Event organiser, Production One Ltd has assembled another star-studded cast of entertainers including Victor Provost from the US Virgin Islands, James Jessey Joseph from Haiti, The William Roblejo Trio from Cuba and TT ’s Elan Parle and Vaughnette Bigford.

Chairman of Production One Anton Doyle reflecting on the JAOTG’s success said: “It’s a blessing and definitely amazing to recognise that we have managed to keep this event going for 15 years.

“When we first came up with the idea, local jazz musicians were not as prominent or celebrated as they are now and the genre itself was more of an underground movement that only a few people really appreciated and followed to any extent.

It’s wonderful to see how the movement has grown and evolved; and although times are hard and sponsorship is virtually impossible for us to acquire these days, we’re still toughing it out and making it work somehow – because we love the music, believe in the artistes and we feel that it’s necessary for the country and the society to really be blessed by these classic sounds.

“Then there are all those people who come out every year and keep telling us how much the experience means to them; and how it rejuvenates their souls – it’s really a labour of love at this point and we’re hoping the love is returned as we celebrate this blessed milestone and feature this amazing and talented cast of musicians at JAOTG 2017.” One of the leading bands in the local jazz movement, Elan Parle is known for its blends of Caribbean rhythms with global music influences to create a Caribbean/world fusion.

Using freewheeling improvisations over carefully crafted compositions, ?lan Parl? is said to have brought a contemporary jazz perspective to the musical and cultural traditions of Trinidad and Tobago.

The vision for the group is reflected in the band’s name “Elan Parl?” – which can be artistically interpreted to mean “spirited conversations.” Over the years, the band has been a staple at all of the local jazz festivals.

Cuban musician Roblejo is an excellent violin player who has paved a way as a professional artist in several popular music bands in his native Cuba.

Roblejo is also head of the William Roblejo String Trio that features violin, guitar and bass.

As a violin player, he has developed a strong career as part of important bands that play Cuban pop, trova and fusion music, including the David Torrens band.

From the technical perspective, he is well-known for brilliant executions on his instrument – which is why he is also a member of the Amadeo Rold?n string quartet of the Cuban National Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as one of the “rising stars” in the Cuba Interactivo project.

Roblejo completed his formal studies in violin at the High Institute of Arts in Cuba (ISA) and has subsequently taught violin in the Amadeo Roldan Conservatory of music in Havana, while concurrently heading the String Cathedra of the mentioned institution.

As usual, JAOTG will have food stalls, wines, desserts, snacks and beverages kinds, ample secured parking and room for picnic-style lounging.

Tickets cost $350 and are available at the malls and regular ticket outlets.

For more info: www.jaotg.

com.

It is my opinion that the Government must take the fight to the criminal elements in our society.

Desperate times call for desperate measures.

What about the many children who are now orphans because of a few rebellious subjects who are enemies to peace? What about the many mothers who lost their sons and daughters as a result of a few people who show no regard for law and order? How many more must die before we take back our country from those who have no fear of God, far less man? Every time this topic comes up, there are those who will oppose.

Of course that is their right.

However, what about the victims, the widows and orphans, do they not have rights too? I am in full support of the Government implementing the death penalty.

The death penalty is enshrined in our laws. The time has come when decent law-abiding citizens must take a stand.

Those who commit murder, once convicted, must face the consequences of their actions.

Of course, expect to hear from human rights organisations, Amnesty International and other organisations which do not agree with the death penalty.

But how long must we continue to feed these convicted criminals with three square meals at taxpayers’ expense? I understand that an inmate on death row recently ordered lobster and shrimp as if he felt he was vacationing at the Hilton Trinidad.

Enough is enough. Citizens should not have to live in fear of being the next victim of crime. I call on the entire Parliament to convene an emergency sitting to bring this issue to the forefront.

Welcome aboard Ramesh Maharaj.

However, the police must first detect and arrest the killers.

Next there should be a speedy trial.

Over to you Mr Prime Minister.

We must not fiddle while Rome burns.

Cyril Laing via email

I had never met him though there were two possible encounters when I could have had. One was in Trinidad during my Sixth Form days at Trinity College, then at Melbourne and Duke Streets, now in Moka. My principal, Peter Helps, had asked me to form an Arts Society at the school One day Helps suggested that I get Walcott to address us. I wrote Walcott, then visited the Trinidad Guardian where he worked but I never got to see him and he never replied to my adolescent letter.

The other time was much later in St Lucia where I spotted him sitting by himself. But I did not have the courage to speak with him.

Nonetheless from my days as a schoolboy I held him in the highest regard. I went to his plays and musicals. Dream on Monkey Mountain (I saw it more than once) was really impressive. I went to see The Joker of Seville and Steel much later.

The Joker of Seville was important because as a student we had to do Tirso de Molina’s El Burlador de Sevilla for Advanced Level. I saw his production of Jean Genet’s The Blacks at Bretton Hall. I witnessed the Trinidad Theatre Workshop’s staging of Eric Roach’s Belle Fanto. I read his poetry. And I read his articles in the Trinidad Guardian.

Walcott and others like Edgar Mittelholzer, Martin Carter, Edgar Kamau Braithwaite, George Lamming Vidia Naipaul, Samuel Selvon were just a few of the many influences that moulded our consciousness before we were granted independence. They offered insights about who we were and where we were heading.

Without prejudice to the current system of education, we should consider that it is necessary to ground young people with books and other works by these classic writers. This is necessary even as we applaud events like the Bocas Lit Fest which highlight contemporary works.

TT should have a proper memorial for Walcott, using all media, radio, TV and press, as well as social media.

Young (and older) people should read Walcott’s Laventille, as harsh as it is, because in his mind, “To go downhill from here was to ascend.” His 1992 Nobel lecture speech, “The Antilles: Fragments of Epic Memory,” should be analysed and made required reading. The inspiration for that speech came after he saw Ramleela performed in Felicity in central Trinidad.

He said, “Here in Trinidad I had discovered that one of the greatest epics of the world was seasonally performed, not with that desperate resignation of preserving a culture, but with an openness of belief that was as steady as the wind bending the cane lances of the Caroni plain.” Walcott added, “Deprived of their original language, the captured and indentured tribes create their own, accreting and secreting fragments of an old, an epic vocabulary, from Asia and from Africa, but to an ancestral, an ecstatic rhythm in the blood that cannot be subdued by slavery or indenture, while nouns are renamed and the given names of places accepted like Felicity Village or Choiseul.” I and my family pray that he rests in peace.

Aiyegoro Ome Mt Lambert

Judging from its response to this ministry, it is clear to me it does not believe it can be a survival line.

Our leader’s mindset is locked into oil and gas so diversification is just another word as far as the Government is concerned. Yet the Agriculture Ministry has the potential of bringing in much needed revenue.

I hope the Government takes another look at the ministry and hopefully sees what many people are seeing — the great future that lies there.

We have all that it takes right here to make this thing happen but only our leaders can make it happen. They must see, want and be willing to invest. Without this who knows what the future holds? We may have to import basic things that could have been grown here. That will surely be a sad day.

Arnold Gopeesingh via email

Unable to relocate from a Belgian to a French football club due to transfer restrictions, he brought his case to the European Court of Justice and won. The landmark ruling was to prove a complete game-changer.

Bosman sued the Union of European Football Associations for breaching the 1957 Treaty of Rome which enshrines freedom of movement within the European Community, now the European Union. It led to the European Court of Justice’s decision to allow football players to move freely within the EU, revolutionising the game and laying the foundations of modern football virtually overnight.

Today, we celebrate 60 years since the signature of the Treaty of Rome on March 25 1957, the first step towards a united Europe.

The treaty established the European Communities and with them, fundamental principles such as freedom of movement for all citizens.

Since the signing of the Rome Treaty, the EU has enjoyed six decades of unprecedented peace, prosperity and security. The contrast to the first half of the 20th century could not be greater. Two catastrophic wars in Europe between 1914 and 1945 left millions dead, and a continent devastated, divided and prostrate.

For countries that had long been at war, European integration has been the most successful peace project in our history.

Today, the world is going through a time of great uncertainty: the global balance of power is shifting and the foundations of a rules-based international order are too often being questioned.

The EU will continue to be a strong, cooperative and reliable power.

Our partners know what we stand for. We stand for multilateralism, sustainable development, inclusive societies, the fight against all inequalities, in education, in democracy and human rights.

Trinidad and Tobago knows this first-hand.

Last year we celebrated 40 years of collaboration, cooperation and partnership between the EU and TT . Over these past decades the EU has supported the country in its endeavours to promote sustainable growth and strengthen the social fabric of the society.

This included, for instance, support for the implementation of the sugar sector reform programme and the diversification of the agricultural sector. More recently, a programme was completed that aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of the private sector. Civil society organisations receive support so that they can more effectively interact with the authorities in the promotion of human rights or the delivery of services.

The EU will continue to preserve and strengthen the global order. We stand for better global rules, rules that protect people against abuse, rules that expand rights and raise standards. It is thanks to our engagement that the global community has set up innovative agreements like the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

We believe that a more fragile international environment calls for greater engagement, not for retrenchment.

That is why the EU is a strong and active partner of regional organisations like Caricom/ Cariforum.

Whatever events may bring in the future, one thing is certain: the EU will continue to put promoting international peace and security, development cooperation, human rights and responding to humanitarian crises at the heart of its foreign and security policies.

And it all began with the Treaty of Rome which went on to redefine not only football but the entire world order in launching the European project. On its anniversary today, we celebrate and reaffirm our commitment to the values and objectives on which it is founded and look forward to many more years of friendship, freedom and football.

Arend Biesebroek Ambassador European Union Delegation to TT

We also read of people travelling in taxis being assaulted either physically or sexually, with the victims reporting their assailants being people with strong African or Spanish accents.

I mean no offence but maybe the time has come for rigorous screening methods similar to the US and for a temporary hold on entry to TT for visitors from some countries.

David Moore Valencia

However, Newsday was reliably informed that the cheque listed in Rowley’s name has nothing to do with the period he was suspended from Parliament as Opposition Leader.

Rowley was suspended from the House of Representatives on May 6, 2015, for the remainder of that parliamentary term, after the then People’s Partnership (PP) government used its simple majority to pass a motion to suspend him on the basis of claims he made with respect to the emailgate matter. The motion was passed in the House at 9.15 pm by a vote of 24 “for” to one “against”, hours after Rowley and 11 other People’s National Movement (PNM) MPs walked out of the Parliament chamber after debate began on a second motion of no confidence against him. Then Chaguanas West MP Jack Warner was the lone opposing vote to Rowley’s suspension.

According to a newspaper advertisement, the Office of the Parliament advised the individuals and groups in question that these cheques “will become void on March 31, 2017.” The Office of the Parliament further stated, “Cheques dated within the last six months should be cashed immediately.” It added, “However, cheques that are stale-dated (that is, more than six months have elapsed since the date of issue) should be brought immediately to the Financial Management Unit, Office of the Parliament, for revalidation.” Senior government officials told Newsday yesterday the cheque listed in Rowley’s name for this period represents a payment made to Rowley which had been misplaced. “Since the cheque is lost, it cannot be replaced without public notification after a specific period of time,” one official said.

A second official indicated that to date, Rowley has not been paid for the period of his suspension, so “there can be no loss on that score.” Rowley, the Diego Martin West MP, has publicly stated that his suspension from Parliament was irregular. He has said he continued to function as Opposition Leader during that period. He has argued that it is against that background that he should be paid. Rowley has also said that if it is found that he could not function as Opposition Leader while suspended, there could be a constitutional crisis because he signed off on the appointment of senior state officers and other duties. Newsday understands this matter is currently in the hands of the Prime Minister’s lawyers.

In its monthly newsletter, the Energy Chamber cited a study by globally respected consulting firm, Rystad Energy which stated that since 2005 there had been a “significant decrease in the number of new gas development projects sanctioned for investment in Trinidad and Tobago.” “The data shows the rapid rise and steep decline of natural gas production over the past five years and the projected decline post 2019, unless significant new gas fields are sanctioned for development immediately,” the Chamber stated, adding that Rystad consultant Kjetil Solbraekke had described the steep declines as “the falling of Mount Trinidad.” “This has led directly to the significant decline in production experienced since 2010 and the shortfalls in gas delivery to the petrochemical industry in Point Lisas and the Atlantic LNG facility,” the Chamber stated.

“Gas production in Trinidad and Tobago has dropped from 4.2 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) in 2013, to 3.3 Bcf/d in 2016.

“According to Rystad, gas production in Trinidad and Tobago is expected to continue to fall over the next few years although at a much slower pace than in the past few years. Over the period 2016 to 2019, Rystad estimates a production decline of around three percent annually as new volumes are expected to come on stream.” The Chamber stated that the underlying decline of already producing fields will be “14 percent over the period 2016 to 2030” as there were not sufficient resources currently being developed to offset this drop. “After 2019, gas production will again decline rapidly, unless new projects are sanctioned in the very near future.” Meanwhile, Chaguanas Chamber of Industry and Commerce (CCIC) president Richie Sookhai, while applauding the agreement between this country and Venezuela for the supply of gas from the Dragon field, expressed concern about the lack of information concerning payment for natural gas.

“My issue right now is about the particulars concerning the deal because obviously a remuneration is expected between both countries and we don’t know what this remuneration is going to be to Venezuela and what form it is going to take place,” Sookhai said.

“Yes it would be a good thing because it would add a constant flow of natural gas into the country but it’s going to take four years. So in the meantime, what are we going to do with the existing companies that do require the natural gas to function like Methanol holdings? “Is the country able to run efficiently for that four years until the gas from the Dragon field comes on stream or do we have to worry about other companies closing their doors in the meantime?”

George was driving near Bhagwansingh’s Hardware when he was stopped by an officer and issued the ticket following what was described as a confrontation.

George later filed a complaint against the action of the officer with the PCA.

On Thursday, a notice was served to PC Guevara by Cpl Salandy of the Police Complaints Division. It stated that the officer in the company of others loudly and roughly demanded that George produce his driver’s permit after it was determined that he had committed an offence by make use of a mobile device while driving.

The notice further stated that the officer snatched George’s mobile phone and twisted his arms. The officer is then alleged to have unlawfully arrested and handcuffed George, held him in a vice-like grip and carried him away. George was later released and given a ticket. Secretary of the Police Social Welfare Association (PSWA) Ag ASP Anand Ramesar said he was very surprised to learn that the officer had been served with a notice, for simply doing his job.

“This particular incident remains one of interest to the Association.

Looking at recent history this is the third time a police officer had cause to interact with a member of the PSC in relation to a suspected traffic violation. It is most unfortunate that PC Guevara, whom the Association is satisfied was carrying out his duty, is now the subject of a disciplinary investigation and the Association believes it is high time that a standard of conduct required to be used by members of the Police Service Commission, when they interact with police officers, be implemented.

“It is very easy for situations to arise where the role of the police officer is trivialised and office holders feel they are ‘too big’ for the police to talk to them. The Association is calling on the Prime Minister to look at the retention of attorney Martin George to the PSC because it is the Association’s view that this particular incident is sufficient to disqualify the continued retention of George on the PSC,” Ag ASP Ramesar said.

He said the serving of this notice is bound to affect the family life and the police life of PC Guevara but reiterated that the Association stands firmly and fully behind the officer and is paying very close attention to this issue.

This was the testimony on Thursday of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Moses Charles who was called by the State to testify in the Mayaro Murder Trial.

He told the jury that he had obtained instructions from the then Director of Public Prosecutions to lay the charge after he collected all the evidence in the case.

Charles was led in evidence by Senior State attorney Shabanna Shah and he said that when he told Baboolal at the Rio Claro Police Station that he would be charged, the accused replied, “Only thing ah have to say is ah stab she by mistake but ah doh know anything about the lil boy.” The trial of Baboolal, of Pierreville, Mayaro, is being heard in the San Fernando High Court before Justice Althea Alexis-Windsor and a jury of 12 members.

On Thursday, after Charles and Justice of the Peace Sankar Mahabirsingh gave evidence, the State closed its case.

Ramlochan, 26, who lived with her son Ishmael Timothy Ragbir at Solomon Street, Mayaro, was stabbed and her body discovered in the family’s latrine pit on August 14. Her child was also stabbed several times. JP Mahabirsingh testified that on August 16, he was summoned to the Rio Claro Police Station and was introduced to Baboolal whom he questioned about whether he had been forced or beaten to give a statement and the accused replied that he was not. However, the Justice of the Peace said that the accused Baboolal did told him that he was fearful of his life because the ‘girl’ family was a prison officer.

He went on to testify that Baboolal said that he could neither read nor write and preferred someone to write the statement for him.

Shah is being assisted by State Attorney Chantal Hospedales in the prosecution of the case.

Mahabirsingh testified that during the taking of the statement, Baboolal asked for it to be read over to him and questions were asked of him by police detectives and Baboolal answered. “Baboolal did not change anything in the statement.

He signed the statement after which I affixed my signature.

He further testified that after the statement was written, Baboolal said that he did not wish to change anything. The accused, he said, had also signed the interview notes which the detectives had made when they had questioned him about the the murders.

The trial continues on Monday. Attorney Rekha Ramjit who is instructed by her daughter Gina Ramjohn, is defending Baboolal.