On Thursday afternoon an electric breaker in a standard one classroom overheated and began smoking .

Reports are that the school disconnected the electrical supply and instructed students to gather at the school’s muster point. MP for Mayaro Rushton Paray said the problem was contained and classes were suspended .

But PTA president Dexter Douglas, on Saturday, accused Paray and school officials of giving false information to the media .

“They did not evacuate the school or send students to the muster point,” Douglas said .

“They moved children to another class and the children remained in school. They did not even contact the Fire Service until the PTA intervened.” Douglas said fire officers then contacted T&TEC as it was primarily an electrical issue and T&TEC recommended that the breaker be changed .

“School went on as normal the next day.” He fears, however, that the overheating would have weakened the copper brackets and made the wires more susceptible to fire, thus requiring more than a change of breaker. Douglas also said the school does not have a functioning fire hose with an independent water supply and its fire extinguisher had not been serviced in years. All of these problems, along with their concerns about the school being guarded by only one security officer, were protested by the PTA all of last week .

The PTA has scheduled an emergency meeting for tomorrow to determine the best approach to having their issues addressed .

Last Tuesday, fishermen in the area made the discovery while trying to acsertain the cause of an overpowering stench.

When Newsday visited, the heads of the endangered species were seen individually wrapped in plastic bags in a corner of the lagoon.

In a press release on Friday, the EMA said the incident gives rise to serious concern.

“It reminds us of, despite the remarkable work of civil society organisations such as ‘Save our Sea Turtles’, ‘Turtle Village Trust’, and ‘Nature Seekers’ in conjunction with the networking of community volunteers who tirelessly patrol and protect turtle nesting sites across Trinidad and Tobago, ultimately, individual conscience and personal responsibility are the critical success factors to achieve our goal.” The authority said it is regrettable that this environmental crime took place despite the legal protection afforded to the endangered species with the declaration in 2014 of five species as environmentally sensitive species.

“The EMA recognises the tremendous progress made in the fight to protect these endangered creatures with the partnership of civil society, the state and local communities working hand in hand to bring about positive change. The number of recorded poaching incidents has dramatically decreased in recent years and despite this setback, all parties remain committed to achieving the goal of zero slaughter,” it stated.

In the interim, Senior Superintendent of Police Joanne Archie has indicated that while no official report was made to the police, the matter is a criminal offence and will be further investigated.

The fine for endangering any of the environmentally sensitive species is $100,000 and imprisonment for two years.

“Not that I am aware of. Not at all,” he said. He was speaking with the media on Saturday at the Police Service annual sports day held at the Police Training Academy, St James. On April 28, the 12 deported national returned to this country with escorts. Initially, a group of 11 nationals left TT in June 2016, and travelled to several countries before arriving in Turkey.

One of the women who was pregnant subsequently gave birth to a baby boy. In July last year, a report in the Daily Sabah reported that on July 27, Turkish police detained the 11, said to be nationals of TT, in southern Turkey. They were held in detention since. The Daily Sabah reported the group was trying to travel to Syria to join “Daesh” another term for the terrorist group ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria).

Yesterday, Dillon said the 12 came in, six adults and six children, and “we did what we had to do based on of course international best practices to adapt to our own situation.” He reported they were interviewed and and they also had a separate meeting with the Turkish escorts that came into the country to get their side.

“So based on the information we have we take the necessary action.” Asked if the security agencies knew the whereabouts of all 12 he repeated “based on the information we have we will take the necessary action.” Security sources had informed Newsday they were having difficulty locating all of the 12 deportees. Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi told Newsday his office had received no such report though it was a matter for the special branch. He added that there is very close attention paid to all targets of interest by law enforcement agencies. He also reported that the anti-terrorism desk of the Attorney General is preparing to approach the court on other matters. “We continue to do our work with alacrity,” he added.

Each morning brings reports of yet another murder, rape or act of social violence.

In fact, on the very rare occasion when there is no murder to report, one has the strange feeling that this very fact should be front-page news.

There is obviously something amiss at a very deep level and those with the responsibility for change apparently do not have the capacity to do so.

I read a commentary recently that quoted Lloyd Best who had pointed out that there is something wrong with the very systems that operate in our society.

As reports on inequalities and inefficiencies abound and even pregnant women at Mt Hope are turned away and forced to go to private hospitals for ultrasounds at a cost of $300 to $600, the time seems ripe to ask what exactly is the problem? Is there, indeed, a systemic flaw? Are we so enmeshed in a system of inefficiency that we even put women’s lives at risk during pregnancy? One senior doctor suggested anonymously that patients should be directed to clinics rather than private hospitals. And is there perhaps an answer hidden in this apparently innocuous statement? What are the changes that might effect a reduction in the rate of crime or in violence and disorder or that might provide basic medical care? We recognise that money and power are the dominant forces in all societies and that those who wield power do indeed dictate the processes of society. That is not new.

Nor is it unique. But what is different in Trinidad and Tobago is the deeply imbedded inadequacies at all levels. Yet it is not true to say that money is not spent or that enquiries are not held. What seems to be the issue is that we have mastered the art of appearing to be both efficient and proactive.

The most appalling thing about Trinidadian and Tobagonian society when compared with other developed nations is its failure to put any systems in place to protect the weak.

Instead, bureaucrats spend time and money developing a very unique system of camouflage.

The skill of the Caribbean to mimic and to hide with chameleon-like talent is nowhere more evident than in this.

We have so mastered the art of appearing efficient that in order to get any service, whether it is from the NIS or to get a driving licence (unless you have a friend or godfather) we in TT must take at least a day off and spend all day wasting time, no matter how simple the matter.

This is all done in the name of efficiency.

Even our judicial system in Trinidad seems incapable of providing swift and effective service, despite the fact that prisoners should have the right to a fair trial and due process, which involves a trial “without delay” and “within reasonable time.” Undue delays constitute a breach of human rights.

In Trinidad and Tobago, as was the subject of debate and media coverage not too many months ago, the amount of time that prisoners spend in the remand yard is extraordinary and we all know it. Let us also not forget the “part-heard matters” that are currently making headline news and generating heated debate amongst senior figures in our country.

Perhaps the reason for all these abnormal deficiencies has to do with our focus on the success of a few. In placing administrators, white-collar workers and professionals so far above all others in our communal mindset, we have created an idea that the “smartman” is the true wielder of power within society.

The rights of those who cannot access such authority, by extension, grow weaker with the spread of red tape and administrative structures.

All breed more red tape and more capacity for bobol.

After all, administrators will privilege administration, whether we are talking about hospitals, universities or the courts.

Perhaps all of this has also created a sense within society that might is definitely right and the weak must simply accept their lack of access to true justice and the means to a good life.

Despite all the ole talk and the discussion panels and media coverage, nothing within the actual structures of institutions, that is how people get medical help, or justice or an education, actually changes. This is because delay and camouflage are the true systems that operate in our society. No one is actually interested in efficiency. The Anansi-like nature of our society, where the appearance and the talk of promoting justice prevails, is like a web that ensnares us all. This ability to put on a show while doing nothing is both our greatest gift and our most grievous fault.

She gave birth to a healthy baby girl at 12.22 am. George and her husband Solomon Phillip agreed to name the baby Amelia who, although born prematurely, is in good health. Stephanie Farrow, 28, became a mother for the third time when she gave birth at 3.08 am. She said her husband Andy Phillips and her two children were excited about the new baby.

“They keep calling and asking about the child,” she said.

First time mother Vanessa Jagroop, 22, was surrounded by her four sisters and her parents at the hospital yesterday. She named her baby boy Aleem. Jagroop and her husband Imtiaz Ali chose the name before he was born. She said she made three trips to the hospital.

Aleem was initially due on May 5.

And Tesha Mascal, 40, of Moruga was graced by the presence of a baby girl at 7.24 am. This being Mascal’s fifth child, she said she is happy that everything went well.

Joseph’s body was found in the Gulf of Paria on March 16 by fishermen after she went missing on March 8. Sea Lots resident Kenneth Browne and his ex-wife Melissa Browne of Carenage have been charged with murder and have appeared in court.

Joseph, 22, was a member of the North Eastern Division and for the Police Service’s 94th annual sports day, held at the Police Training Academy in St James, the division dedicated their march-past presentation to her.

The team’s announcer said Joseph lost her life “tragically” and requested a moment of silence.

Their presentation featured a scene of a woman being beaten by a man to the tune of Calypso Rose’s Leave me Alone, which has become a rallying cry against violence towards women. Members of the North Eastern Division also wore tee shirts with the phrase Leave me Alone.

The announcer called on the crowd to remember Joseph and paid tribute to all the mothers, sisters and daughters who had lost their lives.

Violence against women was a feature in a number of the marchpast presentations: South Western Division featured an attempted rape and the announcer called on people to stop abusing women; E999 featured a woman being robbed; Finance Branch featured a victim of domestic violence dying on a bed and called for women to walk away and “take back your power”, and Southern Division featured a scene of a woman standing up to her abusive boyfriend.

Acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams, speaking with reporters after the presentations, said he believes Joseph’s death would have influenced some of the presentations.

“I think it was great to see how passionate the officers are in support of one of their sisters. Her death touched us in a significant way.” He said officers have rallied, recognising that Joseph has left a young daughter behind.

He was speaking with the media during the Police Service annual sports day on Saturday at the Police Training Academy, St James.

At least 39 people have been killed during a month and a half of protests by citizens and opposition forces against the government of President Nicol?s Maduro. The country has also been plagued by severe shortages of medical supplies and food, the latter of which Trinidad and Tobago provided assistance in 2016 by having locally manufactured goods sent to the country.

On Saturday, Dillon reported that there has not been a “substantial increase” of Venezuelans for this period. He pointed out that throughout history there has always been movement of Venezuelans and Trinidadians across the border. “And I am from Point Fortin and I can tell you I know Venezuelans coming across.” He said, however, that they have seen Venezuelans coming to purchase goods, especially food items, to take back to Venezuela.

Asked about Venezuelans remaining in the country illegally Dillon responded that there are some Venezuelans who enter the country and remain “but not a substantial amount.” He added that they have been able to track them as well and they have the figures, but reiterated that it was not large.

A group of Venezuelans in Trinidad have expressed solidarity with the protesters in Venezuela and held demonstrations at the Venezuelan Embassy and the Queen’s Park Savannah to denounce Maduro as a “dictator”. Last week the Joint Trade Union Movement visited the Venezuelan Embassy to express solidarity with Maduro and his government and blamed the suffering of the people on opposition forces.

The announcement was made by a relative, Melissa J Plummer, on her Facebook page at approximately 10pm that night. She said Plummer died at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital from a seizure.

“We thank you for all your prayers and well wishes at this time,” Melissa said.

Maracas beach goers were very familiar with Peter since he was known to serenade anyone who will listen to him play his acoustic guitar and sing a range of songs.

Peter even did some extempo at times depending on how exuberant he was at that given moment.

Facebook lit up with tributes to Peter. One such posting from Alvin Ramsarran read: “He is a perfect example of not judging a book by its cover, (he) made people laugh with his jokes and music. No amount of money in (the) world could replace the joy he brought to us all. Thanks for blessing us with your earthly presence, now you would be entertaining the angels above. rest in peace.” Another from Sandra Williams stated: “He was the Maracas Bay Calypsonian. He could make up anything on the spot and sing for you. He was nice.” After Arlene’s funeral service last month, Peter serenaded mourners outside the Assumption Church, Maraval, in tribute to his sister, 65, who passed away March 27.

The patriarch Dudley “Buntin” Plummer, 86, went to his maker on August 6, 2011, and mom Barbara 87, in April, 2010.

Denyse’s only remaining sibling now is her younger sister Belinda.

Dead is Bryan “Bat” Jackson, 39, a mason, of Martiste Road, Hindustan in New Grant. A police report stated that shortly after 7 pm, Jackson and a group of men were liming at Allan’s Bar at New Town Junction. While there, a heated argument broke out during which a scuffle ensued between Jackson, also called Scary, and a 23-year-old villager.

Police said during the scuffle, the villager stabbed Jackson twice in the chest.

Relatives took him to the Princes Town District Health Facility where doctors pronounced him dead on arrival.

Police arrested the suspect shortly after, at his home on Naggee Road. Up to yesterday he remained in police custody.

Speaking to Sunday Newsday yesterday, Jackson’s sister Sharon said the killing was a serious blow not only to the Jackson family but also the suspect’s.

“He (the suspect) is like family to us. He grew up right out the road and to us was a little cousin.

It is hard for both sides of the family, really hard. My brother was a quiet man who don’t be in these types of things. He did not meddle with anyone,” Sharon said.

She added that Jackson was on his way home from work and may have opted to “take a drink” at the bar, as he normally did “now and then”.

“We don’t know what exactly happened. We know he was on his way home from working with a contractor and Bat had not reached here as yet,” said the sister.

Whatever plans Jackson had for his mother today (Mother’s Day) the family will never know.

His mother Margaret, 60, said she last spoke to him a few days ago and never expected he would have been killed.

“I don’t know if he had any plans for today. It is sad. Three years ago, just days before Mother’s Day, my mother died and now he died days before Mother’s Day. She was old and died of natural causes,” Margaret added. Her mother Virginia was 99.

Officers of the Princes Town Police Station and Homicide Bureau, Region III, visited the scene.

An autopsy is expected to be performed tomorrow at the Forensic Sciences Centre, St James.

In an unrelated incident, a Penal gardener discovered the decomposing body of a man at Scotts Road located off Penal Rock Road.

Although the identity is yet to be confirmed, police said it may be that of a villager – Mewhalal Ragbir, 60 – based on the clothes he was wearing.

A report stated a gardener was cleaning a parcel of land midday on Friday and observed a stench.

Upon checking, he saw the decomposing body and contacted the Penal police.

Also a Carenage man was shot and killed early yesterday morning.

According to reports residents of Rodney Street, Point Cumana, Carenage heard gunshots at about 1 am. Upon investigation they found the body of 39-yearold Damien Jemmot, who lived on that street.

Investigations are continuing.

In cutting the ribbon on Friday night, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley said years ago the country had promised to build and name a stadium in Lara’s honour.

In what must go down as one of the greatest understatements made in this country’s public procurement history, Rowley remarked, “We embarked upon that exercise. It did not go very smoothly but thank God with some showers of blessing tonight, this project is finished and we are about to begin with the first ball to be bowled in this venue.” “It did not go very smoothly” was perhaps a reference to the scandalous findings of the Uff Commission of Inquiry relating to apparent breaches by Udecott of public procurement rules and principles. That inquiry also saw an expert deem work done on the project, at an earlier stage, condemnable.

Though the academy may have an independent institutional existence from the sporting facility, in the mind of the public both will remain indistinguishable as they were initially packed by Udecott as being all a part of the same complex.

In 2010, the Commission of Inquiry found overpayment to contractors, a needlessly convoluted design, significant problems about the quality of work, and the baffling decision to continue a contract with Hafeez Karamath Limited.

“The award of the contracts, the management of those contracts, the payment terms including advanced payments and the conditions guaranteed to the contractor in return for agreement to complete the project at a fixed maximum price demonstrated clearly Udecott’s inability to plan and successfully manage a project of this magnitude,” the inquiry found.

An audit was recommended. And overall, it was recommended that the former board be subject to inquiry by law enforcement authorities.

However, it was further stated, “The citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, for whose benefit the project is being undertaken, should at some stage obtain some benefit from it.” After 2010, however, little progress was made over five years. Ostensibly there remained concerns over the findings of the McCaffrey report. Yet, in a bizarre twist, during the 2011 state of emergency, it was suggested by former housing and urban development minister Dr Roodal Moonilal that the premises be used as a temporary jail.

More recently, controversy still dogged the project when it was wrongly announced that Sachin Tendulkar would be attending last Friday’s opening and a stand would be named after him.

Despite all of this, we must welcome the opening of the academy if only because this project has the capacity to continue a trend of decentralization in sport and in community life in Trinidad. It takes sport to another part of the country, even if it is a reminder of the need for better planning and procurement practices in order to avoid cost overruns.

The academy joins the new velodrome and aquatic centre. We hope all these premises are properly maintained so that they can continue to be used in the long-run by both the local and international sporting community.

In relation to Tarouba, in addition to safety, an issue of International Cricket Council accreditation has been raised. This raises the possibility of further expenditure and it is hoped these costs can be avoided. If, however, they relate to the standards that are required for a safe, enjoyable sporting experience then they may be unavoidable. And this has always been the issue with public projects that have been subject to inefficiency and graft. The taxpayer tends to lose: once when the contract is given out at an inflated price and then when the project never comes to fruition, sinking like the steel beams of the Caroni Swamp.

In this instance we hope this project will benefit the people of this country. Let it be an academy we deserve.