THE inquest into the death of schoolboy Akiel Chambers will start on September 22 as the witnesses have finally been summoned. Newsday was informed on Friday that the witnesses were served two weeks ago to attend court — the first time they were summoned since the inquest was ordered more than three years ago. The last time the inquest was called was before Magistrate Marcia Thompson-Murray, sitting as Coroner at NIPDEC House. However, Chief Magistrate Sherman Mc Nicholls will take over the proceedings when the case is called on the next occasion, Newsday was reliably informed.

When the inquest was called on August 11, just two witnesses were present — Valerie Pascall, aunt of the dead boy, and PC Clive Alvarez, the investigating officer. The court will inquire into the circumstances surrounding the death of Chambers, whose body was found in the swimming pool of businessman Charles James at Haleland Park, Maraval, on May 24, 1998. Akiel Chambers had gone to the Maraval residence to attend a birthday party for James’ daughter Carrie, when he disappeared. Akiel was discovered missing from the birthday party, and according to one witness, he was last seen leaving the premises. A search was mounted for the 11-year-old boy, but he was not found. Even the swimming pool was searched.

Shortly before midnight, Akiel’s body was found in a crouched position in the swimming pool. An autopsy performed by forensic pathologist Dr Hughvon Des Vignes revealed that Akiel died from drowning. But the pathologist found spermatozoa in the rectum of the boy, leading investigating to believe that he was sexually molested prior to his death. On April 19, 2000, Coroner Jai Narine ruled that Akiel’s death was as a result of an accidental drowning. No inquest was held and the Coroner’s decision came after reviewing the file. The following month, the then Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Mark Mohammed ordered a second inquest. Chief Justice Sat Sharma expressed concern recently that the inquest hearing is taking so long to get off the ground.

THE Post of Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime) has been abolished and split into two positions because of the enormity of crime in the country, reliable sources told Newsday yesterday. Sources said the ACP (Crime) portfolio was much too large for one person to handle, and therefore Acting Commissioner of Police Everald Snaggs decided to split the ACP (Crime) post into two positions to be held by ACP Oswyn Allard and acting ACP James Philbert. Snaggs confirmed yesterday that Philbert will be responsible for Criminal Intelligence and Investigations, while Allard is responsible for Anti- Crime Operations.

Both Philbert, former head of the Homicide department, and Allard are at the same level and it does not mean that anyone has been demoted, sources said. Both men were served with letters indicating their new positions. Philbert’s job entails intricate investigations, matters involving State witnesses and also matters that will be taken before the courts, while Allard will be responsible for roadblocks and searches. Also in the reorganisation of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, sources said the positions of the two Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCP) have been changed to focus on criminal interdiction.

In previous years, the country’s two DCPs held positions of Operations and Administration.  Now, sources said, the DCPs positions are called Strategic Planning and Development, and Crime and Operations. They are to be held by Trevor Paul and Glen Roach respectively. There have been additional changes with ACP (Mobile) Deochan Gosine moving to ACP (Tobago/Northern/Eastern), while long time ACP (East) Nazamul Hosein will taken over Gosine’s position when he returns from vacation. Acting ACP Curtis Lloyd has been holding down the ACP (Mobile) position in Hosein’s absence.  ACP (North) Celestine Richards and acting ACP (South) Dennis Graham remain in their respective positions.

CALYPSO ROSE (Mc Cartha Lewis) emerged as the performer who created the biggest impact with patrons attending “Our Icons In Concert” at the Jean Pierre Complex in Woodbrook, last Saturday night. Introduced by Calypso Queen of the World from 1988 to 1991 Denyse Plummer as “the acknowledged Calypso Queen of the World,” Rose, who became the first Calypso “Monarch” in 1978 and won back-to-back Road March titles in 1977 and 1978, gave an exhilarating performance of her four-song repertoire comprising the selections “I Thank Thee,” “Tempo,” “Her Majesty,” and “Fire Fire.”

Seemingly buoyed by the audience’s positive response to her efforts, the extremely fit 63-year old entertainer asked for and received patrons’ permission to overstay her allotted time on stage to offer her particular interpretation of “Green, Green Grass of Home.” A presentation of Randy Glasgow Promotions, the event attracted a disappointing turnout of less than 3,000 persons. Advertised as “an Independence gift to the nation,” the weighty playbill, in many instances, did not live up to what was expected. One would have thought the featured artistes would have seized the opportunity to proudly showcase their “morally uplifting” works on the occasion, it being in celebration of the 41st anniversary of the nation’s Independence.

What we experienced, instead, was some ill-chosen selections by the calypsonians (apart from Rose) and a totally insensitive dramatic presentation by comedian Learie Joseph and his colleague that tested one’s patience, not only for having to endure its length, but the questionable language in its content as well. Four-time Calypso Monarch Duke’s beautiful opening “Freedom” song in which he sings about “the day of all days to remember, when we marched in the rain with our Premier,” lost its significance when his following choices included “No Bra Look,”  “Answer The Question” and “Freaking Streaking.” The Mighty Sparrow’s appearance on the stroke of midnight was greeted with fireworks signaling the dawn of Independence Day 2003. His uplifting, highly appropriate opening with the Independence classic “A Model Nation” was soon forgotten when he swung into his fast-paced 40-minute stock repertoire of bawdy songs consisting of “Margarita,” “Marajin,” “Doh Back Back,” “Drunk and Disorderly,” “Miss Mary,” “Royal Jail,” “Bentwood Dick,” “Sa Sa Yea” and “Jean and Dinah,” to name a few.

The slotting of PCS Starlift Steel Orchestra to open after the interval was an error in judgment. With the audience not fully settled in their seats, the band’s performance suffered as a result. As well, no one saw it fit to announce the titles of the chosen selections. On the plus side, though, was the exposure to the public of 12-year old Dariem Charles singing the National Anthem while accompanying himself on the steelpan. The Form Two student of El Dorado Secondary Comprehensive School and resident of Sangre Grande is one of very few individuals who can undertake both tasks simultaneously. Then there was the soothing style of renowned sitarist Mungal Patasar and his group Pantar, performing “Dreadlocks” and “Nirvana,” the title track from their CD of the same name. The combined musical wizardry of arranger Leston Paul on keyboards/synthesizer and pannist Len “Boogsie” Sharpe on double second pans was another outstanding highlight of the evening. Together they created pure magic with “Just The Two Of Us” and “Pan Night And Day,”

Brother Resistance opened the playbill, offering “Tonight Is The Night” and “Ring De Bell.” In the energetic stage performance he lost his headgear,  exposing publicly, perhaps for the first time, his well-managed ankle-length dreadlocks. SuperBlue,  selected as the closing act, offered an almost full version of “Soca Baptist” and a small portion of “Ethel” before showcasing his Road March winners “Bacchanal Time,” and  “Jab Jab,” along with “Signal To Lara.” Also appearing were the Carol La Chapelle Dance Company, Shiv Shakti Dancers and Dennis “Sprangalang” Hall. Musical accompaniment was supplied by Roy Cape Kaiso All Stars, with chorus work performed by Judy David and Marilyn Williams.

THE Mighty Sparrow (Slinger Francisco), The Calypso King of the World, added another dimension to THE Mighty Sparrow (Slinger Francisco), The Calypso King of the World, added another dimension to his illustrious career with the launch of his long awaited CD, Gospelypso Redemption, before an audience of specially invited guests at the Humming Bird Room of the Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre last Thursday evening. Rev Cyril Paul of the Presbyterian faith, in addressing the gathering, noted that Sparrow was admired for being able to shift his career focus, and referred to the album as timely and “needed now more than ever.” The selection of songs includes comment on a range of biblical events, songs of praise and political struggle, and personal testimonials.

They are all skillfully crafted with meaningful lyrics that will touch the listener on several levels, regardless of one’s spiritual or religious inclination. Whether speaking of “The Miracles of Christ” (Track 6), or asking “Do You Believe” (Track 7), or reminding us of the value of “His Wisdom and Teachings” (Track 12), each song is exhilarating and beautifully performed by the artiste. Apart from the beauty of the lyrics, however, the musical arrangement on each track is a contributing factor to the quality of the album. As one listens to “Rejoice In His Name” (Track 4), “A Traitor Among Us” (Track 5), and “Nebuchenezar” (Track 8) being retold in true calypso and soca style one cannot help but be impressed with the cleverness and skill of the producer.

PARAMEDICS were kept busy yesterday morning, as at least seven young members of the protective services participating in the 41st Independence Parade at the Queen’s Park Savannah, had to be escorted off the parade ground. One of them, a female soldier, dropped to the hot pitch before she could be escorted off. She was taken away by stretcher. The faintings comes a week after a similar situation at the anniversary celebrations of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) at Teteron Barracks, where four soldiers fainted. The humid conditions are believed to be the reason for the faintings. However other persons question  the frequency with which it is occurring.  One concerned person told Newsday that soldiers are supposed to be fit and be able to stand up to all types of conditions and insisted there had to be another reason for the faintings which should be investigated.

However, Public Affairs Officer of the TTDF, Capt Cheryl Richardson, told Newsday, “it wasn’t a case of the soldiers being unfit but “ it appears as though they want to do everything correct by standing straight and stiff and they probably need to learn relaxation techniques.” The faintings which caused murmurs among the large number of spectators at the Grand Stand, prompted one woman to blame “the kind of food they feeding them.” However, besides the faintings, the parade as usual showed off the discipline and pride of the various detachments whose members shone in their ceremonial uniforms. This year’s parade was the first for President George Maxwell Richards who was warmly applauded on his arrival at the Savannah at 8 am.

He was preceeded by his wife Dr Jean Richards and daughter Maxine; Prime Minister Patrick Manning and wife Hazel; Chief Justice Sat Sharma who received the nation’s highest award the Trinity Cross last evening and his wife and Minister of National Security Howard Chin Lee. No members of the Opposition UNC attended. Commander Garnet Best of the Coast Guard was in charge of this year’s parade, usually a job held by  Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Ancil Antoine. Brigadier Antoine instead escorted the President with another Defence Force member on horseback. The President arrived on an open tray army jeep, to which a tent was attached. He was first invited to inspect the parade by Commander Best before taking the salute as each detachment of the various units marched past. Spectators in their hundreds, demonstrated their patriotism as they dressed in mostly red, white and black. While they showed their appreciation for all the units, the applause was notably louder for the Canine section of the Police Service, the fly-by of the aircraft and helicopters and the members of the Fire Services. A 21-gun salute was given prior to the 9 am departure of His Excellency. The marching bands playing calypsos led the parade off the Parade Ground down Frederick Street, through Park Street and then Tragarete Road to the St James Barracks where it was dismissed.

CHIEF Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), Orville London has called for the further strengthening of the already strong bonds that exist between Tobago and Trinidad. London issued the call in his Independence Day Message delivered on the occasion of the twin-island state’s 41st anniversary of Independence celebrated yesterday. He noted that both islands had “walked the independence road”together over the period, but “have not always walked side by side, much less hand in hand.” The THA Chief Secretary acknowledged: “There has been bickering and friction along the journey but the bonds have remained strong and must be strengthened. But as in any partnership, any family relationship, the quality of the bonding is linked to the depth of the understanding, the recognition of the needs and the aspirations of each partner and the determination that it is in the interest of both partners and the partnership to work assiduously towards the fulfillment of each other’s needs”, he stressed.

London said he was of the view that after 41 years of independence and more than 100 years of the union between both islands, the stage was well set for addressing the “major concerns. The vitriol, the meaningless rhetoric, the shouting across the waters, have decreased in recent times,” he asserted. “But the commitment to an autonomous Tobago in a dignified and equal relationship with Trinidad in a united Trinidad and Tobago, remains strong and unaltered,” the THA Chief Secretary emphasised. He declared: “Now is the time for constructive dialogue between mature people! And not only has the dialogue started, but action is being taken,” he disclosed. London noted that Tobago’s role in the energy sector was currently being defined, while the diversification of the island’s tourism sector was being accompanied by “a thrust towards diversification away from the almost total dependence on the tourism dollar.” He said in this regard one of the THA’s priorities was to develop Cove Estate while encouraging “homegrown” entrepreneurs to utilise local resources in manufacturing and other enterprises.

He said the long-standing problem of the disparity in the cost of living between Tobago and Trinidad was also being addressed. “The THA has commissioned a study of all the implications (in this area) and would soon be presenting its proposals to the central Government,” London revealed. “The concept that Tobago must be facilitated in its efforts to “catch up” if “Vision 2020” is to become a reality for both islands, has been accepted by the decision-makers on both sides of the pond and we expect to see tangible results sooner rather than later,” he added. The THA’s Chief Secretary further disclosed that during the rest of its term in office the current Assembly would also be “engaged, not only in reviewing and initiating relevant action on the THA Act (1996) and other laws and regulations that impact on Tobago, but would continue to focus on creating the conventions that would ensure that, regardless of the political permutations, there would always be a corridor of co-operation where Tobago’s interests, Tobago’s dignity and Tobago’s autonomy would be sacrosant.” He stressed that as we celebrate and reflect on the country’s 41 years of independence, he was of the view that the future can be faced with some degree of confidence.

ONE lucky Lotto Plus player won Saturday night’s Jackpot of $1,456, 731.88 after choosing the winning numbers of 12, 14, 18, 31, 32 and powerball number 4. The winning ticket was purchased at Fong’s Supermarket, Penal Junction Penal. This means that Lotto Plus starts afresh this week, with a minimum guaranteed Jackpot of $1 million to be drawn on Wednesday. No one matched five numbers without the powerball. Therefore the five out of 36 jackpot without the powerball has rolled over and is now estimated at $65,000 for Wednesday’s draw. There were many more lucky Lotto players. Five persons matched four numbers and the powerball number to win $1,858.12. Eighty-one players matched four numbers to win $222.22, 278 players matched three numbers and the powerball to win $20.88 and 2521 players won two free Quick Picks for matching three numbers.

CHIEF Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), Orville London said yesterday that Tobago was not in denial over the alarming HIV/AIDS situation in the island. He emphasised that everyone must get involved if there is to be any success in the battle to stem the rapid spread of the killer disease. London made the point when he addressed an official reception at the Scarborough Port Terminal Building, which followed the military parade in commemoration of this country’s 41st anniversary of independence. “The awareness of all the people and the involvement of all the people remain critical as we attempt to prevent HIV/AIDS from decimating our population and threatening our very existence,” he stressed. The THA Chief Secretary told his audience: “Tobago is not burying its head in the sand and we are now poised to implement a comprehensive programme of education, sensitisation, treatment and counselling that would impact on every resident on the island. We need your co-operation; those who are afflicted or affected need your understanding,” he appealed. “And all of us need to understand that our lifestyle could determine the length of our lives,” London warned.

He noted that the HIV/AIDS problem was really no different to the crime situation. In this regard, he said it was recognised that in Tobago the most potent weapon in the battle against crime was “the support of the people who must co-operate with the law enforcement agencies in nurturing an environment in which it would be the criminal, not the law-abiding citizen, who feels alienated.” London said the THA was in support of the move to increase the strength of the police service, and expected that “Tobago would receive its fair share of the new intake. But,” he emphasised, “an increase in the number of law enforcement officers must be accompanied by an enhanced public awareness of the importance of the role of the people in the tackling of a problem that concerns the people.”

THE South-based tassa group, St John’s United of St John’s Village, Avocat, are the new tassa champions in TT. The group captured the first prize of $5,000 at the Tassa Association of Trinidad and Tobago’s (TATT) third annual competition which took place at Saith Park, Chaguanas, last Saturday evening. The tassa drummers led by Vishnu Ramnarine looked smashing in their long Kurtas (East Indian traditional wear). Their appearance earned them the prize for the Best Dressed group as well. St John’s United scored 254 points, while members of the Tristar Tassa Drummers of Felicity, Chaguanas, scored a total of 249 points to take second place. The Princes Town-based group Caribel Fun Lovers led by Devanand Mandeo took the prize for third place, while there was a tie between the Azam Ali Sylvan Bharat Tassa Group and Country Boys Tassa Group for fourth place. These two groups scored 234 points each. The Chaguanas-based group, Naipaul Extra Foods Power Star Tassa Drummers, took the fifth prize with 228 points.

The 2002 champ, the Rising Tide Tassa Drummers, captured the National Flour Mills prize for People’s Choice. They place sixth in the competition. Twenty-four groups from all over TT entered this competition which was sponsored by Newsday, NLCB, bpTT, Angostura, CCN TV6, Stag, Sangeet 106 FM, National Flour Mills, National Petroleum, Tidco, Vicky’s Electronics, and Tracmac Engineering. Approximately 5,000 patrons enjoyed the performances of the reigning Chutney Monarch, Heeralal Rampartap, and members of the Manoranjan Orchestra at Saith Park. Chairman of TATT, Dr Vijay Ramlal, told the gathering that tassa drumming was indigenous to TT and that it should be considered the second national instrument to the steelpan. “As we celebrate the 41st anniversary of Independence, we must acknowledge the cultural art forms that have helped to shape the cultural landscape to this country,” he said.

He noted that TATT has already made a proposal to Prime Minister Patrick Manning and was told that the government will appoint a special committee to look into this matter. His Worship the Mayor of Chaguanas, Dr Surujrattan Ram-bachan, declared the competition open saying that tassa drumming has its own characteristics which have served to lift the dignity of the culture in TT. He noted that tassa drumming in India was not as powerful as the drumming of Trinidad and Tobago. The TATT’s prize giving ceremony will be announced at a later date.

TWO Venezuelan nationals, found to be staying in this country illegally, were among a group of four persons arrested in early morning raids on Friday by Southern Division police. During the raids, two other persons were arrested after a search of their house led to the discovery of a loaded revolver. According to police reports around 6 am, a team of officers, coordinated by Southern Division head Snr Supt Desmond Lambert, executed a search warrant on the occupants of a house at Lawrence Street, San Fernando.

During a search, the officers reportedly found and seized a Jaguar .38 revolver with four live rounds of ammunition. The unemployed persons, aged 17 and 22, were arrested and taken to San Fernando CID. Investigators said the suspects would be placed on several identification parades before they are charged with possession of arms and ammunition. Minutes later, the same party of officers, supervised by Supt Dyo Mohammed and including Cpl Anthony Charles, PCs Hinds, Bynoe and Bruce, executed a search warrant at a house on Drayton Street, San Fernando, where they found two Venezuelans, who were unable to produce any official documents showing that they were staying in this country legally. Police sources said they received information that the illegal immigrants, who could not speak English, were in the country for the past week. The men, aged 22 and 34, were taken to San Fernando police station and officials of the Immigration Department were contacted.