There are Biblical commandments that were provided to act as a driver’s manual for the road of life.

“Thou shalt not kill.” “Thou shalt not bear false witness.” These are life’s versions of the stop-at-the-redlight- and-advance-when-safe rules of the road. In reality these are all guidelines to keep us out of trouble.

If you think of it, life’s highways are full of potholes, blind turns and bad drivers, so too is the investing world which experiences scandals, scams and dishonest companies. There are several rules for the investing world designed to help keep investors – and their money – safe.

The first rule to become a successful investor is that you must ensure that your personal finances are sound. Investing when you have high-interest debt is not advisable. If your debt means you can’t meet your payments, take care of those more serious problems before getting too deep into investing.

Second, always have a purpose or a set of clear goals to guide your investment strategy. If you do not have this, hold on investing until you are clear about why you want to invest. This will allow you to determine the best approach, investments vehicles and risk to accept in your strategy.

Third, the lesson from Hindu Credit Union (HCU) and CL Financial is to never put all your eggs in one basket. Do not invest all your funds in one company. “Diversify, diversify, diversify” has to be the mantra of your investment strategy; this will mitigate the loss accruing from the failure of an institution that holds all your investment funds.

Fourth, proper investing requires asking and answering the right questions; these determine what you should buy and sell. CEOs, CFOs and all the other acronyms that we use to classify the so-called professional financial caste can’t hide the fact that they are human, and that humans sometimes lie, deceive, connive and mislead. Again, the CL Financial and HCU inquiry taught us that lesson. In fact, analysts get kickbacks, CEOs get stock options and recent accounting and rating scandals show that impartial accounting and rating are not guaranteed.

As an investor, you must question authority; it is your money, you will need to educate yourself, especially on the subject of financial statements and accounts. Press releases are pieces of a puzzle that by themselves hide much from the investors, but financials provide a much bigger part of the picture. Although financials can be tampered with, there is always a trail left behind. If there are people who have been associated with failed companies, investors need to be careful before investing their money in companies in which they are directors.

Fifth, do not adopt the herd mentality. There is a lot of available information for investors – much of which is true – but accepting it with an uncritical eye and neglecting to check it yourselves is what leads to herding by unscrupulous financial advisors who push “investment products” such as annuities. If you are going to invest, you have to check the firms for yourself. This takes more time, but it will tell you when to stay out and not follow the herd.

Sixth, investors should not allow themselves to become overconfident.

Overconfidence often leads to overtrading, taking unnecessary risks and eventual losses. We all must remember if something is too good to be true it probably true. You need to pay attention to the details contained within the investment policy document.

Seventh, investors need to realize that patience is a virtue for a good reason: It pays for itself. If the market were to dip, or even when a particular stock dips, there will always be investors who panic and sell. However, investors need to treat selling as seriously as buying.

Investors need to assess if the present circumstances are not serious and just a temporary phenomenon, then they should simply ride it out.

Eight, never mimic an investing strategy that you do not fully understand. A strategy works for a certain period. Once it becomes widespread, it skews the system.

Remember there is no perfect investor. Warren Buffett, George Soros and Peter Lynch have all slipped up from time to time. Skepticism will help you to survive as an investor much longer than believers or followers would. Remember to determine the appropriate level of risk for you as an investor given your age and risk appetite of course and your ability to handle losses.

Praying or driving on the road assumes that everyone else will follow the same rules you do and can be considered acts of faith. However, investing, requires practice. To be a good investor, doubt has to become a part of your existence and doublechecking a ritual.

In the early 70s, when TT ’s popular studios — K&H and Semp — were expanding, we were both musicians working in the studios.

After recordings, or in-between gigs, we’d go to my place and jam. We had formed a small fraternal group of musicians called Astralypso Chapter.

The way we explored improvisation in the music — the intuitive and the discoverable, the cross-cultural elements of jazz — we were really relocating the Caribbean jazz essence. We were aligning with past elders like Fitzroy Coleman, Rupert Clemendor, Edmundo Ros and the inherent combos and big bands in the region, as well as the coming world music recordings.

Tony was in love with music and music loved him. He was a gracious soul.

Everyone loved him.

He was also a creative punster. The same creative play with music, he had with words. Everyone who really knew him expected his jokes and puns — once a pun a time … that would be Tony as he would engage with the likes of Pelham Goddard and drummer Barry Howard.

We were into music for the sake of music, exploring harmonies, polyrhythms, tonal modes and counterpoints and improvisation.

We were into the language of music, etc — jazz stuff. We were into the universalism of jazz and it’s unifying elements, the same kind of sensibility now being curated in the collaboration of UNESCO and the International Jazz Day celebration — the unicity of jazz as a changing agent.

It was this musical exploration that fascinated Tony — freeing up his unique guitar riffs style and embellishing any music, song or genre. He was the groove in the groove, groove in the soca, in its music, arrangements and performances.

Soca music has Tony’s signature in its DNA. This was the inspirational source and support of his musical exploration that empowered his intuitive groove skills. It was indirectly Tony’s style that the internationally renowned soca artist, Arrow, cited in his composition, Groove Master.

Tony had played with various combos — Night-winds, Franklyn George’s Rush and the group In Crowd. This was the period when combos were fading as the recording industry and DJs were taking over. This was in the lull of change in the industry. Investments were directed to soca performers and DJs produced most of the fetes.

Audio technology was changing also, with woofers and tweeters becoming popular. The DJs reigned, changing the aesthetic of the sound to volume power, bass and highs. In my estimation, it was the beginning of the distortion and the misrepresentation of the musicians’ music, especially in TT .

When producer Rawlston Charles needed a band to accompany his soca artists in mid-70s, he recruited the best of the studio musicians, included Goddard as leader and arranger, and Tony was in the mix.

Charlie’s Roots had the same high-gear sound arsenal the DJs had. The band brought the live music back to TT , opening up the area for live bands. Benefitting from this was its fan club (Frontline), Minshall, Rudder, Tambu and other top Caribbean soca artists.

In the mix of it all was Tony’s infectious style — riffing the soca dance floors worldwide. In Roots’ performances, Tony and his compadre guitarist Junior Wharward shared electrifying exchanges in their animated play. They were known as the “yes” and “no” soulsters.

Junior would shake his head left to right (no) to Tony’s solo, while Tony would shake his head up and down (yes). It is all in the groove.

The TT fraternity of musicians share the highest respect for master Caribbean jazz musician, fraternal brother and friend, groove master Tony Voisin. RIP Tony.

DAVID BOOTHMAN artist/musicia

Justice Mira Dean-Armorer set September 26-29 for the trial, which will take place at the Port of Spain High Court.

McKenzie, 55, co-owner of Smokey and Bunty Sports Bar in St James, died on December 21, 2010, at Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, Florida in the United States.

McKenzie’s family claims gross medical negligence, bribery and fraud by Medcorp Ltd and the Cancer Centre of the Caribbean Ltd, operators of BLCTC.

BLCTC has been slapped with a $20 million lawsuit.

According to the negligence claim, McKenzie first complained of headaches, seizures and vomiting in August 2009 and was subsequently referred to the BLCTC in September 2009 for radiation treatment after a tumour was detected and removed from his brain. Between the months of September and November 2009, McKenzie was under treatment at the centre, but in April 2010, he collapsed and suddenly began having seizures, court documents stated.

His condition worsened after he became partially paralysed and complained of “severe headaches”.

Further medical tests revealed “a possibility of radiation necrosis” of the area where the tumour was removed.

By July 27, 2010, McKenzie had travelled to Jackson Memorial to obtain more expert medical treatment, where it was recommended that he needed urgent care for a wound infection at the site of the surgery.

McKenzie underwent brain surgery there two days later and again on August 20, 2010 to remove a mass of necrotic brain tissue. Two other surgeries were performed because of persistent brain swelling.

McKenzie’s condition continued to deteriorate until his death.

BLCTC has not accepted any blame for McKenzie’s death and disputes any negligence on its part.

BLCTC states that the Linear Accelerator machine was miscalibrated but not more than “13.9 per cent”.

McKenzie’s family claims the miscalibration was as much as 20 per cent.

McKenzie’s widow Lisa, who has brought the action on behalf of herself and her daughters, is represented by attorneys Terrence Bharath and Andre Le Blanc.

A release from the Ministry of Agriculture credits Pilz as having been “actively engaged in the research and demonstration of renewable energy projects in India since 1993. He is an experienced advisor for solar energy at the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University and World Renewal Spiritual Trust.” Pilz’s presentation also gave details on the Brahma Kumaris organization, Climate Change, and the organization’s’ work in renewable energy.

Speaking to the audience on climate change and its likely impact on food, forests and fisheries, Clarence Rambharat, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries said, “Our responsibility includes the area of forestry, where we are responsible for managing and increasing the forestry stock in the country,” underscoring the importance of trees.

According to the Minister, we have not paid particular attention to climate change, “but we can see the impact of climate change [be it] in the rainfall patterns (and) seasonality’. He said, “A lot of persons do not understand the importance of weather on agriculture in terms of successful planting and production; as a Ministry, we should be doing more – in our planning – to consider the impact of climate change, to look at ways that we can be more sustainable and to provide more information for the people who we serve’.

Benefitting from the presentation were senior staff of the Ministry’s Forestry, Fisheries, Engineering, Facilities, Regional Administration North and Regional Administration South Divisions.

Also attending were Sister Dr Hemlata Sanghi, Director – Caribbean Region; and Steve Sankar, Member, Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga Centers.

In India, the Brahma Kumaris are heavily invested in developing renewable energy technologies.

Their ‘India One’ project is, “a 1 MW solar thermal power plant in Rajasthan that uses 770 newly developed 60m2 parabolic dishes and features thermal storage for continuous operation. The plant is projected to generate enough heat and power for a campus of 25,000 people.

Norma Inniss, who as founder and past president of Alzheimer’s Association of Trinidad and Tobago (AzATT ), and remained at the helm of the organisation for 20 years, has been chosen to represent the Caribbean group as chairman of the conference committee.

She said, “Statistics show that by 2050 some one million people in the Caribbean will be affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, so that the time has come to show greater concern for those afflicted and affected by dementia.

“Therefore the public is invited to be a part of an engaging programme with dynamic presentations and discussions by featured speakers on the following topics: Global, Regional and National Dementia Plans: Challenges, Opportunities – Caribbean Perspectives; Addressing Dementia in Caribbean Families; Recommended Actions for National Dementia plans; and Detailing Alzheimer’s Associations of the Caribbean.” At the conference, its professionals will assist with putting together a National Dementia Plan for the country and in making dementia a national health priority.

Facilities for registration and payment for the conference will also be available during AzATT ’s monthly meeting on June 3, at 15 Nepaul Street in St James from 10 am – noon.

AzATT was chosen to host this conference because in 2000 when admitted to the ADI as a provisional member, it was the first English-speaking country in the Latin region. At present there are 15.

The association will be celebrating its 17th anniversary on June 16, and it is proposed to launch the Alzheimer’s Association of the Caribbean (AAC) at the end of this conference.

Inniss and the AzATT Board under its recently elected president, Ann Smith feels, “This will be an excellent opportunity to learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and it’s management in the various countries and should not be missed.” For more information please visit AzATT ’s website http://www.alztrinbago.

org or email alzcaribconf2017@ gmail or contact the conference chairperson, Norma Inniss at 632-4791.

Pre-registration is advised. Email Arlene at arlvilla@ yahoo.com.

Firstly, the country needs to generate revenue, so that all things being equal, property tax is good.

Taxation can take many forms — VAT, PAYE, corporation tax etc. However, before more wealth can go into the hands of the Government, it needs to assure the population that rampant corruption is on the decline.

The Licensing Department seems to be the most glaring and corrupt arm of the Ministry of Works and Transport and nothing is being done to arrest the situation. I have heard at least 10 times how easy it is to get a vehicle inspected or transferred without the lifting of a finger. How is it that the Government does not know that? Or if it knows, why is it not stopping? The Police Service wreaks of unprofessional conduct and delinquency, so much so that some people liken some police to criminals.

There are allegations that some high-ranking police control drug blocks and that some officers and their close friends and relatives are treated above the law continuously. Why, for instance, do cars drive on the shoulders of highways right next to police vehicles with impunity? Collecting more revenue is not the solution at this point in the life of the Government.

Every day in one minute a deed for the transfer of a million- dollar property generates approximately $35,000 in stamp duty/taxes. And properties are bought and sold like hot bread in Trinidad.

If there is a hole in a barrel (no matter how large or small), no amount of water will fill it.

Similarly, no amount of taxes (with rampant corruption in key sectors of the country) will satisfy the demands of any government.

Savings for an individual can occur whether the person earns $3,000 or $30,000 a month. It is not the quantum but the ability to save and the consistency in saving that count. Not an example of corruption but some contractors have told me, for example, they charge the Government more for building roads, drains etc simply because the Government takes too long to pay. Why can’t the Government assure these people they will be guaranteed payment in a fixed period and so cut contract costs in half? The mindset of people in the Public Service and in key parts of the Government has to change.

People have to recognise that over-invoicing on drugs, or faulty inventories at hospitals, benefits one or two people but damages the rest of our country.

Individual attitudes about honesty, integrity, hard work and discipline must change.

With that change an institution can change. After that a sector, and then the whole country changes.

To end, the Opposition should stop politicising the property tax issue. It will be heard more if it does.

There are so many unanswered questions. For example, why was the Property Tax Act not repealed by the UNC-led Government, and thereby forcing the current Government to bring new legislation to debate the issue afresh?

YASEEN AHMED Woodbrook, PoS

If one proceeds east, on the way to Princes Town, just by Light Pole 69 on the left hand side of the road there is a rough patch. That rough area causes the rear of vehicles to swerve. It is made more dangerous if water collects there.

Please, Minister of Works Rohan Sinanan, can we have some remedial work in that area to avert an accident?

SAHADEO RAGOONANAN via email

The incident occured on Mother’s Day at the home where the teen lives with her father in central Trinidad.

Her mother was murdered some years ago.

Yesterday the accused father was not called upon to plead as the charge was laid indictably.

The magistrate placed him on $150,000 or a cash alternative of $50,000.

The case was adjourned to June 27.

“It is an enduring tribute to the strength and resilience of the survivors of indentured labour, much like that of those who survived the cruelty of chattel slavery, that those of Indian origin have become a vital strand in the tapestry of our mosaic society.” “We cannot underestimate the value of any segment of our social organism,” Mahabir argued, “to the wholesomeness of our entire society. Nor can we, in a spirit of chauvinistic boasting over-emphasise the contribution of the people of any origin to the creation of our present-day social structure.” “Let us celebrate Indian Arrival Day, as we will celebrate Emancipation and the Day of the First People (on October 13), in the spirit of deep appreciation for what each has contributed in their own way to the vibrancy of our culture, to the building of our economy and to the ongoing striving to build a society which benefits us all.” Mahabir added that occasions like this are “opportunities to celebrate and appreciate the contributions of all to the building of our nation and the forging of our distinct and unique ‘Trini’ culture.” He then encouraged everyone to celebrate the enduring unity of people of all origins “as we forge the Trinbagonian nation”.

A unity which Mahabir said is admired by so many globally and yearned for by those who have faced the ravages of destructive hatred and discrimination.

Dillon made it clear there is no “Operation Enterprise” taking place in that community. He reiterated that security forces have a forward base in the community from which mobile and foot patrols are undertaken.

Dillon said intelligence-led operations are being done in Central Trinidad as a whole. He added that a parcel of land has been identified for construction of a permanent police station in the area while a building has also been identified for conversion into a police station. A decision on which is the better option will be made soon.