From the moment Nanan became a member of the 1st Gasparillo Scout Group in 1944, scouting became and remained the most important thing in his life right up until his death. In fact, though he was born in 1938, whenever one of his granddaughters would ask him the year of his birth, he would answer “1906.” “That is the year that Robert Baden-Powell founded the boy scout movement,” explained Denise Mohammed, one of his daughters. “I don’t know if he thought he was born then in a previous life or what, but after God, it was scouts, then teaching, and then it was family fourth, but we never lacked for anything.

God really loved us to give us him as a father and not another one.” Nanan’s list of achievements are numerous, from winning a national school exhibition scholarship to attending Naparima College and founding the Second Bonne Aventure Scout Troop, to being awarded a gold medal of merit for the country’s 50th anniversary of Independence.

The national award was given for his work in education and his service to his community. “We don’t know if this is true, but my father said when he extended his right hand to receive the medal, the President recognised him and said ‘No, you are a scout, use your left hand’.” Nanan’s passion for scouting was passed on to his three daughters and two sons, all of whom became involved in Girl Guides and scout groups because of his influence.

According to his daughter, it has also been passed on to his nine grandchildren. Today, his funeral service would be held at 1pm at the Bonne Aventure Presbyterian Church which he was instrumental in building at a time when there were no churches in Gasparillo. His life would be celebrated by a parade of the First Naparima Scout Troop and many leaders from the scouting fraternity from across the world.

Finance Minister, Colm Imbert, thanked Caroni East MP Dr Tim Gopeesingh and Caroni Central MP Dr Bhoe Tewarie for their contributions to the debate.

Gopeesingh had asked where the parent Act is at regarding proclamation? Tewarie had urged three pillars to build a better country – procurement reform, campaign finance reform and upliftment of the Office of the Auditor General.

Earlier, after the contribution of Minister of Public Administration, Maxie Cuffie on the Marriage (Amendment) Bill, this controversial debate was adjourned to a future, unspecified date. Finally House Leader, Planning Minister, Camille Robinson- Regis, moved that the House adjourn to Monday at 2.30 pm when it will debate an “Act to abolish preliminary inquiries and to provide for the pre-trial procedure in respect of indictable offences and for ancillary matters”, to be moved by Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi

The agreement was reached at case management hearings at the Industrial Court as both parties prepare for open court on their unresolved 2014-2017 industrial dispute. The session lasted about one and a half hours, according to Ozzi Warwick, the OWTU’s Chief Education and Research Officer.

However, Newsday reported that President General of the OWTU Ancel Roget said there is still “an opportunity for conciliation and conclusion of negotiations meaning it’s not over until it’s over should the company present an improved position.” And Petrotrin said in a statement that both parties will continue meetings at the Industrial Court.

“While parties are still in discussion, Petrotrin reiterates its commitment to participating fully in this process and to engaging with employees and their representatives.

We continue to strive for a solution that is in the best interest of all employees and that ensures the viability, survivability and sustainability of Petrotrin,” the company’s statement said.

Roget had described as “premature” an alleged internal memo issued by Petrotrin to its employees that negotiations between both parties had broken down, saying case management discussions were scheduled for the Industrial Court yesterday. And Roget told Newsday that the Industrial Court judge, at the last conciliation session last week, had indicated that case management discussions would take place in preparation for open court.

Addressing a post-Cabinet news conference at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann’s on Thursday, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) Stuart Young told reporters, “If there is to be a visit in the coming months, the coming weeks, whatever…at the appropriate time, you will all be informed.” Following a telephone conversation with Rowley on February 19, a statement issued by the Office of the Press Secretary at the White House, indicated that Trump invited Rowley to meet with him in Washington DC, “in the coming months.” Trump made a similar offer to Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela, who he also spoke with on February 19. Rowley has also been invited to make state visits to China and Chile.

Young described the conversation between Rowley and Trump as “very productive.” He said it was instructive that statements issued by the OPM and the White House after both leaders spoke, “mirrored each other.” Saying there continues to be positive and active conversation between TT and the US at several governmental levels, Young hinted, “You may find in the coming time, there will be a continuation of those conversations.” Young said like all other countries, TT is monitoring what is happening in the US to see, “how things will affect our citizens.” He reiterated that the conversation between Rowley and Trump, “ focused on the continuation and the building of a relationship between our two countries in the areas of trade and security, other areas as well.” Young said Government continues to monitor a series of speculative reports with “loose figures” alleging that TT is a recruiting ground for the Islamic State terrorist group (ISIS/ISIL). “There is absolutely no correlation between that figure being thrown out and what our official tracking figures are and what we are working along with, with the international agencies,” Young stressed that this is a matter which Government is keeping a close eye on, in partnership with local intelligence and security agencies and this country’s international partners, including the US, Canada, France and the United Kingdom. A statement issued by the White House on February 19 identified, “terrorism and transnational organized crime,” as two issues which Rowley and Trump discussed in their conversation. On January 31, Rowley rejected allegations from former US Navy Petty Officer Malcolm Nance alleging that TT was among a group of countries which had more terrorists than seven predominantly Muslim countries, whose citizens were banned by Trump at that time from entering the US. “We are not burying our heads in the sand,” Young said.

Young also said Government was awaiting a report from State oil company Petrotrin about the status of negotiations with the Oilfield Workers Trade Union (OWTU).

He said both parties went back to the Industrial Court yesterday and, “they may proceed to open court.” Young said he was aware Petrotrin made an offer, “to the union of an additional one percent.”

According to the Caricom Secretariat, the ICT cluster agencies held a meeting via video conferencing that was anchored at the secretariat in Georgetown, Guyana.

Represented were the Caricom Secretariat, Caribbean Telecommunications Union, Caricom Implementation Agency for Crime and Security, Caribbean Centre for Development Administration and the Caribbean Broadcasting Union.

The meeting followed the approval for the Caricom Single ICT Roadmap given by Caricom Heads of Government at their inter-sessional meeting held in February in Georgetown.

The Single ICT Space is conceptualised as the digital layer of the Caricom Single Market and Economy, the region’s flagship programme.

It encompasses the management of regional information, human resources, legislation and infrastructure in the sector to elicit maximum benefit for the region’s population.

The Single ICT Space and the region’s Digital Agenda 2025 will be constructed on the foundation of the Regional Digital Development Strategy which was approved in 2013, and will also have inputs from the Commission on the Economy and the Post-2015 Agenda, the secretariat said.

The undertaking is cross-sectoral and highly complex. The challenges include identifying the areas of strategic value, evaluating lessons learned, and timely and appropriate decisions.

During their inter- sessional meeting, Caricom Chairman and Guyana’s President, David Granger said, the Single ICT Space would become one of the driving forces for social and economic development of the community. He said it would enhance the environment for investment and production, and provide an opportunity for innovation to flourish.

It would also support a sustainable increase in growth and jobs, enhance efficiency and increase access to public services, he said.

The Single ICT Space will be on the agenda for discussion at next month’s Special Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development which will be held in Antigua and Barbuda, the Caricom Secretariat said.

Well placed sources within the TT Police Service said that Senior Superintendent John Trimm, formerly in charge of the Eastern Division was transferred to the Finance Branch and has been replaced by Senior Superintendent Garth Nelson.

Senior Supt Nelson was expected to assume responsibilities in Eastern Division on Thursday but attended a Compstat meeting at the police Administration building before taking up duties. Senior Supt Nelson was reassigned to Northern Division earlier this year to assist Senior Superintendent Mc Donald Jacob, who is head of the Northern Division.

Both Senior superintendents were given the task of dealing with a spate of homicides in that division as well as other serious crimes.

The Acting Commissioner took the decision to have both Senior Superintendent Jacob and Nelson deal with the responsibility of tackling crime in the Northern Division after Senior Superintendent Simbonath Rajkumar was suddenly transferred to the Inter Agency Task Force (IATF).

Recently the Acting Commissioner called in Senior Supts Rajkumar and Trimm to his office and stated his intention to send both officers on early retirement. They were given seven days to respond to the decision of the Acting Commissioner and sought legal advice and later challenged the Acting Cop’s decision in court.

That matter is now pending before a High Court Judge. Newsday understands that there are several transfers to be carried out within the First Division by the Acting CoP in an effort to place officers where they are best suited. Efforts to reach Senior Supt Trimm on his transfer to Finance Branch yesterday proved futile.

Richards said yesterday that he was hoping that the monies are released in time so that the Accounts Department could put the necessary measures in place to facilitate payment at the end of this month. Two weeks ago Richards texted Minister of Finance Colm Imbert to get an update on the second payment of back pay promised by the Ministry of Finance.

Minister Imbert acknowledged the text message and replied that it was his intention to make the payments.

Yesterday Richards told Newsday, “We are anticipating the second half of the back pay by March 31 as promised by the Minister of Finance.

Nothing other than that will be accepted by members of the Protective Services which included polices, prison and fire.

“We will not accept any disappointment in that regard since officers would have already made financial arrangements pending that payment, so we are just hoping that the Minister does all in his power to fulfil the promise he has made which include timely instructions and timely releases of funds, for the period 2011-2013.” He reiterated that he anticipates that the Minister will live up to his promise. Last September, officers of the protective services started receiving their back pay for the period 2011-2013. Due to the state of the economy officers were promised that the second part of the back pay will be paid in March of this year.

Both Police and Fire Officers said yesterday that they too are eagerly awaiting the payment like their colleagues in the Prison service because they had also made financial obligations

Cast members Olivia Pearson, Nicole Williams, Natalie Halcro and Sasha Gates all arrived on Sunday night (February 26) and received a warm reception from TDC’s Chief Executive Officer (Ag) Arveon Mills, and other senior tourism officials.

“WAGS” stands for Wives and Girlfriends of Sports Stars and cast member Sasha Gates has roots in Trinidad from her two grandparents and often returns to visit friends and family and play mas for Carnival.

Gates is married to NFL player, Antonio Gates who plays with the San Diego Chargers. “I come here as many times as I possible can,” Gates revealed. “I haven’t been back as much lately because I have two babies – one and a half and three years old – so it’s been hard to travel with them for long distances.

Now that they are older, I’m going to try to bring them and my mom is here so they will have granny and all my other family here as well.

“I wish we could come here every single episode,” added Gates, “but it’s out of my hands and not that feasible all the time. I think the vibe here is so amazing – I can’t really pick one favorite place because it’s more about the essence and how Trinidad makes you feel – I love being on the road for Carnival, I love going to Maracas Beach for bake and shark or being at home when my mom’s cooking cause that smell.. is like no other!” The cast was filmed playing mas with Fantasy Carnival, visiting the Paramin Blue Devils, as well as enjoying the serenity and beauty of some of our popular beaches.

Whilst focusing on showcasing the energy and vitality of Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival, it is anticipated that this episode of the popular docu-series will provide poignant glimpses of our natural beauty and heritage attractions.

Raised in Toronto, Canada, Gates moved to California and has lived there for over fifteen years. Still, she claims our heritage as her own: “I believe there’s something very special about this place,” Gates added.

“The culture is so amazing – the j’ouvert, the carnival – how it tells a story and paints a picture: what we once were and how we overcame it and how this beautiful culture became so colorful. The food and the people, the hospitality is so amazing and I’m so proud to say that I’m a Trinidadian!”

The band which merges fashion and art has once again won the Medium Band of the Year title. A third year in a row.

For the twins, Karen and Kathy Norman, who initially found it difficult to receive sponsorship for the band, their success thus far is humbling according to Kathy. The band’s presentation of At The Helm brought home the hat-trick with a score of 1277 points.

That success is shared in part with its sponsors Media and Editorial Projects (MEP) and Cher Mere who came on board, when according to Kathy, no one else did.

In an interview with Newsday, Norman said the team owed its biggest gratitude to its masqueraders who returned year after year and who also brought friends along with them to share the experience.

Although the band and the brand have become one easily recognised among top bands in Trinidad, the designers intend to stay as a medium band but ultimately the goal is go beyond just a mas band to become an easily identified brand in TT and beyond.

“We feel very blessed and very relieved. The management team put a lot of work into the 2017 production… the majority of the costumes having large extended backpacks and for us… we just say thanks to God and we feel very blessed and honoured to have won Medium Band of the Year three years in a row,” Norman said.

The band first came into national consciousness in 2012 with its presentation Waters-Sea of Consciousness.

That year it placed fourth in the Medium Band of the Year category.

However, it was three years after that the band won its first title in 2015 with Millennium 3. It won again in 2016 with Searching for Shangri-La. At The Helm, delivered the hat-trick this year.

Each win is ably supported by their mother, Althea Norman. Althea defined herself, in a phone interview, as the band’s “support system.” For Althea, the unconditional love that she has for her daughters fuels the work she does with them and the K2K brand. In fact, she said she is their biggest critique as well. But it is a critique done out of wanting her daughters to be their best. On their achievement, Althea said, “We are very humbled by the decision.

It is the masqueraders who have gotten us this far so without them we could not do it.” Initially, the first year was “traumatic” for Althea. “It was like a baptism of fire.” But looking on at the band’s and the girls’ evolution and growth has brought her nothing but pride and joy.

While every year, she said, there are new challenges, the group faces it together and tries to move on.

At the Helm spoke to life’s ups and downs and those challenges faced and how to manage one’s own ship on life’s rough seas, Althea said.

“It is just like something you have to do to get them there and you just do what you have to do. It is hard. It is like raising a child, it does not come with a handbook so you just have to do what it takes to get them there,” she said with a big laugh.

Althea said while at the camp her eyes her closing down but seeing the band and its presentation reminds her of why it is all worth it.

The band has already begun its work on its 2018 presentation, a sure recipe for its continued success.

Norman (K) said the 2018 presentation involves a lot more costuming “When I think of K2K we don’t really see it as a band per se, we see it as a brand and we think there is a distinctive difference between bands and brands…where we would like to see K2K eventually is moving beyond the realm of Carnival. At the end of the day what the brand does is full costuming.

“Though how we are going to get there and when we are going to get there is something Karen and I are kind of managing with. Ultimately we want to see the brand go beyond Carnival,” Norman said.

The brand has already begun to carve a niche for itself out of the Carnival sphere having a philanthropic effort called the Colour of Courage.

The first event, a black tie/gala dinner was held on October 17, 2015 and featured an address by internationally acclaimed wedding designer, Amsale Aberra.

The effort was designed, Norman said, to empower professionals to overcome entrepreneurial challenges.

Although it was not held in 2016, plans are already in train for the event to be held this year, sometime between August and September.

However, the branches of brand K2K grows, it is clear the brand and its band will resonate for a long time.

The ambiance alone set the tone for niceness.

Hosted by Francis Nunes and Charlene Clarke, the event lived up to all expectations, in that there was a wide range of premium drinks, cocktails and exotic foods that kept patrons happy.

So much so they began the dancing from early, and as the sun went down, and Farmer Nappy took the stage they were in full party swing.

The soca artiste gave his audience nearly all of his past and present hits including Chippin’, My House, Surrender, Bambilambam, In Trouble and Technically before closing with the most apt song, Big People Party.

A little later Karma featuring Ravi B and Nisha B, they too gave the crowd old and new music for over an hour, ending with Ravi B Chutney Monarch 2017 title song Budget.

Then as patrons were leaving the fete, the Tunapuna Vibrations Rhythm Section had them merrily chipping out the venue.