In a media release by the EMA yesterday, it stated that local community-based organisation La Brea Fisherfolk Association informed them of the presence of a variety of dead fish species in the vicinity of the La Brea coastline Officials visited the site where they observed about 45 to 50 fish of varying species and obtained the samples for laboratory analysis later this week.

“While the incident appears to be confined to the immediate vicinity of the La Brea coastal area, there were no observed abnormal conditions, substances or indicators at the time of the site visit to suggest the likely cause of the fish deaths,” the release stated.

The EMA was not notified of any upset conditions by industrial operators in the region.

The EMA continues, the release stated, to monitor the situation and awaits the results of laboratory analysis to attempt to identify a likely cause of this incident.

In the meantime, EMA is calling on the public to report any additional observations of a similar nature via its emergency number (868) 680- 9588 or email at complaints@ ema.co.tt .

Yesterday president of the association Alvin La Borde told Newsday that most of the dead fish species washed up shore a Carat Shed beach. “I say it was more than 50 in all and most were cat fish. Today it is back to normal. I believe that this may be the dumping of fish because if there was something (pollutant) all the other shorelines would have had.”

For years now across different administrations, we have been having deficit Budgets. In other words, we are living beyond our means.

This shortfall is made up by a combination of borrowing (locally and internationally) and taping into our limited savings (the Heritage and Stabilisation Fund).

Both measures seem to be not only unsustainable but possibly dangerous. I say this for the following reasons: As we borrow, our debt/GDP ratio increases. This may lead to not only higher borrowing costs but also exceed internationally agreed threshold levels for this key macro-economic indicator.

What if commodity prices (the basis of our economy) do not rebound? Loans have to be repaid by the taxpayer (present and future).

Do we run the risk of default? Are we borrowing for productive ventures that can diversify the economy, lead to growth that can mitigate against the increased debt or is it for recurrent expenditure? Our sovereign wealth fund is already way too low given the economic rents accrued over the years. Furthermore, it serves a dual purpose that to me is not compatible. A Heritage Fund suggests savings for the future (inter-generational equity) and should not be lumped with a Stabilisation Fund that suggests savings for a rainy day (macro-economic instability).

Will this fund be depleted if this recession becomes protracted despite the short-term recovery periods associated with bumps in the hydrocarbon sector? Our economy is dependent on a non-renewable resource that will inevitably become depleted some day.

Are current gas shortfalls and falling oil production indicative of this? It has been suggested that austerity measures are being managed with a human face. The population, especially the economically underprivileged, must be cushioned from harsh measures.

I agree fully but can we as a nation maintain the extravagant lifestyle that we are accustomed to? Should we not consider raising taxes on high-end luxury items such as fancy cars, electronic gadgets etc? Thus gaining revenue for the Treasury and possibly conserving foreign exchange by lowering consumer demand for non-essentials.

While unpleasant to consider, should the exchange rate be allowed to equilibrate to its real market value? Certainly this may help curb unsustainable aggregate consumer demand and trigger more local consumption that can boost the economy. Are we really serious about economic diversification? Do we really need all of the subsidies? My fear is that we are simply kicking the can down the road. If we continue along this trajectory, we may find ourselves back with the IMF as we were in the 1980s.

The conditionalities may be far harsher for a population softened by years of prosperity. It may be better to wean ourselves into a lifestyle more in line with our economic realities while we have the chance.

SOCHAN LALTOO via e-mail

CCRIF SPC was created to provide quick liquidity to governments of the Caribbean following catastrophic events such as tropical cyclones, earthquakes and excess rainfall. The programme was expanded to include countries of Central America in 2015. The payment to Dominica is being made under its tropical cyclone coverage, but Dominica also has an excess rainfall policy with CCRIF SPC and the organisation is assessing whether that policy was also triggered by Hurricane Maria. That assessment will be completed in the next few days, CCRIF SPC said in a statement. The statement said that CCRIF SPC was designed to provide immediate liquidity to countries affected by major natural disasters, allowing continuity of government operations, the speedy restoration of critical infrastructure which may have been damaged or destroyed and most importantly addressing humanitarian needs. It said,”When a disaster occurs, governments must mobilise resources quickly without jeopardising their fiscal balance. This is generally done by building a financial protection strategy that combines a number of instruments in a risk-layering approach to match potential financial needs and manage volatility on the fiscal accounts. The strategy incorporates budget allocations and reserves, as well as risk transfer instruments such as CCRIF SPC.” It advised that governments should include a facility such as CCRIF SPC in any optimal national disaster risk financing strategy. Chief Executive Officer of CCRIF SPC, Isaac Anthony, said, “While we are saddened by the devastation from both tropical cyclones Irma and Maria, we continue to be pleased to support our member countries in their time of need and are encouraged by the annual renewal of policies by our members. This provides some strong evidence that our model is a benefit to the region as well as a template that can be adopted and adapted by other regions of the world”.

In a speech to mark the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between CCRIF SPC and the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) on September 4, 2017 at the ACS Secretariat, Sweet Briar Road, Port of Spain, Anthony said CCRIF SPC is the world’s first regional fund using parametric insurance, a type of insurance in which payment is triggered when specific conditions, or parameters, are met.

Because the parameters are already specified, experts say no loss adjusters are needed, allowing for speedy payments. Anthony said the CCRIF has consistently paid out on insurance policies within 14 days of the insured event. He said the parametric nature of the policies allows for rapid payouts against losses and keeping operational expenses to a minimum. He said that since its formation in 2007, CCRIF SPC has paid out a little more than U.S.

$100 million to 12 of its 17 member countries – all within 14 days of the insured event. Following the passage of hurricane Mathew last year, he said CCRIF SPC paid U.S. $29.2 million to four member countries affected by that hurricane: Haiti; Barbados; St Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines; and all the payments were made within 14 days of the hurricane.

He said the majority of the payment – US $23.4 million – went to Haiti under its Tropical Cyclone policy which covered wind and storm surge and its Excess Rainfall policy. A statement from CCRIF SPC said the quick-disbursing insurance payments it provides is particularly useful for the affected countries because it spares cashstrapped governments from having to alter their budgets and take loans to meet the exigencies of expensive and urgent repairs to and rebuilding of major infrastructure items. He cited the earthquake which struck Haiti in 2010, noting that that country’s earthquake insurance payout of about US $7.8 million from CCRIF SPC (20 times more than the insurance premium) was the first set of funds Haiti received and was paod long before the funds pledged by international financial institutions and governments.

He said that CCRIF SPC’s payment – made 14 days after the earthquake – represented about 50 per cent of the total aid the Government in the form of direct liquidity which the government received in the first 10 weeks after the quake.

The importance of the speed of the payment is obvious when considering that “according to reports, more than six months after the earthquake, less than 10 per cent of the US $5 billion in donor pledges had been received.”

In what villagers described as a freak storm at about 1 pm on Sunday, a large tree at Granville Beach, Cedros, crashed into him and a parked Nissan AD wagon.

On impact, Grannum fell to ground and lost consciousness.

A woman from Gasparillo, was trapped in the driver’s seat and villagers had to rescue her. The wagon almost split in two, with its windscreen smashed onto the bonnet and both front doors damaged.

Cedros police rushed Grannum, who was then unidentified, to the Point Fortin Area Hospital.

Several hours later, doctors pronounced him dead. An ambulance subsequently transported the injured woman to the hospital however, she was treated and discharged

In addition, three vans, eight trucks, four cars and containers were also destroyed in the blaze.

The loss of the goods is sure to have an effect on the nation’s supermarkets, but in an interview with managing director of JMH, Christopher James, Newsday was told that the fire could have been avoided if fire services were better equipped.

Newsday interviewed James yesterday as he watched buildings which had been in operation since 1978, burn to the ground.

“Had there been 20 minutes of steady water for the fire-fighters, this fire would have been contained; but the fire trucks had to go back and forth for water. When we closed up last Friday, we left everything as normal. Nothing was put in a different place, everything was normal.” James told Newsday that he received a call from a fellow tenant at the Industrial Estate at about 8.30 pm, telling him that his warehouse was on fire. The tenant said he noticed smoke coming out of the building at about 8 pm and alerted fire services.

By the time he got to the warehouses, one of the four was already gutted and fire was spreading to the second. Fire services tried to gain access to the warehouse but experienced difficulty. By 11 pm, all the buildings were consumed by fire.

James said supermarket shelves are expected to be scarce of the vital food items because JMH is a major supplier to groceries.

“Close to 50 percent of the rice that is supplied to supermarkets comes from our company,” said James “We still have goods coming from off the port, but that may only last a short time.” James added that most distributors collected goods on Friday last, in anticipation of the long weekend, and the company has goods at the port and more coming in the next couple of weeks. However, the residual goods may not be enough to supply the nation in the manner it is accustomed to. James and the rest of the executive of JMH now have to find the means to rebuild as fast as possible. Newsday was told the displaced staff was asked to meet at the warehouse to discuss what could be done for them.

James also noted that some of the goods, and vehicles were insured, but the returns would not be nearly enough to cover the cost of rebuilding and restocking the warehouses. Newsday attempted to reach the Supermarkets Association of Trinidad and Tobago, but calls to several members went unanswered. Fire prevention services are now trying to ascertain the cause of the fire.

Since 2015, I have been writing to lease HDC-owned land behind the Nipdec car park to convert into a recreational field to serve the downtown Port of Spain children, primary school students, residents and by extension the club — a reach of hundreds if not thousands of working class citizens.

By letter/e-mail I approached the HDC chairman, the MP, the East Port of Spain Development Co, even a former mayor, all without success. Unfortunately, the land has been disappointingly appropriated for a homeless shelter. While I won’t disagree vagrancy is a major issue, I believe that land has better productive use as a tool to not only fight crime but create avenues for community integration, family bonding activity, recreation, fund-raising, discipline through sport and a range of generational life-skill development for both parents and children.

Not since the colonial era have residents of the capital city enjoyed/ received land for meaningful recreational development.

While a decision has been made, it is worth every effort for a final appeal to the State agencies involved, since there are other alternatives.

Sport will not end the violent crime that plagues the capital, but it can greatly assist in bringing together communities, respect, a collective identity and indoctrination of positive beliefs and understandings, when the home, the streets, the schools and the community are unable to.

Trendsetter Hawks has been around for 40 years.

It has influenced hundreds from Port of Spain communities, outlasted all crime-fighting plans, even politicians and political parties.

Imagine if the club got access to land for a physical base how much more can be achieved.

NICHOLAS LOCHAN via e-mail

Second place went to True Gains Ultimate from El Dorado with Penal’s Metronomes Elite taking the third place spot. The keenly contested event saw participation from some of the country’s top boot camps and gyms throughout Trinidad and Tobago.

The 5km run was also opened to public and called “Hot Sun Run Charity 5km Walk/Run” and was done in partnership with the Diabetes Association of Trinidad and Tobago, Rotaract Club of Point Fortin and Progressive Youths. The aim was to raise awareness and create a sense of urgency about the increased prevalence of type two diabetes in the county. The race was won by Shurlan Williams (Trinidad and Tobago Road Runners Club) while Ifuela Gooding (Unattached) took the top female spot.

SEVEN Fitness Challenge was organised by Rogue Adventures and sponsored by Unipet, Coors Light, Atlantic GNC, Boost, Hull Support Services, B’s Soup Den and Guapo D and D Enterprises.

Top SEVEN Teams
1. Spartans, Point Fortin
2. True Gainz Ultimate, El Dorado
3. Metronomes Elite, Penal
4. All In Fitness, Deigo Martin
5. Dos Fit 3, Tobago
6. Dos Fit 2, Tobago
7. Hndrx Fitness, San Fernando

Police reports revealed that during the early hours of Sunday, bandits using a blowtorch cut a hole at the eastern side of the bank and later used the same blowtorch to cut open a vault containing the $3.5 million.

The break-in was only discovered at around 9 am on Sunday when people who went to the bank’s ATM machine to use the fast service saw the gaping hole and contacted Chaguanas police.

On Sunday ACP Irwin Hackshaw along with head of the Port-of-Spain CID Ag Snr Supt Ajith Persad, and Snr Supt Kenny Mc Intyre put together a team of officers to assist in bringing the perpetrators of this crime to justice.

Investigators are expected to return to the bank today to interview several people, including employees and to review footage from the bank’s surveillance cameras.

Officials at the bank are also expected to do an audit to ascertain exactly how much money was in the vault, however, officials believe that the money in the vault was valued at more than $3 million. Within recent times bandits have targeted several Scotia Bank branches, however with the latest heist at FCB bankers are planning to meet to have discussions on how security operations could be beefed up to avoid a recurrence. Yesterday, fingerprint experts returned to the bank as part of the ongoing investigation and they are expected to return today in company with officers of the Cyber Crime Unit.

ACP Hackshaw said yesterday that the team of officers assigned to carry out the probe remains committed to solving this crime.

Yesterday also, members of the Chaguanas business community were advised that in the aftermath of Sunday’s robbery, to beef up security at their business places and make all necessary precautions.

This activity was coordinated by the Ministry of National Security.

A ministry release said that some people were located in impassable areas but they were transported by the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TT DF) via helicopter to reach the pickup point for the flight.

Two immigration officers were on hand to screen all returnees.

Trinidad and Tobago has been and continues to be instrumental in search and rescue and medivac of Dominicans, TT and other CARICOM nationals seeking assistance in Dominica.

TT sent nine medical personnel to Dominica on Sunday. They are being accommodated by the TT DF. In keeping with Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley’s announcement concerning TT nationals or institutions wishing to accommodate friends and family from Dominica, they may contact the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs via email address consular@foreign.gov.tt or by telephone number 868-715-2154.

The Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs is assisting in evacuation efforts by providing this information to the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force to track and rescue nationals in affected territories.

At present, the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force has a 56- man team working alongside the Government of Dominica, other regional and international military forces and non-governmental organisations to bring relief to the people and to return the country to normalcy.

Colonel Roger Carter who is leading the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force’s contingent of 22 soldiers, 24 sailors and 10 airmen has stated that it is going to be a long journey for them, as Dominica is virtually at a standstill, with all utilities down and most of the roads impassable due to fallen trees and debris.

While food and other household supplies are needed, Carter reiterated the need for a number of items which will assist in making the roads passable on the island.

Police said that about 7.30 am, a farmer saw the body floating near a riverbank at Dyette Village in Williamsville. Police identified the deceased as Nowray Rooplal, 48, of St Julien’s Village, Princes Town.

Princes Town Police visited the scene and the body was fished out of the water.