“There is an attempt to spin this fake oil issue away from the fact that it happened in 2016 to 2017, that is what the report says and the Minister of Energy is taking very long to get a copy of that report,” Ramnarine said.

“During the four years and two months that I was minister of energy, on no occasion was any information or evidence presented to me that this sort of thing was going on in Petrotrin,” he said.

Ramnarine was addressing the UNC’s Monday Night Forum meeting at the Union Presbyterian Primary School, Claxton Bay on Monday evening. He reminded the audience that he had taken action against the so-called diesel racket when evidence of fraud had been uncovered.

And with Finance Minister Colm Imbert expected to present the 2018 budget on October 2, Ramnarine warned the large contingent of party supporters that the budget would be “rough” given the declining economy.

“New vehicle sales down 20 per cent, cement sales down 20 per cent in 2016, 6 per cent in 2017, containerised cargo at PLIPDECO down 24.9 per cent,” he said, adding, “The economy recorded negative 2.3 per cent growth, the worst ever growth in 30 years in 2016, the International Monetary Fund said it is not 2.3, it is really (negative) 5.1 per cent.” “Construction is at a halt, unemploymentthe CSO gave us some figures on unemployment, I don’t believe them, many of you all have children who are unemployed, we have a stagnant economy and a few days ago, the Minister of Planning said there would be more pressure to come in the 2018 budget,” he said.

“The budget to be read on October 2 is going to be rough and I advise everybody to brace for impact.”

The free CNG is being administered via a Scotiabank fuel card.

Drivers in receipt of the incentive simply have to fill up with CNG and then swipe their card at CNG service stations.

The September 6 distribution ceremony was part of NGC CNG’s ongoing efforts to encourage more drivers to switch from traditional diesel, super and premium gas to the more eco-friendly CNG.

State-owned NGC CNG is mandated by Government to accelerate the use of CNG as a vehicular fuel, as well as increase the number of CNG fuelling points across the country.

Earlier this year, the company offered the following incentives to vehicle owners to encourage them to switch: $5,000 in free CNG for taxi drivers who convert to CNG; $30,000 (large maxi) or $20,000 (small maxi) in free CNG for maxi taxi drivers who convert to CNG; $7,500 in free CNG to registered members of the Private School Transport Association of Trinidad and Tobago (PSTATT) who convert to CNG; and $15,000 in free CNG to registered members of the Private School Transport Association of Trinidad and Tobago (PSTATT) who purchase an OEM CNG vehicle.

NGC CNG said taxi driver, Ashmeed Mohammed, was elated to receive the card. “When deciding to make the switch to CNG, this incentive tipped the scales heavily in favour of my decision. I’m now looking forward to reducing my fuel bill, now that I’m on CNG,” Mohammed said.

NGC CNG said it “expects to offer hundreds of these incentives to approved applicants before the end of 2018.” The company also offers grants to registered maxi taxi owners who dispose of their existing vehicle to buy a CNG powered replacement

Different types of sugar on a table You’ve probably heard the terms fructose, glucose, lactose and sucrose before, and you may know that they’re all types of sugar. But do you know how they differ from one another, or whether some are better for you than others? What are complex and simple carbohydrates? Carbohydrates are classified into two basic groups, complex and simple.

Complex carbohydrates are composed of multiple simple sugars, joined together by chemical bonds.

The more chains and branches of simple sugars, the more complex a carbohydrate is and in turn, the longer it takes to be broken down by the body and the less impact it has on blood sugar levels.

Examples of complex carbohydrates include wholegrains such as jumbo oats, brown rice, spelt, rye and barley.

Simple carbohydrates are either monosaccharides (one sugar molecule) or disaccharides (two sugar molecules). They are digested quickly and release sugars rapidly into the bloodstream.

The two main monosaccharides are glucose and fructose.

The two major disaccharides are sucrose (composed of glucose and fructose) and lactose (which is made up of galactose and glucose).

What is glucose? Glucose is the primary source of energy your body uses and every cell relies on it to function. When we talk about blood sugar we are referring to glucose in the blood.

When we eat carbohydrates, our body breaks them down into units of glucose.

When blood glucose levels rise, cells in the pancreas release insulin, signalling cells to take up glucose from the blood. As the cells absorb sugar from the blood, levels start to drop.

The nutritional profile of glucose The glycemic index (GI) is a ranking of how quickly foods make your blood sugar levels rise after eating them. High GI foods are very easily broken down into glucose.

Glucose is the defining standard and has a GI value of 100. Glucose alone does not taste particularly sweet compared to fructose and sucrose.

How does glucose affect your body? Research suggests that, as glucose stimulates insulin release from the pancreas, it also results in the release of two other hormones, leptin and ghrelin. Leptin is known as the appetite suppressor and ghrelin the appetite increaser.

It is thought that lower GI foods (such as wholegrains, proteins and those lower in glucose) suppress ghrelin, therefore regulating satiety.

What is fructose? Fructose or fruit sugar, is a simple sugar naturally occurring in fruit, honey, sucrose and high fructose corn syrup. Fructose is very sweet, roughly one-and-a-half times sweeter than sucrose (white sugar). Because of the worldwide increase in the consumption of sweeteners – in soft drinks and foods containing high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) – fructose intake has quadrupled since the early 1900s.

The nutritional profile of fructose Fructose is absorbed directly into the bloodstream during digestion and has no impact on insulin production or blood glucose levels. Consequently, its GI value is much lower, on average around 19. It was once thought this made it a good substitute for table sugar, but there is now a growing body of research to question this.

Sweeteners such as HFCS have a higher GI value due to the presence of glucose.

It has been suggested that it is the glucose content of these sweeteners that may have contributed to the increase in cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

How does fructose affect your body? Fructose is handled by the body in a different way to glucose as it is metabolised in the liver. As a result, blood sugar (glucose) levels do not rise as rapidly after fructose consumption compared to other simple sugars. When you eat too much fructose the liver cannot process it fast enough and instead, starts to make fats that are carried in the blood and stored as triglycerides – the body’s main form of fat. Studies have shown that the consumption of large amounts of fructose may lead to increased appetite by impairing the body’s ability to use insulin and to suppress circulating ghrelin (the appetite- stimulating hormone).

While most diabetics cannot tolerate sucrose, most can tolerate moderate amounts of fruit and fructose without loss of blood sugar control.

Research is yet to show any detrimental health effects of moderate consumption of fructose as part of a balanced diet. However, it’s worth keeping in mind that the excessive consumption of HFCS and other sweeteners may contribute to elevated blood sugar levels, blood fats and subsequent weight gain.

What is sucrose? Sucrose is crystallised white sugar produced by the sugar cane plant and can be found in households and foods worldwide.

Sucrose is a disaccharide made up of 50 per cent glucose and 50 per cent fructose and is broken down rapidly into its constituent parts.

The nutritional profile of sucrose Due to its glucose content, sucrose has a GI value of 65. As it is made up of glucose and fructose, the latter is metabolised in the liver and holds the same issues as those mentioned for fructose above. Due to its glucose content, sucrose does lead to an elevation in blood glucose.

Diabetics should therefore be mindful of foods containing sucrose.

What is lactose? Lactose is a sugar found in milk. It is a disaccharide made up of glucose and galactose units. It is broken down into the two parts by an enzyme called lactase.

Once broken down, the simple sugars can be absorbed into the bloodstream.

The nutritional profile of lactose Whole milk has a GI value of 41 and is considered to be a low GI food. It is broken down slowly and helps to increase the absorption of minerals such as calcium, magnesium and zinc. Some people experience lactose intolerance – an inability to produce the lactase enzyme that breaks down milk.

Lactose intolerance can lead to diarrhoea, bloating and other gastrointestinal symptoms.

Chief Justice Ivor Archie said a sitting judge being appointed to the JLSC was “perfectly permissible” within the boundaries of the constitution.

The Commission’s constitution states that its members should include the Chief Justice, head of the Public Service Commission, a sitting or retired judge and two persons with legal qualifications.

Earlier this year, the United National Congress, challenged the composition of the JLSC claiming that a retired judge does not fall in the last category, which was meant for lawyers.

In dismissing the lawsuit, the Court of Appeal agreed with State attorneys who claimed that judges were attorneys before their appointment and were still qualified after retirement, albeit without permission to appear before courts for ten years. The UNC has since taken the matter to the Privy Council.

Speaking about Pemberton’s qualifications, Archie said those made her a very valuable addition to the JLSC. He said she held a diploma in International Arbitration and she was the first person in the hemisphere to achieve a perfect score.

“That is testament to her commitment to excellence and meticulous attention to detail which is one of the qualities I know she will bring to the work of the JLSC,” he said.

Archie said it was a happy day for the country because in spite of the vilification and attacks people go through because they want to serve their country, Carmona had been successful in persuading people of this calibre to offer themselves to national service and the country could be grateful and proud.

Also sworn-in yesterday was Chairman of the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) Dr Fazal Ali and its members, Joanne Joseph-Hannays, Elizabeth Crouch and Anushka Anya Alcazar.

He said the Commission was a very important group of people who had acquired competencies to deal with all that awaits them.

He said, “In producing teachers who help students pass exams we also need to produce teachers who build human capacities, great human beings that is what we need in TT,” he said.

Studies show that there are influencing factors associated with food choices among children and adolescents, which include hunger, appetite, taste, money, food prices, education, preparation, media messaging/ marketing, cultural practices, parental attitudes, nutrition knowledge and living conditions, just to list a few.

In focusing on children and teens, poor nutrition affects their growth and development, cognitive functions, contributes to disease, academic performance, productivity, and one’s health and nutritional status.

Dietary intakes during these early years of the lifecycle remain critical for supporting growth and development; for example, in childhood, adequate nutrition is required for developing bones, teeth, muscles, and blood. Similarly, during the period of adolescence, there is rapid growth and development that affect physical and psychosocial aspects of health, and increase nutrient needs.

Nutrition education Having knowledge of nutrition during childhood and adolescence can be beneficial; therefore, nutrition education is an essential key in promoting health and wellness in populations.

Healthcare professionals can work together collaboratively.

Nutrition education should be provided by trained food and nutrition professionals (registered dietitians and nutritionists) to children, adolescents, parents/guardians, educators, and to persons in various community settings, such as schools, community and/or health centres, and churches, which can make a big difference.

This of course can include teaching children and adolescents about nutrient content of foods, explaining why making healthy foods choices are better, for example, choosing foods that are less salty, choosing water and limiting sugary beverages as well as helping children and parents/ guardians to understand the life-long implications associated with poor eating habits in childhood and adolescence leading to adulthood.

Childhood obesity Studies show that obesity in children and teens, can possibly lead to obesity in adulthood.

Energy imbalance, simply meaning, consuming more food than the body needs for growth, functioning, and physical activity; the extra calories consumed can lead to weight gain. Other factors contributing to childhood obesity include genetics, metabolism, lack of physical activity, environmental factors, and social and individual psychology.

Childhood obesity remains a major concern in the Caribbean; it contributes to the onset of chronic non-communicable diseases and other challenges. Obesity can have long-term impact on one’s physical, social and emotional health.

In TT , from a study conducted by the Caribbean Food and Nutrition Institute, 2009 to 2010, it reported that among primary schoolchildren and secondary school students, 23 per cent and 25 per cent, respectively were overweight and obese, and 14 per cent underweight (Ministry of Health, 2011).

From a global perspective, the World Health Organization documented that large numbers of children who are overweight and obese reside in developing countries, and the rate increase noted to be more than 30 per cent higher, than in developed countries. A continuation of these current trends, show that overweight and obese infants and young children will increase to approximately 70 million by the year 2025. They also emphasised that without intervention obese infants and young children, may more than likely continue to be obese during childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.

Overall, you should note that nutrition education will more than likely contribute in reducing or lowering one’s potential risk for chronic diseases childhood obesity and aid in promoting healthy lifestyles.

From this brief overview, nutrition education programmes are designed to help students and their families make changes in dietary practices; with the aim of adopting healthy eating behaviours and improvement in physical activity habits. Through effective nutrition education children learn about healthy eating through action, experience, and participation.

Also, nutrition education needs to be linked with life outside of the classroom.

Claudette Mitchell, PhD, RD is an Assistant Professor, University of the Southern Caribbean, School of Science, Technology

Good job, Ministry of Works .

Some people say it’s too much money to be spent in this recession but I think it will help the economy by beautifying the area and making it better for tourists .

So glad you took this project over from the Ministry of Tourism .

Maybe things will really get done. Maracas Beach is the best place to bathe in my opinion and when friends and family come from abroad, I always take them there for bake and shark .

LISA M GASPARD via email

When I got to Fatima College that was the one thing I wanted to do. Join the cadets.

I could never have guessed the ride I was in for.

It was hard and our unit saw several ups and downs, but the lessons I learned and the amazing friends I made helped to change my life. I joined as a shy boy, who cried when he looked around and didn’t see anyone he knew, and developed into to being bold and very driven to succeed.

I’ve met several people who have spoken about the impact this organisation has had on their lives. It was amazing, however, to hear people speak about how they saw it impacting on other people’s lives.

I recall a conversation with Prof Winston Suite at UWI, who told me he could look at a class of engineering students from around the Caribbean and tell who were cadets from Barbados, Jamaica, TT etc and who were not. I have heard parents address the dramatic changes to their children, boys and girls, who joined the cadet force. The stories are amazing.

Rodney Brown always tells the story that as a teen he had a choice between what he saw as two polar opposites: cadets or a gang. He chose the cadets and now he singles that one decision as the reason he is still alive. Today he can boast of having mentored countless young people through the government youth camps, is a major and a chaplain in the TT CF, and is in full-time ministry at his church, after leaving the government service.

Similarly, I recall a young man telling me that when his parents’ marriage ended and he felt there was no reason to continue living, he relied on his unit’s officer and warrant officer (adult staff) and his fellow cadets to pull him out of that dark place.

It is not that he could rely on them for suicide counselling, but while he never let anyone know what was happening in his birth family, he substituted his adopted Cadet Force family and found the encouragement and strength to continue.

His strongest words to me were that when he was taught to overcome the obstacles in front of him in training, his officer was (inadvertently) speaking to his emotional and psychological issues. I must add that we had this conversation at his store, a well-known mobile phone store. A young person enters the Cadet Force most times at the age of 11 or 12 years old at the beginning of their secondary school career. Within a year, as they learn military type subjects, they are subjected to lessons which build confidence, initiative and leadership.

By the age of 13, many of them are capable of leading and mentoring 30 or more of their peers.

By 17, they can lead 100 peers. This is no idle boast as by 17 some of them actually do lead 100 young people as a company sergeant major.

Cadets go on to be leaders wherever they go. The tested programme of developing strong citizens by using “military methods” rings true to me and countless others who were once cadets, or who have lived or worked with us.

Since its inception in May 1910, the Cadet Force has changed the lives of innumerable people who now serve as mechanics, cooks, painters, politicians, government ministers, CEOs and military personnel.

This letter is a short homage to the force — and I pray it continues for 100 more years, changing lives — and the men and women who volunteer their time to mentor our young.

Thank you for stepping forward. Thank you for your service.

Thank you TTCF.

MAURICE BURKE San Juan

She also called for improved dialogue between business and labour, saying this was the time “for all hands to be on deck.” Thomas-Felix, later, welcomed the decision of the Labour Movement to rejoin the National Tripartite Council of Trinidad and Tobago (NTAC).

She said, “These relationships should be aimed at developing strategies that can impact on the survival and profitability of businesses and the promotion of sustainable, equitable economic growth in Trinidad and Tobago.” Speaking on economic inequality in TT, she said that as the country deals with the fall in energy prices and other challenges, “The gap between the haves and the havenots is widening.” Thomas-Felix talked about the possible link between poverty, inequality and crime, saying that crime and poverty have always been closely linked in this country, adding, “Despite our gains made in development, there is a shrinking middle class and an increasing number of poor citizens, including those who can be defined as the ‘working poor’–those who are employed but are still living below the poverty line.” She said crime created instability and fostered a semi-permanent culture of fear among citizens.

“Critically, this instability and fear also permeate specific sectors, particularly the business sector as they depress the entrepreneurial spirit, incur tremendous costs in terms of security provisions, limit customer activity and purchasing power and work to generally prevent businesses from thriving, particularly small businesses.” She said the country must “collectively and urgently address the root causes of this crisis.”

If they don’t believe it’s true or they are not involved in any underhand dealings, they should not get hot under the collar, but wait until the findings of any investigation into the matter is completed before pulling their hair out.

GA MARQUES via email

In a statement issued on Monday, Park noted that the purchase of hunting permits “is not an entitlement to hunt before the start of the Hunting Season, which opens on Sunday 1, October, 2017 and closes on Wednesday, 28 February, 2018.

According to the Conservation of Wildlife Act, Chapter 67:01 of the Laws of Trinidad and Tobago.” The sale of hunting permits $100 each, begins tomorrow.

Interested persons must present a photo identification and a recent utility bill when applying at any of the following ten locations: The Forestry Division, Head Office, Long Circular Road, St. James; The Forestry Division, San Fernando Office, Balisier Avenue, Pleasantville, San Fernando; District Revenue Office, Sangre Grande; District Revenue Office, Tunapuna; District Revenue Office, Chaguanas; District Revenue Office, Siparia; District Revenue Office, La Brea; District Revenue Office, Rio Claro; Inland Revenue Office, Roxborough, Tobago; and Inland Revenue Office, Sangster Hill, Tobago.

Park said should the public “have any queries,” Forestry Division officers can be contacted at one of three locations in Trinidad: Head Office, Long Circular, Port-of-Spain (225- 3865); Forestry Information Unit, Long Circular, Port-of- Spain ( 225-3846/47) and at the Wildlife Section, St Joseph (225-3837)