Ramlogan, who is acting on behalf of former UNC minister Devant Maharaj, is questioning the constitutionality of the appointments of retired judges Roger Hamel- Smith and Humphrey Stollmeyer to the JLSC.

He said Maharaj, in the public’s interest, intends to approach the High Court seeking an interpretation of the Constitution as it relates to the JLSC’s composition.

Members of the JLSC are Archie; chairman of the Public Service Commission Maureen Manchouk and retired judges Roger Hamel- Smith and Humphrey Stollmeyer.

Ramlogan questioned the legality of Hamel-Smith and Stollmeyer’s positions given they have attained the retirement age for judges at 65 years, since Sections 110 (4) and 136 (1) states no person can be appointed or continue to serve as members of the JLSC, if they are over 65.

“This means both members are disqualified from serving and hence their appointments are illegal, unconstitutional, invalid, null, void and of no legal effect. Even if their appointments were proper, it is plain the JLSC is not properly constituted with four members in the face of Section 110 which clearly contemplates a minimum of five members,” Ramlogan said.

“This is an important distinction, particularly when one has regard to the fact that there is no representative from the Law Association or the Bar on the JLSC. Plainly, it was desirable to have some input from the bar and this is the only possible avenue for same,” Ramlogan said. He added that the President is obliged to act in accordance with the law, when making appointments to the JLSC.

In rationalising the need to bring legal proceedings against the JLSC, Ramlogan said Maharaj is of the view that there is a lack of transparency and public accountability in the process of appointing judges and this has undermined public confidence in the administration of justice. “The public is quite simply, ambushed by sudden announcements of appointments and promotions,” stated Ramlogan’s preaction protocol letter to Archie.

The letter was copied to President Anthony Carmona, Attorney General Faris al Rawi and the two retired judges.

“There is no opportunity for any meaningful consultation or feedback from the public as the most important stakeholder. By the time the public sees pictures of new judges in the media, the appointment is a fait accompli (something already accomplished or done) and hence there is no possibility for review or reconsideration. To this end, my client wishes to ensure that the JLSC is properly constituted in accordance with the law,” Ramlogan said.

Pollard was a member of the triumphant West Indies team that won the 2012 ICC World T20 competition in Sri Lanka and is currently playing with Mumbai in the 2017 edition of the popular Indian Premier League (IPL). The 29 year old Pollard’s services are in high demand across the globe and he has proven to be a crucial part of Mumbai’s campaign yet again.

Pollard is averaging a shade under 30 at 29.90 with a highest score of 70 as Mumbai Indians lead the IPL standings and are favourites to cop the title again.

Pollard played key roles in Mumbai winning the IPL crown twice and has competed in the Australian Big Bash and South African Ram Slam in the past.

The T20 format of cricket has overshadowed everything that has happened for the game of cricket in the last decade with tremendous fan interest reinvigorating the game, attracting sponsors and resulting in high fees for the world’s best players. And with West Indies women’s team being crowned ICC World T20 champs in India last year, the interest in the female version of the game is increasing in the Caribbean.

Last week, the Trinidad and Tobago women’s team won their second straight WICB Super50 title and the TT CB has decided to capitalise on the euphoria to further the women’s game with an innovative tournament. TT CB CEO Suruj Ragoonath said recently, “We have a T20 Franchise (event) that is coming up that, I think, is something that is going to be very exciting. It’s going to be historic in the region. A women’s T20 Franchise Tournament, four teams in Trinidad and one East team which is already purchased by a very renowned West Indies cricketer. I would not tell you who he is.” A source who wished to remain anonymous revealed to Newsday that Pollard is that West Indies cricketer and negotiations are currently ongoing to finalise the deal.

Ragoonath, speaking to Newsday yesterday, said a press conference will be held on Thursday to give further information on the first ever women’s T20 franchise tournament which will feature the top female players from throughout the region.

Each franchise team will be allowed to recruit two other current West Indian players and they also must include two Trinidad and Tobago under 19 cricketers among their roster. Trinidadians Merissa Aguilleira, Anisa Mohammed, Britney Cooper and Stacy-Ann King who were members of the victorious West Indies Women’s team that won the ICC World T20 tournament last year in India will be the icon players for the four franchise teams. The tournament is expected to be played at the Brian Lara Academy from May 15 to 19

She was one of the attendees yesterday at Sabga’s funeral at the Church of the Assumption, Maraval and spoke with on the impact of his loss.

“It’s a tremendous loss. But I think when his son Norman spoke with respect to his legacy there is much that we can celebrate in his life. But the things I always found touching and most memorable about Uncle Tony…is that he was a true patriot and a true patriarch, for his family, for everyone he was there. And for Trinidad and Tobago.” She said if we remember the values that Sabga stood for, family values and giving back to the country, “I think Trinidad and Tobago would benefit”.

“So today we pay tribute to a very great son of our soil. He wasn’t born here (he was from Syria) but he became a true son of Trinidad and Tobago.” Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi told the media Sabga’s loss “is a tremendous one to the country.” He said that Sabga’s example is one of dedication and commitment, and his greatest asset was his family fabric. Al-Rawi recalled the advice Sabga gave him at his wedding – Al-Rawi’s wife is a relative to Sabga’s family – to persevere no matter what anybody tells you, to respect your wife and your home.

“Let’s continue looking at examples of excellence and emulating them and celebrating lives that we have right across our society.”

Williams and Jacob were invited to the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police meeting in Aruba which preceded the awards ceremony. The Ag Commissioner submitted Jacob’s name to the Regional Recognition Award Programme with supporting information on Jacob’s accomplishments in crime-fighting. After a panel of judges reviewed dozens of applications submitted, Jacob was announced as the top crime fighter in the Caribbean for 2016.

Williams said he was especially pleased with the fact that a TT policeman won the top crime fighter award the first a local officer’s name was entered into the competition.

Two other officers, ASP Oswain Subero of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) and Insp Clint Arthur of Administration, placed second in Top Caribbean Community Policing and third in the top Caribbean Career Move, respectively.

Jacob who has 35 years service, told Newsday he felt very proud as the win was not only for himself but the entire Police Service.

Once there is a constant flow of people to and from both islands, there will be an immediate improvement in human relations — love, peace and togetherness would evolve.

For too long there has been talk about a sea bridge but that has always collapsed. We are a country of talkers and not doers. We are just babbling our mouths that we are the best in this and that, with no concrete evidence to show.

Tobago is anti-Trinidad and vice versa ever since Dr Eric Williams (deceased) made statements that I will not repeat.

Tobago is closer to Grenada than Trinidad.

It is practically in Grenada’s territorial waters, and was once a ward of that country.

Likewise, Trinidad is much closer to Venezuela than Tobago. Just visit Cedros (Icacos) and observe.

If something is not implemented sooner than later, Tobago is going to secede from Trinidad as soon as it receives all that it needs, which is not far away. But Tobago will run into a roadblock — there is no oil. Tourism will always be the economic factor of Tobago.

Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, the ball is in your court. Start the ball rolling.

EARL MARTIN Trincity

“It pains us to see the length of time the elderly have to line up outside a bank at the end of the month (to cash pension cheques). For the life of me, I cannot understand why you have 365 days in the year but you (mail) pension cheques on only 12 of them,” declared Bankers Association (BATT) director and Managing Director of RBC Royal Bank, Darryl White.

BATT would also like to see Government proclaim the remaining sections of the Electronic Transactions Act (2011), so that local banks can offer more convenient banking options, such as cheque deposits via mobile phone.

“As banks we will certainly do our part but there’s more to be done. How can we get greater efficiencies and better delivery to our customers; pensioners, disabled persons and so on? I cannot, for the life of me,” White said, “understand why we, as a progressive nation, still have to go and clear a cheque (in the bank). These are things that can be done electronically…

and we are appealing to the Government to be serious about this and drive this. We are certainly committed to working with the Government in that regard.” Agency banking legislation was another BATT recommendation, something which White explained would allow banks to, for example, “set up branches very quickly somewhere to serve the population. We need that passed as well. We need support on these.” He was speaking on Friday during a BATT press conference at Hyatt Regency, Portof- Spain which took place shortly after BATT’s executive appeared before a Joint Select Committee of Parliament. The fact that online banking in TT has no fees and is therefore not only convenient but cheaper to use than traditional teller banking, was another point BATT was keen on getting across to the public.

BATT President and Managing Director of Scotiabank TT Limited, Anya Schnoor, said banks “have invested heavily in technology” because they don’t want their customers having to spend time waiting in a line. She noted however that it’s still up to individual customers to sign up for online/mobile banking.

BATT Vice-President and Managing Director of Republic Bank Limited, Nigel Baptiste, explained that while there’s been “a steady pick-up”, the main reason online/ mobile banking is not at the level banks would like it to be is “an unreasonable kind of fear about security.” Baptiste revealed that local banks are actually “a little bit ahead of some of the international players because the architecture and the kind of investment that we have made in security for our systems, is at a level that we are very confident that you have to ‘come really good’ to hack into our systems

I had the privilege to be admitted to the complex from March 15 to 17, where I underwent surgery for cancer of the mouth and my experience was beyond my imagination (par excellence).

I sincerely thank all those with whom I came into contact, starting with security officers at the Dental School section, and the medical staff, both junior and senior doctors.

Thanks specifically to Dr Santo, Dr Al, senior consultant; Dr Narayansingh and Dr Joseph.

Also the doctors in training. A special thanks to Dr Gosula (anaesthetist) and most of all the ward nurses. I can’t recall their names but can’t forget Nurse Narial, who I believe is a national of the Philippines.

I thank you all again, unconditionally.

ANTHONY MAHARAJ Port-of-Spain

Maduro’s regime has brought economic ruin to a country rich in oil and gas; Mugabe has done the same to Zimbabwe, a country rich in mineral resources and was once the food basket of southern Africa.

Shortages in basic food are the order of the day in Venezuela; there is a similar situation in Zimbabwe.

Maduro blames foreign intervention for his country’s woes; Mugabe blames Britain. Maduro also blames foreign interference for the public demonstrations against his government; Mugabe also does the same when his people mobilise against him. Maduro operatives infiltrate the security and judicial systems to crack down on dissent; Mugabe continues to do the same with more brutal force. Maduro has moved viciously on the Opposition; Mugabe had done it for years but has now eased it up considerably. And the list goes on. Calderon is acting out the playbook in precise terms when she says, “President Maduro loves Venezuelans and is committed to his people.” Mugabe’s spin doctors were saying the same thing in 1984 when he sent in over 15,000 troops and a hated unit called 5 Brigade to Matabeleland to blockade food supplies to over 400,000 Zimbabweans.

He instituted the brutal blockade to smoke out about 200 dissidents who were opposed to his ZANU-PF party. Hundreds of thousands of his people were reduced to desperation.

Mugabe’s government’s response was, “First you will eat your chickens; then your goats; then your cattle; then your donkeys. Then you will eat your children, and finally you will eat the dissidents.” That’s the mentality of a dictator. While this was happening the Organisation for African Unity (OAU), now called the African Union (AU), was silent. However, the Organisation of American States is not prepared to be silent, but we are.I will continue to trust the reports on the situation in Venezuela coming from the media rather than what comes out from the Venezuelan Embassy.

HARRY PARTAP former high commissioner to South Africa (Zimbabwe)

The speech subsequently led six European countries to create the European Community through the signing of the Rome Treaty in 1957 which eventually became a European Union of 28 countries. This is why on May 9 we celebrate Europe Day.

We use this occasion to reflect with pride on the unprecedented peace, prosperity and security that have characterised the EU to date. Over the decades we have witnessed the dawn of freedom of movement, creation of jobs, student mobility… the successes are many. Take the case of Ireland. After joining the EU its ailing economy flourished, leading to it being dubbed the “Celtic Tiger.” We also use this day to look forward.

Today, the world is going through a period of great uncertainty.

The global balance of power is shifting and the foundations of a rules-based international order are being undermined.

Citizens in European countries and elsewhere have doubts about globalisation, fears about the impact of new technologies on societies and jobs, and worries about security and migration.

It is precisely during these unpredictable times that the European Union reaffirms its commitment to promoting security, prosperity and democracy around the world and a rules-based global order.

Our relationship with Trinidad and Tobago is based on that commitment.

Over the past 41 years we have worked closely together in promoting economic development, education, security, good governance, and human rights for all.

The EU currently assists TT in the fight against climate change and is a ready partner to support the country in its commitment to obtaining 10 percent of its energy from renewable sources by 2021.

The creation of jobs, growth and investments is also paramount for us. The Caribbean Forum-EU Economic Partnership Agreement is designed precisely to facilitate free trade and export opportunities.

We’re supporting initiatives to encourage innovation, economic diversification and the creation of a competitive business environment.

We are also proud to have contributed to the areas of culture and education over the years.

Through the Erasmus+ programme, students from TT have had the life-changing opportunity to study overseas. This year we celebrate 21 years of the European Film Festival here, which is ongoing at MovieTowne in Port-of-Spain and Tobago until May 16.

While the challenges of today may seem daunting, through common resolve we can surpass them.

Allow me to remind you of Robert Schuman’s words when he said that world peace could only be guaranteed through “creative efforts proportionate to the dangers which threaten it.” Through a common effort we can secure a peaceful, prosperous and secure future for all.

Today Europe looks back with pride and forward with hope.

HE AAD BIESEBROEK Ambassador of the Delegation of the EU to TT

Dancer Deborah Pena, 19, who goes by the name “Casper” in the entertainment world, said it was unfair that she became the target of a policewoman.

Pena, who wore pasties on her breasts, was handed a jersey ,which the officer took from a stranger, to wear after she was stopped. Following the incident, a video was uploaded on social media and has since gone viral. Pena said she did nothing wrong and was only behaving how some adults do on Carnival day.

The outspoken Pena told Newsday, “That’s double standard right there. There must not be an off and on button for those things. Police explained to me that because the J’ouvert is in Point Fortin, and is Borough Day and not the annual Carnival, a national festival, I had to cover myself.” Pena further said, “ But what I can’t understand, is that the behaviours were the same in Point. Children were among the spectators on the pavements just like on Carnival day watching nakedness on the streets and there was plenty. I was not the only one wearing pasties, other women had their breasts exposed.” Pena recalled what happened as she was dancing among thousands of revellers in the streets at about 7 am on J’ouvert . She said she was approached by two female officers about the way she was dressed. She questioned the officers about what she had done wrong and the situation was explained to her. Pena said: “A rasta man, on seeing what was taking place, took off his jersey and gave it to the officer who gave it me.” Pena said her manager (who was nearby) had her shirt, but the officer still insisted that she wore the man’s jersey.

She was told that it was not Carnival and although she covered her nipples with pasties, she had to wear “a piece of fabric.” She said: “I was not roughed up, I just got an attitude from one officer while the other explained to me the reason for their action