven wickets.

S&S Web Source 89/5 (Sunil Narine 21, Dave Baboolal 18, Terrance Hinds 11, Terrance Tinto 2/15) vs Five Rivers Utd 78/8 (Chevorn Griffith 29) S&S Web Source won by 11 runs.

D Boss Team 70/7 (Dale Jagarsar 10, Riaff Ali 2/12) vs Gameover 57/7 (Imitaz Mohammed 2/15, Dylan Gravello 3/7) D Boss Team won by 13 runs.

Base Boys 70/8 (Julien Seepersad 4/17, Kishon Brown 3/11) vs Talparo Utd 63/5 (Mickel Frederick 25, Teron Boyce 10, Ricky Ramlakhan 2/9) Base Boys won by seven runs.

Over 40 Division Furniture Boys 88/3 (Navin Babwah 43, Sheldon Birbal 13, Sean Nepaul 13) vs Drifters 77/5 (Rocky Jacobs 36, Sherwin Raymond 18, T. Harricharan 2/8) Furniture Boys won by 11 runs.

Best of the Rest Darkhorse 75/2 (Christopher Gaitan 14, Ryan Cassie 13, Sarron Sookdeo 13) vs Hard Drive 61/7 (Nigel Sienarine 16, Terrance Nanan 17, Avinash Motilal 13, Sookdeo 2/10, Cassie 2/15, Gaitan 2/14) Darkhorse won by 14 runs.

Culture 58 (Michael Morang 16, Chris McConney 3/13, Gerard Skeete 2/7) vs Gabba Youths 53/7 (Kevin Wellington 13, McConney 10, Levi Joseph 3/11) Culture won by five runs.

Bateau has been a starter in defence for TT for seven of their eight 2018 World Cup qualifying matches, missing only the away loss to United States in September due to a double yellow card suspension.

And while the news of Stephen Hart’s exit as coach has been the main topic in recent days, Bateau said the time is approaching for the team’s mission of qualification to be the main focal point again.

“It will be very important as of the next game, be it a friendly game or qualifications for Gold Cup, to start thinking about our main business and about Panama and Mexico,” Bateau told TTFA Media on Saturday.

“We still have a big chance to move higher in the group and the next set of games will make it easier or harder for us to continue this campaign with that possibility of qualification.

“I’m not worried because I know what we’re capable of, but I think we just need to refocus and distance ourselves from the drama and noise currently taking place because regardless of what’s going on now or what was in the past.

Nothing matters more than the next two games.

“At the end of the day the fans want results, so for players it’s also difficult but this is what we live for and why we play the beautiful game of football.” Bateau paid his tribute to Hart for his contribution dating back to 2013, but according to the former Jabloteh defender, the team must move on and look ahead to embracing the new man in charge and continuing the qualification quest under his guidance.

“As a professional footballer, the sacking of a coach or the transfer of a player is a normal thing.

Whether they’re gone for a good or bad reason, the job for the remaining players remains the same and this situation is no different for me.

But of course he will be missed not only by me but the entire team.

“He restored a great amount of belief within the the team and country to an extent and that’s something no one can take away from him. But like I said, the job for the players remains the same and that’s getting to Russia,” Bateau continued.

The former National Under 20 captain said even though he is keenly awaiting the selection of the new boss, he knows it is going to be a difficult task by the TTFA to find the right man.

“I have a career outside of national football so that’s where my focus is for now. But of course I’m very interested in knowing who the next coach will be but it’s out of my control so I’ll leave it for the TTFA to decide and not spend too much time and energy on it.

“I definitely know it’s not going to be an easy decision at this stage in the campaign but myself and the team like to focus on the things we can control and from here on that will be our performances and preparations as individuals,” Bateau said.

McNish loves colour. She sees her world through colour. The Trinidadian-born British textile designer addressed students of the University of Trinidad and Tobago’s (UTT) Caribbean Academy of Fashion and Design on November 28.

McNish’s accolades include being awarded the Chaconia Medal (Gold) in 1976 for long and meritorious service to design and the Scarlet Ibis Award in 1988 by the London High Commission for Trinidad and Tobago. She was also the 2006 recipient of the UTT Honorary Arts Degree.

At 83, her love for colour has not diminished. She stills paints, she told the group gathered for the Virtual Exhibition and Fashion Motivational Talk. McNish and her husband John Weiss told of her journey into the world of textile and its impact on British/ European society. She and Weiss addressed the students on November 28 at the UTT’s John Donaldson Campus, Wrightson Road. The talk and exhibition was jointly organised by UTT and the Merikin Commission.

Although her name was one the young students had hardly heard of, at the end of the virtual exhibition and motivational talk some left clearly inspired by her accomplishments.

The discussion was led by Weiss as McNish was shy of speaking.

But there was also a playfulness that comes from a successful synergy, as Weiss jokingly told the audience, “She says everything is fine.” There was, however, also great admiration for the work of his wife as he recalled with a beaming smile of the many interactions she had. McNish was first a painter in TT and was one of the junior members of the TT Art Society; being influenced by the work of Boscoe Holder, Sibyl Atteck and M P Alladin. She migrated to Britain in the 1950s and entered the Royal College of Art.

She had initially been granted a scholarship to study graphics at the Royal College but practised printed textiles instead.

Weiss told the audience when her work was seen by Sir Eduardo Paolozzi – a sculptor and artist, she was encouraged to place her work on textiles.

Immediately after leaving the Royal College in 1957 she was commissioned by Liberty’s – a large fabric and clothing company in the United Kingdom. Although it was not something she had initially envisaged, McNish’s “talent coupled with her technical skill” made her work sought after. Her work was also sought after by Ascher, another leading textile company in the United Kingdom.

Weiss noted that McNish’s work influenced every sphere of the British society at the time: body and home.

Her biography reads, “Arthur Stuart Liberty said in later years that he saw in Althea’s designs exciting colour contrasts for which the British public was then ready. He commissioned many designs from Althea for both fashion and furnishing fabrics, and she also played an important part in the new furnishing trends developed by Hull Traders, Heals, Danasco and WPM.” So influential her work had become, McNish’s design for Ascher was worn by British actress Audrey Hepburn in the 1957 American musical, Funny Face. When, in 1966, Queen Elizabeth visited Trinidad, McNish was commissioned to provide designs for her to wear.

McNish’s popular Golden Harvest design [often used as an icon for Caribbean Influence on British Culture], Weiss said, was created when she visited a British wheat field which reminded her of Trinidad’s sugar cane.

“She was staying in the country and went into a British wheat field and tropicalised it,” he said.

McNish’s work took her to various countries in Europe; visiting countries such as Austria, France, Germany, Holland, Italy, Slovenia, Sweden and Switzerland.

While, Weiss said, “some of her specialness was coming from the Caribbean her talent spoke for itself.” But at the heart of everything McNish does is colour and her love for art.

She remembered attending an event with her mother and having won a prize but above the prize sat a box of crayons and she recalled telling her mother she wanted the crayons instead.

Whenever her mother, a dress designer had clients over, she also recalled volunteering to draw the designs for her at age three.

Although both Weiss and McNish could not state whether her work influenced a Caribbean aesthetic, Weiss was confident of one thing, “it initiated a great big movement in British textiles.”

WHAT IF Jamaica reflected on its boundless potential? What if Jamaicans banded together and explored ways to better their lot? What if Jamaicans held politicians to the fire and demanded results? And what if Jamaica unearthed the enviable resourcefulness of their ancestors to create an economically robust society? Ira Poyser’s ambages meander through reality and fantasy with a compelling projection of possibilities.

We are teleported to a Jamaica that is self-actualised, thanks to the prodigious insight of Reeve Spencer, a businessman who introduces solar energy as a domestic and marketable commodity; and Orson Matisse, a retired Olympian whose august demeanour, passion and integrity propels him to the highest office in the land. But his marriage to an ex-convict is fodder for the opposition leading to a growing conundrum. It stands that the success of Matisse’s Universal Party, on the heels of its best selling manifesto, Universalising JA, cannot be compromised.

After winning a nail-biting election, Orson’s wife chooses to return to the US. Her husband’s position demands unfettered attention.

Fast forward to 2030 and Jamaica, an island of merely three million people has become a key energy supplier to several countries including the United States.

Establishment politics long buried under its own weight give way to new political dynamism. Entrepreneurship booms and for the first time in its checkered history Jamaica is empowered. And there are instructive lessons. Poyser describes the all hands-on-deck approach to politicking. When a solar panel malfunctions Spencer “went on the roof himself…and the local community gathered [as] they recalled years of protests and letters to MPs, which were flatly ignored.” Spencer later shares his views on his party’s raison d’etre: “I feel like a blood clat Che Guevara.

You hear weh mi seh. De people been waiting too long, fi dis change. Fi de teefin an bloodclaat robbin, fi stap.” And “[t]he crowd erupted into cheers…they had never heard a politician speaking so frankly.” Earlier, an interview with the soon to be ousted prime minister proves equally telling. “Why have a daring scene crime and murders not been eradicated,” he’s asked.

And a slew of questions: “If we know it’s a cultural issue, then what are we doing to change the culture? If we know the solution, then what is stopping us collecting enough taxes to employ enough officers to fight crime?” Jamaicans experience a drastic change of fortunes with the ascendency of Orson.

“Through Orson, and Reeve’s backing,” we learn, “Vision 2030 had been made real ten years early in the same year as the election, with everything associated with good human relationships, including fair wages, ethical and ecological business, and the beginning of world class customer service.” As nationals bask in their economic independence, Jamaica’s athletic team continues to shatter records, even winning a lawsuit against the World Athletic Committee for shielding some countries in a doping scandal.

But Poyser labours on this moment in time. His cadence becomes strained and the colour and vibrancy of his characters dim. He must change gears. He does but veers off course. He introduces a new plot involving Leo, the athletic son of the Prime Minister.

Shielded from island politics he lives in the US. In a daring scene, he races to the airport to escape a killer tornado and is lifted and whirled through time and space in the vortex of nature’s wrath.

He finds himself in a sparsely populated town where he is ably assisted. We are later introduced to a duplicitous and evil character who drugs Leo and leads him to the underground world of illegal boxing. After a single fight he is wrestled from the clutches of his captives in incredulous rescue that involves loved ones and a private investigator.

Regrettably, Poyser’s vision becomes blurred, a victim of haste and indecision. After a dogged, determined and optimistic start he rifles through his thoughts only to come up short. Yes, there are bright, provocative moments and he does challenge us to reflect. Decades after independence, Jamaica grapples with soaring crime, poverty and political inertia.

For an island that has produced its fair share of social and political thinkers we can only ponder over its struggles. Poyser swerves from this potentially engaging discourse opting to inject an irrelevant subplot that siphons the blood from his work. Maybe he sees Universalising JA as merely a novel; but he should be reminded that many a Caribbean novelist has more than stirred our collective imagination. And amid our disappointment we try to make sense of the unmistakable parallel between a Jamaica that is full of promise, and the unfulfilled potential of Poyser’s undertaking Despite the author’s impressive leap of faith, he stumbles, not unlike the country he so loves.

Feedback: glenvilleashby@gmail.com or follow him in Twitter@ glenvilleashby UJA- The Book that Changed Jamaica by Ira Poyser, 2015

Publisher: Sculpture Enterprises, Manchester, UK Available at Amazon/ sculptool@ gmail.com

Ratings: Average

In this bustling season where everything seems to be about partying, it’s good to know that you can relax with a holiday read that reminds us of the values of Christmas or that you can relax by reading a Christmas story to your children.

Today, I have included books for children and adults. You know Mr Ives Christmas, a remarkable story of forgiveness by Oscar Hijuelos is always going to top my list of favourite Christmas books. But today, The Christmas Genie by Dan Gutman tops my list.

The Christmas Genie by Dan Gutman – Boys in elementary school who are reluctant readers always seem to love reading Gutman’s Captain Underpants series.

The diapered superhero is not my favourite literary character, but I have to respect how much boys appreciate Gutman as an author – especially his humour.

In this Christmas novel, Gutman produces a genie who makes his grand arrival on a meteor that hits an elementary school. The genie promises the children they can have one wish, but they only have a short time to agree on the wish.

I just finished reading this novel to my 11-year-old students and they loved the humour. I particularly liked this novel because Gutman found a fun way to make Christmas an analytical exercise to sharpen students’ thinking skills during the holiday season. Without even thinking, students began to analyse the wishes of the children in the book. They liked trying to predict why the children’s wishes in the books wish would not work out. Students felt empowered when their analysis proved to be correct. Students really appreciated having a funny Christmas book.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens – You can’t celebrate Christmas without reading this classic about mean and stingy Mr Scrooge who is visited by three ghosts one Christmas. This story is timeless and it deserves a re-read every Christmas. There are many good narrations of this book on audible.com. Actor Tim Curry is one of my favourite narrators.

The Gift of the Magi by O Henry – This Christmas classic about a poor husband and wife determined to buy the perfect gift for one another – even though they have no money – is an enjoyable short story that should be read every Christmas.

There is much to ponder about that perfect gift we all search for during the holiday. What lengths will we go to find and purchase that perfect gift? What does the “perfect” gift mean? This story inspires much discussion about the meaning of Christmas.

Letters from Father Christmas by JRR Tolkien – This delightful collection of letters that Tolkien wrote to his children every Christmas tells the story of Santa’s life at the North Pole. Readers see pictures of the original letters from Santa with their squiggly handwriting. Tolkien works his magic once again.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr Seuss – This is a poetic children’s tale of the Grinch who stole all of the presents in Whoville is a story that every adult should read aloud to small children during the December holiday. This story never gets old.

The Top 40 Traditions of Christmas by David McLaughlan – Find out why we have Christmas trees and candy canes; Santa Claus and Christmas lights in this book that tells the stories behind the holiday.

The Macmillans was one of those families, and their brand new three-bedroom town house in Cypress Hills, San Fernando could not have come at a better time for this family, who have seen much heartache.

Josephine Macmillan is a single mother who recently lost a couple of loved ones.

Macmillan’s brother-in- law was murdered a few years ago, and left his wife to care for their three children. However, five months after his murder, his wife died of kidney failure, leaving Macmillan’s nieces and nephew – 14, ten and six at the time – orphaned.

She explained, “I’ve been waiting for about five years. I’m a single parent. I have one child of my own, a girl, she’s thirteen. And my sister got married, and her husband was murdered, and she died five months after. They died the same year, five months apart.

My sister died from kidney failure. I took their three children. At the time, my nephew was 14, my niece was ten and they had a sixyear- old. I was renting in Princes Town for $2,300 monthly.” Macmillan said she was elated at having received her new and much needed home.

Her daughter, nieces and nephew were not present at the ceremony, since she intended to surprise them today with the news of their own home.

She urged those still waiting for a home to keep trying and never give up.

Another new home-owner, Karlana Kent, eager to share her story with the media in the same way that Macmillan was, spent 14 years awaiting a home.

In the meantime, along with her husband, she rented a small, two-bedroom apartment with their three children – two girls and a boy – in Malabar, Arima for $3,000 a month. She grew frustrated. “Up to this year,” she said, “I said I wasn’t coming back.” Joy Gordon-Menser’s story is a bit different.

In 2006, she did receive a call from HDC, but for an apartment. As a result, she did not pursue the matter because she felt a house would be the better option.

Her name, however, remained on the list. She also essayed to purchase land, but was not successful.

Her next step was visiting her St Ann’s East Member of Parliament (MP), Dr Nyan Gadsby- Dolly.

“I decided to go through my MP who is Ms Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, who actually gave me a letter in April of this year to give to the minister’s office. Surprisingly, by May, I got a call to get a package for an interview. And by July/ August, I got my interview.

And HDC was very cooperative in that they allowed me time to get all my documents rectified. And within two days of rectifying my documents, I got a call. And I was called to go see the home.

And then I was called to Allocation who took me through everything and today I’m a proud owner of a home. So I’m saying that as long as you have everything in place, and you go through the process, HDC is willing and able to take you through the process.” Housing Minister Randall Mitchell, in his address, congratulated the recipients and reiterated his call for them to honour their financial obligations to the HDC so the organisation could continue to help others like themselves.

He also said that by year’s end, the ministry intends to turn sod at three new sites: Gomez Street, Moruga; D’Abadie, Arima and Corinth, San Fernando. Just over 200 persons received homes yesterday, as they ministry continues its drive to allocate 1,000 homes by Christmas.

This was the third ceremony, amid criticisms that the Government was also allocating houses in a state of disrepair, which Mitchell has defended saying buyers have the option to accept structures to renovate.