Rowley, at Thursday’s post-Cabinet news briefing, announced fast-tracking measures to facilitate the death penalty implementation within the Pratt and Morgan five-year guideline in the wake of murders crossing over 105 with just two and a half months into the year. Missionary and Imam of the Anjuman Sunnat-ul-Jamaat Association’s mosque on Mucurapo Street, San Fernando, Mushtaq Sulaimani, told the congregation yesterday at the weekly prayer service, that Rowley’s call for the death penalty is in keeping with what both the Old Testament and the Qu’ranic law dictates – that for murder, the principle to adopt is “an eye for an eye”.

He said the country was reeling from Joseph’s murder and many citizens believe this country has descended into an animal society.

“You kill a police officer and dump her body like that? Someone who protects you and me? You would not kill an animal they way she was killed. And even animals do not kill in that manner. Oh man, where is your humanity? Where is your wisdom?” Sulaimani said, to oppose capital punishment is to fly in the face of the Qu’ran and the Old Testament. Attending the prayer service was retired judge Shafeyei Shah, Justice Robin Mohammed and outgoing president of the Assembly of Southern Lawyers Imran Khan. Sulaimani, however, said that it would be useless speaking about the death penalty if the judicial system does not function efficiently.

He said people witness everyday the contradiction in the criminal justice system where the prison van passes them like “lightening” on the road on its way to the courthouse, but the cases take years to start.

Crime, the Imam said, has spread a wave of terror in Trinidad and Tobago.

Addressing the American Chamber of Commerce of Trinidad and Tobago’s (AMCHAM) Women’s Leadership Seminar, Hyatt Regency, Port-of-Spain yesterday Schnoor who is also head of the Bankers Association of Trinidad and Tobago shared how she stood up for what she believed in when it came to the FATCA debate.

“I have been asked many times if I am worried about all the public attention this issue has brought me personally and my simple answer is that, ‘always stand up for truth regardless of who steps on it’. I have spent 25 years working in this industry and working to help the clients it serves.

If I had backed down from this issue and all the possible implications it would have had on the financial services industry, what would that have said about me.

How could my clients ever trust that I would do what is right for them ever again,” she said.

Referring to this year’s theme for International Women’s Day, Be Bold for Change, Schnoor said, “Being bold means to me standing up and saying your truth and saying it proudly, even in the face of criticism.” She told the women in attendance that empowerment lies in honouring themselves and treating themselves with respect.

“Do not listen to the voices that say you are not capable of doing things and chasing your goals. The famous words of Eleanor Roosevelt remind us ‘no one can put you down without your permission’.

So i encourage you to go forth and be bold, take risks, do something new without anything or anyone holding you back,” she said.

AMCHAM CEO Nirad Tewarie lamented that there were not enough women in leadership positions in this country. He said there were two Boards of publicly listed companies where there was gender equity – Unilever and Scotia Investments according to the Securities Exchange Commission filings.

“The ratio in many cases is 70 percent some 90 percent of men to women so it is our view we need to have the conversation and we need to do something about it. We need to do better, we need t

He was delivering an address on the final day of a three-day workshop: Strengthening the Capacity of Health Systems to Prevent and Respond to Violence Against Women.

The workshop was held at the Hilton Trinidad and Conference Center in Port of Spain.

Deyalsingh offered condolences to the family of murdered PC Nyasha Joseph whose body was found at sea on Wednesday. Deyalsingh said, “If ever we needed a wake up call, that was it.” He lamented that the death came so soon after celebrating International Women’s Day (March 8).

Deyalsingh stunned the audience when he said that of the 42 women present at the event, 14 were victims of sexual violence according to current statistics. “That is very scary.” He spoke of men in certain societies not being able to cope with women.

Deyalsingh said, “We are starting in this country to glorify this institution they call the single parent family and put it as a societal norm.

But what ever happened to old fashion values of a nuclear family? A child, particularly boys, needs to have a male figure around and this new norm is not doing these young boys any good. No one is around to properly guide them. When they drop out of school, they have low expectations of life.

And out of that comes a generation of men with low problem- management skills who cannot resolve conflict, and that leads to violence against women.” Deyalsingh also stated, “Entwined in all of this is the role of alcohol and drugs.

A lot of domestic violence is fueled by alcohol and drugs.” He announced that his ministry is embarking on a mission to reduce alcohol use via its non-communicable disease policy.

At Thursday’s post-Cabinet news conference at the Office of the Prime Minister in St Clair, Rowley said he makes no apology for being a firm believer in the death penalty.

With the assistance of Maharaj, who led the charge as attorney general against notorious drug lord Dole Chadee and eight of his cohorts resulting in them being hanged for murder in 1999, Rowley hopes to create a system which ensures the fiveyear timeline set out in the case of Pratt and Morgan are met so those who commit murders are ultimately punished.

President of the trade union, Nirvan Maharaj said in a press release yesterday, “It is truly good to see individuals in this country who, regardless of personal political points of view or differences in the issue of governance can come together, united under the banner of Trinidad and Tobago in the interest of our nation.” Maharaj called for a “one day extra ordinary sitting of Parliament” where the Government and Opposition can discuss solutions to the troubling crime situation as a “united national front” instead of opposing parties.

“I wish to reiterate that when the country is in crisis, the Opposition must not oppose for opposing sake or to satisfy their personal whims and fancies; and the Government must also not impose for imposing sake.”

Young made the allegation as he responded to questions from the Opposition in the House of Representatives, 24 hours after Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley said a gas sales agreement for the supply of natural gas from the Dragon Field in Venezuela to plants in TT could be achieved by July.

Young explained that earlier this week in Caracas, a heads of agreement was signed between the National Gas Company (NGC), PDVSA of Venezuela and Shell. He said this was a follow-up to a heads of agreement signed last December by Rowley and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Responding to questions from Oropouche East MP Dr Roodal Moonilal and Caroni Central MP Dr Bhoendradatt Tewarie, Young observed, “What is going on and we are seeing it clearly, let the citizens mark it right now, is a complete lack of patriotism by those on the other side.”

Recalling that the former People’s Partnership (PP) government treated the gas shortage the country is facing as just a maintenance issue, Young said, “I will lend a dictionary to them very shortly for them to look at it. They keep trying to throw spanners into the wheel of what is going on. They keep trying to call something that does not exist.” Young said the initiative has moved, “from talk and conversation into a sanctioned project to operationalise the getting of gas from the Dragon Field into the pipeline and infrastructure that exists in TT to keep our gas industry alive.” He said the governments of TT and Venezuela are, “ensuring that every step of the way, everything that is being done, is being done in accordance with the respective laws (of each country).”

Young added, “Every qualified attorney coming out of law school knows they must stay within their own boundaries of the law that they understand.”

While there is majority consensus that preliminary inquiries have become an unnecessary burden on the system, Young said, “I have noticed a trend that is taking place.”

He said every time Al-Rawi brings anti-crime legislation to Parliament, the Opposition is openly attacking him. Describing these attacks as, “completely personal and without merit,” Young said, “They are trying to link a statement that he made with respect to the need for constitutionality of certain legislation.” Having examined the bill himself and having had conversations with various experts on it, Young declared, “There is absolutely no offending of the Constitution in this bill as it finds itself before this House today.” Referring to Sections 13, 4, 5 and 54 of the Constitution, Young said, “So the argument that we are hearing that it requires a special majority is quite simply a non-argument.”

After pointing out the legislation establishes, “time frames on getting an accused before the court,” Young said this is being opposed by, “certain persons trying to protect their turf and their domain and not the rights of their clients.” Young, who is an attorney by profession, said this bill will, “avoid attorneys from having the opportunity of earning two sets of fees for the same sets of facts.”

Young rejected what he said was a naked attempt by the Opposition to claim the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) could be politically swayed by a sitting government since the prime minister possesses a veto power regarding who could be appointed to that office. Explaining that the Constitution clothes the DPP with a degree of insularity, Young declared, “That is an argument that is bound to fail.”

Ramlochan, 26, was found dead inside a latrine pit and her baby boy, Ishmael Timothy Ragbir, was discovered floating in the Mafeking River, both having suffered multiple stab wounds.

The man on trial before a judge and jury in the San Fernando High Court is Anand “Son” Baboolal, 40, of Mayaro. The last day Ramlochan was seen alive was on August 10, 2005. The bodies of the woman and her child were found three days later.

Nicholas Mitchell was called by the State yesterday on day three of the trial before Justice Althea Alexis-Windsor and he testified that he used to see Baboolal at Ramlochan’s home.

Mitchell lived next door to Ramlochan on Solomon Street, Mayaro.

Led by State Attorney Maria Lyons-Edwards, Mitchell said that on August 10 at about 9.30 pm he returned home from a Christian crusade and he saw Ramlochan rocking in a hammock at her house.

Her child, who was dressed in a blue and yellow jersey and pampers, was playing around. He did not see anyone else beside them. Mitchell was handed certain photos and he pointed out Ramlochan’s house.

He pointed to where she was rocking in the hammock and where Ishmael was playing.

Baboolal’s attorney Rekha Ramjit, instructed by attorney Gina Ramjohn, cross-examined Mitchell about the time he had seen Ramlochan in the hammock and referred him to his evidence in the magistrates court which stated that the time was 9.30 am. Mitchell insisted that he had said it was night time and that his back door faced Ramlochan’s house. The villager said he then went to bed about half an hour to about an hour after but saw no one else at the house that night.

Asked if he heard loud noises coming from the house, Mitchell said he did not, nor did he hear any unusual noises.

The prosecution’s case which is being led by Senior State Attorney Shabaana Shah, contends that Baboolal and Ramlochan were quarrelling and the accused grabbed a knife from her. Ishmael was on the bed.

Mitchell also testified, in answer to Ramjit, that he used to see Baboolal visit Ramlochan at her home. He said, “So long as I home, I use to see him visit. I would see him probably two days a week.

Yes, I see him in July and August.” The trial continues on Monday

Composer and writer Lewis Rowans, who holds a BSc in music from the United Kingdom, is claiming to be the composer of the song and is demanding his share of the royalties and winnings earned by Maharaj.

Attorneys Richard Thomas and Angelique Olowe, who are representing Rowans, have written to Maharaj giving him seven days in which to respond to their pre-action protocol letter.

Rowans attorneys said Maharaj fraudulently claimed to be the author/composer of Ramsingh Sharma and conspired with others to collect royalties for the song.

Rowans says he intends to ask the court to declare him the sole author and creator of the piece.

He will also be claiming all royalties for the song as well as 60 percent of Maharaj’s winnings.

Rowans also wants Maharaj to list his past and future performances at which he performed the song so as to assess the amount paid in royalties as well as an account of all the royalties paid out by the Copyright Organisation of TT (COTT).

Rowans will be seeking to recover these royalties. He is also asking Maharaj to withdraw his authorisation to COTT to collect royalties on his behalf for the song,

Sieuchan scored 117 in his team’s 247 for one wicket in their Intermediate Division match, then watched teammate Alix Sookhan bag six wickets for 13 runs as Apollo XI were routed for 147.

Meanwhile, BNICC scored a thrilling five-run victory over Suchit Trace.

After posting 148 for eight wickets, with Kyle Gookool scoring 55, Akash Balkaran took four for 36 and Gookool completed a good all-round performance with three for 37 as Suchit Trace fell for 143, despite Neezam Ali’s 44.

In T20 Fiesta Action, Central Renegades, Cavaliers, Pawan 11, and Survivors all qualified for the semi-finals of the Championship Division in this first ever Cricket Fiesta which pays the winner $12,000.

The Intermediate Division semi-finalists were Metronomes Sports, Green Arrow, Secret Storm and Golconda United.

The Intermediate Division winners will receive $10,000 with the final to be played on March 24 from 7:30 pm.

In the Southern Sports Championship Division T20 Cricket Fiesta Semi-finals, Central Renegades play Pawan 11 today from 4 pm and at 7pm, Cavaliers take on Survivors.

Summarised scores: Championship Division: REFORM SPORTS 151/9 – Antony George 47, Calvin Kisson 23, Vade Donell Sabala 5/18, Josh Ramjewan 3/25 vs NEW SETTLEMENT SPORTS 152/4 – Johnathon Eversley 34, Vade Donell Sabala 30, Kiran Harripersad 26, Samuel Ramjatan 2/8. NEW SETTLEMENT won by six wickets.

UPRISING UNITED 110/6 – Jefferson Foster 28, Naresh Singh 23, Kenny Mohammed 19, Nicholas Boochoon 4/16, Avinash Lall 2/11 vs TAROUBA 111/3 – Nicholas Boochoon 39, Larry Mathura 32, Shiva Dookie 16. TAROUBA won by seven wickets.

Intermediate Division: GANDHI UNITED 81/10 – I Ali 27, Jairam Rajkumar 21, N Ramjit 4/17, Mark Partapsingh 2/14, A Ramjitsingh 2/16 vs WOODLAND FC 82/3 – Marlon Partapsingh 29, Kevin Jaimungal 14, H Chaitram 2/19.

WOODLAND won by seven wickets.

BNICC 148/8 – Kyle Gookool 55, Lyndon Harripersad 27, Kevin Gookool 17, Deoraj Roodal 3/33, Ronnie Samaroo 3/36 vs SUCHIT TRACE 143/10 – Neezam Ali 44, Narase Rampersad 23, Amrit Boodram 23, Akash Balkaran 4/36, Kyle Gookool 3/37. BNICC won by five runs.

EVERGLADS 245/1 – Richard Sieuchan 117, Dale Ramdeen 77, Dean Ali 36 vs APOLLO XI 147/10 – Sham Balroop 46, K Ramnanan 38, Alix Sookhan 6/13, Rikki Rambhajan 2/25.

EVERGLADS won by 98 runs.

BORDE NARVE YOUTHS 48/9 – Alexi Harripersad 12, John Boopraj 11, Keith Jackson 4/6, Adesh Ramai 3/20 vs HARDBARGAIN UNITED 50/3 – Mark Thomas 19.

HARDBARGAIN UNITED won by seven wickets.

SURPRISE 247/6 – Dylon Ali 52, Ricardo Sooroojdeen 43, Kenrick Kallicharan 28, Quincy Hospadales 3/50 vs RENEGADES 251/7 – Jason Pachico 82, Shardat Maharaj 42, Christopher James 32, Shameed Mohammed 2/32, Dave Mohammed 2/28, Damien Ali 2/50.

RENEGADES won by three wickets.

CENTRAL RENEGADES 185/7 – Aaron Ragoonath 77, Alvarado Bryce 70, Noel Poliah 26, Ravindra Rampersad 2/27, Ravi Samaroo 2/28 vs HILLPIECE SPORTS 186/3 – Ravindra Rampersad 79, Vishnu Narine 44, Chad Persadie 33. HILLPIECE SPORTS won by seven wickets.

INDEPENDENCE 89/10 – Rohan Singh 20,Dharmesh Pitiman 13,Ijaz Ali 3/11,Shaffie Ali 3/15 vs MASSAHOOD 90/2 – Leo Sparks 40, Nickolas Ramdass 21. MASSAHOOD won by eight wickets.

VALLEYLINE 135/10 – Joshua Dookhoo 22,D Persad 21, Rooplal Bissoon 20, J Bhola 2/13, Jason Jairam 2/14, S Baal 2/18 vs SUNRISE 136/1 – Jason Jairam 60, Adrian Mohammed 45. VALLEYLINE won by nine wickets.

Southern Sports T20 Cricket Fiesta – Championship Division (Quarter finals) – BUEN INTENTO SPORTS 82/10 – Denzil Ali 17, Shaheed Khan 16, Noel Poliah 2/10, Anthony Ragoo 2/12, Aaron Ragoonath 2/23 vs CENTRAL RENEGADES 83/2 – Joel Poliah 30, Mukesh Boodoosingh 18, Barry Seerattan 2/19. CENTRAL RENEGADES won by eight wickets.

PAWAN 11 – 149/6 – Christian Ramcharan 60, Ronnie Siewjattan 21, Kevin Sargent 17, Vicky Oudit 3/11, Vicky Choon 2/16 vs MASSAHOOD UNITED 146/8 – Nicholas Ramdass 56, Vickey Choon 17, Vijay Sookraj 2/12, Shiva Maharaj 2/26. MASSAHOOD won by three runs.

CAVALIERS 148/5 – Ihley Smith 35, Zaid Mohammed 35, Brandon Jagmohan 31, Nichell Guyadeen 2/14, Vavin Singh 2/20 vs GANDHI SPORTS 87/10 – Jailal Singh 19 Avin Bissondath 12, Dave Mohammed 5/11, Dayanand Mahase 2/13.

CAVALIERS won by 81 runs.

SURVIVORS 156/8 – Varun Samaroo 37, Bickram Ramroop 23, Aalon Mahabir 3/22, Vishnu Bridgelal 2/31 vs TAROUBA SPORTS 129/8 – Stephon Rojan 56, Shiva Dookie 26, Sterlin Heeralal 2/19, Suresh Heeralal 2/26. SURVIVORS won by 27 runs.

But it will not be a two-horse race, however, with Derby winner Academy Award, Dark Treasure and Desert Dancer holding the enagement.

The vote goes to Academy Award to give newboy trainer Jake O’Brien his first “big race” winner.

A disappointing four horses will line up for the other top race of the day, the 1600 metres gallop for horses rated 90-70 on the turf worth $42,500.

The winner heree should be the consistent Takeoneforjoey, following his great runner-up finish to sprint king Control Unit on Saturday last.

The Arima Race Club has provided an attractive nine-race programme for turfites which gets underway at 12.30 pm.

And the lucky turfite to spot a Hi5 will receive a single winner bonus of over $21,000.

Added to this, there is a single winner bonus of over E75,000 on the Superfecta, while another $11,000-plus carry over at stake in the Place 8.