According to police Trina Khan, 36, of Blue Basin Road, Diego Martin, was driving a black Toyota Hilux with her mother Lynette Christine Khan.

Around 6.45 pm, they were proceeding south on the Diego Martin Road near the Water and Sewerage Authority pumping station when her vehicle came into contact with another vehicle, a silver Nissan Almera, driven by Adrian Alexander of Diego Martin.

Both drivers lost control of their vehicles–Alexander’s Almera crashed into guard rails while Khan’s Hilux spun and landed on the hood. Khan and her mother were injured in the incident while Alexander received minor injuries.

Emergency medical services arrived on the scene and rendered assistance to the injured.

Khan and her mother were taken to St James Medical Centre where Khan was pronounced dead. Her mother remained warded at the Port of Spain General Hospital.

Officers visited the scene of the accident and Ag Corporal Henry is continuing enquiries.

The three labour stakeholders have myopic views on what needs to be done because they are all seeking their own interests; employers want profits, trade unions want power and control, and the governments want votes. The stakeholders of the labour justice system are like one army practising to march in a 2017 parade but employers are marking time in1846, the labour movement is marking time in 1937 and the government is marking time in 1950.

In all fairness, the mentalities of all involved must be examined through historical lenses. For employers, their exploitative hubris has trickled down from the Masters and Servants Ordinances, the last of which remained in effect until 2012. The 1938 version of this ordinance retained the provisions of its 1846 predecessor which enacted summary dismissal for misconduct without the requirement for proper procedure, unilateral salary deductions and the abusive practice of hiring almost exclusively on month-tomonth contracts.

Today, these issues comprise the bulk of the Industrial Court’s matters because many employers are still ignorant of the fact that workers enjoy a constitutional right to their employment as property, of which they cannot be deprived unless by due process of the law.

Undeniably, it is the prerogative of employers to manage their businesses and organisations as they see fit but this should not be done at the expense of the well-being of workers. Yes, employers engage in union-busting and, yes, many of them have to be forced to negotiate in good faith with trade unions but the bellicose nature of trade unions makes it difficult for anyone to want to work with them.

Diplomacy goes a long way.

Trade unions are the ultimate bulwark for protecting workers from exploitation and unfair labour practices; thus, collective agreements are almost always more beneficial to workers than what the government can offer through employment legislation treating with individual rights.

At the same time, trade unions in Trinidad and Tobago are stuck in the brash mind-set of Uriah Butler; however, in an objective light, all governments from since colonial times have created this monster. The lack of co-operation from employers, and the disrespect of vote-seeking politicians have left unions with little choice but to pound the pavements for the change they seek for their workers. Had it not been for the first major strike in 1919, the first system to settle disputes through the Industrial Court Ordinance 1920 would not have been enacted.

The reality of the court not being constituted eventually led to more unrest until the deadly Butler Riots in 1937 when the colonial powers were forced to enact the Trade Disputes (Arbitration and Inquiry) Ordinance 1938.

With little success from that ordinance, over 250 strikes in the early 1960s saw Dr Eric Williams force the Industrial Stabilisation Act through Parliament in the midst of a state of emergency in 1965. And finally, industrial unrest instigated by the black power movement from 1968 onwards resulted in the Industrial Relations Act also being rushed through Parliament during a state of emergency in 1972.

What this shows is that without the labour movement, the labour system we have today may not have existed; however, trade unions must also understand that in contemporary Trinbago, shutting down immigration offices, hospitals and public transportation makes them enemies of the people.

While I loathe the lack of diplomacy in the way trade unions handle disputes and government corruption, wastage and disrespect will foster and perpetuate the constant struggle of workers and the animosity of the labour movement. It is not that the Trinidad and Tobago governments cannot do anything; it is that they won’t do anything because as the country’s biggest exploiter of workers, any modernisation of our labour system will affect the corrupt hiring and firing practices that prevail at every level of government.

We need to understand that the IRA was constructed on a shaky unconstitutional foundation and therefore must be repealed and replaced.

Then a system for dealing with non-unionised workers must be established alongside comprehensive rights outside of collective agreements. I have added to the many other past recommendations that have come before and I believe that after consultation, we can agree on the way forward for both collective labour and individual employment.

Until then, it is time to make these labour dinosaurs extinct.

J a – mil l e 8 5 @ msn.com

For first-time band training fitness enthusiasts, I have provided a simple routine with detailed instructions to enable you to begin your journey to a healthier toned you. However, when purchasing your band pay special attention to the resistance of the band.

Resistance bands tend to come in different resistance categories and are often colour coded. It is useful to note that the different colours and strengths of the bands do not correspond to specific weights, unlike dumbbells and other strength training tools.

The yellow bands are classified as light resistance. This means that they are very stretchy, and it takes little effort to pull against them and stretch them out.

Light resistance bands are used for working areas such as the shoulders and shins, where you don’t need much resistance to feel the muscle working.

Green resistance bands are medium resistance. These bands are less stretchy and have more tension than yellow bands. Green bands are used for muscle groups that need slightly more tension such as the biceps or triceps.

Red resistance bands are medium to heavy resistance. They have a higher level of tension than green or yellow bands and are harder to stretch. Red bands are suitable for muscle groups that are larger such as the legs, chest and back, or for individuals who have been building muscle strength.

Blue resistance bands are heavy resistance. These are stiffer than red, green or yellow and do not provide as much stretch. Blue bands are for those who are very strong, or for those larger muscle groups such as the legs, chest and back.

Black resistance bands have the most resistance. These are the hardest bands to stretch and pull. Like blue bands, black bands are used for the large muscle groups such as the legs, or when working with others.

Some sets of bands come in all black and the level of resistance is not based on colour in these sets. Ensure that you read the label on the package or consult with a knowledgeable sales person to buy the correct resistance.

The following are a few simple exercises for beginners.

Tricep extensions This exercise is done like the tricep pushdown at the gym, except you will be using your resistance bands. You need to anchor the elastic on top of the door and step away to make tension in the band.

Body Positioning: You can sit on an exercise ball or a bench.

Hold both handles with your palms facing down: this is the start position. For the execution, keep your elbows locked on your sides and extend your arms pushing down, then slowly return to the initial position. You must ensure to keep your upper arms still to avoid the temptation to move your elbows forward.

Complete three sets of ten to 12 reps.

Alternating seated row Bands: Anchor the resistance band around any secure object.

From a seated position, grasp the band handles and fully extend your arms.

Pull the band in your left hand into your abdomen then exhale.

Slowly return to the starting position and repeat the movement using the right hand. It is important to keep your upper back straight and your chest up high at all times. This will ensure that the spine is in the proper position. As you pull the resistance band, try to keep your elbows in close to your body. Complete three sets of ten to 12 reps on each side.

Lying hamstring curl Bands: Loop band around the bottom of a pole or hook it at the bottom of a door. Using an ankle attachment, attach the band to one of your legs.

Body Positioning: Lie face down, brace your core, stabilise your body and powerfully contract your hamstrings.

Your foot should come up and towards your butt.

Complete a full set then repeat on the opposite leg. Complete three sets of ten to 12 reps on each leg.

Seated leg extension Bands: Loop band around the bottom of a pole or hook it at the bottom of a door.

Using an ankle attachment, attach the band to one of your legs. Sit on the floor and lean backwards. Place your arms at the side of your hips to provide support and balance.

Extend your right leg out and flex your foot so that just the right heel is on the floor. Lift your leg up as high as you can without rounding your back. Keeping your foot flexed engages the muscles in the shins and ankle. Hold for three counts and then lower. Complete three sets of ten to 12 reps on each leg.

Seated ab twist Bands: Mount your resistance band using the door anchor at the side of the door frame around waist height. Attach both ends of the resistance band onto one handle.

Sitting on a bench or ball with your side to the door, grab the handle with both hands and hold it about two inches at front of the center chest. Make sure that the band is straightened out, rotate slightly to the side closest to the door, then pull the band to your opposite side, so your hips are twisting from one side to the other. Bring the band back into position then repeat, and switch sides. Complete three sets of ten to 12 reps.

It is clear that the government does not have an economic plan to kick start the economy and is relying on the traditional oil and gas to take us out of the recession.

Unfortunately these wasting assets will soon be exhausted and, with the global economy becoming less dependent on oil and with the US becoming a significant player in the gas market, our ability to become a sustainable diversified economy is receding due to PNM inaction.

In the midst of this latest report by the IMF, and in the context of its “observer status”, the unemployment rate continues to rise, poverty is growing, crime continues to reach unacceptable levels despite the claims by the police that serious crimes are down and growth in GDP is not hopeful.

The country has descended into a state of hopelessness fuelled by a PNM leadership that is not inspiring the nation nor providing hope for the future.

The government can no longer be an observer to the plight of the people. They must present an economic recovery and reconstruction plan as well as deal decisively with the rampant bold-faced criminal elements who are terrorising our citizens.

We did not need to have the IMF to tell us what is wrong and what has to be done. We need a government that has the intelligence, the ability and the will to design and implement the relevant programmes. Unless this is done jobs will continue to be lost and businesses will continue to flounder. The social problems will also increase.

At this time, the PNM has been found to be woefully wanting. Rocking chair governance which now characterises the PNM approach to the management of the nation’s affairs must be rejected by “we the people.”

SURUJRATTAN RAMBACHAN MP Tabaquite

I await a tribute calypso to these heroes, past and present.

First, I will start with Anthony “Mauby” Weekes, Roy “Jibum” Gamble and Trevor “Dobar” Cooper of the Casablanca. These retired pannists were brilliant but did not push on to become soloists, likewise Pan Trinbago president, Keith “Bald Head” Diaz.

I am sure they would have enriched the pan landscape as did pan supremo Emanuel “Cobo Jack” Riley; another supremo, Earl “Barney” Rodney; Len “Boogsie” Sharpe; Ray “Sugar Ray” Holman; Robert “Sugar Hand” Greenidge; Clive “Telly” Telemaque; Jason “Peanuts” Isaac; Dennis “Smithy” Smith; Andy Narell; Jason Baptiste and, the female heavyweight champion of the double seconds, the lovely Natasha “Tasha” Joseph.

Congratulations to other players of the second pans who are yet to achieve greatness. Keep on!

KEITH ANDERSON via email

Our diaspora has been ignored for too long.

This is not to say that we are not aware of outstanding persons in the TT diaspora. For some time now, CNMG’s CTV has highlighted “successful international Trinis,” in the arts such as Billy Ocean, Geoffrey Holder, Leonara Critchlow, Teresa Laurenco and Heather Headley.

There is also Dr Anil Kokaram, senior lecturer in the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering at Trinity College, Ireland. He is the first and only citizen of Trinidad and Tobago to win an Oscar Award.

Just recently he was the speaker at the Central Bank’s fourth Dr Rudranath Capildeo lecture at the Central Bank Auditorium, Port of Spain. The theme of his lecture was “Understanding the technology of digital video and its impact on everyday life.” The list of other talented persons in the TT diaspora is endless.

But TT has no diaspora policy. I know that this is not the first time that this matter has been raised. I certainly proposed that such a policy be addressed when I was a director on the Economic Development Board between 2011 and 2013.

Dr Michelle Reis, one time lecturer at UWI’s Institute of International Relations and author of The Who’s Who in the Trinidad and Tobago Diaspora, also advocated a diaspora policy for TT.

In a 2011 newspaper article she stated: “Trinidad and Tobago has a sizeable diaspora in the US, Canada and the UK, traditional destination countries for most of the English-speaking Caribbean. However, TT’s expatriate community is dispersed further afield than the majority of our Caribbean neighbours, largely because of the existence of oil and gas, which has resulted in our nationals’ presence in the Middle East, Australia and Africa.

“Furthermore, the spread of the steelpan movement and the commodification of the TT Carnival have spawned a global steelpan diaspora in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and North America, as virtually every corner of the globe from Israel to Mexico to South Africa now has a steelband. Pan tuners, fabricators, tutors, arrangers and Carnival artists are scattered around the world far from their country of origin, Trinidad and Tobago.” She added, “One avenue in alleviating developmental problems lies in harnessing the skills of the diaspora.

In the past, this has not been achieved in Trinidad and Tobago because successive governments and the constituent community in the homeland have failed to recognise our overseas population as an integral part of the nation.” If we have any doubts about the possibility of a TT diaspora policy we need look no further than Jamaica.

Our Caricom partner held its Seventh Biennial Diaspora Conference from July 23 to 26.

It was organised by the Jamaican Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade with the theme Partnering for Growth.

Among the benefits emerging from the recent Jamaica conference are the findings of the Caribbean Policy Research Institute (CaPRI), a UWI, Mona based think tank, which made a presentation during the diaspora growth forum.

CaPRI noted that Jamaica’s diaspora contributes a minimum of 23 per cent to gross domestic product (GDP) through several sectors, including investments and tourism, but has the potential to contribute at least 35 per cent.

Jamaica’s diaspora sends back remittances to individuals but they are also invested in economic institutions and instruments. With regard to the investments held in banks, bonds and the stock market, CaPRI estimated that Jamaicans overseas have about US$400 million invested in the country. CaPRI also found that Jamaicans overseas also play a significant role in exports as purchasers of Jamaican goods and services.

As we look at Jamaica’s experience with its diaspora we should pay attention to what Dr Reis wrote about crafting a TT diaspora policy. She said Government should play a role in four areas.

She wrote that Government should create the right environment to cater to the needs of the diaspora.

It should see that members of the diaspora are viewed as full Trinidad and Tobago citizens, though they may reside outside of the country.

Furthermore, she said Government should facilitate joint action between the home country and the diaspora in the host country and should play a major role in advocacy so that the diaspora’s potential contributions are recognised.

With the ongoing preparation of the budget for fiscal year 2018-2019, I think that both the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs should consider how a diaspora policy for Trinidad and Tobago may be forged and, subsequently, presented to the nation.

Speaking in the wake of Friday’s Joint Trade Union Movement (JTUM) mass rally in Port-of-Spain, Rowley gave no response to the labour leaders’ call for an audience with him within the next two weeks but appealed for their re-commitment to the council.

“The Government, with a wider responsibility for the entire population, would hope that the workers representatives would acknowledge the reality and outcomes of our strained circumstances and return to the tripartite approach enabled by the Government, rather than rely on threats, bombast, finger pointing and insults, since these invectives would do little to assist us in treating with the harsh realities of our current circumstances as a nation in the midst of an economic downturn which is driven largely by our location in external markets beyond our control,” he said in a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister. “The Government is confident that if we air and address the difficulties together so that the burden is equitably shared by all, we would give ourselves the best chance to overcome the pressures and build the bright future that we all want for ourselves and as well as all others in the nation of Trinidad and Tobago which we so love, in good times and in periods of hardship. “ The trade union movement suspended its involvement from the tripartite council over the Government’s decision to dismantle the Tourism Development Company and create a regulatory body.

The council, comprising representatives from the Government and private sector, was established in March 2016, to devise solutions to the economic challenges plaguing the country.

Contrary to the views of the trade union leaders, Rowley said Government respected the labour movement as it seeks to highlight the plight of workers and the unemployed under the current difficult circumstances.

He added: “It is against this background and with this commitment to all workers and the wider national community that very early in the life of this administration, the Government took immediate steps to open the door to a collaborative platform of discussion and dialogue between Government, labour and the business sector.” Rowley said the tripartite, civil approach, through the genuine efforts of the council, “should provide the most meaningful forum to address the myriad challenges which all parties must face as we seek to overcome and survive the current economic crisis to which we have been exposed since 2015 and which is very likely to remain a factor in our circumstances well into the medium term.” The Prime Minister said Government was not unmindful of the stresses and strains exerted on the national population, especially those who face inadequate income earnings or who encounter the prospect of reduction in employment opportunities.

“It is, by now, common knowledge that these unfortunate circumstances are largely the effects and results of our country’s loss of very significant oil and gas revenues which the market no longer afford us at this time and until such time as we can make alternative arrangements for increased revenue growth or the market situation is reversed we will be required to act responsibly and try to do more with less than we have been accustomed to.”

Harriott was one of several people Sunday Newsday spoke to find out how stressed the public is, their coping mechanism and level of awareness on the topic of mental illness after yesterday’s lead story about 11,000 cases of mental illness as reported by the South West Regional Health Authority.

Harriott has had to overcome many stressful moments, much greater than worry about the cost of school books. Her father committed suicide 13 years ago. Although he was a very active person he went into a deep state of depression which led to him ingesting poison.

“I remember asking my father why he drank the poison but he could not give me a logical answer, he had dementia.

I am aware of how serious mental illness is and on occasions I feel depressed due to financial constraints but I hold myself together for my children. I don’t want them to suffer. I also know about Barataria’s Mental Health and Wellness Centre as being a good facility to help persons as well,” Harriott told Sunday Newsday.

A teenager also spoke about losing someone to suicide.

“I had a friend who committed suicide. She was quite reserved and never socialised much but we never suspected things were so bad until she died,” said 17-yearold Nickell Lewis. He also deals with anger issues and finds prayer to be a great outlet to calm himself. While his friend, Joseph Rogers, also 17, said he believes mental illness has a lot to do with a person’s mentality, as such he tries his best to remain calm or walk away from hostile situations.

Mahaylia Richardson, who also spoke frankly, tries to not get stressed out by the state of the economy and crime.

“It is frightening when I look at the crime situation in our country and the fact that I recently graduated, so getting a decent job is also something I think about, I don’t let it get to me, as life goes on.” Norine Bazie, another interviewee, said she is aware of the many forms of mental illness—anxiety, depression, insomnia and dementia but manages her stress by being active and involved in different activities.

While the stresses of daily life can take many forms, the way people cope with it affects the quality of their lives.

“Mental health issues remain a worldwide phenomenon and the challenges of dealing with mental health is growing,” South West Regional Health Authority acting chief executive officer Gail Miller Meade had said during Friday’s launch of the TT Association for the Improvement of Mental Health in San Fernando.

Kailah, a national volunteer coordinator, was speaking at the event that was attended by Member of Parliament for Arima Anthony Garcia and Arima Mayor Lisa Morris-Julian.

Starting with a multi-faith prayer, yesterday’s event, dubbed as a “Day of Care,” was held at the Arima Borough Corporation Carpark on Hollis Avenue, Arima, and saw the distribution of clothing items as well as lunches to the lesser fortunate burgesses of the borough.

In addition to the acts of goodwill, patrons were treated to free medical checks, haircuts, pedicures and manicures.

Reflecting on the volunteer initiative, Mayor Morris-Julian urged people to view the “Day of Care” and volunteerism as a daily necessity as opposed to a one-off event.

Noting that the borough’s festivities are heavily known for parties, Morris-Julian decided that it was time for a give-back initiative to hopefully inspire burgesses to look out for one another, especially the vulnerable. The event, which was a collaborative effort between Morris-Julian’s office, the Arima Borough Council and Garcia, featured a wide range of NGOs and non-profit organisations which Morris-Julian said had committed to serving Arima’s burgesses through long-term volunteerism.

To ensure longevity, the Arima Volunteer Network will undertake various training programmes, one of which will be a disaster management training and homework programme for students who may not have the opportunity to attend lessons. While addressing members of his constituency, MP Garcia expressed his desire to see Arimians acting in a manner that would make life easier for those experiencing hardships. Garcia also took the opportunity to remind those present that the Government could not do it all alone and encouraged people to come on board in helping, through outlets such as volunteerism.

Councilor Brennan Patterson, a key member of the event’s planning committee, said the “Day of Care” would become a continuous fixture in Arima’s annual Borough Day Celebrations and be extended outside the period.

Echoing similar sentiments, Morris-Julien said she was willing to give any support moving forward to ensure that the Borough’s volunteer projects continued to be supported through private and public support.

Hailing from “deep south”, as she fondly calls it, Vanessa was drawn to the arts from a young age – helped along by the encouragement and support of her family, who made sure she was allowed to pursue every opportunity she was given in the field.

She first dipped in the acting waters while studying Theatre Arts at Vessigny Secondary School, and it was her teacher Joshua Logan who encouraged the young Vanessa to audition for the film adaptation of Michael Anthony’s 1967 novel. “It was a totally new experience for me,” she gushes, “and working with [director] Michael Mooleedhar and everyone else onset on such a classic story, I believe it was a great way to enter into the world of film.” Playing the character of Joan, another young lady who holds main protagonist’s Shell’s interest in the book’s story, Vanessa began reading the novel as production began. She says this helped her get in touch with her character on a deeper level, much like new friends learning and understanding the intricacies of each other.

“I was able to get more background and insight on her personality through the pages, which I believe improved my performance,” she says of not only being a newcomer to the screen, but a newcomer to the beloved novel’s imagery and characterisation of inter-generational friendships and loves.

By her estimation, the character of Joan shares many similar aspects with her. Vanessa elaborates, “She was a very headstrong person, and was also charismatic. Therefore, while she loved Shell and wanted a future with him, she also wanted to achieve her own personal goals career-wise … and she was not willing to compromise on that for anything.” She draws similarities between herself and Joan, which are made evident in her own bravery onset and her tenacity at pushing her acting abilities as a first-time screen performer amongst other seasoned professionals.

Vanessa hopes the movie adaptation will open up these stories and characters to a wider audience – some who, like her, may not have read the novel in their childhoods, but may still be pulled into the magic that is film. “It’s a story that deserves to be seen by everyone. It captures the true essence of the book.” She, like many others, describes the story of “Green Days” as a coming of age tale, one where the audience is taken on the journey of Shell’s ascendance from teenage trappings to manhood.

“The theme of love is what stood out most to me,” says Vanessa of her dual roles as actress and book reader. “Love defined the type of person Shell was and the connections he experienced; the love Shell shared with his father, the different ways in which he loved Joan and Rosalie, even his love for ‘working the land’,” she says of the different manifestations of love the novel paints for a young man navigating personal growth, friendships, and familial obligation and service.

As for her time on set as novice, she describes her experience as exciting and knowledgeable, with each far-removed filming location bringing a new adventure. “ And knowing I was a part of an iconic cultural piece is very humbling,” she adds.

As a newcomer, she was sure to ask a lot of questions, especially taking on advice and teachings from veterans in the local industry.

“My number one secret weapon as an actress is to completely embody my character while filming,” she says, adding that cast and crew members on set would refer to her by her character’s name, Joan, even when not filming; an act that she says helped her hone her characterisation even further and feel confident in her abilities before the camera.

Another unforgettable lesson, she shares, is the importance of subtlety in filmmaking. Coming from a theatre background, Vanessa admits that it was a challenge to subdue her actions and expressions for the camera: “You have to be completely self-aware when filming, the camera sees it all. I had to learn the art of being subtle in my movements, which was something new to me as theatre arts requires more bold and dramatic performances.” However, such challenges were met with bravada and taken in stride, along with the support and friendship of many of her colleagues on set who made her feel comfortable, welcome, and part of the film’s family.

“Being able to form bonds with the remarkable persons I got to work with all while being a part of this amazing film is something I will cherish forever,” she says of the shining experience of production.

Ahead of the film’s premiere, she is looking forward to the promotional aspects of the film and “seeing it all unfold right in front my eyes and feeling the excitement of the film’s release along with the audience.” She hasn’t seen the finished product yet and so will be just as captivated and surprised as audience members at the film’s premiere – an excitement that is hard to contain.

But this is only just the beginning for Vanessa, who has her sights set on becoming a recognised local actress, while coming into a greater understanding of her own strengths and weaknesses as a performer, an introspective journey she has already begun since being cast in “Green Days”.