ALTHOUGH Attorney General Glenda Morean-Phillip admitted there was a better relationship between the executive and the judiciary, acting Chief Justice Lionel Jones blasted those in authority for failing to consult with the judiciary when it comes to the design of courthouses. Justice Jones said, “the judiciary hopes and trusts that never again will a courthouse be designed without the judiciary’s involvement and that of the appropriate police unit. In fact, we hope that from here on, the judiciary will be recognised as the client when court buildings are to be designed and built. Justice Jones was speaking at the handing over ceremony of the new wing of the Port-of-Spain Magistrates’ Court on St Vincent Street yesterday. The acting CJ regretted the absence of CJ Sat Sharma who is in Canada. He said Sharma had directed a lot of energy in attempting to satisfy the dire needs of the magistracy. “He has openly and repeatedly expressed his concern for the state of court buildings, the staffing of the courts and the factors which hamper the judiciary from giving to the citizens of the country the level of service we are continually bound to provide.”

Justice Jones said the failure by the authorities to consult the judiciary on the design of the new wing caused several hiccups. He pointed out that the judiciary was unable to accept the keys to the building on December 8, 2000. (The last Chief Justice Michael de la Bastide refused the accept the keys to the building because of the construction). He said the way the building was originally designed could have never properly satisfied the requirements of a courthouse. While expressing pleasure at receiving the keys, Justice Jones said the judiciary will still not be able to occupy the building immediately. He said he spoke to CJ Sharma who expressed his continued dissatisfaction with the progress or lack of progress in remedying the several matters that had been pointed out over time. The acting CJ thanked the Attorney General for doing what she has done so far. “We appreciate too, your undertaking to ensure financial support while the judiciary itself completes the work which should have been done to bring it to a useable state.”

AG Morean-Phillip said the construction of the new wing started in mid 1998 and although major works were completed by November 2000, it has taken three years to hand over the building owing to several problems with the structure. She said although these problems were identified three years ago, there were further delays. “Maybe this was a case of too many cooks spoilt the broth. With all these agencies working on the building, maybe there were too many wires crossed,” the AG added. Morean-Phillip did not go into details of the problems, but pointed out that the relationship between the executive and the judiciary had improved. The judiciary and the previous UNC Government had been locked in battle over several issues. She said Cabinet on November 28, 2001, approved $5 million for the provision of security works for the building, as well as the creation of a registry. The AG said although the building was handed over, there was still work to be done which could delay the occupancy of the premises.

“HAVE A SAFE TRIP.” These were the last words Roland Atwell heard on Thursday from his aunt Sandra King as he drove off from her home with a car he had purchased earlier in the day. Mere hours later, Atwell was dead – killed in an accident along the Solomon Hochoy Highway. King was still in a state of shock when Newsday spoke to her yesterday. The crying woman told Newsday she had even tried to discourage Atwell from leaving that evening. “I told Roland, ‘Boy why don’t you wait until later when the traffic cool down. Then you will go’. He said no because he wanted to visit the children so he was leaving early,” King said. Atwell, 38, was driving a Mazda 323 with his wife, Allison, seated in the passenger seat. Around 5.30 pm, while the couple were headed south along the highway, which was made slippery from a downpour, on nearing the Macaulay Flyover, he lost control of the car. Atwell’s father Leroy, said Allison told them Atwell was not driving fast but trying to avoid a hole when the car skidded out of control. The car flew across the grassy median and landed on the north-bound lane of the highway.

Police reports indicate that Atwell died instantly after he was thrown from the vehicle. Allison, Atwell’s wife of ten years, crawled out of the mangled wreck through a window. She remains warded at San Fernando General Hospital in a stable condition after sustaining a dislocated shoulder and neck injuries. Only that morning, Leroy told Newsday, the deceased had purchased the car with money he received from his Voluntary Separation Employment Package (VSEP) from Caroni (1975) Limited. Atwell worked in the Refinery division. With tears welling from his eyes, Leroy exclaimed, that was his first car and he bought it because he was going to work “PH” (private-hire) to take care of his family. He was a real family man.” Atwell was the father of six children, aged from 6 to 13 years old. The deceased’s father said they did not know how to break the news to Atwell’s children, who were spending holidays at Allison’s mother’s house at Diamond Village. “They only told the children this morning (yesterday) what happen to their father. I don’t know what will happen now,” the grieving father cried.

Police and paramedics removed a middle-aged naked woman from the Golden Doors Plaza as curious pedestrians crowded around outside the building yesterday. The woman was seen wandering the streets of Port-of-Spain for at least 40 minutes before any action was taken. According to one eyewitness, Hallmark salesperson Susan Sankar, she was seen walking through the malls on Frederick Street and was given a dress but removed it soon after putting it on. U-TOO salesperson, Linda Augustine, tried to calm the woman before the police came on the scene, however, she said that the woman became agitated when the police tried to physically remove her. “She needs a lot of help and the public could have done a lot better. Some people laughed and that was just so unfair. It could have been anybody’s mother.” Augustine said.

PRIME MINISTER Patrick Manning gave the assurance that the re-established Committee on Race Relations will have no executive authority to make decisions on race relations in Trinidad and Tobago. Speaking to reporters prior to the Committee’s inaugural meeting at Whitehall yesterday, the Prime Minister said: “The Committee is completely independent of the Government and that the Government exercises no influence and no control over it except that the Government is a facilitator providing the facilities here at Whitehall, where the Committee will be able to conduct its work. Whatever the Committee decides, the Committee was not meant to be a pressure group nor was the Committee expected to exercise any executive authority.” However Manning said the Committee will receive minimal funding from Government for its operations. Reiterating the People’s National Movement’s (PNM) desire “to improve relations between the various races” in TT, Manning explained this was why Government decided to re-establish the Committee and the Centre of Ethnic Studies at the University of the West Indies St Augustine Campus. On the former, Manning stated the Committee had given him the authority to approach an individual to serve as its moderator but he declined to reveal person’s identity. On the latter, the Prime Minister disclosed: “The Prime Minister’s Office is in discussion with UWI at this time because the University had intended to set up a similar body with a slightly differenct focus. Discussions are centring around whether we could not amalgamate all in one and form one body rather than have a proliferation of bodies that will be related to each other.”

The Prime Minister was optimistic that “this mechanism stands a reasonable chance of success.” “The intention of this Committee is to establish a dialogue because we feel that much of the animosity and the acrimony in race relations has come about because there is a misunderstanding of the positions of others. We felt that a dialogue among persons as representative as this group is, is a mechanism that can have a very positive effect on race relations in Trinidad and Tobago. It is possible that one of the outcomes of the deliberations of the Committee will be individuals use the conclusions to which they have come around this table for dissemination within their own organisation to bring about a greater level of understanding at other levels of the society,” Manning declared. Committee members include Maha Sabha General Secretary Sat Maharaj, Professor Selwyn Cudjoe, Pearl Eintou Springer, Yacoob Ali, Grafton La Borde and Deokienanan Sharma.

MEMBERS of the re-established Race Relations Committee yesterday said there was no race crisis in Trinidad and Tobago. Speaking to reporters before the Committee’s inaugural meeting at Whitehall, Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha General Secretary Sat Maharaj declared: “Nearly every country in the world that has a diverse population or some diversity may have the same problems that we have. I want to probably proclaim that in TT we may have a race problem but in no way does it compare to the kinds of problems that we see across the world. One of the reasons is that we always try to find solutions to the problems that we have.  That is the beauty of TT. The freedom to speak out. That is why I have not migrated. I prefer to remain here to fight my battles locally.” He said his main concern and that of the Hindu community was the equitable distribution of State resources.

Emancipation Support Committee representative Pearl Eintou Springer agreed with Maharaj, noting that “the fact that we are talking will have a positive effect on our society.” Asked if she felt the Committee was starting all over, compared to its previous tenure from 1991 to 1995, Springer replied: “It is not the same. We not starting over but we are not starting at the same point. Our interaction has impacted.” Professor Selwyn Cudjoe believed there was no race problem in the country but fundamental problems of misunderstanding between ethnic groups. Cudjoe said the only way to solve these problems was through the development of mutual respect and understanding amongst the nation’s ethnicities. Muslim Coordination Council representative Yacoob Ali observed that in all diverse societies there was a degree of “vertical separation” and was optimistic that the Committee would serve as a catalyst to “ensure that the dispossessed are able to achieve their hopes and aspirations.”

Central Division topped all other divisions  in the seizures of guns, ammunition, stolen cars and recovery of stolen jewelry to receive nine monetary awards during a special ceremony held last Thursday to honour 151 police officers and civilians who have contributed in the fight against crime. The officers were commended and granted cheques for recovering seven guns, 10 stolen vehicles, 18 kilos of marijuana, recovering $50,000 worth in stolen jewelry, solving 27 robberies and the arrest of 120 persons during the past four weeks. The Head of the Chaguanas CID Sgt Dennis Housend and the Head of the Central Division Robbery Squad, Ag Sgt Ajith Persad, together with PCs Ramsook, Wiltshire, Alexander, Toolaram, Guelmo and two officers of the E-999 were the first to receive monetary awards from Ag Police Commiss-ioner Everald Snaggs and members of his executive. The officers were later praised by ACP Crime Oswyn Allard, who, along with ACP Nazamul Hosein were also presented with monetary awards. The ACP said that he was impressed by the renewed commitment of police officers in Central to assist in the fight against crime. Officers of the Marabella Police Station who assisted in the delivery of a baby girl on Wednesday were also awarded, while Sgt Johnny Abraham and Cpl Parks of the Northern Division were singled out for their keen sense of observation and devotion to duty.

Supt Errol Denoon, the Second in Command at the Port-of-Spain CID who is also in charge of the Inter-Agency Task Force, was awarded $500 for his devotion to duty. ASP Martin Morrain also of the Port-of-Spain Div-ision and Supt Ghany were also given special awards. Transport Commissioner Nathaniel Douglas and three other licensing officers were given awards as well as Devrol Dupigny of Crime Stoppers. Acting Police Commissi-oner, in his address to the awardees, said that he was pleased with the support by his officers in all divisions and added that the fight aginst crime will continue in the interest of ensuring the safety of all citizens of this country. He noted that proposals are being drafted to send to Cabinet for the recruitment of 1,000 special reserve police officers to assist in the fight against crime. ACP Crime Oswyn Allard yesterday renewed the call for persons with sensitive information to assist the police by coming forward with that information. He added that the country’s most wanted man Sheldon “Skelly” Lovell and his associates “Fruity” and “Gumbo” were still considered wanted and dangerous.

Paramin resident Paulina Rivas, 103 years old, died this week. She was born on the 5th July 1900. Up to her final days, she was still very much full of life. According to relatives, she passed away in her sleep. In earlier times, when asked the secret of her long life, she responded that it was due to eating natural foods. She reared her own fowls and ate their eggs along with crops that were grown in her garden. In order to make a living, Paulina would walk from Paramin to the Central Market, to ply her trade  when it was located on Charlotte Street. God played a major role in prolonging her life. As a member of the Maraval Catholic Church, she prayed her rosary every day and brought breakfast to the parish priests. Her one concern about today’s youth was the lack of respect. She blamed parents and she added that it was their responsibility to ensure that the youth learned respect for themselves, their peers and adults. Paulina’s funeral was held August 12, 2003 at the Maraval Church.

A 28-year-old female Private of the TT Regi-ment was attacked on Wedn-esday morning in front of her home by two men who attempted to rob her. But quick response by two officers of the Northern Division Emerg-ency 999 resulted in the arrest of one of the men. His alleged accomplice arrest is imminent, police said. Reports are that around 5 am Wednesday, Private Stephanie Duncan was awaiting military transport outside her La Mango, St Joseph home when two men tried to rob her. There was a struggle to the ground during which time the bandits tried to take the soldier’s handbag. However, police said Duncan screamed and her relatives came to her rescue. The two men ran off, but following a report, one was held a short distance away by E-999 officers, PCs Trancoso and Amour. The man was arrested and taken into police custody.  Thursday, the 25-year-old Laventille man appeared before Tunap-una Second Court Magi-strate Joanne O’Connor. PC Anthony Remy of the St Joseph CID charged the man with assault with intent to rob the  soldier . He was not called upon to plead and the matter was adjourned to next Monday for tracing.

Monica Clement, General Manager of the Trinidad and Tobago Securities and Exchange Commission (TTSEC) said the existing draft of Takeover By-laws do not have the force of law and the TTSEC does not have the legal authority to regulate bids. “There was a regulatory gap and there still is a regulatory gap,” she told a gathering at a recent seminar on the proposed takeover by-laws. In the absence of such regulations, Clement said the TTSEC depended on the co-operation of the two parties involved in a takeover to guide the process as regards takeovers in the market. The statement, “A takeover bid is perhaps the most dramatic occurrence in corporate life” may seem emphatic, but on further review, one can consider it valid in light of the fact that there are far-reaching consequences of such an event. Clement added that the success or failure of many takeovers has incalculable consequences for the entities involved in the take-over, the shareholders of both entities, employees, community, creditors and the industry at large.

She noted that while takeovers on the international market may seem commonplace, this is not the case in the local scenario. “Nevertheless, this does not negate the importance of ensuring adequate legislation to ensure the protection of the security holder and the creation of an orderly and fair market.” She said as the regulator operating within a developing and dynamic local financial services industry, it is incumbent on the Commission to formulate and enforce regulations that will protect the investors and the wider market. To this end, the primary purpose of the legislation is to protect the interests of holders of securities of the offeree. She added that the Commission acknowledges the importance of protecting security holders while at the same time allowing the local institutions to compete in a liberalised and globalised environment. “Hence, the absolute need to have legislation in place to ensure that all are protected.” When the by-laws come into force, the Commission would be in a better position to enforce rules and regulations applicable to takeover bids. “We would create a framework aimed at protecting security holders by ensuring that they have access to information necessary to make reasoned decisions.” Clement said in 2002, the Commission used moral suasion to guide operations as regards take-overs in the market due to the lack of an enforceable takeover code. However, she assured that with the coming into force of this Takeover by-law, companies will be subject to penalties and sanctions for appropriate action in the market.

Gabriel Ibrahim Mansoor, 86, was one of the oldest Syrian businessmen in Trinidad and Tobago, up until his death at his Woodbrook home on the weekend. Mansoor, owner of G Mansoor and Son on Queen Street, Port-of-Spain arrived from Syria as a young man in 1937 in search of a promising future. He joined his brothers in the “kashee” trade eventually establishing a business together. In the eulogy delivered by his son, Abraham, at the funeral service at St Finbar’s RC Church on Wednesday, the younger Mansoor described his father as a very humble individual who enjoyed the simple things in life – a few full plates of food, his weekly visit to Alma the roti lady and late night card games with his old friends. “He was always protective of his children, always provided for us and never forgot his homeland, contributing to establishing the only school and renovating the church in his birth village of An El Berdi,” said Abraham.

The younger Mansoor also noted that his father was a determined and sometimes stubborn person as exemplified by his will and determination to re-build the business after it was gutted in the fires of 1990. He said: “Already in his seventies, it was a courageous effort to start over.” A mass in Mansoor’s honour was celebrated by his family back in Syria at the same time of his funeral service. The Syrian/Lebanese choir provided beautiful singing during the service. Debbie Nahous in particular did a moving rendition of Schubert’s Ave Maria during the post-Communion period.  Readings were done by two of Mansoor’s grandchildren, Graeme and Siobhan Rampersad. Later the burial took place at the Mucurapo Cemetery.