Page 6297 – Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

Ramdin century leads Red Force to 300

SHERDON PIERRE

Red Force captain Denesh Ramdin scored a century yesterday to help lead his team to a decent first innings score as action in their Cricket West Indies (CWI) regional four-day match against Barbados Pride started on day two after only four balls were possible due to a wet outfield on the opening day at the Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados.

Ramdin’s hundred came off 159 balls and included 14 fours. The 32 year old, discarded by the West Indies selectors, gave a timely reminder to the selectors of his capabilities to help push TT to 300 after the batting began to falter after a solid start by the opening pair of Jeremy Solozano and Amir Jangoo. The duo added 62 runs before Jangoo was caught by Johnathon Carter off Bajan captain Kevin Stoute for 26 runs. The very next ball Stoute had Isiah Rajah LBW first ball as Red Force slipped to 62/2. Solozano’s aggressive innings ended at 54 runs which included eight fours and one six. He was caught behind by Mario Rampersaud off the bowling of Justin Greaves.

Ramdin joined Ewart Nicholson at the wicket with the score at 100/3. The two solidified the innings by batting cautiously and putting away the bad balls. Nicholson brought up his half century, hitting Williams for a six over long off to guide the Red Force to 174/3 at the end of the first session with Nicholson on 52 and Ramdin 36.

Nicholson started the second session purposely by cutting Warrican for four runs and the very next ball hitting him straight back for six. After a few tight overs, Ramdin tickled an Ashley Nurse’s ball for a single to fine leg, bringing up the 200th run in the innings and the 100 runs partnership between him and Nicholson. The former West Indies Test captain then recorded his half century in Nurse’s other over with a boundary.

A seemingly impatient Nicholson gifted his wicket to the Barbadians when he was caught on the boundary by Williams off Warrican for a well played 74 runs (8 fours, 3 sixes). The wicket ended a 125-run partnership at 225/4.

The setting of the sun and the flood lights seemed to have assisted the faster bowlers as the next over, Greaves picked up his second wicket of the innings when he had Tion Webster caught behind by Rampersaud for two runs.

Continuing on his probing line, Greaves had Primus edging to wicketkeeper Rampersaud for four with the score now 241/6. Greaves excellent spell of swing bowling continued when he had Imran Khan (1 run) edging to second slip Nurse who took a sharp low catch to his left.

Despite the fall of wickets at the other end, Ramdin displayed his experience as he persevered with a patient and well-assured innings to get to triple figures with a cut shot for a boundary off Warrican. But looking to push on, he was out next ball , caught at long on by Nurse.

At press time, Red Force were nine wickets down as they limped to 300 runs.

Fraud squad moves on Fyzabad

YVONNE WEBB

UPDATED:

The investigation into the falsifying of documents for two students to qualify for a place in the sixth form – and on the Fyzabad Secondary School football team – took a dramatic twist yesterday, as members of the fraud squad have now become involved.

Four officers in an unmarked police vehicle went to the school yesterday morning, as the investigation into the fraudulent registration of the players who did not have the requisite qualifications to qualify to play with the Fyzo Tigers team continues.

Reports indicate that the officers, in a heavily tinted vehicle, drove past the sentry on duty and into the school compound, around mid-morning. The sentry went to the vehicle to enquire about the occupants who identified themselves as officers from the Fraud Squad.

They were led to the office of principal Troy Jebodhsing with whom they engaged in a two-hour long meeting. Details of what they spoke about remain confidential.

However, sources indicate that the dragnet in the investigation has spread, as information relating to officials at the level of the Ministry of Education involved in the falsifying of documents has surfaced – not only at the school – among other irregularities including financial donations.

Education Minister Anthony Garcia, in a telephone interview, said he was unaware of the involvement of the Fraud Squad in the football matter, but assured if any member of the ministry’s team was engaged in any kind of misdeed, they would be severely dealt with.

“I cannot confirm the Fraud Squad’s involvement. In fact, our School Supervisor III for the St Patrick District, the CEO is in contact with her and she is supposed to give us a report into the investigation. At this point (around 4.45pm yesterday), we don’t have that information because the School Supervisor III herself does not have that information.”

On the other hand, he said, “if there are any misdeeds being conducted by any school official, once those misdeeds are proven, we will take action. I am saying, once it is proven, because you know there are allegations flying left, right, and centre, I draw reference to a letter (in another daily newspaper) that while one boy was being raped, he was crying out in pain. Utter nonsense. People make all kinds of allegations and I don’t want to make a statement on the basis of allegations. If I have to make a statement it must be on the basis of what comes out of those investigations.

“The point I am making, is if on the basis of investigation, it is found anybody in the school system has conducted any falsehood or misdemeanour, then we would take action.” Garcia made it clear that the football league is a principals’ league and principals are the ones who should be in control of the league.

However, he noted that because the duties of a principal are numerous, often times such responsibilities are delegated. Nevertheless, he said, the principals must exercise closer oversight of what happens in football.

ORIGINAL STORY:

Officers of the Fraud Squad division of the TT Police Service visited Fyzabad Secondary today and spoke to its Principal Troy Jebodhsing for close two hours in a new twist to the school being kicked out the Secondary Schools Football League.

Four officers in an unmarked police vehicle, reportedly went to the school as the investigation into the fraudulent registration of the two players who did not have the requisite qualifications to qualify to play with the Fyzo Tigers team continues. It was revealed that the CSEC certificates of the two players were falsified to allow them to enter Six Form and play for the school.

More details in tomorrow’s Newsday.

St Joseph’s Convent PoS Principal ‘proud’

Principal of St Joseph’s Convent, Port of Spain, Anna Pounder, is “proud” of the 38 young ladies and men from her school who have earned national scholarships, based on their 2017 Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE) results.

St Joseph’s Convent tied with Naparima Girls’ High School in San Fernando for the most scholarships earned by a school this year. The news was announced by Education Minister, Anthony Garcia, today (Friday) during a press conference at the ministry’s head office, St Vincent Street, Port of Spain.

Contacted for a comment, Pounder told Newsday, “You’re breaking this news to me. I haven’t seen anything in writing yet.”

Asked how she felt about the achievement, Pounder said, “It’s such an honour. I commend our young ladies on their hard work, discipline and dedication. The staff feel privileged that we were able to help them achieve their academic goals. I must thank my dedicated teachers for putting in the work to help them do so well. We are proud of this accomplishment.”

In related news, the top-performing all-male schools are Hillview College in Tunapuna and Presentation College Chaguanas, with 29 scholarships each.

SEE A FULL LIST OF ALL SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS HERE

A full list of the 2017 Scholarship Winners

SURNAME, FIRST NAME, SCHOL, TYPE

ASJA BOYS’ COLLEGE SAN FERNANDO

BURKE QUACY ANDY, Natural sciences, Open
RAGHOO JOSHUA CULLEN, Natural sciences, Open
SAMUEL LINDON, Natural sciences, Additional
ASJA GIRLS’ COLLEGE SAN FERNANDO
RAMADHARSINGH ARIELLE KATERINA, Humanities, Open
BHARATH MERLISA SHARANA, Mathematics, Open
JAHOOR LATISHA RASHEEDA, Business, Additional
RAMDATH SAHRA AMBA, Business Additional,
MUSTAPHAR ALLISSAH, ICT Additional,
RAM MEERA MADHAVI, Mathematics, Additional
KHAN MOHAMMED SAMARA TAHIRA, Natural sciences, Additional
MOHAMMED RAHEEMA SA’DIYA, Natural sciences, Additional

ASJA GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL CHARLIEVILLE

PERSAD VASISHMA KANITA, Natural sciences, Additional

BISHOP ANSTEY & TRINITY COLLEGE EAST

SOLOZANO DANICIA MARIA, ICT, Open
PIERRE KEISWANNA AKEILA KRISTY, Business Additional
ROSEMIN TAI JUSTYN, ICT Additional,
SUPERVILLE RAPHAEL, ICT Additional
NOREIGA JADE CHRISTY JOZEY, Mathematics Additional
GARAVITO MARTINEZ LAURA MANUELA, Natural sciences, Additional
GILKES TIA S, Natural sciences, Additional
IRISH MC LEOD DANISSA ADANNA, Natural sciences, Additional

BISHOP ANSTEY HIGH SCHOOL

CUNNINGHAM JENIA MARION, Creative Arts, Open
HINDS MAYA SHANICE, Languages Open
SLOANE-SEALE KAI ADARA, Mathematics Open
FRANCIS ANASTASIA MARITZA, Natural sciences, Additional

BISHOP HIGH SCHOOL TOBAGO

HAYLING KEIZEL KEANNE, Mathematics, Open
JAMES SAFIYA NKAWA, Natural sciences, Open
SCOTLAND LLOYEN HELOISE, General Studies, Additional
ROCHFORD PHIA GENEIVE JOSLYN, Natural sciences, Additional
COUVA EAST SECONDARY SCHOOL
SAMAROO KATRINA, Environmental, Open
MOHAMMED SAMEERAH ZAINAB, Natural sciences, Open
JOHN CHERNELL, Environmental, Additional
RAMJATTAN LEANDRA SARAH, Environmental, Additional
ALI KADEEM TAARIQ, Natural sciences, Additional
KESARISINGH KRISHNA HEMRAJ, Natural sciences, Additional

COWEN HAMILTON SECONDARY SCHOOL

SOOKNANAN IAN DANIEL, Natural sciences, Additional

EL DORADO EAST SECONDARY SCHOOL

RAMJIT AJAY Natural sciences, Additional

FATIMA COLLEGE

HERRERA JOHN-MICHAEL S, General Studies, Open
VIALVA-HUSBANDS GYASI M, Humanities, Open
COLTHRUST ISAIAH D, ICT, Open
ALEXIS ADAM MARC, Mathematics, Open
DE VERTEUIL LIAM S, Mathematics, Open
GARCIA DAMANI MARC-ANTHONY, Mathematics, Open
COCKBURN DANIEL A.A, Environmental, Additional
VOSS CHRISTOPHER M, Environmental, Additional
LEWIS STEFFON A, General Studies, Additional
COONAI CIAN D, Natural sciences, Additional
GOODING JOSHUA A, Natural sciences, Additional
IBRAHIM MUHAMMAD J, Natural sciences, Additional
LEZAMA XAVIER G.A, Natural sciences, Additional

HILLVIEW COLLEGE

RAMCHARITA JORDAN RAJ, Environmental, Open
HERNANDEZ DOMINIC SALVADOR, ICT, Open
JOHN ISAIAH CAMERON RUDELL, ICT, Open
RAGHUNANDAN HAROLD, ICT, Open
CHADEE STEPHANIE SHALINI, Mathematics, Open
GAJADHAR AIDAN SHIV, Mathematics, Open
MARAJ RESHAWN GOOLCHARAN, Mathematics, Open
MOHAMMED CHRISTOPHER BARKAT, Mathematics, Open
MOHAMMED ISHMAIL ISAHAC, Mathematics, Open
MYLON DENISON JOEL, Mathematics, Open
RAMDEEN RONALDO DARIUS URIEL, Mathematics, Open
VADIGI SUHAAS VENKATA SAI, Mathematics, Open
ABRAHAM DAVID ARNOLD, Natural sciences, Open
BEKELE ADILLA, Natural sciences, Open
HOSEIN JONATHAN, Business, Additional
MOHAMMED ZANE IAN, Business, Additional
RAMPAUL RAEMUS, Business, Additional
ALI SAYYID, Environmental, Additional
RAMBARRAN SITARA JUHI, Environmental, Additional
GREENIDGE ANTON FIDEL, ICT, Additional
SALICK DILLON MARK, Mathematics, Additional
AKALOO STEPHEN, Natural sciences, Additional
CHAMAROO CHRISTIAN JEROME, Natural sciences, Additional
KHAN NABEEL YUSUF, Natural sciences, Additional
MOHAMMED TARIQ FAREED, Natural sciences, Additional
RAMDASS XIAN TYLER, Natural sciences, Additional
RAMTAHAL REVASH KRISTIAN, Natural sciences, Additional
SHALLOWE B’JON NAYLAN TED, Natural sciences, Additional
SINGH VARUN AKASH, Natural sciences, Additional

HOLY FAITH CONVENT, COUVA

RAMLAL AMELINA THERESA, Mathematics, Open
KISSOONSINGH PRIYANKA, Natural sciences, Open
RAMNATH SHIVANI, Environmental, Additional
JAGBIR RONICA, Natural sciences, Additional
MANBOADH KRISTAL, Natural sciences, Additional
MOHAMMED NIKITA NAIMA, Natural sciences, Additional
MULCHANSINGH SONYA ARIEL, Natural sciences, Additional
SAUNDERS SHANIA MARIA, Natural sciences, Additional
SIMBOO SAMANTHA, Natural sciences, Additional

HOLY FAITH CONVENT, PENAL

ALEXANDER CELESTE NAOMI, Business Open
BERNARD CRISTAL, Environmental, Additional
JOHN CHEVELLE ADRIANA, ICT, Additional
SOOKRAM SAPPHIRE BRITTANY ANNE, Languages, Additional
DE GANNES JINELLE DEBORAH, Natural sciences, Additional
SAMAROO KARISMA, Natural sciences, Additional

HOLY NAME CONVENT, PORT OF SPAIN

HENDERSON TAYLIA, ICT, Open
MOHAMMED DOMINYQUE, ICT, Open
LEWIS KYRA, Business, Additional
QUESTEL SIANN MARIA, Business, Additional
SOOKLAL DIANE, Creative Arts, Additional
ASHTON SHENELLE, Environmental, Additional
HACKSHAW CRYSTAL, Environmental, Additional
MENDEZ TAMERA G, Environmental, Additional
ST LOUIS SOLEILLE, Environmental, Additional

IERE HIGH SCHOOL

HARRYKISSOON KARISHMA Mathematics Open

LAKSHMI GIRLS’ HINDU COLLEGE

GOON VESHALA R, Business, Open
SINGH JORDAN E, Business, Open
SUMAIR HIMLATA A, Business, Open
BALGOBIN ANSARA SAMIRAH, Environmental, Open
MAHADEO DEVI S, Environmental, Open
RAMNARINE VANITA, Environmental, Open
JEFFREY NICKARLET, Mathematics, Open
DADD EVANNA P, Natural sciences, Open
MAHARAJ ASHNI S, Natural sciences, Open
RAMNARINE ARYAA A P, Natural sciences, Open
BUDHRAM SHERISSA, Business, Additional
GOMEZ CHERISSE M, Environmental, Additional
SINGH ARISSA A, Environmental, Additional
ARMAN ASHRENA S, Humanities, Additional
BALSINGH KARISHMA K, Humanities, Additional
RAMKISSOON RENESHA, Mathematics, Additional
ALI ALIYAH, Natural sciences, Additional
BHAGALOO KEEARA, Natural sciences, Additional
DOOKIE PARVEEN A, Natural sciences, Additional
KANDHAI RIANA, Natural sciences, Additional
KHAN DANAE A, Natural sciences, Additional
MOHAMMED RUNELLA V, Natural sciences, Additional
RAJCOOMAR MALINI G, Natural sciences, Additional
SANKAR SHIVANA R, Natural sciences, Additional

NAPARIMA COLLEGE

LEE JUSTIN RONALDO, Creative Arts, Open
SINGH TIMOTHY NICHOLAS JUDAIN, ICT, Open
BHAGWANDEEN ADDESH ARJOON JUNIOR, Mathematics, Open
BIRBAL VINAI DARYL, Mathematics, Open
CASSIE ADAM ZAIN, Mathematics, Open
GOPAUL KAVIR DARRON, Mathematics, Open
KOWLESSAR MATTHEW JOSHUA, Mathematics, Open
SEECHAN KEVON J, Mathematics, Open
SINGH KEVAN SATYEN, Mathematics, Open
DASS AVINASH KERON, Natural sciences, Open
FRETT DANTÉ JADAN, Natural sciences, Open
GANGOO RAJIV, Natural sciences, Open
SINGH EMMANUEL JOHN-MARK, General Studies, Additional
RAMNATH VASISHT VERON, Mathematics, Additional
ARMOOGUM LUKE OCEAN, Natural sciences, Additional
CHATOOR KAMERON SUKHDEO, Natural sciences, Additional
KHAN IMRAN SYED, Natural sciences, Additional
RAGBIR MATTHEW JAKE, Natural sciences, Additional
RAJNATH SIRO ROGER, Natural sciences, Additional
RAMJOHN JEREMY AZARIAH, Natural sciences, Additional
RAMKISSOON KEIRON SEAN, Natural sciences, Additional

NAPARIMA GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL

DOWRICH ZARI C, Business, Open
TROTMAN RACHEL J. L, Business, Open
KISSOONSINGH PYRIA V, ICT, Open
MAHARAJ STEFFI R, ICT, Open
AUFDERHEIDE CHELA M, Languages, Open
BALKISSOON MANISHA M, Languages, Open
RAHAMAN ALLISHA S, Languages, Open
JOSEPH MICHAELA E. A, Mathematics, Open
RAMSUBIR ALYSSA INDIA APRIL, Mathematics, Open
SOBRANSINGH CHELSEA S. L, Mathematics, Open
SOOKOO NAVEELA N, Mathematics, Open
DOOKIE CHRISTIANE R, Natural sciences, Open
JAGDEO SHALINI D, Natural sciences, Open
LALGEE MARIANNA, Natural sciences, Open
LEWIS-ALEXANDER KENYA E, Natural sciences, Open
RAMASAR KERISSA V, Natural sciences, Open
CAMPBELL JANESSA ANGELA PHILOMENA, Business, Additional
MOHAMMED CHRISTIN J, Creative Arts, Additional
SANATAN CHELSEA I. M, Creative Arts, Additional
DAN FARHAANA, Environmental, Additional
MAHABIR ALEEMA H, Environmental, Additional
GOPAULSINGH MEAGAN D, Humanities, Additional
RACHA ADANA A, Humanities, Additional
RAMLAL AASHA O, Humanities, Additional
GOOKOOL KIMBERLY M, Mathematics, Additional
PARAY SAVEETA D, Mathematics, Additional
ALEXANDER CHARISSE A. K, Natural sciences, Additional
BENIMADHO VANELL S, Natural sciences, Additional
BISSOO TRICIA SATI, Natural sciences, Additional
BOODOO TISHELLE S, Natural sciences, Additional
CHADEE SHANAYA A, Natural sciences, Additional
DEONANAN AMANDA M, Natural sciences, Additional
DHORAY JENINE K, Natural sciences, Additional
DOOKHANTIE MELANIE S, Natural sciences, Additional
MOHAMMED DANIELLA A, Natural sciences, Additional
OMADALLY SASHA A, Natural sciences, Additional
PARMASAR SAMANTHA M. B, Natural sciences, Additional
RAMSINGH DANA J, Natural sciences, Additional

NORTH EASTERN COLLEGE

RAMROOP ARTI ARRIEL KERRY, General Studies, Open

PRESENTATION COLLEGE CHAGUANAS

KEITH SAVIO ANTHONY BRENDON, Business, Open
MARAJ NEVASH ALEC, Environmental, Open
RAMSUMAIR KRSN RENE, Environmental, Open
BAJNATHSINGH REECE VISHAL, Mathematics, Open
BHOPALSINGH MARC RAVANDRA, Mathematics, Open
CHITAN ADRIAN PETER, Mathematics, Open
PARMASAR RAJEEV, Mathematics, Open
RAMLAL ADRIAN VINCE, Mathematics, Open
RAMLOGAN KIERAN A, Mathematics, Open
RAMSUNDAR JARON SANJEEV, Mathematics, Open
RAGBIR ROHAN ALEEM, Natural sciences, Open
RAHMAN AHMAD MIKAIL, Natural sciences, Open
RAJKUMAR MIKEL RAJIV, Natural sciences, Open
SAHADEO KRISTOFF STEFON, Natural sciences, Open
SINGH MAHENDRA, Natural sciences, Open
MURRAY D’JEAN-M’ONTEIL EMILE, Environmental, Additional
RAGOONATH ZACHERY M, Environmental, Additional
SURUJBALLY VIKASH CHRISTOPHER, Environmental, Additional
FUNG DARREN BHISHMA, Mathematics, Additional
GOSYNE JOSIAH AARON, Mathematics, Additional
BARRAN VIVEK SATYAM, Natural sciences, Additional
DE COTEAU MAJEL CALEB, Natural sciences, Additional
DEODATH SURAJ MAHINDRA, Natural sciences, Additional
HARRIPAUL RAJEEV, Natural sciences, Additional
MANICKCHAND JOSHUA JONATHAN, Natural sciences, Additional
MOHAMMED SIDDIQUE REZAN, Natural sciences, Additional
RAMBALLY MATTHIAS JESSE JUDAH, Natural sciences, Additional
RAMNARINE WESLEY JONATHAN GABRIEL, Natural sciences, Additional
SHADDY MOHAMMED S, Natural sciences, Additional

PRESENTATION COLLEGE, SAN FERNANDO

CRAIG DAVID JAMES, Mathematics, Open
JAGGERNAUTH GREGORY BRYAN MARK, Mathematics, Open
SIMON JOSEPH ANDREW, Mathematics, Open
KISSOON JOEL RYAN, Natural sciences, Open
KHAN RIYAD RAFIQ, Technical Studies, Open
CASSIM GREGORY RIAD TERRENCE, Environmental, Additional
BERNARD RICHARD JAGLAL, Mathematics, Additional
MENDOZA ALARIO TYREECE, Mathematics, Additional
MILLS RONALDO TROY, Mathematics, Additional
BHOLA-SINGH JAMES, Natural sciences, Additional
BORREL JELANI INIKO MASIKA, Natural sciences, Additional
DE SILVA ANTHONY STEVE, Natural sciences, Additional
MAURICE DARIEL KEVON, Natural sciences, Additional
PAWAR AKSHAY, Natural sciences, Additional
TAM DOMINIC JOSHUA, Natural sciences, Additional

QUEEN’S ROYAL COLLEGE

RAMKISSOON BRANDON MARTIN NARAD, Creative Arts, Open
DUNCAN OKERA, Languages, Open
JOSEPH BRANDON DAVID, Mathematics, Open
PAUL JONATHAN JEAN-LUC, Mathematics, Open

RIO CLARO WEST SECONDARY SCHOOL

SUDAMA CHELSEA A, Environmental, Additional

SAN FERNANDO CENTRAL SECONDARY SCHOOL

SAROOP MEENAKSHI, Natural sciences, Additional
SARASWATIE GIRLS’ HINDU COLLEGE
RAMROOP JYVANTI, Business, Additional
SOOKRAM GABRIELLA AASHNI, Business, Additional

SHIVA BOYS’ HINDU COLLEGE

SAKAL SURAJ PETER, Natural sciences, Additional
SEUDATH TYLER DIMITRI, Natural sciences, Additional

SIGNAL HILL SECONDARY SCHOOL

CAMPBELL SELENA ERICIA, Environmental, Additional

ST AUGUSTINE GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL

WISEMAN AMANDA ABIGAIL DIANA, Environmental, Open
BALLY ROCHELLE GRACE, ICT, Open
BOXILL JOANNA, ICT, Open
ALI MARYAM HAZIMAH, Mathematics, Open
LATCHU-RAMPERSAD KAITLIN ASHLEY, Mathematics, Open
LEE KITT SIAN LAINA, Mathematics, Open
MAHARAJ SAANJALI SHAMIRA, Mathematics, Open
RAMDASS NICOLA RACHEL, Mathematics, Open
BALBIRSINGH VISHANNA VANITA, Natural sciences, Open
BRATHWAITE ALYSSA, Natural sciences, Open
HOSTEN CHELSEA, Natural sciences, Open
MADOO RACHEL, Natural sciences, Open
MOHAMMED SAACHA FARIEL, Natural sciences, Open
OLLIVIERRA STACHENNE ANTONIA RUTH, Natural sciences, Open
COOPER KEVELLE JOHANAH, Business, Additional
MITCHELL AMANDA GISELLE, Business, Additional
PERSAD NAVEENA, Business, Additional
SIRIRAM LINDSAY MIA, Business, Additional
BOODRAM CAITLIN, Environmental, Additional
DEO ANALA, Environmental, Additional
KHALAWAN ALYSSA, Environmental, Additional
NEWAJ ATIYYAH, Environmental, Additional
RAJKUMAR KHADEEJHA, Environmental, Additional
SAITH KARISHMA KAVITA, Environmental, Additional
SCOTT PAIGE SHANIA, Environmental, Additional
SAMBURY KHENDREA LIIZ, Languages, Additional
ALI SAFIYAH, Natural sciences, Additional
BHOLA KOMAL AASHVARYIA, Natural sciences, Additional
BOODOO JENELLE, Natural sciences, Additional
GANESSINGH KELSEY JALINE, Natural sciences, Additional
JAGROOP CHRISTINE CELESTE, Natural sciences, Additional
PERSAD CHERISSE SACHA, Natural sciences, Additional
RAMJAG ALIEA NEISA, Natural sciences, Additional
SAMLAL TATTYANA JEWEL, Natural sciences, Additional
SEEDANSINGH JOHLEEN, Natural sciences, Additional
SEEMUNGAL TRISHANA, Natural sciences, Additional

ST GEORGE’S COLLEGE

LAWRENCE MEGAN M, Business, Additional
MOHAMMED AZANNA, Business, Additional
ALI ADAM, Natural sciences, Additional
ALI REHANNAH A, Natural sciences, Additional
CHADEE SHANIA CAITLIN, Natural sciences, Additional
MULRAIN JEWEL, Natural sciences, Additional
RAMLAL ABIGAIL, Natural sciences, Additional

ST JOSEPH’S CONVENT, PORT OF SPAIN

BELASCO CORRISE, Business, Open
CHONG SING MATTHEW LENNARD, Business, Open
BORELY GIA, Environmental, Open
WADE AKILAH, Environmental, Open
WHITTIER ANANDA, Environmental, Open
LEE FOON JEWEL PRECIOUS-ROSE, General Studies, Open
RAMBERRAN NISHANNA, General Studies, Open
CATO SHIYAN HILARY, Mathematics, Open
NIEVES MAIA, Mathematics, Open
SAMBRANO CELESTE, Mathematics, Open
THOMPSON FAYOLA MICHALA, Mathematics, Open
LEE YOUNG LAURELLE MARYAM, Natural sciences, Open
MAHARAJ POOJA-DEVI, Natural sciences, Open
RODRIGUEZ CHELSEA DOMINIQUE, Natural sciences, Open
SHEPHERD JIHANNE, Natural sciences, Open
ALVAREZ BRITTNEY, Business, Additional
CLARKE LEIGHA, Business, Additional
PETERS J’VANA D, Business, Additional
ALLEYNE GABRIELLE SIMONE, Creative Arts, Additional
BUCKRADEE ARIANNE, Environmental, Additional
MAHARAJ SERAH-MARIE MICHAELA, Environmental, Additional
TAYLOR JORDAN, Environmental, Additional
SMITH KERESE AGNES, ICT, Additional
LINGO SABRINA, Languages, Additional
AFFOO ABIGAIL S, Natural sciences, Additional
BYER DANAE TONI, Natural sciences, Additional
CHIN KIMLIN ANN-MARIE, Natural sciences, Additional
CHUNG ARIANNE, Natural sciences, Additional
GOWRIE SHELLEEN ALYSSA, Natural sciences, Additional
LATCHMAN GYSHAN, Natural sciences, Additional
MITCHELL KAITLYN MOIRA, Natural sciences, Additional
MITCHELL SABRINA, Natural sciences, Additional
NAKHID MARIAH, Natural sciences, Additional
RAMSAROOP SHIVANI USHA, Natural sciences, Additional
SMITH KHADIJA BRIANA, Natural sciences, Additional
SPANN CAITLIN, Natural sciences, Additional
SUKDEO KIRAN, Natural sciences, Additional
TRESTRAIL EMMA-ROSE, Natural sciences, Additional

ST JOSEPH’S CONVENT, SAN FERNANDO

COOPER MALIKA, Languages, Open
CHATOOR AMANDA, Mathematics, Open
DOOLAN SAEEDA, Mathematics, Open
PHAGOO KEEREYEA, Mathematics, Open
RAMPERSAD TIFFANY, Mathematics, Open
SUITE ALEXIA, Mathematics, Open
THACKORIE BRITTANY, Mathematics, Open
JOHN-WILLIAMS CHELSEA, Natural sciences, Open
ROBINSON SHANIA, Natural sciences, Open
HASSANALI CAITLYN, Business, Additional
RAMSUNDAR KIMBERLEE, Business, Additional
MAHARAJ SARAH, Environmental, Additional
MAHARAJ VISHALLA, Environmental, Additional
KANGOO ALYSSA, Languages, Additional
DAVID CARON, Natural sciences, Additional
MOHAN VANAH, Natural sciences, Additional
RAMPERSAD TANYA, Natural sciences, Additional

ST JOSEPH’S CONVENT, ST JOSEPH

DA SILVA CELINE ALLISON, Business, Open
REYES MARY-REBEKAH BERNADETTE, Creative Arts, Open
RAMBARACK NAIOMI JEWELLE, ICT, Open
BAILEY LAQUESHA THUSHANDA, Languages, Open
HACKETT KEIRA ALEXANDRA, Languages, Open
MAINGOT JAYDA DANIER, Natural sciences, Open
CAMPO BRITNEY CASSIDY, Business, Additional
JACK ANA-LISSA MALIKA, Business, Additional
LA BORDE LESHAWN ARIANNE, Business, Additional
MARCIAL VALINI WHITNEY, Business, Additional
RAJCOOMAR PRAVEEN SHIVRANI, Business, Additional
VIDALE THALIA SOREN, Languages, Additional
ALFRED SORAYA MARIE, Natural sciences, Additional
BAKSH CHRISTIN-MARIE, Natural sciences, Additional
HAZEL ALIYAH SHONA AYESHA, Natural sciences, Additional
JONES ALEXANDREA MARIE, Natural sciences, Additional
MAY JAHLISA ELIZABETH, Natural sciences Additional
NOEL NELISIA ASHLEY, Natural sciences, Additional
PERRYMAN AMANDA SARA, Natural sciences, Additional
REGIS MARIE-DANIELLE KIRSTEN ARIELLA, Natural sciences, Additional

ST MARY’S COLLEGE

COOPER TYREKE CALEB JOSEPH, ICT, Open
MORALES ANGELO, Languages, Open
MATTHEW ALISTER, Mathematics, Open
NEWTON OMARI EMMANUEL, Mathematics, Open
VIDAL CALEB, Mathematics, Open
WALKER LUKE, Mathematics, Open
LIM RICHARD, Environmental, Additional
RAMESAR SACHIN, Mathematics, Additional
HADEED SEBASTIAN JOHN, Natural sciences, Additional

ST STEPHEN’S COLLEGE

PARRIS JOSHUA ANTONIO, Natural sciences, Open
RAMSOONDAR RESHMA REYHANNA, Natural sciences, Open
DILJOHN KAYLE MEGAN, Environmental, Additional
NEWTON RHEVELLE JANINE, Environmental, Additional
DEONARINE DAVID AARON, Natural sciences, Additional
HINDS FOLASADE AKILI, Natural sciences, Additional
RAMKISSOON RINALDO, Natural sciences, Additional

VISHNU BOYS HINDU COLLEGE

MOHAMMED AVINASH HARESH, Business, Additional

Princes Town man beaten to death

UPDATED:

Relatives of 48-year-old Clyde Sadar are calling for justice after the father of three was taken from a wake and beaten to death by assailants.

According to relatives, the Community Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programme (CEPEP) worker was at the wake of former youth parliamentarian Kimberly Telucksingh at about 4 pm on Thursday when he supposedly received a call to meet someone outside the house. Mourners reported seeing Sadar entering a vehicle before he was found hours later lying motionless in a remote area a short distance away.

At the Forensic Science Centre yesterday, his brother Andy Bhagwandeen said he believes his brother was murdered because he could not pay money he owed to drug dealers in the area.

“He used to occasionally take his smoke of weed, but he was no full-blown drug addict. He loved his family and he took care of all three of his children. He owed those guys about $200 but his pay was coming late. They wouldn’t hear his excuses and dealt with him.”

Bhagwandeen said his brother had received threats from people in a parked vehicle outside his home the night before he was killed. He said his brother’s wife and children were beyond consolation and were deeply traumatised by his death.

ORIGINAL STORY:

Relatives of 48-year-old Community Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programme (CEPEP) worker Clyde Sadar are calling for justice after the father of three was taken from a wake and beaten to death by assailants.

According to relatives Sadar was at the wake of Youth Parliamentarian Kimberly Telucksingh at around 4 pm on Thursday when he supposedly received a call to meet someone outside the house. Mourners reported seeing Sadar entering a vehicle before he was discovered hours later lying motionless in a remote area, a short distance away.

Stay with Newsday for more updates.

Small: Board directors breaching Govt standards

Independent Senator David Small is claiming that non-executive directors and chairmen are “running roughshod” over management personnel in State companies.

Contributing on Wednesday to debate on the 2018 budget, Small said the scenario constituted a challenge in governance which has led to what he called “a failing State sector.”

“We have State enterprises and we have directors on boards and chairmen. My understanding, having been in that portfolio myself, is that you are a non-executive director.

“But Madam President (Christine Kangaloo), given my experience in the State Enterprises Committee, you have a situation where you have non-executive directors and chairmen running roughshod over the management and no one seems to want to be able to deal with it. No one wants to deal with it.

“It is a real issue. You have chairmen and directors instructing the management. You have chairmen and directors inserting themselves into active negotiations.”

Small said this represented “a complete breach of governance standards.”

“You are a non-executive director. You take the report from the executive. You don’t sit in the room and negotiate contracts. That is not supposed to happen. But we see it happening all the time and I am amazed that no one is talking about it. It seems that it is not happening.”

Insisting he will not be silenced on the issue, Small read an excerpt from a state enterprises manual, which outlined the role of a non-executive chairman.

Armstrong shows our moods

Our Moods, Moments and Movements as told by James Armstrong opens tomorrow at the 101 Art Gallery in Newtown.

Armstrong’s art highlights various aspects of TT’s diverse cultural heritage, from dance and music to local customs and festivals. Exploring the different forms of dance allows him to express his fascination with colour and movement.

He believes that his experiments in tones, texture and movement have given expression to a variety of moods and styles that is his unique signature as an artist. He began Armstrong began painting approximately 60 years ago in his early teens being influenced by members of the Tobago Art Group which was then headed by his long-time friend and fellow artist, Edward Hernandez.

He held his first one-man exhibition in Tobago in 1965. He has since held several solo exhibitions and participated in various national and regional showings. His works have been exhibited extensively in the Americas, Europe, Africa and the Caribbean and can be found in various prominent collections locally and abroad.

He is an honours graduate of the prestigious Parsons School of Design in New York and the Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture and Planning. Armstrong has enjoyed a distinguished career with the United Nations that took him to various parts of the world, including several years in Africa, where he travelled extensively. These travels allowed him to “ground” with different cultures and nourished his interest in the daily lives of the people whom he invariably captured on canvas.

West Africa, as it turns out, proved to be particularly influential in his experiments with movement. As a front row observer to the hustle and bustle of the continent, especially the agility of their dance forms, he was able to capture dance movements with a new set of eyes, said a media release. It is this movement in dance, so reminiscent of Tobago, that provided the catalyst for what would become a prominent signature of his painting style. Some say that his capturing of a dancer’s movement, makes one “feel the vibration of the painting.”

Not content to be pigeon-holed, Armstrong continues to experiment with movement, textures, glazing and “bleeding” techniques that combine to bring distinctive qualities of vibrancy and energy to his canvases. As a representational artist his themes continue to be generally influenced by his extensive travels that are now infused with the interrogation of the “Social Realism” and cultural landscape of Trinidad and Tobago.

Our Moods, Moments and Movements is yet another testament to the distinctive visual narrative as interpreted through the keen eyes of this artist.

Empire’s Yoba for Coco Dance Festival

Hollywood actor and social activist Malik Yoba will visit TT during the COCO Dance Festival which begins today at NAPA, Port of Spain.

Yoba will participate in Fortify: A Conversation with Consequences – which is about celebrating men and examining the parenting challenges men face in an increasingly violent world. Yoba’s appearance has been made possible through a partnership with the United States Embassy, Port of Spain. He is scheduled to attend all performance nights during the festival which ends on Sunday.

The Conversation, which is part of Coco Dance Festival’s Coco in the Community programme, will take place tomorrow, as a precursor to International Men’s Day (November 19), with its focus on men and boy’s health and well-being.

Aimed at men who are community activists or mentors doing outreach with men and boys, and fathers who are facing challenges in playing a meaningful role in their children’s lives, it will feature poetry, movement and film as teaching tools and as part of the conversation.

Yoba is best known for his acting roles in the Disney classic – Cool Runnings, Bad Dad Rehab, Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married and the hit Fox television series Empire. He will participate in the Conversation with clinical psychologist Dr Peter Weller and celebrated Trinidadian-British poet, novelist, musician and academic, Dr Anthony Joseph.

Weller who has over 30 years experience in his field has been an advisor to the gender specialist at Caricom and is the co-founder of the Caribbean Male Action Network (CariMAN).

Joseph was selected by the Arts Council of England and Renaissance One, in 2005 as one of 50 black and Asian writers who have made major contributions to contemporary British literature. He lectures in creative writing and literature at Birbeck College, London and at the University of Liverpool where he is the Colm Toibin Fellow in Creative Writing.

Yoba has spoken about his mission to educate young people in world communities on the value of accountability, integrity and leadership.

Shot by a stranger and left for dead at the age 15, Yoba’s near-death experience spurred him toward a life of community activism, service and entrepreneurship –making it his life’s mission to use the arts as his weapon of choice.

In a media release Sonja Dumas of the Coco Dance Festival said: “Although we are primarily a dance enterprise, Coco believes that it is up to everyone to do their part to stem family breakdown and community violence and push an agenda of peace and tolerance. We find that many young people are consumed with rage and fear that likely stem from an environment of poverty, absent fathers, limited prospects and a lack of self-esteem.

“Numerous studies have shown the adverse consequences boys face when they grow up in homes with absentee or neglectful fathers. Our mission at Coco is to inspire, encourage and serve the community through creative processes and collaborative endeavours. We hope to contribute in some small way through this conversation.”

For more info: cocodancett@gmail.com or Facebook

Dodds pursues his music passion

Kevin Dodds exudes positivity and is transferring his zest for life to the soca industry. Dodds is making his mark, working alongside artistes like 5Star Akil and Preedy.

“I am passionate about music on the whole. It does not feel like work at all and I am pursuing it so that I can establish myself in TT’s music industry,” Dodds said.

He was determined to succeed despite growing up in a single-parent home with his mother, Ruth, older brother Curtly and younger sister, Ayanna. “My father is alive, but he lives in Sangre Grande.”

The former national football player switched his career goals to pursue his passion for music.

The 23-year-old attended San Juan South Secondary School for three years then transferred to San Juan North Secondary as he pursued football in his home town. He wrote A-Levels exam there.

“Basically I was pursuing football as a career because I was on the National Under-17, under- 20 and National Under-23 teams respectively. I love football,” Dodds said laughing.

But he also harboured a love for music.

“I also liked music. I was waiting on the proper avenue and in San Juan North Secondary School, I got the opportunity to take part in a calypso/soca competition which I won. From then I knew I could make this a career.”

When he met Robert “Simply Natural” Baptiste, who produced Iwer George’s 2014 hit Mama Oh, he spoke with him about creating a song. The duo met the following week and did his first release, Road Jumbie. That began Dodds’ career as an artiste in 2015.

Since then he has expanded his discography, having done a chutney-soca in 2016 with Shirvana, on the track Chulsie. His most popular songs to date are Every Gyal Wine on the Gyal Engine Riddim and his 2017 collaboration with 5Star Akil, Doh Blame It.

“I have also had the opportunity to work with Preedy on writing a song named Carnival Love, this being my fourth year being involved in the local soca industry.”

He has performed at numerous events including Firehouse 2017 J’Ouvert band launch, PreVibes Gala and TT Cancer Society’s Poor Man’s Dinner. He also had gigs at Tzar, Vas, Ari and Rossco’s Lounge.

Dodds also works with the Ministry of Public Administration and Communications.

“Although I am new to the industry I like to entertain people, that’s the main reason I am an artiste. I want to try many more genres of music once I can bring joy to people.”

He believes that his biggest accomplishment apart from being on TT’s national football teams and completing secondary school is the recent birth of his son, King Dodds. “I am enthusiastic and still overwhelmed as I was present in the room when he was born. My aim is to make sure he has everything he needs and deserves with a bright future ahead.”

The road has not always been an easy one for Dodds. The initial stages of building his brand proved to be quite difficult. Finding an avenue for his music to reach the public was daunting but he has been able to overcome with the support of his dedicated team and family members.

For Carnival 2018 he says, “I will be showcasing a new Kevin Dodds in terms of branding and business. Be prepared to see me in a bigger and better way professionally. I have a new track, Doh Leave Meh, which was recently released. It has already gained over 3,000 views on YouTube with fans raving about the song’s infectious beat.”

Caribbean Strong relief concert

Caribbean Strong, the big relief concert/telethon comes off tomorrow at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain, with live entertainment from noon until midnight.

Patrons can participate by making a minimum donation of $100, plus canned food to secure a concert ticket that are currently on sale.

A stellar group of artistes are on board with this relief effort, where all proceeds will go toward Caribbean islands affected by hurricanes and to rebuilding efforts in Dominica and Barbuda.

The united artistes of the Caribbean who have given their support to the event include soca stars Machel Montano, Bunji Garlin, Fay Ann Lyons-Alvaez, Kes, Destra, Ravi B and Karma.

Also expected to perform are Olatunji, Rikki Jai, Superblue, Patrice Roberts, Teddyson John, Ricardo Drue, Nailah Blackman, Pternsky, Shal Marshall, Sekon Sta, the Blackmans (Marge, Isaac and Nehilet), 3canal, Nadia Batson, Positive, Chucky, Dwayne Bravo, Dloxx, Preedy, M1, Turner, Collis Duranty, Malaika, Jimmy October, Jay Nahge, Mark Hardy, Aaron Duncan, Yung Rudd, Nebula 868, Kalpee, Inzey and DJs Gio and Lani.

Ex-Pupils, Horizon in 27-27 thriller at Chips U-21 n-ball

Mucurapo ex-pupils and Horizon played to an exciting 27-27 tie as action in the CHIPS Under-21 Netball tournament continued at the Eastern Regional Indoor Arena, Tacarigua.

After the Mucurapo girls led 8-6, 15-10 and 24-18 through the first three quarter stages, Horizon fought back determinedly and held their opponents to just three goals while scoring nine to earn the tie, watched by a wildly cheering Saturday crowd.

Goal-shoot Chelsea Delicia netted 15 goals from 23 attempts and and goal-attack Shyan Bacquain had 12 from 23 for Mucurapo.

Horizon made several changes to their shooting line up with Aziza Sandy scoring 12 goals, Kareena Lewis four, Kankemua Mitchell four and Faith Hagley seven.

In another game, hosts CHIPS led all the way – 6-2, 11-6, 16-13 – in beating SPIHC 24-19. Shannon Duncan scored six goals and Dyese Sylvester 18 for CHIPS while Sidoney Duncan got 14 and Anaya Joseph five for SPIHC,

In a special Divali Day knockout tournament, Mucurapo Ex-Pupils defeated Horizon 11-9 to take the title.

Delicia scored six goals and Bacquain five for the winners while Sandy scored seven and Bethelmy two for Horizon.

In a men’s exhibition game, Malvern edged Melting Pot 10-9 with Ervin Phillip scoring seven goals and Matthew Streete netting three for the winners. Alexis Browne netted five and Wayne Samuel four for the losers.

Costelloe tops World Dressage Challenge

Amy Costelloe topped the field for Team Trinidad and Tobago (Team TT), as the Trinidad and Tobago Equestrian Association (TTEA)-hosted FEI World Dressage Challenge ended last Saturday at the San Antonio Stables, Santa Cruz.

Costelloe, who rode the horse Monte Carlo, placed first ahead of Michelle Sabga-Aboud, aboard Biscoito, while Patrice Stollmeyer, who rode Claudio, was third. Fourth place went to Natalie Rapier on Viking Thunder.

Seven year old Jamie Fletcher in full control atop Starlight at the FEI World Dressage Challenge.

Sports Minister Darryl Smith was among the guests on hand to witness an interesting day of action and cheer on Team TT.

According to a media release from the TTEA, “the competition was fierce as each participant put forth their best. A spectacular job was done by all displaying the true art of Dressage – a sport of beauty (that is) only possible when there is a true partnership with the horse and rider.”

Judges included FEI foreign expert Jeanne McDonald and local counterpart Alison Elliot.

CoP interviews continue today

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Irwin Hackshaw and former president of the Police Social and Welfare Association Anand Ramesar were interviewed yesterday by KPMG, the firm hired by the Police Service Commission to select a new commissioner of Police and two deputy commissioners.

Hackshaw was interviewed shortly before midday yesterday, while Ramesar was interviewed after 2 pm.

On Monday, former minister of National Security Gary Griffith and Acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams were also interviewed by the same firm.

On Tuesday, ACP Harikrishen Baldeo and ACP Vincel Edwards were interviewed. Today Acting ACP Mc Donald Jacob is expected to be grilled by the same recruiting firm. Former police corporal Wayne “Watchman” Hayde will also face the interviewers today.

Hayde, who left the police service in 1990, is hoping to clinch the position from the other candidates.

Griffith did not apply for the deputy commissioner post and has his eye set on the post of Commissioner of Police. However, other officers who have been short-listed have applied for both posts.

Sources reveal that Acting ACP Earla Christopher is the lone female applicant who was also short-listed for the interview and is being considered a dark horse in the race.

Following the interviews next week, the same officers will face the panel of interviewers from the KPMG who will create a mock press conference and the candidates will be asked to answer questions posed to them.

Following those interviews names will be placed on a merit list and sent to Parliament for final approval.

The person who places first on the order of merit list may not necessarily be chosen if Government, which has the majority in Parliament, does not accept them. Chairman of the Police Service Commission Marie Therese Gomes is hoping to have the Commissioner and two Deputy Commissioners in office by year’s end.

Finance Minister invites casino owners to meet with him

Finance Minister, Colm Imbert, has invited casino owners and/or shareholders to meet with him; “at a date and time to be determined”, to discuss the100 percent increase in gaming taxes.

His invitation comes six days after TT Members Club Association (TTMCA) President, Sherry Persad, expressed disappointment following an October 20 with Minister in the Finance Ministry, Allyson West, in which they shared recommendations on how to better enforce existing taxes rather than unfairly taxing compliant operations.

“(West) promised to take our information back to (Imbert) but she could not give us any hope or guarantee. I felt as if we were going through the motions; we weren’t given any hope. We were looking at blank faces, no expressions and I am the one with the union now asking me what is going to become of their jobs.”

Apparently having heard the casino owners’ pleas for a direct meeting, Imbert yesterday (Thursday) extended what the ministry described as “a public invitation” to discuss the taxation of gambling tables and gambling devices.

Casino workers were not included, the ministry explained, “because taxation of gambling tables and devices is imposed on the owners of gambling establishments”.

All owners, shareholders and directors of these organizations are therefore asked to indicate their willingness as soon as possible to attend a meeting with (Imbert) by calling the Corporate Communications Unit of the Ministry of Finance at 612-9700 extension 2804 or 2805 or by emailing comm.finance@gov.tt.

The meeting will be held at the Eric Williams Financial Complex, Port of Spain; the same location as the meeting last Friday with West.

Newsday attempted to get a comment from Persad but calls to her cell phone went unanswered.

Over 500 UWI grads told: Ability to think is greatest asset

Newly installed Chancellor of the University of the West Indies (UWI), Robert Bermudez, yesterday encouraged more than 500 graduates not to allow anyone to deter them from their dreams.

Bermudez was yesterday speaking to 562 UWI graduates at the ceremony held at the UWI Sport and Physical Education Centre (SPEC), St Augustine Campus.

He told the graduates they have strength in knowing where they came from and must not allow themselves to be paralysed by circumstances.

“You have now completed this phase of your formal education, soon you will have that piece of paper for which you have toiled so hard. The education you have now obtained from attending university…the ability to think and learn is a far greater value than any material in procession.”

“It is an asset that you can never lose nor can it be taken from you. It should be the foundation upon which you build your life. Do not allow anyone tell you that you cannot achieve your ambition or to discourage you from your dreams. Walk away from that advise, believe in yourself, go for your dreams. There will always be obstacles in life, but you will overcome them.”

HONOUR ROLL: Chequana Gilkes recieves her Bachelor of Science Degree (First Class Honours), from UWI Registrar C William Iton, during UWI’s graduation ceremony at the UWI Spec Centre yesterday.

Bermudez urged the graduates to become more assure of themselves and not to be afraid of change because too often people’s past follows them to their destiny.

Valedictorian Zia Barnard encouraged the graduates to continue conquering challenges.

“Weekly we were punched with exams, quizzes, projects, presentations, and lab reports. We never gave up, never took the easy route even when coffee and KFC became the real-deal. We went to bed at dawn and woke up at sunrise. We viewed the gigantic workload as torment and even an infringement of our human rights but it was worth it.”

“She said these challenges instilled in us the essence and importance of hard work. Our degrees did not come from wishful thinking. We toiled industriously day by day. Hard work builds character, attains results and opens up new opportunities.”

Barnard, graduated with First Class Honours Bachelor’s of Science in Biology with specialisation in biotechnology and microbiology.

Andrew Marcano, known by sobriquet Lord Superior, was awarded a degree of Doctor of Letters for his interest in the Calypso art form.

Carmona tells grads: The most serious smile from the heart

SEETA PERSAD

President Anthony Carmona, yesterday said there are people in society who are dysfunctional in their political conduct.

Not just political, Carmona told a graduation ceremony at Iere High School, Siparia, yesterday, but in terms of their social conduct and in terms of their integrity as well. He said such people who hold high office, are a disappointment to the country.

Carmona said, “When you have happy childhood days, it becomes a foundation to rely on for the rest of your lives. The most serious people I have met in my life locally, regionally and internationally – ninety per cent of the time they smile from their hearts and not from their faces.”

Carmona called on parents at the graduation ceremony to make sure they bring a sense of happiness and warmth to their families. This, he said, is what the youths of today will take into their adult years. On this note, he said, “Sometimes when I see people in society being dysfunctional in terms of their social conduct, in terms of their political conduct, in terms of their integrity, sometimes, I wonder if it boils down to what took place in their childhood days. Materialism is not a philosophy in life that we should pursue.”

Carmona went on to say that as President, he often has to appoint people to commissions and to boards, and, in doing so, he must exercise his sole discretion. “I do not conduct interviews with persons applying for these positions. I have dialogue with them. I will speak with them for two hours. Because what I am looking for, is character, for heart, for passion, for commitment, for selflessness and for patriotism.”

The President told the graduates that it matters not if a person has a master’s degree. If they do not have good qualities, he added, he will not appoint them to public office. He urged the graduates to go out in the world and “give them thunder” on what he described as the platform of social consciousness.

Carmona said, “Isn’t it a fact that those are the things that really matter? Even though my wife and I did not have all the amenities as kids growing up, we had happy childhood days in the south land. When we were children, there was a greater sense of community bonding as we look to our future in life.”

Alfonso robbed of $10,000 bracelet

Former National Security Minister, Brigadier General Carl Alfonso was robbed of his $10,000 bracelet by a youngster while Alfonso sat in his car which was stuck in bumper to bumper traffic on Wednesday afternoon.

However, quick action by Besson Street police led to the recovery of Alfonso’s bracelet in a grassy area in Bazilon Street.

Yesterday, Alfonso expressed relief and thanked the police for recovering his jewellery adding that he was left with minor scratches on his left hand which was left after he fought with the bandit.

Alfonso, who was national security minister for seven months in 2015, said that at about 3.30 pm on Wednesday, he was in his car west along Piccadilly Street in Port of Spain in traffic, when on nearing Duke Street, he was accosted by a man who appeared to be in his late teens.

“I was taken by surprise because I was concentrating on the traffic and I did not expect this. The thing that amazed me is that we struggled for about two minutes and in that time, people looked on and no one intervened,” Alfonso said. The bandit was able to snatch the heavy gold ‘bera’ from Alfonso’s wrist and ran.

“Alfonso went to the police station and spoke to Sgt Austin. Officers took Alfonso to Bazilon Street where several men were interrogated.

“The officers later went to a bushy area along that street and Alfonso’s bracelet was found.

“I wish to publicly commend the police for their professionalism, quick response and the manner in which they handled my report,” Alfonso said.

PM: $35 million for flood relief

Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley yesterday announced that Cabinet has approved the sum of $35 million to assist people affected by floods in different parts of TT. Rowley made the announcement at a news conference at the Piarco International Airport after he returned from the IV Caricom-Mexico Summit in Belize. Rowley said he directed Finance Minister Colm Imbert, who chaired the meeting, to ensure Cabinet approved the allocation. He said steps will be taken to ensure that this assistance reaches those most in need.

The Prime Minister said the Mexican government is willing to help this country deal with natural disasters and this could include strengthening the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM). He said Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto informed him Mexico is prepared to help TT improve its ability to handle natural disasters.

Rowley said Mexico has provided US$5 million each to Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda to assist their respective recoveries from Hurricanes Maria and Irma.

As part a planned review of the ODPM, and in keeping with local government reform, Rowley said the 14 local government corporations in Trinidad and the Tobago House of Assembly will be strengthened as first responders to any natural disaster.

Dismissing claims from the Opposition that he was passing blame for flooding on the ODPM, Rowley said, “There are some people who actually enjoy a good flood.” He said while Government is undertaking a coordinated approach to bringing relief to those affected, other people “came out in their party clothes and their little boats.” He said some people were “genuinely happy” there was flooding in South Trinidad.

“ I have seen Members of Parliament accusing the Government of racism because some parts of the country flood.”

Rowley, who is also Diego Martin West MP, recalled there was significant damage in his constituency in 2014 because of flooding. “We did not accuse anybody of racism. We stayed very quiet. We took it in stride.” Rowley also said people are aware that all the country’s water courses have certain retention limits.

While as head of the government he is ultimately responsible for its operations, he said there are government ministers who report to him and they are assisted by technocrats. “We all have different roles. I am not taking any advice from the Opposition.”

He explained that even if water courses are dredged or cleared, periods of heavy rainfall can cause these limits to be breached and flooding occurs.

The Prime Minister said he will be updated by government ministers who have been in the field, about ongoing flood relief efforts. Before leaving for Belize, Rowley visited flood-affected areas in Mafeking and Manzanilla. He did not rule out the possibility of visiting other communities.

Republic: Mark’s Forex claims erroneous

Republic Financial Holdings Limited (RFHL) has responded to Opposition Senator Wade Mark’s call for an audit over the outflow of foreign exchange to a bank in Guyana and described his statements as “grossly erroneous.”

RFHL in a release on Wednesday, commented on statements made by Mark during budget debate in the Senate on October 24 which they noted with “concern and alarm.”

Mark expressed concern over a proposed injection of US$120 million into HFC Bank (Ghana), which is a majority-owned subsidiary of Republic Financial Holdings Limited, “as required by the Ghana’s Central Bank” and called on the Central Bank to do a special forensic audit on Republic Bank Holdings. “Senator Mark’s concerns arose out of his view that Republic Bank was utilizing the country’s scarce foreign exchange reserves supplied by the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago. Senator Mark’s comments are grossly misleading and erroneous in substance and fact.” RFHL said the requirements of the Bank of Ghana (Ghana’s Central Bank) are that all financial institutions have a minimum paid up capital of GHS $120 million (US $27.4 million) by December 31, 2017 and GHS $400 million (US $91.3 million) by December 31, 2018.

“Both requirements were aimed at strengthening the financial system in Ghana in the long term interest of all stakeholders and the national development.”

RFHL said currently the paid up capital of HFC Bank (Ghana) is GHS $96.2 million (US $22 million). The Board of HFC Bank (Ghana) approved a rights issue of GHS $50 million (US$11.4 million) to ensure compliance with the December 31, 2017 deadline. Republic’s share of this rights issue is GHS $28.6 million (US $6.5 million). To achieve the December 31, 2018 deadline an additional capital injection of GHS$260 million (US $60 million) will be required from all shareholders of which Republic’s share will be GHS $149 million (US $34 million), RFHL explained. “Historically and currently, Republic Financial Holdings funds all of its non-trading foreign exchange needs through a combination of (a) foreign exchange earned from the dividends paid by our subsidiaries throughout the Caribbean and Africa and (b) investment income earned from the deployment of the Bank’s US Dollar assets.”

RFHL said the requisite injections for HFC Bank (Ghana) will, therefore, be financed through the dividends/income earned from their overseas equity and other investments.

“It should be noted as well, that injections received from the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago can only be used for the purposes of resale to the business community in Trinidad and Tobago. Republic Bank fully complies with this regulation and reports the use of these proceeds to the Central Bank shortly after each injection.”

RFHL said it is “disappointed by the ill-judged use of a budget debate to disseminate unfounded allegations that could injure the reputation of a financial institution with over 179 years of unstinting service to the people of Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean.”

“While no apology can be expected, we do hope that greater care will be taken in the future to validate the facts surrounding any matter.”

Le Hunte: UNC got advice to…Thief! Thief! Thief!

An uproar arose in the Senate yesterday during the budget contribution of Public Utilities Minister Robert Le Hunte who characterised the former People’s Partnership (PP) government as being advised by their advisers to “thief! thief! thief!”. This prompted an angry reaction from Opposition Senator Khadijah Ameen.

Also contributing to the debate earlier was former Central Bank governor Jwala Rambaran as a temporary Opposition senator whose tenure was also chided by Le Hunte. Le Hunte said while one Opposition senator had queried the Government’s economic advisers, the UNC had dubious advisers.

“At a time when oil-prices averaged US$100 per barrel we incurred expenditure that reached as high as $63 billion,” Le Hunte said, “The majority of which, as we are now seeing, was spent on financing over-priced projects and engaging in activities which were brought to the public’s attention by my colleague the Honourable Stuart Young.”

“During that critical period when the country had (squandered) a lot of money, all the advice that the particular government got was ‘spend, spend, spend and more spend, and thief, thief, thief!’”

Ameen rose to object that he was imputing improper motives citing Standing Order 46(6).

Senate President Christine Kangaloo responded, “If I’m not mistaken, the minister didn’t refer to anybody by name.”

Le Hunte continued, “There is a saying from Bob Marley, ‘Who the cap fits, let them wear it.’”

Looking in Rambaran’s direction, Le Hunte said, “It was clear to all and sundry, all over the world, where our economy was going. It only seemed to be in the last quarter of 2014 that we moved from 2.5 growth rate to one of a mere 0.2 percent in the last quarter. Not a word was said not an advice given by any of the advisers who are now coming into this chamber and speaking.

“Madam President, it appears some people have come with vindictive minds to settle scores and grievances.”

Kangaloo interjected to ask him to re-phrase his words and to be careful in making reference to other senators’ contributions. Le Hunte apologised as Government MPs grinned broadly.

He said, in 2015 then finance minister Larry Howai had been wrongly advised by “certain individuals” that the economy was not declining but expanding. While the Patrick Manning-led People’s National Movement administration had left office with $10 billion in the Treasury, he alleged this sum had been exhausted by the PP government, causing the present Government to have to borrow.

“If that wasn’t enough, the money was not only run out in the Central Bank under the stewardship of certain people who I will not call, at that point in time they had also raked the National Gas Company of close to $16 billion.” Ameen challenged him on the source of his figures, but Kangaloo allowed Le Hunte to continue. “The legacy of the last regime and the last governor was a total disruption and mashing up of a system that was nicely in place for a very long time, the effects of which we are still experiencing. We are trying to fix a problem that you created.”

Saying he was then a banker who valued confidentiality, Le Hunte said the actions of Rambaran as governor had made him cringe, apparently referring to the naming of companies who were the biggest users of foreign exchange.