GIVEN THE fluidity of people, communities and societies coupled with the pressures placed on our shoulders daily, we sometimes feel compelled to respond to every negative statement and or situation that come our way. Should or shouldn’t we respond to everything, is the million-dollar question that tests our strength and fortitude as women.

Research and experience have both revealed that, when negativity is thrown at you, it is really a test on one’s psychological strength. There is absolutely no need to respond to each and every negative statement and/or situation, as for the most part, it’s best to ignore and let silence be your golden rule. Many of our clients at the IWRN continuously express concern about their feelings towards negativity. Our response has always been to remain focus on their own journey and success and forget what others may think or say! Keep in mind that individuals who choose to hurl negativity towards others, are themselves deficient in one way or other, or even attempting to treat with hurt and pain, which may have affected them. This approach is wrong, and only serves to worsen an already bad situation.

This is a burning issue that is affecting many, and today I’d share some strategies which can assist. Start by not taking things personally; as I mentioned earlier, when someone is continuously being negative, their expressions are usually directed towards them and not you. Whatever people may think about you is irrelevant, and has nothing to do with your journey to success. Attempting to please everyone is a misnomer, as this can’t happen, as it is virtually impossible. Understand that though you would be compassionate, genuine and honest, people because they are people, still would not like you.

Sometimes it’s best not to acknowledge and/or respond to negative comments. Be strong and remain focused on your destiny of success.

During the process of kindness, ensure to practise safe-distancing which is necessary in dealing with people who continuously jab at you; this approach will influence them to change their tune and act positively. Also, if you are uncertain how to respond to negative people within your immediate circle, send them unconditional love and change will happen.

Envy also influences negative thoughts, and therefore, if you recognise that you are being spiteful towards others, solely to better your own position, then it is important to check yourself immediately, as such an attitude would hinder your own growth potential.

Remember the recipe for success does not include comparison to or competition with others.

It’s about remaining focused on your path and committed to your goals! To obtain a copy of the book With Women in Mind: 283-0318 or 795-9531.

Sandrine Rattan is a communications/ branding consultant, author and president of the International Women’s Resource Network (IWRN): thecorporatesuitett@ gmail.com or intlwomensresourcenetwork@ gmail.com

Situated on the second floor Entertainment Building, upstairs Digicel IMAX, the four cosy cinemas, named after precious gemstones offer an upscale experience to those who wish to celebrate any special event, birthday, mini reunion, a World Cup game or just a special strategy session.

Brian Jahra and his wife Ingrid, Digicel IMAX chairman and CEO respectively told guests they’ve got events staff on hand to work with clients to plan all the details to host their events.

They also spoke of the Gemstone Cinemas movie rooms Azure, Topaz, Emerald and Amethyst that seat 30, 25, 20 and 15 people respectively, but stated that only the Azure Room has its own private lounge for mingling pre and post movie.

However, all rooms are equipped to cater to seat side service. While patrons rock back in plush leather recliners, the professional staff is there to serve food prepared by an in-house chef and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), at the press of a button.

Guests at the Azure Room watched Doctor Strange specially formatted exclusively for IMAX 3D, while gourmet popcorn and wine were served throughout the movie. Over at the Emerald Movie Room guests looked at Arrival while Trolls was aired in the Amethyst Movie Room. Guests expressed their utmost pleasure with their experience.

Gemstone Cinemas will be offering a special Christmas menu with traditional dishes which can be accessed throughout the day, whether guests take in a movie or not.

Glass slumping is a technique of moulding glass in a kiln at high temperatures. Some of the items on sale included key rings, pen caddies, bag charms, platters, candle holders and many other moulded pieces.

In August 2015, the Digicel Foundation partnered with Nature Seekers to implement the programme: “Empowerment through Employment.” The programme is designed to assist the organisation in taking its glass craft to another level by successfully producing a wider range of glass craft, outside of their popular Turtle Warrior bands.

The main goals of the programme are to provide glass slumping training to five women from the Matura community, thus empowering them and promoting economic sustainability for the area.

“We’re so happy to work with Nature Seekers on such an innovative project, especially one that boasts opportunities for social entrepreneurship for the village of Matura,” said the foundation’s project co-ordinator Diana Mathura, who volunteered to help the team at the craft market.

Emma Hiscock, Nature Seekers craft co-ordinator, expressed her excitement at the opportunity to explore other areas of craft that include recycled products.

Presenting his credentials to President Anthony Carmona on Thursday last at the Office of the President, St Anne’s, Kedir said Ethiopia, one of Africa’s fastest growing economies, is eager to strengthen ties in terms of trade, mining, energy and culture.

Carmona and Kedir shared with students of Roxborough and Diego Martin Secondary schools some of the history of Ethiopia, modern- day Ethiopia, Ethiopia’s role in the African Union and its linkages to the Caribbean through activists such as Marcus Mosiah Garvey and the Rastafarian movement. Known as the cradle of civilisation with archaeological finds that date back to over three million years ago, Kedir said that as one of the founding members of the United Nations and the League of Nations of nations that preceded it, Ethiopia continues to play a peace-keeping role in the Sub-Saharan region that has been a zone of conflict.

Though based in Havana, Cuba, Kedir said that many opportunities exist for furthering relationships across the Atlantic. He noted that Africa views the Caribbean as an extension of the continent and both the Caribbean and Africa support each other in international forums on many pertinent global affairs including climate change. Noting that Ethiopia has a population of 100 million people with over 80 languages, he said, that the country was ready to showcase its diverse cultures in the Caribbean region.

Noting also that Addis Ababa, the country’s capital, was seen as the political capital of Africa, he urged TT to reopen a diplomatic mission there. His country, he said, was experiencing a wave of investments, particularly from Asia, because of the opportunities available. On the cultural front, he noted that Trinidad was the regional headquarters of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, and the patriarch of the church who is now in TT for over 45 years has almost become a citizen.

In his remarks, Carmona said that many the world over, do not appreciate the role Ethiopia has played in world history from biblical times to the present.

“History has not been kind to Ethiopia,” he said noting that it was the first and only country in the world that created the philosophy of repatriation and encouraged descendant of slaves to go back to Africa.

Ethiopia had also set aside 500 hectares of land for repatriation in an area called Sheshamane, and some 3,000 Caribbean nationals including Jamaicans and over 400 Trinidadians took up the offer.

The US$2 million is secured in a steel vault inside the building.

Newsday was told that IATF officers are on guard both inside and outside the building while there is also a 360-degree, aerial closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance of the building. The decision to have armed officers guard the money came after information surfaced that an attempt was to be made to storm the building and remove the cash by any means.

Based on the information, senior police took a decision to dispatch officers of the IATF who carry out round-the-clock security to the building in four-hour shifts.

Armed Customs and Excise officers are also inside the building at all times. Newsday was told by Customs sources that a plot was uncovered of an assault on the building with the use of hand grenades and machineguns. “We learned of a plot in which persons were ready to take control of the impounded money by any means including the use of deadly force,” a well-placed source said.

Sources added that there was consideration for the money to be split into smaller quantities and kept under lock and key and also police guns at different locations within National Security facilities but this was scrapped in favour of all of the money being kept at the Customs and Excise Building but under heavier security.

“The cash is literally under the gun of law enforcement, now that the plot has been uncovered,” our source said.

It is understood that officers of the US Customs and Border Protection are working behind the scenes with local police, Customs and officers of the Financial Intelligence Unit to trace the origin of the US$2M. It is believed that the money may have originated from the US Virgin Islands. Several persons have been questioned but were later released. Police have also seized a quantity of bogus documents used to ‘clear’ the container when it arrived at the port.

“The person who lost this money is not taking this loss just so and we are wondering what number could play as we remain almost certain that some attempt will be made to retrieve it,” a Customs source told Newsday yesterday. On November 4, the money was discovered hidden in the container at the Central Port. The cargo containing the money arrived on November 2, aboard a container carrier.

Newsday understands that the container with cash originated in the US Virgin Island then moved to Jamaica and then parts of the Caribbean before arriving in this country. It is also believed that a similar container arrived in the country with the same amount of cash and was cleared by officers who did not detect that the documents used were bogus. Newsday understands that Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley in his capacity as Chairman of the National Security Council, National Security Minister Edmund Dillon and Finance Minister Colm Imbert are all being kept abreast of investigations into the find.

According to reports Horsely Antoine was at his wooden home in company with Radica Alexander, 68, when they both observed smoke and fire coming from the house at about 8.45 pm. Alexander and Antoine managed to escape the burning house. In pain from burns to his hands, Antoine sat at the back of a Nissan B12 car which was parked near the burning building, trying to catch his breath,

Owner of the vehicle Anthony Williams, 57, who noticed flames from the burning house very close to the front of his car, got into the vehicle and reversed, unknowingly driving over Antoine. On realising that he had driven over something, Williams got out of the car and saw Antoine unconscious on the ground. The elderly man was rushed to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Fire officers from the Wrightson Road Fire Department who responded to the blaze was able to control the fire from spreading to other homes in the area. Fire prevention officers are expected to return to the scene of the fire today to ascertain its cause. Alexander was inconsolable yesterday struggling to come to terms with the loss of her companion and their home. Neighbours, friends and relative were yesterday as trying to assist the elderly woman and attempts were being made to contact the MP for the area for further assistance. An autopsy will be done today on Antoine to ascertain cause of death. Police sources said that no foul play is suspected in what was a tragic freak accident,

Investigations are continuing,

“The only acceptable statistic is zero! My husband and I have experienced this kind of loss.

Our only son died at age 25 so we know the pain, the emptiness and the void that can never be filled.” She continued, “The challenges we face as a nation today is many and varied and in some cases even fearful but this challenge of eradicating carnage on our roads, we are determined to win. There is hope and with your collective support, we will win one step at a time.” Inglefield was yesterday speaking at the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims march around the Queen’s Park Savannah. Celebrated on the third Sunday in November internationally, Trinidad and Tobago’s Arrive Alive planned a walk and ride around the Queen’s Park Savannah for World Remembrance Day.

According to Inglefield, the event was very successful as hundreds of people including family members of accident victims supported the cause; many of them wearing colourful T-shirts in remembrance of their loved ones.

Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan, in a feature address, stated that he too had lost close relatives to road accidents and shared the collective pain of other persons who experiences such loss. Sinanan explained that if each driver in TT pledges to always follow the rules of the road, “no drinking and driving, no texting and talking on the phone and no speeding, we can overall decrease road accidents and fatalities.” He said the Ministry is now involved in legislative reform and other initiatives to support and improve safety on the road. “In this regard, the proposed Demerit Points System initiative which allows for points to be assigned to a driver’s licence is being given active consideration.

The Ministry is at the stage when this Policy for the Amendment of the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act is available for comment on our web site,” Minister Sinanan said.

Sinanan said the Traffic Management Branch is engaged in numerous projects that will continue to help make road travel safer especially for non-drivers.

These include the increased presence of pedestrian crossings in urbanized areas. “Two examples of this work include pedestrian crossing facilities in Curepe and San Juan at the Priority Bus Route and Eastern Main Road.” He continued, “Recently we installed pedestrian head signals, bells and improved signage to assist walkers in these two areas and were able to re-paint approximately 180KM of road markings on major roadways that were faded tremendously.” Additionally, he said, in the near future, the Traffic Division will focus its efforts on further safety initiatives that will include: Resigning our Highways with informational signs that provide directions, placing road studs in high risk areas to illuminate the roadways for greater safety, placing New Jersey slip form barriers between Orange Grove and Piarco to separate lanes of traffic, establishing uninterrupted power supply for our traffic signals, contributing to Red Light Enforcement Legislation, installing nine Spot Speed Enforcement Cameras, assisting TT Police Service with the procurement of additional Speed Guns, installing special Accessible Pedestrian Signal devices that help the visually impaired to cross the street safely.

Shortly after the proceedings were called to order by Lutalo Masimba (Bro Resistance), he handed over control to the presiding officer Robert Giuseppi who told members that their organisation was one of the most important groups in the county, and urged them to honour and respect their organisation for its betterment. Voting began at 11 am with a long line of members waiting patiently to cast their votes.

At the 2 pm cut off time for voting quite a large number of people were yet to go through the process.

Some peeved members complained that it was simply taking too long. Morel Peters (Luta) and Winston Peters (Gypsy) challenged Lutalo Masimba (Bro Resistance) for the leadership role of President, while the General Secretary post was contested by Wayne Mc Donald (Cassman) and Eric Taylor (Panther).

Up to press time last night, even as results for the various posts were still being counted, news coming to hand was that Masimba had retained his post as president of the organisation.

Contesting the post of Treasurer were Dennis Cox and Robert Elias (D Mighty Trini) and for Assistant Treasurer, there were Anthony Johnson and Wendell Moreau. The Public Relations Officer (PRO) post that was left vacant by the outgoing Karega Mandela had the most amount of challengers. They were Duane O’Connor, Steve Pascall (Ras Kommanda), Miguella Simon, Abbi Blackman and Winston Henry (Explainer).

The Education and Research Officer position was a three-way contest among Franz Lambkin (Delamo), Melissa Williams and Maegan Sylvester, while Welfare Officer was a two-way fight between Carlston Kerr (Calypso Kerr) and Joseph Thompson. Dr Rudy Ottley was challenged by Lennox London for the post of Marketing Manager and vying for only two available Trustee positions were Annmarie Parks-Kojo (Twiggy), Joseph Adams, Ainsley Mayers, Ingrid Matthew and Michael Mc Intyre.

Three members of the executive went up unopposed and therefore retained their positions. They are Ainsley King (Vice-president), Shirlane Hendrickson (Assistant Secretary) and Devon Seale (Assistant PRO). The new executive will serve for a three-year period. Up to press time, the results of the election were not known.

Being in public office and running a campaign carries with it the implicit responsibility that one will act in a way that does not endanger anyone, whether political supporter or foe.

It has been reported that highly- inflammatory, anonymous threats, and an air-rifle shooting have infiltrated the local government election campaign. But make no mistake, these matters – if indeed they are politically motivated (it is for the police to determine the source of the threats as well as the circumstances of the assault of music truck driver Rooplal Rampersad, 37) affect all of us, not just PNM supporters.

It is in nobody’s interest for our election cycle to become dogged with violence. Political parties hold rallies in public spaces where persons of all walks of life congregate.

The use of violence therefore threatens anybody caught in the fire. We call on the police to investigate threats made against a PNM candidate but cannot help but note the irony of a warning from PNM public relations officer Stuart Young who urged the national community to join the PNM in “full condemnation of this type of language and behaviour.” If only the politicians, too, obeyed the call for more temperate language.

Even smaller parties seem to be feeling the pressures of an increasingly divisive electoral race with the Movement for Justice claiming their posters have been vandalized, itself a frequent complaint made by all parties at all elections. Historically, the more fraught the election race the greater the level of animus around the poll and, perhaps, the lower the turnout. The highly acrimonious US election was a good example of how negative campaigning, including the throwing of mud and the making of allegations and counter-allegations does not tend to inspire voters to come out and exercise their rights.

The fallout is often that only the most extreme or die-hard supporters vote, itself potentially skewing the result. Time will tell when it comes to the upcoming election and the voter turnout.

The reports, if linked to political motives, raise the prospect of an entirely new dimension to our campaigns for local government that have been relatively staid.

Such a development would not bode well for our democratic landscape which has struggled in the past to deal with high-profile instances of violence. The murky circumstances surrounding the fire-bombing and murder of a family with persons tied to the UNC in 2010 have not been subject to judicial determination.

Still, we should remember that we have set a good example of peaceful democratic processes.

Whatever is behind the reports, the authorities must stamp out any elements of malice. Any entity trying to impede the process of voting has to be roundly condemned.

Caution must also be taken not to come to make nebulous charges of violence at large against political foes in relation to matters being probed — that itself is a form of reckless incitement. We strongly condemn anyone who would seek to incite violence and call on the authorities to swiftly nip any nefarious conduct in the bud. Let us vote in peace.

IF IT IS proposed to give local government bodies more powers, responsibilities and resources, then it stands to reason that the arena for political patronage, nepotism, misdirection of funds and leakages will be enlarged. It is quite noticeable that, for the coming local government election, many former Members of Parliament and other retired public officials have submitted their numbers to be considered for appointment as aldermen.

It is necessary to put in place a robust form of accountability — both financial and political — in order to minimise the mismanagement of funds, to obtain value for money spent and to improve performance and productivity levels.

There is, in addition and perhaps more importantly, the need for the ongoing monitoring of the stewardship of the local government representatives within their threeyear term of office.

Representatives of the current administration have spoken about the issue of accountability but in rather vague and general terms without specifics.

For example, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley at a local government reform consultation in June, at the Diego Martin North Secondary School, had intimated that “…if accountability is put in place and people can be identified for what they are responsible for, where money is going, who is getting it and what work is being done, then the new system might have a chance of improving the quality of lives.” The operational mechanics of that accountability has not been elaborated.

The current system is that the establishment officers of the local government corporations are appointed, transferred and disciplined by the Statutory Authorities Service Commission. These officers are not accountable to the regional corporation for their performance but to the distant Ministry of Local Government. Chief executive officers have been known to be openly defiant and uncooperative.

From a management point of view, such a situation is patently untenable. I have proposed that, with the necessary assistance and safeguards, the establishment staff should be appointed by the local government corporations themselves and be accountable to them and have the authority to impose sanctions for non-performance.

Since, under the reform proposals, the local government corporations would no longer be accountable to the Executive for their performance and financial stewardship, they ought to be accountable to some national institution otherwise they may become a law unto themselves. The only other suitable institution to carry out this function is Parliament.

Accordingly, I have proposed that a special local government committee of Parliament be established and dedicated to oversee local government bodies through a system of biannual reporting and interrogation on expenditures incurred and execution of plans, programmes and priorities.

Financial accountability also incorporates systems of internal and external audit. Currently there is uncertainty as to whether the local government bodies are subject to any system of arm’s-length internal audit and if there is such an operation, to whom do the internal auditors report and what corrective actions and sanctions, if any, have been employed as a result. The same can be said of external auditors whose reports should be readily available to the public.

It is therefore imperative that systems of robust financial accountability to include value-for-money assessments should accompany the implementation of any reform as I have argued in my columns. In addition, regulations for procurement by local government bodies should be established and their compliance monitored by audit.

On the very thorny issue of political accountability, the reforms must focus on the performance of councillors during their term of office.

The current situation is that councillors are in theory accountable to the residents in their electoral districts and should seek their inputs in decision-making.

This interaction, however, hardly takes place and there is no mechanism to institutionalise accountabi l i ty.

In reality, counc i l l o r s s e e m accountable to no one.