The mandir’s executive pleaded in a claim filed in the High Court, that they have been using the land adjoining the temple to house their jhandi with flags, religious offerings and providing parking for devotees and have been doing so for several years. The temple is an affiliate of the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha and the disputed land comprises 408 square metres.

Artma Maharaj, Shiva Mohan Mahabir and Reuben Pariag, in their capacity as executive members of the mandir, accuse Raghoonanan of unlawfully entering the property while a religious function was in progress on November 6. They further alleged that wedding functions were often interrupted and, on another occasion, guests were forced to move their vehicles while a religious function was in progress.

They are contending that at no time Raghoonanan ever asserted ownership over the land although he has paper title to it and that the mandir has been in uninterrupted occupation of the plot for more than 16 years. The case came up before Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh yesterday who gave directions for filing of witness statements by both sides, by October 2. The matter was then fixed for November 6 for a pre trial review.

What exactly is the current state of play? Since 2008 Trinidad and Tobago entered a path of low growth and, after 2014, it has recorded negative GDP growth rates. Our economy is specialised in the production and export of oil and gas, as well as products in the oil and gas value chain. The relatively recent economic growth was largely determined by the good performance of commodity prices at international level. As at 2016 the petroleum industry (including petrochemicals) accounted for 32% of the GDP, compared to 7.8% from manufacturing. The petroleum industry is responsible for 83% of the total exports of Trinidad and Tobago and it is the chief destination for Foreign Direct Investments (87%). However, this sector only provides 3.2% of employment, with 85.4% of the workforce employed in the services sector.

We are hoping that the nonenergy sector can be transformed to generate output and revenue to eventually replace that loss from the energy sector. What is the present performance of the non-energy sector? If we look at the manufacturing sector, the Food, Beverages & Tobacco subsector represents nearly 25% of manufacturing firms working in this space, accounting for 34% of manufacturing employment and 56% of GDP of the sector. In terms of GDP, this sub-sector is followed by chemicals and non-metallic minerals with 15% (ie non-petrochemicals), printing and publishing with 11%, and assembly-type and related industries with 11%. Manufacturing exports in 2016 accounted for 13.5% of total exports and were heavily concentrated, at that time, within the iron and steel sub-sector and transport equipment for ships and boats, which together accounted for roughly 75% of total manufacturing exports in 2015. The closure of ISPATT and CENTRIN would have significantly reduced exports of this sector.

Generally, when the economy experienced a good trade performance it was driven by the petroleum industry, which presented high surpluses against trade balance deficits in other sectors. Since the financial crisis in 2008, the overall trade balance shows a downward trend.

To restructure the economy and identify opportunities for economic diversification this country must pay attention to some key issues.

We must look at diversification opportunities of particular interest that include first high-value opportunities to diversify away from commodity exports of oil and gas and related products.

Secondly, we must identify exportoriented activities (both goods and services) to assist us to balance inflows and outflows of foreign currency. This is crucial for a small open economy for which access to foreign currency is the life blood of the country. Thirdly, we must identify and develop feasible opportunities that build on current capabilities. We must partner our research capabilities in the universities with both the service and manufacturing concerns to develop a product space separate from that of the energy sector, which produces few spin offs, to create a dense product space. Fourthly our small private sector that accounts for a very small percentage of exports must select activities that would benefit from co-ordinated support from government that focuses on the global market. The development of an export capability to replace the declining energy sector is vital part of our development thrust.

We must understand the state of the economy so we cannot be fooled.

In addition, if policy decisions such as those above do not reverse the decline on government revenue the reducing employment level maybe one option to be exercised.

Through this commercial office, Costa Rican and Trinidadian businesspeople have had a commercial partner that has been in charge of developing the relationship further, taking advantage of instruments such as the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed by the Central American country with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in 2004. The agreement applied to Costa Rica and 12 CARICOM states – Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Kitt s and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago.

With this treaty, a solid trade agreement was reached which, like other trade agreements, is part of the main objective of foreign trade policy to promote, facilitate and consolidate the integration of countries into the international economy. This agreement constitutes a balanced legal framework, through which the trade and investment flows between Costa Rica and the Caribbean region are supported and promoted.

As a result of the commercial relationship between these countries, and benefiting from the tariff benefits established in the FTA, in 2016 Costa Rica exported to Trinidad and Tobago USD$58 million, including products such as: syrups and concentrates for aerated beverages, anti sera, carrots, plastic articles for packaging, medicines, soaps and cleaning preparations and boxes of paper or paperboard.

Trinidad and Tobago exported to Costa Rica USD$16 million – products such as liquefied natural gas, nitrogenous fertilizers or chemical fertilizers, cereal products, parts of lighting equipment, advertisements, signs etc, mixtures of odoriferous substances for the food or beverage industry, and electrical materials.

The commercial promotion office of PROCOMER in Trinidad and Tobago offers its services to both Costa Rican exporters and Caribbean importers. Some of the services provided by the office are: face-toface and virtual business agendas, trade missions, business contacts, and general business support for entrepreneurs.

In PROCOMER you have an ally for your business.

Contact us, it will be a pleasure to serve you.

PROCOMER Email: caricom@procomer.com Tel: 822-6085 Address: Solus Business Centre, 29 Long Circular Road, St James

The pilots said they were acting not because of salaries and other payments, but out of “deep concern” for their safety and the safety of the travelling public, whose lives are placed in their hands every time they choose to fly with CAL.

The pilots pointed out to the company that after 14 “fire warnings and nine emergencies,” they have lost confidence in the ATR aircraft they were given to fly, adding that it became very difficult for them to have trust in a manufacturer “who still has not found a conclusive cause to the fire warnings.” They alleged that even after more than a dozen “engine fire warnings” the manufacturer had “only done its due diligence checks and had not seen it fit to go further to restore their client’s confidence and that of the pilots.” Further TTALPA said considering the stress their members must endure in the face of their current working conditions, “and could not continue to face the travelling public with a straight face, when they know they have lost confidence in the equipment they have been given to fly,” it was no wonder they were falling ill.

The pilots said, “The onus was now on CAL to push ATR to do something more to get the results which we all want, an air bridge that we can feel safe to operate. TTALPA’s concern has always been safety and nothing else.” Meanwhile the meeting resulted in some interim proposals suggested by both Caribbean Airlines and the TTALPA teams and these were presented for feedback.

These suggestions include all five ATR aircraft being brought back to factory specification as was done for the TTA plane. However, only three of the planes, TTA, TTC and TTE will be flown at this time. TTA has been brought back to specifications, but there is one more engine to been changed. TTC and TTE have not shown any warnings to date.

TTD and TTB would be the first planes to be tackled and accordingly will be withdrawn from service until completion of the process. Following this, the others will be addressed. CAL anticipates that each plane would take two weeks to complete. The planes will all be placed on a rigorous inspection and maintenance programme which has already begun.

An independent party will be brought in to check all five ATRs including the current maintenance policies and procedures. If the aircraft are re-certified safe by the independent party, TTALPA says it will accept them as airworthy until they can be replaced.

TTALPA also says should there be any other incident, either prior to or following this re-certification by the independent party, the fleet would be immediately grounded until the aircraft are replaced.

TTALPA wants CAL to continue a fleet review exercise to ensure that the right aircraft is selected in a holistic manner. TTALPA will continue to be part of this exercise.

The company’s use of its B-737 fleet on the air bridge is said to be simply adding to its massive losses on the route which runs into millions of dollars despite the government subsidy.

A fare increase proposal submitted to Cabinet is still in abeyance as no answer has come back.

To allay the fears of people travelling to and from Tobago CAL has scheduled its jets with some five flights per day

This partnership will bring togetherness and camaraderie through healthy rivalry in sport to the villages by having both windball cricket and football competitions, which will only involve members of the community from within specific boundaries.

This competition is scheduled to begin on September 2 and will run for six weeks, at two venues – the Helping Hands and the Spring Village Recreation Grounds.

Ma Pau supports inspirational people and projects that are using sport to make a resounding and powerful impact in their respective communities and the Spring Village Sports Club’s effort is one such project.

Support such as this is vital in times such as these as it provides hope to communities that there are organisations that are still strongly committed to supporting the worthwhile endeavours of nation building.

Shabazz was given those mantles by the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TT FA) on Tuesday, after Italian-born Carolina Morace, and her English- born Australian deputy Nicola Williams, resigned last week, for apparent lack of salaries.

Attin-Johnson, Cordner and Mollon, members of the national women’s team for over a decade, fell out of favour with Morace during her six-month-long tenure as director of the TT Women’s programme.

During a telephone interview yesterday, Shabazz, the former Guyana men’s coach, said, “I met with (the) three players who were out to see if we could have the matter resolved and have them reintegrated into the programme.

“I start with a clean slate,” added the ex-joint national coach (along with Hutson Charles from 2012-2013). What is gone is past, what is to come is near.” Asked about the feedback he has gotten from the football fraternity, Shabazz replied, “I have not met with the players (as) yet. I will meet with them (later) this week. But I know them, they know me. We have a lot of respect for each other and I’m eager to get started.

“However, I intend to utilise other coaches, locally, in women’s football and follow in (TT men’s team coach) Dennis Lawrence’s footsteps of trying to build a super staff because this is a programme that demands all hands to be on deck and people working selflessly for the country.

“These girls are no strangers to sacrificing for their country, and neither am I.” Shabazz, who has been involved with the national women’s football circuit, in various capacities, since the mid-1990s, is keen to make use of his time back at the helm of the TT squads.

“Given the circumstances, I’m happy to come in and strive to provide stability,” he said. “I (have) come in, in an unforseen circumstance, but having worked with a lot of these seniors since they were kids, I am not overawed by the situation in any way.” He continued, “I am excited where these players have reached and knowing where they’ve came from. And I’m ready to give off my best.” Shabazz returned to the coaching ranks with Morvant Caledonia United, after Rajesh Latchoo left the job to become the men’s coach of Dominica. He is also the TT FA Youth Football Coordinator and involved with the Elite Youth Development Programme, organised by the local governing body. Asked how he plans to balance those positions, Shabazz said, “those roles (with the TT FA) will be reassigned to someone else.” But he insisted that he will stick with the Morvant Caledonia United portfolio, once the national women’s teams are not in active competition.

“In the past, when we started this programme, I was with Caledonia,” stated Shabazz. “And now I don’t see what conflict exists.” However, he pointed out, “the national team always comes first.

Service to the nation is first and foremost. When time permits for something else, so be it.”

The sandy coastline along with the cool Caribbean breeze provide the perfect ambiance for relaxing and rejuvenating the mind, body and spirit. The childhood memory of camping in the wilderness, sleeping in a tent and admiring the twinkling stars is everlasting.

These unforgettable experiences can last a lifetime. It is a joy to sit on the sand, unconcerned about time and be engrossed by the picturesque seascape. It makes one wonder what the real meaning of life and how perfect the world we live in is.

Paria Bay has a little of everything.

Apart from its magnificent beach and wonderful waterfall, there is the river mouth with its calm waters. The giant leatherback turtles that come ashore nightly to nest is another attraction but campers must take care not to shine torchlights at them. During July and August it is a spectacle to see the hatchling emerge from the sand. However, many of them don’t make it to the safety of the water since the vultures wait in the treetops to prey on them.

On the western end of the beach, sea erosion formed a magnificently carved arch which has a protruding fragment in its middle. Its grand appearance gives it the name Cathedral Rock, and because of its elegant grandeur, it is a lovely spot to take pictures. A nearby stream provides clean water for cooking and local fishermen usually supply freshly caught fish to campers.

It is the duty of campers to preserve the environment and to protect wildlife by leaving nothing but footprints. Campsites should be set up in areas that will not affect nesting turtles and their hatchlings.

Garbage must be taken out and not left on the beach.

A boat will provide transportation of personal items and camping equipment to Paria Bay.

To get to the beach campers have to walk the two-hour journey from the Blanchisseuse Spring Bridge.

Along the way hikers can enjoy the spectacular coastal scenery at Turtle Rock. Suggested items for the camp out are a tent, sleeping bag, life jacket, medication, repellant, flashlight, extra change of clothing and footwear, cup, plate, knife, fork, garbage bag and a penknife.

Note: Items for boat transportation should be labelled and put in waterproof garbage bags.

Suggested food items to bring along are sausages, sandwiches, tuna, sardines, baked potato, trail snacks, fruit juices, peanut butter, biscuits, boiled eggs, cooked chicken, milk, coffee or tea bags and drinking water.

Dinner and breakfast will be supplied, however, campers are required to bring personal food items and eating utensils (cup, plate, knife, and fork not supplied).

Island Hikers family camp-out at Paria Bay: from Friday to Sunday.

(Note: the Friday is optional) Assembly: 8am on Saturday at Sam’s Bar Maracas Bay. Boat begin loading at 9am at the Blanchisseuse Fishing Depot.

All campers are allowed two bags: A tent and personal backpack, campers must bring their belongings to the boat jetty for loading.

Assembly 11am on Friday: boat departs at noon (meals not provided on Friday, bring your own).

For those not wishing to hike, the boat is available.

Secure overnight parking available at Marianne Beach Resort For more info: islandhikers.com

BEFORE A FLOOD (When flooding is forecast) B e alert.

Monitor your surroundings.

Monitor local television and radio stations, or weather websites

If a flash flood warning is issued for your area: Climb to safety immediately Flash floods develop quickly. Do not wait until you see rising water.

Get out of low areas subject to flooding.

If driving, do not drive through flooded roadways

Assemble disaster supplies Drinking water – fill clean containers.

Food that requires no refrigeration or cooking.

Cash.

Medications and first aid supplies.

Clothing, toiletries.

Battery-powered radio.

Flashlights.

Extra batteries.

Important documents: insurance papers, medical records, bank account numbers, passports, ID cards and driver’s licence

Be prepared to evacuate Identify places to go.

Identify alternative travel routes that are not prone to flooding.

Plan what to do with your pets.

Fill your car’s gas tank.

If told to leave, do so quickly.

Review your family disaster plan Discuss flood plans with your family.

Decide where you will meet if separated.

Designate a contact person who can be reached if family members get separated. Make sure every family member has the contact information.

Protect your property Move valuables and furniture to higher levels.

Move hazardous materials (such as paint, oil, pesticides, and cleaning supplies) to higher locations.

Disconnect electrical appliances.

Do not touch them if you are wet or standing in water.

Bring outside possessions indoors or tie them down securely.

This includes lawn furniture, garbage cans, and other movable objects.Seal vents to basements to prevent flooding.

DURING A FLOOD Be alert.

Monitor your surroundings.

Monitor local television and radio stations, or weather websites Don’t drive unless you have to.

If you must drive, travel with care.

Make sure your vehicle has enough fuel.

Follow recommended routes.

DO NOT sightsee.

Avoid disaster areas. Your presence might hamper rescue or other emergency operations and put you at further risk.

Watch for washed-out roads, landslides, and downed trees or power lines.

Be especially cautious at night, when it is harder to recognise flood dangers.

If the vehicle stalls, abandon it.

If water rises around your car, leave the vehicle immediately.

Climb to higher ground as quickly as possible.

Never drive through flooded roadways.

STOP! Turn Around Don’t Drown.

The roadbed may be washed out.

You can lose control of your vehicle in only a few inches of water.

Home

Your car may float. Vehicles can be swept away by less than two feet of water.

Do not drive around a barricade.

Turn around and go another way.

Get to high ground – Climb to safety! Get out of low areas that may be subject to flooding.

Avoid already-flooded areas and do not attempt to cross flowing water.

Stay away from power lines and electrical wires.

Evacuate immediately, if you think you are at risk or are advised to do so Act quickly. Save yourself, not your belongings Move to a safe area before access is cut off by rising water.

Families should use only one vehicle to avoid getting separated and reduce traffic jams.

Shut off water, gas, and electrical services before leaving.

Secure your home: lock all doors and windows.

If directed to a specific location, go there.

Never try to walk or swim through flowing water If flowing water is above your ankles, Stop! Turn around and go another way.

If it is moving swiftly, water six-inches deep can knock you off your feet.

Be aware that people have been swept away wading through flood waters.

Never allow children to play around high water, storm drains, creeks, or rivers.

Shut off the electricity at the circuit breakers.

If someone falls in or is trapped in flood water: Do not go after the victim! Use a floatation device. If possible throw the victim something to help them float, such as a spare tyre, large ball, or foam ice chest.

Call for assistance and give the correct location information.

AFTER A FLOOD Wait until it is safe to return Monitor local television and radio stations. Do not return to flooded areas until authorities indicate it is safe to do so.

Do not visit disaster areas following a flood. Your presence may hamper urgent emergency response and rescue operations.

Travel with care Follow recommended routes.

DO NOT sightsee.

Watch for washed out roads, landslides, and downed trees or power lines.

Stay away from downed power lines.

If a building was flooded, check for safety before entering Do not enter a building if it is still flooded or surrounded by floodwater.Check for structural damage. Inspect foundations for cracks or other damage.

Turn off any outside gas lines at the metre tank.

Do not enter a building that has flooded until local building officials have inspected it for safety.

Use extreme caution when entering buildings Wear sturdy shoes. The most common injury following a disaster is cut feet.

Use only battery-powered lighting.

Flammable material may be present.

Look for fire hazards (such as damaged gas lines, flooded electrical circuits).

Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. If possible turn off the gas at the outside main valve. Call the gas company.

Report broken utility lines to authorities.

Check for electrical system damage (sparks, broken or frayed wires, or the smell of burning insulation).

Turn off the electricity at the main circuit breaker if you can reach it without stepping in water.

Examine walls, floors, doors, windows and ceilings for risk of collapsing.

Watch out for animals that might have entered with the floodwaters.

Let the building air out to remove foul odours or escaping gas.

Take pictures of the damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance claims.

Get professional help Seek necessary medical care.

Do not neglect minor wounds or illnesses.

If the gas has been turned off for any reason, it must be turned back on by a professional.

Have an electrician check the electrical system and appliances.

Your home is no longer a safe place Throw away medicine, food, or water that had contact with floodwaters (including canned goods).

If water is of questionable purity, boil drinking water for ten minutes.

Restrict children from playing in flooded areas.

Keep windows and doors open for ventilation.

Keep the power off until an electrician has inspected the system for safety. All electrical equipment should be checked and dried before being returned to service.

Clean and disinfect everything that got wet.

Service damaged sewage systems as soon as possible.

When making repairs, protect your property from future flood damage Follow local building codes.

Use flood-resistant materials and techniques.

Elevate electrical components above the potential flood height.

Elevate utilities (washer, dryer, furnace, and water heater) above the level of anticipated flooding.

(www.susquehannafloodforecasting.org)

She was last seen at her home in KP Lands at about 4 pm on Monday. She was reported missing on Tuesday morning by her brother Mark Peters. Shamia is of mixed descent, four feet 9 inches tall, brown in complexion and has short curly hair. She also has a birth mark on her chest.

In an unrelated case, 35-year-old Anisha Ramsundar of Carapichaima, who was reported missing by her husband on Thursday last week has been found.

A Cumuto teen was also found through the efforts of the police and family members.

Janika Harris, 16, was reported missing by her mother on July 6.

TT defended the title ending the tournament with three wins, one loss and one no result. Avinash Mahabirsingh, Leonardo Julien and Sameer Ali all won awards for TT . Mahabirsingh won the MVP Award for his excellent all-round effort during the tournament. The spinner finished fourth among the wickets with 11 scalps, fifth on the batting chart with 110 runs and took three catches to finish seventh on the most dismissals/ catches standings.

Julien held six catches, completed five stumpings and had one assisted run out to top the most dismissals/catches standings.

Ali and Barbadian Matthew Forde both ended the tournament with 13 wickets, but the TT spin bowler was given the award because TT won the tournament. Ali also had a better economy rate and average.

Barbadian Rashawn Worrell ensured TT did not sweep the prizes taking home the most runs award. Worrell scored 137 runs in the tournament and was the only batsmen to score a century (101).

Dr Allen Sammy, an executive member of the TT Cricket Board, encouraged the youngsters to progress to the senior level. “I urge you in going forward.

Everyone of you will probably play for the West Indies at some point or at least come close to it, or play for your national team because you are the best,” Sammy said. Sammy said it is important to work hard and have respect for the game. “But you can’t remain the best without working hard and without learning the laws of the game and without respecting your colleagues.

Respecting your fellow players, respecting umpires and match referees. You have to understand that. The minute that slides away then your play slides away. You will not understand the connection now because you are young, but it will happen later in life.” Also addressing the youngsters was Director of Cricket West Indies (CWI) Jimmy Adams.