Bands went the extra mile to enhance their performances — Trinidad All Stars using lights and pyrotechnics, Renegades players dressed in sleepwear, Exodus using crowing roosters and chimes, and Silver Stars stirring up passion in its arrangement — captivating the audience until the last note sounded after 2.30 am.

In spite of the struggles with the Pan Trinbago executives, the panmen put all that aside to really deliver probably the best Panorama finals since 1987, when Phase II won its first Panorama and All Stars could only tie for fourth with Curry Tabanca.

I can’t wait for the other Panorama — Point Fortin Borough Day. But we must never have 58 bands for pan semi-finals again. They must change that.

A suggestion to NCC: when planning Dimanche Gras 2018, please have the Calypso Monarch finals with ten singers (singing one song each), the King and Queen of the Bands finals, and the champion single-pan band to end the show, leading off the audience chipping to sweet pan to start their Carnival.

And the show must not go beyond 1 am, even with other guest artistes.

RICHARD PATINO via email

This is because the brother, up to yesterday, remained in the custody of Eastern Division police officers. “Police are giving us any information,” said the siblings’ 70-year-old father Andrew.

“We (relatives) cannot say what charges police are going to give him. Later tonight we will know for sure when is Shaka’s funeral.” On Sunday afternoon, police arrested the 34-year-old brother at the family’s home. He was not charged up to late yesterday.

Smith went to rescue the now detained brother from gunmen in a forested area in Rio Claro on Thursday night but was instead shot and killed by police. He died en-route to the Rio Claro Health Facility.

Relatives said that while at his home at Piparo Road, Tabaquite, the younger brother telephoned Smith saying he was hiding in a forested area from gunmen who ambushed him.

Smith, a father of two, went in search of his brother and was shot and killed. Hours after the fatal shooting, the brother told Newsday that he was driving along Tabaquite Road near Brickfield Junction when an unmarked van drove in front of his station- wagon.

Another vehicle drove up behind causing him to stop. The occupants opened fire and he fled by running into the forested area.

He subsequently telephoned Smith asking to be rescued.

Sometime later, he spotted his brother’s car but heard several gunshots.

But while relatives accused police of killing “an innocent hardworking family man”, police claimed Smith shot at them and officers returned fire.

He said there is now a golden opportunity in the current crisis to improve the country’s efficiencies and to change old habits. Saying the country’s economic state has reverted to that of 1980, he said we must now do more with less and review how we do business. Suggesting that the population is not aware of any economic plan by the Government, he asked whether the population is being asked to sacrifice for some economic destination Cabinet is aiming at, or whether the country is being led by an inept and clueless Government? Quoting a book, “Why nations fail?”, he said lessons from different episodes in history have lessons for TT, including the 14th century Black Death, the Industrial Revolution, and the 1933 American New Deal. He said the book showed that nations succeed not due to advantages of geography, culture or technology, but due to creating institutions of inclusion.

Bodoe also suggested that citizens now have a low quality of life, as they may own a car but are afraid to drive it, even as many other workers now fear to hear news broadcasts on Thursday’s due to fear of retrenchments being announced at the post Cabinet News Briefing. The House next sits on April 5 at 1.30 pm to do the Marriage (Amendment) Bill.

Practically every case of loss from fire, landslip, flood etc seen on TV, where they beg for assistance from government, is a squatter — and the Government frequently obliges, especially near to elections.

People from this type of background, as they mature, pass seamlessly into a life where obedience of the law is just some theoretical irritant, and easily enter a life of crime.

At present most of the population can see endless examples that State land is free to the populace to steal and build whatever they want upon. Similarly, although they may find more resistance, squatters invade private lands and become so numerous that removing them becomes a dangerous and expensive exercise. Ask any lawyer what procedures must be followed and they will tell you to prepare $100,000 for legal expenses, go to court, wait three years to be heard, then, if you are lucky, obtain a court order for removal, at which point you must decide how to get the offenders off your land, probably using an expensive bailiff and bulldozer. And what assurance do you have that they will not resume building as soon as your back is turned? Another $100,000 court order? A more realistic attorney will advise you to hire private security, a contractor, and simply bulldoze the intruders away with no court order. Should the squatter protest he must find legal grounds to justify his illegal occupation, which of course he cannot.

How this situation became established is a mystery to me. It simply encourages the law of the jungle in which the squatter steals land and must be removed by force. But look at the evidence.

Every year we see the squatters expanding higher and higher up the slopes of the Northern Range.

Almost all of Laventille consists of squatter properties, usually with the associated offence of building without Town and Country Planning approval.

This lack of Town and Country approval is even more widespread since both squatters and buildings on land legitimately owned are usually erected without approval. Enter any rural area and the design, shape and method of construction of virtually every house you see is clearly an unapproved structure, frequently built in a road reserve.

Even areas that theoretically enjoy special protection like the Aripo Savannah (area of special scientific interest) are subject to invasion by squatters who can be seen on a Saturday quite brazenly transporting materials to their illegal structures.

And all mysteriously connected to T&TEC, whereas if you or I apply for such services we are asked for our legal documents.

If a landowner asks for police assistance they are usually refused, or told to “bring your deed,” which will probably then lead to a demand for one of those court orders previously mentioned. In other words, they will not assist. The most I have managed to get is the police accompanying me to the squatter site and witnessing delivery of a quit notice.

Recently in the same area even this was refused.

I’m told that the problem is not as out of control in all English-speaking islands and isn’t allowed at all in the French islands. In the Bahamas, as soon as building activity is noticed, an inspector arrives on site and gives the builder two days to produce his documentation of legal occupation and building approval, failing which the structure is demolished by the government.

Poverty does not provide a credible or acceptable excuse. The squatters manage to buy their building materials, cars, fridges, TVs and smart phones, and produce endless children that in aggregate can cost more than the accommodation and family expenses experienced by responsible individuals who regulate their expenditure and family size.

In the meantime the destruction of our country continues, agriculture is very risky, tourism virtually dead, while there is little or any hope of the Government doing anything about it when it, after one and a half years in power, cannot even reintroduce the land tax that the preceding government eliminated immediately after being elected.

Meanwhile it presides over a Cental Statistical Office that, despite thousands of HDC houses being built, maintains a constant waiting list of 100,000, tells us for the last 35 years that total population is 1.3-1.4 million.

This is an extremely serious national problem that, it appears, the Government needs either a lot of help to solve or should stand aside and allow more capable people to take control.

Walcott, a globally recognised poet and playwright, died at his home in St Lucia on March 17. He was 87.

There was a private viewing of his body on Friday at the Lazarus Funeral Home by relatives and among those in attendance his nieces, Heather and Carrie Walcott, daughters of his late brother Roderick.

“Well, our hearts are very heavy.

Again you know it’s a loss for us and this time it’s Uncle Derek. And I’m sure he’s impacted the world and all his talents. And we do hope that someone will carry the torch with regards to all his gifts that he’s brought and shared with everyone,” said Heather Walcott.

Asked whether they were thinking of how the government could honour him she replied that they are currently “family based.” “We have a lot of private get-togethers so that we’re the strength for each other and we’re hoping that’s enough and we’ll take it from there based on what we’ll do from this point forward.” Carrie Walcott said they are very proud that Noble Laureate is extended “not just with uncle Derek and dad, the late Roderick Walcott, but the cultural theme throughout the year has been so warmly embraced.

Whether it’s the creole festival (the annual Jounen Kw?y?l) and so forth.” “It’s expanded that much and that is really a testament to this benchmark of culture from the Walcott family and onwards. So I think it’s well received and not only that, it’s so popular. St Lucian identity is so powerful nowadays, not just that the ones who (have passed) were carrying it so much further. Now it’s everyone feeling that culture and embracing our own identity which is wonderful.

That is the greatest legacy you can have for a country and those who started it.” His daughter Anna Walcott said briefly “he was a great father”; he also has a son, Peter, and another daughter, Elizabeth.

On Friday people on the street were also feeling the loss of the iconic poet and playwright. Businessman Chris Jn Marie said they have lost a great icon locally, regionally and internationally and his work speaks for itself.

“Going forward the youngsters coming up have an individual to look up to. We just a spot in the ocean but we are fortunate to have two Nobel laureates (the second is economist Sir Arthur Lewis),” he said.

He pointed out that Walcott has been recognised by the State with a square named after him and the home where he was raised was renovated and made into an art museum.

“So I guess going forward they will open it as a museum and show off his plays, his books, whatever.” He also said that it is time for a statue to be built in his honour.

Dennis, a taxi driver, said that Walcott was out there raising the flag for St Lucia “and I give him lots of credit for that”.

Student Ian McLean, who attends Walcott’s alma mater Saint Mary’s College, said: “ it is a loss for the country.” “A great man has fallen. I don’t think anybody could replace Sir Derek Walcott.” He also agreed that a statue should be erected in his honour.

Walcott was buried Saturday at

TT , ranked 33rd in the world, benefited from the partisan crowd and started the better of the two teams. They were rewarded with an early goal in the 3rd minute, Marcus James’ calm finish sending the crowd of close to 600 into a frenzy with thoughts of a possible upset becoming verbal. The Russians, however, began to control the passage of play but TT team were more penetrative and closed the first quarter clinging on to their advantage.

In the second quarter, the Russians attacked more purposely but the TT defence was determined to keep the lead with the resilient centre-back pairing of Kwandwayne Browne and captain Darren Cowie repelling the visitors.

TT were awarded a penalty corner but had the shot blocked and Russian Anton Kornilov collected the ball at the half line and was the initiator and finisher of a counter-attack to make it 1-1 with a solo effort in the 28th minute.

Th Russians, ranked 22n in the world, switched goalkeepers and played a more physical second half and it paid off as they got the go-ahead goal from Denis Shchipachev in the 37th minute after successive penalty corners. TT had numerous penalty corners and opportunities to tie the match but were denied by fantastic saves from goalkeeper Andrei Ivanov.

Searching for parity, TT pushed their players forward and got caught on the counter-attack again with the Russians slick passing setting up Marat Khairullin to seal the victory in the 58th minute with a smart finish to the far post.

Minister of Sport Darryl Smith was in attendance to open the tournament and greeted the competing teams. Smith had indicated previously, that it is important to highlight the sport at the primary school level so that new players can be exposed to it at an early age. He wished the players all the best and stated they are the stars.

He urged them to take the opportunity to perform well and shine. He also thanked all the sponsors for coming on board and those who played a part to bring the event to fruition.

Saturday’s results: Pool A: Canada 4 (Keegan Pereira 10th, Gabriel Ho- Garcia 19th, Scott Tupper 44th, Gordon Johnston) vs USA 2 (William Holt 46th, Ruben Van Dam 55th).

Pool A: Chile 2 (Diego Ordonez 10th, Ricardo Achondo 46th) vs Barbados 1 (Akeem Rudder 42nd).

Pool B: Japan (Kenta Tanaka 3rd, 15th, 34th) vs Switzerland 0.

Pool B: Russia 3 (Anton Kornilov 28th, Denis Shchipachev 37th, Marat Khairullin 58th).

Tuesday’s fixtures: Switzerland vs Russia- 1:15pm USA vs Chile- 3:30pm Canada vs Barbados- 5:45pm Japan vs Trinidad and Tobago 8pm

Residents in and people in and around Woodbrook and Ariapita Avenue stood in disbelief that the establishment which stood at the corner of French and Ariapita Avenue for more than 30 years was gutted by fire.

The Nu Pub (Mas Camp Pub), Ma Pau and Sweetlime Restuarant were all housed in the building owned by Ward Hotel Ltd. Although no lives were lost, the loss of the iconic and some might say legendary space left a damper for many in the area.

Part owner and family member, Roderick Ward, could not contain his tears as he looked on at the burning building.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Marlon Smith, responsible for the Northern Division, said they received a call just before noon. He said personnel responded and found Ma Pau and the adjoining buildings (De Nu Pub and Sweet Lime) were alight.

Although there was an issue of low water pressure, WASA supplied extra water for the firemen. When Newsday visited the scene, the fire was intensely burning at the door of De Nu Pub (Mas Camp Pub).

Fire officers were seen in full gear and with gas masks on, as there was thick heavy smoke, in the air fighting to put out the blaze. Fire officials from San Juan and Belmont assisted those from the Northern Division in outing the blaze. One elderly woman from Dee’s Nursing Home on nearby Cornelio Street had to be taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation and the nursing home evacuated.

Part owner of the property, Mc- Donald Ward said he received a call after noon saying that Mas Camp was on fire.

Ward said he had no idea what started the fire. Ward said the Mas Camp does not open until 4 pm on Sunday and could not understand statements which said the fire had started in the kitchen. “No one is in the kitchen on a Sunday,” he said. He could not state exactly which kitchen started it. De Nu Pub he said closed at 4 am on Sunday morning with the intention of reopening at 4 pm.

“We are not going to write this off as a loss as yet we are waiting to see what is happening,” he said. Ward added that after an assessment was done the company would be looking to rebuild the long-standing establishment. “The businesses would build back,” he said.

Ma Pau employees who assisted with evacuating the elderly from Dee’s Nursing Home told media they got the smell of smoke in the building at around noon. They also saw smoke coming from the light in the building.

The employees then said there was a panic and personnel from the nearby nursing home were calling for help. The employees said they then went to the aid of the nurses and elderly, helping to move them to an adjacent building. One employee of Ma Pau also had to be taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation.

One of Ma Pau’s directors, Sherry Persad, said its more than one hundred employees at its Ariapita Avenue branch would be relocated elsewhere for the time being and assured that no one’s job would be lost.

Persad said it was devastating to see what had happened. She added that the company when it received the report as to exactly what had happened, would issue a statement to the media as to the casino’s operations at that location.

Port of Spain’s deputy mayor Hillan Morean said: “From all observations, the fire services seems to have responded quickly. I am advised that Woodbrook is here as well as headquarters at Wrightson Road. I also see T&TEC Emergency is here is a case of any electrical issues and ambulance in case of any other needs.” “It is sad to see a monumental structure such as Mas Camp go down like this, though. I know that Ma Pau, as well as Sweet Lime, seem to have suffered heavy losses.

This is sad for the city in particular as these are landmark sites for the city. We are hoping that they can bounce back quickly,” he said.

Residents stood on the pavement nearby looking on at the raging blaze. A husband and wife who wished not to be identified but who lived nearby said they live on the top of Woodbrook and heard the sirens of ambulances and fire trucks which made them come out. They said when they came out they saw Mas Camp ablaze. The duo starred on in what looked like disbelief and shock as the firemen worked in the background to out the fire. The wife said: “This is a landmark. My son worked there as a DJ. It is hurtful. It really hits home. It is sad.” Another resident said she went to the grocery about 45 minutes before the fire and was in shock when she returned and heard the news..

“We heard the ambulance and then my brother said: “It looking like Mas Camp on fire.” As we came we just saw all the smoke.” She said it was odd that the building was ablaze just like that.

Roderick Ward said he received a call from Pelham Goddard at around noon telling him that the building was on fire. When he came he saw the building burning.

The family, he said, was awaiting word on what exactly happened, although they had heard the fire began in the Mas Camp kitchen.

He said Sweet Lime’s kitchen was operating.

“It is a loss for culture and plenty things. It has been around for 30 years. This was going to be our 31st anniversary and no Government has ever recognised us for culture,” he said.

Alexis’ murder on Friday sparked fiery protests from residents and the killing was attributed to the Unruly Isis Gang which operates in the area.

Alan, 36, of Caroni Savannah Road, Chaguanas, was shot dead on John Street, Enterprise, not too far from where Alexis, 60, was killed on Friday.

Police said residents heard gunshots at about 6 am yesterday.

When they went outside, they saw Alan lying dead on the road; his head propped up on the driver’s side door of a silver Almera car.

Four bullet holes were seen on the right side window of the car.

Police are trying to determine whether his killing was another attack by the Unruly Isis Gang.

Also yesterday, in an unrelated incident, the body of an Afro-Trinidadian male was found by a farmer on a garden track off David Toby Road, Chin Chin, Cunupia, at about 11 am. The man was dressed in a black jersey and blue boxer shorts. His hands were bound in front with wire and there were wounds on his head. Up to press time, he was not identified.

Dead is Christopher Wells, 32, of Hibiscus Drive, Pleasantville, San Fernando.

According to a police report, at about 11 pm Wells closed his shop at the Pleasantville Village Plaza and was sitting outside when two gunmen confronted him. Wells was ordered to hand over his cellphone, which he did.

Immediately after, one of the men fired several shots at Wells who slumped to the ground.

The injured man was taken to the San Fernando General Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Police said Wells was shot in the head. His killers escaped on foot. Wells was a married father of two children.

Yesterday, his wife Andrea told Newsday she last saw him at about 10 am when he left home to attend to his shop. “I received a phone call in the night and someone told me that Christopher was shot. I went and I saw my husband’s body on the ground. I began to scream. I just couldn’t believe it,” Andrea said. She said he was robbed of his cell phone and gold jewellery.

Homicide detectives (Region 111) visited the scene and further enquiries are being conducted. An autopsy on the body will be done today.

The lecturer in weed science and agronomy told Newsday at the closing day of its TechAgri Expo held from March 24 to 26, “Our import is not just only on commodities.

It is also on planting material. We are heavily dependent on importing seed material, even though we produce.

That is where the Government would come in to support our faculty.

Where we do research into developing our own lines. Genetics and breeding are what we need to focus on. If you don’t have seed security, you don’t have food security.

That is one of the things we need to focus on here in TT.” The expo was held at university’s St Augustine Campus on the weekend.

Isaac said the country cutting its food import bill and exporting its agricultural products was feasible but there was a lot that had to be done for this to become a reality.

She noted that the university’s farm all of its planting material was imported from China so it was critical for the university and country to focus on agriculture and government support was needed to do so.

The three-day expo which saw large numbers of citizens and students visiting was the brainchild of the recently appointed dean of the Faculty of Food and Agriculture, Dr Wayne Ganpat.

The objective of the expo, which saw visits from over 200 students on its opening day on Friday, was to popularise Agriculture and make it attractive to the youth.

She said its theme was Innovation, Commercialisation and Entrepreneurship and the expo drew over 86 booths.

The faculty, she added, has an Agricultural Innovation Park recently developed at Orange Grove, opposite Trincity Mall, where a number of vegetables are done.

“The faculty works collaboratively with China’s Agricultural University and in the next ten years we will be developing that area there into an innovation park so we will have greenhouse production and so on,” she said.

Minister of Agriculture, Clarence Rambharat was at its opening along with the UWI St Augustine’s Campus principal, Brian Copeland and they both spoke of the challenges faced by the Agricultural sector. The patrons of the annual event have called for it to be a bi-annual event but the faculty was not sure of its ability to do so.

Many of its patrons were not only interested in the products on display but in the training. Several mini workshops were held during the expo, workshops on topics such as hydroponics, composting, chocolate- making and the identification of pests and diseases.

It drew corporate sponsorship from the Agricultural Development Bank, PCS Nitrogen, Caribbean Chemicals, Bunny’s Imports and the Ministry of Agriculture, lands and Fisheries.

Isaac admitted that she personally felt enough was not being done to grow and encourage people into agriculture but “I now see the Government making some inroads into collaborating with various institutions to try to do so. They are now catching themselves.” She said, “The thing is the cost of production is too high hence the reason we import. But we have quite a number of people who are producing things and we needed to highlight them here and that is the purpose of this. For example, a lot of the public did not know that we make flowers out of different commodities such as sweet potato, yams and dasheens.

Another reason the expo was held, she said, was because the faculty was not getting the necessary funding to repair its labs.