We must all be our brother’s keeper in order to ensure that we have as safe and restful a vacation period as possible.

Already, however, tragedies on the land and at sea have reminded us of the need for caution.

The death of three-year-old Messi Gorkin has sent shock waves through the George Street community. According to reports, the Gorkin family went to the boardwalk in Chaguaramas on Sunday afternoon. At 5 pm, Atiba Gorkin was standing on the steps leading to the boardwalk when he turned his back while speaking with friends. Minutes later, he realised his son was nowhere to be seen and a frantic search began.

In the blink of an eye, any one of us can lose a family member. It is the nature of life that it pays no heed to race, class, background.

Where children are concerned, the risks are varied and multitudinous.

Parents have to work incredibly hard to protect, to supervise and to ensure all goes well.

It is not just the responsibility of parents, though, but also members of the community. We all have a hand to play in taking care of each other.

That is what Hafeeza “Rose” Mohammed knew as she took care of her neighbour’s child Videsh.

Both were brutally murdered. We praise police investigators for the speed of their probe which has resulted in a person being charged before the courts. The law will determine innocence or guilt.

On beaches not only must we supervise our wards and also be concerned about the welfare of others but we must further remember the dangers in the water.

All must pay attention to instructions from lifeguards, be aware of tides and rip currents and also know the basics of swimming.

People who intend to swim should avoid consuming booze and meals.

During this vacation time, we also call for more care on our highways.

The case of a driver being killed at the side of the road while attempting repairs is a reminder of the hazards of the road. It is clear that we cannot depend on drivers being disciplined.

People stuck on the shoulder would do well to stay away from their cars until help comes. Speeding is too great a problem and the probability of an oncoming car colliding too high.

There must also be care when it comes to cyclists and motorcyclists on the roadway. The death of Nicholas Paul, 38, and the injury of his daughter Nicolette is yet another tragedy on the roads. The facts of that matter are for the law enforcement authorities to determine.

Historically, fatal car accidents have almost always involved high levels of speed.

People should also be mindful of the hurricane season and the potential for choppy waters. As the passing of Tropical Storm Bret reminded us, and even yesterday’s high level of rainfall, we need to always be prepared.

All homes should have a supply of food and water, including non-perishable items such as canned food. Additionally, people should have medical supplies, a first-aid kit, flashlights, batteries, a radio, candles and matches and a supply of clothes.

Homeowners should also remove outdoor items, trim dead branches from trees, board up windows if necessary, fill gas tanks and extra containers, get extra cash, move furniture away from windows, and store important documents in waterproof containers.

Much fun is to be had this vacation.

But we must all look out for one another and be ready for any eventuality.

All three matches on the final day were abandoned (as no-results) due to the inclement weather, handing TT victory ahead of Barbados (16 points) with the Windward Islands (14.7) third.

Completing the standings were the Leeward Islands (13.4), Guyana (13.3) and Jamaica (1.3).

At the National Cricket Centre, the TT were meeting the Leewards with the title at stake.

The Leewards, who were sent in to bat, were bowled out for 214 in 47.3 overs, with D Benta topscoring with 47 off 60 balls with seven boundaries, while opener U Smith contributed 27.

Avinash Mahabirsingh took three wickets for 48 for TT while N Ali took 2/28 and S Ali 2/41.

Rains during the lunch-time interval left the outfield waterlogged, forcing the cancellation of the rest of proceedings.

A similar turn of events occurred at Gilbert Park, Couva, as a heavy downpour during the interval prevented a result between Guyana and Barbados.

Guyana were dismissed for 149 in their 50 overs with S Singh hitting 29 while K Christian and K Anderson scoring 25 each.

M Forde grabbed 4/34 for the Bajans. And, at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Jamaica were on 186/7 in 48 overs against the Windwards before the weather had the final say.

“I am praying to God to guide the minds of those in authority for things to go right in this investigation.

I need justice for David because that boy died defending what is right. We all know of loopholes in the system. So I am praying for justice because no parent ought to bury their child,” cried Joanne Tannis. “It should be the other way around!” Tannis of Taylor Avenue, Fyzabad, who took care of Sancaro since he was 12, said the teen’s death hurt her deeply since she considered him her own flesh and blood.

Only recently, the teen decided to leave Tannis and stay at the home of biological mother in South Oropouche.

On Sunday at 9 pm, Sancaro, Tannis’son Stephen Tannis and Kaleem Elliot, were returning home from a bazaar when they saw a man planassing a woman on the roadside near a bar in Dow Village, South Oropouche.

When the three told the man to stop beating the woman or they would call the police, he attacked them with the cutlass causing the three to flee.

The 38-year-old man jumped into his pick-up van and drove after the trio, bouncing down and driving over Sancaro from behind. The man stopped and reversed the van back over Sancaro’s body before driving off at high speed. Sancaro was subsequently pronounced dead on arrival at San Fernando General Hospital. The man later surrendered to the South Oropouche police and remains in custody.

An autopsy at the Forensic Science Centre in St James on Monday revealed Sancaro’s death was due to massive cranial trauma with investigators saying this is a case of homicide. They are expected to visit the Office of the DPP today for instructions on what charge to lay against the suspect who is a mechanic.

Sancaro’s funeral is set for today at Guides Funeral Home in San Fernando. “What if this man had a gun? All of three of those boys would be dead today. Nah, I need justice and I am praying for justice,” Tannis said

He made this disclosure at a news. conference at Tower D of the Portof-. Spain International Waterfront. Centre, following a three hour. meeting with Opposition Leader. Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

The Prime Minister reminded. reporters that Government has. been advised that the central block. of the city hospitalis structurally. unsound and unsafe and likely to. collapse in the event of an earthquake.

He said Cabinet recently. took a decision to demolish the. central block and construct a new. building in its place.

Rowley said this would result. in the loss of 400 beds which is,. “of great concern to the national. community and the Government.”. While Government is hoping to. enter into a public private partnership. to run the Couva Hospital,. Rowley said, “Unfortunately the. response has not been very encouraging.”. Noting the area of coverage. provided by the city hospital. the Prime Minister said as Government. examines how to address the. resulting bed shortage, “the new. hospital in Couva will have to be. factored in how we treat with that. development.” Rowley said he assured. Persad-Bissessar that the. non-opening of the hospital was. not the result of any government. policy.

The hospital was constructed. under Persad-Bissessar’s former. administration but never commissioned. before the September 7,. 2015 general elections. On internal. self governance for Tobago, Rowley. said there needed to be a clear. understanding of what that entails.

He said Persad-Bissessar agreed. that a committee of the House of. Representatives would receive. documents which already exist on. Tobago self governance and this. would involve some element of. public consultation Rowley said. Persad-Bissessar agreed with him. that the time had come to legislate. on campaign finance reform as. well.

He said this matter would be put. before the Law Reform Commission.

Rowley said in his discussions. with Persad-Bissessar on a. Code of Conduct for parliamentarians,. there was agreement that. the Clerk of the House could see. if the Commonwealth Parliamentary. Association can assist in this. exercise. The draft code of conduct. covers issues such as no improper. enrichment, opposition to corruption. and use of confidential information.

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In girls beach volleyball, the TT team of Tsyan Selvon and Ebony Williams lost to Rwanda in their opening match 21-17, 16-21, 15-13.

In judo, Luke Walker of TT lost to Soni of India in the quarter-finals of the boys 73kg category.

TT have sent 50 athletes to the Games – this country’s largest ever contingent. The other disciplines at the Games include athletics, beach soccer, boxing, cycling, rugby, swimming and tennis.

You will find that by incorporating vegetables, fruits, whole grains and products, nuts, seeds and beans, ground provision, and starchy fruits such as breadfruit as well as foods that contain fats such as avocado, peanut butter, coconut, and also coconut, olive and soya bean oils, mayonnaise, along with lean meats, fish, eggs, milk and milk products and poultry to the diet can provide great benefits. These foods not only belong to the various groups, but contain vitamins, minerals, protein, and other essential nutrients needed in maintaining nutritional status over a period. Today’s article will focus on adding nutritious foods to the menu.

A look at nutrient density When making food choices, choose foods that are nutrient dense to add to your meal plan.

Nutrient-dense foods can be described as those which contain vitamins and minerals, protein, carbohydrate and fat that are nourishing substances which aid in maintaining health. You should note that in general the concept nutrient density is the concentration of nutrients per amount of food or caloric contribution of the food. This excludes refined and processed foods which tend to be high in fat, sugar, and salt.

As the meal manager, note that the Caribbean Food Groups should be utilised in planning balanced meals, and some examples of these foods listed earlier belong to various food groups for example staples, legumes, fruits, vegetables, foods from animals, and fats and oils. Therefore, the locally-grown produce from kitchen gardens and farms are just as nutritious when compared to foreign produce, and can aid you in meeting your daily nutritional requirements. In addition, people may also use the foodbased dietary guidelines to assist them in making wise food choice.

Helping communities Generally, dietary guideline which are designed to aid persons in choosing healthy foods, and promote participation in physical activity. According to the Food and Agricultural Organization (2017), the food-based dietary guidelines are intended “to establish the foundation for public food and nutrition, health and agricultural policies, and nutrition education which will help to encourage healthy eating habits and lifestyle. Also, they provide advice on food, food groups, and dietary patterns that will provide the required nutrients to maintain health and prevent diseases.” Among various countries, dietary guidelines are adapted to their nutrition situation, food availability, cultural and dietary practices. Examples of food-based dietary guidelines for several countries include Latin America and the Caribbean such as Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Bahamas, Belize, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, Argentina, Brazil, Guyana and Cuba, just to list a few. For North America, you should note the following – Canada (official name – Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide), and the United States (official name – 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans).

In a brief overview, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) 2015-2020 (US Department of Health and Human Services and US Department of Agriculture, 2015) emphasised the following:

Follow a healthy eating pattern across the lifespan – this indicates that your food and beverage choices are important. Therefore, people are encouraged to choose a healthy eating pattern with an appropriate calorie level which can aid in weight management, support nutrient adequacy, and reduce your potential risk for chronic diseases. Moreover, for a brief description of the healthy eating pattern, the DGA 2015-2020 stated that a healthy eating pattern includes a variety of vegetables from all subgroups – dark green, red and orange, legumes (peas and beans), starchy and other; fruits -mainly whole fruits; grains, half of which should be whole grains; along with fat-free or low-fat dairy such as milk, yogurt, cheese, and/ or fortified soy milk; a variety of protein foods such as lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, legumes and nuts, seeds and soy products; and oils. But, saturated fats, trans fats, added sugars and sodium are limited; Focus on variety, nutrient density and amount – the diet should consist of a variety of foods that are nutrient dense from the different food groups; be sure to consume the recommended amounts.

Limit calories from added sugars, saturated fats and reduce sodium intake – this encourages individuals to watch their fat, sugar and salt intake. Choose foods and beverages lower in these components which can fit into a healthy eating pattern.

Shift to healthier food and beverage choices – aim to select the healthier options versus foods that are less healthy; and Support healthy eating patterns for all – this simply implies that many people may benefit from a supportive network or buddy system at home, school or work, encouraging them to make healthy food choices.

Claudette Mitchell, PhD, RD – Assistant Professor, University of the Southern Caribbean, School of Science, Technology, and Allied Health

An autopsy subsequently performed at the Forensic Science Centre in St James, revealed that she died as a result of blunt force trauma to the head. Clarke was from Warden Road in Point Fortin.

Sgt Haynes and a party of police from the Point Fortin CID arrested the suspect on Friday last in Point Fortin and subsequently handed him over to investigators from the Homicide Investigations Bureau (Region III).

Yesterday police received instructions from the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to charge the man for the woman’s murder. The labourer is expected to appear in the Point Fortin Magistrates’ Court.

The toddler’s father Atiba Gorkin yesterday said he is praying for strength from the Almighty, since he still has not come to terms with the fact that his youngest son has died. “It feels like I am in denial, but it is a reality that my son is dead. Every time I think about him, tears come to my eyes.

“It is only God that could get me to come to terms with this.

The next few days will be especially hard for my family, but we are depending on each other and God so that we could get through this,” Gorkin said. Messi’s body was found by Coast Guard officers on Monday morning, after he went missing from the Boardwalk in Chaguaramas on Sunday.

Newsday understands that Messi, his father and other family members went to the Boardwalk on Sunday to relax and enjoy themselves at the beach. At about 5 pm, Gorkin realised his son who minutes before was standing on a flight of stairs right behind him, was missing.

Relatives made a frantic search for the toddler, but when they could not find him, they alerted the Coast Guard and the Chaguaramas Development Authority’ security.

A missing person report was on Sunday evening filed at the Carenage Police Station. The search continued well into the night, but it was not until the following morning, that the toddler’s body was found floating in the waters near Pier 1. An autopsy done on Monday confirmed that the toddler died from drowning.

She had returned to the station from a patrol and needed to “freshen up” to continue her shift but had to run from the toilet because it was dirty and smelly.

The post read, “Can someone please help us… why for the past month and probably longer the female dorm at Couva Police Station is without water.

Complaints are falling on deaf ears…someone please help.

The one toilet and bathroom available for female is inaccessible for such lengthy period.

The station majority is women and we don’t have proper facilities…wow. It is 2.51am…

came off patrol… went up to dorm to freshen up and had to literally run out from the scent emanating from the unflushed toilet…with sour flies around too….MY GOSH!” The post was removed a few hours later but not before the officer got the thumbs up from her “sisters” at the station who praised her for her courage to take to Facebook.

Newsday was told inside the dormitory has become unbearable and no one in authority is listening to their cries for help. Each daily shift has as many as four to five women who must share one double- decker bed and one toilet and bathroom.

They said they have spoken to WASA with no results.

“We have no water to flush the toilets and you could think what that is like for us women especially during our monthly cycles,” said one officer speaking on the condition of anonymity. “But if you think the water situation is bad, the station is overrun with fleas and mosquitoes and the Couva/Tabaquite/ Talparo Regional Corporation is doing nothing about it. No one in authority listening to us although letters have been sent out to the relevant agencies and even our own Police Social and Welfare Association (PSWA).” The women said their hands are tied as they cannot protest.

When contacted, PSWA president Michael Seales told Newsday he only became aware of the problem yesterday morning when he was contacted by a female officer.

“That matter is now engaging our full and urgent attention at this time,” Seales said.

Shabazz, who is also the coach of TT Pro League club Morvant Caledonia United, as well as the TT Football Association (TTFA) Head of Programmes, takes over the role left by Italian-born Carolina Morace, who left the post last week. The TTFA confirmed the resignation of both Morace and her assistant, English-born Australian Nicola Williams, in a media release yesterday.

According to the media release, “No further details will be given at this time since we are under advisement from our attorneys in this regard.

The TTFA however wants to go on record and state that every attempt was made (without their cooperation) to resolve whatever issues that may have appeared in the opinion of Miss Morace and Miss Williams that contributed to their departure.” Morace and Williams resigned due to alleged non-payment of salaries during their sixmonth- long tenures.

Shabazz will be in charge of the women’s and Under-20s teams, as well as the Under-17s (with Joanne Daniel and Desiree Sergeant as his assistants).

Shabazz, who has been involved with the national women’s teams, at all levels, since the mid-1990s, said in the media release, “It’s unbelievable that, at this stage in my life, I will be back in the women’s game. Together with the current senior team we gave our lives for this programme.

“The opportunity is there for us to complete a journey which we started together in 2000. We have a chance to continue to work hard for our country and ensure that this crop finishes their careers on a high note and that women’s football in our country reaches a milestone.”