I have played no role in procurement of any vessel.” The minister also said contrary to claims made by certain people, no charter party agreement for any vessel was signed before Cabinet approval. Responding to questions from JSC chairman Stephen Creese and Opposition Senator Wade Mark on this issue, Sinanan said the documents the committee were seeing were ratifications of the approval he alluded to. He said the ministry would provide the JSC with further clarity if necessary.

“The Minister has nothing to do with the signing of any charter party agreement,” he added.

Sinanan said after assuming office last November, it became apparent that the port and ferry service, “were heading for a crisis.” Expressing confidence that the new Port Authority board would address the problems facing the port, Sinanan reminded JSC members that Cabinet appointed a threeman investigative committee to review the operations of the port. He also disclosed that a sea sector expert will soon be engaged to assist in this exercise.

Sinanan said the problems with the TT Spirit and TT Express were the result of poor maintenance over the years. “This is an experience for the country that we need to pay attention to maintenance.” He said in some countries, aluminium hull vessels (like the Spirit and Express) are taken out of service once they pass 15 years. He described the situation with the Super Fast Galicia as as case of “commercial advantage” where the provider threatened to pull the vessel out of service if a certain arrangement was not agreed to.

Sinanan confirmed the former port board chaired by Christine Sahadeo never approved a five-year extension for the Galicia. He also confirmed the request for that extension came from the port’s management.

Sinanan said he was not prepared to commit the country to extending the Galicia’s contract at a cost of over $200 million, “without a tendering process. He also said the Galicia’s abrupt departure in April had to to do with unresolved issues since 2014 under the then People’s Partnership government.

Sinanan referred to a letter from Inter-Continental Shipping Limited, brokers for the Galicia, to support this statement. Sinanan also said the Cabo Star cargo vessel cost less than the Galicia. The Transport Minister said Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley may have more information to support his comment about something being crooked in the procurement of the Ocean Flower 2. He said he awaited the findings of all investigations into this matter. Sinanan supported his Cabinet colleague Fitzgerald Hinds’ defence of Sahadeo.

This game was the only Round One Match Day Seven fixture in Group B.

In Group A, Serial Strikers and Palo Seco battled to a 1-1 draw, with Alfred John netting for Serial Strikers while Isaiah Gill scored for Palo Seco.

Also in Group A, Siparia Angels and Santa Flora United played to a 2-2 draw.

The Task Force also recovered a Glock pistol and two rounds of 9 mm ammunition hidden in overgrown bush near Aranguez Savannah, Aranguez.

Supt Ajith Persad and Inspector Gookool coordinated both searches led by Sgt Williams and a team of officers including PCs Persad, Fernando, Sookwah, Taylor, Dyette, Myers and Hoyte.

Teelucksigh also said in the industrial areas of Cap de Ville and Point Fortin, there is also need to protect the coastline because drilling and dredging in those areas are causing coastal erosion. He noted that landowners have suffered great losses as acres of valuable property in the Iacaos and Cedros areas have eroded in the past seven years.

Teelucksingh said, “With the recent tropical storm Bret, there was a lot of erosion taking place along the coastline. Both the Siparia Regional Corporation(SRC) and the Penal/Debe Regional Corporation (PDRC) have been complaining to the Coastal Protection Unit in the Ministry of Works. It is now a matter of urgency that the Government look into the protection of the coastal line from Granville to Icacos and to Cedros.” The councillor said the fact that the lighthouse in Cedros is now surrounded by water, is evident that the land is eroding at a fast pace. The councillor noted the PDRC and SRC have been involved in public consultations regarding this matter, but the Minister of Works needs to address the situation. He went on to say that during the People’s Partnership administration, work was done to along the coastline from Mosquito Creek to Otaheite but the worked has sinced stopped and today a lot of the coastline is now eroding.

Teelucksingh said that after several complaints to the Ministry of Works, the PDRC was told there was need to invest $300,000 to save the coastline and the Government would provide the technical advice. “The PDRC’s infrastuctural roadworks and drainage will cost millions,” he said.

Former alderman of the PDRC, Gowtam Manaraj, said there has been rapid erosion at the scenic Quinam beachfront.

“Maybe the PDRC and SRC can join and truck in some large boulders or any old huge concrete barriers to save this area in the interim,” he said.

Maharaj believes the waterfront could be saved by building a concrete wall as well.

They’re so easy to make the kids can join in too. Rustle up these speedy recipes at the weekend and busy breakfast times will be a breeze.

Raspberry jam Makes 1 jar Prep time 20 minutes Get the kids to help you measure the following into a pan: 400g frozen raspberries (or use fresh), 1 tsp vanilla extract, 2 tbsp runny honey and 2 tbsp water. Heat gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally; it’ll reduce to a thick jam. Turn the heat up towards the end if you need to thicken it a little. Leave to cool then transfer to a jar. Spread on toast with butter or a base layer of cream cheese.

Chocolate hazelnut spread Makes 1 jar Prep time 5 minutes Boil the kettle. In a food processor, blend 200g ready roasted and chopped hazelnuts until a paste forms. Get the kids to help you measure in 4 tbsp cocoa powder, 2 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp coconut oil and 1 tsp vanilla extract then blend again to combine. Scrape down the mix with a spatula then add 200ml boiling water. Whizz to combine to a smooth chocolate spread and decant into a jar.

If you can’t find ready-roasted chopped hazelnuts, toast whole hazelnuts on a baking tray in a preheated oven at 180º/350ºF/ gas mark 4 for 10 minutes or until golden. Nuts burn easily so keep an eye on them. Remove from the oven and tip onto a clean tea towel, fold it over and rub to remove the skins then tip into your processor, discarding the skins.

Crunchy seed peanut butter Makes 1 jar Prep time 5 minutes Blend 250g unsalted roasted peanuts in a food processor with a pinch of coarse sea salt until a smooth paste forms – kids like watching the nuts turn into a paste. You may need to stop and scrape down the mix with a spatula depending on the power of your processor. Once smooth, stir in 25g of mixed pumpkin and sunflower seeds and transfer to a jar. Leave out the seeds altogether if your kids prefer it simple and smooth. Top tip: If you can’t find ready roasted peanuts, toast your own on a baking tray in a preheated oven at 180º/350ºF/gas mark 4 for 10 minutes or until golden.

Spreads can be kept in the fridge Raspberry jam for up to a fortnight.

Noel said this yesterday as the TTI marked its 40th anniversary, at their headquarters at Sea Trace, Bagatelle, Diego Martin.

He said Rastafarians have been given a raw deal over the years with all types of stigma being placed upon them, but he noted they survived the task and will continue the good work of the leader of the Rastafarian movement, Haile Selassie.

“This is our time to showcase to the people of Trinidad and Tobago and the world at large the work we do. I give thanks to all those who steer the course and hold the faith because in this time of trials and tribulations, it is very hard to stand firm as a Rastaman, and living is not easy. We employ our members to educate themselves to find a trade. We teach our members to live a better life. To live with their fellow man. As we say, our main goal is repatriation.” He continued, “We are in our 40th year of our anniversary and we have invited people from around the world to celebrate with us, so we are also playing an integral part in tourism in Trinidad and Tobago.

We intend to protest and let all know, it is equal rights and justice for all. Our plight must be highlighted and we would be going in Woodford Square on September 17 with a load chant to wake up the nation because life is a serious thing.” Noel said according to TT’s anthem, “every creed and race finds an equal place,” and they( Rastafarians) too needed their equality and justice. He said Rastafarians deserve to be highlighted not only when it is heard in the news that “Rasta City and Muslims in war, and the source of the whole issue are never reported.” “The TTI created a live band studio to encourage the talented youth by giving them the opportunity to develop their musical skills. We have accomplished a state of the art studio. We also host calypso competitions yearly.

There is an active youth group that hosts three-day, weekly homework centre classes to assist the youth – these classes along with many other activities including Bible studies.

These activities were created to encourage the youth to be positive and productive in society.” Noel said the TTI is a spiritual and peaceful entity within various communities of TT and its members promote peace .

On Monday, the TT FA issued a media release, which stated that they does not have the authority to sanction the All-Star game.

“The (TT FA) wishes to further confirm that it has, in fact, made a request to FIFA to have the match sanctioned and is currently awaiting their approval,” said the TT FA in their media release.

The local governing body for football continued, “The (TT FA) will also like to place on record that it was only on the 29th of August it received from the TTS L information requested since early August by the FA to support the TTS L’s application to send to FIFA.

“The TT FA will in no way attempt to stall an event of this magnitude which is intended to aid the promotion of the sport in Trinidad and Tobago and the region.” The TT FA also quoted, from its constitution, Article 78 – which states that the Authority for organising international matches and competitions between representative teams and between leagues, club teams and/or scratch teams lies solely with FIFA, the Confederation( s) and/or the Association( s) concerned; and Article 79 – “TT FA, its members, players, officials and match and players’ agents shall not play matches or make sporting contact with Associations that are not members of FIFA or with provisional members of a Confederation without the approval of FIFA.” However, TTS L’s president Keith Look Loy issued a media release yesterday morning, refuting claims that the TT FA cannot sanction the match.

“Regarding Article 78 above, TTS L is of the view that it is patently clear that the language of the statute — “… and/OR the Association…”— enables TT FA to sanction, if it so wishes, the event for which TTS L has requested permission to host,” said Look Loy.

“Regarding Article 79 above, TTS L does not understand why TT FA is resorting to this statute.

The event in question is being promoted by Caribbean Football Trust Limited (CFTL), which is a recognised entity in Caribbean football.” Look Loy pointed out that, on June 13, the TTS L requested permission to stage the game on September 16.

“After several requests by TTS L for an update, on 9 August, TT FA requested a list of the foreign players to participate in the proposed event, which list was provided by TTS L on 15 August,” he wrote.

“On 15 August, TTS L also advised TT FA of a change of date from 16 September to 15 October — which CFTL advised TTS L was necessitated by the delay in the grant of permission by TT FA and the consequent need for CFTL to renegotiate the availability of certain foreign players, all of which affected the marketing of the event.

“Since 15 August, TT FA has issued fixtures for the 2017 FA Cup, which include matches scheduled for 15 October, the very date requested by TTS L for its proposed international event.” Look Loy stated, “(The) TTS L is of the firm view that TT FA has immediate and constitutional authority to sanction the proposed event.

“Further, the continuing delay by TT FA in sanctioning the event, and the Association’s decision to schedule a conflicting event on that date, are a threat to an international event proposed by TTS L for the benefit of local players, clubs and football.”

Bernard contributed to architecture, his profession, and to civil society needs through his membership of Rotary. Claire contributed to several causes, more particularly to the preservation of our heritage. They were both beautiful people.

Many voices are being raised today that bear the common theme of horror at the gruesome murder and frustration at what we can do to save our country from the abyss it faces. Amidst those voices, notwithstanding his grief, Stephen Broadbridge has struck a positive note by urging us to “take back the country from the hands of criminals.” Many have responded in obvious frustration over the situation with the oft asked question, “But, what can we do?” As if in anticipation, Stephen answered by suggesting that, among other things, “it is time for the people to force the police, politicians and even themselves to do their job and duties.” I lend my support to Stephen’s suggestion because I have long identified with that sentiment, noting our continuing practice of complaining about everything but doing nothing. I was once equally guilty and, in recognition of the fact that corruption was at the heart of all crime (white and blue-collar), I decided to do my duty and take action 12 years ago.

I became a member of the TT Transparency Institute (TTT I), the only local organisation dedicated to fighting corruption, and since then my $200 annual membership fee has been helping to fund its admirable work (see website: transparency.org.tt). I admit that success has been slow in coming but those of us who are fighting corruption in the trenches are encouraged by the small gains and are building on them.

I know that not everyone wants to fight corruption in the trenches but everyone, individuals and companies, could and should do their duty to save our country. Each has the opportunity to make a difference by supporting the cause through membership or donations to organisations like TTT I.

I hope that the many murders have not been in vain and, if you are sitting on the sidelines, you would be moved to do your duty and take action, any action.

VICTOR HART via email

Police said in a release, Nixon Anthony Gordon, 41, of Hosein Street, Arima was charged with murder after advice was received from Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, Joan Honore-Paul on September 3. Gordon was charged by Inspector David Guelmo, of the La Horquetta Police Station the following day.

Straker, 32, of Phase 4, La Horquetta was found dead at his girlfriend’s Greenville Park, La Horquetta home, on October 6, 2016. He had been chopped several times.

AMTSTC president, Rodney Ramlogan, said maxi taxi drivers’ children have also been affected by the delay in paying $12 million for services rendered in May, June and during the first two weeks of July.

“I don’t know how the minister could say that. He’s making it seem like only schoolchildren were affected but we have children too. Up to now, we can’t even afford to buy school books and uniforms to send them to school, so I don’t know how (Garcia) could say we using schoolchildren as pawns.” Ramlogan was speaking to Newsday yesterday about how a decision by members to withhold their services yesterday left a reported 30,000 primary and secondary school students stranded on the first day of the new school year. However this was disputed by the ministry, which cited data from School Supervisors in the seven education districts across Trinidad.

Chief Education Officer, Harrilal Seecharan, said a check of Government and Government- assisted schools revealed that “ten primary schools and 14 secondary schools were negatively impacted to some extent because of the disruption in the service.

In some cases, several maxi taxi concessionaires doubled up (to ensure affected students get to school).” Seecharan was speaking yesterday during a press conference at the Education Ministry’s head office, St Vincent Street, Port-of-Spain, where Education Minister, Anthony Garcia, criticised the association’s actions.

“While I have absolutely no problem with any group of workers withholding their services; because that is their right, always remember that we must not use our children as pawns…Those maxi taxi drivers, if they had entered into discussions with me last night (Sunday), they would have been told that today (yesterday), a cheque for in excess of TT $6 million was forthcoming and later on this week, the remaining sum of (just under) $5 million would have been paid to them.

There was absolutely no need, as far as I see it, to take the type of action that was taken,” Garcia declared.

Management of the school bus system, including payments to drivers, is handled by the Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC). That’s why the ministry issues cheques to the PTSC and not directly to the AMTSTC.

Garcia recalled that “sometime last week or the week before, we were able to give PTSC $1 million as part payment to maxi taxi drivers.

Today (yesterday); and this is what I wanted to discuss with (Ramlogan), we made available to PTSC in excess of $6 million; so that is in excess of $7 million. “ The minister added that he was informed “by our Permanent Secretary that later this week,” the remaining sum of just under $5 million will be paid.

This news did not appease the association. Ramlogan told Newsday that it’s not simply about keeping their word to withhold service until full payment is received. “Financially we can’t afford to go out to work.”