The teenager hails from Paramin. His coaccused are, Shane Seetahal, 31, of Santa Cruz, Alfonso Bossierre, 25, of Tyrico and Jevon Ding Chong, 21, from Maraval. The teen will also be facing additional charges of attempted robbery with violence against Lewis’ common law husband, Jonathan Garcia.

According to reports, at about 10 pm on last week Monday, the four men forced their way into a wooden shack on Tyrico Bay, where Lewis and Garcia lived, and attacked the couple.

Both were chopped several times. Lewis died at the scene, while Garcia was taken to the Port of Spain General Hospital, where he was treated for his wounds.

The four men were caught trying to escape the scene, and were later charged by PC Denver Callender of Homicide Region 2, after advice was received from the Director of Public Prosecutions, Roger Gaspard, SC, on Tuesday.

Their cases have been adjourned to September 12.

She said the first East Indian immigrants to our shores came to provide a labour force to rescue the floundering economy but also seek a better future for themselves and their descendants, away from hardships in their motherland.

“We are all aware of the difficulties they encountered as the Fath Al Razak sailed across the turbulent waters of the Kala Pani, the broken promises of a sugar-coated paradise, and the abusive living and working conditions.

“It was in their belief in their faith and their commitment to their values which centred around hard work, dedication to duty and moral conduct, that they found the strength to persevere against disappointment, oppression and exploitation.” By endurance and sacrifice, they have contributed to shaping our nation into what it is today, and their legacy lives on in their progeny who have made this TT their home and who have made their own contribution over time.

“Today, our country faces many challenges – some old and some new. As we face these challenges, it may help us to reflect on the struggles of our forefathers, and how they coped with their trials.

“We may also find inspiration in remembering that by focusing on their long-term visions and goals, they were able to persevere and to make it across all hurdles, even after their indentureship contracts were over.” Ramjit said the memories of foreparents must be honoured this Indian Arrival Day. “Retell their stories. Let us remind ourselves and our children of their values, sacrifice and triumphs, and in so doing let us find the inspiration to overcome present and future challenges.

“The Independent Liberal Party (ILP) extends Indian Arrival Day greetings to all persons of East Indian heritage and to the national community, and wishes all citizens a safe and enjoyable holiday.”

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.

The primary objective of a Green building is to minimise the impact it has on the natural environment and social landscape.

Additionally, Green buildings are considered smart buildings – “businesses” in themselves that control their operating costs through focused attention on reduced energy and water consumption, enhanced equipment efficiency, consistent routine maintenance, and more flexible building and human resource management. They generate less waste, use fewer natural resources, and by having suitable levels of fresh-air and thermal comfort provide for a healthier and more productive indoor environment.

More than five years ago, McGraw Hill Construction in association with United Technologies, the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), and the World Green Building Council (WGBC) states: “The results are clear – Green Buildings are growing across the globe. Fifty-one percent of the architects, engineers, contractors, building owners/ landlords and consultants surveyed (in 62 different countries) anticipate that more than 60% of their work will be green by 2015. The most notable part is that this not a trend localized to one part of the world (ie the developed countries).” In the intervening years, the trend has continued to grow as the world seeks out cleaner, more environmentally friendly technologies.

In Trinidad and Tobago, the private sector has, over the last decade, had to first understand that proper maintenance was necessary to extend the life-cycle of our buildings and its systems. This in part, is the first step towards incorporating green practices. The value associated with properly maintained and managed buildings are now better understood and accepted. Consequently, the need for properly trained facility managers or outsourcing FM service providers in the local market has now become the norm, and the industry growing.

The truth of the matter is that for decades, the subsidised energy costs made us complacent, and at the same time wasteful and irresponsible. Now that this is changing, our focus needs to shift towards what measures need to be in place to ensure best practices in conserving the use of energy.

Trinidad and Tobago pays significantly less (around 20%) of what other comparable territories within the region pay for electricity. While the Government has an integral role to play, so do the larger organizations in the private sector – and an equally vital one at that. Over the years, the we have always focused on initial costs rather than long-term benefits.

One may argue this mind-set is the cause for many of the challenges we face today.

Thankfully we are seeing a change in the mind-set from both the private and public sectors, regarding sustainability.

Increasingly, there are green design elements and related systems incorporated in some of the new developments, renovations and restorations around the country. This demonstrates that the private sector is acknowledging the benefits associated with the green model. Of course, other than buildings, there are many other factors that need to come into play to ensure the country adopts a more sustainable approach to development.

There is a lot to be done, and everyone in every organization has an integral role to play. We need to recognize and prioritize sustainability as an essential part of our personal and professional lives. Transforming the built environment into Green Buildings (residential and commercial) is an excellent first step

The students discussed the issue of squatting and weather squatters should be made to pay it.

Yesterday, the team walked away with the grand prize of $3,000 in cash, a trophy, gold medals, and Ipad Pro tablets for each team participant, while St Augustine Girls’ High School came in second place and North Gate College placing third.

Sixteen secondary schools across Trinidad and Tobago participated in the competition by debating against each other on illegal squatting in TT.

Speaking at finals of the competition, held at the Government Plaza Auditorium, Richmond Street, Port-of-Spain, Acting Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Marion Hayes told the students they were now armed with more information about the issue of illegal squatting, and encouraged them to act on it, and do what is right for the TT.

“Work with us to spread the message so that your generation and future generations can live with the assurance that our natural spaces will be here for a very long time for us to enjoy.

I am sure we have some future leaders and future change agents in our midst here today, and I look forward to you being part of more public awareness efforts of this nature.” Hayes noted that there are now 55,000 families who are illegally occupying state lands and the figure amounts to roughly 200,000 people.

She said an additional 1,000 new structures are being added to the landscape every year.

“While those who are occupying state land and those who encourage its manifestation, may believe that this seemingly innocuous act is just a ‘means to an end’ to provide shelters for families in need, the story doesn’t end there.

As you would have realised through your research for this debate, there are far reaching environmental, societal and infrastructural implications that are deep and which go past the average eyes.” Hayes said the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and the LSA, intends to engage other state agencies with a view to forging stronger strategic partnerships to curb further land grabbing.

She said the Government understands that shelter is important and what a comfortable home can provide for a family. “Our goal at the Ministry has always been and will continue to be, to create opportunities for deserving families, primarily the low and lower-middle income earners.

This is our policy directive, which we follow. We want everyone to lead decent, dignified and rewarding lives and we will continue to do our part to ensure that shelter remains a vital part of that equation.”

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.

The Minister addressed these claims while answering questions from reporters at the fourth annual road safety awards ceremony for emergency officials at the Ministry of Works and Transport building on Richmond Street in Port of Spain yesterday.

“I haven’t heard any of these claims but I would advise Fixin’ T&T to look somewhere else for someone to blame as neither Mr Hinds nor myself had assumed the post as Works and Transport Minister when the Galicia was first procured,” Sinanan said. Addressing claims of sabotage aboard passenger ferries TT Express and the TT Spirit, Sinanan said the findings of a recent investigation have ruled out the possibility of sabotage and he further urged persons not to get carried away with such baseless claims.

“At the moment there is no evidence to support any claims of any human interference into the Express and it’s important for persons to realise that unless such evidence becomes available, it’s harmful to the continued operation of the ferry to continue making such allegations.” In a media release, Fixin’ T&T accused government of playing petty politics with the livelihood of people in Tobago. It also slammed Sinanan for the, “Prolonged suffering of Tobago’s people and it’s businesses.” The MV Superfast Galicia which served as the primary transport vessel between Trinidad and Tobago, was withdrawn from service in April following failed negotiations between government and the Galicia’s company, to extend its lease amid allegations for corruption.

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 organisers are requesting that each club send a representative to the meeting. In the meeting numerous topics will be discussed including league updates and future developments, the RBC player and parent outreach programme, West Penn’s sustainability projects and distribution of match fixtures.