The problem arose as a result of a burst transformer and a consequent problem with a major cable at the school, said a ministry statement.

The problem was identified and officials at the Education Facilities Company Ltd (EFCL) and the ministry visited the school and conducted an assessment.

The EFCL has appointed a contractor who has assured the ministry that the burnt-out transformer will be replaced.

“The contractor has promised to be on the job for 24 hours, if necessary,” the ministry said.

The statement said the Electricity Commission has also been contacted and has promised to give full support to have school resumed as quickly as possible. Parents are advised to liaise with the school authorities for information regarding the resumption of classes

They did this in dramatic storytelling and poetry on Monday at a Republic Bank sponsored “Environmental Storyfest” held at the Exodus Pan Theatre in St Augustine.

Meanwhile, in an address at the opening of the event, Republic Bank branch manager, Tunapuna West/East, Geeta Harricharan, advised the pupils that as environmental ambassadors they must encourage others to accept responsibility to consciously preserve the environment and to spread this attitude with family and community members.

The ten schools that took part were presented with $2,000 each by the bank as a token of its contribution towards the schools’ environmental projects.

Noting the high standard of the stories written by teachers and pupils, and the storytelling which children memorised and dramatised, Harricharan said “you have merged three of the most irresistible forces in life — youth, art and nature — into something much more powerful, something unique, something all your own. Now we ask you to share it.” Congratulating creative director of Culture House, Theodora “Auntie Thea” Ulerie, for organising the event that was held to commemorate Universal Children’s Day observed on Sunday, Harricharan challenged the pupils to become agents of change and representatives of a brighter, better tomorrow for our beautiful nation.”

Brown made the comments on Monday while addressing some of the business clients of JMMB Bank Trinidad and Tobago Limited at a panel discussion at the Marriott Courtyard Hotel, Audrey Jeffers Highway, Port of Spain.

The event was organised to discuss ways of fostering positive relationships between the bank and its business clients in the current economic downturn. He said there are challenging times ahead as the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is on the decline and there have been reports of rising unemployment and consumer sensitivity which he said could lead to lower revenues for businesses, and lower profitability and reduced margins. Brown added that businesses go through cycles of upturns and downturns and said that business people should not overact either in good or bad times and firms caught in a downturn should do their best to make it to the next upturn. He said that the impact on the financial sector during this period of downturn should be limited because of the positive balance sheets in the banking sector.

In response to a question, panellist, Devati Mooleedhar, described as a senior banking executive with more than twenty years of financial experience in corporate, investment and commercial banking, said that when the bank meets with a business client it would like to see a proper business plan and some indication that the client has clearly thought out why he/she is in business and in the particular sector.

She said the bank should come away with a clear idea of the business’ strength in the market and what value the company can add to its customers. Responding to a question from one of the bank’s clients, she said that within recent times the cost of getting money for lending had increased but lending rates had not gone up because of the extent of liquidity in the system.

She added that the bank anticipates that rates will increase because of the global financial climate, but while domestic rates were expected to rise it had not happened because of the excess liquidity in the system.

Another of the panellists, Gary Les Kallicharan, Managing Director of K.V. Investments, a property holding company based in San Fernando, as well as Managing Director of Pegasus Services Limited, a security company, said an economic downturn does not mean total doom and gloom. He said his company made its single biggest real estate investment in the eighties during a recession; opened its mall in a recession and the second time it took a major loan was at the beginning of this recession.

“So it’s not a situation where you have to worry about investing. What you have to look at is really and truly the way you manage it. What the business community looks for from the banking sector in the times when you go for a loan, is what they can provide, what you need to give to them and things like that. That is the relationship at that point in time and you are looking for a relationship and be truthful to the bank because they are the ones who have to give you a facility. In this environment what you need to do is to restructure and look to the banking sector to provide a shoulder basically.”

However, they showed fight in the 2-1 Test series loss against the latter, winning the final match by five wickets. Greenidge lambasted the drive of the current crop and questioned their desire to set high scores, win or rebound from defeat.

He also pondered if players were committed to Test cricket. On comparing the present team to the ones he played with, he said, “I don’t see the intensity in players today — the drive to represent the West Indies.

I could be wrong, but I don’t see it. To play in a Test match, in that arena, for the West Indies. That is the best, the thing you hope for as a cricketer. To see players with broad smiles after they’ve just lost a game.

That’s not on. A big no-no.” He continued, “it’s like people are thinking, we’ve lost, never mind, on to the next one. A team can’t not manage to make 200 in either innings and then go about the place smiling. It’s like it’s no big thing to lose a match. Every game should be played like it’s a final. You win, then you move on.” He pointed to the poor state of regional cricket as a major issue affecting players’ development and capability to ascend to the international level.

“Regional cricket has to be stronger.

At the moment it’s exceptionally weak, so it’s not going to produce the players you’re looking for for international cricket. How? I’m not certain, but something needs to happen. If it doesn’t happen, we’ll continue to be the way we are. It’s sad to see, but that’s the reality of it,” he said to ESPN.

The Bajan participated in 128 One Days and spanked 5,134 runs at an average of 45.03 with 11 centuries and 31 fifties. He attributed this to the high standard of First Class cricket as well as county cricket which he took part in, having played for Hampshire in England as well, en route to forming one of the most devastating opening pairs ever with fellow Barbadian, Desmond Haynes.

When asked what the players were missing, the 65 year-old contended that leadership and experienced players to learn from just weren’t there anymore for youngsters.

“They (current crop) don’t have enough cricket behind them — First Class cricket, quality cricket.

They come in without anyone in the team to tutor them, because everyone is of about the similar level of experience. It’s like they’re thrown into the deep end and either they swim or they sink. Makes it difficult for guys to speak to each other. I’m not sure that any one of them could give the other advice, because they’re all in the same boat,” he concluded.

In the women’s singles she lost the first set to Barbados’ Tamisha Williams 26-24. However, once the nerves settled she did not look back, completing a 21-12 21-5 rout of her opponent in the second and third sets to claim the title.

The Cuban-born Guzman was not finished for the night however as she, together with partner Jada Renales – herself a young and promising junior player, downed number one seeded Surinamese pair Anjali Paragsingh and Sherifa Jameson, 21-11 21-9 in the women’s doubles final.

With the triple crown within her grasp Guzman and Alistair Espinoza pushed the number one seeded Israeli duo Misha Zilberman and Svetlana Zilberman. The Israeli pair, who boasts Olympic experience, had too much experience for the local duo as they won the match 21-14, 21-15 to win the mixed doubles title, denying Guzman her third title of the night.

The Barbadian duo of Corey Fanus and Dakeil Thorpe made their country proud as they defeated Alrick Toney and Mitchel Wongsodikromo 21-16, 21-12 to take home the title of men’s doubles champions.

The Baskaran Bassawh- owned fourtime Horse of the Year has been out of action for over one year because of injury.

Winner of the 2013 Trinidad Derby and the three-time winner of the corresponding Champion Stakes, the son of Cowtown Cat.

My Morning Prayer wil line up against three other Derby winners — Free Passage (2012), 2014 triple crown winner Momentum, who is now being trained by Harriram “Pepsi” Gobin, and this year, Academy Award, in the 1800 Metres heat with a total purse of $100,000.

Meanwhile, speedy filly Set Sail, winner of her only outing, will match strides with unbeaten in two starts Cactus Treasure a “girl vs boy” affair in the 1100 metres Futurity Stakes for locally- bred two-year-old “babes” with a purse of $75,000 at stake.

Arima Race Club stewards have provided an eight-race programme on Saturday.

And a total of 83 horses have been entered to contest the day’s card. Here are the entries for the feature and co-feature races on Saturday.

FUTURITY STAKES – NATIVE BRED 2 Y.O. – 1100 METRES – PURSE: $100,000

1. BLIND DATE; 2. FORGETMENOT; 3. MONEY MATTERS; 4.

ROUGH’N TUMBLE; 5. MILITARY MAN;

6. SET SAIL 7. WELL CONNECTED; 8. CLASS ACT;

9. SHE IZZA LADY;10. CACTUS TREASURE

CARIBBEAN CHAMPION STAKES (GRADE 3) – W.I. BRED HORSES 3 Y.O. AND OVER – 1800 METRES – PURSE: $100,000

1. BLACK ONYX; 2. CRAMERS RULE 3; ACADEMY AWARD; 4.

BIGMAN IN TOWN; 5. MAGICAL VICTORY; 6. MOMENTUM; 7.

FREE PASSAGE.

Her fight with the disease led to the development of the The Mt Hope Renal Youth Group. The group is one of the recipients of this year’s funding from the seventh annual Christmas Concert hosted by the Embassy of Spain.

Each year the charity event is aimed at a particular cause, with some of its past recipients being the Heroes Foundation, Corpus Christi College, National Organ Donor Programme and the Social Integration of Person with Disabilities.

As its founder and president Williams expressed deep gratitude to Spanish Ambassador, Jose Maria Lopez de Turiso, and the Embassy for not only funding the cause but in highlighting an issue she believes needs to be further promoted in TT.

Huellas, this year’s concert would feature renowned composer, flautist and saxophonist, Jorge Pardo whose musical amalgam of jazz and flamenco has brought him widespread international acclaim. Flamenco Dancer Nelida Tirado would also feature at the concert to be held at Queen’s Hall from 6.30 pm to 8pm tomorrow.

Williams’ group along with the Kidney Recipients Support Group of Trinidad and Tobago (KRSGOTT) are the recipients of this year’s funding raised from the concert.

For both groups, the funding would aid in their educational drive as well as assistance for their members –such as post-operation medications Williams –while fighting her own battle against renal failure– started the group in 2012. “I wanted the youth to know that life with renal failure isn’t a death sentence,” she said. When she first found out, Williams said, she thought she could simply take a pill and “feel better.” There were many firsts Williams wanted to accomplish, like own her own restaurant, but was unable to because of the disease.

The constant dialysis –done three times per week– has also hindered Williams from getting a job. The 23-member group has now become one of 19 as some of its members lost their fight against renal failure. The embassy’s Christmas Concert and funding has Williams, “super excited and very thankful to the Spanish Ambassador and the Spanish Embassy.” Similarly, president of KRSGOTT , Asgar Ali said the funding would go a long way in educating the wider TT public on the need for organ donation.

He said, in a phone interview with Newsday that organ donation education was something the wider public needed to work on. Organ donation, he said, could provide its recipient with a, “second life.” Ali said the groups’s funding would be used toward educating more about organ donation and getting people to consider organ donation in a more positive light. The 150-member group was founded in 2009 by 16 members who felt moved to create and foster awareness of kidney disease by providing voluntary services through outreach programmes and counselling.

For the Spanish Ambassador the charity event is also aimed at raising awareness of the need for the promotion of organ donation and transplantation in TT . He said in Spain there was possibly one of the best systems of organ donation in the world. “We feel we can be of some assistance here,” he said.

Spanish energy company, Repsol, he said, provided assistance to the Ministry of Health as well, in order to create the capacity for organ donation and transplantation in TT . “What we want to create is awareness.

Because most of the people here, like anywhere else in the world, they are not really aware of the magnitude of the problem when you are connected to a machine for four hours a day to a dialysis machine. That is a difficult way of living. That is why we decided to promote this cause,” his excellency said.

The concert is sponsored by Platinum Sponsor Repsol, Gold Sponsor Heartbeat 103.5FM, Silver sponsors Acciona, Amadeus an international IT company; Hyatt Regency Trinidad; Ezentis and Global Exchange; and Bronze Sponsors are Angostura, Tatil and the Ministry of Community Development Culture and the Arts. Tickets are priced at $150 general admission, $250 VIP and $500 VVIP.

Once traded as currency, this spice has a pleasant flavour and warm smell which has made it popular in cooking, particularly in baking and curries.

The spice comes from the inner bark of a small evergreen tree. The bark is peeled and laid in the sun to dry where it curls up into rolls known as cinnamon sticks. Cinnamon can also be found ground into a powder.

Different varieties Best grown in tropical regions, the main type of cinnamon is Ceylon cinnamon, from the Cinnamomum Zeylanicum plant which originates in Sri Lanka. The other main type is Cassia cinnamon which has a stronger taste and is slightly cheaper.

To maximise the medicinal value and health benefits of cinnamon, regardless of type, the key thing is its freshness. Some prefer the sweet, subtle flavour of Ceylon cinnamon in desserts and the stronger potency of Cassia in savoury dishes, however, most forms of commercial cinnamon is a mixture of the two.

Nutritional highlights Cinnamon is reported to have many desirable medicinal and soothing effects and is used frequently in Chinese herbal medicine. The distinctive smell and flavour of cinnamon is due to the essential oils contained in the bark. The essential oil found in cinnamon bark is called cinnamaldehyde.

Cinnamaldehyde displays antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Cinnamon also contains large amounts of polyphenol antioxidants. Antioxidants can help protect the body from disease and are found in fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices. The antioxidants in cinnamon have been found to have anti-inflammatory effects.

It is also high in manganese and contains small amounts of calcium and fibre.

Specific health issues: Blood pressure There is some evidence to suggest that consumption of cinnamon (short term) is associated with a reduction in blood pressure.

Although the evidence is hopeful, it would be premature to recommend cinnamon for blood pressure control until a comprehensive randomised controlled trial (RCT) involving a larger number of patients has been carried out.

Blood sugar and type 2 diabetes It has been suggested that cinnamon can have a moderate effect in improving glycaemic control and management of type 2 diabetes. However, conclusions are mixed and once again, larger, high quality RCTs are needed in well-defined population groups using standardised interventions in order to definitively determine the efficacy of using cinnamon in subjects with diabetes. However, a small amount used at breakfast or in baking is not going to do any harm and can be useful as part of a balanced diet.

Digestive discomfort Cinnamon extract has been used to alleviate gastrointestinal problems in both Eastern and Western medicine for years. It has been described as a carminative, renowned for its digestive, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.

In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, cinnamon bark oil is cited as the active part for treating flatulence and digestive imbalance. It is believed that the warmth of cinnamon increases blood flow and improves blood oxygen levels to help fight off illness.

To alleviate digestive symptoms, cinnamon is taken as part of a hot drink (much like a tea). In this instance, it’s easier to use ground cinnamon rather than trying to grate the sticks yourself.

How to store and use Cinnamon needs to be kept in an airtight container in a dark place. Whole cinnamon lasts for about a year, but cinnamon that has been ground will start to lose flavour after a few months. It’s worth going through your cupboards to check the use by dates on cinnamon as the fresher the better.

The premium whiskies, sold exclusively at Solera on Grey street are – Reflexion, No6 and M. They cost TT $7,500, TT $21,850 and TT $34,500 respectively.

“The 1824 Masters Series, showcases our unique mastery of wood,” says Cabassa, who conducted training workshops and private tastings of The Macallan’s other expressions –Amber, Sienna, Ruby and The Rare Cask– on November 10 at the Old Havana Cigar Lounge and on the 11 at Solera which distributes and carries the product.

The quality of the company’s exceptional oak casks is the single greatest contributor to the outstanding quality, natural colours and distinctive aromas and flavours of The Macallan range, said a media release. They control the whole journey from forest to cask for both their Spanish and American oak sherry seasoned casks. They import more than 80 percent of all new sherry seasoned oak casks from Spain and invest more than ?16 million in their products each year. Only The Macallan has access to the finest and scarcest casks in the industry. “We are honoured to have been asked to carry three of their unique product here in Trinidad” says Ricardo Bideshi, senior manager marketing at Angostura and manager of Solera.

Cabassa has trained bartenders, servers and bar managers in spirits and beverage knowledge, bar management and the art of mixing cocktails in over 70 cities in 38 countries around the world.

With more than 15 years of experience in the education of distilled spirits, the art of mixology and whiskies, Cabassa is recognised internationally as a whisky expert and master bartender. Cabassa is The Macallan brand ambassador for Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.

In addition, at times people may probably prefer a liberalised diet on occasions such as weddings, anniversaries, and birthday parties; likewise to ensure that individuals enjoy mealtimes, meal managers, caterers, and chefs take the opportunity to prepare tasty local cuisines.

According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics “food is not only critical to one’s physiological well-being, but also contributes to one’s social, cultural, and psychological quality of life; as nutrition aids in promoting health and functionality.” Factors affecting quality of life Factors such as advanced age, intellectual and developmental disabilities, mobility issues, lack of assistance at home, older adults supporting children and grandchildren with their finances and not having sufficient money to buy food and problems with dentition can impact meal preparation at home.

These can also increase the number of challenges the patient/ client might face.

Overall, one’s nutritional status can be affected by medical/ health status, physical/ functional status, cognition and environmental factors (which include but may not be limited to living situation, economics, cultural practices, religious beliefs, environment, lifestyle, as well as access to food and socialisation).

With this in mind, dietary intakes can sometimes be affected not only due these issues, but due to lack of food and nutrition knowledge, food dislikes, poorly prepared meals, as well as due to restricted and non-individualised diet. This of course, can contribute to unintentional weight loss, or lack of compliance with diet prescription. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics documented that “multiple disease states and their detrimental effects contributing to morbidity and mortality in the population can be prevented and minimised” through the utilisation of effective and timely diet and healthy lifestyle intervention. Healthcare professionals, stakeholders and community representatives should seek to develop policies and implement initiatives that will more than likely address the contributory factors fostering poor dietary practices and physical activity habits. Hence, nutrition and dietetics professionals should note some of the issues surrounding mealtimes and collaborate with the patient/ client, family members, meal manager, and colleagues in the interdisciplinary team to work together in resolving any issues.

Enjoying mealtimes Just having knowledge of someone’s food preferences can make a big difference regarding the consumption of the meal, avoiding wastage, and helping them to meet daily nutritional requirements.

In work- ing with the patient/ client the registered dietitian or meal manager can ask them to identify some foods that they like for the menu and select of their favourite recipes and snacks.

In some cases, the meal manager may try a few new recipes, modify as needed to suit the diet prescription, and invite the client or their family members to participate in meal preparation.

Also, to increase food and beverage intake and prevent unintentional weight loss, consideration can be given to liberalising the diet to include a variety of foods. Using the Caribbean Food Groups as a guide should be encouraged.

Food choices The diabetic patient/ client can select foods from all of the various food groups such as staples, legumes, foods from animals, vegetables, fruits, and fats and oils.

Personal preferences and metabolic goals should be taken into consideration when recommending the patient/client eating pattern. “For individuals using fixed daily insulin doses, consistent carbohydrate intake with respect to time and amount can result in improved glycemic control and reduce risk for hypoglycemia.” For the quantity of carbohydrate for the diabetic patient/client, the registered dietitians should develop collaborative goals with the individual.

“The amount of carbohydrates and available insulin may be the most important factor influencing glycemic response after eating and should be considered when developing the eating plan. Monitoring carbohydrate intake, whether by carbohydrate counting or experience-based estimation remains an essential strategy in achieving glycemic control.

For good health, carbohydrate intake from vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, and dairy products should be advised over intake from other carbohydrate sources (which may include concentrated sweets, sugary drinks, pastries, etc.) especially those that contain added fats, sugars, or sodium,” according to Evert et al 2014.

The key is choosing nutritious foods, counting carbohydrates (or using the diabetic exchanges), understanding what is a portion, and portion control, taking time to read the food label and checking the ingredient list, and also incorporating foods moderate to high in dietary fibre, healthy fats (such as avocado, nuts, etc), adding more veggies to the menu (limiting carrots, pumpkin, and beetroot), and include only two fruits per day.

You should note that by omitting sugary beverages and foods high in fat and salt can more than likely help to improve your health.

In addition for persons without diabetes, studies show that the DAS H (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating plan is beneficial in assisting individuals in controlling blood pressure levels and lowering one’s potential risk for cardiovascular disease; it is frequently recommended as a healthful eating pattern for the general population.

The meal plan of the DAS H diet include food sources rich in potassium (fruits and vegetables), magnesium (dried beans, tofu, peanuts, potatoes, dark green leafy vegetables, milk, bread, ready-to-eat cereals), calcium (dark green leafy vegetables (spinach, broccoli, dasheen leaves), milk and milk products, dried beans.

It should also include calcium-fortified foods (juices, breakfast cereals, soy milk, almonds), protein (fish, poultry, egg, milk, yogurt, cheese) and dietary fibre (whole grains and whole grain products, legumes, ground provision, starchy fruits); limit lean read meats, concentrated sweets, added sugars, and sugar containing beverages.

Claudette Mitchell, PhD, RD is assistant professor, University of the Southern Caribbean, School of Science, Technology, and Allied Health.