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

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.”

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.

The minister made this clear during opening remarks at the fourth annual road safety awards ceremony at the Ministry’s Port of Spain office.

“I am pleased to announce that the tendering process for procurement of ten additional speed guns has been completed and we can expect to see the guns entering the fight very soon.” He added that in addition to speed guns, there are several other projects under way aimed at reducing accidents.

Sinanan said that reducing road fatalities is a task that requires the cooperation of all stakeholders and not just the police. “The Traffic Management Branch is actually engaged in numerous projects that will continue to help make road travel safer for everyone, especially pedestrians. We have a number of projects which include the increased presence of pedestrian crossings in urbanized areas and repainting of road markings which have faded.” Sinanan said officials within the Ministry have been working with the Office of the Attorney General in reviewing the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act to implement newer, more effective legislation which would allow for the introduction of a fixed penalty traffic ticketing system, a red light camera enforcement system and a Demerit Point System, whereby repeat offenders are ranked based on the seriousness and frequency of their offences and punished accordingly.

President of Arrive Alive Sharon Inglefield was optimistic that the proposed changes to legislation would yield long-lasting results and praised the Minister and awardees for their contribution to reducing the frequency of accidents.

“I wish to commend the Minister for having the courage to table the Demerit Point System in the Senate. Please do not let the mischievous motives of others dissuade you from pressing ahead with the introduction of this significant piece of legislation which will enhance existing traffic laws,” Inglefield said.

The ceremony celebrated over 130 officers of the Traffic and Highway Branch, members of the fire service, Licensing officers and emergency medical officers for their role in preventing and treating with accidents.

The company said this dry-docking is mandatory to ensure optimum performance and expressed regret to customers for any inconvenience caused .

During the period, major work will be undertaken to the vessel’s main engine and engine generators among other regular shipyard work .

All works are estimated to be completed within 30 days and the vessel is expected to resume operations by July 7 .

In the absence of the TT Spirit, the inter- island service will be operated by the TT Express and the Water Taxi, Paria Bullet, as follows: WATER TAXI Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, from PoS at 6 am and from Scarborough at 4 pm .

TT EXPRESS Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, from PoS at 4 pm and from Scarborough at 6.30 am; Wednesdays, rom PoS at 12 noon and from Scarborough at 6.30 am and; Sundays, from PoS at 3 pm and from Scarborough at 9.30 am

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.”

However he added, “Notwithstanding my refusal to associate with his allegations, an audit is in progress.” Imbert said his ministry is handling the audit but he could not say when it would be completed.

Al-Rawi said the investigation is being partly conducted by his ministry, contingent upon the outcome of an investigation being conducted by the Finance Ministry’s Central Audit CommitteeUnit into EFCL.

“When that matter is brought conclusion, all the matters will be taken,” he stated. Al-Rawi explained that in the event there is a recommendation for prosecution or action, “the key will be to ensure the correct action is taken and that one does prejudice the action that can be taken. He said this was relevant to any consideration of making details of the investigation public.

The AG said he attended an emergency meeting of the EFCL board and was not summoned to attend any meeting as alleged in certain media reports. Al-Rawi said he spoke with Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and Education Minister Anthony Garcia when the allegations were made.

He said there are two dimensions to address, the first being to vindicate people if there has been no wrongdoing; and the second, to ensure there is propriety and due process in the event that wrong doing has in fact occurred.

“At no location, in any mall, can we get this amount of space. This store is actually 30,000 square feet. To have 30,000 square feet and the luxury of a shopping cart in a Pennywise store, it’s something that we want to (replicate in our other stores) as we go along.” There are 13 aisles in the store, a pharmacy, a lot more self-service displays and at the back of the store, booths dedicated to bigname make-up brands such as Sacha Cosmetics, Cover Girl and Maybelline.

Pennywise Plaza, located at the corner of La Bel Air Road and South Trunk Road, La Romaine, has two levels of underground parking in addition to surface-level parking.

Although the rest of the plaza is not yet open for business, Paladee said “within the next month or two,” tenants will open their stores. Among them will be a vegetarian restaurant.

This is the ninth Pennywise branch to be opened, but because the company closed its Gulf City Mall location last Saturday and replaced it with this one, La Romaine is technically the eighth Pennywise location in Trinidad. It employs an estimated 160 people.

In all, Pennywise employs about 850 people.

Speaking with reporters at the grand opening this past Monday, Paladee said there are no Tobago locations yet, “because we’re still trying to get our footprint correct here (Trinidad).” The grand opening was meant to happen in 2016 but was delayed by a year, Paladee revealed, “because we had to get the infrastructure ready and the planning, of course, for such a magnificent building, it takes time to get it right.” Asked how much it cost to build and outfit the plaza, Paladee declined to give a figure. Pressed by Business Day for an estimated total, the CEO replied, “A few millions but we are a very private business, so we’d rather keep that (cost) to ourselves.” Looking to the future, Paladee revealed that Pennywise plans to open “an indoor shopping mall with a lot of shops in Chaguanas in two to three years.” The mall will be located next to the MovieTowne side of Price Plaza, Chaguanas.

Even as the company plans further expansion, Paladee said Pennywise, like many other businesses, has been affected by the on-going limited supply of foreign exchange (forex).

“Forex is a situation we have to take it one day at a time. We have problems, just like everybody else, to get forex but with God in front, up to this stage, can say that we are OK. Sometimes we go in the red and we have to plead with our bankers to try to help us.” Pennywise Plaza has opened in the midst of a recession. Paladee credited the company’s ability to do so to “God’s grace.” “The secret to our success is the driving force behind our business, which is God. Our vision is to continue to do His work and take His guidance and move the company forward as he wishes…

There is no other reason we could put forward that this business is able to flourish (during recession).” Paladee added that because Pennywise caters for shoppers of all budgets, “the harder it gets, the more people are going to come here to save money and the better it gets, the more stuff that people need.”

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

This Round Two Match Day Three game was in the Under-17 Division and was contested at the D’Abadie Recreation Ground in Arouca.

Central FC, who are ninth in the 10-team standings, took the lead in the 12th minute through Ajani Joseph but league leaders Jabloteh responded with a trio of goals, from Nickel Orr (25th), Kidane Lewis (53rd) and Rivaldo Coryat (57th).

Trevis Byron (78th) reduced the deficit for Central FC but, try as hard as they did, they were unable to get the game-leveller.

National youth team midfielder Che Benny, who recently returned home from a trip to Manchester United (courtesy of his successful participation in the Flow Ultimate Football Experience), found the back of the net in the 18th minute as St Ann’s Rangers pipped W Connection at the Union Recreation Ground in Claxton Bay.

Another team who registered a 1-0 win were Club Sando, who got a 73rd minute item from Dillon Yearwood to defeat Police, at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium Training Field in Marabella.

The inconsistent Point Fortin Civic strolled to a 6-1 trouncing of the table- proppers Defence Force at the Trinity East School Ground in Trincity.

Jakeem McNeil gave the Army-Coast Guard combination a first minute but Point Fortin responded in emphatic fashion. Nikosi Charles notched a hat-trick (third, 20th and 90th), while Jamieel Pierre (47th and 60th) had a pair and Jerrin Jackie (27th) the other.

And, at the Arima Municipal Stadium, North East Stars got the better of Morvant Caledonia United by a 4-2 margin.

Other Results – Under-13 Division – At D’Abadie Recreation Ground: SAN JUAN JABLOTEH (7) – Jaheim Faustin 2nd; Nathaniel James 9th, 20th, 33rd, 54th, 65th, 70th vs CENTRAL FC (1) – Ramario Nelson 22nd.

At Union Recreation Ground: W CONNECTION (6) – Dantaye Gilbert 3rd, 4th; Kaylon Baptiste 15th; Molik Khan 17th; Dereem Hamilton 62nd; Neshawn Alexander 65th vs ST ANN’S RANGERS (0).

At Manny Ramjohn Stadium Training Field: POLICE (2) – Nathaniel Carrim 4th; Isaiah Joseph 66th vs CLUB SANDO (0).

At Trinity East School Ground, Trincity: DEFENCE FORCE (7) – Terrell Mason 4th; Joshua Mason 9th, 51st, 56th, 61st; Darion Martin 14th; own goal 18th vs POINT FORTIN CIVIC (1) – Jhasyar Jack 2nd.

At Arima Municipal Stadium: NORTH EAST STARS (4) – Terron Miller 5th; Tyrik Trotman 8th, 66th; own goal vs MORVANT CALEDONIA UNITED (1) – Ivan George 21st.

Under-15 Division – At D’Abadie Recreation Ground: SAN JUAN JABLOTEH (3) – Jean Marc Williams 61st, 74th; Micai Peters 70th vs CENTRAL FC (0).

At Union Recreation Ground: W CONNECTION (3) – Adica Ash 46th, 53rd, 75th vs ST ANN’S RANGERS (3) – Keron Manswell 20th; Jean-heim McFee 32nd; Darrius Douglas 55th.

At Manny Ramjohn Stadium Training Field: POLICE (1) – J’Duhn Martin 80th vs CLUB SANDO (0).

At Trinity East School Ground, Trincity: POINT FORTIN CIVIC (1) – Gesiah Bishop 42nd vs DEFENCE FORCE (0).

At Arima Municipal Stadium: NORTH EAST STARS (2) – Chad Alonzo 37th; Nathaniel De Silva 60th vs MORVANT CALEDONIA UNITED (2) – Jaheim Armstrong 24th; Jardel Mitchell 46th.