Senior Superintendent Lloyd McAlpin, head of the Organised Crime Narcotics and Firearms Bureau, is in charge of the investigation.

Sources confirmed the interviews, however the lead investigator is out of the country and could not be reached for comment.

On March 27, 2016, Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi’s teenaged son and daughter accompanied him and Minister in the Ministry of the Attorney General Stuart Young to Camp Cumuto for training at the shooting range.

Photographs were taken of the teenagers holding high-powered weapons which were outfitted with live ammunition.

The photographs were then made public in Parliament by Oropouche East MP Roodal Moonilal last October.

The Defence Force carried out its own enquiry while the police undertook a separate investigation.

Recently, the Defence Force ended its probe and cleared the Attorney General of any wrong-doing.

Former Chief of Defence Staff Kenrick Maharaj was named in the report as the person who invited the Attorney General and his children to Camp Cumuto.

Maharaj has denied the claim and has applied for a copy of the “Report of Proceedings of the Board of Inquiry.” The information was expected to be made available in 20 days for the date of his application, last Monday.

Maharaj has said he will take legal action

It must be painful to let go of old India, but India is now a serious contender in the race to have human beings travelling the stars.

India outlawed child marriage as far back as 1955. India successfully launched a communications satellite using its 13-storey GSAT- 19 rocket on June 5 (Christian Science Monitor). Peasant-style Indian rituals are being obliterated by its advances in modern technology.

Time waits for no one and the ritual of child marriage must also not shackle modern TT to the past. Former prime minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar should not be the only Hindu female to break glass ceilings. There is likely another Hindu girl who would have been lost to political TT or the business community because of being married off at an early age.

I took the view that Persad-Bissessar’s support of the outdated traditional views of the secretary general of the Maha Sabha, Sat Maharaj, to be evidence of a well brought up Hindu woman lending support to her religious leader who has allegedly always defended her using the considerable influential power of his religious position.

Inevitably, we have to stop being transfixed by the past. Some of us suffer the politics of religion because in some ways politics is becoming a religion in itself in TT .

June 9 is the day when Opposition politics moved into the 21st century.

LYNETTE JOSEPH Diego Martin

“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.

Bobby Sookram, of Dumfries Road in Rambert Village, first appeared on Tuesday before the magistrate who remanded him into custody for tracing. Yesterday when he reappeared, court prosecutor Sgt Chanardath Jhilmit informed the magistrate that the tracing was unavailable. Sookram was unrepresented by counsel and said he had no previous convictions nor pending matters. Standing before Diop, in the Second Court, Sookram added that he lives alone and has an adult son.

The charge against Sookram alleged that on Friday, he stole six blocks of Anchor Cheddar Cheese valued $300 from Anand Low Price Supermarket at South Trunk Road, La Romaine. Estate Constable Diaz of Travtech Security Services Ltd laid the charge. Diaz walked into the courtroom yesterday with the cheese in a plastic bag.

Diop granted the $10,000 own bail and as a condition to the bond, ordered that he reports to the San Fernando Police Station on Wednesdays anytime between 6 am to 7 pm. He is to reappear in court tomorrow.

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.

The Caribbean’s energy sector is topical in this discussion. Presently, electricity costs across the region are particularly high, with most of the countries being almost entirely dependent on oil to supply their electricity needs.

Almost all countries in the Caribbean import all oil products, making their economies particularly vulnerable to the volatiity of oil prices. Whilst Trinidad and Tobago has abundant oil and natural gas reserves, and is an exporter of these two resources, its growth in this sector has slowed as a result of falling oil and gas prices. According to the Pan American Finance, Caribbean Basin: Renewable Energy Invest Index (March 2017), the economic uncertainty created as a result has pushed the government to reassess its energy policy.

There is also growing pressure for Caribbean countries to lower their carbon footprint. But it is how chief financial officers (CFOs) and other finance leaders respond to these challenges, which is crucial to how the sector fares against this turbulence. CFOs in the oil and gas sector in the Caribbean need to ensure their businesses are fi t for the future; predicting the future business landscape through effective forecasting and planning is vital, especially when renewable policies are introduced.

Preparation for the potential risks of the future and most importantly, how to overcome them, need constant review to ensure plans do not become irrelevant, which can all too easily happen in a fast moving and volatile sector such as this.

Finance leaders need to tread a fi ne-line between cutting costs while also protecting essential investment for the future. This is a really tricky balancing act as resource allocation also needs to be prioritised, and ruthlessly so.

Reporting challenges in the oil and gas sector is perhaps the most contentious.

The industry is always under intense pressure, with significant political, public and media scrutiny. Transparency is a key goal for the industry at present, especially with the sustainability agenda so high on environmentalist and policy makers’ interests.

Making energy cleaner has wider benefits for the Caribbean. Investment in renewable energy sources acts as an incentive for further development across the region, as they can contribute to lower energy prices and minimise economic volatility. According to the Renewable Energy Invest Index, renewable energy investment activity in the Caribbean reached a record-high in 2015. Renewable energy (including hydro) accounts over 30% of the total installed energy generation capacity.

Jamaica was the Caribbean’s first country to hold clean energy-only auctions. In 2009, the Ministry of Energy and Mining released the National Energy Policy 2009-2030, a plan that promotes the development of renewables, supports energy efficiency and sets a regulatory framework. To date, they have had two renewable energy auctions.

Many other countries in the region have further to go to replicate such strides. According to the index, only 4% of electricity production in Cuba comes from renewable sources. But companies are interested in investing in the island. UK energy company Hive Energy has already committed to build a 50 MW solar project near Havana. However, Cuba is still far from being fully open for business.

The Caribbean’s use of fossil fuels will still run alongside its renewables agenda for some ti me too, as it is set for expansion opportunities.

Grenada is leading the way with as an oil exploration campaign that was recently announced to soon start. At present, Grenada does not produce any oil.

Deep-water exploration and production expansion is also on the horizon for the region, which is thought to be hiding billions of barrels of oil and cubic metres of gas. The region itself holds an estimated 126 billion barrels of oil and 679 trillion cubic feet of undiscovered natural gas in 31 geologic provinces, according to a 2012 report by the US Geological Survey.

Ultimately, the Caribbean must use the expertise of its finance function as sustainability is imbedded in business strategy.

The biggest challenge for the Caribbean is to transform its energy industry and ensure the industry runs ‘business as usual’ as it works through turbulent times and continues to innovate to needs of this ever changing world.

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.

Dear Anxious,

The goal setting inherent in career management is intended to give you a sense of control over your destiny and how you invest your time and energy. According to the Business Dictionary website, “Career management is a lifelong, self-monitored process of career planning that involves choosing and setting personal goals, and formulating strategies for achieving them”. But while a career can be managed with some assurance in stable market conditions where change is predictable, in times of uncertainty — like we are experiencing across the globe at present — a planned career path is a luxury few can afford.

The workplace is changing. There are no longer jobs for life, and many individuals are now likely to have ten to15 jobs in their lifetime. In Trinidad, we have seen a downturn in construction, energy, financial services and manufacturing with redundancies across industries in reaction to both real and anticipated decreases in business.

In uncertain times, there is a natural response to put your head down and hope for the best. Often known as “turtling”, this is a hope for the best strategy, but it isn’t a strategy at all. This is the path of zero control. The second common reaction is for people to jump ship and grab the first job that comes along. And although you may get lucky, rushing career decisions always maximizes risk. Additionally, looking for cents here and there, tightening the terms of contracts, holding on to projects and guarding your little empire all contribute negatively towards your job security and reputation. Hanging on means behaving in ways that demonstrate to other people that your sole concern is your own security rather than the good of the team, organisation or customers.

If you want to keep your job, you need to become part of the solution, demonstrating both leadership and strength to others. Give clients a reason to ask for you and become indispensable to the firm. It is okay to be worried and focused on your own career, but don’t forget that you work with other people who are very likely feeling the same fear. Operate from a position of confidence and continue to be a team player. This is the time for boldness and courage – not whining about life being unfair.

Before the worst happens, start to prepare. Inventory what you can offer the next employer – assess your brand – and start building the skills and experiences you need to move forward. Begin to secure your network by getting out there and cultivating multiple channels for promoting your brand. Volunteering inside and outside of work is a great idea for both networking and marketing yourself. If you can volunteer for extra tasks or planning committees at work, do it. You’ll become more involved with your coworkers and also become a more valuable team player for the company. Volunteering in the community or through professional organisations is also a great way to network and could also give you a renewed sense of thankfulness and well-being.

If you do lose your job, consider that many people go on to bigger and better jobs after redundancy. This could be the push you need to explore different career options, start your own company or to seek inspiration in education. Finding a new job is not impossible – it just requires preparation. Make sure your resume is ready at all times, and keep up with trends in your industry and discipline, so you are ahead of the curve. Many industries are thriving in this downturn so talk to employment agencies, headhunters and chambers of commerce about what opportunities may be available.

In short, you cannot sit back and wait for the worst to happen. Think of this detour as an adventure and a learning experience instead of disaster. Maintain a positive attitude and keep an open mind. Life isn’t predictable, and you never know what great opportunities may come – just make sure that when they do come, you are prepared and ready to receive them.

GOOD LUCK, AFETT.

AFETT is a not-for-profit organization formed in 2002 with the goal of bringing together professional women and engaging in networking opportunities, professional training and business ideas. ASK AFETT is a column meant to address issues and concerns of professionals seeking advice to assist in progressing in their careers. Today’s response was written by AFETT member, Lara Quentrall-Thomas, Founder of AFETT and Chairman of Regency Recruitment & Resources Ltd. Learn more about AFETT at www.afett. com, search for AFETT Events on Facebook, follow us @AFETTEXECS on Twitter or contact us at 354-7130. Email us your career-related questions at admin.afett@gmail.com.

Lara Quentrall-Thomas, Founder of AFETT and Chair¬man of Regency Recruitment & Resources Ltd

From today until Monday, matches will be played in the Under- 10, Under-12 and Under-14 age groups.

Matches will be played in the boys singles, girls singles, girls doubles, boys doubles and mixed doubles categories.

There will also be novice categories. The Under-16 and Under-18 age groups would be contested from June 30 to July 2.

Ninety players have entered the competition, including 15 from Tobago.

James Hadden, Alex Merry, Kale Dalla Costa are the top players in the boys Under-10 division, while Jordane Dookie and Jaeda Lee Daniel- Joseph are the title contenders in the girls Under-10 division.

In the boys Under-12 division, Saqui Williams, Jamal Alexis, Tim Pasea and Nicholas Ready are aiming for titles, while Gabrielle Mckenzie, Charlotte Ready and Ella Carrington are the favourites in the Under-12 girls category.

The other top players are Alijah Leslie, Ebolum Nwokolo, David Rodrigues, Kyle Kerry (boys Under-14), Maria Honore, Aalisha Alexis, Isabel Abraham and Emily Lawrence (girls Under-14).

Arguing against a governmental motion to set up a JSC on Vision 2030, Mark vowed the Opposition would be no part of any such committee if ever formed .

“Take this motion back to Balisier House!” he stormed at House Leader Franklin Khan who is also People’s National Movement (PNM) chairman .

“You want us to help you remain in power, when our objective is to get you out of power .

The Leader of Government Business is smiling because he understands the trick involved, but we will not buy that bag of tricks from him.” Recalling Khan’s earlier lament of once having to drive his van to save a pile of documents of the predecessor Vision 2020 from being dumped from a ministry, Mark teased of Vision 2030, “I think you will have to get a new truck. Don’t ask us for any nominees. We’ll not be taking part in that (JSC).” Mark, a former Speaker, said Parliament is not responsible for drafting policy to give direction to the Government .

“That is the business of Cabinet, not Parliament.” He accused Government of unnecessarily trying to impose another JSC on the backs of parliamentarians, whom together with Parliament staff, are already overworked .

“Is the Government trying to undermine the Parliament by creating new JSCs duplicating the work and causing chaos?” Accusing Government of haphazardly setting up “ad hoc” committees on a whim and without consultation and without staff, Mark said this is undermining the life and work of Parliament. “We are going to give the people of TT an alternative vision, so how can we be part of this (JSC)?” Asking if Khan wanted to rope in the Opposition as part of a one-party communist State, Mark said, “How can the minister ask us to be a part of a JSC to draw up a literal manifesto for the PNM for the next general election?” Earlier, Khan made the case for a Vision 2030 JSC by saying governance needs continuity of policy across regimes especially in energy, national security and foreign affairs. He listed several countries which have Vision 2020 or Vision 2030 policies including India, Jamaica, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Rwanda, Kenya and Namibia .

He urged Parliament to review the document, suggest changes and help formulate public policy .

Scoffing at former People’s Partnership (PP) proposals such as the “blue economy” and “silver economy”, Khan in a reference to Opposition party-colours hit, “The only plan they gave us was the yellow economy – waste, mismanagement and corruption.” The motion was eventually passed by the Senate with all but two Independent Senators backing the Government and the Opposition voting against .

The vote was 21 for the motion to set up the JSC, six against and two abstentions coming from Independent Senators Melissa Ramkissoon and Stephen Crease .