A statement issued by the Planning Ministry said the purpose of this meeting was to discuss the national development of TT, in particular and the similar issues facing Small Island Developing States in general in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The development of TT’s National Development Strategy Vision 2030 is based on goals highlighted in the SDGs.

The idea of collaborating with regional partners in Latin America and the Caribbean to address similar issues was discussed as part of a strategy to address the common factors of concern as well as to share successes in national development.

A statement issued yesterday by the US Embassy said, this is part of the Embassy’s ongoing partnership with Government to build capacity in the security sector.

The Embassy explained that the technical assistance which Murphy is providing to the Government is based on an agreement signed between the United States and Trinidad and Tobago last August.

The US Department of Treasury Office of Technical Assistance Economic Crimes Teams, funded by the Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement under the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, provides capacity and technical assistance in anti-money laundering and counter financing of terrorism procedures.

Murphy, a specialist in financial crimes, began his work with the Office of Technical Assistance in 2012, with projects in Africa, Central America and the Caribbean.

More recently, Murphy was team lead in Ghana and Jamaica.

Prior to his overseas work, Murphy was a subject matter expert/advisor for the US Department of Justice, Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section in Washington DC.

He also serves as a law enforcement officer with the New York City Police Department, in both the Organized Crime Investigation Division and the Joint Organized Task Force.

Lewis of Arima Old Road and Block 22, Upper Laventille, is charged with perverting the course of justice by doing a deliberate act to conceal King with the intent to assist him to evade arrest and or lawful apprehension in connection with the unlawful killing of de Revenaux. Also charged with this offence is Christopher O’Connor who was denied bail when he appeared in court last week Thursday.

King has been charged with de Revenaux’s murder on February 5, at the MovieTowne cineplex at Invaders Bay, Port-of-Spain, where she worked at one of the restaurants. Two Fridays ago, police apprehended a suspect in Chaguaramas shortly after midday while he was attempting to flee the country by boat. Both King and O’Connor will also return to court on March 16.

Speaking at a news conference in the Diplomatic Lounge of the Piarco International Airport shortly after his return from the 28th Intersessional Meeting of the CARICOM Heads of Government in Guyana, Rowley said much attention was paid to devising strategies to bolster the CSME in the context of expanding the economic activities of regional territories.

He said Trinidad and Tobago has been spearheading moves in this regard. “What had come back on the table at the request of Trinidad and Tobago, at the last meeting in July, was the whole question of the single market and economy,” he said.

“So, at the last meeting, the heads had taken a decision to ask the Secretariat to prepare a comprehensive report on the status of our efforts at establishing a single market and economy and to make that report available to this meeting (Guyana).” Rowley said a comprehensive review was presented to the regional leaders.

“What the review showed was that there was a whole plethora of activities that were already agreed upon with a view to having the single market and economy operationalised.” He said, however, that while many of the agreements have been initiated to some extent, other were not. “The way it was presented to the conference it was very clear that we had a whole lot of agreements in place which, if we are to focus on a re-start of our efforts to establish the single market and economy, we need to operationalise the things that have already been agreed to rather than try to embark upon additional mandates when, in fact, what has been agreed to has largely not been affected,” Rowley said.

“In many instances, many countries had not ratified or not carried through with some of the things and, therefore, the review that has been presented at this meeting, countries now have until the end of March to look at that review and to make their positions clear as to what they intend to do about the outstanding matters and to comment on the review by the end of March in preparation for a return to this issue at the meeting of the heads which will take place in Grenada in July.” At the meeting, Rowley said Guyana had expressed a willingness to encourage TT and other CARICOM members to take advantage of its agricultural land with a view to increasing food production and feed production throughout the region. “Guyana expressed some disappointment that even though it had been willing to make these lands available, not much has happened and that we are to become a little more aggressive in trying to put those lands back into production,” he said. Rowley said Guyana also had pointed out that some of the lands were already in the hands of some TT citizens and business entities.

“And they are looking forward to those business entities increasing the production which some of them had embarked upon but which are not being accelerated to the scale that would make a significant impact in the supply or a dent on our food import bill,” he said. The prime minister said the issue of tourism also was discussed.

“We are targeting the police so that we can lift their motivation further to inspire them to do even more for the country than they are already doing knowing for a fact the majority of citizens believe in a supreme being,” Williams said. He was speaking at a special media conference at the Police Administration Building, at the corner of Edward and Sackville Streets, Port-of-Spain.

Williams sought to clarify statements he made at one the recent services.

He said the TTPS has recognised, over the years, that TT has been challenged with violent crime and they have seen an upward trend from 2000 hitting “an all-time high in murders with 547.” Williams said, “While in 2011 we saw a dip with the State of Emergency where the country had recorded 302 murders, we have had what we would call a consistency in the area of 400 and upward.” He said it is critical for the police as an organisation to do everything possible to ensure that they can impact the state of violent crime.

“And that is why every time I speak, I reach out to the citizens of this land with the message that we all have a part to play, no matter how small.

All the small contributions can add up to that big positive contribution that we are seeking.” Williams said the TTPS has set about in 2017 to take the lead in a form of engagement because they have clearly recognised that there is more that is needed in causing that change that the citizens of the nation are seeking.

“While single-handedly we may not be able to effectively bring the change that the citizens do in fact want, we believe with the support of the citizens of this land acting in a positive manner, we can achieve that change.” He continued, “It is in that context at this point in time we are engaging in a series of inter-faith services in all nine police divisions and it is well intended to make sure that we can bring on board the support of the various religious groupings and representatives to pray with us, seeking to have a level of intervention in the business of policing and policing this country ensuring that we can achieve finally that drop in violent crimes.”

The song was a message to parents to not put children under strain to be what they (the parents) want them to be, but rather, support the child’s career choice. The song was written by calypsonian Brian London, with Rodney saying she identified with its theme. The 19-year-old, the eldest in the competition said it was pure coincidence.

“I loved the song a lot because my mother wants me to be a doctor but I want to go in the Coast Guard. She insists that I go and do medicine but I want to go in the Coast Guard…so we’re always bickering.” Describing the feeling on being announced the winner, Rodney said: “I was overwhelmed.

I can’t believe I won.

Thank God. The preparation was very stressful.” Placing second was 2016 monarch Sharissa Camejo of Holy Name Convent, PoS, who sang ‘Progress Again’, a follow up to King Austin’s immortal ‘Progress’ and spoke of the loss of human and family values to technology.

Camejo questioned progress at what price? It was a very moving rendition and many in the audience thought she would retain the crown. After the result, Camejo showed her class as she was humble despite losing her crown.

“Congrats and full praise to Shervonne. I feel so happy because I came in the top three and that in itself is amazing,” the well-spoken youngster said. Another competitor who won the hearts of the audience was third placed Deslie Julien of St Mary’s College, with his offering ‘The Writers of Tomorrow’.

The song knocked artistes who buy songs to sing instead of composing themselves. In song, Julien said it was like an automatic calypso machine where one can get compositions from the likes of Gregory Ballantyne, Christophe Grant and Brian London…

for a price. He suggested to his fellow juniors to take advice from the late Lord Pretender (Aldric Farrell) and “take up the pen.” Somewhat disappointed, Julien said after the results: “This is my third year placing in the top three so I’m calm, looking forward to next year obviously, that is my feeling right now. I was confident that I had it in the bag this time, but obviously the other competitors were better than me on the day, and I congratulate them of course.” A solid performance also came from Caryn Mc Carthy of Arima Central Secondary, who sang ‘Just a Name to place fourth’, while Moruga Secondary student Nicholas Lucas placed fifth with ‘The Crisis’. Full results:

1….. Shervonne Rodney…………… Arima Central Secondary………….Misconception
2….. Sharissa Camejo……………… Holy Name Convent, PoS………….Progress Again
3….. Deslie Julien……………………. St Mary’s College……………………..The Writers of Tomorrow
4….. Caryn Mc Carthy………………. Arima Central Secondary………….Just a Name
5….. Nicholas Lucas………………… Moruga Secondary…………………..The Crisis.
6….. Jalan Maughn………………….. St Patrick’s Boys RC…………………Power of Prayer
7….. Christian Mendez……………… Fatima College…………………………Take pan To the World
8….. Catherine K. Chandler………. Holy Faith Convent, Penal…………Real Man
9….. Rivaldo London………………… Iere High…………………………………Trinbago Youths Rise
10… Duane Ta’Zyah O’Connor….. St Mary’s College……………………..This is My Home
11…. Kevan Calliste………………….. St Benedict’s College………………..Thank You
12… Naomi Sinnette………………… Bishop Centenary College…………School Days are for Studies
13… Adana Dardaine……………….. Sangre Grande
…………………………………………….. Educational Institute…………………For a Worthy Cause
14…A’Janae King Fraser…………. Arima Girls’ RC………………………..A Royal Miss Out
15… Kurlise Jada Bentham……….. Sacred Heart Girls’……………………The Family Unit
16… Renaldo Alleyne Noreiga…… St Mary’s College……………………..The U Turn of a Man

According to an article on the Associated Press (AP) website, “President Donald Trump discussed what the White House calls ‘shared priorities’ in phone calls to the leaders of Panama and the twin-island nation of Trinidad and Tobago.” An AP story posted at 11.30 am on Sunday, indicated that Trump planned to hold separate telephone conversations with Rowley and Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela.

Yesterday’s AP article concluded, “Trump invited both leaders to visit Washington DC, in the coming months.” Rowley is scheduled to pay state visits to China and Chile this year. Commenting on what “shared priorities” Rowley and Trump should discuss, whenever they meet, former national security minister Gary Griffith identified security as a major issue.

Griffith said this country is a signatory to United Nations Resolution 2178 which deals with countries affected by foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs).

This resolution caters for information sharing in real time, between law enforcement agencies in different jurisdictions regarding FTFs and other terrorist activities.

Griffith said this is an area TT and the US need to collaborate closely on, “given what is happening these days.” He said border security is another area which TT and the US should collaborate on.

Griffith recalled that when he was in office, he was in the process of obtaining advice from the US regarding a ‘maritime wall’ as a measure to bolster this country’s border security.

FATCA FACTOR Former head of the Public Service Reginald Dumas stated, “I would like to assume that FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act) formed part of the discussion (on Sunday between Rowley and Trump).

Noting that Caricom leaders have expressed concern about FATCA, Dumas said Rowley would not have the authority to take a Caricom position on FATCA but would have to discuss it with his regional counterparts.

He suggested that if it were possible, Rowley could be accompanied to the meeting by Guyanese President David Granger who is the current Caricom chairman.

Dumas said this would allow Trump “to kill two birds with one stone” but this was Trump’s call. At a news conference on Saturday, Rowley said Caricom leaders are seeking to approach the Trump Administration with a view to eliminating the threat posed to regional banking systems as a result of non-compliance with FATCA.

Dumas agreed with Griffith that security should feature in the talks but observed that apart from a bilateral dimension, security from a Caricom perspective also needs to be examined.

Rowley has responsibility within Caricom’s quasi-Cabinet for security. Dumas also said investment and energy are two other issues which both leaders should discuss.

He stated that with the US set to become a producer of shale oil and gas, this would affect this country’s energy exports.

Former trade minister Mariano Browne said he did not know whether FATCA could be raised in any discussions between Rowley and Trump.

Browne explained that even if it did, this was a matter that is “subject to internal US policy.” He noted that the Trump Administration is already looking at a tax package of its own.

Browne opined that given energy developments in the US, TT finds itself on a bit of “a sticky wicket.” He also said TT would have to carefully weigh those developments as it pursues its own energy initiatives with Venezuela.

TT’S EMINENT POSITION Political analyst Indera Sagewan- Alli yesterday observed that Trump’s call to Dr Rowley was based on the view that Trinidad and Tobago is viewed as the regional leader of the CARICOM region. She said Trump may seek to establish closer ties with countries deemed as leaders within certain blocs of nations.

“He is looking at the world, the blocs that the world is comprised of, he is looking at the strategic locations of countries and he’s reaching out to those countries he feels are power brokers in their respective areas.

“So in that context it’s not surprising it would be Trinidad and Tobago, because TT is the largest economy in CARICOM, from a perspective of development, in terms of our exports, oil and gas sector, from all of these perspectives-Trinidad and Tobago is the kind of Mecca of the region,” she said.

“Also we are strategically located between Latin America, that Spanish speaking bloc of the world, and the United States and our capacity in terms of the English speaking bridge, I think would be very significant to any President,” she added.

However, she noted that the number one priority for the US President was the issue of security and that Trinidad and Tobago had recently featured in the US media as being a “source of terrorism.” “We must put in context this report which was carried in the American press of Trinidad and Tobago being a source of terrorism, so we can’t dismiss that,” she said, adding, “we have to put that into context of the significant clamping down the Trump Administration is doing from its perspective of allowing who they perceive as terrorists, who they perceive as threats coming into the country.” CHAMBERS PLEASED The telephone call has been viewed by heads of two business chambers as “positive” as the chamber heads expressed hope that US assistance in the fight against crime rate had been sought by Rowley.

he United States.” Chaguanas Chamber of Industry and Commerce (CCIC) president Richie Sookhai said the call from the US President can be viewed as “something positive” as the US deems TT as an “important ally in terms of helping towards security and trade in the Caribbean.” “We do hope that they can strengthen ties once more and we hope the Prime Minister takes the opportunity to ask the US Government for potential help in our burgeoning crime situation which is getting out of control,” Sookhai said.

Penal/Debe Chamber of Commerce (PDCC) president Shiva Roopnarine agred, saying the issue of border strengthening should have been a major talking point given this country strategic location to South America.

“It’s interesting that he called, it’s a positive note and we hope that the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago would take advantage of the situation and seek whatever assistance that he can get from the US to help bring us out of this recession and whatever assistance we can get to control the crime situation,” Roopnarine said.

(Additional reporting by RICHARDSON DHALAI)

The Woman Police Constable (WPC) and her four-year-old son escaped when the bandits’ car crashed into a light pole in Cunaripo late on Sunday night.

According to reports, WPC Natasha Coyah, 26, of Sangre Grande left home with her son to visit a male friend in Tunapuna. In the evening, mother and son left Tunapuna en route to their home, when it is believed, the bandits followed her.

When WPC Coyah arrived outside her house at 10 pm, three armed men pounced on her and forced her into the house.

The men ransacked the house and seized a quantity of items before forcing the frightened officer and her son into their (the bandits) Nissan Tiida car which then sped off to an unknown destination. In the Cunaripo district, the driver lost control of the vehicle which veered off the road and crashed into a light pole.

The bandits abandoned the car and ran off in different directions.

WPC Coyah sought assistance from a resident and a call was made to the police. A combined party of officers from both Eastern and Northern Divisions, under the supervision of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Surujdeen Persad swung into action and a 29-year-old man from San Juan was arrested.

During intense interrogation, Newsday was told, investigators received key information regarding the other two suspects and arrests warrants are expected to be taken out for them soon. Mother and son were taken to a health facility shortly after the ordeal for treatment.

WPC Coyah told investigators that she prayed for herself and her son while in the bandits’ car as she did not know what was to become of them. She is expected to receive counselling from the Victims and Witness Support Unit of the TT Police Service.

The suspect is expected to be placed on an Identification Parade this week. Fingerprint experts have since ‘dusted’ the crashed getaway car and WPC Coyah’s house for evidence.

Investigations are continuing.

Doctors said the teenager, Dario Persad of Williamsville, suffered severe memory loss and spinal injuries as a result of the impact of the blow to his head. The attack, which has since gone viral on social media, shows the teenager being slammed to a board inside the classroom of the San Fernando West Secondary School by another student on February 7. The video also shows Persad falling to the ground after he was slammed against the board. Persad was unresponsive.

Emergency Health Services were contacted and the teenager was rushed to the San Fernando General Hospital where he was treated. Persad was kept overnight for treatment at the hospital. Speaking to Newsday yesterday at the family’s home, Persad’s grandmother Bina Pancham, said the parents of the boy allegedly involved in the attack had made arrangements and paid for Persad to obtain a CT scan. She said the results showed that “everything was normal”

Pancham said the family decided to perform another CT scan privately and the results showed that Persad suffered swelling in the brain which is causing memory loss. “He was also getting a lot of pain to his back and the doctors, after examining my grandson, showed that there was also spinal injury.” Pancham said she would always see and hear of reports of fights at schools but never knew her grandson would become a victim. “I have watched the video many times. It is a straight case of bullying and my grandson was the one to suffer. He is now like a baby, he cannot remember many things and we now have to tell him everything about himself. It is really sad to know what our family is going through.” Persad is also a player for the South Zone Under-15 cricket team. Pancham said the family continues to pray for the teenager’s full recovery. “Doctors said once the swelling in his brain is reduced he would be able to regain his memory, but the doctor is not certain how long this would take. Imagine he did not even recognise me and he did not know he has a brother.” She said the family is also considering legal action. The other pupil involved in the attack was suspended from school for one week and has now returned to school. Education officials are expected to meet with Persad’s parents today at the Ministry of Education’s San Fernando office.

While the very supportive crowd of onlookers in the stands were greatly pleasured by each performance, the event was no mere exercise in triteness but a deep affirmation of positiveness on a higher level.

Here were youngsters displaying self-discipline and teamwork to craft beautiful melodies in presentations that reflect the very best of what we are as a people.

Many of the pupils of St Joseph’s College, San Fernando, who played a scintillating rendition of the late Lord Kitchener’s Toco Band would not have even been born when the song was written or indeed when the late Grandmaster passed in 2000. Yet they have embraced his greatness as their very own personal legacy, to pass the cultural baton down the generations.

At the same time, other junior bands gloriously translated into pan notes the modern sounds of soca stars such as MX Prime and Aaron “Voice” St Louis. We congratulate St Margaret’s Anglican Primary School for topping the Primary School category (followed respectively by St Paul’s Anglican and St Mary’s Government Schools). Likewise, congratulations are due to St Francois Girls College which won the Secondary School category (followed by Trinity College East and St Joseph’s College, St Joseph).

Yet we say that all bands were winners, whatever their formal placement. Every pupil who took part, and every adult who helped him or her to get to the venue, to train in the weeks beforehand, to get outfitted in their resplendent attire, is a winner. All have helped to sustain the national instrument that TT has bequeathed to the rest of the world.

We are heartened at the success of these finals despite the earlier rumblings in the pan movement over accountability and transparency, and glad that this conflict has not disincentivised our youngsters.

In fact, we hope the superb performance by our pan juniors will be an inspiration to adults within the pan movement and in the governance positions in the fields of education and culture to do all they can to continue to develop and refine the pan and to empower these youngsters to continue their musical journey.

We recall for example the journey of Exodus Steelband arranger, Mia Gormandy, from being a fourth former at St Joseph’s Convent, Port-of-Spain, playing Rimsky Korsokoff ’s Flight of the Bumblebee to then pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Illinois and Florida, USA, to now herself completing the circle to be mentor to a new generation.

Her journey illustrates for other youngsters the wisdom of broadening their repertoire to embrace as many musical genres as possible, any of which can be a vehicle for pan’s progress.

Even as we urge youngsters to see how far pan can carry them, we celebrate the presence at the Panorama Semifinals of Birdsong Academy, a veritable nursery for teaching the playing and reading of music to our young pannists, many of whom would have also performed on Sunday.

Youngsters and their bands must be given incentives — stipends, equipment, training — to develop pan and so in turn themselves be developed by pan, to create the next generation of Len “Boogsie” Sharpes and Ken “Professor” Philmores. So along with their counterparts in junior mas, kaiso and soca, we salute our pan juniors