According to reports, Dyke Skeete of Bangladesh, St Joseph was in a fight with a woman shortly after 7 am yesterday. The woman was allegedly beaten.

Police were told the beating was witnessed by the woman’s male relative who shot Skeete several times.

The wounded man was taken to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex by neighbours and the area near Farm Road, St Joseph was cordoned by members of the St Joseph Police Station. Skeete’s condition yesterday was described as stable and a search was carried out for the suspect who remained in hiding up until yesterday.

This was made possible after police, firefighters, soldiers and volunteers cut down eight huge trees in the vicinity of the area where the body was found on Tuesday.

The pilot from the National Operations Centre (NOC) was then able to carefully negotiate the helicopter down the precipice to where the Baird’s remains were placed in a body bag and put into a basket that was expertly airlifted and taken to Cumuto. The entire exercise was witnessed by Baird’s relatives and others who had spent several days assisting in the search.

Member of the search team told Newsday that they encountered several poisonous mapipire snakes in the Aripo forest. However, the snakes were allowed to return to the forest.

Mario Russell, head of the Fitness Walkers Club in which Baird was a member, expressed relief that the body was eventually removed. He said two police officers remained with the body on Tuesday night and he expressed condolences to members of the Baird family adding that his prayers were with them.

Russell said people who had been criticising him and members of his Fitness Walkers club for the disappearance of Baird needed to stop hiding behind their computers and try making the trek in dangerous terrain to the Aripo waterfall and see for themselves how difficult it was and the dangers involved before making any remarks.

He said Baird was given all the necessary support and assistance during Saturday’s hike but because of the treacherous terrain he could not be monitored every step of the way. Russell added that what happened was unfortunate and he, along with other hike leaders, would be meeting to discuss new strategies to ensure and prevent another casualty. Also yesterday, Kern Baird, son of the deceased hiker, said, “It was an unfortunate incident.

I am saddened by the fact but we finally found my father.

Now that he is out of the forest I can proceed with the final rights and preparation in the form of a funeral.

“We are now having discussions about the burial and church service which are yet to be finalised.” Kern said he and his family did not have time to properly grieve but it would be done after the funeral.

He thanked all those persons including members of the Police, Army and Fire Services who assisted in the search for his father adding that he did not have any animosity toward the Fitness Walkers Club.

Kern said the death of his father would not deter him from proceeding on any further hikes, including those hikes on treacherous terrain.

Baird disappeared on Saturday on his return to Aripo after a fivehour trek to the Aripo waterfall.

When he disappeared, a search was carried out for him. When he was not found, members of the Police, Fire Services, Defence Force as well as Aripo villagers teamed up with experienced hikers and volunteers to search for Baird.

It was not until midday on Tuesday that the father of six was found 600 feet down a treacherous precipice.

Celebrating its 19th year, the league has been supported by energy company BPTT from inception.

It is managed by Illusions International Sports and Cultural Club and features teams from across the south-eastern region competing in various age divisions.

Rachael Caines, Corporate Social Responsibility Advisor, BPTT , underscored the company’s investment in the development of Mayaro football. “The success of Mayaro’s football league is as legendary as the success that Mayaro as a community has experienced in supplying world class football players to our national football team. BPTT believes in the power of sport.

All over the world sport has been a unifying force, helping to build communities and nations in ways no other social intervention can,” Caines said.

The league opening was highlighted by a double header featuring the national Under- 15 and Under-17 teams squaring off against the local Mayaro stars representing MaGuaya Chivas and Guaya United, respectively.

MaGuaya Chivas defeated the national Under-15 outfit 2-1 in what was a closely fought game. In the second encounter, Guaya United were no less competitive but were edged by the national Under-17 team with a 3-2 final scoreline.

On hand to guide his young charges and observe firsthand the talent of the BPTT Mayaro Football League was Russell Latapy, head coach of the national Under-15 team. “This league is definitely a great investment for the people of Mayaro and sport is one of the best means of closing the gaps and bridging the boundaries in society.

I’m happy to be here today and I’m really proud of Mayaro and everyone responsible for this league which gives the youths the opportunity to fulfill their potential,” said the former national stand-out.

Also present at the launch were Member of Parliament for Mayaro, Rushton Paray, and Clarence Rambharat, Minister of Agriculture, Lands and Fisheries.

They also had the honour of formally commissioning the floodlights that were installed by T&TEC, represented by the company’s Deputy Chairman, Glenford Cyrille.

In other action on Tuesday, Boys Town United edged the high-flying Express 3-2 in an entertaining affair.

In game one of a doubleheader at North Oropouche grounds, the youth and stamina of SP Boys were enough to get past Alliance 3-2. A goal apiece from Jamaul Glenn and Jamal Wharwood before the half gave SP Boys a comfortable lead.

Alliance’s Daren Allen pulled one back early in the second half, making it 2-1, but it was Jamal Wharwood who completed his brace, sending the SP Boys supporters in a frenzy. Leornardo Dacosta brought Alliance within one with a goal but SP Boys walked away with full points. Game two on the night featured Two Touch versus Gremiol, in what seemed like a revitalised Two Touch team. The table proppers took the early lead when Ajay Andel lobbed the goalkeeper with a long range shot. But this goal awakened Gremio, who replied in rapid succession with two quick goals by Dwaine Ovid and Sherman De Gazon respectively. Gremio continued their goal scoring form after the interval through Joel Hoyte and a late hat-trick by Rickel Dickson, with an eventual score of 6-1. Gremio goalie Trey Eligon continued his solid showing for the Coalmine- based team looking to return to the final.

In game one last Wednesday, a late lone item by Garvin George from Fishing Pond Youths was enough to give his team maximum points over neighbouring rivals North Oropouche. El Carmen suffered back-to-back defeats at the hands of Boys Town United and Alescon FC respectively. Boys Town trounced El Carmen 8-0 last Wednesday. Dorian Robinson’s brace in the second half for Alescon was enough to see off Kerry De Four’s goal for El Carmen in the game that ended 2-1.

Manzan United had all to play for versus Gremio FC with first place position one victory away, after Dragon FC dropped points earlier in the week. Gremio FC, beaming from a recent 6-1 win earlier in the week, drew first blood in the first half with a strike by Joel Hoyte.

Elijah Parson equalised for Manzan United, but it was Hoyte who again put his team ahead to make it 2-1. But the action wasn’t finished, Maznan captain Darkiel Ferreira salvaged a point for his team with the last kick of the game.

Fixtures: Today – Fishing Pond Youths vs SP Boys, Fishing Pond Recreational Grounds, 4pm; Boys Town vs Two Touch, North Oropouche Recreational Grounds, 6:30pm.

Saturday – Express vs Fishing Pond Youths, Fishing Pond Recreational Grounds, 4pm; Gremio vs Alliance, North Oropouche Recreational Grounds, 6pm; North Oropouche vs Alescon, North Oropouche Recreational Grounds, 8pm.

Sunday – El Carmen vs Manzan Untied, North Oropouche Recreational Grounds, 6pm.

If your company has not previously been outsourcing some of its business operations, this might be a good time to consider it. It may be a useful solution to boosting productivity and a better use of resources. It enables managers and staff alike to focus on achieving the business strategy and objectives whilst the support is outsourced.

Here are four key reasons as to why outsourcing deserves that second glance: A key part of surviving a recession is knowing where to place focus.

Outsourcing can help with such a strategy — outsourcing some of the peripheral business processes such as accounting, tax preparation and data entry allows oneself the time and resources to focus on the core business processes. Areas such as these rely more or less on practices rooted in a standard methodology, which can allow one to rest easy in the knowledge that the functions are being performed efficiently and effectively.

One might argue, however, that by hiring staff to perform these functions internally, the business could be depriving itself of the opportunity to access the best possible quality of work. Using the example of accountants, Angela Lee Loy, Chairman of Aegis Business Solutions, a local and regional provider of outsourcing services explains that “not all accountants will have the required in depth knowledge of your industry,” stressing that “this added value is crucial in these current economic times.” In addition to the general superior quality of the outsourced work, another advantage is it tends to be more cost-effective, allowing the business to improve its bottom line through better management of expenses and resources.

A recession usually means restructuring, but that should not affect the overall productivity and efficiency of the business functions, whether principal or peripheral.

While riding out the storm, one may be in need of temporary resources, making outsourcing a lifesaving option.

Although the sheer nature of business is competition, there is a certain camaraderie that facilitates necessary cooperation and the building of strong linkages. Lee Loy reiterates, “when services are outsourced, businesses gain access to a broad spectrum of services with tremendous knowledge in each support function to make their business successful.” Furthermore, there is an increasing number of foreign companies seeking local outsourcing services. According to Mariska Seeraram, Head of HR and Talent Strategy at Aegis, Trinidad and Tobago is currently the principal nearshore location for offering services to the Wider Caribbean.

Most overseas companies lack a local presence. An outsourcing organisation possessing knowledge of local industries across various business support functions can make the process of doing business in Trinidad and Tobago a smoother one.

Aegis Business Solutions has provided business operations services in the areas of Accounting and Tax, Payroll, Human Resources, Financial Advisory, Internal Auditing and Corporate Secretarial since 2001. With a selection of offerings tailored to SMEs, Aegis stands as the country’s leader in outsourcing services, which it provides locally, regionally and internationally.

Duran Felician was the goal-getter for Organs, in the lone match on the day.

On August 15, Young Guns had too much ammunition for Top Strikers to deal with, as they romped to a 4-0 win. Brent Sam and Rennie Britto, both former San Juan Jabloteh players, scored two goals apiece in the one-sided meeting.

Limited Edition brushed aside Huvan FC 3-0 with Darnell Sookoo, Gabriel Ragout and Kevin Hill getting their names on the scoresheet.

Also on August 15, We Side inflicted a 3-1 beating on Barcelona Squad. Shakeem Patrick scored twice while Raygan Jawater got the other for We Side. The lone goal-getter for Barcelona Squad was Stephon Carryl.

Other Results: Open Division – July 29 – OR G (1) – Daniel Bascombe vs OR GANS (1) – Dejuan Roper.

July 31 – MASSIVE AND CREW (2) – Kevon Banmali, Ricardo Lake vs HUVAN FC (1) – Aldine Blake; FEARLESS (2) – Theo Lewis, Khareem Charles vs LAW BREAKERS (0); TOP STR IKERS (0) vs OLD SCHOO L (0).

August 2 – SWEATERS (2) – Hector Sam, Richard Villafana vs OR G (0); TOR NADOES (3) – Nkosi Quashie, Rhasaan Quashie, Daryl Findley vs OR GANS (1) – Stephon Blake; YOUNG GUNS vs SAN JUAN YOUTHS; Young Guns won 3-0 by default.

August 3 – FUTURE (3) – Isaiah James 2, Darlon Guppy vs HUVAN FC (0); LOCAL YOUTHS (2) – Nicholas Delandro, Keno Archibald vs WE SIDE (1) – David Coltes; MASSIVE AND CREW FC (0) vs BARCELONA SQUAD (0).

August 5 – OLD SCHOO L (1) – Monty Carmona vs DESTRO YERS (0).

August 7 – SAN JUAN YOUTHS (1) – Japhia Ellis vs TOP STR IKERS (0); LIMITED EDITION (1) – Kevin Hill vs SKHY FC (0).

August 8 – YOUNG GUNS (2) – Randy Britto, Brent Sam vs TOR – NADOES (1) – Everton Weekes; FEARLESS (1) – Keyon Wilson vs WE SIDE (0).

August 9 – FUTURE (2) – Ronaldo Jaggasar, Isaiah James vs MASSIVE AND CREW (0); UNRULY (3) – Terrance Doyle 2, Israel Grimes vs OR G (1) – Jabari Sam; HUVAN FC (2) – Aldine Blake 2 vs BARCELONA SQUAD (0).

August 10 – LOCAL YOUTHS (1) vs LAW BREAKERS (0).

August 12 – OLD SCHOO L (4) – Monty Carmona 2, Hayden Jones, Richard de Couteau vs TOR NADOES (1) – Nkosi Noel; OR GANS (2) – Duran Felician 2 vs UNRULY (1) – Jesse LaCroix.

August 14 – SAN JUAN YOUTHS (2) – Daniel Sutherland 2 vs UNRULY (1) – Rondell Richardson; SWEATERS (3) – Dillon Jagessar 2, Joshua St Rose vs DESTRO YERS (2) – Hakim Skinner, Lukeman Brooks.

40-and-Over Division – July 29 – OR GANS (0) vs ONE IS ONE (0); CENTRAL OLD BOYS (1) – John Preito vs ST FRANCOIS NATIONALS (1) – Andre Lynch; MASSIVE AND CREW FC vs OLD RO AD UNITED, Massive and Crew FC won 3-0 by default.

July 31 – MADRID (1) – Kacy King vs SAN JUAN SAN JUAN (0).

August 5 – CENTRAL OLD BOYS (6) – John Preito 3, Victor Lee Tang, Ryan Patterson, Trevor Gore vs ONE IS ONE (0); OR – GANS vs TOR NADOES, Organs won 3-0 by default.

August 7 – SAN JUAN SAN JUAN (2) – Frederick Joseph, Richard Gibson vs FRIENDS (0).

August 8 – MADRID (0) vs MASSIVE AND CREW FC (0).

August 10 – FRIENDS (0) vs ONE IS ONE (0); SO SP ECIAL vs LIVERPOO L, So Special won 3-0 by default.

August 12 – OLD RO AD UNITED (1) – Jason Noray vs ST FRANCOIS NATIONALS (1) – Marvin Joseph.

August 14 – ST FRANCOIS NATIONALS (4) – Marc Borde 2, Marvin Oliver, Marlon Morris vs SO SP ECIAL (0).

August 16 – OLD RO AD UNITED (7) – Marvin Harper 2, own goals 2, Gabriel Burke, Anthony Jackson, Trevor Robert vs SO SP ECIAL (0); MASSIVE AND CREW FC (1) – Kestor Lendor vs CENTRAL OLD BOYS (1) – John Preyton.

August 17 – ST FRANCOIS NATIONALS (2) – Andre Lynch, Marvin Oliver vs OR GANS (0); ONE IS ONE (3) – Errol Stafford 2, Ian Garcia vs TOR NADOES (1) – Larry Noel.

Earle-Caddle apologised for the absence of five statements from State attorney Nadine Matura- Singh.

Matura-Singh said while the prosecution had 27 statements prepared to tender as evidence, five were still outstanding. She explained the investigating officer had encountered difficulty in finding the witnesses to give their statements. However, Earle-Caddle said the prosecution should be better prepared when coming to court.

“This person has been in custody since May 2016,” she said.

“Why don’t you have their statements as a part of your file? You knew the matter was fixed to be heard for today and you knew you were not in possession of these five statements, so why did you not apply for a court summons to be sent to these individuals?” Matura-Singh explained that up until Tuesday morning searches were carried out for the missing statements but the prosecution had been unable to locate them.

Pierre’s attorney Brent Winter argued there were numerous flaws in the recording of statements and other documents from the investigating officer, citing poor penmanship in addition to the prosecution’s failure to produce statements.

“Your worship, the interview notes recorded by the complainant from the accused are totally illegible, and now we are hearing that there are five additional statements that are outstanding. I don’t know how long this is expected to go on for,” he said.

Earle-Caddle agreed with Winter, saying she had set aside Tuesday to hear the matter but would have to adjourn it until September.

She also issued a stern reminder to the policeman who laid the charge that the collection of statements was his responsibility.

“Let me make it abundantly clear to you that if you do not have the statements by the next court date, you are to request a summons for the officers involved to come to court. You are the lead investigator and this is your case.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the necessary statements.” The case has been adjourned to September 19.

The campaign aims to give residents an opportunity to experience tourist sites and attractions and “provide visitors and citizens with authentic and memorable experiences”.

Tucked away in the hills of Cunaripo, Green Pastures which was originally a cocoa and coffee estate in the 1980s offers a thrilling escape for nature lovers.

The family-owned business began its transformation to a resort four years ago when work began to make it a more diversified project.

The estate is owned by Arthur Sam, his son Anderson, daughter- in-law, Melissa and their son, Addison. Melissa revealed that Arthur was the first proprietor and farmer of the estate. Although the estate contained mainly citrus and poultry at that time, Arthur’s ever- present passion to do something meaningful in his community along with his wife’s death in 2013, propelled him to finally transform the plantation into an eco-friendly estate which his community and country could enjoy.

In 2013 he began renovations, building swimming pools and carat sheds with old-time firesides so that guests could enjoy outdoor cooking.

The estate has fruit trails, nature trails with swings and hammocks, a mini zoo, a fresh-water tilapia and cascadura pond (for visitors to fish) and a bee-keeping area. Bee-keeping was introduced 18 months ago by Anderson and Melissa who also sell the honey to visitors. Their honey, according to Melissa, is different.

She said the type of nectar that bees forage on, impacts the colour and texture of the honey.

Since their bees forage on the citrus from the estate, the honey “is a completely different colour, a golden, rich, nice-tasting honey.” The Sams are also working on adding traditional dirt ovens as another attraction. “We’re trying to maintain that legacy, that old-fashioned, Trinidadian cultural setting that we lived in once. We don’t want it to die,” Melissa said.

Green Pastures’ visitors come from across the country. “We have from South, Diego Martin, Aranjuez, all over,” Melissa said.

They come throughout the year but the busiest times are July- August, weekends and public holidays.

On a trip to the venue organised by the Tourism Ministry recently, tour guide Derik Donawa took a group to explore all of the estate’s attractions (except the pool, which was booked). The individual sheds which can be rented by visitors are equipped with running water and electricity.

Tour guests also got to sample fresh fruits and juices made from trees on the estate as well as pommecythere chow.

For more info: Facebook.

Duke told the media during a press conference yesterday at Scarborough Fishing Depot, that his plans were not for fame but for equality for Tobago. “By whatever means is necessary, we will take that means and commence by swimming,” Duke said. “We will be doing that understanding the perils out at sea, understanding that the water is mixed and the currents are heavy.

“Understanding there are dangerous fish out there but we are doing it with all the safety precautions like we would have the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard, rescue team, a doctor and a nurse on a vessel alongside the swimmers.

We are doing this for Tobago.” When asked his about those who called his idea absurd, Duke responded, “Silence. Actions speak louder than words.

“There is a time to talk and there is a time for action, our actions will speak. The time for talking is long gone.

“If nothing else matters we are going to the ultimate. Like Christ going to the cross, we will put our life and take the strain and every stroke we make and water we swallow out there it is done with Tobagonians in mind.” Duke will start the 246 km swimming protest with assistance from other members of the THA Opposition and fishermen from the All Tobago Fisherfolk Association (ATFA). Duke said the event would be historic and would give Tobagonians the courage to speak up. He added it would also become a catalyst for affected stakeholders to demand fair treatment from Central Government.

Duke slammed Prime Minister Keith Rowley’s recent efforts to address the current air and sea bridge issue. He said, “We want him to have a real meeting to have a conversation with Tobagonians.

He has been having conversations with people in North, South Trinidad but he hasn’t had any in Tobago.

The only meetings he held in Tobago was closed door.” Last month, Duke along with members of the public and minority opposition marched 25 kilometres from Argyle to Scarborough for seven hours demanding an end to nepotism and equity in the Tobago House of Assembly.

He then recalled times where the Opposition attempted to warn the THA and the Government about issues with the recently procured Cabo Star and Ocean flower 2.

“We have tried every single thing to raise this issue with the sea bridge on the national agenda,” Duke said. “We have tried but unsuccessfully.

We have gotten a lot of talk and no action.

“What we need is for this issue to be placed on the national agenda and keep it there until something happens. What affects Tobago should affect Trinidad and Tobago.” Opposition member and representative for Parlatuvier/Lanse Fourmi/ Speyside constituency Farley Augustine said the effort would show that Tobagonians wanted to play a significant role in the decision making for the next procurement process.

Yet, although we are surrounded by the sublime, we somehow manage to reduce it to squalor. A lack of a sense of pride might be the reason for this. Quite noticeable too, is the way we undervalue our capacity to rank among the best in the world. Although success has been proven time and again, in a range of disciplines – sport, the arts, science and technology, medicine and literature – we remain sceptical.

Trinidad and Tobago will celebrate 55 years of Independence, next week. Apart from Dr Eric Williams, our founding fathers include other esteemed individuals such as Sir Ellis Clarke, Lionel Seukeran and Rudranath Capildeo. Their endeavour in negotiating the terms of our Independence Concordat at Marlborough House, stands as a testimony to their patriotism and foresight.

The landmark year was 1962, and a new nation was being birthed. We embraced our national flag, with each colour symbolising our rich potential. We welcomed our watch words, Discipline, Production and Tolerance and our Coat of Arms was emblazoned with our national birds, the Cocrico and the Scarlet Ibis.

Today in 2017, the Ibis is under threat by a small group of poachers who hunt the bird as a delicacy. In some instances, it is said to be much sought-after fare at upscale social gatherings. Recent reports signal that although the populations are relatively stable, the status of the ibis can change to ‘endangered’ if no action is taken to deter, fi ne or punish illegal hunters. Sadly, the Caroni Swamp appears to be anything but a sanctuary for our national bird! Shades of a similar negligent attitude were reflected in a local event group’s flagrant disregard for the environment, when their beach bonfire in Blanchisseuse ended in the destruction of approximately 100 turtle hatchlings. In no way does this destructive or wilfully ignorant mindset augur well for progress as a nation.

Trinidad and Tobago has been batt ling the fallout of severely decreasing revenue from our traditional foreign exchange earners in the oil and gas sector. There is broad consensus that new ways of restructuring our economy to achieve future sustainability, must be pursued.

Economic transformation and diversification have now become a necessity, and it would serve us well to stop paying mere lip service to the endeavour, that is, if we are to preserve a decent quality of life for generations to come.

While we have commercialised some of our local heritage sites and attractions, we have merely scratched the surface with respect to exploit ng our natural treasures to derive new revenue streams. Given the examples cited earlier, about our scarlet ibis and leatherback turtle, our attitudes and mindsets indicate that there is much work to be done before we make that much needed shift .

While complacency abounds in far too many quarters, our cocoa beans are being rated as world class; our athletes are doing wonders for our international profile; and visitors are coming from all over the globe to experience the sunset roosting ritual of the scarlet ibis at the Caroni Bird Sanctuary.

And there is much more. A fundamental question remains, however: what more would it take for us to harness the value of all that is uniquely ours, in a way that secures and guarantees our sustainability well into the future?