Accepting there will be many entities that will be competing for funding for fiscal 2018 and the current economic circumstances, Garcia said Udecott would be grateful for whatever allocation it receives in the Budget. He identified the construction of new police stations in Roxborough and Old Grange in Tobago as well as new stations in Carenage and Matelot as some key national security projects Udecott has placed priority on for fiscal 2018.

He said Udecott wants to complete the Penal Fire Station and start construcion on a fire station in Arouca. Upgrade works at the Remand Yard in Golden Grove, Arouca is also high on Udecott’s list in fiscal 2018.

Last Thursday, National Security Minister Edmund Dillon announced Cabinet approved a sum of approximately $56 million to undertake those works.

Garcia said Udecott wants to “continue and finish” new hospitals in Point Fortin and Arima.

Ramdass and the 36-year-old woman were arrested on Thursday last by members of the Fraud Squad led by Senior Superintendent Totaram Dookhie. The woman was arrested at the couple’s Princes Town home while Ramdass was arrested at the Piarco International Airport where he was based.

It is alleged that during a search of the home, police found millions of dollars worth of jewellry and other valuables.

The charges were laid by Sgt Cornelius Samuel assisted by ASP Ghisiyawan, Sgt Thomas, Cpl Bassarath and PC Adams after Assistant DPP Joan Honore-Paul gave directions.

When Ramdass, who was granted station bail on Sunday, appeared before Senior Magistrate Nanette Forde-John yesterday, hearing of the matter was delayed because his wife was not yet taken to the court.

Newsday was told police were still processing the charges at the Maraval Police Station. The matter was subsequently adjourned.

Justice Margaret Mohammed granted the injunction to the Public Service Association (PSA) yesterday in a decision which will ultimately restrain permanent secretaries in five ministries from taking steps to implement a decision announced by Public Administration Minister Maxie Cuffie to give permanent secretaries in ministries and the Office of the Prime Minister the power to hire and recruit certain classes of public officers.

At yesterday’s sitting, held during the High Court vacation, Mohammed heard from the PSA’s lawyers, Senior Counsel Avory Sinanan, Travers Sinanan, Kelvin Ramkissoon and Leon Kalicharan, and attorney Antoinette Alleyne who appeared for the State.

According to the PSA’s application, in which it is seeking to have the court review the decision of the permanent secretary of the ministry to fill at least eight vacancies in that ministry, to do so will be contrary to law and the regulations which govern the hiring process in the Public Service.

The positions which the permanent secretary will not be able to fill for now are chemical engineer I/II, geophysicist I/II geologist /II petroleum engineer I/II, petroleum chemist, petroleum inspector, geologist assistant and petroleum engineering assistant.

In its court action, the PSA intends to argue that to advertise the vacancies without consultation with the recognised majority union for public servants is in breach of the PSA’s legitimate expectation to be consulted, having regard to the provisions of Section 14(1)(c) of the Civil Service Act and a 1973 memorandum issued by the chief personnel officer to all permanent secretaries and heads of departments in the public service, which establish a joint consultative committee to provide for communication and consultation between management and staff in the public service.

The PSA, which represents over 80,000 public servants, contends it was the duty of the chief personnel officer to establish procedures of consultation and negotiation between the personnel department and the recognised union.

The union acknowledged while the Public Service Commission (PSC) can delegate certain functions to permit permanent secretaries to give notice of vacancies, advertise and receive applications to fill a vacancy, there must be consultation with the recognised union.

According to the PSA’s application for judicial review, there has been no consultation to date to advertise vacancies in the energy ministry.

The PSA stressed that the PSC was the only constitutional body charged with responsibility for recruitment and appointment of public servants and any delegation of statutory power cannot surrender or arrogate the responsibility to a public officer without the necessary checks and balances in place.

According to the union, the raison d’etre of the PSC was to insulate the public service from political interference.

In its application for the injunction, the PSA said it was necessary because of the possibility of manipulation of the process. It also contended that the public interest will be best served by staying the arrangements put in place, since there has been no short list of prospective candidates, nor have interviews for the advertised positions been conducted, so no inconvenience will be

Eastmond and fellow Barbadian cyclist Edwin Sutherland were involved in an accident with a maxi-taxi in Chaguaramas around 9 am on Monday.

Sutherland escaped with minor bruises, while Eastmond suffered injuries to the head.

Sutherland is already training again, while Eastmond is at home resting but is being monitored by a physiotherapist.

Watson is optimistic that Eastmond would be fit enough to compete at the Elite Pan Am Championships. Watson said yesterday, “I am hopeful (he will compete) because the CT scan was negative, the blood work was negative. He is still suffering with headaches and some soft tissue will have caused body pain from the blow that he took.

He is very fortunate to be alive and coherent at this point in time so we give thanks for that.” Watson said there will be a lot of cyclists training on the road in TT in the coming six weeks, due to the number of events being hosted by this country.

Following the Elite Pan American Championships, the Republic Day Cycling Classic, the Tobago International Cycling Classic and the Beacon Cycling on the Avenue event will take place.

MAKE a statement without saying a word equates to your image.

The image depicted by you in professional and public spaces says quite a lot about who you are and what you represent.

Though image means different things to different people, the importance of its impact is not well understood.

According to Laura Morgan Roberts, professor at Harvard Business School, “professional image is the set of qualities and characteristics that represent perceptions of your competence and character as judged by your key constituents.” Image is a holistic package beyond external looks and encompasses your smile, body language, conversational techniques and your overall ability to interact with others both in the workplace as well as in social settings.

The levels of importance attached to image vary depending on circumstances. For example, when preparing for an interview as well as general deportment in the workplace, image, along with professionalism and proper deportment go hand in hand.

Maintaining a positive image outside of the workplace also lands some great opportunities.

I am aware of individuals who received job offers as a result of a winning and sustainable image.

Many women have also admitted that their poor image is as a result of self-neglect, but are now willing to start their journey of renewal.

Several people have failed at interviews because of inadequate preparation as well inappropriate attire and body language, the old adage — first impressions are lasting, is true to life as you are judged based on that very first encounter, hence the importance of always being fully prepared at all times.

Knowing the difference in the type of events and what is required is also critical in avoiding negativity and disappointment; there are ongoing instances where some of the most qualified candidates failed at different encounters including interviews, because they lacked in other important areas such eye contact, poor body language and/ or not addressing the interviewers appropriately.

A positive image includes these and many other components.

Image like your personality is always noticed by others, and based on what is seen, opinions and judgments are formed which may or may not be accurate. An extremely important element which complements your image is a high level of self-confidence which must be visible in your every move; in fact, strong self-confidence is the hallmark of a positive image, to the extent that others will be influenced into emulating you.

Because the concept of image is not well understood, there are some who believe that based on their profession, they are free to waiver; whilst this may feel democratic, it may not always work in your best interest as opportunities can be missed.

Improving your image should be a great privilege as that renewed package can redound to some excellent benefits including a new job, promotion in your existing job or even receiving an advertising offer that can yield a fortune for a lifetime.

Sandrine Rattan is a communications/ branding consultant/ author and president of the International Women’s Resource Network (IWRN) Contact: thecorporatesuitett@ gmail.com or intlwomensresourcenetwork@ gmail.com or contact 283-0318.

Dead is Fyzool Walters also called Roland of Lower Hilltop Road, off Mt Pleasant Road in Springvale.

Police said, shortly before 5 pm they went to Walters’ home in search of illegal weapons.

They said on arrival they saw Walters with a gun outside the house.

On seeing them, Walters allegedly ran to the back of the house and began shooting in their direction.

They returned fire and later found the teenager with gunshot wounds nearby in some bushes.

Police said they retrieved an automatic gun with ammunition nearby.

Walters was taken to the Couva District Health Facility where he died shortly after arrival.

ASP Smith, Insp Bhagwandeen, Sgt Ali and other officers from the Central Division met relatives after the shooting.

An autopsy was expected to be done yesterday at the Forensic Science Centre in St James.

Only hours earlier on Sunday, Moruga police shot and killed Kevin Stafford of Tarodale, St Madeleine who, they said, shot and wounded 29-yearold Kevon Charles of Bois Jean Jean, Moruga.

Police said Stafford and Charles had an altercation at Basseterre Village, Moruga at about 7 am during which Stafford shot Charles in his leg.

Police, who were nearby, responded and chased Stafford.

However, they said Stafford stopped and pointed a gun at them causing a policeman to shoot him dead.

The murdered man was identified as Curtis “Birdman” Smith Jr, from Riverside Drive, La Puerta.

Reports are he was approached at about 9 am by three men who alighted from a car and opened fire on him.

Crime scene investigators collected at least 40 spent shells.

A child received a graze from a stray bullet while a man sustained a broken arm while running during the shooting. Eyewitnesses told police Smith was involved in an altercation with another man hours shortly before he was shot.

He was captured on a video kicking a man in his head and his side.

The video was shared on social media platforms.

Police say Smith was a suspect in a murder.

However, family members say he was not a criminal but a businessman and a father of four.

Family members were so beside themselves with grief when they Smith’s body that one relative charged past the caution tape crying out for him.

The relative was held back by police. Another man was arrested for assaulting a police officer while at the murder scene.

Relatives said gunmen were after Smith for a while.

They said people were jealous of him because he had gotten several contracts in the area.

Newsday was told he was heading to one of these job sites when he was killed.

In April, Smith was chased by gunmen who shot him in the shoulder at Pregnancy Lane, off La Puerta Avenue.

Police have not yet ascertained a motive behind his murder.

The murder toll now stands at 303 for the year.

This represented a 19 percent increase yearover- year.

The financial group, which started in 1992 as the first money market broker in Jamaica, now has operations in the Dominican Republic (DR), Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago (TT). In a statement issued from its operation in Kingston, Jamaica on August 14, JMMB said its “net profit totalled J $613.4 million, which reflected a marginal growth of three percent, compared to the corresponding prior period.” JMMB’s performance was driven by growth across its business lines – net gains on securities trading, net interest income and fees and commission income.

Net interest income for the reporting period stood at J $1.91 billion, reflecting growth of 24 percent or J $377.9 million.

“This resulted from strong growth in the earning portfolios, especially the loan portfolios across the Group. Additionally, the Group’s spread management strategy for the period was very effective. Furthermore, net gains on securities trading amounted to J $1.54 billion, which reflected a 36 percent increase, or J $407.1 million more than the previous year,” JMMB stated.

The portfolio trading strategies were profitable and benefitted from the maturities of Government of Jamaica (GOJ) debt instruments, redemption of GOJ certificate of deposits (CDs), as well as increased demand for GOJ Global Bonds, driven by lower treasury yields in the US.

While net foreign exchange trading declined by 46 percent or J $205.3 million, to J $237.5 million, having benefited from a oneoff market opportunity in the prior period.

In line with the JMMB’s strategy to provide customised financial solutions, its managed funds and collective investment schemes (CIS) was J$114.75 billion, compared to J$89.53 billion as at the comparative period. This contributed to the 22 percent growth in fees and commission income, when compared to the prior period, totalling J $363.8 million.

Group’s build-out contributed to operational expenses Over the three month period, ending in June, JMMB’s operating expenses amounted to J $3.11 billion, an increase of 21 percent over the corresponding prior period. This increase in operating expenses was driven mainly by the JMMB Group’s commercial banking transition plans in Jamaica, and the cost associated with the enhancement of its integrated Group sales and support framework.

Group CEO, Keith Duncan, explained that as a critical enabler of the JMMB’s integrated financial services model, the entity was focused on executing the final stage of its commercial banking transition in Jamaica; which saw the build-out of a full suite of products and services, implementation of an operational framework for the commercial bank and upgrading of its facilities.

The Group’s total assets totalled J $268.05 billion, up J $16.49 billion, or seven percent, compared to the end of March 2017.

This was mainly on account of higher cash holdings arising from timing difference for deployment into investment securities and loans. This growth in asset base was funded by clients’ deposit and repurchase agreements, which increased by J $1.79 billion and J $169.50 billion, respectively.

Additionally, JMMB said the entities across the group “remain adequately capitalised, exceeding regulatory capital requirements, as evidenced by the Group’s increase in its equity base, thereby ending the period at J $26.80 billion.”

They have been remanded into custody.

According to reports, Wilson, 21, of Gonzales, Port of Spain was pulled from his home in the wee hours of the morning on August 8 and taken to Thomas’ home where he was forced to lure him outside.

Gunmen then shot and killed them both before fleeing the scene.

McClean and the teen were charged by Sgt Roger Reyes of the Homicide Bureau Region 1 on Sunday after advice was received from Director of Public Prosecutions Roger Gaspard.

Vidawatee Ramballacksingh, 49, of Malgretoute Village, Princes Town, appeared with 48-yearold Brent Bruce, of Princes Town, who was charged with maliciously wounding her at Library Corner, San Fernando on Saturday.

Prosecutor PC Cleyon Seedan told Magistrate Alicia Chankar that the incident occurred at about 1 am.

Seedan told Chankar, Ramballacksingh and Bruce were arguing and things got heated. Bruce picked up a beer bottle and struck Ramballacksingh on the head.

Bruce’s attorney, Chantal Paul told the magistrate, however, that Bruce was dancing with another woman at the Las Vegas Recreation Club when Ramballacksingh approached him and began hitting him. “Your worship, my instructions are that everything started there. The argument continued onto the road by La Pique Plaza and the defendant (Bruce) was struck. In those circumstances he picked up a bottle.

Clearly, this relationship going nowhere.” “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned,” quipped Chankar.

Asked what led to the animosity between them, Ramballacksingh told Chankar she had been going through untold pains at the hands of Bruce, though she spent nights with him. “I’m trying very hard for this relationship, but he doing all kinds of things,” Ramballacksingh said.

Chankar ordered Bruce to pay a fine of $2,000 or serve two months in prison with hard labour. He was also ordered to pay Ramballacksingh $500 in compensation or serve six weeks simple imprisonment. Bruce was ordered to pay the fine immediately and he was granted one week to pay the compensation.

Next to appear was Seema Seenath, 28, of Diamond Village, San Fernando and Marcus Ramdhan, 27 who was also charged with malicious wounding. He first pleaded guilty and Seedan told the magistrate how Ramdhan struck the woman just above the right eye.

However, after Ramdhan explained how the incident happened on Sunday, the magistrate recorded a not guilty plea on his behalf.

He was granted bail in the sum of $10,000 and ordered to reappear on September 18.

WPC Praveen Rajkumar laid the charge.