This is a good sign and one in keeping with this Sunday’s theme of communication. On this day, we remember Jesus ascended to the Father and entrusted to us the mission of communicating the Good News to the ends of the earth. This good news is never a word of war but a word of peace: “Peace be with you.” The movement of US warships in the Korean peninsula, with Japan promising to join in, in response to Kim Jong-un’s threat of missile and nuclear testing, reminds us of those haunting days of the Cuban missile crisis.

Even within the Church at that time communication often turned into suspicion and recrimination.

Then arose a voice for peace, that of Good Pope John (John XXIII), insisting there was another way, asking the US and Russia to think again. And they did. War was averted.

Another Good Pope, Francis, in his message for World Communications Day is easily predisposed to pessimism and violence: “I’m convinced that we have to break the vicious circle of anxiety and stem the spiral of fear resulting from a constant focus on bad news — wars, terrorism, scandals and all sorts of human failure.” The Pope invites us to use different “lens” that will help us to view reality from fresh perspectives.

This is what Mary tried to do in her apparitions in Fatima in 1917. She wanted people to imagine a different kind of world, one not marred by so much violence, so many millions of victims.

There she was, pleading for penance and conversion, to end one war (World War I) so as to avoid another (World War II). On neither occasion did the world listen, and humanity was thrust into the worst atrocities of human history. One hundred years later, her message is still valid: peace must be preferred to war; warmongering must give way to peacemaking.

This is a timely message for Christian evangelists.

The gospel we must preach, of this we have no doubt for Christ commands it. But the manner in which we preach it is just as important. This means we must look at the other not as the enemy to be overcome, the foe to be vanquished, but as a brother or sister who by the witness of his or her own religion must positively impact the world.

We are not the only pilgrims in the world; they are, too, and we trudge different paths in the hope that the one God would finally bring everything to His good purpose, which He set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time (Eph 1:9-10).

Christians, therefore, must be the first witnesses of this “fraternity among brethren”. This was wonderfully demonstrated in the recently renovated burial tomb of Jesus in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Here, Roman Catholics, Armenians and Greek Orthodox–known for their tensions and scuffles–worked together for the greater good. May their efforts be a vivid metaphor for peacemaking in the 21st century.

Benny, along with 13-year-old Antiguan Ronaldo Flowers, were chosen to go to Manchester United after reaching the final round of the Flow Ultimate Football Experience, held in Trinidad earlier this month. The football clinic was hosted by Flow and Manchester United. Benny and Flowers were the stand-out performers in the clinic which included youngsters from throughout the Caribbean.

Speaking to Newsday yesterday following his trip, the 16-year-old Benny said he is hoping to return to England in July, and travel to Holland in an effort to get a professional contract. Benny said, “The goal is to go back out there and see if a professional team can see me, and eventually sign a contract.” Benny said that Wigan Athletic is one of the clubs that has expressed interest in him.

The Form Four St Anthony’s College student is also hoping for a men’s team call up at 17 years old.

“My goal for myself is to make the senior team, and show the country that there is an upcoming Che Benny.” Benny and Flowers attended a Premier League match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace last Sunday. Benny said it was the most memorable part of the trip. “The best moment of the experience at Manchester United was looking at the game between Manchester United and Crystal Palace. Getting to see players like Paul Pogba and Juan Mata, it was excellent. I did not get the chance to meet any of the current players, but I did get the chance to meet one or two old players.” Former Manchester United player Bryan Robson, who represented the club from 1981 to 1994, gave Benny some words of encouragement.

“He spoke to me about always believing in yourself, and if you believe in yourself no one can stop you from reaching your goal.” Benny said he adapted to the cold weather in England quickly.

“The first two days the weather was pretty cold, but then I started to cope with it after.” The diminutive player said he admires the professionalism in England leading up to a match. “Going to England I saw the professionalism.

Everything is prepared before games. For example, when I went to the dressing room the day before the game, the gears were already hanging up in their locker rooms.”

Charles, the representative for Naparima, known for his boisterous presentations spent so much time berating Government for its performance on crime prevention and seeking to cast Trinidad and Tobago as one of the worst crime ridden countries in the world, that he virtually ran out of time when it came to providing some recommendations.

His main message: crime spirals whenever the PNM is in power, prompting a similar mantra but with unusual fire and vehemence from National Security Minister Edmund Dillon, that when the UNC is in Opposition crime takes an upswing.

Left on the side-lines of all the shouting and desk thumping that are now the characteristics of parliamentary sittings is the hapless police service still awaiting decisive action on the appointment of a commissioner, and the citizenry in general who are by now are close to giving up on whether they will ever get a respite from the inexorable increase in the murders and other criminal mayhem.

As MPs were confronting each other, police were examining the circumstances surrounding the death of Chaguanas pharmacist and businesswoman Rahzia Pamela Sieuchand, 65. She was found stabbed to death on Friday in a bedroom at her Lange Park, Chaguanas, home which was completely ransacked. The murder brought back painful memories of the infamous murder of Vindra Naipaul-Coolman. Like Naipaul- Coolman, Sieuchand was a businesswoman. She owned and operated a pharmacy at St Helena in Piarco reportedly since 1981, building it from scratch.

That murder, which occurred more than a decade ago, has never resulted in a single successful prosecution in court for murder.

Persons were charged but set free, while two are awaiting a re-trial.

Some of the accused even died.

We hope the central police division is able to solve this latest case. And by this, we do not mean rushed arrests. It remains true that all investigations must be thorough and must result in actionable evidence which can be marshalled before a court of law. Rounding up a few suspects is not enough.

Sadly, the Lange Park murder is just one in a continuing tide. But while the bodies are piling up, the practical solutions seem few and far between.

With crime now also affecting Tobago, the issue of the shortage of forensic pathologists has once more been highlighted.

According to a report in yesterday’s edition, there is the expectation that the State may attempt to use the ferry to transport three bodies. The reaction from forensic pathologist Dr Valery Alexandrov was swift.

“This is ludicrous!” he said.

“This is total dementia to bring three bodies on the ferry. They would have to bring crime scene people and officers will be required to transfer the bodies. As far as I see it, this is absolute and total stupidity.” He continued, “I am also fearing a contamination of evidence. It is international standard that bodies being carried from one place to another should be put in sealed metal coffins and should not be among the public. I have been in the country for over ten years and I am shocked from time to time by the level of incompetence.” Why is it that we are yet to address issues like these that affect the State’s ability to tackle crime? The forensic examination of a body is a crucial matter which heavily influences law enforcement agencies’ ability to solve murders.

Instead of bickering about who did what when, our politicians need to get serious and cooperate and listen to people like Alexandrov in order to find solutions.

Merry Boys can gain a further nine points from an encounter against First Citizens Clarke Road earlier this season, a match that was ended prematurely by umpires. A team can earn a maximum of 28 points from a match, therefore Merry Boys can only get to 141 points.

This is the second title the Parkites have won this season, after they retained the 50-over competition earlier this month.

Barbadian medium pacer Javon Searles was the chief destroyer for Queen’s Park, snatching five for 37 in 12 overs. Left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein took 3/21 in 8.4 overs, while Jahran Alfred top scored for Central Sports with 36.

In reply, Tion Webster continued his solid run of form, scoring 59 to lead the way for the Parkites. Webster cracked seven fours and one six in his 52-ball knock.

National player Kevon Cooper also played an aggressive innings, lashing 50 off 46 balls with seven fours.

Stephen Shaddick (2/22) and Shazan Babwah (2/60) both took two wickets for Central Sports.

At the Pierre Road Recreation Ground in Charlieville, national wicket-keeper Steven Katwaroo scored 99 for Alescon Comets against Clarke Road. Katwaroo led Comets to 259/9 at stumps as Imran Khan pitched in with 58.

The opening partnership between Katwaroo and Khan was 101, but Ahkeel Mollon picked up 3/58 to lead the fightback for Clarke Road.

Jyd Goolie (2/65) and Shatrughan Rambaran (2/12) got two wickets apiece.

Matches continue today from 10.30 am.

SUMMARISED SCORES At Queen’s Park Oval: CENTRAL SPORTS 99 (Jahran Alfred 36; Javon Searles 5/37, Akeal Hosein 3/21) vs QUEEN’S PARK 226/7 (Tion Webster 59, Kevon Cooper 50; Stephen Shaddick 2/22, Shazan Babwah 2/60).

At Pierre Road, Charlieville: ALESCON COMETS 259/9 (Steven Katwaroo 99, Imran Khan 58; Ahkeel Mollon 3/58, Jyd Goolie 2/65, Shatrughan Rambaran 2/12) vs FIRST CITIZENS CLARKE ROAD.

At Brian Lara Recreation Ground, Santa Cruz: MERRY BOYS 177/5 (Rishaad Harris 71, Mario Belcon 31, Jeetendra Sookdeo 31; Chanderpaul Hemraj 2/23, Tariq Abdool 2/30) vs TABLELAND.

At Syne Village, Penal: POWERGEN 120/3 (Nicholas Sookdeosingh 49, Mark Deyal 48; Fareel Jugmohan 2/38) vs JAILAL ENTERPRISE VICTORIA.

There is a growing awareness by customers worldwide who are dissatisfied with the lack of transparency by banks with regard to bank charges and fees.

The headline for an article by Sam Dunn in The Daily Mail in September 2014, reads, “Victory over bank charges could open payout floodgates: Court backs customer over hefty overdraft fees.” The article highlights a long-standing customer of Lloyds Bank who won a landmark court victory over unfair overdraft charges which were crippling his account.

This quote from an article by Rachel Reeves in The Times in April 2017, headed “Unfair bank charges are putting our economy at risk,” sums it up: “It’s high time that the banks were also forced to end these greedy practices and stop ripping off millions of customers.” Bankers seem to share the view that charges and fees imposed on customers can be done at their whim and fancy and they should not be called on to provide an explanation. Their charges come at you left, right and centre with the most ridiculous being the monthly fee deducted from a dwindling account, then a fee to withdraw from that account, and a fee to use your debit card. How does that encourage saving? Not to mention all the red tape and trail of documents requested from you to open a new account.

Then, if you require a loan some time later, you go through the entire process again as though they have no records, only this time they ensure that your last relative must pay off your loan if, God forbids, you drop dead from working too hard to pay it.

There is also their practice that a person must be permanently employed for at least a year before being considered for a loan.

Has it occurred to them that someone can be permanently employed at the same company for as much as nine years and subsequently lose their job, so it makes more sense to consider how long that person has been consistently employed? It’s high time that customers realise the great power they have in exercising their right to choose, their right to withhold their services and their right to speak up when they are wronged. After all, banks are in the business of making money by either keeping or lending your money and then charging you exorbitant fees to do so.

However, your greatest power is in your numbers when you stand united, and it wouldn’t take very long for bankers to see that the only reason they can continue as a business is because of you.

VASHTI BOWLAH via email

“I wish to emphasise that the actions related to the fixing of an appointment for the said matter before the Court of Appeal outlined above did not depart from the established practice and protocol of the Court in dealing with urgent applications,” Rodriguez wrote in a letter.

On May 19, Justice Frank Seepersad said there is a “strong arguable case” that the Property Tax Act could be struck down, or, the process by which Government is seeking to enforce it, could be justifiably reviewed by the courts.

Seepersad ruled the stay would remain in effect until May 31, until further notice.

The Appeal Court met on the issue on Monday and put it off to June 6.

Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar accused Government of claiming to appeal the judgment in Parliament before they had filed the action and threatened a motion that Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi and acting Prime Minister Colm Imbert be brought before the Privileges Committee for wilfully misleading the Lower House. Al-Rawi responded, however, that Government had received confirmation that the appeal would be heard on May 22.

Persad-Bissessar reported they had received confirmation from Rodriguez that no appeal had been filed and no emergency session had been convened for May 22.

Rodriguez spoke on the issue in a letter dated May 26, in response to one dated May 21 from attorney Anand Ramlogan, SC, who is representing former People’s Partnership minister Devant Maharaj as the party challenges the implementation of the act, specifically the submission of valuation return forms.

In her letter, she said Maharaj’s decision to publicise Ramlogan’s communication and without giving her a chance to respond would lead the fair minded observer to assume the intent of his letter was to “impute collusion” between the Judiciary and the Office of the Attorney General which is “an imputation I categorically reject.” “Further the allegation has had the unfortunate consequence of besmirching the reputation of the holder of the Office of Registrar of the Supreme Court.” Rodriguez provided a chronology of the events: • May 19: Rodriguez received a call at 6.53 pm from Deborah Peake, counsel for the Commissioner of Valuations, who wished to “move” the Appeal Court on an urgent matter concerning Seepersad’s judgement.

• Peake specified a notice of appeal was being prepared, but in order to be heard that night, she was willing to address the court via oral application.

• At 6.56 pm Rodriguez consulted with the most senior Appeal Court judge – Justice Mendonca – who indicated insufficient reasons were presented to have the court that night.

He instructed that if an appeal notice was filed/forwarded, the appeal would be listed for May 22 at 9 am.

• Rodriguez communicated this to Peake at 7.16 pm.

• On May 20, Rodriguez was contacted at 9.36 am by Ramlogan, who enquired if notice of appeal on the matter was filed.

She said it had not.

• At 5.29 pm that day, Rodriguez received draft notice of appeal via email from Zelica Haynes-Soo Hon (Attorney General’s office). She communicated with Soo Hon and Ramlogan’s attorney (Ms Lutchmedial) confirming the Appeal Court’s date on Monday.

• At 6.59 pm that day, Rodriguez forwarded the notice of appeal to Ramlogan.

She informed Ramlogan that it was settled practice in hearing of urgent appeals for the appellant to notify the respondent of the date and time for hearing but it was never the duty to notify the intended respondent of same. She also reported that on May 22 there were 10 matters listed for the West Court and only two for the East Court and she was instructed by Mendonca on May 20 to list the appeal for the East Court.

Abijah Phillip of Republic Bank, is the defending men’s cross country champion and has had a couple of second place finishes in the 2017 series so far. Phillip was second in both the one lap savannah and the green mile behind Jean Paul Drakes, also of Republic Bank.

Unfortunately, Drakes wouldn’t be available for the cross country, making Phillip the favourite for today’s encounter. Kris Deonanan will be among the favourites, after finishing third in the one lap and green mile, and second in the chancellor challenge.

Also consistent among the men is Kevin Blackburn of Unit Trust Corporation, who placed fourth in the one lap, fifth in the green mile and third in the chancellor challenge.

Phillip missed the chancellor challenge, therefore Deonanan would be in strong contention to be the best overall competitor over the four running events, and win the series title.

Christine Regis is the defending champion among the women, but Salina Scott is expected to give Regis some strong competition.

Another runner that can make an impression on the cross country course is Central Bank’s Lorainne Ayoung-Chee, who has been consistent over the last three events, including a third place finish in the chancellor challenge.

In the cross country in 2016, she finished fourth. The men’s race will be 8 km, while the women’s race will be 5 km.

For further information about CariFin Games 26th Anniversary contact 731-3370 or email admin@ funfitnessfriendship.com.

The ARC will hold their annual general meeting at Santa Rosa Park, from 10 am.

Carrabon faces a stern challenge from former management committee member Peter Acham.

But the ARC head has recemntly received high marks for his tenure, especially as he has furnished members with a completed finaneial report.

It is to be noted that it is rare for this financial report is made ready before the AGM.

Carrabon, however, is expected to retain his position in an anticipated close election.

Meanwhile, the ARC will also elect a second vice-president to serve a two-year periodAnd also a management committee to also serve two years.

Outgoing management committee members are 1st vice-president Richard Freeman, Tansley Thompson, Winston Govia and Charles James.

Three members are to be elected to serve on the management

Henry and Hakim, sponsored by LJ Williams Limited, took the first prize of weekend stays for two at the Blue Horizon in Tobago.

The duo also earned a day of golf at Magdalena Grand Beach and Golf Resort in Tobago, together with golf bags donated by KPMG. Second place went to Kwesi Hopkinson and Adam Montano, sponsored by TSTT Blink/Bmobile, who won iphones sponsored by TSTT Blink/Bmobile and massage vouchers from Forever Radiant Spa.

Annan Rajpaulsingh and Ramesh Rampersad were third, sponsored by LJ Williams Limited.

They walked away with a weekend stay at Cascadia Hotel and cross pens donated by Stecher’s Limited.

Jacqueline Niles (Grace Kennedy) won both awards for nearest the pin. The best dressed women’s team went to Brenda Clarke and Joanne Bryden (TSTT Blink/ Bmoblie), while Desrond Ambrose and Clint Alfred (Unipet) won the prize for the best dressed men’s team.

Former national footballer Russell Latapy had the honour of the first tee off, after an inspirational address by President of Trinidad and Tobago Anthony Carmona.

The National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB) and TSTT Blink/Bmobile were the silver sponsors, Grace Kennedy Money Services, LJ Williams Limited, Massy Foundation and Shell were bronze sponsors. This year’s tournament saw many individual team sponsors as well, while The Guardian Media was the official media sponsor.

The funds raised from the tournament will go to the foundation’s programmes, which helps to provide high quality educational services and opportunities to children from under-resourced families, thus improving their life chances. Among the programmes offered by the foundation are a pre-school, home work centre, annual vacation camp, Primary School scholarships, psycho-educational assessments, therapeutic services, physical education and sports, and character development.

Additionally, The Cotton Tree Foundation engages parents and guardians through parent education/support programmes, to equip families with sound parenting skills and to educate them on issues such as sexual abuse awareness, internet safety and financial literacy.

For further details on the CTF’s 15th Annual Golf Tournament contact the foundation at 623- 5120.

Mona, batting first, could only muster 91 runs for the loss of nine wickets from their allotted 20 overs with Sadique Henry top-scoring with 43 runs from 42 balls and Romaine Morris chipping in with 17 runs.

Jovan Ali (2/24) led the bowling attack for the Trinidad campus while former TT Red Force players Bryan Charles and Yannick Ottley had identical figures (1/13).

The talented wicket-keeper/ batsman Amir Jangoo ensured the target of 92 runs was an easy victory for St Augustine with an entertaining knock of 32 runs from 16 balls, including three fours and two sixes. Also contributing to the score were Ottley (19) and the Vice Chancellor`s Sportsman of the Year 2016/2017 Vikash Mohan (25) who ended the game in grand style with a massive six over long off.Akim Fraser (1/19) was the best bowler for the losing team.

St Augustine will hope to continue winning ways when they face Open Campus tomorrow.

St Augustine suffered another defeat in football, this time it was the female team losing to Cave Hill 2-1.

Playing at the Usain Bolt Sports Complex, the host campus had a superb first half scoring two goals from Julia Taylor (14th) and Ashleigh- Ann Dussard (41st).

The visitors had a better showing in the second half and were rewarded for their efforts with a late goal in the 85th minute from Ellis Akana but it was not enough.

The St Augustine Lady Pelicans will hope to bounce back when they do battle against Open Campus tomorrow evening.

Other Scores: Basketball (Female): MONA 45 vs ST AUGUSTINE 40.

Basketball (Male): CAVE HILL 63 vs ST AUGUSTINE 48.

Netball: CAVE HILL 67 vs ST AUGUSTINE 19.

Tennis (Male): MONA 3 vs ST AUGUSTINE 2.