My mom Marjorie Popplewell was assessed by Dr Donna Rampersad when we arrived and was rushed into the A&E for immediate attention.

The seriousness of her condition was explained to me in detail by two doctors, one of whom was Dr Ali who took the time to explain what treatment he was recommending and why. My mom was subsequently warded in the High Dependency Unit over the period February 4 and 5 and received round-theclock care and attention.

Dr Grant, the house doctor on duty, further patiently explained about my mother’s worsening condition as did Dr Rampersad.

As my mother’s heart stopped beating, doctors rushed over from the Intensive Care Unit to conduct CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), but to no avail.

Both the doctors and nurses on the ward were compassionate in their delivery of the dire news, taking the family into a private room and exhibiting a level of empathy that is reminiscent of the Public Service of old.

Despite the eventual outcome I can truly say that the doctors at POSGH did their best for my mother and my family says a heartfelt thanks for their efforts.

Keep up the good work.

Arlene Popplewell- Stephen via email

“We pat ourselves on the back, counting schools and their scholarships every year whilst our membership is dwindling in our congregations,” Teelucksingh said.

He made the comments yesterday at the auditorium of the Chaguanas Borough Corporation at an event titled ‘Conversations’. It was the second in a series hosted by the Synod to commemorate the 150th anniversary celebrations (2018) of the PCTT.

The theme of the event is “Proud to be Presbyterian.” Providing a historical perspective of PCTT, Teelucksingh noted that its five high (secondary) schools and 72 primary schools have powerful impacts on this country’s educational system. He questioned whether the work of the Church has become stagnant as PCTT has neither an educational institution nor a physical church building in Tobago.

He added: “The years of talking and dreaming about building a secondary school in central Trinidad and a hospital, never materialised.

Should we be thinking about Presbyterian radio and television stations? Hindus and Muslims now have their own.

What about a Presbyterian university? Others have done it already. What legacy have we left for the next generation?” He charged that based on the teachings of the faith, PCTT always set high standards for life in TT. Its strict ethical and moral code, preserved over the years, the lecturer said, prohibited the use of alcohol, to presiding elders, lay pastors and deaconess, Teelucksingh added that as a Church, it has not attracted more full-time pastors.

“They have provided yeoman services to our church but too many of our pulpits are not occupied by ordained Ministers on a Sunday. Presbyterian culture in Trinidad and Tobago and elsewhere prefer ordained Ministers to oversee worship,” Teelucksingh said.

While all auxiliary ministries are useful, they could never replace a Reverend on a Sunday, not at prayer meetings, at wakes and at funerals. Solving this problem is a priority if the church is to survive.

“Maintaining the status quo keeps us in a failed comfort zone. For us in the Presbyterian Church, let us not stay any longer in the comfort of a proud history,” he added. Among those in attendance were Anthony Rampersad, Justice Vasheist Kokaram and Chaguanas Mayor Gopaul Boodhan.

The ILO, in a statement issued on Friday, said the forum “will bring together Ministers with responsibility for Labour, Permanent Secretaries and high-level officials of the English-speaking and Dutch-speaking Caribbean, as well as representatives from the Caribbean Congress of Labour (CCL) and the Caribbean Employers’ Confederation (CEC), civil society, academia, development partners and the United Nations.” Under the Future of Work Centenary Initiative, which the ILO launched in 2013, this forum will examine the drivers of change as they affect the world of work in the Caribbean and identify the proactive action needed to shape the future of work that we want.

Three themes will frame an engaging discussions with panellists, including the ILO Regional Director, Mr Jose Manuel Salazar Xirinachs, and the audience: • Decent Jobs for All; • Governance of Work; and • Organization of Work and Production.

According to an article posted at 11.30 am on the Associated Press’ (AP) website, “President Donald Trump plans to speak Sunday with leaders from Panama and Trinidad and Tobago.” The article continued, “ A White House official says Trump will speak to leaders of both countries. The official requested anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the president’s schedule.” Official confirmation of President Trump’s telephone conversation with Prime Minister Rowley was contained in a statement issued by Press Secretary to the Prime Minister, Arlene Gorin George, received by Newsday at 6 pm. The brief statement read, “This afternoon at approximately 4.40 pm, the Honourable Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley had a conversation with the President of the United States of America, Mr Donald Trump.” The statement continued, “The Prime Minister and the President of the United States of America spoke about a number of issues of mutual interest to Trinidad and Tobago and the United States.” Rowley and Trump agreed that both of their administrations, “would continue working together on matters including security and trade.” Yesterday’s statement concluded, “It was acknowledged that both countries have had a close working relationship which will continue to be strengthened.” Rowley is the latest in a group of world leaders who Trump has had direct conversation with since assuming office in January.

On February 17, Trump spoke with Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi. On February 16, Trump spoke with Argentine President Mauricio Macri. On February 15, Trump had separate phone conversations with South African President Jacob Zuma and Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari.

The AP article said Trump’s calls to Rowley and Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela yesterday, “come on a busy day for Trump.” The AP article said Trump was yesterday interviewing candidates to be his new national security adviser, in the wake of the resignation of Michael Flynn from that post last week. Flynn resigned after revelations emerged that he had discussed US sanctions on Russia with Russian Ambassador to the US, Sergey Kisylak, before Trump took office. Trump was also reportedly planning a health care policy meeting yesterday. (See Page A23) CARICOM LOOKS TO TRUMP Trump’s conversation with Rowley comes 24 hours after the Prime Minister returned home from a Caricom Heads of Government Meeting in Guyana. At a news conference at the Piarco International Airport on Saturday, the Prime Minister said Caricom leaders are seeking to approach the Trump Administration in with a view to eliminating the threat posed to regional banking systems as a result of non-compliance with the controversial Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA). Rowley said a lobby team is being sought among Caricom leaders to steer the process, which is expected to cost the region some US$240,000.

When the House of Represenatives last sat on February 13, Rowley moved a motion to ensure that the joint select committee (JSC) dealing with the Tax Information Exchange Agreements Bill 2016 would complete its work and report to the House on Thursday.

The bill is crucial to TT being FATCA compliant. The Opposition supported the Prime Minister’s motion.

The House is expected to vote on a motion to approve the JSC’s report on the bill and the bill itself, when it sits from 1.30 pm on Thursday. Newsday understands that once the House approves the report and the bill, the latter would be passed easily in the Senate.

The bill requires a three-fifths majority for passage in the House (25 votes) and in the Senate (19 votes). The Senate last sat on February 14 and has been adjourned to a date to be fixed.

US NOT REPEALING FATCA On February 13, Finance Minister Colm Imbert said his last communication with the US Government indicated that the Trump Administration is not repealing FATCA. Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar wrote to Trump last month asking whether FATCA would be repealed. On February 2, the Opposition released a blog written by former US diplomat James George Jatras which allegedly supported Persad-Bissessar’s letter to Trump.

Yesterday, Naparima MP Rodney Charles joined Oropouche East MP Dr Roodal Moonilal in condemning Caricom leaders for seeking to lobby the Trump Administration on FATCA. Charles claimed Persad-Bissessar’s act was “courageous” and will not cost taxpayers “a single cent.” Charles also claimed all of FATCA’s implications are unknown. On Saturday, Rowley said Caricom leaders are well aware of all the implications that non-compliance with FATCA will have on the region.

Caricom also underscored the importance of its relations with the US, stating that regional leaders looked forward to continuing the fruitful and mutually beneficial relationship with the Trump Administration. The Prime Minister also on Saturday, spoke about TT sporting ambassador Dwight Yorke being blocked from boarding a flight to the US after he was red-flagged by officials in Qatar.

Rowley said people engaging in international travel must be cognisant of new visa laws which were instituted by former US President Barack Obama.

In a statement on January 31, Rowley said, “TT’s unshakeable commitment to combating terrorism and religious extremism in all its forms, cannot be called into question.”

The distressed teacher visited Cunupia Police Station to report the death threat. In October, the student who is a member of a gang, maliciously set fire to the school compound resulting in the principal, staff room, tuck-shop and other rooms being razed. A report on the incident was made to the Cunupia police and another report sent to the Ministry of Education. However, the ministry after reviewing the report, instructed that the student not be expelled and he returned to school in January. According to well-placed sources, the student’s father who is a police officer, has already stated that he cannot control the teenager.

Teachers have said they are in no position to rehabilitate the youngster.

The schoolboy was one of several students ordered transferred from the Chaguanas North Government School by Minister of Education Anthony Garcia last year for deviant behaviour. This student was transferred to the Cunupia High School and according to reports, the lives of teachers at the school have since become miserable because of his continued deviant behaviour.

According to sources, the student has long unkempt hair and has not been wearing the school uniform when he attends classes. The female teacher who was threatened last week by the student, was in tears at the Cunupia Police Station, as she reported the threat.

Other teachers at the school have also written to the Ministry of Education asking for an invention because they too have had instances of unruly and disrespectful behaviour from the same student. Teachers at the school said if the ministry fails to address the situation, they will be asking for transfers.

This as joint Chutney Soca Monarch Ravi B (Ravi Bissambhar) yesterday stoutly denied ever wishing death on veteran chutney artiste Raymond Ramnarine of Dil e Nadan fame. The claim was made by Ramnarine after he received a lifetime achievement award at the Chutney Brass show on Saturday at Guaracara Park in Pointe-a-Pierre.

As he accepted the award from President Anthony Carmona, Ramnarine gave thanks to God, his family and his fans for the support throughout the years. It was when he began to perform on stage after, that Ramnarine paused in mid song and said he wanted to tell those present, that another performer earlier at the show, had wished death on him.

“Tonight an artiste wished that I was dead. Envy and hate exists in our industry, sadly. But you know what? I will wish him happiness.

I am saddened by what he said on stage. Instead of applauding my efforts to preserve our culture, he wished I was dead. But in my heart I cannot wish anyone even my worst enemy, death. Let’s pray for this individual. Envy and hate is name of the game,” Ramnarine told the crowd. Speaking with Newsday later, Ramnarine said he was very disappointed and hurt over the comment he attributed to Ravi B, who while performing earlier had said a lifetime achievement award is only given when someone is close to dying. “In a time when there is so much crime and negativity in our country we should be thankful for health and strength,” Ramnarine said.

However, Ravi B took to social media yesterday to deny ever wishing bad or death on anyone and hinted that the matter could reach the courts. “Good morning everyone.

The industry we operate in unfortunately gives rise to misrepresentation of information, things you say (and don’t say) both on and off stage can be misconstrued all in the name of pettiness. “I’ve come to accept that. I do not respond to negativity, it has no place in my mission. That said, let me state that at NO POINT during my performance at Chutney Brass last night did I wish death on any artiste! And I challenge anyone to prove otherwise. Further, the fact that my name is being specifically used, accusing me of such statements is an attack on my brand and character and is currently gaining the attention of my legal team.

“Anyone who has come to truly know me over the years, will know that what I am being accused of is unbecoming of me, it is not who I am. When you are at the top there will always be persons trying to bring you down…it comes with the territory. Twisting of the truth though to seek sympathy for yourself is an all new low,” Ravi B wrote.

Ravi B is the joint Chutney Soca Monarch 2017, with his wildly popular song ‘Budget’ tying with Omadath Maharaj’s equally popular son ‘Ramsingh Sharma’. Both men performed their songs at Chutney Brass and received thunderous applause from the appreciative crowd.

For his part, Chutney Brass promoter Randy Glasgow said that some performers may say things to their rivals, but at the end of the day, all must put the music first. He gave an example of Machel Montano and Ian ‘Bunji’ Garlin, who were being perceived as being musical enemies, but this year, came together to produce the hit song ‘Busshead’.

Glasgow said he will be looking into the matter involving Ravi B and Ramnarine. “It is a competitive industry and I want to appeal to the artistes to work it out for the betterment of the music,” Glasgow said, adding that Ravi B, Ramnarine and chutney will be stronger united than divided.

Apart from the tiff between the two chutney stars, Chutney Brass was a success as the show saw thousands filling Guaracara Park.

Even President Carmona stayed back, after presenting the award to Ramnarine, to party and have a good time while Ramnarine and Dil e Nadan performed. However, members of the band Gayatones and Chutney diva Drupatee Ramgoonai could not perform because of time constraints.

The show started at 9 pm Saturday and ended at 4 am yesterday.

Glasgow said he tried to accommodate all the Chutney bands but there was a delay at the start of the show and this resulted in the final band being left out. “The bands will be financially compensated for their time,” Glasgow said, adding that the bands that were advertised to perform will receive their moneys.

Liverpool was one of 15 persons announced to challenge reigning Calypso Monarch Devon Seale at the ‘big yard’, Queen’s Park Savannah.

It was not all smooth sailing for veterans of the calypso art form as two former calypso monarchs received the annual Calypso Fiesta toilet paper wave. However, Chalkie at 75, is still in his musical prime and he dazzled with his hard-hitting song ‘75 cannot go into 14’. In song, he trained his guns on Maha Sabha leader Sat Maharaj over the controversial child marriage issue.

“Long division Sat Maharaj brother; you cyah divide a big number by a small number…because 75 cannot go into 14”, Chalkie sang as the crowd went wild.

Chalkie’s message in song was that a child should not be allowed to marry an older man. Singing since 1967, this will be Chalkie’s 48th visit to a Calypso Monarch finals, testament to his musical longevity.

He has won the competition eight time.

Patrons brought out their toilet paper to wave as seasoned calypsonian and former politician Winston ‘Gypsy’ Peters performed when he sand ‘Angry Land.’ “We no longer care and hate is everywhere; angry soul and we are out of control,” Gypsy sang as a sea of toilet paper, held high by the audience, waved in the breeze’. He tried to pacify the crowds by doing an extempo line saying, ‘The best audience no matter where I go…I call Cocoyea my home…why you treating me so?’ Former Calypso Monarch Roderick ‘Chucky’ Gordon also got toilet paper for his song ‘Tell Me Mr Trini’ in which he questioned what the PNM-led government is doing for the people. Former monarch Weston ‘Cro Cro’ Rawlins received a warm reception for his song ‘Final Send Off’, an ode to deceased former prime minister Patrick Manning.

Political commentary and crime were the major topics by many of the 43 performers at the Fiesta, where three so-called reserves were allowed to perform along with the 40 competitors. Of the 15 selected to challenge Seale in the Finals, eight are women. The finalists include: Weston ‘Cro Cro’ Rawlins, Winston ‘Gypsy’ Peters, Victoria ‘Queen Victoria’ Cooper, Terri Lyons, Sasha Ann Moses, Rondell Donowa, Roderick ‘Chucky’ Gordon, Miguella Simon, Marsha ‘Lady Adana’ Charles, Lornette ‘Fya Empress’ Reid, Kurt Allen, Karene Asche, Heather Mc Intosh, Hollis ‘Mighty Chalkdust’ Liverpool and Anthony ‘All Rounder’ Hendrickson.

This partial collapse caused traffic to back up to the extent that the routine trip home for motorists ended up taking several hours, with even traffic between the capital and Chaguanas being backed up for miles on both the Solomon Hochoy and Churchill Roosevelt Highways.

Blame fell onto the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) for a burst water-pipe eroding the subsoil under the highway, leading to a cave-in. WASA to their credit immediately put a statement to alert the general public to the fact of a disruption at the site and to advise motorists to follow guidance from local police officers on how to proceed.

As it turned out the authorities quite rightly allowed motorists to use the Priority Bus Route so as to divert some of the burden away from the Churchill Roosevelt Highway.

Eventually everyone would have gotten home but at the cost of a frustrating snarl in traffic that was also potentially unsafe not from the threat of soil subsidence but rather from what has happened in the past: bandits seeking subsistence from motorists.

A geological issue could have quickly transformed itself into a security issue.

By our count last Friday’s sinkhole was the third of its kind at that area since 2012. One sinkhole incident occurred on September 6, 2012, that was eventually fixed at a cost of $6.7 million. Another occurred on September 27, 2016, apparently caused by a ruptured sewer line, which gouged out an eight-foot diameter hole.

The area is a complex mix of reclaimed lands, seasonal flooding, high and low tides, and variable water-pressure in an aging infrastructure of water-mains, all possibly underlined by occasional geological activity. This obviously calls for an in-depth inspection via some mechanism such as ultrasound for monitoring the bedrock at our nation’s key arteries of transport chiefly highways to seek to detect what is happening underground and to advise on a more permanent solution.

But there is another fundamental to what happened on Friday and it surrounds the question of the evacuation of our city in the event of a major emergency. If a relatively benign sinkhole in a small area could create such despair among motorists, are we not a sitting duck for potential havoc from a more forceful event, God forbid, such as a hurricane or earthquake or even man-made incident? Calls were made for a capital city evacuation plan even during the Patrick Manning Administration.

If this is not in the works as yet, then Fridays incident reminds us that there is urgent need for such a plan to be crafted to instruct what should happen whether the occurrence is a simple sinkhole or a much more complex natural or other disaster.

The dearth of entry points to the capital city means that in an emergency these must be utilised with maximum efficiency. Agencies such as WASA and the police must be on their game in a crisis, but will be greatly helped by a pre-existing evacuation plan for scenarios ranging from sinkhole to storm to insurgency.

So whether it is because of sinkholes, or congestion due to panic over an impending hurricane or the elation over the national football team qualifying for the World Cup, we have experienced traffic chaos too many times before. We sincerely hope that sinkholes can be detected and remedied before they create havoc, and that the long overdue emergency evacuation plans can be put in place. Indeed, last Friday’s occurrence was about more than a sinkhole

A generally demoralised service will neither be committed nor functional nor effective. We may begin by instituting a transparent system of reward for merit, competence and outstanding effort and simultaneously an effective system of sanctions for non-performance, indiscipline and corruption.

A programme of public recognition of merit and excellence among the ranks may motivate others to lift their game and standard and could be the turning of the tide of public perception.

At the same time, there is nothing to erode morale more than the knowledge that incompetence and indifferent performance at whatever rank is rewarded and illicit activity and criminal behaviour condoned.

However, it is common knowledge that a properly functional and effective Police Service is certainly not sufficient to curb crime in the country in the longer term. The prospects for a sustainable reduction of crime in the future will depend on whether a host of issues are effectively addressed. Six years ago, I wrote as follows: “…There is the matter of the efficiency of the judicial system, the inability to target the source of the trade in drugs and illegal arms, the politicisation of the Police Service, the soft stance against white-collar crime and corruption, and the general tendency of lawlessness in the society which includes the circumvention of laws, the deficiency of the education system and the pervasive get-quick-rich mentality by whatever means fair or foul.

“In addition to the above, there is the insidious adherence to a misguided macho culture by many young people in which one’s manhood (and womanhood) has to be proven by, among other things, violent and criminal activity, particularly with the use of firearms.” In addition, there are larger societal issues to be confronted. Many years ago, I noted as follows: “Of great significance is the socialisation process at the level of community, including homes, religious institutions and schools. Many of those who engage in criminal activity come from broken or single-parent families. “We have a vast array of social intervention programmes, but how many are geared to assisting families in curbing the tendency to crime? It will be through programmes of empowerment, both economic and psychological, and the involvement and support of community organisations, that perhaps we can see a way forward.

“The inculcation of basic values such as sanctity of life, respect for the rule of law, for authority and for the person and property of others, fear of consequences of criminal activity, honesty, helpfulness and compassion.

These values have to be instilled from an early age, hence the seminal socialisation role of family, school and community organisations.

“Since the majority of those engaged in criminal activities are dropouts from the education system, we must enquire as to how the system could be revamped to incorporate these elements in longer-term schooling. “We have to empower individuals and communities in order to reduce their vulnerability to the lure of criminality and it will not be done by taking the easy route of giving handouts and temporary relief.

Palliatives will not deal with the root cause of the problem. Among the youth we have to develop a sense of community and a commitment to service. Therefore a national programme of service focused on the communities should be established.

“Crime against person and property will not be reduced if we continue to evade the issues of white-collar crime and corruption.

If corporate executives are seen to be engaged in mult i-mi l – lion-dollar frauds with impuni t y, then a signal is given to others that crime can go unpunished.”

Speaking on condition of anonymity yesterday, a veteran calypsonian told Newsday: “It is a sad day for calypso, now anybody could come and say, ‘I want to perform’ and get their way.” A total of 40 were listed to perform at the National Calypso Monarch semi-finals out of which 15 would be selected for the grand finals at Dimanche Gras, Queen’s Park Savannah on Carnival Sunday. By end of the night on Saturday, 43 calypsonians faced the judges, which raised many an eyebrows especially after well-respected calypso tent Kalypso Revue last week pulled out of the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (TUCO) after only one of its cast of calypsonians was picked for the semis.

The aggrieved calypsonians argued that reserves are only allowed to perform if a finalist cannot take his or her place in the competition. None of the finalists selected, pulled out of semis. The calypsonian asked: “So what really going on? Even if ‘Impulse’ mounted a legal challenge and won, on what basis were the other two reserves allowed to perform?” Newsday learned that ‘Impulse’ who was not originally selected as a semi-finalist, sought through his attorney Dexter Bailey to challenge TUCO.

It was later discovered that ‘Impulse’ was a financial member and properly registered and should have been considered. He was contacted on Friday night and told to get ready to compete in Fiesta the next day.

Contacted yesterday, ‘Impulse’ said, “I got a call almost midnight on Friday telling me I am a semi-finalist.” It was during the first half of the show on Saturday that an announcement was made on stage that he would be appearing in 41st position. However, when his time came to perform it was a different story. Newsday learned that chaos ensued backstage just as ‘Impulse’ was about to enter the stage resulting in him being pulled off in favor of ‘Spicey’ who sang “Missing You”.

Her performance was followed by Guerra who sang “Priorities.” Impulse sang in last position and said he never had a fair chance.

“My skit was in progress on stage and I was just about to enter the stage when I was stopped and told I was not going again,” an aggrieved Modeste said. Attorney Bailey yesterday confirmed that he wrote to TUCO on behalf of his client. “I wrote them, they saw my point and upon checking, it was discovered that an internal (TUCO) error was made. And rather than going to court, it was decided that he should perform and he was allowed to do so,” Bailey said.

Efforts to reach TUCO chairman Lutalo “Brother Resistance” Masimba yesterday for a comment proved futile as calls to his cell phone went unanswered.

(See Page 10)