Baird, who played football for Scotland at the Under-17 and Under- 18 level, has been playing and coaching in TT for the past seven years. Baird has been involved with Tobago United, TT Highlanders, Joe Public, North East Stars, the West Indies Football Association and most recently Central FC.

Baird said he wants to capitalise on this opportunity to play in Europe as he is approaching the twilight of his career. “I think especially at my age, I am now 34, this is probably my last European contract or a contract abroad and then I will probably come back here (TT ) and retire. I have been involved in coaching over the last few years as well, but I will focus solely on coaching and not playing (when I return to TT ).” Iceland recently became a more popular football destination after the country advanced to the quarter- finals of the 2016 UEFA European Championships.

“Because Iceland did so well in the Euro Cup, a lot of money is being pumped into the football now. They (Snaefell) have big aspirations.

Part of the deal is I oversee all football things, although I will be playing, I make a lot of the decisions as well for the club.” Baird, who lives in Trinidad with his family, said he will miss Trinidad but says he can open doors for more local footballers to join him in Iceland.

“Trinidad has became very much home. Obviously I am a little sad, but I am excited as well about the opportunity.

I will help recruit some players as well, so that is maybe an opportunity for some Trinidadians or other nationalities to come as well. It is kind of an all-around role actually.” The goalkeeper said he would like to return to TT to help with the growth of football.

“Anything I can do to give back I will, and if opportunities arise to get Trinidadians out there I will do that.” Baird was part of Central FC, as a player/ goalkeeper coach, last season when they completed a hat-trick of TT Pro League titles.

Baird said he hopes the club continues to succeed.

“I wish Central FC all the best this year because obviously I am very close with them still, being with them last year. I really hope they can continue doing well in my absence.” Baird leaves Trinidad tomorrow to join Snaefell.

My experience in the 1970s of assisting with what was then called “reconstructing” TT was met with apprehension and much defensive thinking. Accusations like these ran through the discourse of my identity, “You en like the PNM” or “She is a communist.” My work was done, in conjunction with others, to establish and deliver in a timely manner more than one government initiative essential for our country.

However, I felt my professional engagement was minimised by some in political authority or by PNM members.

Broome’s critique, I believe, applies to the 21st century, therefore I am amazed that demon has not left us.

People still seem to feel threatened or embarrassed when others point to new ideas to effect/transform the shape of things positively in the nation.

The eye of politicism rears its head.

Politicism is like religion, racism, sexism etc — you belong to one group so you can disparage the other and vice versa. It is not based on reason, and its non-ethics are harmful to all human relations.

I reflect on Broome’s other point with the question: where are we going as Trinidadians/ Tobagonians? He names the younger generation “sycophants.” Thinking hard, I have to agree with him, yet the issue frightens me as I am an idealist, with a hope that young people with conscious intelligence might reform public attitude.

Because tall buildings and oil and gas finds alone do not constitute effective human development; they may just disrupt it.

Yet, when I take a mere dip into our history I recognise that our inheritance of the ideology of early oppressors dominates; we have assimilated too much of it. Briefly we have sights on “rags to riches”: settling into “we en bizness” when we “get troo.” It is hard for me to come up with a solution.

However, I feel attempts perpetuated by people like Broome and me are intentional to promote a critical and compassionate environment enhancing strategies for human development.

I remain conscious of my hard work, which made positive contributions to my country, from my young adulthood, both at home and in the diaspora.

I must conclude with a belief that the nation manifests some measure of low self-esteem when it cannot embrace independent and critical thinking when carried out by citizens whose actions are riveted to our country as a whole, and nothing else.

DR YVONNE BOBB-SMITH educator, librarian, author

Regrello observed yesterday that none of 12 homeless people he met to discuss the status of a shelter were from the southern city but from such areas as Princes Town, Chaguanas, Point Fortin and Tunapuna.

They had moved to San Fernando because they were being fed, he said.

“San Fernando is a resourceful place and then you have many successful businesspersons and citizens who usually feed them on the street. And I keep saying to the public, stop the feeding because you are encouraging homeless persons to come here,” he said. The mayor said even families gathered for free food.

“There are families who have homes elsewhere and leave their homes and assemble on the (Harris) Promenade on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday for free food. People pull up in their high-end vehicle or SUV and open their trunk and distribute food as a means of charity, which is not a bad gesture but if you have food to distribute, give it to the centre, give it to the Court Shamrock and the homeless shelter and let them distribute,” he advised.

“It would then allow the people to go there for the food and then they can sit in a decent environment, around a table and have a meal as opposed to sitting on the street,” Regrello said, adding, “cars passing there, there are fumes in the air, there is carbon dioxide in the air and you eating at the side of the street is not healthy.” Regarding his meeting with the homeless, Regrello said they raised concerns about the shelter under construction at the old Revival Time Assembly building at Kings Wharf given the start of the rainy season. He said the facility was not designed as an overnight shelter but as one where the homeless would receive three meals and have use of the toilets and bathrooms.

Regrello also promised to raise the group’s concerns about security at Court Shamrock Centre for the Socially Displaced on Rushworth Street, saying the corporation was also willing to assist the centre.

San Francique batted first and scored 62 runs for eight wickets in 10 overs. Tight bowling by the Tunapuna boys ensured that the victory target was not out of reach.

When they took to the crease, Tunapuna Presbyterian led by Jonah Mohammed looked at ease and won the game with 4.1 overs to spare.

Mohammed scored an unbeaten 40 to the delight of his schoolmates.

And Bonne Aventure Presbyterian were crowned the champions girls school after they defeated Cunaripo by four wickets, also at the Queen’s Park Oval.

The star of the show for Bonne Aventure was Amanda Farrow who produced a fine all-round display to give her school the title.

Bonne Aventure batted first and scored 79 for six wickets with Farrow leading the way with 27. Cunaripo were expected to get past this score but lost wickets regularly and this affected their momentum charging towards the score.

Farrow was the best of the bowlers for Bonne Aventure taking two wickets for six runs.

Cunaripo were determined however and it came down to the last ball with four runs needed but Bonne Aventure held their nerve and, although Cunaripo were able to squeeze out two runs, they found themselves still short by one.

I can say that based on his board certification by the American Board of Internal Medicine, Murray’s name was entered on the Medical Board of TT ’s list of specialists in 2007 when he was invited to share his expertise with the local medical community for a brief period.

Medical practitioners who are registered with the MBTT and who reside abroad are not required to remit an annual retention fee. I cannot say how long Murray has been back in this country, but one can say that in 2007, based on the fact that his name appears on the specialist list, he is registered to practise in this country.

To the best of my knowledge, the non-payment of an annual retention fee does not in any way put a medical doctor in Trinidad at risk of having his “licence” revoked, as your article suggested.

There are aspects of the Medical Board Act that have not been changed over the past four decades — and it is not for want of trying. It is also clear that because of his circumstances he could not have been present in this country over the course of the recent past few years.

I do not know Murray personally nor have I ever met him. I am, however, privy to information regarding his accomplishments and expertise as a medical professional.

I am sure that in light of his particular circumstance he can well do without additional and unwarranted harassment from the media as he embarks upon the rocky road of rebuilding the professional life of which he was deprived in the recent past.

STEVE SMITH via email

The rise in temperature due to climate change is expected to have a significant negative impact on the global economy. Unmitigated climate change is likely to reduce the income of an average person by roughly 23 percent in 2100, according to estimates contained in research publications. In fact, it is estimated that climate change will reduce average income in the poorest 40 percent of countries by 75 percent in 2100.

The overall aggregate effect of climate change on economic growth will most likely be negative in the long run. Global warming is expected to increase the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, bringing with it property and infrastructure loss.

Rising sea levels will also harm economic output as businesses become impaired and people suffer damage to their homes.

There would also be a fall in the productive capacity of the world economy. This would translate into a downward shift in world production. Higher global temperatures may also affect food security, promote the spread of infectious diseases and impair those working outdoors.

There may also be inflationary factors to consider. Agricultural yields are sensitive to weather conditions and as our climate becomes ever more extreme, more frequent droughts may reduce crop yields in areas where food production is vital. Higher global food prices will likely impact income in the process. As the level of warming becomes even greater, food price inflation would rise. Rising inflation may also materialise through reduced land availability. The surge in global temperatures may eventually cause some areas of the world to become uninhabitable and with this will come mass migration.

Alongside the political and socioeconomic implications of these moves will be higher demand for an ever decreasing amount of land. Higher energy costs are also likely to boost inflation. As our climate becomes more extreme we are likely to demand greater energy to cool both our working and living environments. Not only will energy demand change, but supply may shrink as the efficiency of existing power stations is compromised due to higher temperatures.

Internationally, the insurance industry already recognises that it is likely to bear much of the risk of global warming. Companies have already felt the force of extreme weather events on profits; from unseasonal floods to hurricanes.

Extreme weather-related damage to properties has seen insurance companies pay out to cover these costs.

The biggest losers in these global changes are the developing countries which are more likely to disproportionately experience the negative effects of global warming.

Not only do many developing countries have naturally warmer climates than those in the developed world, they also rely more heavily on climate sensitive sectors such as agriculture, forestry and tourism. As temperatures rise further, certain regions will face declining crop yields and will struggle to produce sufficient food for domestic consumption, while their major exports will likely fall in volume.

Overall, the increased frequency and severity of extreme weather will weigh on government budgets.

The aftermath of natural disasters often falls on authorities who are forced to spend vast amounts on clear-up operations and healthcare costs that come with experiencing extreme weather.

Revenue reductions may also be experienced by countries heavily dependent on tourism or on fishing, as those countries in the Caribbean are. After all Tobago is heavily dependent on tourism.

There are also other costs associated with global warming and climate change. These include energy costs of air conditioning, worn infrastructure, health problems such as heart attacks and malaria and dengue. Interestingly, a rapidly growing body of research examined whether human conflict can be affected by climatic changes and researchers found a strong link between climactic events and human conflict across all major regions of the world, as well as a link with personal violence and aggression.

Essentially, the climate is fundamental to our economy.

More extreme weather has the potential to weaken economic growth through damage to the capital stock and labour productivity will weaken as the world economy adjusts to higher temperatures. Inflation will rise through the growing cost of food, energy and insurance. Monetary policy can devote efforts to adapt to climate change to contribute to macroeconomic stability.

Standard inflation targeting approach should be modified to deal with persistent supply shocks –using countercyclical policies as reserve accumulation, exchange rate management, and perhaps a more extensive use of informed judgment. However, fiscal and industrial policy are better suited for controlling or mitigating the factors that lead to climate change. We need to understand how the changes in climate affect us here in Trinidad and Tobago and in what way these might impede our future prosperity.

As it turned out Mucurapo’s “Team A” won top honours after each team played every other in a 22-match round robin tournament.

Each seven-a-side indoor match lasted 10 minutes while both boys and girls teams were represented. Teams participating were Mucurapo Girls, Diego Martin Boys RC, St Joseph Boys RC, Maloney Government Primary School, and Boissierre RC Primary School.

Event organiser and Mucurapo RC teacher, Sharon Harduar, told Newsday, “We have found that the schools are each practising but are not getting together. Today, this is our way to help youths in hockey to develop.” She said most of the girls of Mucurapo RC were in Standard Five and they had played the sport right up to the week of their Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) Exams in May. “They had a balance between academics and sport,” she said.

Maloney Government School hockey coach Andrew Phillip lauded the idea of the tournament, said the children are greatly encouraged by the exposure. “And parents become more involved with their children’s lives when they see this,” he added. “It builds pride.” The girls results were: first Mucurapo ‘A”, second Maloney “A” and third Maloney “B”. The boys results were first St Joseph’s Boys, second Diego Martin “A” and third Maloney.

For the girls the best goalkeeper was Jada Bradley, most valuable player (MVP) was Zahara de la Rosa, best defender was Analyse Smith and most goals came from Enya Subero.

In the boys category, the best goalie was Keyron Jacobs, MVP was Lemas Neptune, best defender was Nicholas Whiteman and leading goal-scorer was Joshua Joseph.

There was an overwhelming response on the opening day as a total of 70 children were present and ready to play and learn. Also visiting to share their cricketing experience were national cricketers Rayad Emrit, Sunil Narine, Kevon Cooper and Nicholas Pooran.

An overjoyed founder and director of the AK Academy, Arvind Kumar, stated, “It has always been a dream of mine to start an academy because I started coaching since I was 16 years old.

“Having a passion for the game and love for kids, I decided to merge the both so I contacted a few friends Shameer Mohammed, Ziyaad Ali and my brother Deepak Kumar, and now I have achieved a dream.” The Academy will have sessions every Saturday morning and the main focus is on improving techniques as well as the knowledge and understanding of the game.

Sessions will be overseen by four qualified coaches and nine assistants, including three females, to ensure players become more balanced by having both practical and theoretical sessions.

Special mention for their assistance goes to Ram’s Poultry and Minimart, GemPro Security Services, A&A Properties and Frank & Chandra Kumar.

I am, however, aware that in some companies, even existing employees may be promoted on probation. For the record, I do not agree with this practice, as I believe it highlights a marked weakness in the internal succession planning and performance management systems.

Most companies, by either policy or collective agreement, establish probationary periods between three-six months.

However, it is not unusual that for some very highlevel positions, the period could be as long as 1 year.

During the probation, the worker should be carefully monitored and guided on the fundamental requirements of his/her role. This allows the employer to determine if the employee’s skill-sets, aptitude and cultural orientation meet the standards established. These requirements are consistent with the objective of facilitating the newly recruited with the wherewithal to allow him/her to succeed in the position.

So, in essence, the probationary period is an extension of the recruitment process, as this is part of the final phase of selection.

Within the period, both parties engage in the ‘getting to know you’ rituals, accompanied by the proverbial ‘hand-holding’ and coaching.

Orientation is therefore the first phase of the probation, where it is expected that the employee will demonstrate an eagerness to learn and assimilate information. The employer’s role is to give a proper introduction to company and department specific systems and policies and expected standards of conduct. An uneventful orientation and welcoming, now referred by HR professionals to as the “on boarding,” is often an indication that the probationary period will most likely be successful.

The duration of the probation period is therefore crucial. It must be sufficient to allow proper assessment, measurement and determination by both parties.

Regardless of its duration, the entire period must be considered as part of the overall length of service of the employee, once confirmation occurs.

Let me now explain briefly the responsibilities of the parties during that period.

The employee should ensure that he/she abides by the terms of the Contract of Employment, observes all work-rules and complies with company policies.

Since it’s a period of coaching and learning, the employee should point out to the employer any area in which he/she may be experiencing difficulty.

The employee is well advised to dispel any reluctance to ask questions and seek clarifications.

Such reluctance may create a revolving trap of ignorance which could lead to an extension of the probationary period or his/her non-confirmation.

The responsibilities of the employer include providing the guidelines, as well as, coaching during the period. The employer should ensure the employee has the resources and establish feedback sessions with the employee to give him/her the best possible chance to succeed.

A formal mid-probationary assessment should be completed, requiring the employee’s signoff.

During this and the final assessment, the employer must be careful to ensure that any performance concerns discussed were previously brought to the worker’s attention during earlier feedback sessions.

Many employers are often misguided by the contents of the standard termination clause in employment contracts. Some assume that it gives them the right to fire “at will” during the probationary period. However, this is furthest from the truth and brings to mind the finding of the Industrial Court in a case involving one of our leading financial institutions.

In this case, a probationer was dismissed and the Court determined among other things, that the training time was insufficient and that the Company failed to complete a formal performance assessment at the mid-period even though the worker was told that this would happen at the start of his employment.

The Court concluded that: “the worker never had a fair opportunity during his probationary period. There were gaps in his training. According to his evidence he did not have the benefit of coaching, even after he was given an unfavourable assessment. On the evidence before us we find that the Worker’s dismissal was harsh and oppressive and contrary to the principles and practices of good industrial relations.” There are two points to note here. Firstly, a probationer is still legally a worker and has access to the Industrial Court to seek redress. Accordingly, the probationer’s treatment must always be in accordance with good industrial relations practices.

The second point is that the probationary period is to serve specific purposes and the employer must show evidence that those purposes were satisfied one way or the next during the period.

It’s therefore in the best interest of both the company and the probationer that the proper steps are taken and the correct course of action is adopted during the probationary period.

Employers are well advised to exercise patience and empathy at every step. Utilise the option to extend the period instead of termination, if uncertain about suitability. The extension provides both parties with another bite of the cherry. On the other hand, the probationer must be alert, diligent and compliant with the guidance and feedback received.

Always keep in mind, the reality that both parties are on trial during the probationary period.

“The board of directors’ terms are a year…

That is standard. After a couple of years of yeoman’s service, Wendy Ho Sing is leaving but she has done some great work over the years.

She’s leaving on July 5, so we are working on the transitional arrangements.” Hilaire was responding on Tuesday to Dacon’s claims that Ho Sing and two directors recently submitted letters of resignation following instructions from the ministry to dispose of assets, namely Home Construction Ltd shares, pledged to the Clico policyholders statutory fund without actuarial valuations.

Last Sunday, Dacon told Newsday, “Under our laws and regulations, assets pledged to the policyholders statutory fund cannot be removed without first obtaining an actuarial valuation that says the fund will still be in surplus after the removal.” He questioned the legality of such instructions to the Central Bank appointees to the board, adding that this is what has triggered the reported resignations.

“If there is gross negligence in the performance of their (the government’s) duty, or what lawyers call malfeasance, people appointed (to Clico board) could be held personally liable for damages.” He argued this is “a criminal issue” to which Newsday asked Dacon if Duprey intends to take legal action.

“Ultimately that will come but the first action is to re-take control of CL Financial; the holding company that owns 51 per cent of Clico,” Dacon replied.

Regarding this, Newsday asked Hilaire if the Central Bank was worried about Duprey taking legal action in the future.

The governor said, “We do our job. We do our job on the Clico side to ensure a clean resolution. We are not worried.” Newsday also asked if Duprey was considered a fit and proper person, according to Central Bank criteria.

“If it comes up, we will have our views based on past information and what may have transpired before.

In that sense, we will act accordingly.” Hilaire spoke with Newsday after the presentation of 2016 Financial Stability Report at the Central Bank, Eric Williams Financial Complex, Port-of- Spain.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Colm Imbert, responding to Newsday’s questions via email on Monday evening, said, “the term of office of the present Clico board, appointed under the tenure of the previous administration, is coming to an end.” “That is all. Boards do not continue forever.

They have an expiry date. I am advised that a new board will be put in place by the Central Bank shortly,” Imbert stated.