Basdeo ‘Bas’ Ramlochan and Siewkumar Chankerpersad went on trial for the murders of Ramlochan’s wife Sunita, 29, and her lover Rahim Abraham, 46, who were shot dead on October 15, 2006.

Sunita and Abraham had returned to their Kuldip Trace, Fyzabad home at about 11 pm, after attending a function at the Divali Nagar. About five minutes after they arrived home, the jury heard, they were shot dead. In presenting the State’s case to Justice Malcolm Holdip yesterday, prosecutor Stacy Lallo- Chong said Sunita was Ramlochan’s wife who left the matrimonial home to live with Abraham.

Lallo-Chong said the prosecution will call witnesses to testify that Sunita’s body was found on a bed and Abraham was on the ground with his back against the bedroom wall. She said police will testify that on December 18, 2006, Chankerpersad confessed that he was involved in hiring people, at Ramlochan’s behest, to kill the couple.

The prosecutor told Justice Holdip and the jury that Homicide detectives also spoke to Ramlochan, who confessed that he tried to get people to murder his wife and her lover.

She said the prosecution would also call people who would tell the court about conversations they had with Ramlochan on the plot to murder Sunita.

Lallo-Chong said that about five months before the murders, Sunita left Ramlochan and went to live with Abraham in the ground floor of her father’s house. Sunita’s father Thackoopersad Ramsamooj, the court heard, told police that about five minutes after Abraham, Sunita and her daughter arrived home from the Divali Nagar, he heard Sunita bawl out, “Bas, whey yuh doing here?” Ramsamooj went downstairs and saw two people, but could not see their faces. He went into the bedroom and saw his daughter lying on the bed and Abraham sitting on the floor and leaning against the wall. The State called Ag Cpl Nigel Carmody, who testified that he and other officers responded to a report of a shooting at St John’s Trace.

He said Ramsamooj took them to a bedroom on the ground floor of the house where they saw Abraham, clad in jockey shorts, sitting on the floor with gunshot wounds to his face and neck. Sunita was lying on the bed. The State also called Victor Joefield, a retired police photographer, through whom a set of photographs were tendered and shown to the jury. Attorneys Bindra Dolsingh and Rekha Ramjit are representing Chankerpersad and Ramlochan respectively. The trial continues tomorrow.

In his Indian Arrival Day message Carmona said the Panchayat system is a hallmark of Indentureship and is one the earliest manifestations of Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). He says it represents a cultural solution to resolving conflict in communities.

He said the Panchayat was a forerunner that actualised a restorative justice that can ameliorate individuals or a community enveloped in conflict and burdened by discord.

Carmona said through the “vagaries of Indentureship” the country is now able to embrace the positives of East Indian culture.

He said some of the very solutions that the country seeks can be sourced from traditional philosophies and practices.

“Philosophies of food sustainability and food security are increasingly pertinent in this time of economic uncertainty and financial downturn.

That philosophy of self-sustainability and that buzz expression, food security may well have emanated from the planting culture of the East Indians, involved in sugar, rice and cocoa production.

The concept of food sustainability, intrinsic to the culture of the indentured, foreshadowed that new vaunted philosophy of food security.” He said food sustainability and food security dictate that citizens in some form or fashion engage in a planting philosophy in their homes, schools, offices and communities.

“This practice and this philosophy were embedded in our East Indian brothers and sisters from arrival and there was and there is a well-grounded recognition that it did and can lead to sustainable wealth, individually and collectively.

“This much needed connectivity to the land is even more relevant and timely today in this recessionary period.”

We should be heartened by the level and intensity of the debate on this issue. Our sense of ownership and consent in respect of our indigenous institutions is crucial to our reassurance, after 50 years of independence, that we are steady, even as we are beset by the inevitable growing pains of a still youthful nation state.

Given this opportunity, the institution itself and all who are legitimately joined in the debate are required to rise to the challenge with maturity to ensure that, while there must be forthright debate and criticism where due, that constructive tone and quality of content form the bedrock of all such criticism, lest we awaken tomorrow to find that we have thrown out the baby, the bath water and the tub.

There is every good reason why the nation must demand that this incident should provide us with a learning experience. How we deal with this will help us build as a nation.

There are issues of transparency and openness and a commitment to holding the JLSC to strict standards of excellence from which no one must shirk, least of all the JLSC. The Law Association is to be commended for having moved quickly to establish a committee to examine and to make recommendations. We should all embrace this initiative and contribute urgently in the national consultation.

I consider it important nevertheless to make one simple point. As egregious as the errors may be that have been committed by the JLSC, there is no basis on which those errors approach even slightly the constitutional threshold for removal from office of a Chief Justice and/or of members of the JLSC. In the case of both the Chief Justice and the members of the JLSC, the Constitution is very clear on the solemn process by which the incumbents in those constitutional offices can be lawfully removed. This removal procedure is prescribed in explicit terms in the case of both the members of the JLSC and the Chief Justice who is ex officio its chairman.

I have had the honour of being appointed counsel to advise two constitutional tribunals, one established to investigate and to advise on the removal of a Chief Justice of TT and more recently the other established in respect of a judge of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court.

The threshold of the case to be made out is stated clearly: The incumbent may be removed from office only for inability to perform the functions of his office (whether arising from infirmity of mind or body or any other cause) or for misbehaviour, and shall not be so removed except in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.

In order for that to be accomplished a tribunal must be established, comprised of eminent people including former judicial officers and the evidence of culpability or not on the charge brought must be carefully investigated and sifted. The person under investigation must be given a fair opportunity to rebut and test that evidence after which the tribunal may recommend a certain course of action to the head of State.

Simply stated, without burdening this commentary with the reams of judicial authority on the subject from throughout the common law Commonwealth, the apparent errors of process committed by the JLSC in relation to Marcia Ayers-Caesar do not begin to approach this constitutional threshold.

Some members of the Law Association have specially convened an extraordinary meeting to call on the Chief Justice and the members of the JLSC to resign. This is nothing short of an impeachment procedure.

In the exercise of their undoubted right to attend and vote, I would expect that the attorneys present will address and debate the law as the paramount consideration which informs the result they will commit to history.

REGINALD ARMOUR SC via email

The event which attracted some of the region’s most influential business people, came together to lay the foundation for a more buoyant and active Angel Investor ecosystem within the Caribbean.

The investor forum is just one of the activities of the LINK-Ca- ribbean programme that is being funded by the World Bank Group and government of Canada as part of the Entrepreneurship Program for Innovation in the Caribbean (EPIC) and implemented by Caribbean Export.

EPIC aims to support the development of an enabling ecosystem to foster innovative and growth-oriented enterprises in the Caribbean region; and the development of well-functioning Angel groups is a key component to achieve this end.

The World Bank Group’s Country Manager for Jamaica, Galina Sotirova, highlighted the importance of innovative entrepreneurs to generate jobs, acting as key drivers for economic growth and competitiveness.

Five entrepreneurs delivered pitches to the international Angel audience, combating the perception that there is a lack of Caribbean innovation to generate the deal flow within the region to sustain an Angel investment ecosystem.

“Over the past 2.5 years the World Bank has supported angel group development, and companies are getting valuable exposure to experienced, connected businesspersons.

Over 70 entrepreneurs have pitched or held private meetings.

Entrepreneurs in the region can become viable future economic contributors, and it is the desire to invest in Caribbean entrepreneurs that makes angels really unique and valuable to the ecosystem,” said Sotirova.

There are currently seven Angel groups within the Caribbean (First Angels Jamaica and Alpha Angels in Jamaica; Trident Angels in Barbados; Renaissance Angels and IP Angels in Trinidad and Tobago; and Enclaces and Nexxus in the Dominican Republic) actively looking for investment opportunities.

Their coming together via the Regional Angel Investor Network (RAIN) enables greater regional collaboration or syndication to pool resources to present more attractive investment options for early-stage investment.

Thus far there have been eight Angel investor “deals” across the region and with the LINK-Caribbean programme which provides supplemental funding to entrepreneurs, the region should see more deals being made.

The Flow SCCL Girls Under- 15 final between Barrackpore West Secondary and Holy Name Convent (Port of Spain) will also form part of the double-header at the ground. This match is expected to get underway at 10 am .

South will be spearheaded by national under-15 captain Tariq Mohammed who has been in very good form recently while East Zone will have Sion Hackett as their leader as they also seek to topple their southern counterparts and emerge victorious in a match that promises to be very exciting. Before each match, the teams will be introduced to Cindy- Ann Gatt (FLOW’s director of marketing) and Surujdath Mahabir (SSCL president) .

Teams – SOUTH: Tariq Mohammed, Rodney Beharry, Ryal Narine, Vinesh Narine, Nickyle Jalim (Presentation College, San Fernando); Kyle Roopchand (Naparima College); Akash Dhanraj, Brandon Ganase (Barrackpore West); Kendell Poochoon (ASJA Boys, San Fernando); Jonathan Frederick (St Benedict’s College); Chris Sudanan (Marabella North Secondary). Fogenie Amin (coach) .

EAST: Sion Hackett (captain), Kavir Boodoosingh, Giovanni Ramdenny, Alexzander Kassiram, Anderson Mahase, Shazard Mohammed, Sachin Ramgoolie, Christopher Kallicharan, Vasant Singh, Tariq Singh, Jabari Phillip, Elijah Ramsaran, Jedidiah John, J’ Hayden Sealey; Vinood Maharaj (coach), Kumar Singh (manager

“They braved the Kala Paani to travel thousands of miles from their homeland to our shores, many of them bringing their hopes, their dreams and their belief in a better future for themselves and their families. On the occasion of Indian Arrival Day 2017, we recognize the coming of the first Indian immigrants to Trinidad and Tobago 172 years ago, to start their new lives as indentured labourers. As we mark Indian Arrival Day, it should also be noted that this year, 2017, also marks the 100th anniversary of the abolition of Indian indentured immigration.

“Theirs is a story of courage, fortitude, and resilience.” She said the immigrants determination and faith had laid foundations upon which we have all built our lives. “Just over 147,000 came to Trinidad and only about a quarter of them ever saw their homeland again. Thousands died on the plantations struggling to complete their contracts.

“They toiled in the fields and lived in harsh conditions, but through it all maintained their focus on their goal of building a better life for their children and grandchildren. My own greatgreat- grandmother served as an indentured labourer, and I vividly recall the stories that were passed down through generations of the struggles and the hardships they endured.” Persad-Bissessar said that period must be remembered as we strive for a world which promotes freedom and the dignity of the person. “We must never forget the sacrifices they made, and we should make every effort to continue to demonstrate our appreciation for their contributions to our nation.” She remembered the country’s First Peoples plus the impact of immigrants from various areas migrating to TT – Africa, Asia, China, Europe and elsewhere to create today’s multicultural and multi-ethnic society. “While we may have our own challenges, we have found and pride ourselves on unity in our diversity.” Indian Arrival Day allows all citizens a chance to reflect on the journey and history of their own forefathers and their impact on building our nation.

Shell announced the agreement on Monday afternoon, saying it is subject to certain customary conditions.

“This transaction, for approximately US $250 million, will allow Shell to optimise its developments across the East Coast Marine Area, a core component of Shell’s interests in Trinidad and Tobago (TT), supplying gas to both the domestic market and Atlantic LNG.

The deal is expected to close around mid-year,” Shell stated.

Commenting on the deal, Vice President Shell TT, Derek Hudson, said, “TT represents a rich opportunity for us to continue building our integrated gas position in country and securing new competitive production.” He added that, “Shell continues to actively evaluate other options to increase supply from our existing assets, as well as pursue additional opportunities such as the previously announced purchase of Centrica’s interests in the North Coast Marine Area.” Meanwhile, the TT page of Chevron’s website has been updated to reflect the agreement reached two days ago.

“On May 29, 2017, Chevron entered into an agreement to sell all of its shares in CTTR to Shell’s BG International Limited, and all of its interest in Trinling Limited, an LNG marketing and transportation company, to Shell’s BG Gas International Holdings, B.V.

The transaction includes CTTR’s interest in Block E, Block 5(a) and Block 6, located in the East Coast Marine Area offshore Trinidad,” CTTR stated.

About a month and a half ago, Merciless gang members announced their presence in Prizgar Road demanding ‘safety tax’ from residents (a payment not to be robbed and shot), selling narcotics and trying to recruit the youth of the area .

Residents contacted Newsday, saying “a gang of disrespectful” youths had beaten people from the area and also sold drugs in full view of school children .

“This place used to be so nice .

Twenty years ago, it did not have anything like what we are now seeing,” said a resident who asked not to be identified. “Now it full of people with no respect. Elderly women trying to pass on the road, and these thugs not letting them pass .

About three people have been beaten up so far .

“And on top of that they are toting guns and selling drugs. My family is frightened right now.” Newsday was told that a base of operations for the gang is an area opposite a church on Macoon Trace .

Head of North Eastern Division, Snr Supt Sagramsingh told Newsday there was no evidence of a spike in crime in Prizgar Road to suggest a new gang operating in the area but he is not waiting either .

He said police patrols will be stepped up in order to quell any criminal activity and give residents peace of mind. “Where gangs are concerned we like to be like a tick on them. To nip their progress before they get out of control,” Snr Supt Sagramsingh said. “As long as people have expressed concern, we will act. We will make checks and patrols in the area

She spoke yesterday at an Indian Arrival Day show at the Sangre Grande Civic Centre on Sukhram Street. She urged students to learn of their ancestors’ contributions as part of their own personal self development. She also said that youngsters must have respect for elders as this will instil discipline that will take them far in life.

“We must never forget that 172 years ago Indian indentured labourers from India made the trip on the Fatel Rozack and it was a perilous journey. We know they came under trying circumstances and it was not an easy journey.

They came and settled here. They worked to develop the country we now love,” Jennings-Smith said.

“Do your part so that their sacrifices will not have been in vain.

They left us with a rich cultural heritage which can be seen in what we eat, in what we wear, in the music we listen to and also in the lessons we learn at home from our elders.” Sharing her own experience, Jennings Smith said one of the lesson leant from her great-grandmother who was an indentured labourer, was the use of mediation to solve communal conflicts.

“When we quarrel and fight among ourselves they used mediation for reconciliation and this is something we need to bring back in our society today especially when we have young children at school engaging in quarrels and little fights. Let us be calm, let us look at what we can take from our ancestors and use it to our benefits,” Jennings-Smith said.

Also addressing the audience was historian Dr Brinsley Samaroo who said although it was a day to commemorate Indian Arrival Day all ethnic groups should be acknowledged because all groups have contributed to the development of Trinidad and Tobago.

He told the principals and teachers it was extremely important to teach students about local history in all schools.

At the ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank’s Chaguanas branch last Wednesday, the minister said, “CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank has been operating and serving TT for 12 years and its expansion is noteworthy, as it underscores the viability of Trinidad and Tobago’s financial sector in the face of economic challenges.” She noted that, “In the local context, banks continue their role in contributing to our overall economic growth.” Together with insurance and real estate, financial services form the largest part of the services sector and the second largest contributor to GDP, approximately 17 per cent or $16 billion.

Gopee-Scoon said that not only has the banking sector been a major contributor to GDP, but its growth has outpaced the country’s economic expansion. “So as GDP contracted by 1.2 per cent in 2015, the financial sector grew by 1.9 per cent. These figures are a testament to the robustness of the local banking sector which can be attributed to progressive management systems and overall competitive business strategies.” Minister Gopee-Scoon urged the large commercial banks not to overlook the returns by individual Micro and Small and Medium sized enterprises (MSMEs). She said a small loan to a small firm provides jobs for a small number of people; however, the multiplier effect is not to be underestimated.

Speaking on the main reforms being led by the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the minister indicated that the likely implementation of a Secured Transaction and Collateral Registry System, will allow businesses to use their moveable property (intellectual property, accounts receivables, machinery and equipment) as collateral.

Gary Brown, Chief Executive Officer of CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank, stated that the new branch was a significant achievement for the company as it strives to remain relevant and responsive to the banking needs of the country. “This banking Center is an example of how we are investing in our business and how we will continue to invest in Trinidad’s economy and the Caribbean Region,” he said. The ceremony included a tour of the new state of the art facility.