Saying that film-making is not the exclusive preserve of the young, he keenly noted that one of TT’s current emerging film-makers is a retired public servant.

Urging everyone to break the chains around culture, Ramesar urged, “If you want to get the best film and stories that are out there, you’ve got to spread your net wide.” He noted that Jamaican reggae icon, the late Bob Marley, was born in an obscure little village, Nine Miles, even as it was later noted that TT’s Nobel Laureate author Earl Lovelace lived in far-flung Toco.

Ramesar said that patriotism is not about buying a red, white and black flag, but about respecting all of your fellow citizens and affording them an opportunity.

Animation pioneer Camille Selvon Abraham said her field offers opportunities for autistic students some of whom have already proven themselves in that field.

If institutional support is given, she saw huge potential for animation, saying it would generate many job opportunities for designers, storytellers, musicians and comedians.

Dr Marielle Barrow, a social entrepreneur of the group “Caribbean In Transit” and “This Is Me”, spoke of the challenges she’d faced in helping youngsters from a wide range of backgrounds in the region to be trained in the arts including its business side.

Saying such training also involves a life-skills component for vulnerable youngsters, she said that one must deal with these social issues such as poverty so as to help them reach to a higher level artistically. Phase II ace pannist Yohan Chuckaree asked guests to raise their hands if they knew where to buy a steelpan.

He surmised, “In a roomful of Trinidadians, only five people know where to buy the national instrument.” However on a positive note he said his firm has begun digitally recording samples of local people playing acoustic instruments, including the Laventille Rhythm Section. “A guy sitting on the Eastern Main Road, Laventille is now being used by a music producer in California, or in Asia.” However Chuckaree said the creative sector needs a roadmap, saying, “Export TT wants to help us but doesn’t know where to start.” He said it is a challenge to deal with banks who do not understand how local creators are using e-commerce to sell their innovations overseas.

“We and the corporate sector must start believing in ourselves.

Our culture can stand up on the world stage.” In the question session, Costa Rica Ambassador Lilly Edgerton Picado said TT’s abundance of talent is mind-blowing but she said creative personalities must also face up to the realities of business, such as crafting a business plan and properly pitching the price of their works.

Rudolph Hanamji of the Calabash Foundation asked all present to consider what is the advocacy gap that is preventing long-espoused ideas from bearing fruit?

Mohammed said data shows a decrease in serious crime by 160 cases, from the period January to present, as compared to the same period last year. “This is an indication that the police are working and more so, that the people in the southern division are working together with the police to ensure we have a safe division.” Mohammed promised to continue to work with the general public to further reduce the figures. Responding to complaints by tenants of the Pleasantville Plaza, that an increase in crime is resulting in a loss of revenue as they now have to close their shops earlier, Mohammed said his information is there have been two murders and two robberies, one at the supermarket and another at the pharmacy.

He said investigations are continuing and there may be common suspects involved. Barber Christopher Wells was shot dead while sitting outside Top Notch Barber and Beauty salon in the Plaza back in March.

His killers demanded his cell phone and robbed him of his gold chain. A month earlier, truck driver Kern Joseph was also murdered outside the Plaza. A concessionaire who sells bread on the outskirts of the Plaza, was shot in his leg and robbed sometime in July. Mohammed commended business owners who have taken the decision to close their businesses earlier and suggested others take pattern.

“Any individual who finds themselves at risk, will take certain measures to protect themselves.

If closing their shops earlier eliminates further risks, I have no problem with that. In fact, I think other people should pay particular attention to this type of behaviour and emulate it,” Mohammed said.

Following the kidnapping of its owner Gregory Laing in June, Puff ‘n’ Stuff Bakery, which previously operated from early morning to well past 8 pm, Monday to Sunday, is now closing its Circular Road, San Fernando outlet just after 6 pm. “As head of the southern division, I must say we have a heightened presence in areas we see necessary and the Pleasantville Plaza is one of those,” Mohammed said.

“While we pay attention to crime in Pleasantville, considering the level of crime we have in the division, we have to be mindful that there are several other areas we have to pay particular attention to and some of those areas include Marabella, Embacadere, King’s Wharf and as far and wide as St Mary’s and Moruga.

“Officers in the division will continue to make every effort to ensure a safer environment, safer division, safer community, to preserving life and preserving property,” the senior officer vowed.

Director of the Ensafe (Institution for Health, Safety and Counselling Training) and New Vision Learning Centre on Coffee Street in San Fernando Hassim Ali made this announcement on the weekend during a ceremony to hand over food supplies, clothing and pharmaceutical items to be shipped to Dominica.

Ali said the school would offer scholarships to ten students valued $56,000. He said the scholarships would be offered to students in the field of phlebotomy, Nebosh and Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSE C) classes. Nebosh is a UK-based independent examination board delivering vocational qualifications in health, safety and environmental practice and management.

Ali said tuition would also cover uniforms, books and extra fees. He said two students would receive the phlebotomy scholarship, three would be selected for the Nebosh course and five would be offered private tuition in different subject areas in CSE C.

Ali said his offer is an open invitation to the Prime Minister and other agencies to meet with him to discuss and finalise details of the proposals.

“It is an open invitation to the Prime Minister to come meet with me as we are willing to open our doors to these students. We are here to help,” Ali said.

Last week Tuesday, Category 5 Hurricane Maria devastated Dominica leaving hundreds homeless. At least 17 people were killed while 20 others are still missing and feared dead. Many areas of the island have also been cut off due to damage to roads and other infrastructure.

“It is heart-breaking to know what these people are going through, but they are our neighbours and if you can help your neighbour you should act upon it. If your neighbour roof was blown off I am sure you would want to help, the Dominican nationals are our Caribbean neighbours,” Ali said.

He added that citizens need to open their hearts and remember that giving is divine.

The Ensafe Institution is accredited by the Accreditation Council of Trinidad and Tobago while the New Vision in Learning is recognized by the Education Ministry. Ali said students took money from their pockets to purchase cases of water, tinned food items, clothing and more that would be sent to Dominica.

During celebrations at Jaffa at the Oval, Port of Spain, one member of the association Ladi Franklin said the association needs to look at building a stronger and more highly effective association.

“My advice is we need to look at things that are important if we are going to attain this objective.

We definitely need to continue to have strong leadership.

We also need to be looking at problem solving approaches.” She said it can no longer be the same business as usual for organisations and associations like theirs.

“The world in which we live in now is rapidly changing, however it is becoming a world that is highly unpredictable, tumultuous and these days we are seeing some fierce some events here in the Caribbean as well as Nigeria. We are facing our share of economic, social and environmental challenges in magnitudes we have never seen before with greater integration and globalisation. What this means is that the world is now a global village and what happens in one country of community affects all of us.” She said this meant that the Nigerian Women Association cannot operate by just simply praying and hoping times will change.

“We must rise up and ask what can we do, what role can we play, no matter how small in the present scheme of things in the world.” Franklin said Nigerian women are known for their entrepreneurial spirit and it would not be hard for them to see opportunities within the current challenges.

“There is one thing that characterises the African woman’s history and it is stepping up to social responsibility with creativity and commitment in times of great stress. We are strong and there are lots we can do no matter the challenges we face. This means our actions must become contextual, intentional, purposeful and aimed at providing solutions in pursuit of the greater good for betterment of our families, communities, our nations.” She described the association as a unique one as it was made up of a rich collection of traditions, cultures, societies and experiences.

“It is also located in a wonderful country like TT and that is worth celebrating as well. We have come to love this country that has welcomed us, embraced us and provided us with an enabling environment where we are thriving and in turn we are able to add value to lives that we come into contact with.”

“I have been in class with Samuel taking his notes. The teachers are making sure that he is comfortable and do not fall behind as they write on the board, they also call out the notes for Samuel. He has been able to keep up with all his classes, so far,” said Modeste .

Although she continues to make the sacrifice for her son, Modeste said they are in desperate need for a student aid to be present at St Anthony’s College. “A student aid was supposed to be provided at the beginning of the school term. It was pushed back to September 11 and still Samuel is presently without one. He is my son, I don’t mind making the sacrifice but I have to take time away from work,” said Modeste, a domestic cleaner .

Samuel has been enjoying his classes at St Anthony’s where he takes an active role by asking questions. Some of his favourite subjects included French, Spanish, visual and performing arts along with integrated science .

“I have been using the laptop I received from (Education) Minister (Terrence) Deyalsingh to do some of my work,” said Williams with a smile .

“The Blind Welfare Association has his textbooks which they are converting to Braille. It is a time consuming process but he would be better equipped when he receives the Braille version of the textbooks,” added Modeste .

An official of the association said that the student aid is for students with special needs, blind and visually impaired and is supplied by the Ministry of Education .

“What we have been informed is that the contracts for these cases have come to an end and they have not been renewed. We at the Blind Welfare Association are aware of 15 children in the public school system who are in need of a student aid .

“These children are at a disadvantage. The association is exploring the possibility when our budget is allocated, to possibly pay for some of the children to get a student aid,” said the association’s chairman Felix Cazoe .

Association CEO Kenneth Suratt said a student aid will dictate the information the teacher is writing on the board into Braille .

“For instance if a map of TT is drawn on ordinary paper, a blind person would not be able to make sense of it but if different gradients and textures of sandpaper is used, that would help .

“Through our welfare department the intervention we are trying to make is to allocate funds towards hiring a few student aids who would also teach the children about mobility and how to move around independently .

We are having a problem converting the textbooks into Braille, as it is a manual process that takes long to do .

“What we are proposing for the ministry is that all the books they are using in the classroom should also have a soft-copy version .

Once there is a soft copy, the child who is blind can use software to read the words to him,” said Suratt .

He added that Samuel should not be an exception, but the norm in regard to the ability of children with special needs and those visually impaired to lead successful lives .

“We are proud of him and we want him to have all the support he needs to be successful,” said Suratt .

The National Policy on Persons with Disability advocates for the disabled to have the same rights and responsibilities and should enjoy equal access to the services available to each and every citizen .

“However, these policies are not law…some are still a draft,” said Cazoe .

“The Ministry of Education must partner with the TTBWA in this regard. We want the best for Samuel, but he one of many visually impaired children who are at a disadvantage,” Suratt said .

Contacted for comment .

Yolanda Morales- Carvalho, the Ministry of Education’s Communications Manager stated that the ministry is working to address the matter .

The two are being afforded armed police protection especially since the man responsible for their condition is also warded at a different section of the hospital and his associates have sent death threats to the child.

The suspect, who tried to commit suicide after stabbing his estranged companion and daughter, remains handcuffed to his bed and is also under police guard.

With the assistance of nurses, the woman was able to leave her bed and visit her daughter’s bedside. “For a moment, they saw each other. The child is not eating properly but she is looking much better,” said a family friend. The child was stabbed in the chest while the mother was stabbed in the chest and hands. Both remain listed as being in serious but stable condition.

The attacker, a 37-year-old PH driver, faces attempted murder charges as well as sexual assault on a minor charges when he is discharged from hospital.

Several friends have expressed concern for the safety of the mother and daughter saying a close male relative of the suspect has vowed to kill the two.

“He was the lookout when the man took a knife and attacked the woman and child. This man is still outside and there is no telling what he can do. All it it takes is one opportunity and their could be two murders in the hospital,” said a relative of the woman.

Last Wednesday at 12.30 am, neighbours were awakened by screams and later saw the woman and her daughter bleeding at the side of the road. Two other children, aged five and ten, were found unharmed in the family house. Hours later, residents found the suspect hiding in some bushes, frothing from the mouth.

They subsequently found his cellular phone which showed communication he had with the male relative who was the lookout. Residents believe this accomplice is in Barrackpore plotting the murders of the woman and her daughter.

Prior to the stabbing incident, the woman applied to the courts for a restraining order against her estranged companion (the suspect).

Hearing of the application was set for this Friday at the San Fernando Magistrates’ Court

In the open category, Joshua Johnson got his second win of the tournament by defeating Dev Soondarsingh 1-0.

Maro Merritt and Ryan Harper followed suit as they got past their respective rivals, Esan Wiltshire and Frank Yee by 1-0 margins – both earning their second victory in as many days.

Adrian Atwell Winter also won his second match when he battled Ravishen Singh and came out victorious while Kevin Cupid handed David Jones his second 1-0 defeat. Alan-Safar Ramoutar and Isaiah McIntosh drew their match to split the points.

Gabriella Johnson picked up her second win of the tournament in the Women’s category when she triumphed over Shemilah James 1-0. Zara La Fleur recovered from her opening day defeat as she emerged victorious over Sadiqah Razark 1-0.

Amy Ali, who was on a first round bye, held Aditi Soondarsingh to her second draw in the competition as both had to share the points. The battle between Anusha Saha and Shannon Yearwood also ended in a draw while Athena Martin was a mere spectator in the second round as she was on a bye. The 2017 National Chess Finals continues today at the same venue and is scheduled to begin at 2 pm.

This was the recurring theme presented by Cedric Washington last week at the Caribbean Security Forum held at the Hyatt Regency, Port of Spain. He gave a lengthy presentation about gang violence, its nature and strategies to address it.

“We have the same problem as you do in TT, as it pertains to murder, detection and solving these crimes, but what helped us in California was the use of GPS monitoring for offenders, covert social media accounts, covert operations and sentence enhancement,” said Washington, a police officer for the past 26 years with the LAPD.

In California ,there is an act titled, California Street Terrorism Enhancement Prevention Act, which gives law enforcement the opportunity to arrest a person and then enhance their sentence by a lot of time.

“For instance if we arrest him for robbery, murder or rape if we can prove that he is a gang member then we can enhance their sentence significantly, keeping him off the streets,” Washington said.

“These strategies can possibly be used by TT to deter criminal activity, but law enforcement abusing their power in any way will not solve the problem,” Washington added.

Wendell Wallace, local Barrister and Criminologist also presented on strategies to address gang related crime.

His presentation titled Understanding, Responding and Treating with the Threat of Gangs in TT highlighted the prevalence of gangs in TT.

According to Wallace’s research there are heavy concentrations of gangs in Portof- Spain, Western Division, North-Eastern Division and Central Division.

“In terms of the prevalence of gangs we will always have conflicting figures as it pertains to the exact number of gangs,” said Wallace.

He explained that there is a large cross-section of youths who are involved in petty gang activity and the serious gang activities are perpetrated by a small group of individuals within society.

“Crime and gang activity are social problems, this is important because we need to understand gang characteristics before we can effectively treat with the problem. If you have an improper diagnosis in terms of the levels of gangs in TT then proposed solutions will not work,” said Wallace.

A FORMER high commissioner of Canada, speaking at the opening of the Law Term, has now added his voice to the current chorus bemoaning an absence of accountability by the Judiciary. However, in a column in the Newsday of 12/1/15, almost three years ago, I had again raised this issue. I quote from that column at some length for two reasons.

The first is to note the tendency of the media to give prominence to issues only when a crisis occurs and to focus on the symptoms while ignoring the long-standing underlying causes. The second is the failure to initiate public discussion of recommendations made in the past by sundry individuals, committees and commissions for resolution or amelioration of the problem.

In my column of 12/1/15, headlined “A dysfunctional judicial system,” I resorted to some detail in outlining my concept of accountability by the Judiciary. I had earlier questioned the view widely propagated that to ask people in constitutionally independent positions to account for their performance was to somehow question their integrity.

Associated with this view is the misconception by many that all that is required for good and proper governance is to identify people of presumed integrity and character, assign them to positions of authority, announce their independence, insulate them from scrutiny and let them function with full discretion.

In giving effect to this principle, we would be putting our faith wholly in men and women and, while the integrity, character, judgment, experience and intellectual attributes of people in authority and more so in a judicial capacity is important, this requirement of governance should be balanced by appropriate systems with relevant checks and balances and oversight as key elements of a functioning democracy.

In January 2015, I said: “Another issue is the question of accountability by the Judiciary — to whom and in what regard. It may be that members of the Judiciary are accountable in some measure to the Chief Justice but neither the Judiciary nor the Chief Justice is accountable to any public institution for the administration of justice in the country.

“Let me emphasise that a request for accountability does not, in my view, impinge on the independence of the Judiciary. Accountability has to do with an assessment of the overall conduct of the judicial system in delivering justice in a timely and expeditious manner with the exercise of due judgment and deliberation and to the general satisfaction of the populace.

Independence connotes insulation from interference or influence in the core judicial functions of making decisions in individual cases.

“The plaintive address of the Chief Justice at the beginning of the Law Term cannot qualify as proper accountability. It is more like whistling in the wind. If complaints are directed to the attention of members of the public, then the latter has little recourse to either question or take corrective action.

If issues are elaborated for the benefit of the Executive, then it is not the most appropriate forum for attracting the attention of the Executive.

“It is my view that a judicial committee of Parliament, being an institution representative of the people, should be established to which the Judiciary should account. At such hearings, the Chief Justice would be required to make a statement on the general performance of the Judiciary and whether objectives set are being met or not.

Details are provided with respect to problems encountered whether due to lack of human or financial resources, tardiness in legislative reform, administrative deficiency or other shortcomings.

“The Chief Justice would be subject to questioning by committee members after which a report is submitted to Parliament for debate… It is through such a mechanism of accountability and parliamentary exposure that proposal for remedial a c t i o n with res p e c t to the administration of justice may get some t r a c – tion.

This plan would see the reversal of traffic flow on Penitence and Mon Chagrin streets from the main shopping centre on High Street.

Traffic which normally flow from Harris Promenade, down Penitence and across High Street into St James Street, will now flow up Penitence from St James Street and left onto High Street.

The flow on Mon Chagrin Street will be changed from left into St James to High Street, to left from High Street and left onto St James Street.

Encouraged by what he sees as the success of traffic arrangements which went into effect two months ago, San Fernando Mayor Junia Regrello said he has studied the plan and is certain it will work.

Regrello said there is a lot of congestion at the High and Penitence streets intersection, when vehicles have to stop on High Street to allow vehicles to cross the road. He said traffic is often backed up to the Promenade and Lower High Street as a result.

“With the new arrangement, vehicles exiting Penitence Street would now be able to turn right onto High Street and make a left into Mon Chagrin. If you drop off someone to do business at one of the two banks at this intersection, First Citizens or Scotia, and there is no place to park, the driver could make a block by going down Mon Chagrin, left onto St James, another left onto Penitence and one onto High Street.

Before you would have had to go all the way up High Street and turn either on the Promenade or on St James Street.” This system was first initiated by former Works Minister Jack Warner but reverted by former Mayor and now Rural Development and Local Government Minister Kazim Hosein.

He said the decision is a culmination of ideas from various stakeholders including taxi drivers.

Regrello said the plan would be reviewed in two weeks’ time. Regrello said he intends to address the traffic congestion caused by parents picking up and dropping off children at Naparima Girls’ High School, which has a student population of close to 1,000.

“That is a nightmare,” the mayor said added that he once stood at the foot of the hill one evening and in a short space of time counted over 300 vehicles going up the hill. He said this creates a back-up on the Vistabella Main Road and Circular Road.