Gray, in a telephone interview on Monday, hailed the performances of Guyana Amazon Warriors wicketkeeper/ batsman Chadwick Walton (who was named as the Most Valuable Player), Amazon Warriors’ leftarm pacer Sohail Tanvir, and the Knight Riders’ pair of leg-spinner Shadab Khan and off-spinner Sunil Narine.

“I think that Chadwick Walton was remarkable,” said Gray. “To leave a franchise like the Jamaica Tallawahs to go to a new franchise, and perform the way he did, he got the most runs in the tournament, 458 runs, is remarkable.

He has improved immensely on all cricket skills and his approach to batting especially. He didn’t have the wicketkeeping duties (for some parts) of the tournament and that probably helped his concentration.” Gray continued, “When you look at somebody like Shadab Khan – very good control for a spinner, consistency, a wicket-taker, and he’s also been very frugal during the tournament. Sunil Narine, obviously, performed very well. Tanvir, with those remarkable stats of five wickets for three runs, against the Barbados Tridents.

So I think overall the level of cricket was good in T20 sense.

“You’ve seen some brilliant catching, that catch by (Fabian) Allen, in the early parts of the tournament, was absolutely brilliant.

The ex-national youth team coach noted, “I’m pleased with the tournament, it didn’t have plenty hiccups. The weather was good, in Trinidad we completed all the matches, nine of them. I thought it was a well-organised tournament.

It was fluent in its nature and I’m very happy with it.” Gray was also impressed with the overall display of the Trinbago Knight Riders, during their successful campaign at the 2017 CPL.

“I thought it was a brilliant victory.

I thought Dwayne Bravo, (who) he came back from a serious hamstring injury that he sustained in the Big Bash tournament in Australia, really marshalled his troops very well.

“Simon Katich must be complimented too, because of the fact that he was new to the team and, as coach, he won his first CPL tournament. The players played quite well.

“I think, overall, when you look at the teams, (the Knight Riders) had the best balanced team in the competition,” Gray said.

“After losing (opening batsman Brendon) McCullum, which was a big blow, they rallied quite well.

Somebody like Shadab Khan, who is perhaps one of the best emerging players in the world, I thought they handled themselves very well. (Kevon) Cooper, in the final game, was absolutely brilliant.” This was the first time that the Tarouba venue was used for matches at this magnitude, but there were some teething problems, including access roads to and from the venue, and general parking. But Gray was pleased with the venue, from a cricketing point of view.

“It’s great that we have something that represents the type of performance that we saw from an iconic figure in Brian Lara, one of the favourite sons of the soil,” Gray said. “It’s great to have a spanking new facility, a wonderful facility. To have 16,000 maximum crowd (for) the final was a great atmosphere. The pitches were good T20 pitches in a general sense.”

I arrived at Piarco not knowing how I would make the flight, suffering from a terrible sinus-driven migraine headache and clogged ears which I was seriously concerned would worsen during the flight.

Upon boarding I was met by a stewardess named Kimberly Williams.

I explained how I was feeling and my concern about how I might cope with a quick ascent and descent of the aircraft. To my surprise, Williams said she would explain the situation to the captain and see what could be done.

Her colleague, the PSR Charlotte John-Williams, asked if I had taken a decongestant and used a nasal spray to ease the pressure and resultant painful discomfort. I explained that I had.

During the flight they both approached me several times to enquire how I was doing and brought me peppermint tea, hot towels to sap my head and smiles of comfort. May I add that I noticed I wasn’t the only one getting that special attention.

We were all beneficiaries of their pleasantness.

The captain, Michael Jones and first officer John Chang, must have responded to Williams’ explanation of the quick ascent on my sinus congestion as the aircraft noticeably took a very gradual lift in altitude and in descent. I could usually measure this by the pressure on my ears. It was on this occasion not noticeable at all.

Where else but in the Caribbean would you find such genuine warmth and individual attention from captain to cabin crew? It is even more remarkable to note that this isn’t the first time I have had cause to write about the superlative service from Caribbean Airlines. This isn’t something you will find in any handbook or well rehearsed welcome phrase. It is truly an embodiment of who we are at heart and it is the reason why I will always choose to fly on the carrier that makes me feel most at home and like family.

Thanks to the amazing crew on board that day. That crew made what could have been a misery to me a memorable, comfortable travelling experience.

Too often we are quick to pen letters of complaint when things go wrong anywhere yet somehow less inspired to write when we have had a wonderful experience.

ERNIE ROSS via email

Ramadhar said copies of his letter have also been sent to President Anthony Carmona, the Police Service Commission, Police Complaints Authority, Integrity Commission and Office of Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP.) He said the story in last Sunday’s press had alleged that ACP Ainsley Garrick had been transferred for declining to charge a police constable over alleged links to terrorism.

The story alleged that the directive to charge the constable was made after a lengthy meeting of protective services top brass attended by a politician. Ramadhar said the news story made him extremely alarmed at the possibility of misbehaviour in public office and/or perverting the course of justice.

Saying no politician must direct any officer, so as not to breach the idea of the separation of powers, he said his letter has asked Rowley to investigate these allegations.

His letter said that a politician’s instruction to the police to lay charges on someone who has been investigated and absolved would suggest a direct attack on the independence of institutions and a danger to democracy.

He read, “The refusal of the head of Special Branch to follow that instruction must be commended.

However the subsequent transfer apparently because of his refusal is unlawful and wrong.” Ramadhar himself remarked, “For a policeman to be transferred suggests pressure on the police that if they don’t follow instructions they’ll be charged too.” In reply to reporters’ questions, Ramadhar said he had not spoken to any of the parties in the matter, nor issued any deadline to Rowley to do his probe.

Stewart, who recently returned from Japan after completing a documentary on him done by a Japan sports media, for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics Games, said the trip has given him an insight of his strengths and weakness, according to his health and body type.

Stewart added that he knows what he has to do to become a better athlete, after enduring several tests in Japan, but says he cannot achieve this improvement in Tobago.

Speaking in an interview on Monday, Stewart was unable to state exactly when he will be leaving or where he will be going to, but insists he must leave the island.

He said, “I went through a number of tests like a strength test, mobility test, ultrasound, X-ray and MRI. At the end of these I discovered what I have been doing to contribute to my strength and power and my weaknesses. I have to do more strength training which I doubt I can do in here; the way things are going for athletes in Tobago where the necessary resources are unavailable.

“The stadium has the equipment but I do not have access to it. That will create a whole series of problems for me all at once because there is nowhere to train. My next step is to leave Tobago very soon and go elsewhere to train.” Stewart’s document will tell the story of his journey from the beginning of his career in Tobago to becoming a two-time record holder and double-medallist, at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (gold in the men’s javelin and silver in the men’s discus) and at the 2017 World Para-Athletic Championships in London, England (gold in both javelin and shot put).

During his time in Japan, between August 17 and 28, Stewart toured three universities and a high-technology science lab where he was introduced to biomechanics; the study of body movements and of the forces acting on the musculoskeletal system.

“The reason why I am able to throw far distances with little to no effort is mostly because the lengths of my arms are longer than usual,” said Stewart. “Also I understand now, what are some of the things that cause me to get injured during the competition.

“Last year I got a back injury because I was mostly focusing on working on my arms without putting in as much work on my legs, and that caused the injury.

Now I know what to do to prevent injuries, what I could work on to improve my performance.” He said he also interacted with a number of javelin throwers in Japan, and was able to take away advice to improve his technique

Facebook commentators say the five-day suspension instituted by his principal, during the first week of school, was unwarranted and called for the Ministry of Education to take action against the principal. The Ministry of Education has confirmed it is investigating the suspension and will also be providing assistance to the student through the student support unit of the ministry. “We have forwarded the posting and spoken to the school supervisor and they are interacting with the principal.” However, officials said it is unlikely there will be any significant action taken against the principal based on the structure of the public service regulations.

The student whose identity is being protected, wrote on line, “The school is being dismissed at 11:30 am since the beginning of the term. That’s barely enough time to hand in homework and receive new assignments.

How long will this go on for?” United National Congress (UNC) Senator Khadijah Ameen in an online post questioned what he did wrong asking, “Did this post bring the school into disrepute? Did the student chastise the principal or teachers? What is the ‘offence’ here? This cannot be right. I am seeking guidance on this.” She called for the reinstatement of the student and for the Minister of Education Anthony Garcia, to deal with the real problem of hundreds of students being deprived of an education due to no fault of their own.

The Ministry also confirmed that the child is back in school and that the principal and his parents are engaged in dealing with the situation.

President of the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers Association (TTUTA) Lynsley Doodhai, who has been highlighting the problems at this school for a long time, said he did not want to rush to make any comments with respect to the suspension as he did not have all the details..

“What I can say is that this school has had some serious air condition issues going on for years and it needs to be fixed.” He said the school was designed to operate with this central air condition unit which has been experiencing no shortage of problems. He said for the entire April to July term, classes were continuously disrupted resulting in teachers leaving school at 9 am almost on a daily basis.

Doodhai said because of this problem the school population has dwindled to about 400 students with a staff of about 50.

“Teaches complained of rashes on their skin, skin abrasions and even sought medical attention and received medical certificates attesting to that.” He said it is his understanding that the ministry owes the contractor and the contractor is refusing to do any work unless he is paid.

Shiva Boys defeated southern rivals Naparima 2-1 with goals from Junior Asson and Jude Phillip at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva in round one, while Speyside got past Queen’s Royal College (QRC) 2-0 at Speyside.

In another match between two first round winners, early leaders St Anthony’s College will be at home against Carapichaima East at the St Anthony’s College Ground in Westmoorings.

St Anthony’s eased to a 4-1 victory over St Benedict’s, while Carapichaima East were 2-0 winners over Fatima.

Fyzabad are another team aiming to maintain a perfect start to the season against Fatima.

In round one, Fyzabad breezed past Trinity (Moka) 3-1. On the other hand Fatima will be aiming to get their campaign on course after losing to Carapichaima East 2-0 last week. There will be seven matches today with all matches starting at 3.40 pm.

TODAY’S ROUND TWO FIXTURES – San Juan North vs St Mary’s, San Juan; QRC vs Trinity (Moka), QRC; Speyside High vs Shiva Boys, Speyside; Signal Hill vs St Augustine, Signal Hill; Fyzabad Secondary vs Fatima, Fyzabad; St Anthony’s vs Carapichaima East, St Anthony’s; Naparima vs Trinity College East, Lewis Street.

This has come about due to previous governments failing to deal with general crime and lawlessness in a severe manner. They failed to nip it in the bud by turning a blind eye. Corruption has been in existence since independence, though well hidden at the top level of our society. Now it is generally expected and can be considered part and parcel of our culture.

This crime is more associated with our politics and at the higher level of society. Every branch of government is littered with the tentacles of corruption. It is apparent in our police system and even practised by some legal professionals.

In some areas of our society evading the arms of the law for committing this crime is secretly admired. It has now become well established, and I believe it cannot now be eradicated from our nation without outside help.

The problem is that the high-fliers within the administration of our politics are so professionally corrupt and open to bribes that attempting to find or implement a remedy has become a mountain too high to climb. They ensure that any machinery set up to investigate and bring an end to this criminal act is quickly eliminated.

It is however good to see that the Prime Minister himself has admitted that is a major problem.

Your guess is as good as mine how corruption is brought to an end or controlled. Politicians themselves must shoulder the blame for what has happened to this nation since independence, which must include corruption, general galloping lawlessness, the growth of terrorism, and the annual rate of serious crimes and murders.

GA MARQUES via email

However, I would like to play devil’s advocate and present an opposing view based on the testimony of the ministry’s permanent secretary, Sonia Francis Yearwood.

After listening to the PS, I believe the ministry acted in the most appropriate manner given the circumstances.

In response to the question posed by committee member Darryl Smith, Yearwood explains that the ministry was well aware of the urgency to secure the two vessels to maintain passenger and cargo service between the two islands.

She began by citing a previous occasion when the ministry was in a similar predicament to obtain a sea vessel and sought approval of Cabinet through the regular channels. She recounted that the process took so long that by the time the final approval was given, the vessel for which they sought approval was no longer available.

Resolved not to allow for reoccurrence, ministry officials saw the need to significantly expedite the approval process for acquiring the Cabo Star and Ocean Flower 2. She explained (and I think the nation should be aware) that such a process exists for critical times that a ministry requires speedy approval to carry out requests of significant national importance before a normal sitting of Cabinet and they followed those procedures to a T.

She then outlined that the ministry submitted the appropriate documentation to the Ministry of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs and obtained sign-off. They then sought independent legal counsel and got sign-off in terms of that opinion. Documents were submitted to the Prime Minister and got approval, were submitted for ratification to Cabinet and in so doing the Ministry of Works and Transport went through the proper channels to obtain legitimate approval.

So, I’m not quite so sure that the popular opinion for the hour presenting the ministry as the culprit in violating procedure is as viable as many voices are making it out to be. In any case, the committee resumes on September 18. Let’s hope the proper documents are submitted and the permanent secretary’s testimony holds true.

CAMERON PAUL Tunapuna

Other drivers might be startled or become frightened when they observe a vehicle where it should not be, and this can cause serious life-threatening accidents.

Another dangerous driving behaviour which occurs regularly on our highways is a vehicle reversing on the shoulder when the driver misses a turn-off. This is a recipe for disaster.

Drivers must be constantly reminded of the road rules and understand the risks they create for themselves and others. High fines are there to punish those who do not obey the rules but, more importantly, drivers must understand why they are being punished and how important it is to follow the rules of the road for their safety and others.

Strict enforcement of the road rules and awareness campaigns are needed to enhance road safety. Drivers must have the feeling of being watched when they break the rules.

The strict approach must be accompanied by long-lasting and permanent educational campaigns.

In TT it has become so dangerous to live peaceably so we have to keep looking over our shoulders in order to be safe.

SIMON WRIGHT Chaguanas

However, a heavy police presence and the rainy conditions prevented protestors from actually blocking the roads.

Maharaj told Newsday it is time the Government look into this matter of fixing the roads from Princes Town to Mayaro and building the highway. “Before considering the highway to Toco, the Government should consider the highway to Mayaro,” Maharaj said, adding that the roads have not been properly fixed for the past 35 years and it is affecting businesses as a lot of finance goes into the repairing and replacing of vehicles. She noted that the distance from Mayaro to San Fernando is 48 km while from Mayaro to Princes Town is 38 km.

She said this is the energy corridor and the artery of the oil industry.

This is why, she says, the Government should consider building the highway as a priority at this point.

“There has been minimal attention given to this major road where thousands of people are affected on a daily basis as many have to journey from Mayaro to Port-of- Spain and Point Fortin for work and have to spend up to five hours on the roads.” “The people of this are have been suffering for decades from neglect,” she said, outlining that heavy vehicles and equipment travel to and from Guayaguayare and Point Gaelota daily causing greater damage to the roads.

The poor road condition, she said causes motorists and business- owners to spend more for vehicular maintenance and this can lead to a reduction of productivity.

She noted the bad roads affects the tourism industry and is causing a decline in small and medium size businesses. She noted that the tourism industry for Mayaro has been badly affected as the Manzanilla Mayaro Road is in a terrible condition and local tourism has dwindled in recent years. Rio Claro boasts of the largest water park in the country, Harry’s Water Park, located on the Tabaquite Road. She said business to the recreation site is affected as the roads to it are in a deplorable condition.

Maharaj said these main roads are in need of major upgrades and should be a priority project for the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure for the approaching months and new year. According to Maharaj, “We the citizens have the right to drive on good roads and not be paying through our nose to maintain our vehicle. The government needs to give us all the money we paid in tax for parts and repairs of our vehicle,” Maharaj said.