The release then indicated that only the T&T Spirit would sail between May 12 to 14, with an amended schedule. It also said, “The normal sailing schedule will resume from Monday May 15 at 6.30 am.” In speaking with the authority’s marketing and public relations unit, it said that the vessel sailed on Monday May 15. Yesterday’s difficulties, it said, was, again, due to the Port Inner Main Engine.

The repairs were expected to be completed yesterday afternoon.

Addressing a media conference shortly after meeting with members of the Bankers Association (BATT) at the chamber’s Camden road, Couva headquarters on Monday, Ali expressed concern that some manufacturers are users and not earners of foreign exchange. “We don’t have an issue with directives for manufacturers,” Ali said, adding, “one of our major concern is not all manufacturers are net earners of foreign exchange.” Asked if a commitment was given by the BATT regarding distribution of forex to chambers, Ali said: “we have to understand there is a serious shortage of forex. But what we are saying, because of the limited amount, we have asked the Bankers Association to look at the possibility of a fair and even distribution among our members.” BATT president and Scotia Bank (TT) head Anya Schnoor, who jointly hosted a media conference on Monday with Ali, said the banking sector is also “seeking clarification” on some of the newer policies indicated by Minister Imbert and the Central Bank.” Touching on the forex black market, Schnoor urged citizens to use the commercial banking sector to satisfy their forex requirements.

“I think as an Association we are of the belief that fair, open competition and open trade is the best way in which markets should operate within the context of Trinidad,” she said.

Schnoor added: “Yes we all know those shortages the system faces but we are also very concerned about the growing element of a market outside of the official sector.

“Recently we saw the Central Bank issue notices that it is against the law to sell and trade forex outside of authorised dealers and we want to encourage customers to abide by the regulations and make sure to allow commercial banks to use its established practices to ensure all customers are able to access as much foreix keeping in mind the decrease we have experienced across the economy over the past two to three years because of a reduction from the energy sector.” The Association is expected to host a series of workshops with Chamber members regarding bank fees and charges with the first expected to be held at the Couva Chamber. Chambers whose members attended the meeting included the Penal/Debe Chamber, Chaguanas Chamber, the Greater Tunapuna Chamber and the Siparia Chamber.

Lemons contain citric acid and are well known for their high vitamin C content. The peel of a lemon consists of two layers: the outer zest and a white inner layer. The zest contains essential oils – the most common of which is called limonene.

Nutritional benefits Lemons have been used for centuries and have been highly regarded in the past for treating scurvy, a rare condition that can develop through lack of vitamin C (ascorbic acid).

Vitamin C is often claimed to support the immune system, however, studies have been inconclusive. One study found that although vitamin C did not prevent otherwise healthy people from catching the common cold, it may shorten the duration of symptoms, and halved the common cold risk in people exposed to short periods of extreme physical stress (eg marathon runners).

Lemons also contain some vitamin B6 and other antioxidants called flavanoids. They are low in calories but high in flavour.

Health claims Headlines have linked drinking lemon water to many other health claims, including weight loss, improved digestion, “alkalising” effects on the body, improved skin and detoxification.

The research, especially human studies, to back up many of these health claims is minimal.

Some evidence has linked vitamin C (or ascorbic acid) and flavonoids to improvements in skin. Vitamin C is known to help the body produce collagen, which contributes to the integrity of skin.

Lemon water may also help the appearance of skin because it is caffeine-free. Too much caffeine acts as diuretic, causing some people to experience dry skin. If you are someone who regularly drinks a lot of tea or coffee, swapping to caffeine free alternatives might help the appearance of skin, and positively affect your energy levels and quality of sleep.

If you are someone who finds it difficult to drink water, or doesn’t really like the taste, then adding lemon to hot or cold water can make it more palatable.

Drinking adequate water will benefit your health. It’s possible to mistake thirst for hunger, so if you have been advised to lose weight, try having a glass of lemon water first when you feel hungry to see if you’re really just thirsty.

If you usually opt for fizzy or sugary drinks, lemon water would be a lower-calorie and lower- sugar alternative.

If you suspect you are dehydrated, you could try a glass of lemon water as it acts in the same way as water. Dehydration is common and can present with headaches, dizziness and tiredness – it’s important to make sure that you consume enough fluid while exercising or in hot weather. The NHS advises drinking six-eight glasses of fluid, ideally water, a day.

Indigestion, characterised by symptoms of heartburn and bloating, can be uncomfortable.

Some people find drinking a glass of lemon water, particularly first thing in the morning, aids digestion. This is mainly subjective and reports are anecdotal.

First thing in the morning? The effect of lemon water will not change regardless of whether you drink it first thing in the morning or last thing at night. If you like the taste of lemon water, it could be a good choice for first thing in the morning as we often wake up a little dehydrated –especially if you’ve had alcohol or salty food the night before.

Drinking a glass of water early in the morning will certainly help to hydrate us.

There is currently no evidence to suggest that lemon water has an alkalising or detoxing effect on the body.

The liver is responsible for eliminating toxins from everything we eat, drink and are exposed to in our environment, so no amount of lemon water is going to “detox” our bodies any further.

There is also no truth to the claims that lemon water balances pH levels.

Effects on teeth Fruit juices and acidic liquids can impact the enamel of teeth, so it is best to dilute concentrated lemon juice with water or drink through a straw.

How to make lemon water Lemon water is simply that; the juice and/or slices of lemon including the peel in water.

Warm or cold water is up to you. You can add other ingredients and flavours such as orange or mint if desired. The lemons can be juiced (in advance if convenient) and even stored in ice cube trays for freezing.

Some claim that rolling a lemon between hands before juicing yields more juice.

Every Friday at 5 pm, the grill will be fired up to serve authentic Japanese finger foods to patrons, who will also have a choice of Japanese beers or saki to pair with their morsels.

At the tasting held last Friday, guests were served bacon maki (asparagus wrapped in bacon), yakitori (teriyaki chicken kebab), pork ribs (baby back ribs with teriyaki sauce), crab (snow crab legs with lemon salt, ponzu sauce and butter sauce), gyu-kushi (Angus skirt beef on skewer with Japanese barbecue sauce) and ebi yaki (prawn kebab flavoured with salt and lemon) Patrons can also look forward to sake miso yaki (Atlantic salmon and vegetables with saikyo miso), hotate (scallops with butter soy sauce), khaki yaki (live fresh blue point oysters with an option of butter soy sauce or raw oyster, with ponzu sauce), and tebasaki (chicken wings with teriyaki).

Chef Miura Kenji told Newsday: “During my time in Trinidad I have come to see the love Trini’s have for grilled food. They enjoy the atmosphere around the grill and the lime. So it’s all about good food, drinks and friends. I want to show Trinidadians how Japanese barbecue is done with the Robata grill, and the deck at Samurai is the perfect atmosphere for it, especially on a Friday.” No reservations are needed.

Proprietor Joe Pires stated: “Kenji is an amazing chef. His training in Japan and then in Jamaica has allowed his traditional cooking to fuse with the Caribbean flavours. The Robata Grill shows that he is not only a qualified sushi chef but is a master chef of all Japan cuisine.”

Plant foods, be it legumes, grains and grain products, ground provision, starchy fruits, nuts and seeds and all types of fruits and veggies, are nutritious.

They contain complex carbohydrates, besides protein, fat, vitamins, minerals and water. They also add dietary fibre to the diet, along with the phytonutrients (phytochemicals) and antioxidants.

Studies show that the plantbased diet is cost-effective and may aid those with weight management, together with exercise, as well as managing blood pressure, blood glucose (blood sugar) and cholesterol levels. Moreover, antioxidants and non-nutritive substances such as dietary fibre and phytochemicals found in plant foods are valuable in preventing disease and promoting health.

Dietary fibre which is also referred to as roughage adds bulk to the diet, making you feel full longer and as a result can decrease frequent snacking and you may be less likely to overeat during the day. From this brief discussion, you may wish to conclude that the benefits gained cannot be overlooked. Having knowledge of nutrition in utilising the Caribbean Food Groups, the basic information about the nutrient content of plant foods, along with including the local produce from your kitchen garden (farm-to-table approach) can assist families in meeting daily nutritional requirements, and in lowering their potential risk for diseases. Though, others might argue that there are many factors contributing to disease and rightly so; but, by making small changes in dietary habits and lifestyle, you can probably more than likely improve your health.

Overall, you are encouraged to increase your dietary intakes of plant foods by consuming adequate servings of fruits and vegetables. When making up your plate, one half should consist of plant foods (veggies and fruits), and the other half should be divided into two with a quarter consisting of either boiled ground provision pieces or grains and grain products (such as seasoned brown rice, or pasta) and the next quarter, a protein dish such as stew peas and beans or piece of lean meat, poultry or fish.

Role of nutrients Generally, plant foods are rich in minerals and vitamins. In review minerals such as potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, copper, manganese, selenium, and phosphorus can be found in plant sources, along with vitamins C, A, E, B group, and folate. Research indicate that consuming a diet rich in nutrients together with reducing sodium can aid in reducing blood pressure levels.

Examples of the basic roles of the aforementioned nutrients: Potassium helps manage blood pressure levels, activate muscles and nerves, regulates acid-base balance in body fluids; Calcium and magnesium – component of bones and teeth, aids in formation; helps with the management of blood pressure; essential for muscle and nerve activity; Manganese is needed for the formation of body fat and bone; Selenium acts as an antioxidant, works together with vitamin E to protect the cells of the body; Phosphorus forms bones and teeth, maintains acid-base balance of fluids; Copper helps the body to use iron and oxygen, a component of enzymes, participates in growth, immunity and brain development; Iron transports oxygen in red blood cells and is needed for certain reactions involving energy formation.

Vitamins C, A, and E all act as antioxidants; specifically vitamin C aids in absorption, wound healing, protection of the immune system; vitamin A is needed for good vision, formation and maintenance of skin and bones; vitamin B group helps the body to get energy from food, works together with the macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein, fats), proper functioning of the nervous system, and is needed for growth and tissue repair; Folate is needed for normal formation of red blood cells, prevents neural tube defects and low birth weight in pregnancy.

Phytochemicals These naturally occurring compounds in plants are responsible for the colour, flavour, and odour.

You should note that more than 2,000 plant pigments are considered phytochemicals; examples include, but should not be limited to flavonoids, carotenoids, and anthocyanins.

Good sources of these phytochemicals, such as carotenoids are dark yellow, deep orange, and deep green veggies and fruits; Flavonoids – fruits, vegetables, onions, kale, beans; Lycopene – tomatoes, red grapefruit, guava, dried apricots; Diallyl sulfide – garlic, onion, scallion, chives, leeks; Indoles – cabbage, cauliflower, spinach, broccoli; Lignans – flaxseed, wheat bran, barley, oatmeal, buck wheat; etc.

Note: Be sure to drink water, the recommendation six-eight glasses per day; dietary fibre absorbs water, it helps to promote good bowel function and alleviates constipation.

Nutrition Message: when planning the weekly menu, always aim for balanced meals; make wise food choices incorporating plant foods.

In doing a quick overview, some people who may be including these foods in their meal plans are encouraged to continue; while for others who omit or consume few servings of plant foods should include them more frequently. Here are a few of the nutrients mentioned above and the best sources: Potassium – bananas, oranges, plantains, potatoes, avocado, milk and milk products, meats; Calcium – dark green leafy vegetables, milk, cheese, yogurt, calcium fortified (orange juice, soy milk), almonds; Magnesium – dried beans, potatoes, dark green leafy vegetables, tofu, peanuts, ready-eat-cereals Iron – dark green leafy vegetables, dried fruits, meat and meat products; Vitamin B group – whole grains, milk and milk products, liver, meat, fish; Folate – fortified grain products, bananas, oranges, grapefruit, dark green leafy vegetables, milk, cheese, yogurt; Vitamin C – citrus fruits, guava, pommecythere, Red West Indian cherry, apples, grapes, etc.

Claudette Mitchell, PhD, RD is an Assistant Professor, University of the Southern Caribbean, School of Science, Technology, and Allied Health

The magazine and ammunition11was found earlier on11the floor in the PSB offices.

Last Friday, Assistant Commissioner11of Police (ACP) Irwin11Hackshaw ordered the investigation11which is being led11by PSB head Ag ACP Anthony11Bucchan.

According to police sources,11last week Monday, an officer11spotted the magazine filled11with ammunition on the floor11of the PSB office and handed11it over to Bureau head, ACP11John Clarke for safe-keeping.

ACP Clarke, who incidentally11retired from the Police Service11on that said day, handed over11the items to new PSB head, Ag11ACP Bucchan.

Late on Wednesday evening,11the officer who was not made11aware that the magazine and11ammunition were found back11at his office, went to a police11station in the South Western11Division and reported to Sgt11George and Cpl Gajadhar that11at 9 pm, while walking along a11road in Woodlands, San Francique11in Penal, his pouch accidentally11fell into a river. He said11his pouch contained his cellular11phone and the magazine11and ammunition.

The officers took the PSB officer11to the river and a search11was conducted for the ‘missing’11items.

On Thursday, when the officer11showed up for duty at the11PSB, he reported to Ag ACP11Bucchan that he lodged a report11to South Western Division11police on the missing items.

Ag ACP ordered the officer to11write a written and signed report.

Contacted for comment,11ACP (Crime) Hackshaw yesterday11confirmed the incident11saying, “If a police officer or11anyone makes a false report11and causes police to investigate11that which is later discovered11to an untruth, this amounts to11wasteful employment of the11police time and that is something11that should be investigated,11in this case, by the head11of the Professional Standards11Bureau.”11Hackshaw said he will be11closely monitoring the matter11and assured that there will be11no cover-up.

He said that Acting ACP Bucchan11had given the assurance11that the matter is being thoroughly11investigated. Up until11yesterday, the officer in question11was still on active duty.

11

Today we continue this reflection as we recognise that we were born out of struggle and that it is through continued struggle that we will preserve the gains achieved and ensure that the follies of the past never again characterise the teaching profession in Trinidad and Tobago.

As the decade came to a close, dissatisfaction came to a head in 1979. On March 31, 1979, approximately 150 teachers gathered at the Mt Hope Junior Secondary School, headed by Frank B Seepersad, who was a teacher there, to discuss the unsatisfactory state of the teaching profession.

The meeting adopted a resolution seeking to ensure one autonomous body for teachers. A decision was also arrived at to establish a steering committee of 22 to oversee the formation of one union for all teachers. Volunteers were sought to serve on this committee — the Committee for the Unification of Teachers (Comfut).

Another mass meeting of May 5, 1979, at the then Mucurapo Senior Secondary School, adopted a resolution to have Comfut seek legal advice as to how it should proceed towards its goal of establishing “…a single autonomous professional organisation of teachers, where every individual teacher has a say in policy- determining decisions of the organisation through proper representation in the management of the organisation.” The Unification Committee drew up an action plan which included: *Stirring up teacher participation by using several publicity techniques, bumper stickers, buttons, rallies and public meetings.

*Seeking and obtaining about 9,000 signatures to the call for a single union for teachers, and an amendment of the Education Act (Act 1 of 1966) to facilitate teacher representation by a single majority union.

*Seeking the resignation of the officers of the existing unions so as to make room for a single union.

*Fund-raising activities.

The period from March 1979 to December 1981, when TTUTA was finally recognised by the Registration, Recognition and Certification Board, was one of relentless struggle with the authorities in support of the cause for one union for all teachers. Thousands of teachers marched around the Red House and through the streets demanding that there be one umbrella body for all teachers.

On April 24, 1980, TTUTA was registered as a trade union. It is worth noting that TTUTA got its name from adding the word “Trinidad” to the Tobago Unified Teachers Association, thus resulting in the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers Association.

In March 1981, the State presented a draft revision of the Education Act 1966, which allowed TTUTA to be recognised as a union for teachers, alongside the three other teachers unions in the country.

This proposal was strongly rejected at a mass meeting of members of the association in March 1981. Under continued pressure from the mass of teachers the government conceded and the Education Act 1966 was amended to give TTUTA full recognition as the majority union for teachers.

The Registration, Recognition and Certification Board accorded official recognition of the association in December 1981.

TTUTA was born out of struggle, where pickets and marches were par for the course. Throughout the 38 years of our existence, the association has employed these tools to further advance the interests of our members. TTUTA has represented the interests of our members remarkably well over the past 38 years.

If we are to continue to jealously safeguard the welfare of our members in the coming years we must be prepared to be ever vigilant and resolute in the defence of teachers’ rights.

NO and yes are two simple words which often mean different things to different people and sometimes result in unfortunate outcomes. Why can’t we be true when we say either? Over the years, I have been observing how people manipulate and swing their no and yes responses, in an effort to present varying sides to their personality.

Research studies coupled with my own observations show that one of the main reasons for the yes and no dissonance has to do with a need by many for approval from others.

I have said in many of the pieces in this very column, that your life is yours and yours only, and therefore, seeking validation from others must never exist. Seeking validation from others on how to live your life is a recipe for misery, frustration and deception.

Continuing down a path of saying yes to everything without clear thought and analysis, is a sign of weakness and also an indication of low self-esteem and self-confidence. I have always intimated true yes and no responses and remain committed and responsible for the outcomes of those responses, sometimes at the detriment of losing favour from others and that’s ok but the reality remains, that your conscience would be clear and comforted by your response.

Mixing yes and no responses also shows that your obligation is greater towards others and less towards yourself; unfortunately, this characteristic is also indicative of the need by many to be liked and remain in good graces with others. Whilst wanting to be liked by others is not necessarily a bad thing, it becomes a serious issue when your value and worth are dependent on what others think about you.

The yes-no syndrome has huge amounts of power, but when that power is abused to the extent that your worth is sacrificed, or you become deceptive or even attempt to incriminate others, the interchange poses challenges. Your communication also becomes tainted and your life also appears to be confused. It’s best to continuously maintain an open mind when faced with situations and challenges both in your personal and professional space and just be honest in your responses…keeping in mind that your responses would not always be pleasing to everyone, but always remember that your credibility and context of the situation are far more important than the pleasing people element in the equation.

Meaning yes when you say yes, and meaning no when you say no, can only be real when you are real to yourself.

Sandrine Rattan is a communications/ branding consultant, author and president of the International Women’s Resource Network (IWRN) Contact: thecorporatesuitett@ gmail.com or intlwomensresourcenetwork@ gmail.com or contact 283-0318.

We join with the many extending condolences to Dumas’ family and all those who were close to him, and despite that questions and shortcomings would have arisen during his political life, we salute his service as a Member of Parliament, a Cabinet minister and a man of the people, especially Tobago which gave him the mandate during his career to speak for them and to take decisions on their behalf.

Small-island politics yields a thankless existence, especially when there isn’t enough to go around to satisfy the demands of constituents. Yet the wide-ranging tributes paid Dumas from just as wide a cross section of people following his passing on Sunday speak volumes about his effort at effective representation both at the insular Tobago and wider national community levels.

A loyal PNM activist for more than 20 years, Dumas was elected Member of Parliament for Tobago East in 2007. But this was just part of his sojourn in local politics. He served as an Opposition senator in 2001, which was a prelude to a nine-year ministerial career under the late PNM political leader and prime minister Patrick Manning.

He was minister of state in the Office of the Prime Minister during 2001 to 2002; minister of public utilities during 2002 to 2003; minister of local government from 2003 to 2007; and minister of labour from 2007 to 2010.

A more recent aspiration of his was to lead the PNM in Tobago and to take charge of the House of Assembly in Orville London’s wake, but he failed to garner enough support at the party’s council elections, still leaving him though in the hierarchy as party education officer.

PNM political leader and Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley said, “Mr Dumas’ innate service to the people of Trinidad and Tobago signified his innate sense of patriotism which was his driving force throughout his public service career.” Hazel Manning, wife of the late Patrick Manning, was moved to issue a statement. “He was a very good colleague,” said Mrs Manning, who also once held the local government portfolio. “When I followed him in the Ministry of Local Government, he gave quite a lot of advice. I followed in some of his programmes. We worked closely.” No doubt those programmes included setting the stage for the reforms to give more power to the regional corporations and municipalities, his role acknowledged by the incumbent Minister of Rural Development and Local Government, Kazim Hosein, as having in large measure paved the way for the contemplated reforms.

The Ministry of Public Administration described Dumas as relentless in his pursuit of an enhanced quality of life for his fellow Tobagonians and always contributed to the discussion on the issue of greater autonomy for the sister isle.

But he was not by any means an isolationist, Public Administration Minister Maxie Cuffie, pointing out that Dumas also championed the full integration of Trinidad and Tobago.

The portrait of the gentle giant that Dumas was would be tarnished though by an incident in June 2011 which took him before the courts where, two years later, he would be found guilty of two counts of common assault further to the fracas in which he was alleged to have struck one Roger Simon with a gun across his face. Dumas won an appeal in the matter with the court quashing his convictions and ordering a new trial. A statement from his family on Sunday said, “Rennie, aka Stretch, was loved and respected by many and our sincere hope is that his memory continues to live in all of us.” From us, ditto to a memorable stretch.

Gobblin’ is a comical look at greed and corruption in the world today from a Gobblin’ perspective. The Gobblins inhabit a society of calumny and conspiracy, where might is right and the winner takes all and the devil takes the hindmost.

Gobblin’ depicts a mischievous, ugly, dwarf-like creature of folklore, now come to life as a contemporary self-absorbed, self-contemptuous, narcissistic creature of insatiable appetite and unbridled ambition fuelled by ego, insecurity, hyper competitiveness, malice and spite and a gargantuan disdain for humanity.

Lilliput encourages self-confidence and builds strong minds through the challenge of theatre, game play and imagination, sad a media release. With its distinctive approach to instructing dance and drama, the company continues to harnesses the performing arts as a medium to help shape and build character of our youth.

The company is known for staging thought-provoking productions that challenge audiences to visage alternative political, social and cultural views. The young thespians have risen to the challenge of creating and scripting a play from the creative concepts of costume designer, Merylle Mahabir, the release stated. Through this process, creative writing is used to explore sophisticated ideas as an integral part of their writing process. Under the tutelage of the talented Wendell Manwarren, with the support of drama tutors Elisha Efau Bartels and Tonya Evans, Gobblin’ promises to entertain, excite and thrill it’s audience.

The production runs from May 19 to 21 and show times are 7.30 pm on May 19 and 5.30pm on May 20 and 21.

For more info: the Gobblin’ Facebookevent page at https:// www.facebook.com/lilliputchildrenstheatre/ or Twitter @NDLFA or email keishaj.alexander@ hotmail.com Photos Courtesy: Roba Ofil