Exams will always be there.

They are part of the education system at all levels.

SE A is just the current process to place children in secondary schools of their choice, with everyone given the same opportunity.

Whether we like it or not, exams are always stressful. And we all face exams at some stage.

SE A does not discard any children as efforts are made to place all students, despite their marks.

So I cannot agree that “SE A is doing violence to children.” It is the best method presently and until something better comes along we need to continue.

ARNOLD GOPEESINGH via email

Following six days of training sessions with a provisional squad of 25, Lawrence and his assistant coaches came down to their final selection yesterday.

Both Tobago-born midfielders Keon Daniel and Rundell Winchester were ruled out due to injuries sustained this week in training while FC Santa Rosa striker Keron Clarke will not travel to Guayaquil due to failure to obtain a passport in time to travel with the team that is scheduled to depart tomorrow.

Efforts were made up to late on Friday to have the passport expedited but without success.

Mexican-based player Jomal Williams will also miss Wednesday’s encounter because of a club related matter as he is currently awaiting a work permit renewal. W Connection winger Neil Benjamin has been drafted into the final squad.

He trained with the bunch yesterday and will also take part in today’s session.

“We’ve got in six sessions with the group in preparation for Wednesday’s match. The response from the boys has been good and we’ve come down to the final 19 that will travel on Monday,” Lawrence said.

“It was also good to have had a few of the younger ones involved in the training as it would no doubt be valuable experience for them.

“Unfortunately we have lost two wingers, hence we’ve brought in young Neil Benjamin into the squad.

We’ll have one final session in Guayaquil on Tuesday ahead of what I expect will be a solid test for us on Wednesday,” Lawrence added.

The game will take place on Wednesday night at the Estadio Banco Del Pacifico in Guayaquil.

TT Squad (clubs in brackets) – GOALKEEPERS – Marvin Phillip (Point Fortin Civic Centre), Andre Marchan (Defence Force).

DEFENDERS – Kevin Villaroel (North East Stars), Carlyle Mitchell (East Bengal FC), Triston Hodge (W Connection), Alvin Jones (W Connection), Carlos Edwards (Central FC), Maurice Forde (W Connection), Curtis Gonzales (Defence Force).

MIDFIELDERS – Jared London (Club Sando), Leston Paul (North East Stars), Nathaniel Garcia (Central FC), Nathan Lewis (San Juan Jabloteh), Neil Benjamin (W Connection), Sean De Silva (Central FC), Hughtun Hector (W Connection), Hashim Arcia (Defence Force), Tyrone Charles (Club Sando).

STRIKER – Willis Plaza (East Bengal FC).

Alexis was shot dead on July 17, 2016 at his car wash off Freedom Street. Customer Kevin Escayg, 43, and another man, Thomas Hamza Sharpe, also died in that shooting.

Sunday Newsday spoke with head of the Crown Trace Mosque Imam Morland Lynch who said since Alexis’ killing there has been a new influx of more brazen criminals in Crown Trace, Enterprise.

“I don’t think everyone has moved on,” Lynch said. “It’s gotten worse and it will continue to get worse before it gets any better. Just last week they killed a businessman by the name of Joey because he refused to pay protection money to some guys who recently moved into the neighbourhood. What these guys are doing is not only killing the residents, they’re also killing the community because a lot of these businesses are forced to close down.” Lynch, who lost his son Akmal to gun violence in 2015, has since lobbied for an end to ongoing violence between warring gangs in the community. Asked what it would take for Enterprise to leave behind it’s history of crime and violence, Lynch said residents should focus on the future and leave the past in the past.

“People need to start healing again. They need to be able to take back their communities from these people that are coming in and doing what they want.

We also need more officers who are above corruption, who can put these guys away once and for all. We won’t be able to see any kind of change unless we get that support from the police.” Sunday Newsday spoke to a longtime Chaguanas resident, who asked only to be identified as Dennis, who claimed he witnessed Alexis’ assassination.

“I saw it from over the road.

One of those fellas had a long machine gun. They stood over his head and fired down at him.

They wanted him dead and they weren’t going to take any chances.” After Alexis’ death, tensions rose as residents feared they would have been caught in the crossfire of gang warfare. They say while the tension has eased slightly, the threat of violence is never far as many refuse to venture out after dark.

On December 4, 2016, Alexis’ brother Mervyn, 46, was shot dead along Railway Road in Enterprise.

On March 24 this year, another sibling, Sylvan Alexis, 60, was shot and killed at Francois Street.

“Here is not like it used to be,” one resident said. “Back in the day you could have gone out to a movie, but I wouldn’t take the chance now. Too many young fellas with a short fuse out here.” Sunday Newsday spoke with ASP Richard Smith, supervising officer of Operation Enterprise — a community-based initiative of the Police Service in Enterprise, who confirmed while there has been a recent upsurge in reprisal killings in the community and environs, the police, through a variety of community outreach programmes and more routine patrols, have arrested the crime rate.

“Before we (the TTPS) stepped up operations in the community there was an upsurge in reprisal killings especially in March where we had about ten murders for that month alone,” Smith said. “But since we went into the area and began our operations we’ve seen a dramatic reduction in the incidence of crime.” Smith credits the reduction in the incidence of violent crime not only to “hard” tactics, but also to more inclusive, community- based approaches.

“We’ve established the Enterprise community council, we also have a youth camp at the Enterprise Government Primary School. Since we’ve occupied the community, we’ve only had one murder and that was outside our area of operations. And since then, we’ve extended our reach to other areas in order to increase and improve our capacities.” While crime and violence in Enterprise appears to have remained stagnant for now, many residents are still unconvinced the changes are permanent as one elder explained, the violence is seasonal.

“It comes and goes like the wet season. Right now we haven’t seen much of it but who knows in the next few months that will change. We haven’t seen the last of it.”

I am reminded of my mother who died two years ago at the age of 95. She was one of the most intelligent people I have ever known, although she had the benefit of just two years formal schooling, just enough to learn to read and count.

There was hardly ever any topic she was not versed on and very few things she could not do. It just goes to show, you don’t need a PhD or MBA to be smart.

I would like to think I inherited some of her intelligence.

Several matters have been aired recently which seem to have rather simple remedies that those people with all their book learning seem to miss because they are unable to think simply: 1. The question of racism.

In Trinidad that does not exist.

Every ethnic group has intermarried since the first settlers arrived on these islands and have lived in perfect harmony.

The divide that exists is based on education and behaviour differences. Politicians must stop beating this dead horse.

2. The question of child-flogging. The older generation who grew up being flogged by their parents, and sometimes even by caring neighbours, did not produce the callous murderers and bandits we have today.

Those generations produced respectful, productive, hard-working and loving individuals.

Failure to correct children because those in authority consider flogging cruel breeds criminals who these same people in authority will lock away in a very small room, for quite a long while, without considering that punishment to be cruel. Prevention is always better than cure.

3. The death penalty. Over the past ten years these islands have experienced about 4,000 murders, give or take a few hundred. This should be looked at from a mathematical approach. How many murderers have committed these murders? Four thousand, 400, 100, 50? The lower the number of murderers the higher the number of people each has killed on average. The death penalty, if imposed, would save the lives of many people.

4. Banning of prayers in schools. These are the formative years of our children who mimic what they see and hear. Teach them good and they will imitate good. Some parents choose to send their children to schools where praying before and after classes is practised and then they object to their children being exposed to prayer.

Those who object to prayer are a minority yet their demand becomes law. Why are the parents who want the practice of praying keeping quiet? Stand up for your right and let the children whose parents are against this practice stay outside the class until the prayer is over. Religion does play an important role in the formation of good character.

Note : Ever notice that the Judiciary always starts its year with a religious service at the Trinity Cathedral as well the politicians also begin their year with prayers? So why not in schools? 5. Suspended schoolchildren.

Simply suspend the offending child until such time that one parent comes and spends a day in class alongside the child. I guarantee the child will never misbehave in school again.

R DEANE Diego Martin

Samuel, who is being treated at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex for second and third degree burns over 70 percent of his body, is said to be in a satisfactory condition and is resting comfortably.

Relatives told Sunday Newsday the combination of worrying over Samuel’s condition and having to seek alternative accommodation for the family members whose homes were burnt during the incident has taken a toll on them all. They said they have been applying to several organisations for assistance.

Last Wednesday afternoon, residents of Eighth Street East, Arouca heard arguing and scuffling in a house in a small yard on the street. Moments later, an explosion was heard and Samuel and his female companion Anika La Rosa, 37, were heard screaming.

Samuel ran out of the back of the house with his body on fire.

He fell in a nearby drain and people came to his assistance.

When asked what happened, Samuel said La Rosa was trying to kill him. La Rosa died in the fire.

Homicide detectives are continuing investigations.

This activity obviously takes place in the dead of the night when most of the country is asleep and the authorities (although on duty) are less responsive.

However, the resultant effect the next day is very obvious when your vehicle passes over the trench. The road is no longer nice and smooth as you have known it and the unexpected jolt could leave you with a serious headache. Not to mention the damaged tyres and suspension because you were not aware of the change to the surface as they are hard to see, even from a short distance.

It bemuses me that the authorities have not clamped down on this illegal activity because it is so obvious the next day that something was done to the road. Some try to hide their nefarious activity by doing a quick patchwork with sand or gravel but it’s soon back to square one. I am calling on the authorities, especially WASA and TTE C, to be more vigilant and clamp down on this activity because a busted pipe carrying water or electricity across the road can have dire consequences for drivers.

WKS HOSEIN Chaguanas

It was not all sport as he also put as much work off the field in his academics to equally match his efforts whether it was in his pet event or rugby.

Today, Stoute is a qualified marine surveyor and graduate of the prestigious International Institute of Marine Surveying, United Kingdom with specialisations in classification surveys, warranty surveys, marine engineering and ship structures, naval architecture and stability.

He has over 15 years experience in the maritime, petrochemical and construction industries and is the owner and managing director of Gibraltar Solutions Limited (GSL), a consultancy firm he founded in 2009 and which offers customised solutions to the maritime, petrochemical, hydrocarbon sectors locally.

These days the Couva father of two has an extra kick in his step having recently been appointed an agent for Industrial Asset Management Technology Limited (IAMTech) a leading maritime maintenance software company in the United Kingdom. An elated Stoute spoke to Sunday Newsday about what he said is a major achievement. He said for those in the industry, a partnership with IAMTech “is big.” GSL, he told Sunday Newsday, has become only the second local company to provide such software platforms to the local industry. It has been two years since he approached them to become an agent.

“I know the company is very rigid and it would have taken some time but I was always confident that I would get the nod from them.” GSL’s core services, which centre on marine surveying services and industrial asset management, will offer the local market the world’s largest suite of industrial asset management software applications targeting the maritime, power generation, hydrocarbon and petrochemical sectors. Stoute hailed the partnership with IAMTech as GSL will be able to sell IAMTech’s range of intrinsic tablets and smartphones.

“Our partnership with IAMTech targeting maritime, oil and gas, power generation, petrochemical and manufacturing sectors is a natural step with two companies sharing similar goals and service delivery targets. The combination of GSL and IAMTech experience would enhance maintenance of potential clients’ assets.

“With decades of oil, gas, power and chemical industry software experience, coupled with best-in-class technical expertise, IAMTech’s software solutions service is a world-leading resource that can be commissioned to make bespoke software targets a reality.” Stoute said the goal at GSL is to offer innovation driven solutions and products to increase efficiency, safety and sustainable operations to all clients.

“We see dynamic variables in the global industrial environment as a reflection of the type of service profile that is relevant to clients. Innovation, customisation and quality delivery being guiding principles in doing business.” Stoute said the need for flexible, relevant and customised technological maintenance solutions locally is evident and necessary for businesses to remain competitive.

“A shift in approaches to maintenance and asset management has become of utmost importance given falling hydrocarbon prices and shrinking operational budgets.” Stoute considers GSL’s marine surveying service line a pillar in his business structure.

“Trinidad and Tobago is an island nation that has advantageous geographical location for the development of the maritime sector in a sustainable manner. Lingvobalt.com: lithuanian translator – translate english to lithuanian

Trinidad and Tobago’s hydrocarbon sector will see accessing of deepwater reserves in the coming decades, local maritime industry capability and services will become critical in supporting these activities. Diversification of the economy will also see the maritime sector being integral to shipping and maritime services.” He added that the downturn in the economy has brought more opportunities in the maritime sector as companies are looking to manage their assets better.” But Stoute has not turned his back on the sport which shot put him in international headlines.

He is giving back to the sporting community by coaching track and field at Gran Couva Roman Catholic Primary School where his sons Yohance, ten and Jelani, eight are students.

He hopes one day they can become champions like he did back then.

Even two weeks ago, when Senator Paul Richards joined that long list of voices speaking out about the horrible conditions under which prisoners labour, many would have turned up their eyes in indifference: “Let them wallow in their crimes!” But for we who are Christians, we ought to remember that we follow a God-human leader who in Matthew 25 pointedly reminds us we must not forget prisoners. We are not free to disregard the Lord on this point. Has the Church at times been too preoccupied with the rights of prisoners and not enough with the rights of victims? Of course! The movie Dead Man Walking brings that out.

The nun Sr Helen Prejean who was trying to get Matthew Poncelet’s death sentence commuted to life imprisonment, came to a new level of consciousness when she realised she was not sufficiently sensitive to the pain of the families of the two children that Poncelet had murdered. She is a symbol of the Church, always maturing in justice and mercy.

The Church must be sensitive to the difficulty victims face in piecing their lives back together, in obtaining justice and securing closure. The Church must be mindful of the need for extensive psychological counselling so wounds perpetrated by criminals may be healed with time, and prayer.

And yet, it is also true that we have to defend the rights of prisoners whether we proceed along the lines of theological ethics or purely philosophical principles. Philosophically, we do not rise higher as a nation if we choose to dehumanise those who dehumanised us. We must believe in a higher grace.

This higher grace includes a more urgent concern for those in remand who are innocent until proven guilty. We were told only two weeks ago about a lethal prison break in Guyana and the real likelihood of it happening here. In May, we heard of the need for $55 million to fix toilets in the remand prison.

For the umpteenth time we have heard of ‘slop pails’ still being used. How can prisoners have respect for themselves in these conditions much less for one another? There is also the very touchy matter of the imbroglio that involves the Chief Justice, the Judicial Legal Service Commission (JLSC) and Madame Justice Marcia Ayers Caesar. Or at least, that is how this laboriously debated matter has been presented.

But there are some ‘dispensables’ sitting in the background — quietly side-lined in most of the discussions — 53 prisoners on remand whose cases have to be reheard, start afresh. Some of them have been on remand for over 10 years. This is rather disturbing. It does precious little for the reintegration of prisoners and strikes as a grave miscarriage of justice.

The initiative is part of the Entrepreneurship Programme for Innovation in the Caribbean (EPI C), funded by the government of Canada and implemented by the World Bank’s infoDev programme for innovation and entrepreneurship. It will be delivered by infoDev-trained and certified facilitators in nine countries: Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St.

Kitts & Nevis, and TT . The call for applications closes on July 31 and the programme will begin in November. Last year, 108 women entrepreneurs from 12 countries in the Caribbean graduated from the programme. Of these, 94 per cent stated that their businesses had become more focused; 77 per cent indicated that they had significantly improved their marketing methods since joining the programme; and 73 per cent indicated having significantly improved their internal processes and organisational structure and management practices.

The eight-month peer learning programme is designed to help growth-oriented women entrepreneurs innovate within their businesses, and have the self-confidence to make the necessary changes to improve their competitiveness and boost their growth. As with the women entrepreneurs from the first cohort, participants will benefit from a suite of services including business and personal development, one-to-one mentoring, technical workshops and motivational sessions.

Women entrepreneurs will be considered for selection if they have been running their business for at least two years, the business has demonstrated growth, they have realistic plans for substantial future growth and they can devote up to eight hours per month to the programme.

Up to 15 participants will be supported.

According to past participant, Rebecca Cockburn MD, RMC Consulting Ltd., “It has been a rich experience where a lot of information is provided and we have the opportunity to share our experiences with each other.

We have been provided with so many tools and resources and have been exposed to professionals in all relevant areas of business.

I continue to learn from each of the other women entrepreneurs who belong to the group – a fantastic network of inspiring women.” Women entrepreneurs who are committed to growing and scaling their business may apply for the WINC 2017 Acceleration Programme at https:// www.surveymonkey.com/r/WINC-AP2.

For questions and updates, please visit: https:// www.facebook.com/WomenInnovatorsNetworkCaribbean

All will welcome last week’s launch of a test programme involving sixty cameras. In theory these items can assist the Police Service in assessing: the quality of hotspot patrols; the use of force by police officers whilst out on duty; firearm discharge by police officers; injuries caused to police officers during police civilian interactions; and injuries caused to civilians during police civilian interactions. All of these are matters which, as noted by Acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams, go to the integrity and credibility of the force itself.

For too long the service has been dogged by instances of civilian deaths, complaints about corruption as well as the actions of rogue cops. Body cameras, if properly used, will not only catch the bad apples that spoil the bunch, but they will demonstrate how people are interacting with the police. They shield civilians and officers alike.

However, this is only the case if these cameras are consistently and universally used. While we welcome the test pilot involving sixty cameras, we hope the Police Service will be able to roll-out a far more comprehensive program eventually. A “national level study” is something that sounds good. But we know enough to know that the Service must go further. It should not and cannot use the notion of conducting research as a fig leaf to delay universal implementation.

Furthermore, a policy must be developed with regard to the use of these cameras during joint police/army patrols. Will soldiers also have to wear these cameras when accompanying police officers? If not, is this not a large gap in coverage? Joint police/army patrols are used for serious threats to peace and order and therefore it would seem the need for an objective record of events is even more urgent in these circumstances.

A rule and procedure must also be developed making use of the cameras compulsory and forbidding arbitrary cut-off and/or tampering. At the launch event last week, Williams addressed the issue of police officers turning the cameras on and off saying the Police Service is trying to allow their experiment to run with the cameras being on all the time with the exception of an officer going to the restroom.

It is essential that these cameras are operational at all times during all official police duties and operations. While it stands to reason that an officer is entitled to some degree of bodily privacy, great care must be taken in formulating rules governing when and how a police officer should disengage.

Many will agree that an officer should be allowed privacy in a bathroom inside a police station.

But if an officer apprehends a suspect in a public restroom, then the situation calls for more thought. Every rule has the potential to be abused.

Internationally, the experience thus far has shown the perils of allowing cameras to be switched off. The recent police shooting of Australian national Justine Damond has caused outrage in the US and beyond (the Minneapolis police chief has resigned) due to the lack of body-camera footage.

In that incident, Damond had reported suspicious activity and then ended up dead.

At stake is the credibility of our national Police Service, still reeling from a spate of civilian killings and unanswered questions surrounding the infamous day of Total Policing in 2015.

For now, we welcome the arrival of these cameras on the scene and express the hope that their implementation will be a success and will, in the long-run, make a big difference