Throughout our lifetime we experience either physical and or emotional pain and how we embrace and treat with it is totally dependent on our psyche and of course, the circumstances, which only the person feeling that pain can explain.

Because pain is influenced by other emotions such as guilt, anger or even hurt, for many of us it does not land well.

Similar to positive emotions, negative emotions draw us closer to who we are, and also a stronger understanding of the external environment.

Deep introspection as well as research show that pain is one of life’s greatest teachers and therefore, thinking laterally, presents a unique opportunity for us to embrace pain together with its pleasurable dissimilars.

Pain also broadens our spiritual IQ, which is the beginning of our personal growth which can be painful at times.

There are two distinct phases that are imminent as you grow through pain.

Firstly, due to our passive nature, pain is usually experienced in the sub-conscious; however, as we grow older our understanding as well as our response to pain is different and perhaps unpleasant.

Some of our pain is felt from afar depending on our alignment with the particular situation –events such as war and physical conflicts present this experience.

We grow and learn through the pain felt by the death of a loved one, or the murder of a human being particularly if it is a child. Pain hits harder through family ill-health and broken relationships with someone you truly loved.

When these occurrences take place, our psyche changes immediately with a different level of self-awareness and personal growth.

Opportunities knock for a renewed thinking that says to us, life is constant and would never be the same day to day.

Many of us live our lives with the belief that every day is and should be the same but that is near impossible as our lights must shine differently if we are to be innovative and creative beings.

The effects of pain symbolises the fact that opposites must exist simultaneously, positive must be paired with negative, and happiness with sadness. Stop for a moment and reflect on some of your past painful experiences and there would have been some opposite elements.

Remember pain offers us tremendous opportunities to not only grow but to also uncover new potential.

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

com, intlwomensresourcenetwork@ gmail.com or contact 283-0318.

The footage showed Ward using an “evidence suit” given to him by the homicide bureau to wear and attaching it to a cell bar where he hanged himself.

Yesterday, an autopsy revealed Ward died from hanging and there were no marks of injuries to suggest that Ward was a victim of murder.

Police are treating Ward’s death as a suicide and an inquest will be ordered into his demise.

Ward was detained on Friday night for the shooting death of Rasheed Khan who was shot in the Caura district on Friday. Ward and another man were detained for the shooting death.

Police sources revealed that Ward ,who spent six years in prison, had confided to prisoners at the station that he did not want to go back to jail hence, the decision to end his life.

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

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

It is time to reverse the high rate of one in four children being overweight or obese by promoting healthy nutrition which encourages children as well as adults on making healthy food choices, using correct portion sizes, and eating fruit and vegetables on a regular basis.

I appeal to the public to live active lifestyles through the use of gyms and other fun and innovative physical activities. This will produce and improve self-confidence and self-esteem in children and young adults. It should be noted that happy youth with high self-esteem are not involved in crime, and programmes that increase happiness and self-confidence could deter crime and drug use.

As you begin your workout, your brain’s neurotransmi t ters connect memory with muscle to get you moving. The feelings of satisfaction and accomplishment you experience during your workout stimulate the pleasure centre of your brain and lift your mood.

Consistent workouts at the gym will eventually help you achieve your fitness goals. When you look in the mirror and see a leaner or fitter-looking body staring back at you, you are more than likely to gain improvements in self-esteem and self-confidence.

Additionally, time spent exercising with other people in a spin or Pilates class provides you with a social environment where you can reap the emotional benefits gained through the camaraderie you develop with other gym members.

Because exercise helps use up oxygen, it causes your body to burn stored fat and helps you maintain a healthy weight. For instance, if you walk three miles a day five times a week, you can burn about 1,500 calories or nearly half a pound a week. If you don’t alter the way you eat at all and keep walking the same distance over six months, you’ll lose approximately 12 pounds. Walk the same distance for a year and you’ll drop twice the amount of weight.

It is important to remember that when it comes to physical activity, anything is better than nothing. Start with whatever seems manageable. Even a ten-minute walk on the treadmill at the gym can be beneficial to your health. You will likely be able to increase the amount and frequency of physical activity slowly as you start to feel better.

Generally, doctors recommend about 20- 30 minutes of exercise three to five times a week, but it can be a good idea to talk with your own healthcare provider to decide what’s best for you.

SIMON WRIGHT Chaguanas

At 19, Springer is the youngest player on the Tridents’ 17-man roster for the 2017 competition.

Last year, Springer competed in his first season of the Hero CPL after being drafted by the Tridents.

An experience the teenager called “a fantastic one.” He saw limited action on the field but the well-spoken Springer still has fond memories and lessons from the experience.

“I was able to have a taste of cricket in one of the most competitive leagues in the world,” Springer said.

Springer burst onto the international scene in 2016, as an integral member of the West Indies team that claimed the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup crown.

His performances at the World Cup led to a selection by the Tridents for the lanky fast bowler and technically sound right-handed batsman.

Springer joined a high-powered camp that featured global T20 stars AB De Villiers of South Africa, Shoaib Malik of Pakistan and Kieron Pollard of the West Indies in the Tridents set up.

“The environment was great for any young cricketer because of the abundance of the great players and each of them are very experienced and very knowledgeable,” Springer added.

“All you had to do was ask a question and they always had an answer for any topic in discussion.”

This is the first North Zone title that will be decided for the 2017 season. In the semifinals on Sunday, Savannah Boys defeated former champions Glenora Sports Club, while Sweet Revenge disposed of Ebony Sports and Cultural Club in the second semi-final.

Before the match, officials from the TT CB and the Sports Company of Trinidad and Tobago will meet the players.

The team also included Spicemas Corporation chairperson and CEO Jocelyn Sylvester- Gairy and Kirk Seetahal, Grenada Tourism Authority’s (GTA ) Delran A T Andrews and Roger Augustine, and Radisson’s Grenada sales manager Arleen Redhead. Officials from several other hotels in Grenada were also on the trip.

Spicemas takes place August 14 – 15 and is the last carnival in this part of the Caribbean.

The contingent met with the media, travel agents and others interested in Grenada as a destination.

At the first meeting at the Radisson, Wrightson Road, Portof- Spain, last Tuesday, Hood said: “Our culture is part of who we are and we must always preserve and protect it.” She said that Grenada was a safe destination and Trinidadians must come and be a part of it.

Grenada’s Ambassador to Caricom Dr Patrick Antoine also spoke to the gathering. He said: “People who come to Grenada experience the safest Carnival ever, there is a sense of security as there is none safer. You can enjoy the spirit of love and unity in an island that is extremely peaceful.

We want you to enjoy the uniqueness and diversity of the Grenadian product. I want Trinidad and Tobago to walk this walk with us, come to Grenada and share with us.” Antoine said he knows all about Carnival as he has been around with his family, Mike Antoine in Legends [Legacy] in Trinidad.

Sylvester-Gairy said: “Carnival is a deeply creative event celebrating years of history. It gives visitors an opportunity to gaze back through a time lens while giving nationals renewed pride and ownership as its architects.

“Carnival opens up occasions for rebirth through masks, costumes, music, and pageantry; sending older folks reminiscing back in time and giving younger folk the chance to learn, experience and reclaim history. Each is allowed the freedom to own and enjoy the uniqueness of Grenada’s carnival.” Grenada boasts about the best and most unique jab jab in Carnival and has now put a strong hold on the beauty that is Monday Night mas.

De Leon won the Bikini Class E at the Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic in South Africa, and followed up with the Overall Bikini crown at the event, which was staged in Johannesburg from Friday until Sunday.

This was the second successful feat for De Leon in as many months, as she claimed the Bikini Class E at the Arnold Classic South America in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

On her Instagram page yesterday, De Leon posted, “Johannesburg you have been tremendously wonderful to me….until next time.

Cape Town here I come.” Kanhai, on the other hand, finished second in the Classic Physique and third in the Men’s Physique at the Pittsburgh Championship, which took place at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States on Friday and Saturday.

In the Classic Physique, Kanhai took silver, behind Shane Post, while Robert Shields was third while, in the Men’s Physique, Chauncey Green triumphed, ahead of Antonio Davis and Kanhai.

IF John Holt’s premise is accurate, then the students of St George’s College, Barataria, are becoming very active learners. Some of its upper six students, ten (six girls and four boys) to be exact, recently returned from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) Associated Schools Project Network trip where they visited Norwegian school, Den Norska Skole in Spain.

This is, however, not the school’s first visit to Norway or Spain but rather its eight. Schools across TT began participating in the programme some 20 years ago.

The ASPNET programme as it is called was created in 1953 and was formed to, “promote the ideals of Unesco as expressed in its constitution and to further peace and international co-operation by promoting education, science and culture in schools…” The programme has four main study areas which are; world concerns and the role of the United Nations system, education for sustainable development; peace and human rights and inter-cultural learning. The latter being the theme chosen by St George’s College which is located at Sixth Avenue and Tenth Street. One of the initial co-ordinators of the programme Jason Ganpat, a former St George’s College teacher as well, explained to Newsday how the exchange began: “In 1997 through the local national commission for Unesco and a Norwegian school.

The two teachers [its founder here, Monica Regisford-Douglin] met at a UN conference in New York and the explored the possibility of having the student/teacher inter-cultural learning exchange.

The school in Norway paid the first visit to us in 1997. It started happening after that, schools from TT visiting Norway. The visit is every two years.” Ganpat said he became involved through his wife, Gail Ganpat, also a former teacher. She then worked at El Dorado East Secondary [the pioneer school for the programme]. He said they got involved when they hosted the two Norwegian teachers who visited with the first group. “We actually hosted the two teachers who were in charge, who came from Norway.

At that time the groups used to be pretty large, 20 students and about four or five teachers,” he said.

Although this year’s group dwindled to ten students, Ganpat said many schools were used to participating in the programme, something he believes should be looked at.

“During that period 1997 to 2004/2005, several exchange visits took place. From Norway it was one upper secondary school, from TT we had several secondary schools participating. After El Dorado East, there was St Stephen’s College, Princes Town; St Joseph’s Convent, Port-of-Spain; and St Joseph’s Convent, San Fernando, Signal Hill form Tobago and Bishop’s High School from Tobago.

“After a while a number of these schools dropped out of the programme…” Ganpat could not say why less schools were participating but only that, possibly, “teachers changed.” When Ganpat and his wife who has since retired, moved to St George’s College in 1998 and then 2002 respectively, the Norwegian teachers moved to Spain and the students there began visiting the school in Spain.

“When my wife and I moved on to St George’s College, in 1998 and 2002, at the same time the teachers in Norway got the opportunity to transfer to Spain to work at a Norwegian school there.” “They invited us to come to Spain …that happened in 2008. We paid the first visit in the year 2009.

This recent visit is our fifth to Spain. They have made four visits to us already and their fifth one will be next year.” For Ganpat and the current co-ordinating teacher, Larrisha Nunes-Charles, such exchanges are positive for students since they provide a different perspective.

“We think that it continues to have a very positive and strong effect on both sets of students. For example, when our students go across to Spain, they have to know that it is a different community, a Norwegian community living in Spain, in a Spanish environment, so that is two things they have to become accustomed to…,” Ganpat said.

The students experience Spanish and Norwegian customs.

Nunes-Charles said the students also learnt that the Norwegian children and their experiences were not far removed from their own. “For some of the children some of their expectations is that these people are Norwegians they are so far away from us, they kind of expect a lot of differences but when they meet students their own age they realise they have so much in common…so they can just start coming together and sharing immediately.” The group visited Berlin in Germany for three days and then spent the rest of its time in Madrid, Spain. Nunes-Charles said, “This year we decided on the UN’s theme for this year which is sustainable tourism, for development.

Based on that team, the visiting group would have to prepare presentations to share with the host.

Within that we looked for things that would showcase our culture, naturally. We did festivals, music, a taste of Trinidad and Tobago. We did the natural environment because the tropics is quite different to what they are used to. Linked to the theme, we looked at the benefits of sustainable tourism, which is kind of what we were living at the time….” The group funds its own way to Norway and that is one of the criterion used to choose the students who attend as they must pay their own way. Students’ discipline and grades are also taken into consideration. This was why only upper-six students were chosen.

However, the school in Norway has asked the group to consider forms five for the next trip as they might be able to get a bigger contingent.

Ganpat said: “The group that went in 2013 was 20 students and five adults. It was big up to 2013 but Norway being an economy based on oil and gas and things started to go down. We found that less students who were attending the school in Norway, their parents could not afford to send them so the school is actually downsizing at that age group.” For the students, Nunes-Charles said, lifetime memories and friendships are formed from the experience.

“Even though there is a school [component] involved, the memories and relationships that they form, last. Some of them become really good friends afterward.

Then some of them discover the environment and decide to study, abroad. Some of them think they want to be there..,” she said.

Ganpat added: “Some of our people who were involved in the beginning, in 1997, are still in touch with their friends who they met at that time.

“I believe it is really very important…

We become sensitised to the whole programme. The students and the families we have to fund it ourselves and then expand it. There were a lot of schools involved in the beginning. They need to look again and see what was the reason for the fallout. It is a very valuable learning experience.”