Chief among them are Antigua and Barbuda, St Martin, Anguilla, St Bart’s, the British and US Virgin Islands, Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

The THA is therefore asking Tobago residents to donate emergency relief supplies, including non-perishable food items, clothing and financial support to the Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA).

Donations can be dropped off daily between 9 am and 5 pm at TEMA’s headquarters at Fairfield Complex in Scarborough, or at TEMA’s warehouse at Signal Hill; next to the Army Camp.

The THA said the public may also show their support by donating to the Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society disaster relief fund account at Republic Bank, Account Number 180482517101.

Several Caribbean islands have been affected by the Hurricane, including Antigua and Barbuda, St Martin, Anguilla, St Bart’s, the British and U.S. Virgin Islands, Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

THA Chief Secretary, Kelvin Charles said, “Being disaster ready should mean not only that we are ready to respond when we face an emergency, but that we can also step forward to assist our neighbours in their time of need. So, we encourage residents to donate what they can, as early as possible, and drop them in to our centres so they can be delivered to those who have been so harshly affected by the passing of Hurricane Irma.” Anyone seeking further information can call the 211 Hotline. The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) is coordinating regional support for those affected by Hurricane Irma.

Account details for CDEMA are listed below: CARIBBEAN DISASTER EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (CDEMA) Resilience Way Lower Estate St. Michael Barbados West Indies Bank Details Intermediary Bank Bank: Wells Fargo Bank, NA SWIFT Code: PNBPUS3NNYC ABA Routing #: 026 005 092 Bank Address 11 Penn Plaza, 4th Floor, New York, NY Beneficiary Bank Bank: CIBC First Caribbean International Bank Swift Code: FCIBBBBB Account Number: 2000192003913 Bank Address: Rendezvous, Christ Church, Barbados For donations being made in US dollars, please use the bank details below: Name of Account: Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency Account Number: 1333514 Currency of Account:
UNITED STATES DOLLARS For donations being made in BD dollars, please use the bank details below: Account Details: Name of Account: Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency Account Number: 3666589 Currency of Account: BARBADOS DOLLARS

“It is our duty to help them but we can only do this by reducing the amount of losses on the farm due to the damage of crops when they are being harvested or transported,” said the Acting Chief Executive Officer of NAMDEVCO, Debysingh- Persad.

On Saturday, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Clarence Rambharat in collaboration with the National Agricultural Marketing and Development Corporation (NAMDEVCO) distributed over 100 crates to 40 farmers at the NAMDEVCO Chaguanas Farmers’ Market in efforts of reducing post-harvest losses.

Post-harvest losses are losses associated with fresh commodities after they have been harvested. “At the point of harvest there are a number of issues starting –because of improper handling and storage we have hastened deterioration of produce. The way to get around that is to handle the produce properly. NAMDEVCO wants to look at controlled temperatures that will reduce the deterioration rate of produce and by placing the product in receptacles that would keep the produce safe and not cause cracking or compression during transportation to the point of sale,” explained Debysingh- Persad.

One of the mitigation methods is the use of crates. Farmers utilising crates along with proper handling practices and food safety systems would all work towards reducing post-harvest losses.

Debysingh-Persad stated that it is NAMDEVCO’s mandate to provide sustainable markets and market practices for farmers and consumers alike as there are a lot of ways produce can be injured while being transported from the farm to the point of sale.

Rambharat said that every initiative his ministry had started has been done in the best interest of farmers, with NAMDEVCO’s expansion projects already underway in Debe and Macoya.

“We understand the concerns of farmers especially when it comes to getting your products from the fields to the market. We are also concerned about the change in global weather patterns because our farmers are left exposed, so we want to move towards having a farming system that can withstand the harsh weather and lead to more sustainable farming practices,” said Rambharat at the ministry’s new head office in Chaguanas.

Present at the crate distribution ceremony was the Chairman of the Board of NAMDEVCO, Dennis Ramdeen, Senator Avinash Singh, Nirmalla Debysingh- Persad, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of NAMDEVCO and the Assistant to the Major of the Chaguanas Borough Jagdeo Balroop.

Farmers from as far as Rio Claro and Central Trinidad came out in support of the venture.

This was the word yesterday from Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Stuart Young as Irma bore down on Florida.

He told Newsday the National Security Minister, Foreign and Caricom Affairs Ministry have been working assiduously with various agencies to come up with “a plan and a strategy” to bring TT citizens stranded in other Caribbean islands home.

He said the agencies in question are the TT Defence Force (TTDF), National Helicopter Services Limited (NHSL) and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM).

Young explained a major component of these activities is gathering precise information as to the exact location of TT citizens in the islands affected by Irma.

The minister said the TTDF is putting in place potential options for evacuating TT nationals from these locations if necessary.

Young also said Government is aware of TT citizens being stranded in non-Caricom territories such as St Maarten and the British Virgin Islands (BVI) which were affected by Irma.

He said there is ongoing dialogue with TT’s regional and international partners as to how to reach these people. Sunday Newsday yesterday reported on the plight of members of the Ramtoole family who have been trapped on the island of Tortola in the BVI.

At a news conference at Tower D of the Port-of-Spain International Waterfront Centre last Friday, Acting Prime Minister Colm Imbert said TT would not be providing assistance to foreign colonies/ dependencies in the region but only its Caricom neighbours.

Imbert indicated that an NHSCL helicopter which was on a “private mission” in Dominica for a regional telecommunications company was dispatched to Antigua and Barbuda, to assist in relief efforts there for one week.

He said there has been conversation with the Antigua and Barbuda government about assisting in the rebuilding of structures on Barbuda which was devastated by Irma.

Young said no decision has been taken on this as yet. In a statement issued last Friday, the Foreign and Caricom Affairs Ministry called on nationals and or family members in the affected territories to forward their names, dates of birth, passport bio-data and contact information to the ministry as soon as possible.

The information can be emailed to consular@foreign.gov.

tt. Contact can also be made by calling 1-868-715-2154. Anyone wishing to provide assistance to the affected countries can contact the ODPM at emergency number 511 or via email at publicinfo.

odpm@gmail.com.

Recognising this, Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) is waiving change fees for customers with confirmed tickets for travel during the period September 5 to October 31, 2017.

In announcing the news; which affected travellers surely welcomed, CAL said extended its “deepest concern and empathy to those affected by the hurricanes in the region, which are impacting our operation, causing several flights to be cancelled.” Hence CAL’s decision “to minimise inconvenience” by allowing persons whose travel plans are impacted by the hurricanes to rebook without change fees, subject to the four conditions.

“Waiver of all fees for tickets rebooked in the same cabin, for travel up to October 31, 2017; It is mandatory that customers contact CAL before the scheduled date of travel; Full refund of fare paid, for travel up to October 31, 2017. The refund must be requested by September 30, 2017; and All changes must be made through CAL Call Centres or at CAL Ticket Offices,” the airline stated.

It is important to note that these waivers are only applicable to travel to or from specific airports.

Namely: the Miami, Orlando and Fort Lauderdale international airports in Florida; the VC Bird International Airport in Antigua, the Princess Juliana International Airport in St. Maarten; and the Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau, Bahamas.

Members from communities in and around Port-of-Spain, including Leau Place, Mango Rose, Rose Hill, Clifton Hill, Jackson Place, were encouraged to join the Parenting Education Programme 2017, which was held by Families in Action in conjunction with the Ministry of National Security’s Citizens Security Programme.

At the graduation ceremony at the Servol Ltd Gerry Pantin Building, Pembroke Street, Port-of-Spain, Families in Action CEO Dionne Guischard told parents the programme was designed to equip them to develop the skills they already had.

“We have tried to equip you through our programme … to be a good parent, a parent who tries their best and who seek support when necessary, to raise children who would add value to Trinidad and Tobago.” However she said the purpose of the entire programme was to encourage parents and communities to be part of Development of Parent Support Groups in their areas as it would help them deal with the challenges of parenthood.

One graduate, Suzan Dhany, from Las Lomas, told Newsday she was an early childhood care and education teacher and had been in the profession for the past 25 years.

She took the course to refresh her training and enhance her skill in dealing with youngsters.

She said learning the signs of an abused child intrigued her as, unfortunately, children were being abused more often over the years. She said she also appreciated the “sense of togetherness” among the participants, and the pleasant memories of “back-aday” some of the sessions induced.

Another graduate, Fabayo Courtney Danglade from Maraval, said her daughter was one year and eight months old, so anything to do with parenting was important for her to learn. And the fact that the programme was free of charge also helped in her decision to join.

She said although there were many interesting and significant points made, three points affected her personally – the need to put God first, having patience, and the idea that families should have fun together.

“I don’t know how to explain it. All I know is that this programme did something for me that I didn’t think it would have done. It opened my mind and gave me positive ideas I didn’t think I had in me.” Danglade said she wanted to let people know how important the programme was as she believed it could not only revive family life, but community life as well.

Stressing the importance of remaining relevant with the changing times, he cautioned that “success should be measured by relevancy and not longevity,” The Society was also challenged to raise interest in its activities, especially targeting the young generation.

Well-known environmentalist Narine “Gupte” Lutchmedial who is the newly elected President of the HSTT endorsed the comments of Minister Rambharat and assured that the executive will consider them as they plan activities for the upcoming year.

“The Minister has indicated that the HSTT can participate in the Farmers’ Market managed by NAMDEVCO and this will be an option to explore as we look at increasing income generation,” said Lutchmedial.

At this time, the HSTT’s flower market which provides an avenue for sale of tropical cut flowers and foliage is based at the Lady Chancellor Headquarters only and the opportunity for expanding into other locations and serving additional clientele is not to be missed, the HSTT executive said.

Lutchmedial is looking forward to work in concert with the immediate Past President Joan Hampton and the other elected members to build on the excellent reputation of the Society. “I am pleased to be involved in this Society which is wellknown for winning awards internationally and showcasing our native flowers and foliage at the highly anticipated annual flower show,” Lutchmedial said. He added that his concern for and pride in this country’s native flora and fauna will motivate him to do his best during his tenure.

In addition to Lutchmedial, the other members who will serve on the executive are Joan Hampton – Immediate Past President, Chanardai Ramkissoon — 1st Vice President, Hyacinth Cross — 2nd Vice President, new committee members Kerry-Ann Harrison, Mala Ramnath, Sundar Seecharan, Kimberly Howai and Paul Duval, and continuing members Denise Gobin- Rocke, Melissa Lee Foon, Bertille Sealy, Janice Barnes and Theresa Chasteau.

This was revealed Friday by Secretary General of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) Dr June Soomer as she addressed the opening ceremony of the 26th Meeting of the Special Committee for Transport held at the ACS Secretariat, Sweet Briar Road, St.Clair. Soomer said that up to Friday morning, aircraft left Venezuela for St Lucia to collect supplies for Antigua and Barbuda.

She said the Cuban government is also sending a group of technical people to the region although Cuba has also been affected by the hurricane.

She said that the prime minister of St Lucia is coordinating efforts to provide relief to the countries ravaged by Hurricane Irma and specifically asked that the countries of the ACS be involved in the relief efforts.

Soomer said that ACS member states Mexico and Guatemala have suffered major earthquakes, in the case of Mexico it was the biggest earthquake to hit the country since 1985, and there are tsunami warnings for all the countries in Central America: Panama, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. “And so our prayers are with them also as they are with the people of the region who have gone through this disaster caused by Hurricane Irma and quickly to be followed by Jose.” She said that St Maarten, an associate member state of the ACS is also under severe pressure and will receive assistance from Cuba as well.

She said that while the rapid response to the disaster will save a lot of lives, “I am always concerned about the post-disaster period because it is a time when there are lots of debris and so we have to work also with these countries to help them to clean up very quickly and return to normalcy.” She said the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) is doing “a tremendous job” in helping with relief efforts and commended the organisation for its assistance, adding that the ACS looks forward to continuing to help all its member states and associate member states in their time of need. Soomer said the ACS was also assisting countries which are not even members of the organisation, such as the British Virgin Islands (BVI) which suffered “tremendous loss”. She said that although the BVI will be getting help from the British Government, the territory is one of “our sister countries and we want to help.” Also addressing the opening ceremony was this country’s Minister of Works and Transport, Rohan Sinanan, who said that while each of the islands of the Caribbean spend huge sums of money promoting tourism, they can gain much more if they commit themselves to developing and strengthening travel in the region, including making interisland movement and trade cheaper, more easily accessible and more enjoyable by providing a better service.

Trinidad and Tobago, under the guidance of coach Dennis Lawrence, were beaten 3-0 by hosts Panama on Tuesday to effectively end their dreams of qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Looking back at Tuesday’s game, David, the ex-TT striker, said, “There is nothing to be really excited about. We changed our team, we had seven new players but no plan. They were just running around.” Rougier, the former national defender/midfielder, admitted that the Panama defeat was “a difficult one to swallow”.

He noted, “At the end of the day, football is in my blood, and I’ve always been a part of Trinidad and Tobago football programme.

We gave a valid effort in the early stages of the game and it went against us (thereafter).

The ex-national captain continued, “We have to now put the plan in motion now because I would like to think we had a plan before going into the Hex.

And now is the time we’ll need to see that plan come into fruition.

I don’t think we were solid favourites to go through (to Russia). I think we could have done better but now we have to concentrate on what’s next. And that’s the way we have to approach things now.” As far as the immediate future of TT football is concerned, from an administrative point of view, David stressed for a long-term plan to be put in place by the TT Football Association (TTFA).

“A long-term plan with the Under- 15 group to take us to, maybe eight years from now,” David said. “It seems as though we’re reinventing the wheel. We should plan better.” Rougier, when asked about the 2022 campaign, responded, “We (have) a new president (David John-Williams).

We had a new coach. So they had to come in with a plan (for the 2018 campaign). If we are now looking to find a plan, then we have missed the plot. I think we need to now continue the plan – I pray to God that we do have one – and that’s where we would see the opportunities of what we’ve been through and the experiences of what we’ve been through in the Hex.” He pointed out, “I believe that Dennis is a good guy. He would learn from that experience and I hope that we think that he can still be the man to take us forward.

And let’s hope that the Association gives him that chance.

It’s going to be a tough time for us now.” Stephen Hart was replaced as coach last November, with Belgian Tom Saintfiet having a short-lived stint, before Lawrence took over the mantle in January.

According to David, “(the changes) came at the wrong time, because we were already two games into this Hex.

I think they brought the new technical staff in and that was really a disaster, because they were jumping into a no-win situation.

“I think they should have let us finish with the old technical staff and, at the end of this, bring a new technical staff,” he added.

And Rougier stated, “The reality is the decision was made and we have to accept it. We have to look forward.

We can’t do anything with what has happened in the past. We can look back and see where we’ve made mistakes and make sure it doesn’t happen again. But we can learn from this.”

For the team, it was just reward for a near perfect tournament where they topped the preliminary standings for its entirety.

But for Man of the Match Kevon Cooper, the victory was his second breakthrough moment in a nineyear career that has had its ups and downs. The man dubbed ‘Super Cooper’ by Rajasthan Royals fans in the Indian Premier League (IPL) over four years ago hasn’t been ‘Super Cooper’ for over four years. Problems with his bowling action which originated in the 2011 Caribbean T20 Tournament (which was replaced by the CPL) continued to surface, sidelining the Arimian for short periods and frustrating his promising career.

On Saturday night, Cooper continued his solid showing with the ball with match-best figures of two wickets for 12 runs, taking his tally for the CPL to 12 wickets (tied for fifth highest) with an economy rate of just 7.02 runs per over and the fifth best bowling average (15.41). All that good work would have been forgotten though had he not come to the rescue with the bat to save the Knight Riders. Cooper lashed an explosive 29 from just 14 balls, clearing the ropes for two crucial sixes and adding two fours as well. Bursting with joy at taking the Knight Riders across the finish line, Cooper also burst into tears while thinking of all he had been through.

“Well for me, I was being emotional because I’ve been here with this team from day one – five years.

I’ve been through ups and downs in my career with my bowling action. Went through (fixing) it many times and a day like this in a big final, to contribute to my team is always something special. It just shows I’m really a strong person.

No matter what comes my way I always try to overcome that hurdle,” he said.

Cooper came to the crease with the hosts slipping to defeat on 90 for seven in the 15th over in pursuit of 136. Alongside wicketkeeper/ batsman Denesh Ramdin, the pair batted sensibly but the equation was still tough with 33 needed in the last three overs. Patriots pacer Sheldon Cottrell, who had earlier done devastating damage with two wickets in the second over of the TKR reply, looked to be close to inflicting the fatal blow with a brilliant 18th over. Cooper would have none of it though, slicing a drive for an astonishing six over the point region, holding his pose for the cameras. This was his moment.

An over that was going for just five runs went for 11 and TKR were back in the match. Next over, Cooper dismantled a nervous Ben Hilfenhaus to send the Knight Riders fans in a frenzy as the match swung decisively in their favour.

Two wides, a no ball and a Free Hit did Patriots no favours – neither did the unforgiving blade of Cooper’s bat. He lashed the Australian pacer for a six and two fours to help win the match with an over to spare as Hilfenhaus went for 22.

As TKR players stormed the field to celebrate their amazing victory, an emotional Cooper bent to the ground and kissed the pitch as tears freely flowed down his face.

In euphoria, his teammates jumped all over him to congratulate him, while his captain Dwayne Bravo, perhaps sensing what this meant for him, pat him on the back.

“As I said before, I’ve been here from day one so you’ve seen the good side and the bad side. Our team spirit this year was something tremendous; the way Bravo led the team; our new coach (Simon Katich) coming in for the first time, and even our owners, the support they gave us throughout the tournament was excellent.” Is ‘Super Cooper’ back? “Hopefully he’s back. I haven’t scored runs in a long time. I started off my career as an all-rounder – a genuine all-rounder. My batting has falling off a bit but in a big final like this where my team needed me, I put up my hand. It is a great feeling,” he declared.

Speaking after the match, Ramdin, whose patient 26 not out from 31 balls (no boundaries) anchored the chase, paid tribute to Cooper.

“I knew once I bat to the end with someone to take the pressure off of me (we would win). Everytime I tried to accelerate wickets kept tumbling. I told Javon Searles to bat out to the last three overs. If we need 40 in three overs, it’s possible because it’s a very small ground and the ball is wet. I think Kevon Cooper really stepped up and took the pressure off me and he did it,” Ramdin said. The 32-year-old, winning his first CPL title after stints with other franchises, said he was elated to finally lift the trophy.

“This is my first title in five years.

This is my third final, I played two with (Guyana) Amazon Warriors and I think this is amazing.

I couldn’t ask for anything better,” Ramdin beamed.

Visitors to Maracas, including tourists, are finding an environment that leaves a lot to be desired.

Those incomplete structures are still there, with stagnant water that at times gives off a foul smell accumulating in them. The car park is in need of repaving and the environs generally can do with an upliftment to add beauty to the place.

If we are serious about attracting visitors to our country, Maracas Beach just simply cannot continue looking rundown and unattractive. People actually come to Trinidad to visit this beach to relax and of course for the bake and shark.

It leaves me to wonder if we are really serious about tourism. If we are, let it be reflected at Maracas.

If the $60 million allocated is there, let us make use of it. We can also get the business sector involved. Either way we must do something about Maracas.

ARNOLD GOPEESINGH via email