The TT Government must draft a contingency plan to deal with any possible worst-case scenarios emerging in Venezuela, such as a flood of economic refugees, and any spillover of criminality from that country’s societal breakdown.

While we as individuals and as a society must maintain an open heart to those Venezuelan citizens visiting on legitimate business such as shopping for foodstuffs, the authorities must have a heightened vigilance to those of criminal intent, such as several Venezuelans recently held in a boat laden with illegal drugs.

Areas to which TT is particularly vulnerable from a fragmenting State next door include the trafficking of illicit guns, illicit drugs and vulnerable people. Such activities are surely underlined by a new desperation now in Venezuela that requires the TT authorities to exercise even greater vigilance, even as we face our own economic challenges such as spates of retrenchment in the public and private sectors. Our other concern is for TT’s energy sector to not be caught unawares by putting all our eggs into one Venezuelan basket.

If Venezuela is imploding, in what resulting environment will Venezuelan and TT negotiators be sitting down to work out all the intricate details of a gas supply from Venezuela’s Dragon Field and the long-awaited cross-border Loran Manatee Field to revive our gas-starved petrochemical industries in Point Lisas? Alternatively, would a regime-collapse threaten such deals? Further, while in theory any government under economic stress would be keen to earn revenues from the sale of its hydrocarbon commodities, is Venezuela actually able to deliver? We mull not only its backdrop of street-level socio-economic breakdown, but also query the Venezuela Government’s administrative capacity in all of this, and its ability to engage in basic international commerce. A sharp decline recently in Venezuela’s oil supply to Jamaica raises questions as to the former’s administrative and commercial capacity.

Likewise are reports of foreign oil shippers seizing cargo in lieu of the non-payment of shipping fees by the Venezuelan State oil-firm, PdVSA.

Further, the Venezuelan Government’s seizure of the General Motors (GM) plant could well dampen foreign enthusiasm to invest in new or existing projects, even as we note the key role of foreign multinational oil/ gas firms to develop the Dragon and Loran Manatee Fields.

The fact of massive confrontations between protesters and the police, and the State’s banning of one opposition leader from politics for 15 years and the jailing of another, all suggest to us a hardening of positions between the government and opposition.

All this against a continued economic deterioration.

The Venezuelan Government stands accused by the opposition of economic ineptness and political heavy-handedness, while it in turn alleges a concerted plot by some to hoard State-subsidised foodstuffs and so profiteer, causing shortages and social distress.

Hyperinflation, dwindling foreign reserves, non-diversification from a hydrocarbon monoculture, huge social/political polarisation and rampant criminality can hardly be wished away overnight. Pending resolution, the internal woes of this hydrocarbon juggernaut will be eyed by many, with recent concerns expressed by the United Nations, European Union and US Government.

How will maverick US President Donald Trump view next year’s Venezuelan presidential election, given President Nicolas Maduro’s bizarre donation of US$500,000 to his inauguration ceremony? While a peaceful Venezuela is certainly in TT’s best interest, our only clout towards resolution is limited to joining international forums to advocate for good sense to prevail. Meanwhile, with global uncertainty now on our doorstep, the TT Government must heed the adage, “When your neighbour’s house is on fire…”

There will be matches in the Super League and the B Division, as seven fixtures have been carded for today, two for tomorrow and two on Monday.

Today’s action will start at 12.15 pm with Glamorgan meeting Police in the B Division (Women) followed by a trio of Super League (Women) games – Zenith versus Defence Force, West Side Dream Team versus University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) and West Side Stars versus Southern University (SUVA).

University of Southern Caribbean (USC) will then be involved in two B Division games, against West Side Trendsetters (Women) and Vishnu Boys College (Men), with Big SEPOS (South East Port of Spain) meeting Police in a Men’s B Division game.

Fixtures – Tomorrow – Men’s B Division: Zenith vs Central Warriors, 8 pm; Men’s Super League: Glamorgan vs SUVA Dream Team, 9.30 pm.

Monday – Men’s B Division: Glamorgan vs Police VC, 7.30 pm; Men’s Super League: Technocrats vs SUVA, 9 pm.

Webster, coming off his maiden first class century, struck 55 off 52 deliveries to guide QPCC One to 186 for six batting first. Justin Guillen, who shared in a 66-run opening partnership with Webster, pitched in with 35. Darren Deonarine (2/27) and Christopher Mitchell (2/40) snatched two wickets each for QPCC One.

In reply, schoolboys Dexter Sween and Kirstan Kallicharan had an unbroken 104-run sixth wicket partnership but could not get QPCC Two to victory.

Sween (54 not out) and Kallicharan (45 not out) took QPCC Two from 37/5 to 141/5 after 20 overs.

Spin bowler Akeal Hosein was the best bowler, taking 4/15 in four overs.

All other round one matches were played on Thursday. Round two bowls off on Tuesday.

Garcia was speaking at the post-Cabinet news conference.

In a release UWI indicated that Chancellors are appointed in accordance with the University’s Statute 4 which clearly states, “The Chancellor shall be appointed by the University Council.” UWI confirmed that over the past few months, it has been working through a specially-appointed Search Committee, to identify an appropriate successor to Sir George Alleyne, who is carded to demit office in the latter half of 2017.

The university said the matter of the appointment of the University’s new Chancellor is an item on the agenda for the upcoming Annual Business Meeting of University Council, set to take place on April 27, 2017, in Barbados.

In a response, the Ministry of Education in a release indicated that Garcia directed by Cabinet to report to the general public on the facts as they stood, pertaining to the recommendation of the Search Committee on the appointment of the New Chancellor of The University of the West Indies.

“The Cabinet of Trinidad and Tobago was kept informed on the deliberations of the Search Committee especially since Mr. Robert Bermudez was a nominee of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago.

Cabinet waited until in its opinion, it was safe and prudent to advise our population on this development,” the Ministry said.

While some residents supported a peace initiative hosted by the Islamic Front and started on Thursday, others criticised the move saying it was not genuine. The initiative saw participants including members of an alleged gang, distributing flowers and water to passers-by and motorists in Enterprise.

“Don’t bother with them, they saw death coming. Is only now because police and soldiers are around are we are feeling a little safer.

But we know the aftershocks.

It will come and when it does, it will be rapid. People are not living in peace here,” said Glenda Morris, 66, of Gittens Lane.

At present, residents said, there is a temporary respite from the murder and mayhem due to an increase in police and soldiers in the community. Speaking to media personnel on a tour with police yesterday, residents noted they were uncertain as to how long the peace will last.

Residents complained that gang members place restrictions as to where they can pass and not pass.

The constant sound of gunshots, followed by screeching vehicles have taken a toll on the health of residents especially pensioners. Many complained of sleepless nights.

“I am not afraid to speak out. If they want to kill me, then so being.

I done live my life already. I have no fear…

kill me. I ready to go because we are living in mess. You cannot walk the road, it is as though you done dead already (sic). I am not going any more funerals again, who dead, dead. I fed up of funerals,” Morris said.

Many youths from Enterprise did not want to go on the record with their names published out of fear of offending members of the two gangs operating in the community. Those will to go on the record, were pensioners.

Mavis Forbes, 85, of Manwell Street, praised the police and soldiers for visiting the area adding she wishes they visit, “every day and night”.

She recalled hearing a recent shooting death near her home adding she was unable to eat “for a while”. The elderly woman said she thought she was going to die that morning.

Asked if she has any advice for the young men in the area, Forbes responded: “Not me papa, I fraid them.

I don’t meddle with them.” Mother of five Michaelina Lewis, 40, of Dass Trace, said she has no ill-feelings towards gunmen who shot and killed her son Michael, 21, on January 21.

With the joint army and police patrol as well as the peace initiative, Lewis said she is optimistic of a better future.

“If God can forgive, who are we? I don’t have any ill-feeling towards them because of my relationship with God. I never wanted revenge.

My son was in the wrong place at the wrong time and his death rocked the community,” Lewis added.

Among the police and soldiers on the tour yesterday were ASPs Michael Pierre and Richard Smith, Insp Chunilal Bedassie and Lt Col Collin Millington.

This is the third edition of the IAAF World Relays, with the 2014 and 2015 contests both being staged at the aforementioned venue.

Today, Trinidad and Tobago will be featuring in the women’s 4x200m event, the men’s 4x100m, men’s 4x400m and women’s 4x400m. The men’s 4x200m and women’s 4x100m will run off tomorrow.

While no start lists were unavailable up to press time last evening, the women’s 4x200m heats will begin proceedings at 7.35 pm TT time, followed by the men’s 4x100m heats (7.59 pm), women’s 4x400m heats (8.31 pm), men’s 4x400m heats (9.12 pm), men’s 4x100m B final (10.12 pm), women’s 4x200m final (10.21 pm) and men’s 4x100m final (10.36 pm).

Tomorrow, TT will be involved in a number of events, including the men’s 4x200m heats (7.35pm) and women’s 4x100m heats (8pm).

Also on tomorrow’s agenda are the men’s and women’s 4x400m B finals (8.22 pm and 8.35 pm), women’s 4x400m final (9.11 pm), men’s 4x200m (9.29 pm), women’s 4x100m B final (9.46 pm), men’s 4x400m final (9.55 pm) and women’s 4x100m final (10.13 pm).

Reigning CARIFTA Under-20 100m and 200m sprint queen Khalifa St Fort is part of the women’s 4x100m relay squad, which also includes Michelle-Lee Ahye, Kamaria Durant, Kelly-Ann Baptiste, Reyare Thomas and Semoy Hackett.

Dan-Neil Telesford, Emmanuel Callender, Keston Bledman, Kyle Greaux and Moriba Morain make up TT ’s men’s 4x100m squad.

The women’s 4x200m team comprises Chelsea Charles, Kai Selvon, Durant, Ahye, Thomas and Hackett, with the men’s 4x200m featuring Telesford, Callender, Bledman, Greaux, Morain and Jereem Richards.

Charles, Selvon, Domonique Williams, Janeil Bellille and Sparkle McKnight will form the TT women’s 4x400m team while the men’s 4x400m squad includes Deon Lendore, Jarrin Solomon, Jereem Richards, Lalonde Gordon, Machel Cedenio and Renny Quow. Trinidad and Tobago have had mixed results in the World Relays.

In the inaugural competition in 2014, TT returned home with three medals – silver in the men’s 4x100m (Bledman, Marc Burns, Rondel Sorillo and Richard Thompson ran 38.04 seconds), bronze in the women’s 4x100m (Durant, Ahye, Thomas and Selvon in 42.66) and bronze in the men’s 4x400m (Gordon, Quow, Cedenio and Solomon clocked two minutes 58.43 seconds).

TT failed to earn a medal in the 2015 edition.

According to a source, the referees took the decision at the annual general meeting of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Referees Association held at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva, on April 9.

And they have sent a copy of that decision to Trinidad and Tobago Football Association general secretary Justin Latapy-George.

Now they have decided not to offer their services to leagues and associations under the umbrella of the TT FA for the 2017 season which is due to kick off with the TT Pro League early next month.

Speaking to Newsday yesterday, Latapy-George said he did receive correspondence from the Referees Association and is currently seeking to quantify the monies owed before addressing the matter.

“I would have asked our head of the referees department to engage them (Referees Association) to determine what is the magnitude of that debt before we can determine any plan of action moving forward,” he said.

It is understood the referees are owed over $200,000 for match fees and travelling expenses.

The referees at their AGM viewed the non-payment of fees with grave concern and believe it shows a great disrespect to the officials.

In a strongly worded letter to the TT FA, the referees body indicated that the leagues and associations under their purview continue to request and receive service from the referees without honouring their responsibility to pay for such service promptly or within the agreed time frame.

The TT FRA stated that as a consequence, this practice results in individual referees suffering out of pocket loss which has become a burden of financially supporting football activity above and beyond officiating the match.

Dozens of TCL workers staged a protest outside the company’s Claxton Bay compound at 6 am yesterday. Workers waved placards as they demanded the shares as agreed to between the company and the workers’ union.

OWTU branch president for TCL workers Ahmad Mohammed said the OWTU was first informed of the company’s inability to transfer the shares, during a meeting on April 6, but was only given written confirmation of this on Thursday afternoon.

With written confirmation, Mohammed said, the OWTU can now decide on how it will proceed in terms of a response to this and other issues, In a 2014 Memorandum of Agreement, between TCL and the OWTU, after a threemonth strike against the company, around $150 million in backpay was agreed to be distributed to workers – some in cash and some in shares __ to cover the collective periods 2009-2011 and 2012-2014. Mohammed said the $20 million in shares was one of the items which was supposed to be transferred to workers.

Mohammed said the OWTU believes the move was, “calculated and a purposely done strategy of the company not to issue shares which is evident by the fact that Cemex was able to acquire just below 70% in our company.” Mohammed said TCL would not have been able to transfer the shares had they done so before Mexican cement giant Cemex bought majority shares in the company in January.

With a share price of $5.07 and the purchase of shares with US dollars, Mohammed said, “those of us who would have laboured, put our money to ensure that there was a company to transfer now, by way of sale”, are now being treated, “with scant courtesy by individuals who have chosen to profit.” Up to press time, TCL’s corporate communications department did not respond to Newsday’s queries about the matter. The OWTU said TCL workers intend to continue protesting not only over the share transfer issue but the slow pace in which the company is treating with other outstanding matters including Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) for casual workers and an end to TCL negotiating directly with workers and not the union.

The OWTU will be meeting with TCL on April 26 and 27 for discussions on how the two will settle outstanding issues. After about an hour of protests yesterday, the workers put away their placards and went to work

At the close of day one on April 8 against Merry Boys at the Wilson Road Recreation Ground in Penal, Clarke Road, replying to Merry Boys’ 1st innings total of 152, closed on 167 for six with Ottley unbeaten on 47. Earlier in the innings Adrian Ali struck 73, while Amir Khan grabbed three for 46 for Merry Boys.

Batting first, Merry Boys were indebted to Mario Belcon who top scored with 63. Bowling for Clarke Road, Ahkeel Mollon was the chief destroyer, taking 6/50.

In other matches continuing today, Tableland will play Jailal Enterprise Victoria at Barrackpore West Secondary, Powergen and Central Sports will face off at Invaders Ground in Felicity, and defending champions Queen’s Park will battle Alescon Comets at Queen’s Park Oval in St Clair.

FIRST DAY SCOR ES: TABLELAND SC 133 (Brent Harriot 35, Al Small 33, Farrell Jugmohan 3/33) vs VICTOR IA SC 220/4 (Andre Bryce 61 not out, Keron Kanhai 52, Al Small 2/38).

POWERGEN SC 183 all out (44.5 overs) (Nicholas Sookdeosingh 41, Gibran Mohammed 41, Vedesh Sookhai 24, Jeron Maniram 22, Jovan Ali 21; Shazan Babwah 5/84) vs CENTRAL SPORTS 132 (35.3 overs) (Gajanand Singh 54, Jahron Alfred 22, Rakesh Maharaj 20; Kavesh Kantasingh 7/69).

QUEEN’S PARK 380/8 (89.2 overs) (Daron Cruickshank 127, Justin Guillen 72, Nicholas Alexis 59; Vikash Mohan 4/65) vs ALESCON COMETS .

MERRY BOYS 152 (41.4 overs) (Mario Belcon 63, Jeetendra Sookdeo 29; Ahkeel Mollon 6/50, Jyd Goolie 3/28) vs FIRST CITIZENS CLARKE RO AD 167/6 (42 overs) (Adrian Ali 73, Yannick Ottley 47 not out; Amir Khan 3/46, Aniel Kanhai 2/40).

The Galicia was expected to leave Trinidad’s waters yesterday at about 2 pm but this was pushed back to 8 pm. During the day, there were reports that attempts were made by Galicia’s crew to depart Tobago for Spain and Coast Guard officials had to intervene.

Minister of Works and Transport Rohan Sinanan told Newsday this was not true.

“Everything is working as planned. The ship is loading cargo to come Trinidad and they will offload and then return to Tobago and then leave.” Chairman of the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (PATT), Alison Lewis, also denied such reports.

She said the Galicia was expected to leave Tobago yesterday evening, headed to Spain, after offloading its final cargo in Trinidad.

Meanwhile John Powell, Managing Director of the Galicia’s local agent, Inter-Continental Shipping Limited (ICSL), received a legal letter from the law offices of Dr Claude Denbow SC. Acting on behalf of Sinanan and Government, the law firm said Denbow “has advised that the charter hire agreement (CHA) is still in place.” Powell was given until 9 am today to respond to the firm’s statement that the CHA’s “existence and continuing life has been acknowledged by the letter of 12th August 12, 2016 from ICSL.” Declaring Powell was “acutely aware” of the Galicia’s vital role, the firm said Government was advised that “no amount of damages can compensate for ICSL’s breach of contract”.

Powell was then called on to “continue performing the CHA” until October 31.

If ICSL fails to do so, Government “will take such action as it may be advised in order to compel such performance.” Denbow’s letter to Powell came two days after Sinanan alluded to a possible lawsuit by Government for breach of contract regarding the abrupt withdrawal of the Galicia from service on the sea bridge.

Newsday attempted to speak with Powell yesterday but calls to his phone went unanswered. Sinanan said Powell’s attorneys “responded with some options around midday, to which our attorneys responded in turn. If (ICSL) can find a replacement for the Galicia without there being any disruption in service, that would be acceptable to us. However this would mean another vessel taking over from Sunday; the next scheduled cargo sailing,” Sinanan stated.