Christmas at the Hyatt



Monday, December 1 2008(T&T Newsday)



THIS COUNTRY’S newest five-star hotel, the Hyatt Regency, located at the Waterfront in Port of Spain, launched its Christmas festivities recently with a gala reception.

Guests, including business executives, politicians and members of the diplomatic corp, enjoyed cocktails, as well as entertainment by singer Wendy Sheppard, a Mas presentation by Brian Mc Farlane and other cultural items. Here are some highlights of the gala event.


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Hilton General Manager Ali Khan, left, greets his counterpart, Hyatt General Manager Russell George.

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FROM LEFT, the wife of Spanish Ambassador, Belen Casans, Nigerian High Commissioner Musa John and a visitor from Brazil, Estrella Alvesa, enjoy each other's company.

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Mas designer Brian Mc Farlane chats with Hyatt Director of Events, Colleen Diaz.

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A part of the Mas presentation by Brian Mc Farlane.

And how come Trinis trying to get away like Guyanese? Is that the sign of a failed society like GY in the making? Is the short term oil money preventing a Guyana like situation?

quote:

Originally posted by TK:
And how come Trinis trying to get away like Guyanese? Is that the sign of a failed society like GY in the making? Is the short term oil money preventing a Guyana like situation?

What concern it is of YOU Dog that ppl in T&T leave to other countries?

quote:

Eric_RACIST: What concern it is of YOU Dog that ppl in T&T leave to other countries?

Bannas don't buss yuh veins...just answer the questions. What happens when the oil money done?

quote:

Originally posted by TK:

quote:

Eric_RACIST: What concern it is of YOU Dog that ppl in T&T leave to other countries?

Bannas don't buss yuh veins...just answer the questions. What happens when the oil money done?

I ain't worried the ppl in T&T don't fret and fuss about that, Oil coming out the ground since 1800's major production since early 1900's lots of oil and gas around the ocean between Grenada, Tobago and Barbados.

I looking right now to buy a house in T&T next couple of yrs. I don't lose sleep over them things.

quote:

BONUS: I ain't worried the ppl in T&T don't fret and fuss about that, Oil coming out the ground since 1800's major production since early 1900's lots of oil and gas around the ocean between Grenada, Tobago and Barbados.

I looking right now to buy a house in T&T next couple of yrs. I don't lose sleep over them things.

Let me put it this way...Trinidad will not become a developed country in 2020. Not because I wish the country bad...I wish it all the best and would love to see that happen. But I don't see it happening. A country don't become developed by wishful thinking. Make sure you buy your house in an area where they won't kidnap you.

French chef in TT to launch culinary group



Wednesday, December 3 2008(T&T Newsday)



RENOWNED French chef Jean-Luc Grabowski will be in Trinidad to launch a new association called Goûts et Saveurs Trinidad. Goûts et Saveurs seeks to form a fusion between Caribbean flavours and French gastronomy while promoting culinary arts. This association is already present in Monaco, St Martin and St Barths.

During Chef Grabowski’s one week visit, he will be conducting interactive demonstration cooking classes for students of the Trinidad and Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute (TTHTI).

In addition, the Alliance Française, in collaboration with the Trinidad and Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute (TTHTI), Malabar Farms and the International Wine Guild has organised special classes for the general public which will be held from next Monday to Wednesday from 5-7:30pm. Classes will take place at the Trinidad and Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute (TTHTI) in Chaguaramas.

Jean-Luc Grabowski is the head chef at the Restaurant des Pécheurs, Le Sereno and President of “Goûts et Saveurs” St Barthelemy. With over 22 years of service in some of the best restaurants in Monaco, he is the recipient of a number of professional accolades including the “Golden Fork”, 15/20 in the Gault-Millau guide, the Michelin star and the silver medal in the Windsor Cooking Olympics 1992.

He is also the author of three cookbooks and is a member of Monaco’s “Goûts et Saveurs” association. Participants will not only learn how to create new and exciting dishes but will also learn which wines best compliment different types of food during a wine-tasting presentation by Phyllis Moreau of the International Wine Guild. A different menu will be prepared each day and classes will be in both French and English.

The cost per class is $400 and $300 for Alliance Française members. Participants can register at the Alliance Française, 17 Alcazar Street, St. Clair.

Please call 622-6119 or visit www.alliancetnt.com for more information. To find out more about Goûts et Saveurs Trinidad contact the secretary Sashi Lall at 356-4023 or 355-1334.


French chef Jean-Luc Grabowski

Trini plans Obama inauguration



By SUZANNE SHEPPARD Thursday, December 4 2008(T&T Newsday)



A TRINIDADIAN will be taking on a key role at next month’s inauguration of Barack Obama as the first African-American President of the United States.

Collin Abraham, who scored another major event earlier this year as event planner for the wedding of US celebrities Beyonce Knowles and Shawn “Jay Z” Carter, is the man in charge of planning and decor for the inauguration at the Capitol in Washington DC, on January 20.

In a telephone interview yesterday from New York where he runs a major event planning and design firm, Pollen Nation, Abraham told Newsday he was excitedly looking forward to being a part of the historic event.

“I am for Trinidad and Tobago all the way and I am happy that a son of the soil has shown the talent to be a part of this. I welcome the challenge,” Abraham said. He added that he was eagerly looking forward to playing his part in an event which is sure to get worldwide attention.

Abraham, 39, said he was invited to be event planner for the inauguration several weeks ago after he did a Breast Cancer Week function for current First Lady Laura Bush. At the time the US elections had not yet taken place. When Barack Obama won the election, Abraham got a call back from officials in Washington asking if he was still interested in handling planning and decor for the event.

“Of course I said yes. I was elated to have the opportunity this is very exciting!” the former Barataria resident said. He is now gearing up for a very hectic December and January. He will be in Washington DC, from December 10 to 12 to do a walk through with State Department officials and then it will be full speed ahead with preparations for the inauguration. By now Abraham should be used to planning five-star events. In addition to the Beyonce-Jay Z nuptials he has designed for US celebrities such as hip hop mogul Sean “P Diddy” Combs, L.A. Reid and Warner Music.

He did Beyoncé’s birthday and album release party following the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards. For that event, Abraham encased flowers, manzanita branches and live bees in five foot tall glass tanks and created a floral arch of green, pink, orange and white orchids, magnolias and hydrangeas at the entrance.

For the secret celebrity wedding, which took place at Jay Z’s Manhattan apartment, Abraham worked closely with Beyonce on the colour theme and floral design ivory and cream with whites and greens, orchids with garlands from floor to ceiling and columns of branches with crystals at the end.

A graduate of Barataria Senior Comprehensive, Abraham migrated to the United States in 1998. He pursued a course in sound engineering and worked as a floral decorator at the Waldorf Astoria before launching Pollen Nation in 1999.

Abraham, who last visited his homeland in July, is planning another trip to TT early next year, very likely for Carnival.


Collin Abraham

$.5M for Miss TT delegates



Thursday, December 4 2008(T&T Newsday)



Government has provided an additional $284,000 in financial support this year to help Trinidad and Tobago delegate to Miss World, Gabrielle Walcott, and the Miss Universe delegate Anya Ayoung-Chee prepare for the international pageants.

The Miss World 2008 Pageant takes place in Durban, South Africa on December 13. The Miss Universe 2008 Pageant was held in Nha Trang, Vietnam on July 14.

On November 23, Sunday Newsday reported local pageant organiser Peter Elias’s concerns that Walcott could be this country’s last pageant representative because “the powers that be have not come readily forward to offer financial support for the pageants.”

Elias said while Government honoured its commitment to support Walcott, it has failed to provide funding for other representatives.

In a release yesterday, the Culture Ministry said an additional $284,000 from the Sport and Culture Fund of the Office of the Prime Minister was provided for Walcott and Ayoung Chee. The ministry said this brings the cumulative financial support this year for the Miss Universe and Miss World pageants to $584,000, or approximately 72 percent of the delegates’ budgeted expenses. A sum of $300,000 was provided initially to help Walcott and Ayoung Chee’s preparations.

“These funds were provided notwithstanding other successful approaches which the local franchise holder made to other State and para-state agencies,” the ministry stated.


Gabrielle Walcott

A Filipino Christmas in TT



Saturday, December 6 2008(T&T Newsday)



THE FILIPINO Community of Trinidad and Tobago (FCATT) held their Annual Christmas Dinner and Dance at Crown Plaza, Wrightson Road, last Saturday.

FCATT President Dr Noe Jaen urged the members of the group to continue to strive for excellence through their commitment and dedication in their field of employments. He urged them to to be sensitive to what is happening, keep the faith and forge ahead.

Guests were entertained by the Pandango Sa Ilaw Dancers, the Cotillion de Honour and singers Elmie Sayamba Lee and Rocky Canque.

Masters of Ceremony were Drs Roxanne and Rose Mae Tantoco.

Jaen said all funds raised from the event will go toward helping the needy and children who are unable to pursue their educational goals.


Acting Commissioner of Police James Philbert at the dinner table with Dr Noe Jaen, left President of FCATT and Dr Fe Reyes.

Elegantly dressed guests enjoying the evening.

Shawn Tang Ming, left, co-ordinator of the event, with FCATT PRO Susana Barclay and Dr Roxanne Tantoco.

Govt halts schools, houses, hospitals
By Andre Bagoo Tuesday, December 2 2008

click on pic to zoom in« prev photo next photo »THE PROVISION of new houses, hospitals and schools are not among the areas that the Government should cut back on, former finance ministers, economists, businessmen and politicians said yesterday as Prime Minister Patrick Manning was accused of getting his priorities wrong in announcing a $4.5 billion Budget cut.

On Sunday, Manning announced a cut back in government expenditure saying there will be a slow down in the construction of schools, that new hospitals planned for Couva and Port-of- Spain “will have to be deferred” and that there will be no new housing units. He also said there will be a reduction of infrastructural works in communities across the nation, that the start of construction of the National Carnival and Entertainment Centre, and that the TTEC street lighting programme will be slowed.

But while these areas will be cut back, major infrastructural projects will continue, according to the Prime Minister, in order to prevent Trinidad and Tobago from spiralling into a recession.

“If we are to avoid a recession in these challenging times we cannot take a contractionary approach to our economic development. We cannot completely shut down the development programme of Trinidad and Tobago. This is the engine of growth,” Manning said. At the same time he urged the population to save, saying, “the Government is cutting back on expenditure and it would be wise for you to save...We need all hands on deck as we make this rough crossing.”

In an interview with Newsday at the Red House, Finance Minister Karen Nunez-Tesheira said the cut backs would result in a new Budget figure of $44.5 billion, down from the original Budget figure of $49 billion. She noted that while the Government anticipates a $741 million deficit, the Government is not contemplating dipping into the Heritage and Stabilisation Fund (HSF) to fund this.

“We do not anticipate going into the Hertitage and Stabilisation Fund (HSF) at this point in time,” she said. “You always want to look at other options.”

The minister said there would be an average cut of six percent in all government ministries. She also said that the Government had revised the oil price upon which the Budget is based, but she would not specify what the new base oil price being used was, saying that it was “less than US$70 per barrel.”

Asked if she thought the Government had gotten its priorities right in announcing cutbacks on houses, schools and hospitals, the minister said, “the Government has to make choices...there are competing interests.”

But economist Dr Mary King was not satisfied with the Government’s choice to cut back on the building of new hospitals. In particular, she said the shelving of the planned Couva hospital reflected adversely on the Government’s priorities.

“If, after forty years of building in Point Lisas, we are not getting the Couva hospital — which would have a full service burns unit — then Prime Minister Patrick Manning is not serious. The priorities are not correct,” King said yesterday.

“If he (Manning) were serious...he would have focused on the wild, high costs of some of the projects that he is insisting on like the rapid rail project,” King said.

The one-time independent senator and current member of the Global Organisation of Parliamentarians Against Corruption was also critical of Manning’s proposed halt of new housing projects.

“He has cut back on housing. Was that a wise thing to do given the state of housing stock in Trinidad and Tobago and given that they wanted to build 10,000 houses a year?” King asked.

Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday yesterday also criticised the Prime Minister for back tracking on the construction of the Couva hospital while not addressing pressing issues of corruption.


“The Government has got it all wrong and it is not touching on the real question at issue and that is the cost of corruption in the Budget,” Panday said.
“They talk about cutting out the Couva hospital but do not talk about the corruption taking place in the Scarborough hospital. If there was not corruption in the Tobago hospital, we could also build the Couva hospital.”

He too was critical of the decision to cut back on houses and schools.
“You don’t cut back on schools because any nation that wants to progress...must strengthen and improve its human resource. To cut back on schools is to cut back on the human resource necessary for growth.”

“The problem with the houses is not the amount being built but the distribution of them. But the Government will not deal with the real issues in society which are corruption, mismanagement and wastage.”

In the Government’s defence, Nunez-Tesheira yesterday said the Government was not permanently stopping any of these new projects but was simply “deferring” and “postponing” them given the current global economic conditions.
“It’s not a race that has to be run and completed within a fiscal year,” she said. “I am sure in every country now there is going to be adjustments.”
She acknowledged that while the slowdown in housing projects will affect the PNM’s goal of 10,000 houses per year, the Government remained committed to its long-term housing goals.

“I think more important than the 10,000 houses a year is the 2020 Vision reality. This Government is committed to that, so that if it is that we are going to have to make adjustments for this year, then we are going to have to make adjustments... The commitment is still there, (even) it does not strictly obtain per annum,” she said.
The TT Chamber of Industry and Commerce (TTCIC) yesterday urged the Government to continue with particular housing programmes and to “closely monitor” its spending, notwithstanding the announced cuts.

“The chamber assumes that projects such as the Infill New Housing Programme has not been affected (by the cuts) as costly infrastructure for these projects have already been completed,” the TTCIC president Ian Collier said in a press release.

Collier urged the Government to “closely monitor the international situation and the performance of the local economy to ensure that a measured balance between expenditure reductions and revenues keep the economy as robust as possible.”

CWU workers threaten ‘bloody Christmas’
Thursday, December 4 2008

click on pic to zoom inWorkers on the march: CWU officials lead TSTT workers in a placard demonstration outside the company's bmobile office at Library Corner, San Fernando ...WORKERS of the Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT) were yesterday told by fellow Communications Workers Union members, who had gathered in San Fernando for a noon-day placard demonstration against TSTT, that there would be no Christmas party by the company on Saturday, December 13, and in fact, workers should remember “Bloody Tuesday” as the Christmas gathering could well turn out to be a “bloody Saturday”, a reference to a heated confrontation by unions several years ago.

Wage negotiations between the union and TSTT have completely broken down and yesterday’s statements by union workers were regarded by TSTT as threats. The lunchtime placard demonstration took place outside TSTT, Library Corner, San Fernando.

Workers were instructed by their union to stick to the strict specifications of their jobs. No overtime was to be done and bmobile offices would not open on a Saturday until the union’s demands were met. One of the immediate demands is the removal of the chief company negotiator Edgehill Messiah.

However when Joseph Remy, CWU president general, addressed the workers he painted a calmer picture and expressed optimism that a meeting between TSTT CEO Roberto Peon, union representatives and Public Utilities Minister Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, followed by another meeting with TSTT’s chairman Samuel Martin would provide the foundation for a speedy resolution of the stalled negotiations.

The meeting between Peon, together with union representatives led by Remy and Abdul-Hamid is scheduled for today, while the meeting with Martin is scheduled to take place next Tuesday at the Public Utilities Ministry.

Remy said, “We are hopeful that those meetings will bring some maturity to the table and the company will sit with us and deal with the past period that has gone and bring some kind of relief for the workers, because we are into an inflationary period.

“Inflation is 15.4 percent, and we are on 2005 salary, it has completely eroded the purchasing power of our workers so what we are saying is bring us some relief, bring us to 2007 and we will discuss anything from 2008 going forward.”

He said however the union would not be giving up its “fundamental rights” as the recognised majority bargaining body for the workers.

Saying the demonstration had been moved to south Trinidad to sensitise the public on the issues confronting workers, Remy reiterated that the impasse occurred after an agreement was hammered out between union representatives and the company’s negotiations team which was then headed by a well-known industrial relations consultant. Remy said the breakdown in the relationship between TSTT and the CWU started when the company introduced a new vice president, human resources, (Messiah) and “we are totally against that.”

“We believe he has to be removed, the company has to honour the agreement in 2007 and we would sit and discuss all the issues,” he added.

Asked what action the union may utilise if the meetings failed to produce a favourable result, Remy said, “One thing I can guarantee you, our union never ever stops its legitimate right to demonstrate if we feel we are aggrieved.

“We are taking a cue from the Prime Minister if you feel aggrieved then you are supposed to raise your grievance and we will continue doing that until we are satisfied that the issues are resolved,” he said. Meanwhile, TSTT’s public relations manager, Graeme Suite, confirmed that meetings between union representatives and the company’s CEO and chairman have been scheduled but could not specify the location of the two meetings.

He also reaffirmed the company’s willingness to settle the outstanding negotiations saying they had never “discounted” wanting to settle the issues but once again noted that the union’s call for the removal of the human resources vice president had been rejected by TSTT’s board.

I see this female jackass is back braying.....

Cuba hails Dr Williams



By Andre Bagoo Tuesday, December 9 2008(T&T Newsday)



CARICOM leaders yesterday called for the end of the United States (US) trade embargo against Cuba at the Third Cuba Caricom Summit held in the eastern Cuban city of Santiago de Cuba. The call came one day after Cuban president Raul Castro, the brother of Cuban revolution leader Fidel Castro, praised Trinidad and Tobago’s first prime minister the late Dr Eric Williams for being among the first leaders in the Caribbean to establish ties with Cuba despite pressure from the US not to do so.

In his key address during the welcoming ceremony for Caricom heads of state who gathered at the city’s the Plaza de la Revolution on Sunday, Raul praised Williams for being among four Caribbean leaders who established ties with Cuba 36 years ago.

“I wish to avail myself of this moment of friendship and fraternity among the Caribbean peoples, to pay tribute to that event that took place on December 8, 1972, which gave way to a transcendental chapter in the history of Cuba and the Caribbean,” Raul was quoted as saying in a Cuban News Agency report. “Let’s pay tribute to the memory of (former Barbados prime minister) Errol Barrow, (former Jamaica prime minister) Michael Manley, (former Guyana president) Forbes Burnman and Eric Williams.”

“Four Caribbean nations took the daring step of establishing diplomatic relations with Cuba,” Raul said. “It is worthwhile recalling the historic context of that event. At the time, when diplomatic relations were simultaneously signed with Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, Cuba was diplomatically isolated from the continent...Under US pressure, most governments in the region had severed their relations with Cuba.”

Yesterday, Raul opened the formal session of the summit at the Hotel Melia Santiago, and according to a transcript of a Radio Habana Cuba report, Caricom leaders called for the end of the US trade embargo against the island nation.

Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer, pro-tempore president of Caricom, called Washington’s trade blockade “a relic of the past” which is still in place despite international condemnation, according to the report. Speaking on behalf of Caricom, Spencer said the regional bloc expects the new US administration to change the anti-Cuba policy.

Caricom leaders gathered yesterday also heaped praised on Fidel Castro. Spencer stressed Fidel Castro’s leading role in tightening ties with Caricom member countries.

Prime Minister Patrick Manning was the first leader to arrive at the summit, having landed early in Cuba for his annual medical check-up last Thursday. On his arrival he was reported in the Cuban press as saying that the summit represented an opportunity for Caricom to expand its links with Cuba. Manning sent greetings to Fidel Castro and invited Raul to visit Trinidad and Tobago.


THE OTHER CASTRO: Cuban President Raul Castro talks with schoolchildren in Santiago de Cuba, during an activity in the sidelines of the Caricom-Cuba Summit. In the background at right is TT Prime Minister Patrick Manning.

quote:

Originally posted by Eric's_Revenge:
I see this female jackass is back braying.....

mr, you know you don't like to see me around. becaused i only bring out the bad in trinidad, but you must be fair don't fool people, and who tell you i am female.

Cop kills boy, 16
By LAUREL V WILLIAMS Monday, November 10 2008

click on pic to zoom in« prev photo next photo »A-16-YEAR-OLD boy was shot and killed by police in Chaguanas on Saturday night and his parents are calling for an investigation into what they believe was a senseless act of police brutality.

Bernaldo Francis, who sold mangoes at a stall in the market, was shot in the back of the head at about 11 pm on Saturday following a fracas outside a club, Genieve Sports Bar at Busy Corner.

Police said they responded to a call that a fight had erupted outside the club between two patrons.

When they got there, Francis, police said, was brandishing a gun and was firing shots at them.

Police said when they confronted him, he ran off.

Francis, the report said, ran through Busy Corner, then along Eleanor Street, but police declined to say whether he had a gun in his hand at the time.

On reaching a car park close to several business places, a shot was fired and Francis fell to the ground, police said. The police officers lifted up the bleeding boy and placed him in a police vehicle, then took him to the nearby Chaguanas Health Centre.

It was later discovered that he had a single gun shot wound in the back of his head.

The bullet was lodged in the nostrils and attempts by doctors to revive him was futile. He died after bleeding profusely from the wound.

Yesterday, his mother, Bernadette Samuel, 49, condemned the killing of her son. The family live at Xavier Street Extension, Perseverance Village, Chaguanas, where Francis was the youngest of eight children.

In an interview at the home, Samuel said she conducted her own enquiries and learned that Francis left a KFC outlet and was on his way to the club with a friend, when they saw police officers approaching in a vehicle. The mother admitted that her son smoked marijuana and she believed that he panicked when he saw the police.

“My son alone started to run and the police officers went after him. Maybe he was scared or had a smoke on him.

“One shot, and this officer killed my child. I cannot get justice because he is already dead, ” Samuel said. Describing her son as a hustler, the mother recalled her final moments with her youngest child, saying that she lent him a gold ring Saturday night because he wanted to go out and lime a bit.

Samuel said, “He said ‘Mamie lend me your gold ring for me to bling.’ She said he then took the ring off her finger.

“When I saw him at hospital, the doctor told me that the bullet struck him at the back of his head and went in his nose,” she said.

Police, she said, found the gun in his crotch but she dismissed this.

“He had on boxers only. If he was firing at the officers would not the gun be found in his hands or something? ” she said.

Francis’ father, Christopher Samuel, fought back tears and was too distraught to speak.

Way to go TT, they came # 3 in Miss World, congrats to Ms Walcott and to Eric.

______________________________

JOHANNESBURG (AFP) — Russia's Kseniya Sukhinova won the Miss World 2008 crown on Saturday in a glittering African-themed pageant where she outshone 108 other international beauties and pledged to "help people."

"And Miss World 2008 is Russia," announced Julia Morley, head of the Miss World committee that organises the event.

The second runner up was Gabrielle Walcott of Trinidad and Tobago and the first runner up Parvathay Omanakuttan of India.

The 21-year-old blue-eyed blonde beauty, who declared shortly before her win was announced that being nervous made her "feel stronger," takes over from Zhang Zi Lin of China to become the 58th Miss World.

"I think I can help people and I want to help people and today if I walk away with this crown I will do that," Sukhinova told judges through a translator after being asked why she should be crowned the winner.

Hailing from Nizhnevartovsk in the north west of Siberia, Sukhinova was dressed in a purple gown, with a decorative neckline and flowing skirt.

She is a student pursuing an engineering degree from the Tyumen Oil and Gas University.

Gabrielle 3rd in Miss World



By Joan Rampersad Sunday, December 14 2008(T&T Newsday)



Trinidad and Tobago’s Gabrielle Walcott was yesterday crowned second runner up at the Miss World 2008 contest at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa. But even while ecstatic in her victory, local franchise holder Peter Elias told Newsday that this was the end of the road for him.

He said, “What joy, what joy, what joy! This is one of the proudest moments in my life. When Gabby won the ‘Beauty with a Purpose’ contest and I saw the Trinidad and Tobago flag featured in her piece I felt so proud of TT. I’m proud of my team and Gabby’s effort. It was a long hard road but we succeeded. All is great but this is the end of the road for Peter Elias.

I’m going to pass on the baton to someone else. I feel proud to have contributed to my country over the years and the feelings I felt today I want it to stay with me for the rest of my life.”

On the Miss World stage Walcott carried herself with grace and charm, looking absolutely regal as she was announced winner of the Beauty with a Purpose award.

Beauty With A Purpose is an event established in 2001 that is celebrated during the activities prior to the Miss World pageant. It awards the contestant with the most relevant and important charity project in her nation.

A short video was shown of Walcott’s work with the Just Because Foundation which supports children suffering with or recovering from cancer at the Paediatric Speciality Centre at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, Mt Hope.

Gabrielle’s work was highlighted and broadcast to two billion viewers in 187 countries. The world was shown that while working with those children Walcott decided to create more hospitable conditions for them since the facilities were not adequate. She helped raise about $100,000 in charity for the creation of a new children’s ward.

Bobby Ackbarali who is in South Africa with the TT team had his moment of pride when the gown that Walcott wore was a finalist for the World Designer Award.

Eventually beauties from 109 countries were whittled down to 15 semi-finalists with Trinidad and Tobago being the second country to be called after India and before Angola, Russia and South Africa.

Since 2005 the Beauty with a Purpose winner automatically makes the semi-finals but Miss Trinidad and Tobago World 2008 went a step further as she is the first and only winner to place in the top three.

Asked what makes her the best delegate for the Miss World title Walcott quoted from former South African president, Nelson Mandela stating, “A good mind and a good heart form a wonderful combination”, and from her own father who she said always told her “to whom much is given much is expected”. Walcott stated that she had that mind and heart and was prepared to give her all.

Then just before the announcing of the results Miss TT was asked about her South African experience leading up to yesterday’s final. She said, “I came here a girl, I will leave here a woman.”

Julia Morley, CEO of Miss World then named Miss Trinidad and Tobago second runner up, India first runner-up and Russia’s Kseniya Sukhinova, Miss World 2008. The 21-year-old blue-eyed blonde and 58th Miss World beauty takes over from Zhang Zi Lin of China.


TT's Gabrielle Walcott, right, poses with newly crowned Miss World Kseniya Sukhinova, centre, and first runner-up Miss India, Parvathy Omanakuttai.
Author: AP Photo

Tuesday 16th December, 2008


Moko jumbie welcome for Gabrielle

Gabrielle Walcott



Richard Lord



A guard of honour formed by moko jumbies was among the highlights for Miss T&T Miss World Gabrielle Walcott on her arrival at Piarco International Airport last night.

She was met by Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Culture Junia Regrello who told reporters Culture Minister Marlene Mc Donald was absent because of a prior engagement. He said the Government was expecting Walcott on Wednesday.

He said the Government was proud of her success and would continue to assist. He added, however, that the private sector must play a critical role also. Miss T&T World 2007 Valene Maharaj was also at the airport.

Gabrielle was the second runner up in the Miss World 2008, which was held in Johannesburg, South Africa, last Saturday.

Miss Russia was the winner and Miss India the first runner up.

Gabrielle, 24, also won the Beauty with a Purpose title, which was awarded for the best social and charitable project. Gabrielle is the patron of the Just Because Foundation which promotes hope and health alternatives for children living with cancer in T&T.

Gabrielle raised $100,000 in charity to establish a new children’s ward at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex.

Gabrielle, from Petit Valley, impressed the judges with her shimmering champagne and white gown, which was designed by Bobby Ackbarali.



©2005-2006 Trinidad Publishing Company Limited

Nation prays for speedy recovery



By RHONDOR DOWLAT Wednesday, December 17 2008(T&T Newsday)



The nation’s prayers are with Prime Minister Patrick Manning this morning as citizens are wishing him a speedy recovery from kidney cancer surgery in Cuba.

Secretary of the Inter-Religious Organisation Pundit Mukram Sirju will lead off prayers for the Prime Minister at the Botanical Gardens, Port-of-Spain, at 10 am today, as part of a public service organised by the Zoological Society of TT.

Prayers will also be said at 10 am in Mon Repos in Manning’s San Fernando East constituency. Vigils for the Prime Minister in the constituency began on Monday.

“Once you go under the knife anything can happen. This I gather is a very grave situation, especially in this time where the country is going through a trying time where its financial status is concerned. We need all hands on deck and we need Manning at the helm, so we are trusting and praying that he will pull through,” Sirju said.

Hindu, Muslim and Christian leaders have all called on their membership to pray and fast for the Prime Minister to have a successful surgery.

Manning was raised in the Anglican faith but in recent years has been a follower of born-again Christianity, and has received special support from the Pentecostal community.

A pastor from Chaguanas said congregations have been asked to pray for Manning and his family.

“We have added a day of fasting to our prayers for a sound medical procedure, speedy recovery and quick return,” said the pastor.

Maha Sabha secretary general Satnarine Maharaj said pundits have been advised to pray for Manning to have good health after the surgery.

ASJA president Yacoob Ali said the Muslim community sends its wishes for good health for Manning.

“We have asked each imam of every mosque to recite a special dua or prayer,” said Ali.

Even Miss TT World Gabrielle Walcott, turning the spotlight away from herself yesterday, said she too is praying for Manning.

“This just goes to show that cancer is a serious disease that can affect anyone; no one is immune from the disease. Cancer is a battle we continue to face and I am praying for our Prime Minister. I wish him a speedy recovery,” Walcott said on Monday night. She had returned from South Africa where she placed third in the Miss World pageant. Walcott is an advocate for children inflicted with cancer.

Manning in good shape for surgery



By Andre Bagoo Our man in Havana Wednesday, December 17 2008(T&T Newsday)



A Cuban doctor on Prime Minister Patrick Manning’s surgical team assured Newsday, in an exclusive interview yesterday, that Manning is in good shape ahead of surgery to remove a cancerous tumour from his left kidney, which he will undergo this morning at the Cimeq Hospital in Siboney, Havana.

Dr Joel Figolla, speaking with Newsday, said the Prime Minister is in “fine condition” and has been placed in a highly secured area of the top level, five storey hospital, where Cuba’s revolutionary leader Fidel Castro and its president Raul Castro receive treatment for their medical conditions.

Manning will undergo surgery one hour earlier than scheduled at 8.30 am Cuban time, which is 9.30 am in Trinidad.

Dr Figolla, a neurosurgeon, will be assisting in this morning’s major operation.

“I am the right hand to the principal surgeon in this matter,” Dr Figolla said, assuring once more that Manning’s vitals are good going into the surgery.

Another Cuban neurosurgeon, Dr Iosmill Morales Perez, also in an exclusive interview with Newsday, explained the facility makes special provisions for high profile patients like Manning, so only top level senior staff is aware he is there for the surgery. “Only a select few in this hospital may know about him,” said Dr Perez.

Figolla and Perez did not give further details, except to assure the Prime Minister is receiving the best treatment from a top surgical team. Manning has been receiving medical treatment for his heart in Cuba for more than a decade and chose to have the procedure to remove the cancerous tumour there, after doctors discovered the malignant growth on his left kidney. He arrived in Cuba on December 11, accompanied by his wife Hazel. Trinidadians in Cuba are hopeful, like citizens at home, that the Prime Minister will have a successful surgery.

Jude Carasquero, a trade officer working in Miramar, Havana said while details about Manning’s condition is not available in the Cuban press, he is concerned about his health.

“I think this is a serious situation and we are all monitoring this here,” he said.

Vaughn Lewis, a businessman working in Cuba, said he and other members of the Trinidad and Tobago community in that country are also keeping tabs on reports about Manning.


CUBAN neurosurgeon Dr Joel Figolla, top, who will be "the right hand man" of the chiefsurgeon operating on Prime Minister Patrick Manning this morning at Cimeq Hospital,Cuba. Dr Iosmill Morales Perez, below, is also a neurosurgeon at the hospital. They gaveexclusive interviews to Newsday yesterday.

Phew, it’s over! PM safe after cancer surgery in Cuba



Gail Alexander December 17th, 2008


Success!



Prime Minister Patrick Manning’s surgery in Cuba yesterday was “very successful,” the Office of the Prime Minister confirmed. The office issued the statement around 3 pm yesterday—several hours after completion of the two-hour surgery to remove a malignant tumour from Manning’s left kidney.Doctors at Havana’s Cimeq Hospital in Cuba handled the surgery.

Manning has been at the hospital since last week, after revelation of his medical condition. Manning, 62, had said the tumour was discovered when he went to Cuba two weeks ago for his annual medical check-up. He checked into the hospital Tuesday afternoon. He underwent pre-operative procedures at 7.30 am (Cuban time) which was 8.30 am local time. The actual operation got under way at 8.30 am Cuban time (or 9.30 am local time).

After the surgery yesterday, the statement noted: “We are heartened to inform the national community that the Prime Minister’s surgery has been very successful and that he is currently in post-operative care.

“He recovered from the anaesthesia and is said to be resting at this time.” The office said further updates would be issued “as information becomes available.” Manning’s wife Hazel and their two sons, David and Brian, are in Cuba at his side.

PNM, Opposition happy

Acting Prime Minister Lenny Saith was not available for comment since he was in a meeting. Ministers and other top-level Government officials had been awaiting news since 12.30 pm yesterday.

After news broke, Minister in the Housing Ministry, Tina Gronlund-Nunez, chairman of Manning’s San Fernando East constituency, who said the unit held a service yesterday, added: “We have been informed that the surgery was successful and that news was conveyed to the many people who have been calling the constituency all of today to find out how the procedure went everyone is relieved and very happy.

“People have told us that their prayers have been answered and they feel like a weight is off of their shoulders...One person in the office even screamed for joy such was the outpouring of relief we saw today,” Gronlund-Nunez said.

“There was so much concern for the Prime Minister, not only from within the constituency, but from other seats as well.” PNM chairman Conrad Enill said, “Everyone had been hoping for this particular result and therefore we are extremely happy with the outcome,”

Enill said Mrs Manning was very relieved and happy also. He said Manning had been speaking to ministers during the days before his surgery. He felt that Manning would continue to be in touch once his recuperation allowed it. As for when Manning would return home, Enill said this would depend on the opinion of the Cuban medical authorities.

Before he left T&T, Manning had estimated that he would return in early January. Enill said the ruling PNM had set up a system whereby the many calls and inquiries including from constituencies and other quarters about Manning’s condition were handled by Prime Minister’s office.

Yesterday, UNC deputy leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar said: “The nation is very happy to learn of Mr Manning’s successful surgery. I want to wish him a speedy recovery and we look forward to him returning to the Parliament in full health.”

PM resting in private room



By Clint Chan Tack Saturday, December 20 2008(T&T Newsday)



PRIME MINISTER Patrick Manning has again telephoned home, two days after he underwent surgery to remove a cancerous tumour in his left kidney at the Cimeq Hospital in Havana, Cuba, to say he will be moved out of the intensive care unit and into a private room at the medical facility.

Manning also said he has been on his feet and walking around since Thursday afternoon as his health continues to improve daily.

The Prime Minister had surgery at the Cimeq Hospital at 9.30 am on Wednesday to remove the tumour. On Thursday, Manning felt well enough after his operation to telephone acting Prime Minister Dr Lenny Saith at the Prime Minister’s Diplomatic Centre at La Fantasie in St Ann’s where the Cabinet, PNM parliamentarians and permanent secretaries were having their Christmas lunch.

The Prime Minister told Saith he was feeling much better and was grateful for “all the prayers that Trinidad and Tobago has sent my way” for the surgery and his post operative recovery. Manning also told Saith his Cuban doctors were optimistic that the cancer had not spread to his right kidney.

“My doctors told me that the prognosis for my recovery is excellent and that they are pleased with the outcome of my surgery,” the Prime Minister said to Saith, who relayed that message to those present at Thursday’s luncheon.

When he called his office in St Clair yesterday morning, Manning had more good news for his staff about his continued recovery.

The Prime Minister told his staff that he has been walking around since Thursday afternoon and his ambulation (ability to walk) is expected to increase daily as he continues “on the road to full recovery.”

Manning will remain at the hospital for a few more days and during this time his Cuban doctors will closely monitor his progress.

On Thursday, urological surgeon Dr Lall Sawh said he expected that as part of his post operative care, the Prime Minister will be treated by a physiotherapist who will help him to exercise his legs to prevent blood clots and exercise his chest with breathing exercises.

Sawh said Manning should be able to walk on his own by yesterday, be moving around more easily by weekend and be able to resume a normal diet by next week.

The Prime Minister and his wife, Local Government Minister Hazel Manning, will spend Christmas and New Year’s Day in Cuba while he recuperates. They are expected to return home sometime around January 3. Mrs Manning left the country with her husband for Cuba on December 11.

They were joined in Havana on Tuesday by their sons Brian and David. The Prime Minister has kept abreast of government affairs by calling Energy Minister Conrad Enill on Tuesday before his surgery on Wednesday to discuss government business.

Wednesday 24th December, 2008


T&T agrees with Russia

…as gas producing countries form new group


T&T’s high commissioner to the UK and Europe, former Attorney General, John Jeremie, fourth from right, flanks Russian PM, Vladimir Putin, centre, as they stand with some of the participants of yesterday’s meeting of members of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum in Moscow.



Raphael John-Lall(Trinidad Guardian)



The increasing cost of production and exploration will eventually lead to higher natural gas prices worldwide, Energy Minister, Conrad Enill said yesterday.

Enill made the comment while agreeing with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin’s statement that the days of cheap natural gas were coming to an end.

Putin made the statement while addressing leaders and representatives of a dozen of the world’s major gas producing countries, including T&T, at a meeting of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) in Moscow.

T&T’s high commissioner to the UK and Europe, former Attorney General, John Jeremie, represented this country at the meeting.

Upon his departure for medical treatment in Cuba, Prime Minister Patrick Manning had cancelled all leave for Government ministers and ordered all the country’s diplomats to remain at their posts.

Enill said the main reason for rising gas prices in the future would be the increased cost of exploration and production.

“The price of gas is now increasing because the cost of exploration has now increased, the price of production has increased. Even other areas like human resource costs have increased,” he said.

He said economics and the forces of demand and supply will continue to impact on the price of gas internationally.

“In the past gas was a regional business, it is now a global business. Prices will change. It has everything now to do with supply and demand on the world market,” he said.

Putin said the cost of extracting gas was rising sharply, therefore “the era of cheap energy resources, of cheap gas, is of course coming to an end.”

The countries attending yesterday’s meeting were Algeria, Bolivia, Brunei, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Libya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Qatar, Russia, T&T, the United Arab Emirates and Venezuela. Equatorial Guinea and Norway were there as observers.

The GECF leaders adopted a charter and agreed to establish a permanent office in Doha, Qatar.

Asked why T&T did not bid to host the GECF headquarters in this country, Enill said Qatar was a logical choice as Qatar and some of the bigger gas producing countries had the resources and size to maintain such an office which T&T does not have.

“The larger countries have the resources to deal with this. Qatar has significant resources to carry out the required research agenda,” he said.

Some observers say the GECF may develop into an Opec style producers’ cartel, a reference to the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, which represents countries producing 40 per cent of the world’s oil.

This speculation increased with the news that the charter had been adopted and that GECF leaders had agreed to establish permanent offices.

Putin had earlier said Russia was ready to set up the headquarters in St Petersburg and give it full diplomatic status.

“A new organisation has been born today,” said Russian Energy Minister Sergei Shmatko.

Observers said that as the head of the government of the world’s biggest gas exporter, Putin’s word carried weight both with producers and consumers.

But despite Putin’s warning, gas prices which tend to follow oil prices with a delay of a few months seem likely to fall in the short term, he said. The EU gets 42 per cent of its gas imports from Russia, mostly via pipelines across Ukraine.

Not a cartel

Concerns over energy security mean a formal organisation of gas exporting countries would be deeply unpopular in Europe and the US.

It is feared that such an organisation could hold a monopoly on world supply and set prices to suit its own needs.

As well as the possibility of formalising the organisation, issues including possible future cuts in gas production and the effect of lower oil prices are also likely to be on the agenda.

Industry analysts say technical differences between the oil and gas markets—including longer-term contracts for gas exports—make it unlikely for now that gas exporters will set Opec-style quotas.

Officials at the meeting stressed they were not trying to set up a price-fixing cartel.

Venezuelan Energy Minister Rafael Ramirez said participant countries wanted to build a solid organisation, “which has in its foundation the same principles that gave birth to Opec.”

But he added, “It’s not a cartel. We are defending the interests of our countries, that’s all.”

(With reporting from the BBC)



©2005-2006 Trinidad Publishing Company Limited

This is good for clean and alternate energy. What Oil producers will find is they will have facilititate the critical mass needed for alternate energies and see their portion as a % of GDP shrink over time where they just become another alternate source of energy.

LNG equity to TT


by Linda Hutchinson-Jafar Special Correspondent



Thursday, December 25 2008(T&T Newsday)



Trinidad and Tobago has been offered equity in a proposed LNG terminus in New York/New Jersey by Canadian Superior. Mike Coolen, president and chief operating officer (COO), Canadian Superior, said TT “is open to additional discussions” on it.

The government of Prime Minister Patrick Manning has indicated its intention to become involved in value added segments of the LNG operations that net back directly to the local economy.

Last May, Excalibur Energy (USA) Inc, a 50/50 joint venture company between Canadian Superior Energy and Global LNG Inc, a New York based privately held company announced the launch of its US$550 million Liberty Natural Gas Transmission Project as a new source of natural gas to meet the growing energy demands of the US Northeast region.

Liberty Natural Gas will be a deepwater pipeline system, built in 100 feet of water, and receiving its supply of LNG from Trinidad in tankers that will connect to permanently anchored turrets or connectors on the seafloor.

According to Coolen, the LNG will be re-gasified onboard the ships and pumped through the turrets into the pipeline. The project will require fifty miles of 36” offshore pipeline and eleven miles of onshore pipeline and subject to regulatory approvals by the US Government, is expected to begin to deliver up to 2.4 billion cubic feet per day of natural gas by 2012.

TT is already the No 1 supplier of LNG to the US, accounting for over 65 percent of its imports.

Earlier this year, Canadian Superior announced a 1.1 tcf discovery in Block 5 (c), off Trinidad’s east coast. Later in August, the company announced that the results from the “Bounty” well and interpretations of extensive 3-D seismic data and other data indicate a natural gas resource potential of up to 2.6 tcf of natural gas from the tested structure in Block 5c. The third discovery in Trinidad and Tobago during 2008 was made by Petro Canada when it announced a 1.6 tcf discovery in its Block 22.

During last week’s IBC Caribbean Energy conference, Energy Minister Conrad Enill said the Government plans to sustain the exploration thrust in 2009 by offering several shallow marine and deep Atlantic acreage for competitive bidding.

The five shallow marine acreages are located on the East Coast and the North Coast of Trinidad and Tobago. “Our evaluation indicates that the blocks are likely to be gas prone and offers great potential for enhancing our gas reserves,” Enill said. The deep Atlantic blocks are northerly located. Enill added that according to available data, exploration activities have only covered one third of the country’s potential hydrocarbon resources.

“Our new initiatives will target resources that are located primarily in the Deep Atlantic, our new frontier,” he asserted. The Southerly part of this acreage was offered in 2006 and attracted one bid from Norway’s Statoil. Since the poor response to the 2006 offers, government re-evaluated the area and plans to acquire new data which will form the basis for the determination of location of potential blocks.

Gas volumes

Wayne Bertrand, distinguished fellow in petroleum studies at the UW I, noted the economic impact on Trinidad and Tobago which is largely dependent on oil and gas prices can be severe if the crisis is long. “One analyst estimates annual loss to the government of Trinidad and Tobago of US$25 to US$30 million for every one dollar drop in oil price and US$60 to US$75 million for every ten cents drop in gas price,” said Bertrand, formerly the president of operations at state owned Petrotrin.

The Trinidad and Tobago government recently estimated close to a US$1 billion shortfall in its 2009 budget for a US$15 drop in oil price and a 50 cent drop in gas price. Bertrand, chairman of the first day’s proceedings of the conference, added that commodity prices for ammonia, urea, methanol have “dropped to floor prices” leading to plant shut ins for turnaround in Trinidad. “Revenue loss is therefore due to both low product prices and less gas volumes at floor prices,” he noted. The downturn in the energy sector, he said, was taking place at a time when Trinidad and Tobago needs to renew its exploration effort for both oil and gas reserve replacement and growth.

“Government will have to take decisions on encouraging exploration during the downturn and provide incentives for deep water exploration, heavy oil development, enhanced oil recovery and marginal field development.

“Solutions to the many challenges of the current environment,” he said, will require inter-disciplinary and tripartite consultation leading to often difficult decisions on issues such as plant cost overruns, under-performing assets, reduction in the country’s oil and gas reserves, procurement and remuneration policies, alternative energy resources and economic diversification among others.”

Decline in services

Given the dominance of the energy sector in economic activity in Trinidad and Tobago, Enill said his Government is aware that a continued decline in energy prices, especially against the backdrop of falling domestic oil production, maturing oil fields and limited new gas and oil discoveries, is likely to have direct implications for government earnings from the energy sector. In addition, the declining demand for energy in global markets seems to have impacted the operations of service companies in the energy sector which have already begun to report falling demand for their services, he told the conference.

Regarding the mid-stream operations, Government is presently reviewing proposals for the establishment of a new refinery which Enill said will re-vitalise and revolutionise the refining business in the country and lead to the introduction of new technology, creation of new jobs and increases in Government revenue through taxes on the earnings of the plant.

Downstream

One of the key projects for the Government is the development of a 125,000 tonne per annum (tpa) aluminium smelter and related downstream facilities. Another major project involves the establishment of an integrated polypropylene complex with an annual production of 490,000 tonnes of polyolefins based on three world scale plants, including a methanol plant and a methanol to propylene (MTP) plant. Enill said the polyolefins industry is one of the downstream sectors identified for development as it is viewed as a building block for expansion of the local plastics converting sector and which can position TT as a major supplier of varied plastic products to the Caribbean and Latin America markets.

'We've not done badly'



Juhel Browne



Monday, December 29th 2008(T&T Express)




Trinidad and Tobago, which earns most of its revenue from Liquified Natural Gas and oil exports, was able to ride the economic downturn waves of 2008 and has "not done badly at all" in terms of the dramatic fall in the price of both commodities since August, says Energy Minister Conrad Enill.

In an interview with the Express over the weekend, Enill said this country will in fact close off 2008 in a much better position than many might have first thought when oil prices plunged from a record high of US$147.21 per barrel on July 11 to a four year record low average of US$40.98 per barrel on December 11.

Enill said the key factor in the equation was the price of the nation's number one revenue earner, LNG, and not the price of oil.

"Prices (for LNG) have come down yes but they are staying within where we expect it to be, where we may not be making the same amount of profits but we are not losing money," Enill told the Express in a telephone interview.

Natural gas traded on Christmas Eve at just under US$6 per million British thermal units (mmtbu), while the average global oil price was US$38 per barrel.

Enill noted that even with the lower oil prices, this country, which imports oil for refining, has benefitted from a lower expenditure on the gasoline and diesel subsidy. He said this is because it is costing less to import crude oil for refining.

"We have not done badly at all ... even if we look at $100 million (in oil losses), it is still going to be $100 million one way, but we are also going to gain in terms of expenditure because it will be less expenditure. If you net that off, we will not be as bad as some other economies," Enill said.

The Government made $5.3 billion in cutbacks in the 2008/2009 Budget to cater for an equivalent amount in anticipated revenue shortfall based on a revised oil price of US$55 per barrel and US$3.25 and US$3.50 per mmtbu for natural gas, as opposed to the original US$70 per barrel for oil and US$4 mmtbu for gas.

Tuesday 30th December, 2008


Coast Guard rescues drifting French family



The small life raft that protected the Bazin family while at sea for the past four days. Photo: Karla Ramoo


Pascal Bazin explained that his catamaran began to take in water, and because he could not repair the damage, he decided that they should abandon the craft.



CAMILLE CLARKE(Trinidad Guardian)



A French family drifted aimlessly at sea in a rubber raft for four days, waiting to be rescued.

Pascal Bazin, his wife Noelle, teenage daughter Melanie and their ten year old son Alexis survived battering seas and strong winds, after their catamaran sank off Martinique on Thursday.

They were rescued, eventually, on Sunday night by T&T Coast Guard near to St Vincent.

On Saturday, an aircraft out of Barbados and Coast Guard officers from surrounding islands searched the area, but to no avail.

Using a flashlight and a flare, the Bazins were spotted floating in international waters, 85 nautical miles south south west of St Vincent, around 8.30 pm.

The family seemed in high spirits yesterday aboard the rescue vessel CG22 at Staubles Bay in Chaguaramas.

Bazin explained, through a translator, that his catamaran began to take in water, and because he could not repair the damage, he decided that they should abandon the craft.

Just before the catamaran went down, the family had to jump into a small rubber raft.

Melanie, who had collapsed from exhaustion, had to be treated by Coast Guard officers, yesterday.

Up to last evening, arrangements were being made to have the family stay at a hotel.

Consul at the French Embassy, Andre Noe, said the family appreciated the efficiency and kindness they were given by the Coast Guard officers.

Lt Jean Baptiste praised the quick performance of the 20 man crew who plucked the Bazins out of the dark night in choppy water.

“We are not only protectors of the coast and anti-drug enforcement, we are serious in search and rescue.

“There were heavy waves and current and based on the co-ordinates given, we found them,” Baptiste said.

Smooth sailing



By ANDRE BAGOO Tuesday, December 30 2008(T&T Newsday)



THREE years and eight months after Cabinet first approved the establishment of a north-south ferry service, the Port-of-Spain to San Fernando water-taxi yesterday had its inaugural run.

And while a test run of the service, which is expected to transport an estimated 3,500 persons per day, was marred on December 7, by the banning of Newsday, yesterday’s official launch went off without any major hitches.

Government ministers, officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport and the National Infrastrutural Development Company (NIDCO) held a brief reception at the Cruise Ship Complex, Dock Road, Port-of-Spain at about 1 pm.

Several ministers present, including Works and Transport Minister Colm Imbert and Housing Minister Emily Gaynor Dick-Forde, PNM party members including deputy political leaders Joan Yuille-Williams and Nafeesa Mohammed, boarded the HC Katia, one of two ferries which will be available for the service starting today.

“This is a major achievement. I know the kind of challenges that would have been involved in a project like this,” Gaynor Dick-Forde said. Both the HC Katia and the HC Milancia yesterday set sail at about 2 pm. There was a non-alcholic bar on-board, ministers chatted and water-taxi staff conducted safety demonstrations as an Amalgamated Security guard looked on.

The vessels took one hour to sail to Flat Rock, San Fernando, where one minor hitch occurred because of problems with the Katia’s jet system, which caused a four minute delay in docking. Onlookers looked eagerly as the ship negotiated a way to get near to the Flat Rock jetty.

Tassa drums, sea scouts, moko jumbies and singing Joy Caesar’s Southernaires’ Choir greeted those who then disembarked. After a brief programme of speeches and a reception, both vessels set sail for Port-of-Spain at about 5.18 pm, arriving just after sunset at 6.30 pm.

But while the taxi service was launched yesterday, there still remains uncertainty as to the exact schedule of sailings. Up until last night, NIDCO officials were unable to give the exact time for the sailing of the ferries this morning. Ag NIDCO CEO Kaisha Ince and Imbert were also unable to say.

And while yesterday’s run went without major incident, it soon became clear that the high speed catamarans chosen for the service will require a high degree of maintenance, if they are to provide reliable and consistent service. Darren Edwards, an engineering consultant with NIDCO, said the vessels will be “high maintenance”.

“They need constant maintenance. You can liken them to an aircraft,” he said. “They are very reliable provided they are maintained.” Gary Seabrook, executive vice president of Hornblower Marine Services, the US firm which has overseen the repair of the vessels and training of staff for the water taxi service said, “They require daily maintenance. There is something to do every day. We have a maintenance team that will have to work daily to make sure the boats stay in good shape.”


ON GUARD: The water-taxi service under close watch by the Coast Guard.


MINISTERS SAIL: Ministers and PNM party officials, including deputy political leader Joan Yuille-Williams, yesterday sailed on the inaugural run of the Port-of-Spain to San Fernando water-taxis.

Govt gets $190m bonus to explore for oil



Juhel Browne



Wednesday, December 31st 2008(T&T Express)



http://www.trinidadexpress.com...usiness?id=161418713
on the dotted line: Petrotrin executive chairman Dr Malcom Jones, left, signs the oil exploration contract yesterday at the Hyatt Regency hotel in Port of Spain. Looking on is Energy Minister Conrad Enill. -Photo: STEVE McPHIE



ONGC Mittal Energy Ltd (OMEL) has paid the Government a record US$30 million (TT$190 million) signing bonus to explore for oil and natural gas reserves in one of this nation's offshore blocks, before it has even begun any drilling.

OMEL paid the record signing bonus after receiving the award of the 98,669.383 hectare Block North Coast Marine Area (NCMA) that had been put out for bid three years ago. International media reports stated that OMEL won the contract after submitting a US$204 million bid.

OMEL is a joint venture between the India based Oil and Natural Gas Corporation and Mittal Investment Sarl, and will be carrying out exploration for oil and gas reserves in NCMA through its local subsidiary, OMEL Energy T&T Ltd, in a joint venture arrangement with the State owned oil refining and exploration company Petrotrin.

OMEL Energy T&T chief operating officer PH Mane told the Express yesterday the company paid what could be the largest production-sharing bonus in this country's history because it is confident the investment will pay off, since NCMA is surrounded by productive gas fields such as Hibiscus, Chaconia, Ixora and Poinsettia, that are now being developed by British Gas.

"It is proved, it is established... We are quite hopeful that we have a good bit of chances there," Mane said.

He did so after OMEL Energy T&T signed the Production Sharing Contract (PSC) with Energy Minister Conrad Enill during a ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad hotel in Port of Spain yesterday.

Those in attendance included Energy Ministry Permanent Secretary Leroy Mayers, India High Commission Charge d'Affairs Raj Chawla, acting Commissioner of State Lands Salisha Ali-Bellamy, Petrotrin executive chairman Dr Malcom Jones, and ONGC Mittal chief executive officer Ver Ravindranath.

Ravindranath told reporters after the event that the existing low oil prices did impact the negotiations for NCMA. "Obviously, if oil prices are lower, the bids are lowered. The rate for contract development costs would be less. It is purely market driven economics," he said.

Enill said the PSC OMEL Energy T&T has signed with the State was significant, given the fact that global oil prices and natural gas prices are on the decline and "as production costs decline and with reports of falling production levels in regions such as Russia, Mexico and the North Sea, there may be greater challenges for the sector to attract the required investment that is needed to sustain the sector".

Driven by solar energy



Lighting, garbage bins...



Carolyn Kissoon South Bureau


Monday, January 5th 2009(T&T Express)




Quietly solar energy has been making inroads in Trinidad.

Several companies have started cutting electrical costs by installing solar powered energy.

And many homeowners are being urged to consider outfitting their homes with solar lights to reduce their electricity bills.

Solar lights have been installed on several Trinmar offshore oil platforms. Arnold Corneal, corporate communications manager at State owned energy firm Petrotrin, parent company of Trinmar, confirming the use of solar powered lights, said:

"We do have some lights on the platforms and they are working well. This is the new age that we are in now."

And apart from platforms, emergency solar lighting has been installed at Piarco International Airport and the Crown Point airpport in Tobago . Several shopping malls and military facilities have also been using solar powered lights.

Several firms are already involved in pushing the switch to solar energy in Trinidad.

Solar Power Concepts Limited supplies companies and homeowners with solar lights. Jeffrey Dopson, manager, said the lights have been tried and tested in the harshest marine environment and survived the punishment.

"The lights are self contained waterproof units which drastically reduce maintenance costs and eliminate the need for wiring and external storage batteries," he said.

Dopson said the time had come for an alternative source of power. Solar power has been recognised internationally and can be used in automobiles to power for remote locations, he said.

Energy consultant, Ian Boon, said recently that the high cost of producing and retailing electrical energy and with the long term effects electrical power will have on global warming, Trinidadian consumers should begin to use alternative sources of power.

Boon said consumers will have the choice of using solar power or in the case of offshore operations companies could look at the possibility of using wind power.

While Boon agrees that solar energy could be used for domestic power supplies and wind energy in offshore operations, he believes that tidal and waves energy might be an over-ambitious thought at this time.

Another company, Piranha Technology Asset Management Limited, recently installed a solar powered bin on Harris Promenade, San Fernando and another in Port-of-Spain.

The bins, which compact garbage before it overflows onto the sidewalks, were priced at $42,000.

Lester Vincent, logistics manager at Piranha, said the solar bins will get rid of the "mess" caused by conventional bins. The bins store energy from the sun to compact the rubbish inside, holding up to five times the normal amount of waste.

Vincent said if the bins were installed throughout the city there would be fewer garbage trucks. He said the only time a garbage truck would be required would be to empty the solar bins.

"It (solar energy) is high on the agenda of developed and developing nations in their quest for less expensive, sustainable and green sources of power," Dopson said.

Dopson is among several retailers in Trinidad and Tobago who have been advertising the new form of energy.

"This lighting is very specialised and not only are the lights self contained units but they can be remotely controlled from the control Tower where variations may be made to intensity or "flash" patterns as required. A two mile self contained light is on trial at TSTT for its towers and enquiries for power to remote locations are being considered by several major companies in Trinidad and Tobago, he said.

His company has been in operation since 2004. It is the sole agent for solar products from Carmanah Technologies, a solar powered pioneer based in Victoria, Canada.

The company has provided training and expertise and assisted in the development of his business over the years, Dopson said.

Solar Power Concepts, Trinidad and Tobago, also has the responsibility for territories within the Caribbean area including Guyana, Suriname and Aruba in the south to St Lucia in the north.

"Our reach within the Caramanah Distribution programme, however, extends to the Bahamas and Puerto Rico where several major installations are under way," Dopson said.

Lighting of a similar nature for marine applications has also been supplied to Maritime Services where there have been preliminary discussions regarding at least one lighthouse application, Dopson said.

He said the company's first delivery was made to Trinmar recently. Dopson said three solar generators for remote platforms were installed. "These systems will provide power to operate specialised equipment as they are Class 1 Div 2 certified, a strict requirement in the energy sector. Meeting this mandatory specification has allowed the company to work with Trinmar as Carmanah has been involved in the Oil and Gas sector providing power in the environment throughout the world," he said.

Obama likely for Summit



Sunday, January 11th 2009(T&T Express)




EXPECTATIONS remained high this week, after the year's first update on plans for this country's hosting of the fifth Summit of the Americas, that US president elect Barack Obama, set to take his oath of office on January 20, will be among the heads of delegations.

His attendance at the summit is being seen as perhaps the first sign of an expected commitment from him for US re-engagement with Latin American countries making up the bulk of the membership of the Organisation of American States. The OAS is the multilateral body under which the Summit of the Americas is being organised.

With no effective lobby of its own in Washington, the member countries in the English-speaking Caribbean are scrambling for ways to engage with the incoming Obama administration. This after an inaugural US conference on the Caribbean held in the US two years ago and with a considerably lower keyed follow up session in New York, USA, last year.

The most tangible announcement from the inaugural conference came from closing remarks by spokesman Dr Denzil Douglas, Prime Minister of St Kitt's-Nevis. He said the conference agreed on finding ways of establishing a West Indian lobby comprising nationals in the diaspora who can help influence policy decisions in Washington on behalf of the Caribbean.

Some considerable assistance has been provided to this effort in the meantime, by a think tank known as the Partnership for the Americas Commission, in a report entitled Rethinking US-Latin American Relations-A Hemispheric Partnership for a Turbulent World.

The Commission is an affiliate of the Washington-based Brookings Institution, which is said to have a sympathetic ear among members of Obama's policy team.

Headed jointly by former Mexican president Ernesto Zedillo and Thomas R Pickering, former US undersecretary of state for political affairs, the Commission has among its membership Billie Miller, former Barbados deputy prime minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Dated November 2008, the report boasts an entire section calling for a new relationship between the US and Cuba. This includes recommendations to end the decades old US embargo, the lifting of all sanctions on travel to Cuba by Americans and ending the US opposition to the re-engagement of the international community with Cuba in regional and global and economic organisations.

On the broader regional level, the report calls on the new administration in Washington to help protect the hemisphere from drugs and crime. It says eradication efforts should be combined with policies to promote alternative livelihoods and more effective interdiction. It calls for the launch of "a hemispheric dialogue on illegal drugs".

Critically, it calls on the new administration to "actively re-engage and benefit from the region's dynamism and resources, or be sidelined as other economic and political actors fill the void left by its absence".

Building its case for such re-engagement on two main planks, the report says the new environment speaks to the opening of a door to "fresh thinking and new policies". Countries in the hemisphere, it says, share common interests and the US should engage with its neighbours "on issues where shared interests, objectives and solutions are easiest to identify and can serve as the basis for a sustainable partnership."

Developing sustainable energy sources and mitigating climate change is listed as priority area number one, in four major areas in which the report sees promise. From this, it says a new relationship can lead to the overcoming of existing challenges among countries in the region, for them to realise perceived potential.

Proposals towards what it calls managing migration effectively and expanding economic opportunities for all through economic integration are among those areas of promise.

One major recommendation calls on the US to establish working groups of ministers to discuss migration issues regularly with "key immigrant countries". Mexico and El Salvador are named among these. The new administration should also facilitate what the report calls the inexpensive transfer of remittances from the US to receiving countries.

With this in mind, one recommendation calls on the new administration to "provide a path to legal status in the US for illegal immigrants without criminal records".

And on another issue of critical importance to countries in the English Speaking Caribbean, the report refers to what it calls "the failed war on drugs." It says there continue to be more arrests, more seizures and more destruction, in the face of policies which have been aimed at eradication and disruptions in the drug flows.

"The US government should undertake a comprehensive, cross country evaluation of the effectiveness of counter narcotics policies on both the demand and supply sides and how they can best be streamlined with respect to law enforcement, economic development, and public health," the report says.

Trinis for Barack’s swearing in



By LEISELLE MARAJ Wednesday, January 14 2009 (T&T Newsday)



THREE students from this country will be part of history when they will witness the inauguration of Barack Obama, as the United States’ first non-white president, at the White House on January 20.

It is a dream come true for Julien Ogilvie, Gina Granado and Karyn David, who were selected by the Congressional Youth Leadership Council to attend the University Presidential Inaugural Conference (UPIC), which occurs from January 17-21.

All three were selected to represent this country due to their outstanding performance in the Global Young Leaders Conference in Washington and New York. Ogilvie attended in 2005 while the two young women made the trip the following year.

Aside from witnessing the inauguration and the inaugural parade, UPIC will also give the local delegates, as well as their counterparts from across the globe, the opportunity to take part in several events that coincide with the inauguration. Delegates will interact with a major presidential candidate, White House officials, congressional staff members, political experts, former US Secretary of State General Colin Powell, former Vice-President Al Gore and cycling champion and cancer survivor Lance Armstrong.

They will also engage in panel discussions and political debates with political experts and commentators on issues which affect the entire world such as the economy, the environment, health and foreign policy.

David said attending the inauguration will be one of the most memorable moments in her life. “It is such a huge world event and I am honoured to be a part of it,” David said.

David is particularly keen on addressing the issues of the global environment, health and the world economy since she is in her final year at the University of the West Indies pursuing a double major in Biochemistry and Biology.

Although she is not too sure if the group of delegates will meet with the new president, Ogilvie and Granado believe it will be a dream come true to actually interact with president-elect Obama.

Granado, a third-year Communications Studies student, said she was very excited about the opportunity to attend the conference and inauguration. “I am looking forward to representing the country and wearing everything Trinidadian and also shining a light on the fact that we have a lot to offer and our young people are definitely making a difference on the global stage,” she said.

She is looking forward to discussions of the current conflict between Palestine and Israel as she believes this will be at the forefront of discussions. Highlighting Trinidadian democracy and any other regional issues is also on her to do list.

Ogilvie, who holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Sector Management and works as a Parliamentary Clerk, zoned in on the US influence in the Caribbean region as his area of interest, especially Obama’s plans to dismantle Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. Having followed the US election quite closely, he said, “To me the excitement comes from the knowledge that I am going to the inauguration of the first African American president of the US and that is all I need. Likewise, I am happy to represent my country and show young people and the general public that there are youths out there doing positive and good things to represent the country.”

All three received letters of invitation to the conference earlier last year but they were informed that they were responsible for footing their bill for the UPIC which totalled approximately TT$22,000 each. All three found that sourcing the funding was quite difficult.

The three are sponsored by several entities including the Sports and Youth Affairs Ministry, Unit Trust Corporation, Petrotrin, Guardian Holdings and Caribbean Airlines, as well as assistance from family and friends.

UK celebrity chef films in TT



Wednesday, January 28 2009(T&T Newsday)



CELEBRITY CHEF, writer and restaurateur Gary Rhodes recently spent time in Trinidad and Tobago filming segments for a Caribbean cuisine programme.

The series will feature cooking and recipes from ten Caribbean countries including Jamaica, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, St Lucia and Barbados and the series will be broadcast on UKTV. Filming on location at Crews Inn, Chaguaramas, with the marina as his backdrop, the Trinidad segment will be a wonderful reflection of the beauty of the island.

Having scouted much of the Caribbean for the series, the assistant producer for the show had the following to say about the destination, “...Trinidad and Tobago was a real highlight full of interesting people, history, amazing landscapes and of course, delicious food...”

Gary is well known for fronting the BBC cooking programmes Master Chef and Hell’s Kitchen, ITV1’s Saturday Cooks and UKTV’s Local Food Heroes.

He also has some of the finest restaurants in the UK and international locations and has penned many cookbooks featuring cuisine from all over the world.

Working in conjunction with the Trinidad and Tobago Tourism Development Company (TDC) and the Trinidad and Tobago Film Company (TTFC), Rhodes’ crew was facilitated for shooting segments for the show in both Trinidad and Tobago.

Hosted by a representative of the TDC, his crew explored some of the culinary highlights that Trinidad and Tobago has to offer. This included a river lime in Lopinot, a trip to Maracas Bay and a tour of the Chaguanas market, with top local chef Khalid Mohammed as their guide.

They sampled doubles which were declared the firm favourite, closely followed by saheena and bake and shark. After the market expedition, the crew had dinner at Khalid Mohammed’s Chaud, where they feasted on the produce purchased at the market.

Rhodes selected saheena with tamarind chutney, pelau, curry shrimp and paratha as the recipes he would feature for the Trinidad segment of the show.

Assisted by Crews Inn’s chef, Fazul Bacchus, Rhodes was filmed creating these local dishes for the first time. Assistant Producer, Caroline Schwarz commented that Gary has an amazing talent for tasting international foods never tasted before, and intuitively knowing how to re-create them to perfection.

An exciting feature of his show is the opportunity it affords international chefs who apply and qualify (based on their culinary expertise and experience) to work with Gary on the set. For the segment at Crews Inn a local chef/caterer and a Jamaican restaurateur were the qualifying chefs.

When asked how he felt about the shoot in Trinidad, Rhodes commented, “I am enjoying Trinidad tremendously.

“The food I have tasted has been sensational! This is posing a headache for me because the final show is supposed to feature just one dish from each country and I know that I will be hard pressed to decide which to choose from Trinidad, because they have all been so good.”

The crew went on to film for three days in Tobago on location at the Stone Haven Inn and in Arnos Vale, where Rhodes indicated he would be working alongside Trinidad and Tobago’s top female chef, Deborah Sardinha Metiver.

Haute cuisine Trini style



By SUZANNE SHEPPARD Wednesday, January 28 2009(T&T Newsday)



LOCAL CUISINE with an international flair is definitely on the menu at the Lighthouse Restaurant at Crew’s Inn on the scenic Chaguaramas peninsula.

The distinctive Caribbean ambience of this fine dining facility has gone to a whole new level with the fusion cuisine being served up by new Executive Chef Fazil Bacchus.

Long a favourite with locals and visitors alike, the Lighthouse Restaurant offers a unique dining experience in an open air seaside setting, where meals are served in a covered, wooden deck with the marina as a backdrop. The restaurant is located under a working lighthouse, for which it was named.

Bacchus joins a distinguished line of master chefs who have lent their culinary expertise to the restaurant in the decade since it was first opened.

Bacchus, who holds an Associate Degree in Culinary Management and a degree in HACCP from the Royal Institute of Public Health and Hygiene (United Kingdom), started his cooking career at age 13 working with his mother, Zeelina Bacchus, in her bakery and restaurant in Venezuela.

He was the Executive Chef at the Pelican Reef Restaurant, Crown Point Tobago for three years, then moved on to Arnos Vale Hotel in Tobago.

At Arnos Vale Bacchus cooked for and served world leaders such as Kofi Annan, then Secretary General of the United Nations. He also worked at the Hilton Tobago Golf and Spa Resort as a Sous Chef. During that period he was sent to the newly built Hilton Barbados for cross exposure. He later moved on to the Carlisle Bay Resort in Antigua, where he had the opportunity to work with some of the most prominent chefs in the business from all over the world.

At the Lighthouse Restaurant, Bacchus says he plans to build on the facility’s reputation as the birthplace of fusion cuisine in Trinidad and Tobago.

At the launch of the restaurant’s new menu recently, he served up an array of dishes which offered a snapshot of his ingenious use of favourite local ingredients such as paw paw, orange and bodi, complemented with European and Asian hints such as mascarpone, mozzarella and saffron. Starters included a sumptuous pumpkin and coconut soup and Aracini de Rizo, risotto balls stuffed with scotch bonnet mozzarella cheese and served with warm black bean salsa and sauce remoulade.

This was followed by a palate cleansing Vodka Sorbert with Gazpacho Jelly and Caviar. For the main dish, guests had a tough time chooing between Blackened Crusted Red Snapper, Tortellini of Beef with Saffron Broth, Vegetable Ravioli and Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast. Dessert was a tempting Chocolate Trio of White Chocolate Cheese Cake, Pineapple and Papaya Pudding and Orange Mint Creme Brulee.

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Blackened Crusted Red Snapper

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Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast

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PM: CLICO $8 billion in the red



Ria Taitt Political Editor



Tuesday, February 3rd 2009 (T&T Express)




Clico liabilities now stand at TT$8 billion, Prime Minister Patrick Manning said yesterday.

"And it is far from the final figure," he told the House of Representatives during debate on the Central Bank Amendment bill and the Insurance Amendment Bill.

Manning said he could not understand how in the context of this, the UNC was suggesting that the Government, instead of taking control, lend that kind of money to "the fellas who brought the company into disrepute, to its knees and who have caused much anxieties among depositors and policy holders", to help retrieve the losses they incurred.

"There are certain issues of national concern, which ought not to be the subject of the political cut and thrust. We believe that this one is," Manning said.

He said he could not understand how Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday could ask what the fellas at CLICO did wrong in circumstances where Clico has a run on it of $250 million per week. He said Panday was seeking to give the impression that if anyone was culpable it was the Government of Trinidad and Tobago. Noting Panday's opposition to the measure, Manning said he could not figure out why Panday was trying his best to prevent the "newly elected PNM Government from putting its hands on the assets of CLICO".

The PM said: "As I pondered, something struck me... and I began to wonder if included in the assets of Colonial Life is an apartment in London. I am just asking the question. I don't know."

Panday shouted: "No. It is an apartment in Germany! Two scholarships in Germany!"

An amused Manning rejoined: "Why is my good friend losing his cool? I talking London right now... I am going to check it. I will check it. Stay tuned. In fact we might very well be now in a position to get the details of a certain transaction. We will see. We will see."

Manning said he did not want the debate to reach to that.

"I am not threatening anybody. I am asking a certain question and I am indicating to everybody that I am going to check. You against me checking? Don't vex with me for checking please," he told Panday, who in turn countered: "Check on Calder Hart."

Detailing some of the instances of irregularities at the company, Manning said it was reported to Government that one man was fired from a Colonial Life company because he was invited by the leadership of the company to take money out of the statutory reserve (which protects the deposits) and make it available to another one of their companies for the payment of a bonus to the executives.

"And when he refused to do that, he was fired," Manning said.

To Panday's question on whether Government consulted with the union before taking action, Manning said if Government did not act expeditiously "a catastrophic situation would have occurred". Had the UNC been in power, they would have called in the union, then the employees, then the shareholders, then the policy holders and then hold a series of Monday night meetings before taking action, Manning mocked. Manning said in Government's negotiations with Clico no deals were made.

"Everything was on the table as opposed to what happened when the UNC was in Government," he said.

On Opposition criticisms that Government should not treat HCU depositors differently from Clico depositors, the Prime Minister said he knew the UNC would attempt to bring race into the brew.

"They didn't use the word but they implied that it had to do with ethnicity," he said.

Panday countered: "He has now confessed as to why they did it."

Energy Minister Conrad Enill also confirmed yesterday that the National Gas Company attempted to withdraw US$250 million from CIB. It did not get its full amount and instead received US$14 million. He was responding to Opposition charges that Government engineered the run on Clico by using NGC. Enill said NGC had short term deposits with CIB.

Enill also stated that two major investors had withdrawn their offers because of what they viewed as the unstableness of the economy. They said they wanted to wait, he added. He said Bouygues' investors were also asking whether there were risks to investing in the Trinidad and Tobago economy.

He said the longer the Parliament took to deal with the two bills, the more the levels of confidence in the economy could be shattered.

Govt bails out CLICO



By RORY ROSTANT Saturday, January 31 2009 (T&T Newsday)



GOVERNMENT has moved to bail out insurance giant Clico, a subsidiary of CL Financial, by throwing it a lifeline which was needed to prevent it from going belly up and consequently dragging the rest of the local financial sector along with it.

In exchange for this, CL Financial will divest its 55 percent shareholding in Republic Bank and also shares in Methanol Holdings Trinidad Limited (MTHL), effectively giving Government control of both entities. Republic Bank is the largest commercial bank in the country.

In a bid to avert a financial crisis and prevent a run on CL Financial institutions, British American Insurance will also be taken over by Government. CL’s banking subsidiary, Clico Investment Bank (CIB) and its money management arm, Caribbean Money Market Brokers (CMMB), will now be run by First Citizens. The move will see the banking licence of CIB being revoked.

At a press conference at the Central Bank in Port-of-Spain, Central Bank Governor Ewart Williams along with CL chairman Lawrence Duprey, sought to allay fears of Clico depositors, saying their funds are safe and the bank had moved in time to prevent an economic fallout.

“Clico is not bankrupt,” Williams said when asked about the company’s financial position.

Neither Duprey nor Williams would say how much money was being provided by Government to bail out the CL companies.

Williams said he did not want to go into figures but stressed their main concern was staving off financial contagion and reinforce confidence in the financial sector as a whole. “The Central Bank,” Williams said, “is very conscious of the contagion risks that an institution as vast as CL Financial could have on the entire financial system in TT and the entire region.”

CL, he added, has an imposing presence with potentially “systemic consequences” for the financial sector. “CIB funds are safe and Clico policy holders are safe,” he assured, noting that Central Bank stands ready to ensure all liabilities are met. He said however, that Clico’s liability structure stood at TT$16 billion. “It is a difficult but manageable situation,” he stressed.

Said Duprey: “It could have been a crisis if not addressed early.”

Finance Minister Karen Nunez Tesheira, who was also at the press conference, said depositors’ assets as well as pension funds will not be put at risk and assured there was going to be a smooth transition from CL to Government.

Stressing that every effort will be made to protect jobs, she said: “There will be a substantial infusion of liquidity” to ensure pension funds and life insurance policies are not jeopardised.”

First Citizens Bank CEO Larry Howai said his bank had a track record of managing situations like this and added it was not taking on liability that would affect operations. He assured depositors funds will be protected. “We will emerge stronger, we have been through this before,” he said. Williams told reporters government funding will be provided in exchange for collateral and equity interest in Clico, noting that the intention was to bring Clico back to its original moorings.

Williams said CIB had been facing “liquidity challenges” over the past few weeks and this came to a head in the last few days when the bank began to face an unusually high level of withdrawal requests which it could not meet. Clico, he said had also been facing liquidity problems.

Duprey and CL’s chief financial officer met with the Inspector of Financial Institutions on January 7 and in a subsequent meeting on January 13, Duprey formally raised the issue of “possible financial assistance”, from the Central Bank.

CL’s four largest financial institutions manage assets of over $38 billion, more than 25 percent of this country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

CL will sell and liquidate its assets and allocate the proceeds to the Statutory Fund for both Clico and British American, thereby protecting all its insurance and pension fund clients.

If there is a deficit, the Government will provide funding. Asked about CL divesting its 55 percent stake in Republic Bank, Duprey said this was a chance to move out of the financial sector and concentrate on energy.

Assets safe



Nunez-Tesheira to CLICO depositors, policy holders:



Curtis Rampersad


Saturday, January 31st 2009


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government to the rescue: Finance Minister Karen Nunez-Tesheira and CL Financial chairman Lawrence Duprey at yesterday's news conference at the Central Bank tower in Port of Spain. -Photo: Curtis Chase



Assets of depositors and policy holders at CLICO, CLICO Investment Bank (CIB), CMMB and British American Insurance will not be at risk, Finance Minister Karen Nunez-Tesheira said yesterday.

"In the last fortnight, it has become clear that a situation has arisen within the CL Financial Group which requires intervention by the Central Bank, and where necessary, the Government, into the operations of the financial institutions comprising the group," she said at a press conference at the Central Bank tower, Port of Spain.

The actions of the government mean that the State will have considerable leverage over the operations of CL Financial.

Nunez-Tesheira said it was assessed that the present circumstances may require an infusion of cash as well as additional steps to protect depositors and other liability holders, especially life insurance clients and pension fund beneficiaries.

Government and the Central Bank have also agreed to contract an international firm to assist in the restructuring of the companies, she added.

"We are going to weather the storm. All of us. And the only way to do it is to take action swiftly and decisively," she said of the move to take control of CL assets.

Chief executive at State bank First Citizens, Larry Howai, said yesterday that the Central Bank invited the bank to acquire the liabilities to third party depositors at CIB.

He said the bank was assisting the Central Bank in ensuring that depositors in CIB were protected and that taking on these liabilities would not affect First Citizens' strong balance sheet.

He advised CIB customers that there were legal matters to be worked out before payments could be made and by the end of next week, they would be provided with guidelines regarding the next step. Howai asked that citizens refrain from visiting First Citizens branches until that time.

Dr Terrence Farrell, chief executive of One Caribbean Media, which is 20 per cent owned by CL Financial, told the Express by phone yesterday that the Central Bank and Government's intervention would seek to dispose of some of the assets of CL Financial and there was a possibility OCM might be a part of this.

He said if OCM became part of an exercise like that, he hoped that the group would be consulted.

Farrell said CL Financial's involvement as a shareholder in the group had been constructive and OCM would regret losing CL Financial as a partner.

OCM owns the Express, TV6 and the Nation newspaper in Barbados among other media companies.

Chairman of CLICO Holdings Barbados Leroy Parris said at a press conference in Barbados that the company was safe.

Clico bailout bills passed



By CLINT CHAN TACK Thursday, February 5 2009(T&T Newsday)



AFTER A busy day which included a sitting of the House of Representatives, two committee meetings, a meeting between Government and Opposition members and a Government parliamentary caucus, the Government yesterday succeeded in passing amendments to the Insurance Act and Central Bank Act.

By passing these bills, Government has cleared the first hurdle required to rescue Colonial Life Insurance Company Ltd (Clico) and three other CL Financial subsidiaries.

Government yesterday got the required three fifth’s majority votes (26) needed to pass the bills when Diego Martin West MP Dr Keith Rowley voted for the legislation after being reassured that none of Clico’s shares would not be deposited in the National Insurance Board which is chaired by Udecott head Calder Hart and that Hart would not be appointed to the board of Republic Bank. The only MPs who missed yesterday’s crucial vote were Chaguanas West MP Jack Warner and Cumuto/Manzanilla MP Harry Partap.

Speaking with reporters on the House’s adjournment, Rowley said: “The Cabinet is very well apprised of the issues that I raised and I am confident that there is greater appreciation for the concerns that I raised. I have good reason to expect that the Cabinet will act accordingly.”

The Opposition voted against amendments to both bills, accusing the Government of discrimination by throwing a financial lifeline to Clico but not doing the same for the Hindu Credit Union (HCU). The bills were also passed after Government announced the appointment of former Central Bank Governor Dr Euric Bobb as the new Clico chairman and brought in KPMG International to do a forensic audit of the insurance giant’s financial affairs.

When Nunez-Tesheira opened debate on the bills at 10 am, she slammed the Opposition for not treating the issue with the seriousness that it deserved. The minister said she was disappointed that instead of cooperating with Government to deal with a serious threat to the country’s economic stability, the Opposition seemed intent “to reduce Parliament to a forum for horse trading and bartering.” Noting that financial institutions in other countries had failed because of a lack of regulatory oversight, Nunez-Tesheira urged parliamentarians: “Let that not be said of Trinidad and Tobago.”

Rejecting the Opposition’s claims that PNM party hacks would be placed in CL Financial’s companies, Nunez-Tesheira announced that Bobb, former Deputy Central Bank Governor Judy Chang, Unit Trust executive director Marlon Holder; human resources consultant Anthony Watkins, former Clico executive Claude Musaib Ali and Hayden Charles would be Clico’s new board of directors.

Asked by Chief Whip Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj under what law these appointments were made, the minister replied that the appointments were made in accordance with Section 13 of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed on January 30 between Government and CL Financial.

When Nunez-Tesheira asserted that the reason for Maharaj’s question was an intention by the Opposition to challenge the MOU, Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday quipped: “Who will guard the guards? That is not bartering. We are looking after the people’s interest.”

Explaining that the current legislation prevents the Central Bank from getting a clear picture of CL Financial’s status, Nunez-Tesheira said it was insufficient for Government to rely only on “the good will of men” at the group to provide that information.

“In responding to the issue involving Colonial Life. We have brought in KPMG International from Canada,” the minister revealed. “They have forensic experts, accountants and lawyers who have come to assist the Government in dealing with this situation. They operate as an international network of member firms, operating in 44 countries and they have considerable experience such as this,” she added.

Rejecting Opposition calls for Government to bailout HCU, Nunez-Tesheira said a court injunction granted against HCU “speaks volumes” about its financial state of affairs. She added the matter is currently before the court in keeping with the provisions of the Cooperatives Societies Act which Government plans to revamp soon. Responding to St Augustine MP Vasant Bharath, Nunez-Tesheira said she was not aware of reports that the HCU’s assets were being sold off.

Noting that Government and the Opposition had agreed to discuss the formula for the holding of Clico shares, Speaker Barry Sinanan adjourned the House at 11.30 am and said the sitting would reconvene one hour later. When the sitting resumed at 12.30 pm, House Leader Colm Imbert and Maharaj indicated to Sinanan they needed more time to reach a resolution. The Speaker adjourned the House until 2 pm for lunch.

During that period, there were a flurry of meetings between Government and Opposition MPs in the committee rooms and even in the corridors of the Red House. The sitting resumed at 2 pm, and Nunez-Tesheira requested that the House go into committee to consider amendments to the Insurance Act in detail.

MPs deliberated on this bill until 3.15 pm, when Imbert asked for a brief recess to allow Government to consider some proposals advanced by the Opposition. The meeting resumed at 3.15 pm and by 3.45 pm, the amended Insurance Act was passed by a vote of 26 to 13 with Rowley voting with the Government. The House went immediately into committee again at 3.50 pm to consider amendments to the Central Bank Act.

During these discussions, tensions rose as the Opposition questioned where Clico’s shares would be placed and if Government would allow other insurance companies to fail. Imbert explained that under the current law, the Central Bank deals with commercial banks while the Government assists insurance companies “on a case by case basis.”

He added that a comprehensive overhaul of the Insurance and Cooperative Societies Acts would be done later in the year and the actions which the Opposition was advocating could not be dealt with yesterday.

At 4.15 pm, the House passed the amended Central Bank Act. When the Opposition called for a division on this bill, Rowley again voted with the Government, resulting in another 26 to13 vote in the Government’s favour. The bills will be debated in the Senate today at 1.30 pm and in the House tomorrow at the same time should any further amendments be needed.

Euric Bobb heads new Clico board



By LARA PICKFORD-GORDON Thursday, February 5 2009(T&T Newsday)



FORMER Central Bank Governor Dr Euric Bobb was yesterday named by Government to head the new board of Clico, the first management change since the bail out of the beleagured insurance giant by the state.

Bobb worked with the World Bank in Washington and while there was seconded to work with the Liberian Government for three years as Project Manager of the Planning and Advisory Team.

Upon retirement of Central Bank Governor Victor Bruce in 1984, he was appointed Governor. He joined the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) in 1988 and attained the post of Chief in the Office of the Presidency of the IADB.

Another member of the new Clico board is L Anthony Watkins of Odyssey ConsultInc.

He was a board member of the Caribbean Industrial Research Institute, the Board of Directors of the National Petroleum Company of TT, the Commissions Board of the TT Defence Force and TT Public Service Commission.

He is the founding partner of Global Management Solutions Inc, a Toronto consulting firm. He is Principal of Odyssey ConsultInc, and has worked across the region with companies involved in various sectors including Finance and energy.

Contacted for comment on the appointment, Watkins said board members had not received their instruments of appointment so he did not want to comment officially as a member. On a personal level, Watkins said he was called to serve. “And I responded.”

Also appointed to the new Board is former Unit Trust Corporation Chairperson Judy Chang. She served in this post from 1997, until she retired in 2002. In 2003, Chang became the first Banking Service Ombudsman and held this post whose title was changed to Financial Services Ombudsman in 2005, until she retired from this post in 2008. Current Executive Director of the Unit Trust Corporation Marlon Holder was also named to the new Clico board.

He became Executive Director of the UTC in December 2006 after Michael Alexander retired. Holder, a career banker with 23 years experience, served as deputy CEO of First Citizens Bank.

Claude Musaib-Ali was appointed as Manager of Colonial Life Insurance Company Ltd with Carl Stewart now managing British American Insurance Company (Trinidad) Ltd.

Musaib-Ali is a qualified actuary and has more than 30 years experience as an executive in the insurance industry. He worked at CLICO and British American and according to a release, “has an understanding of the wide-ranging operations of these companies and is uniquely qualified to perform in this position”. Carolyn John, a former insurance executive with wide knowledge of the operations of Clico will assist Musaib-Ali. John is a certified accountant and is currently a consultant.

US questions PM on Summit preparation



February 5th, 2009 (Trinidad Guardian)



US questions PM on Summit preparation



US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has asked Prime Minister Patrick Manning about T&T’s readiness for the Fifth Summit of the Americas, scheduled to take place in Port-of-Spain in April.

Clinton’s question was put to Manning by the Permanent Representative of the US to the OAS and US National Co-ordinator for the Summit Ambassador Hector Morales, during a meeting at the Office of the Prime Minister in St Clair yesterday.

Manning gave the assurance that preparations were being carefully and methodically implemented by a local team headed by Ambassador Luis Rodriguez. Manning told Clinton the “challenges currently facing the summit team are being met head on and I am quite optimistic that the summit will be a successful one.”

The US delegation included Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemispheric Affairs David Robinson, Charge d’ Affairs Len Kusnitz and Director of Caribbean Affairs Velia de Pirro. The US officials said the new US President Barack Obama would be visiting the Caribbean for the first time for the summit.

Ambassador Morales said during the meeting that the US Government promised to support the T&T Government in its preparations for the international event. He expressed his satisfaction with the process to date.

$12b steel project in limbo


...on heels of CIB meltdown; rumours of pullout


Richard Charan



Saturday, January 31st 2009(T&T Express Business)



The meltdown of Clico Investment Bank has thrown into turmoil one of this country's biggest, single foreign investments-the $12 billion Essar Steel Caribbean Limited (ESCL) project.

Both CIB and Essar were saying, only weeks ago, that the deal was on, and the bank was committed to arranging and managing the financing for the first phase of the project near Pranz Gardens, Claxton Bay.

This, despite a global economic tsunami that pushed steel prices down because of sluggish product demand.

It was in 2006, that CIB got the mandate and began the process of arranging the initial US$600 million to finance the first phase.

At the end of 2006, CIB, a 19 year old company, had assets of $12.2 billion under management and after tax profits of $170 million.

ESCL's administrative and community affairs manager Roshan Babwah asked for time yesterday for the company to be fully apprised of the details of the CIB meltdown, before responding to questions on the future of the project.

But three years after inking the deal, the India based company can no longer say when it will begin the building process.

Also left in limbo is ESCL's natural gas supply contract with the National Gas Company, to deliver the fuel to power the processes to manufacture its steel products when the complex is complete. The NGC says the deal will boost its revenue by eight per cent.

ESCL has been dogged by rumours that it was no longer committed to the local project, and that its office at Atlantic Plaza, Pt Lisas, was working with a skeleton staff; that its financiers were no longer aboard; and that senior staff, including head of human resources and administration Prem Singh had packed up and left.

Three weeks back, top CIB officials said the ESCL financing deal was on "as far was we are aware", and asked the Express whether it had information to the contrary.

Babwah, too, was confident two weeks back, stating, in an e-mailed response to Express queries, that: "Essar is fully committed to this project. We are in the process of completing pre-project work, including achieving the financial closure. The project will comply with all the project norms including environment, safety and other regulatory norms."

From Trinidad to Twickenham for rugby brothers Armitages
Wednesday, February 4 02:08 am

Steffon and Delon Armitage will become the ninth set of brothers to play for England when they take the field for Saturday's Six Nations opener at home to Italy.

And few will be able to match the physical and emotional journey which has taken them from Trinidad, via France, to Twickenham.

Steffon Armitage, a dynamic back-row forward, is set to make his Test debut this weekend after being named Tuesday at openside flanker following injuries to Michael Lipman, Lewis Moody and Tom Rees.

Full-back Delon, older by two years at 25, was one of the few England successes during their lacklustre November series where he made his debut against the Pacific Islanders and it was no surprise when he was retained in the team announced by manager Martin Johnson.

The London Irish duo are the first siblings to play in the same England side since Rory and Tony Underwood back in 1995 and Steffon, with a hint of a grin, said: "I'm pretty happy we're both in there and so proud of Delon for getting there before me.

"My heart is still pumping to finally get the call," he added at England's training base after Johnson unveiled the team.

"It really hasn't sunk in yet. I can't sleep before any game. I get so nervous and go into every game thinking it's my last one because I want to do my best in every game."

The Armitages were born in San Fernando, Trinidad, two of five brothers. The family moved to England when their mother, Verna, married their English stepfather John Armitage.

They were soon on the move again, this time to the south of France, where Delon and Steffon played junior rugby for the Racing Club of Nice.

Delon made three appearances for the France Under-16 team but was often told he was too slight to have a future as a rugby player while Steffon had to cope with people saying he was too small to be a back-row forward.

But, fortunately for the brothers, they didn't pay attention and nor did London Irish when the family returned to England.

"Playing on my own was brilliant but to have my brother there now, I'm speechless," said Delon.

"If we get a chance to stand next to each other at the National Anthem we probably will sing together and probably shed a couple of tears."

However, Delon added: "We've got to concentrate on our own games, but we'll have little talks in the game to keep us on the right track.

"If he makes a mistake I'll give him a tap on the shoulder like I would at London Irish to make sure he forgets about it because there's no point dwelling on things."

The long road the duo have taken to England selection is not one that can be measured in miles or kilometres alone.

The rise of the Armitage brothers in a sport that, in England particularly, often struggles to overcome the perception that it is the sole preserve of those from white middle-class and public school (privately educated) backgrounds, is almost as noteworthy as them being in the same Test team.

"I found it really tough coming out of Richmond College (in south-west London), trying to get into Middlesex Schools teams," said Delon. "There were always public school guys in there above you.

"But for Steff going to Ivybridge (a state secondary school in Devon, south-west England, specialising in sport) and me going to Richmond College, it's good for English rugby.

"It actually shows they are looking on a wider scale and not just at the public schools."

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/18/20...or-rugb-2c0ffe7.html

No hiccup in plans for US$2.3b plant



Louis B Homer South Bureau



Friday, February 6th 2009(T&T Express Buisness News)




Shortage of financing for mega projects on the international lending market has slowed but has not stalled plans to construct a US$2.3 billion polypropylene plant on the Point Lisas Industrial Estate.

Officials of German based LyondellBasell Industries and Lurgi GmbH flew into Trinidad last weekend, and held two meetings to assure stakeholders, which include the National Energy Corporation, that the project was still on stream.

Last year, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the NEC, National Gas Company, and the German, to construct and operate a fully integrated polypropylene complex.

Polypropylene is a plastic polymer used in industry and consumer goods, both as a structural plastic and fibre. The complex is due to begin operations in 2012.

According to energy industry sources, "The project is still on stream. We are looking for a financier but in the meantime we will be making application to the (Environmental Management Authority) EMA for a Certificate of Environmental Clearance."

The Express was told that recent bankruptcy proceedings filed against the US operations of LyondellBasell will not affect the proposed plant.

"Chapter 11 of the bankruptcy filed does not include the subsidiaries involved in the gas to polypropylene project," said a representative of LyondellBassel.

Andrew Jupiter, acting president of the National Energy Corporation, the organisation responsible for co-ordinating the arrangements, said on Wednesday: "We have been told by Lurgi that they are continuing to bring the project on stream and are in search of a financier."

Jupiter said: "In the meantime, We are committed to a site selection at Point Lisas where the proposed plant will be constructed."

Delon Armitage will make history this week as the first native West Indian to play Test rugby for England — all the way from Pepper Village in Trinidad to Twickenham.

The new full back, whose boyhood neighbours included Gus Logie from the invincible West Indies cricket team of the Eighties, will be named on Tuesday as the last line of defence in Martin Johnson’s first team as England manager, against the Pacific Islanders on Saturday.
Armitage arrives there via London Irish, Richmond, Racing Club de Nice and the France Under 16s team after an improbable journey which would never have happened had his English stepfather not met his mother, Verna, on a Caribbean holiday 18 years ago.

John Armitage, then a ‘social’ rugby player who fluctuated between the Hatfield 1st XV and the thirds, imbued his family with such a passion for the game that his three stepsons are all professionals — Delon, 24, Steffon, 22, both at London Irish, and Bevon, 26, at First Division Doncaster.



Armitage’s two teenage sons — Guy, 16, a Daily Mail Schools Cup-winning centre at Wellington College and Joel, a 13-year-old prop, are on their way to joining them.
‘The boys used to watch me play,’ said Armitage snr. ‘One day I asked them: “Do you fancy having a go”. I never imagined back then that any of this would happen.’

They began playing next door to Wasps at Sudbury Court in London, on the pitches where football legend John Barnes, now boss of Jamaica, made his transition from the Caribbean to the England team. ‘Delon was a skinny little kid then but he and his brothers took to rugby like they’d been playing it all their lives.’
They changed their name from their mother’s surname of Williams as well as changing country, moving from London to Nice due to Armitage’s career in IT.

England’s future full back had played for France against Spain at Under 16s level when the family returned in 2000 after six-and-a-half years. Delon rejoined Richmond before London Irish offered him a professional apprenticeship. He will gain his England promotion due to injuries to Nick Abendanon and Mathew Tait.

Armitage, who shares a San Fernando birthplace with Sir Trevor McDonald, has been fast-tracked following Brian Smith’s appointment as the new attack coach, the Australian having had a major influence on Armitage’s game as head coach at London Irish.
Capping the full back, who doubles up on the wing and outside centre, is a reward for his maturity. French rugby with its endemic violence taught him to look after himself and there have been recent times when Armitage showed his scepticism for the biblical bit about turning the other cheek.

Great sports: the Armitage family in Devon (from left): Guy (England U16 centre), Steffon (Saxons flanker), Bevon (Doncaster centre), Joel (prop), Delon with son Cameron and (front) sister Juanita (7)

A contretemps with former New Zealand scrum half Justin Marshall stands out during an Irish-Leeds Premiership match at Twickenham.

‘Delon used to enjoy a little scrap, mainly against the Kiwis,’ said his father. ‘They had a little to-do on the touchline. Marshall was trying to big-mouth Delon and Delon pointed to the scoreboard to remind him who was winning.
‘There was a tackle and a little scrap. Delon had to look after himself because, during his time in France, brawling seemed part of almost every game, but he’s realised that trash-talking and petty arguments are not to be encouraged.’

Mike Catt, another of his mentors at London Irish, has no fears for Armitage. He said: ‘A year ago I would have said Yes, there was a question about Delon’s temperament. He’s massively competitive and that has tipped him over the top every now and then, but this year he has matured both as a player and a person. He’s a naturally gifted, instinctive rugby player and the best under the high ball in the country by some way.’

Toby Booth, Smith’s successor as head coach of the Exiles, added: ‘He’s always had a very able skills set and now he has the temperament to go with it. That was the missing part of the jigsaw.

'Delon sometimes thinks the world’s against him. By that I mean if he loses a collision, he takes it personally as his fault because he’s such a ferocious competitor. So it’s a question of controlling the abrasive bit.’

Armitage snr, who runs travel company Detour Safaris in Brixham, said: ‘Delon never takes a backward step, but he certainly doesn’t have a chip on his shoulder.’

Two more Armitages are already on the Red Rose ladder; Steffon is in the second-string Saxons as probably the best uncapped openside flanker and Guy is an England Under 16s player

Thanks for the post but in T&T rugby does not have a big following like football or cricket and I'd rather see these boys play for T&T if it were possible, but I can understand why they would play for their adopted homeland that has given them a future in a particular sport and their step dad is from there.

Smelter plant 'good to go'



...Alutrint to get US$100m loan balance by early April



Louis B Homer South Bureau



Wednesday, February 4th 2009(T&T Express Business)



Despite the global economic meltdown, the multi-billion dollar Alutrint smelter plant at La Brea has secured financing and will be built.

"At the end of March or early April, the company will receive the balance of US$100 million loan from the Exim Bank of China," Philip Julien, Alutrint Trinidad's chief executive officer, said.

The State controlled China Exim Bank is the world's largest credit agency.

Julien said: "The original loan is US$400 million. The first instalment of US$300 million was approved in July 2008, and the balance of US$100 million will be signed over to the company by representatives of Alutrint and the Ambassador for the People's Republic of China. We are good to go," said Julien.

His comments on the state of the company have come on the heels of a statement by Energy Minister Conrad Enill last week that Sural of Venezuela, which has a 49 per cent shareholding, had ducked out of the smelter arrangement.

The other 51 per cent is held by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago.

Speaking to the media during the energy conference at the Hyatt Regency hotel, Port of Spain, Enill said, "Alutrint was one of the companies where one of the partners had withdrawn their financial support."

The Express has learnt that Sural is not the financier of the project.

"The money for the project is coming from China," said a source and " shareholding has nothing to do with the impact or the viability of the project which is on course."

Gopee-Scoon: No UK visas for Trinis



Juhel Browne




Tuesday, February 10th 2009(T&T Express)



'T&T passed test': Foreign Affairs Minister Paula Gopee-Scoon

Trinidad and Tobago nationals will not have to apply for a visitor's visa to visit the United Kingdom as this country has passed the British visa waiver test after a six-month mitigation period.

The United Kingdom's Home Department Secretary Jacqui Smith made the announcement in a joint statement with Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Secretary David Miliband in the British Parliament yesterday but noted that "should circumstances warrant it," the British government "will re-examine the situation and take prompt action."

In repeating the good news that Trinidad and Tobago had passed the British visa waiver test after a six-month period, Foreign Affairs Minister Paula Gopee-Scoon said at a news conference yesterday that while the British authorities are comfortable with the speed in which the country's new machine readable passports are now being issued, they may still have concerns regarding those who travel on the old passports.

"I think some of the concerns will remain but I believe the major part of correcting these concerns is the issuance of the machine readable passports which I can say is almost foolproof," Gopee-Scoon said.

At a news conference on July 11, 2008, Gopee-Scoon said that drug mules caught in the United Kingdom with Trinidad and Tobago passports were a major cause of concern for the British government as it noted Jamaicans were among those from "a number of Third World countries" who were illegally entering Britain using this country's travel documents.

Gopee-Scoon said it initially took "four to six months" to issue the machine readable passports but this period has been cut done significantly with the ultimate objective being "two weeks," as she noted many of the new passports are still to be collected and urged those who "rushed" to apply for them to go to collect them.

Asked about the fact that this country is hosting the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in November, Gopee-Scoon said that was not connected in any way to this country passing the visa waiver test.

Smith announced in the British Parliament on July 10, 2008, that nationals from Trinidad and Tobago were determined to be among those from 11 countries who pose an illegal immigration, crime and security risk and their respective governments had six months to significantly reduce that risk.

Gopee-Scoon said yesterday that the current visa arrangements remain unchanged.

"It remains that Trinidad and Tobago nationals wishing to visit the United Kingdom for less than six months as a tourist or a family visitor can continue to do so without the need for a visa. However, nationals wishing to live, work, marry or study in the United Kingdom will be required to have a visa just as before," Gopee-Scoon said.

Venezuela now needs visa for the UK.

Help for TT’s childless couples



By VERDEL BISHOP Tuesday, February 10 2009(T&T Newsday)



ACCORDING to international statistics, one of every six couples experiences difficulty achieving pregnancy. For some, conceiving doesn’t come easily. If you, a friend or family member have for more than one year, tried to conceive without success, it may be due to an infertility problem. However, there is hope for infertile couples, through In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF).

More and more couples are turning to fertility treatments as their only hope for parenthood.

IVF is the process used to conceive a child outside the body. A woman’s eggs and a man’s sperm are placed together in a plastic dish for fertilisation. The resulting embryos are placed back in the woman’s uterus in the hope that a successful pregnancy will follow.

The Trinidad and Tobago IVF and Fertility Centre, at Medical Associates, in St Joseph, is the only facility in this country that treats with infertility issues in men and women. The Centre provides infertility diagnosis and treatment to patients and is committed to providing the highest standard of care and the most current infertility treatment options available.

IVF was developed for women with blocked, damaged, or missing fallopian tubes, and is also used to overcome infertility caused by endometriosis, male factor issues, sperm antibodies, ovulatory problems, or other unexplained reasons. While there are a number of assisted reproductive technologies available to infertile couples, IVF is by far the most effective of these methods.

According to Dr Catherine Minto-Bain, gynaecologist, and medical director of the IVF Centre at Medical Associates, infertility remains a major reproductive health problem in TT and the prevalence is high. Minto-Bain said IVF is never the first step in the treatment of infertility, but is reserved for cases in which other methods such as fertility drugs, surgery, and artificial insemination haven’t worked.

Minto-Bain works with specialists Professor Samuel Ramsewak and embryologist Bryan Woodward. Through IVF they successfully assisted several couples who were unable to conceive naturally.

Dr Minto-Bain said blocked fallopian tubes is one of the more prevalent causes of infertility in TT.

“We have thousands of couples on our books for treatment. People have been trying to get pregnant for years . . . sometimes as long as ten years.

“We see a lot of endometriosis cases and male factor issues. There is a large proportion of young men in this country with low sperm count,” she said.

“We treat patients as young as 17 years old. The oldest we’ve seen coming in for treatment is 56.

“There are also common cases where women who already have a baby can’t get pregnant a second time this is called secondary infertility, we see a lot of these cases too.”

IVF usually increases a woman’s chances of multiple pregnancy, however, Minto-Bain was quick to point out that although most couples are happy to accept a risk of twins, it is important to know that even twins carry significant risks. She said medical staff at her clinic carefully discuss the number of embryos to be replaced with every couple.

“We have a one in five rate of twins and rarely see triplets. In Trinidad our health system doesn’t work well with premature births. Twins and triplets place women in a difficult position in this country because of lack of resources. We help couples in different ways.

“We have to be careful to not give couples twins and triplets because besides health issues, it’s not good for the economic consciousness,” she said.

The United Kingdom is moving towards allowing couples replacement of only one embryo to decrease the possibility of having twins. Minto-Bain noted that in Trinidad, the IVF Centre follows the English rules but vary them to suit the needs of their clients. Minto-Bain said the IVF Centre almost always produces single babies.

“A lot of couples that comes to us want twins. Multiple pregnancies such as triplets carry extremely high risks and we do everything we can to avoid these. Some couples come to us and ask for twins but we explain the complications to them.

“We screen the couples first and try very hard not to get them pregnant with twins. We recommend one pregnancy.

“A lot of the process of IVF is about giving information and making sure couples understand. We spend a lot of time talking about treatment options,” she said.

Minto-Bain explained that the cost of treatment varies. She noted that patients don’t have to pay all up front, and payments are structured to suit each case.

She said the cost of treatment can be cut through egg sharing, where a woman can share eggs with someone else who is not able to afford treatment.

Minto-Bain said the procedure is time consuming but it’s not painful. During IVF you are given medications which manipulate your ovaries and the eggs being produced.

The idea is to try and get several eggs to mature, not just one or two. The follicles where the eggs are developing can be monitored by ultrasound and by measuring estrogen levels.

When the eggs are mature, they are taken from the ovaries using a fine needle which is passed through the vagina under ultrasound guidance and handed to the embryologist.

The eggs are then fertilised with your partner’s sperm or, in some instances, donor sperm.

The embryos are then cultured under very strict conditions and examined each day by the embryologist to assess their progress.

On the third day the embryos are assessed by the embryologist and a meeting is then held to discuss them. At this meeting they decide how many to replace inside the uterus by a second procedure called an embryo transfer.

Sometimes more than one embryo will be transferred, and sometimes the other good quality embryos will be suitable for freezing for later use.

“Our job is to enhance the chances of pregnancy but limit the risk of multiple pregnancies,” Minto-Bain said.

The IVF centre can be contacted at 662-8344 or for further information visit info@trinidadIVF.com.


Dr Catherine Minto-Bain, gynaecologist and medical director of the IVF Centre at Medical Associates.

City drains to get a cleaning



Thursday, February 12 2009(T&T Newsday)



FLOODING in the capital city will be alleviated with the acquisition by the Port-of-Spain City Corporation of an Aqua Tech Vacuum Truck, which will be used to clean the drains and help reduce flooding.

At least this is the hope of Mayor Murchison Brown, who on Tuesday, received the massive truck at a handing over ceremony outside City Hall, Knox Street, Port-of-Spain.

Brown received a hands on demonstration and said he was very impressed and pleased with the corporation’s decision to acquire the vehicle.

The truck is specifically designed for the cleaning and maintenance of underground drains, such as those found throughout the capital city. It is outfitted with two 1000 gallon water tanks on either side of the vehicle, along with a high powered nozzle that can shoot out water in a concentrated form at around 2500 pounds per square inch.

The vehicle operates by first liquefying any muck residue in the drains with the high powered hose, after which the vacuum is turned on and it sucks up any material in its path.

The residue is then stored in the cubic tank on the truck, until it is drained in the appropriate facilities. “I am very happy to have this vehicle because it will definitely assist in clearing the roads, and the residue in the drains.

It can remove the silt and bottles and whatever else we have underneath the streets that our people cannot reach, so we are planning to make full use of this and soon,” Brown said. The mayor explained that he was so impressed with the demonstration and capabilities of the vehicle that if the situation presented itself he would look into acquiring another.

“We could always do with another one for Port-of-Spain, because the corporation extends not only to the city but to its environs such as St James, Belmont, Long Circular and Federation Park,” he said.

This new acquisition comes years after the corporation introduced the gully sucker, which operated just like the Aqua Tech.

Use of the gully sucker was stopped after the truck developed mechanical problems.

Tracmac Engineering Ltd manager Andrew Borde explained that the vehicle was being sold through the company for a price of $2.8 million. He said local mechanics had been trained by a foreign expert over a period of three weeks on the proper use and maintenance of the vehicle.

“We had mechanics trained and operators trained. So at all times there is someone who knows how to use it and how to repair it, so it’s a one stop package. But I believe in the product and expect to see it being used to clean the drains throughout the city which should in turn help reduce flooding in the capital,” Borde said.


MIGHTY VAC: Port-of-Spain City Corporation workers gather outside City Hall on Knox Street, to get a first-hand look at the newly acquired Aqua Tech Vacuum Truck which will assist in the cleaning of underground drains.

Mayaro residents get tile-laying skills



Thursday, February 12 2009 (T&T Newsday)



SEVERAL persons from Mayaro have already set their sights on supplementing their income after completing an intensive training course in tile laying at the Mayaro Resource Centre.

Covering 160 hours of classroom and practical applications, the course was facilitated by energy company bpTT and conducted by the National Energy Skills Centre (NESC).

“This course has put me in a better position to do private jobs since I am now certified to lay tiles and I will be able to do so in a professional manner,” said Wazim Mohammed, 42, of Union Village, Mayaro, who has been practising the trade without any previous formal training.

Mohammed’s optimism was echoed by other participants, some of whom felt they were qualified to the extent of landing jobs with existing contractors or starting their own business.

The course, which was attended by 16 participants, covered topics such as blueprint reading and measurement, concrete technology, actual tile laying skills, health, safety and environmental factors.

It marked the deepening of the partnership between bpTT and NESC which stretches back to 2000 with the Mayaro based energy company providing training scholarships for secondary school students.

As bpTT’s Corporate Responsibility Manager, Ronda Francis, explained, the company’s partnership with the NESC underscores its policy of developing the human resource capacity of the people of Trinidad and Tobago, and especially its home community of Mayaro, in a sustainable manner.

“We are heartened by the positive attitude of the participants of this training programme and by the fact that very tangible benefits will be derived from this exercise. Building capacity among the people of Mayaro is one of the cornerstones of our social corporate responsibility,” Francis added.

Deoraj Loutan, NESC programme supervisor, said the tile-laying programme imparted “employable skills” to the participants. He had good news for some of them, noting that they will be hired to do a tile-laying job at the NESC school in Mayaro shortly.

Loutan praised bpTT for “once again investing in the human resource potential of the people of south-east Trinidad”.

One person who is eagerly looking forward to putting her newly-acquired skills to use is Vicki Chee Mook, a bpTT employee. Joining her in the training were husband, Aldwin and daughter Sherese.

“This is an excellent course for anyone to pursue. We intend to use this training to put down tiles in our home, and who knows, do some jobs in our spare time as well,” Chee Mook explained.

NESC contractor Vernon Armstrong, who conducted the training sessions, said the participants demonstrated “a great aptitude” during both theoretical and practical classes.

“They are now certified to lay tiles and we are confident that will acquit themselves in a professional manner,” he added.

Demonstrating the technique of tile-laying at the Mayaro Resource Centre is instructor Vernon Armstrong (right) while participants in the bpTT-sponsored training programme look on attentively. At left is Deoraj Loutan, programme supervisor of the National Energy Skills centre.

Petrotrin to explore Point oil sands



Juhel Browne



Saturday, February 14th 2009(T&T Express)



State owned oil refining and production company Petrotrin is set to carry out exploration activity on land in Parrylands and Guapo Field in Point Fortin to determine the feasibility of extracting tar sands in a field that is anticipated to amount to two billion barrels of oil.

And while this field could double the nation's oil reserves, Petrotrin will be undertaking the exploration exercise at a time when it is badly in need of revenue as it is considering major cutbacks in expenditure that may include staff cuts as it made losses of $200-$300 million in the last quarter of 2008 alone.

Furthermore, Petrotrin will begin exploring the Point Fortin field even as many of the company's workers have been protesting a delay in the payout by management of $240 million worth of bonuses.

Energy Minister Conrad Enill made the disclosure about the Point Fortin find during Thursday's post-Cabinet news conference at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann's.

He said Cabinet had approved an exploration licence for Petrotrin for the Point Fortin field on Thursday as he noted it was the first time that the exploration of tar sands was being carried out in Trinidad and Tobago.

By most definitions tar sands are (which are also called oil sands) are a combination of clay, sand, water, and bitumen which is a heavy black viscous oil that is the main element to be sought after by Petrotrin.

"What is contemplated here is that Petrotrin will joint venture with a partner we have identified. The partner brings to the table the technology, the information, the understanding and that exercise will tell us what we do not now know about that particular resource. Once we know that we then have to make an investment decision as to whether we move forward or not," Enill said.

EYES ON REPUBLIC


Canadians want talks with Govt to buy CL's bank shares



by Curtis Rampersad



Thursday, February 12th 2009 (T&T Express)



One of Canada's top five commercial banks has sets its sights on CL Financial's multi-billion dollar stake in Republic Bank.

Officials of the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) have approached Government and are waiting to fly to Port of Spain to discuss the possible acquisition of CL Financial's 55 per cent ownership of Trinidad and Tobago's largest bank.

CIBC, which has been in business since 1867, has been eyeing the coveted prize of Republic Bank for almost a decade and came close eight years ago to sealing a deal to acquire the assets that could be worth approximately $8 billion at current market prices of $86 a share.

CIBC is one of several international and local financial institutions that are interested in Republic Bank, thereby positioning the bank at the centre of what financial experts suggest is close to becoming a global powerplay for the controlling interest in the local bank that generated $1.2 billion in profits last year.

It would also mark the return of CIBC to a country where it has a rich history and where Canadian banks have already built up formidable presences.

The Ministry of Finance confirmed on Tuesday that it has been approached by CIBC executives in Canada for an urgent meeting.

"They have requested a meeting with the ministry," a source said.

An agenda has not been set as yet, the Express was told.

A Government source explained that it stood to reason that CIBC would be interested in Republic Bank since it was exploring the possibility of an acquisition through a merger with a Caribbean subsidiary a few years ago.

An analyst based in Canada observed in a February 4 international report obtained by the Express that there is "little doubt that three of the Canadian banks will have an interest in Republic Bank, if it indeed comes up for sale. CIBC... will top the list".

A local banking source close to the international banking group told the Express yesterday that in the financial sector, CIBC considered a Republic Bank stake a "good fit" given its Caribbean presence.

Another source close to CIBC told the Express there was interest in Republic as other Canadian banks had developed Caribbean presences.

Last year, the Royal Bank of Canada that country's largest completed the acquisition of the RBTT banking group in a US$2.2 billion deal.

The Bank of Nova Scotia has also expanded in the region, increasing its shareholding in Jamaica and the Dominican Republic.

Contacted at CIBC's Commerce Court offices in Toronto's financial district on Monday, communications and public affairs spokesman Rob McLeod said only that CIBC could not comment on queries from the Express.

In an interview at the Central Bank in Port of Spain two weeks ago, CL Financial chairman Lawrence Duprey said that he had completed a deal for CIBC to buy the Republic Bank shares eight years ago but was encouraged then to not divest such a large portion of a local bank.

Renewed interest from CIBC comes amid the restructuring of several financial services subsidiaries of the CL Financial conglomerate.

Two Fridays ago, Government and Duprey agreed that the Central Bank would assume control of insurance companies CLICO, British American, brokerage house CMMB and the now dissolved CLICO Investment Bank after depositors encountered difficulty getting their money back and policyholders worried about their life insurance contracts.

In exchange, CL Financial agreed to sell, divest or collateralise its prized assets, including Republic Bank and its majority shares in its methanol plants.

For now, the Republic Bank stake remains in the hands of CL Financial but is held in a trust.

There have been suggestions from several quarters that the shares should be offered for sale on the open market.

Finance Minister Karen Nunez-Tesheira has said that the process to deal with the shares is being worked out.

There are also concerns that the acquisition of the bank could trigger the takeover code and force the potential buyer to make shareholders an offer for the remaining percentage of shares of the bank.

Alutrint to spend $3-$5m to train prospective staff



Louis B Homer South Bureau



Thursday, February 12th 2009 (T&T Express Business)



Alutrint Trinidad, which is preparing to construct an aluminium smelter plant in La Brea, has committed to a multi-million dollar skills training initiative to employ hundreds of people from surrounding villages.

Alutrint's communications manager, Josie Ann Richards, said between $3 and $5 million would be spent to prepare people between the ages of 18-40 for possible employment when the 125,000 tonne a year plant begins production in 2011.

Richards said the plan has been submitted to the Ministry of Labour and meetings are being held before the programme is launched.

An official of the Ministry of Labour and Small and Micro Enterprise Development confirmed yesterday "discussions on the matter are ongoing and this unique initiative should get underway soon".

The launch of the initiative is expected to take place during the second week of March.

Richards said the initiative calls for careful planning, as the idea is to develop a one stop shop, for people who are employable.

"We had some sporadic training initiatives before but this one is structured in a way that we are looking for the human resource potential that is available in and around La Brea" said Richards.

Richards said the initiative also includes the training of people for self-employment.

She said the selected areas from which the participants will be recruited include Sobo Vance River, Vessigny, La Brea, Union and Chinese Village.

Richards explained that the training component is designed "to ensure that maximum local content is used in the construction of the smelter plant".

Clico bailout good for region



Thursday, February 12 2009 (T&T Newsday)



A SOUND RESCUE MISSION, that only energy rich Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean could have undertaken so swiftly.

And in the end, the Patrick Manning administration’s decision to take over the billions of dollars in assets of Clico would not only save the twin-island Republic from the damaging financial fallout of Clico but it protects Barbados, Jamaica and the rest of the region as well.

That’s the assessment of Sir Courtney Blackman, a former governor of Barbados’ Central Bank and a premiere management guru in the Caribbean. He said that Barbados and its neighbours shouldn’t push the panic button as the government in Port-of-Spain moves to consolidate its hold on Clico, a major Caribbean conglomerate.

“The action of the Trinidad and Tobago Government was appropriate, swift and sound and there is no reason why the matter shouldn’t be brought under control,” said Sir Courtney, author of several books on management in the Caribbean, in the wake of Clico’s meltdown.

Sir Courtney, who was in New York where he, Dr Ewart Brown, premier of Bermuda, and several others were honoured by the American Foundation for the University of the West Indies, traced Clico’s financial problems to the global economic recession and not necessarily to any financial mismanagement.

“It does not reflect necessarily that they have been even incompetent,” he said.

The benefit of the Manning decision, the former central banker went on, was that it would shield the other countries from significant damage.

“The logic of the situation suggests that the action of the government in taking over Clico means they take over responsibility for all of their subsidiaries, wherever they are in the Caribbean so that we would be protected in that way,” he asserted. “It would be remarkable if Trinidad and Tobago didn’t defend and take care of all the subsidiaries.”

As a matter of fact, Sir Courtney insisted, it would have been “irresponsible” of the government to take over Clico in Port-of-Spain, but “ignored the fact of the subsidiaries”.

As Sir Courtney saw it, the Clico collapse underscored two things. One, the vulnerability of small states to events “over which they have no control” and two, the need for countries like Barbados, Jamaica, Guyana, St Lucia and others in the Caribbean to have large foreign reserves.

“The condition of small countries is that they are very vulnerable to things happening in the outside world and over which they have no control,” he said.

“In such circumstances small states have in a way to take out insurance against these things happening, because when they do happen they can cause a tremendous amount of damage to us.”

King Juan lauds T&T’s dynamism



Richard Lord


Published: February 16th, 2009 (Trinidad Guardian)



Infrastructure and tourism development are being shortlisted as possible areas in which Spain can assist T&T. This as King Juan Carlos of Spain delivered an historic ten-minute address to a special sitting of both Houses of Parliament in Port-of-Spain yesterday, hours after arriving in this country with his wife Queen Sophia, for a 24-hour visit.

They arrived at the Parliament building shortly before 4.30 pm to pomp and ceremony. After inspecting a guard of honour, he was welcomed to address the Parliament by Senate President Danny Montano and House Speaker Barendra Sinanan.

Among those in the audience were President George Maxwell Richards, Prime Minister Patrick Manning, Attorney General Bridgid Annisette-George, Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday, Chief Justice Ivor Archie and former president Sir Ellis Clarke. The Spanish King said T&T was a dynamic nation “with one of the highest per capita incomes in this hemisphere, enjoying an important economy.”

He said T&T was facing the global economic crisis “from a solid position, as regards its currency reserves and external debt, and had a rate of inflation within reasonable limits.” King Carlos said T&T and Spain had “deep-rooted, historical ties” which “have become even closer in recent years, due to your country’s stability and legal security.”

The King stressed that it was because of those two factors, T&T had become Spain’s fifth-largest supplier of natural gas. He told Parliament there was a need to “rebalance” economic and trading relations between the two countries.

Dealing with the issue of infrastructure development in T&T, King Juan Carlos said Spanish companies had a “long experience and proven reliability” in that sector, and his country had one of the most modern transport networks in Europe. He said the same “excellence” was available in the tourism sector.” The two countries are expected to sign a double taxation treaty today.

The King commended T&T for its role in promoting multilateral diplomacy, regional integration. He extended best wishes to T&T in hosting the Fifth Summit of the Americas, which takes place in April.

Reactions

Sir Ellis Clarke said the King’s speech was very interesting and encouraging, and would help in deepening the ties that bound our two countries. Independent Senator Prof Ramesh Deosaran said the King’s address “was unexpectedly very uplifting and optimistic.”

“He did speak well, and for that the country should be very grateful.” Opposition chief whip Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj said the King’s speech was intended to strengthen ties between the two countries and this was laudable. He, however, expressed concern about the amount of money being spent on the visit, at a time when citizens were unable to buy food and meet their day-to-day expenses.


King Juan Carlos of Spain, right,
and his wife Queen Sophia listen
to House Speaker Barendra Sinanan,
as he addresses the special sitting
of Parliament for the Royal couple.
Photo: JENNIFER WATSON

King Juan Carlos pays tribute to fallen soldiers


Corey Connelly



Published: February 16th, 2009 (Trinidad Guardian)



The world stood still for a brief moment yesterday, when King Juan Carlos 1, of Spain, laid a wreath at the foot of the cenotaph at Memorial Park in Port-of-Spain, in tribute to the soldiers killed during the two world wars. And, as if in tune with the solemnity of the occasion, the area surrounding the historic monument appeared to assume a sombre atmosphere.

But there were other telling signs: immaculately attired soldiers with heads bowed and guns in tow had set the tone for the tribute, occupying positions at the four corners of the cenotaph.

It was the shrill sound of trumpets, played by two soldiers, that penetrated the afternoon stillness. King Carlos, dressed in a grey suit and blue shirt, had performed his first gesture of goodwill to the people of T&T before a wildly appreciative gathering of schoolchildren and onlookers.

They had lined the route to Memorial Park to catch a glimpse of the king and his wife, Queen Sofia, during the couple’s first official state visit to T&T. The students, who had waved miniature flags from Spain and T&T, represented schools such as St Mary's College, St Monica's Preparatory, Holy Name Convent and Bishop Anstey’s, among others.

Port-of-Spain Mayor Murchison Brown greeted the couple at the Frederick Street entrance of the park. Their Majesties, smothered by security personnel, then briskly made their way along a red carpet to the cenotaph. King Carlos was upright as the soldiers played. Queen Sofia, resplendent in a brown and cream floral patterned skirt suit and matching shoes, also stood reverently, a few steps behind. The couple waved later to the students.

King Carlos and Queen Sofia accompanied by a huge entourage, comprising household staff, security personnel and journalists arrived in T&T from Madrid, Spain, on board a private jet around 1.15 pm.

They were originally scheduled to arrive at 12.30pm. Prime Minister Patrick Manning, his wife Local Government Minister Hazel Manning and Foreign Affairs Minister Paula Gopee-Scoon were on hand to welcome King Carlos and Queen Sofia at Piarco International Airport.

There, they were treated to versions of both countries national anthems, played by members of the Defence Force, as well as a ceremonial 21-gun salute. Moments later, King Carlos broke ties briefly with his wife to inspect the guard of honour as members of the Government, who had lined the red carpet, eagerly awaited their introductions.

A short cultural presentation, comprising masqueraders from Rosalind Gabriel and Brian MacFarlane’s Carnival presentations over the years, culminated the short reception. King Carlos and Queen Sofia were then whisked away to their engagements. These included a visit to Memorial Park, as well as courtesy calls to President George Maxwell Richards at President’s House, in St Ann’s, and PM Manning at the Diplomatic Centre, a short distance away. King Carlos also delivered an inaugural address to the Parliament.


Spanish royals King Juan Carlos 1,centre, his wife Queen Sofia, left,
and Prime Minister Patrick Manning wave to school children while making their way along a red carpet to the cenotaph at Memorial Park in Port-of-Spain, yesterday.


Above: King Carlos kisses the hand of Hazel Manning.

http://guardian.co.tt/multimedia


This link will provide some video clips of news items for the last couple of weeks enjoy.

Carnival cheer for kids with cancer



Monday, February 16 2009 (T&T Newsday)



LAST SEPTEMBER, the directors of the Just Because Foundation approached Digicel requesting assistance to make their dream of opening a ward offering holistic care for children and their families living with paediatric cancer a reality.

Digicel responded by throwing their support behind this admirable project. The company took this initiative a step further and launched an all staff campaign to raise the awareness of the cause of Paediatric Cancer in Trinidad and Tobago. All 450 Digicel staff members welcomed and supported the initiative by giving of their time to work on the ward painting and clearing construction debris on weekends, and all proudly wore the gold paediatric cancer awareness ribbons to work every day.

The JBF Paediatric Specialty Unit was completed in November and opened its doors to patients on December 18, and now is home to 21 children stricken with non communicable diseases.

These children and their families now have a place where they receive individual attention in a therapeutic and positive environment.

This project becoming a reality is due to the many individuals and companies in Trinidad who generously gave of their time, energy and finances to bring it to completion.

The JB Foundation, although they have managed to open the ward are now in dire need of assistance to keep the ward up and running. They are now calling on TT to help keep the dream alive and continue to offer support of any kind to keep the ward running.

Interested parties can contact JBF Founder Chevaugh Joseph on 299 4523 or email to justbecause@mail.tt to pledge support of any kind, or to get further details on how to help.

Recently, Digicel’s ambassador, soca diva Destra Garcia stopped by the ward to spend time with the children and spread the uplifting spirit of TT carnival among the sick children and hospital staff.

Destra was all smiles for little Ibraheem Mohammed who is a patient at the JBF Specialty Ward.

The soca star extends some love to patient Kadisha Hercules.

Junior bands start the mas at St Anthony’s



BY ANGELA PIDDUCK Monday, February 16 2009(T&T Newsday)



THREE OF the most seasoned Junior Carnival bandleaders set a torrid pace at the St Anthony’s College Junior Carnival Parade of Bands. Beautiful portrayals brought Rosalind Gabriel’s National Pride the Band of the Year and the Large Band titles, while the Spoilt Rotten Kids presentation, The Forbidden City won the Most Original Band and the Medium Band titles and Rose Mary Perkins Sunny the Small Band title.

As has been the case since the Westmoorings college joined the Junior Carnival fray four years ago, the organisers also set a very high standard with the event which took place on the spacious college grounds surrounded by the Diego Martin hills. Once again, Glen Davis’s presentation of the afternoon’s programme brought an added touch of excellence to an afternoon that was totally enjoyed by the youngsters, parents and bandleaders.

The Queen of the Carnival was Tracelle Frederick portraying “D Red House Fire” and nine-year-old Justin Brooks, last year’s King, again walked away with the crown for his “Phoenix Rising A New Dawn”. Kenya Scott from The Lady Hochoy Vocational Centre won the Most Original award as “Ierie In Flight A Tribute to Bolt” and the Most Original up to six was Armando Shampoo’s “Rebirth of Carnival Through the Youth”.

Rihanna De Silva’s “The Birth of Venus”, the first winner of the evening in the Babes In Arms section, followed by the two to four age group’s Isabella Andrews as “Naiad the Spirit in the Nylon Pool” and Kerwin Roberts who caught the eye with his movement of “Tears of Joy”. The five to six age group was won by Vaughnecia Mieres’ “A Sailors Dream” and Jason Sheppard’s “The Guardian of the Reef”.

A unique portrayal in the couples category of “D Changing of D Guard” by Caleb Phillip and Emmanuel Joseph, brought a break in the individuals for the Small Bands (up to 60). Threats of rain did not stop the mas, as the seven to eight category moved smoothly on stage. That segment was won by Katia Williams’ “Snow Bound” and Quincy Price (boys). In the nine to 11 group, the Spoilt Rotten Kids walked away with both prizes for Jordannah Parris-Corbin’s “A Night at the Beijing Opera” and Justin Brooks. They also got the Boys 12 and over with Brandon Nunes’ “I am Lion”, while Tracelle Frederick won the girls 12 and over.


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T&T Carnival bowls over Danny Glover



Geisha Kowlessar



Published: February 20th, 2009 (Trinidad Guardian)



Famed Hollywood actor Danny Glover has hailed T&T’s Carnival as the greatest show on earth. Glover, star of the Lethal Weapon movies, was speaking briefly during a news conference hosted by the Ministry of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs at Queen’s Hall, St Ann’s, yesterday.

“Make no mistake about it, this is quite the greatest show on earth,” Glover said. The US actor, who was treated to a range of live performances, was invited to T&T by Caribbean Prestige Foundation. Glover also lauded the witty ex-tempo performances of local storyteller Paul Keens-Douglas.

“His (Keens-Douglas’) impromptu lyrics are challenging but rewarding,” Glover said to a smiling Keens-Douglas. Delivering the feature address, Minister of of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs Marlene Mc Donald said extra effort was made to ensure that this year’s Carnival went smoothly. “An extra effort was made this year to disassociate ‘Carnival’ from ‘bacchanal,’ ” Mc Donald said.

She also lauded the efforts of all stakeholders, saying they “showed a great deal of maturity and willingness to resolve all matters.” Stressing that Carnival was an industry, McDonald said she visited some 22 calypso tents.

Giving a brief account of the law enforcement activities, particularly the Police Service, acting Assistant Police Commissioner (crime) said officers would be out in their numbers from as early as midnight on Sunday.

“We will be taking control from the very start to ensure people are safe and that the environment in which they enjoy themselves is also a safe one,” Craig said.

Hollywood actor Danny Glover embraces
Trini Revellers masquerader Petalina Beckles,
after a news conference hosted by the Ministry
of Community Development, Culture and Gender
Affairs at Queen’s Hall, St Ann’s, yesterday.


Danny Glover in town for soca



By VERDEL BISHOP Friday, February 20 2009 (T&T Newsday)



AMERICAN actor Danny Glover is in Trinidad for Carnival and he is excited to be here.

He arrived on Wednesday night and will be one of the celebrity judges at tonight’s International Power Soca and Groovy Soca Monarch competition at the Hasley Crawford Stadium.

Speaking to the media at the VIP lounge at the Piarco International Airport, Glover said it was great to be in Trinidad in the height of the Carnival season.

He said his visit will be a learning experience for him as Trinidad and Tobago has contributed both culturally and intellectually to the world.

“The Caribbean has offered so much to the world, in particular, Trinidad. Trinidad has produced many great historians and intellectuals. I’ve had the opportunity to read many of the writings of CLR James, while I was in school and I still read his work,” he said.

“There is so much vibrancy in this region, and I am happy and excited to be a part of it,” he added.

Glover, who will return to the United States immediately after the Soca Monarch finals, said he will return to Trinidad in April, to be a part of the Summit of the Americas, which he describes as a historical event for the Caribbean region.

“This is an event I do not want to miss. I have to be back to be a part in history. Although I am here for Carnival, and I think that Carnival is great, Trinidad will take on a different dynamic for the Summit,” he said

Best known for playing tough talking cop Roger Murtaugh in the Lethal Weapon series, Glover has been a commanding presence on screen, stage and television for more than 25 years.

As an actor, his film credits range from the blockbuster Lethal Weapon franchise and his role in the Colour Purple and The Royal Tenenbaums to smaller independent features, some of which Glover also produced.

Internationally, Glover has served as the UNDP Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme from 1998-2004, focussing on issues of poverty, disease, and economic underdevelopment in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.

Govt: No problems with CIA report



By Clint Chan Tack Monday, March 2 2009(T&T Newsday)



FINANCE MINISTER Karen Nunez-Tesheira said Government is not worried about a report issued by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) which warns that declining oil and gas prices will challenge its commitment to “maintaining high levels of public investment” as the world financial crisis continues.

In its February 24 World Fact Book update on Trinidad and Tobago, the CIA said this country has “earned a reputation as an excellent investment site for international businesses and has one of the highest growth rates and per capita incomes in Latin America.”

Noting that TT’s economic growth for the last seven years has averaged slightly over eight percent, significantly above the regional average of about 3.7 percent, the CIA said this rate “has slowed down this year to about five percent and is expected to slow further with the global downturn.” Minister in the Ministry of Finance Mariano Browne previously said TT will experience slower but positive growth this year.

Observing that TT’s economic strength continues to be underpinned by the energy sector with oil and gas accounting for 40 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 80 percent of exports, the CIA said the country has also benefited from “a growing trade surplus.”

“The (Prime Minister Patrick) Manning Administration has benefited from fiscal surpluses fuelled by the dynamic export sector, however, declines in oil and gas prices have reduced government revenues which will challenge his government’s commitment to maintaining high levels of public investment,” the CIA said.

Nunez-Tesheira told Newsday there was nothing in this CIA report to suggest that Government will be unable to meet any of its financial commitments. She said the Prime Minister, herself and other government spokespersons have indicated on numerous occasions that TT “was in a very good position” economically going into the crisis and is strong enough to weather it.

Explaining that there has not been any economy in the world that has not been challenged by the crisis, Nunez-Tesheira said Government has given the commitment that there will be no cuts in wages and salaries, social services, infrastructure or anti-crime initiatives as it steers the country towards calmer economic seas.

Asked whether any further adjustments would be made to the 2009 Budget by the time the mid-year review is completed, Nunez-Tesheira said Manning already indicated that Government could not continue to cut expenditure to compensate for any additional revenue shortfalls because of the crisis. She added that this was why the Prime Minister said Government would run a temporary deficit of $1.7 billion or 1.3 percent of GDP.

In a statement to the House of Representatives on January 14, Manning announced a further revision in the Budget’s oil price from US$55 per barrel last November to US$45 per barrel. The Budget’s original oil price was US$70 per barrel. The Budget’s gas price was revised from US$4 per mmbtu to US$3.25 per mmbtu for the first quarter of 2009 and US$3.50 per mmbtu for the remaining three quarters of this year.

The Prime Minister said Government would issue bonds to finance the deficit “without compromising our economic fundamentals.” Manning said the significant amount of savings which Government has accumulated over the years as well as growth in the country’s foreign reserve position allowed it to pursue this strategy. “We believe that this is a far more acceptable solution than accessing the Heritage and Stabilisation Fund, permitted under the provision of the existing Heritage and Stabilisation Fund legislation. An Auditor General report on the Fund for the year ended September 30, 2008, stated that the total quantum of money in the Fund was US$2.8 billion ($18 billion).


Finance Minister Karen Nunez-Tesheira

Danny Glover talks film in TT



Monday, March 2 2009(T&T Newsday)



REPRESENTATIVES of the Trinidad and Tobago Film Company (TTFC) were thrilled when Danny Glover scheduled a courtesy visit to their offices at Bretton Hall on February 20. The TTFC took the opportunity to extend an invitation to its stakeholders, who were afforded a rare opportunity to meet Glover and benefit from his vast knowledge and experience in the global film industry.

The meeting proved to be very fruitful and Glover noted his commitment to the development of the local industry and to lending his support to local film makers and script writers.

Glover’s prolific work and achievements (Lethal Weapon, Beloved, Color Purple, Saw) have made him a household name and he continues to pursue and support creative and meaningful film projects around the world. Glover acknowledged receiving funding from Venezuela for the production of two films General in His Labyrinth on the life of Simon Bolivar and Toussaint on Haitian liberator Toussaint L’Ouverture.

The TTFC looks forward to collaborating with Danny Glover in the future as it works towards building a vibrant and lucrative Trinidad and Tobago film industry.

Danny Glover chats with TTFC's CEO Carla Foderingham.

Cops own gas station



By ANDRE BAGOO Tuesday, March 3 2009(T&T Newsday)



A GAS STATION owned and managed by the Police Service Social and Welfare Association (PSSWA) was officially opened yesterday amidst concerns that it represents a potential conflict of interest for members of the Police Service.

The refurbished service station at the corner of the Eastern Main Road and Mc Allister Street in Laventille, will from today open seven days a week from 6 am to 10 pm. It will be managed by the executive of the PSSWA after being approached by state owned National Petroleum Marketing Company (NP).

Under a ten year lease, PSSWA will employ service station staff, which currently number just over two dozen and oversee the station’s day to day functions, according to PSSWA president Emrol Bruce.

“We want to diversify the way we represent our members,” Bruce told Newsday shortly before yesterday’s ribbon cutting ceremony. He said profits from the station are to be shared among PSSWA members. In addition, members of the Police Service will enjoy discounted gas prices.

NP chief executive officer Richard Callender yesterday revealed that NP approached the police association with a view to re-opening the gas station because it was of the view that the crime situation in the area required a different kind of partner. “You’re not going to go into a high risk area like this is with an ordinary partner,” Callender told reporters. “They were interested in getting into a business venture as well.” But former head of the Police Service Commission Kenneth Lalla SC yesterday said there was a clear conflict of interest in having policemen oversee a money making enterprise.

“The question here would really be whether there might be a conflict of interest having policemen being involved in business,” Lalla said. “I think that would be a cause for concern.”

He said individual police officers are not normally allowed to carry on business because it conflicts with their role.

“That is the nature of his job. His duties preclude him from that sort of activity,” Lalla said. “The conflict comes with the status of a police officer engaged by the state who is working 40 hours a week who is nevertheless deemed to be on call even when he is not working then engaging in business.”

The gas station, refurbished by NP at a cost of $2 million, is expected to offer a full slate of products and services with a 6,000 gallon storage tank for super, premium and diesel fuel each and LPG storage cylinders, but no CNG facilities.

National Security Minister Martin Joseph and Police Commissioner James Philbert were both expected to attend yesterday’s opening but were absent. Joseph said he was in a meeting and could not respond to queries on the gas station.

COP AT THE PUMP: Emrol Bruce (right) president of the Police Service Social and Welfare Association oversees the refueling of a vehicle at a NP gas station operated by the association which was opened yesterday.

Security risk persons under surveillance



By NALINEE SEELAL Friday, March 6 2009(T&T Newsday)



On the advice of the United States Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), Government has purchased 3,000 bullet-proof vests for local law enforcement officers as part of security plans for the Summit of the Americas in Port-of-Spain in April.

A list of persons who may be a security risk has also been compiled and they are now under surveillance, sources said yesterday.

Two containers of the bullet proof vests arrived in the country last month and are now at the police stores to be distributed to an estimated 3,000 uniformed officers who will guard delegates of the summit.

Overall, an estimated 7,000 local police officers will be on duty during the summit, with additional support from the Regiment, Coast Guard, Prisons and Fire Services.

Sources said yesterday the bullet proof vests were bought because the FBI as well as Latin American security forces asked for local law enforcement officers to be outfitted with the gear.

Uniformed officers welcomed the purchase of the bullet proof vests which they have been calling for long before the summit.

President of the Police Second Division Cpl Emrol Bruce yesterday said the bullet proof vests will provide protection for officers even after the summit.

“This was long overdue because I know of instances where some officers have been working without bullet-proof vests, especially the Special Reserve police officers and I am happy that something has been done to correct this situation,” he said.

Improving the security gear for law enforcement officers is, however, part of a larger anti-terror operation.

Advance security teams from the United States and Latin American countries are working closely with officers of the Special Branch and Special Anti-Crime Unit of Trinidad and Tobago (SAUTT) on a plan to safeguard delegates and the 34 heads of state, among them US President Barack Obama, who will be in Port-of-Spain for the summit from April 17-19.

Gold Commander for the Summit of the Americas, Assistant Police Commissioner Steve Waldron, FBI experts and other security officials have been looking at such measures as round the clock security surveillance and intelligence gathering.

Sources said the FBI is already in possession of the names and addresses of local persons who may be a security risk to the summit and they are under surveillance. Local Interpol officers have also been involved in putting together the database which is now in the hands of the FBI.

Newsday yesterday exclusively reported on a Red Zone of streets in west Port-of-Spain and in the vicinity of the Hyatt Regency hotel, where security would be at a high level, so much that residents and persons working in this area must be accredited. Special Branch officers have been mandated escort delegates, while uniformed officers will guard the hotels, such as the Hilton Trinidad in St Ann’s, where they will be staying.

The Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard will be helped by the US Coast Guard to ensure the seafront in Port-of-Spain and along the western peninsula is well-guarded.

A US cutter is expected to anchor off the Port-of-Spain waterfront in the vicinity of the Hyatt, the conference centre of the summit. Prime Minister Patrick Manning on Wednesday said offshore patrol vessels would also be loaned by the Barbados and Bahamas governments.

“Perhaps the country will be far more secure than otherwise,” Manning said of the measures put in place for the summit.

Priority is also to be given to Piarco and districts in the vicinity of the Piarco International Airport.

Before the US President and other leaders, including Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, arrive, teams of local and foreign officers are to conduct security sweeps in these areas.

The police have already met with residents of Oropune, a community adjacent to the Piarco airport, and have briefed them about restrictions on the days of the arrival and departure of the US President.

Roads along the old Piarco terminal, which is being refurbished to accommodate aircraft bringing in hemispheric leaders, will be closed.

Local law enforcement officers are also mandated to clamp down on criminal activities outside of Port-of-Spain and Piarco.


PICTURE
Retired dental technician Sayeed Ali Khan shows the accreditation forms which police gave to residents of Melbourne Street, Port-of-Spain yesterday.

PICTURE
Crane works: A crane dredges offshore of the Hyatt Regency hotel, Port-of-Spain yesterday to accommodate cruise ships for the Fifth Summit of the Americas in April.

No summit without Udecott



By Clint Chan Tack Friday, March 20 2009(T&T Newsday)



PRIME MINISTER Patrick Manning declared that this country would never have been able to host the Fifth Summit of the Americas next month or the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in November without the help of the Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago (Udecott).

Addressing a news conference at the Prime Minister’s Diplomatic Centre in St Ann’s on Wednesday, Manning said TT would not have been able to host either summit “if we did not have the Hyatt or the two buildings in close proximity to it.”

These buildings are part of the Port-of-Spain International Waterfront Centre, a key Udecott project. He also said a North American delegation was “pleasantly surprised” by the facilities at the Diplomatic Centre where the final session of the Summit of the Americas will be held on April 19.

Newsday has exclusively reported the full programme for the summit and the escalation in the cost of the Prime Minister’s Residence and Diplomatic Centre from $40 million to $244 million.

The Commission of Inquiry into Udecott and the construction industry resumes its hearings next Monday at the Winsure Building in Port-of-Spain.

Manning also praised National Secretariat coordinator Ambassador Luis Rodriguez for helping this country to win the right to host the Summit of the Americas next month and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in November.

“Had he not been available to us, we would not have been able to host this summit at this time.”

Disclosing that Government has been in regular contact with the Organisation of American States (OAS) and other regional partners to assist in providing key summit staff such as translators for a long time, the Prime Minister added that while these arrangements have been going well, there have been flaws and efforts are being made to address those flaws.

Manning said the Secretariat would provide further information about security and other arrangements for the Summit of the Americas which is now 27 days away.

Six fast patrol boats arrive



By Nalinee Seelal Thursday, March 19 2009 (T&T Newsday)



Six interceptor boats which will be used to guard the country’s coastlines arrived yesterday.

The boats were placed on trailer trucks at the foreshore of the Audrey Jeffers Highway, Mucurapo to be transported to Teteron Barracks, Staubles Bay, Chaguaramas for inspection.

Two of the six boats will be handed over to the police for use by officers of the revamped Police Marine Branch.

Sources said yesterday the boats are to be diagnostically checked this week before they are handed over to the police and Coast Guard. The presence of the boats at the foreshore yesterday brought curious stares from members of the public.

On Tuesday, Acting Police Commissioner James Philbert said two of the interceptors will be added to the Marine Branch.

He added, “We will find ourselves back in the waters surrounding Trinidad and Tobago after some 27 years to deal with the situation of stemming contraband and illegal immigrants coming into our country.”

Sources revealed that due to the height of the boats they could not pass under the Cocorite Flyover. Steps were taken yesterday to get the Defense Force to make special arrangements to have the boats towed to Teteron.

Three will be given to the Coast Guard, and one will be given to the Special Anti Crime Unit of Trinidad and Tobago (SAUTT). During the presentation of the 2007/2008 Budget Prime Minister Patrick Manning announced that Government had purchased the interceptors to deal with crime on the high seas.


INTERCEPTORS ARRIVE: Police officers of the St James Police Station guard six interceptor boats which arrived and were parked yesterday on the foreshore of the Audrey Jeffers Highway, Mucurapo.


ON THE GROUND: Soldiers from the Barbados Defence Force walk across the tarmac of the TT Air Guard base at Piarco International Airport. They arrived in Trinidad on Tuesday to assist in security arrangements for the Fifth Summit of the Americas to be held in April.


ARMS CHECK: Members of the Barbados Defence Force check their weapons on arrival at the Air Guard hangar, Piarco, yesterday.

Govt eyes royalties from ‘King Cocoa’



Kimberly Mackhan



Published: March 24th, 2009(Trinidad Guardian)



Almost 100 years after the golden era of King Cocoa, Government is hoping to make a fortune on royalties from the revival of the industry. Addressing the launch of the Roundtable for A Sustainable Cocoa Economy at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad hotel, 1 Dock Road, Port-of-Spain, yesterday, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Marine Resources, Arnold Piggott, sang the praises of the locally produced cocoa which has been fetching twice the average price on the international market.

“Cocoa prices, in real terms were expected to increase to US$2,298 per tonne in 2008-2009. And in fact at March 11, 2009, I am told, the price of raw cocoa was US$2,300 on the New York futures market. But my friends, Trinidad and Tobago Fine Flavour cocoa attracts an average of US$5,000 per tonne that is the quality of Trinidad and Tobago’s cocoa,” he said.

Piggott said TT had produced premium quality cocoa since it was first commercially farmed in this country about 200 years ago. The unique variety is the result of hybridisation between the indigenous variety and another variety introduced from Venezuela, creating what is called the “Trinitario” brand. Piggott said that about 2,000 cocoa farmers were still in the local industry, cultivating two to five hectares each with yields of 200-800 kilogrammes per hectare. He said their output was quickly bought up by international manufacturers of dark and gourmet chocolate products.

Piggott said that since the mid-1950’s “pioneers” had been working with the ministry to develop the Trinidad Selected Hybrid (TSH) breed which would be more resistant to disease and produce higher yields. Piggott said the T&T government intended to protect its rights over the new variety. “We expect to register the TSH varieties through the Ministry of Legal Affairs’ Intellectual Property Office for plant breeders’ rights; that is the intellectual property right given to the breeder of a new variety of plant.

“The licensing of developed varieties of plants to other countries can yield considerable revenue earning potential for the Government and people of Trinidad and Tobago since the use of these unique varieties for planting or breeding programmes abroad would mean royalty payments to the government of Trinidad and Tobago. This, of course, will enhance the further development of the cocoa sector.”

Cocoa countries want more co-operation



Kimberly Mackhan



Published: March 28th, 2009




Chairman of the Cocoa and Coffee Industry Board, Jacqueline Rawlins; representative of the sponsors of the Roundtable for a Sustainable Cocoa Economy (RSCE), Chantal Oltramare; executive director of the International Cocoa Organisation, Dr Ja Vengerhoets; Agriculture Minister, Arnold Piggott and Armouan Acquah, president of RSCE, at the Second Roundtable for a Sustainable Cocoa Economy, following Tuesday’s opening ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad hotel. PHOTO: SHIRLEY BAHADUR



Participants at the Second Roundtable for a Sustainable Cocoa Economy ended their four day conference Thursday by agreeing to establish a Cocoa Sustainability Fund to provide “direct and timely financing to relevant projects and programmes in the cocoa sector.”

That was one of the agreements in the Declaration of Trinidad and Tobago, issued at the end of the conference, which was held at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad Hotel, Port-of-Spain, from March 24. Three hundred delegates from 29 countries attended the conference. Also included in the declaration was a commitment by participants to continue working together in the spirit of co-operation especially at regional levels and agreement by the Roundtable for Sustainable Cocoa Economy to continue its collaborative approach.

On Thursday, the regional manager for the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture Sustainable Tree Crops Programme, Dr Stephan Weise, warned that recommendations to set up a sustainability fund would be unsuccessful without operational policies to address the challenges affecting the cocoa-producing and cocoa-consuming countries. “I’m not sure that (a sustainability fund) is going to solve the issues that we are talking around here.

“I think we need to operationalise the type of principles that we have discussed, the types of issues that have been identified,” Weise said. “And that, as some of the interveners have already said, this has to be done at a country level where farmers, the public sector, the private sector get together and actually look towards operationalising the issues that have been put forward locally now to this roundtable.

“And (we need to) see how we can do it in each of the countries, how to adapt and what is the role of the farmers in all of this.” Weise said that setting up a sustainability fund for two million farmers, for example, would result in each farmer receiving, on average, one dollar. “So, I think it is much more important for us to see how we can get a commencement of operationalising the issues that have been predominant here,” Weise said.

“It seems as if the sustainability fund is going to resolve all the issues that we have been discussing last time in Accra (Ghana) and this time (in Trinidad) and I don’t think that that is the case.” On the opening day of the conference, Tuesday, Agriculture Minister, Arnold Piggott, said the local cocoa industry was faced with challenges that included low productivity, low acreage, losses due to pests and diseases and high production costs.

'Give our guests a taste of our food'

Ariti Jankie South Bureau


Saturday, March 21st 2009(T&T Express Business)


What's on the menu for the Summit of the Americas?

The National Foodcrop Farmers' Association wants to know.



Association spokesman Norris Deonarine yesterday called on Government to use only food products grown in Trinidad during the April 17-19 summit.

"Put food grown by local farmers high on the menu to bring out the flavour of our country," he said.

He recommended sapodillas, mangoes, water melon, coconut water and other fruits instead of apples and grapes.

"Give our guests a taste of cocoa grown by our farmers and let them sample our rich coffee to start their day," Deonarine said.

He said fresh goat, chicken, beef and freshwater fish should also be served using local recipes.

"Let us avail of the opportunity to seek connections that would be good for the country," he said, adding that too often, the culture of the people is lost in song and dance and very little otherwise.

He said farmers were currently waiting on dry weather to begin planting. Seasoned farmers, he said, remained on the land regardless of the weather and although the unusual weather would affect prices, food production had continued at a steady pace.

Others in the industry believe there will be an abundance of foodcrops at reasonable prices within the next six weeks. The planting season began with an increasing number of youths entering the industry.

Cunupia Farmers' Association president, Anil Ramnarine, said young farmers were taking over from their parents and have been applying modern methods in agriculture.

"The presence of the youths on the land is bringing back labour to the industry," he said.

He said the planting season was detained by heavy rains but now that the dry season has begun more people have returned to the land.

"We expect that the supply of agricultural produce would be increased in the weeks ahead," he said.

Come to Panama, El Salvador


Local companies invited to take advantage of business opportunities


Sascha Wilson


March 26th, 2009(Trinidad Guardian Business)




Local businesses in the energy and construction sectors are being urged to take advantage of opportunities available in Panama and El Salvador. El Salvador’s ambassador, Carlos Mauricio Pineda Cruz and Panama’s consul general designate, Cesar Gomez Ruiloba, said their countries are looking for people with the expertise and investment capital to move forward several multi-billion dollar projects.

They identified the Panama Canal expansion mega project and El Salvador’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant and infrastructure projects. The two addressed local businesspeople at an energy luncheon hosted by the South Trinidad Chamber of Industry and Commerce held at Paria Suites, La Romaine, on Tuesday.

The Panamanian consul, a quality management and trade co-ordinator with the Panama Canal Authority, said the US$5.25 billion expansion, which commenced in 2007, is a seven year project. He said that the project will create a third lane of traffic along the canal by constructing a new set of locks. The locks raise and lower ships as they pass along the canal. “There are a lot of new opportunities especially in the drilling sector and power generation” he said. Gomez Ruiloba said there were more than 14 power plants to be built in Panama, but they were “waiting for somebody with expertise and money” to invest.

Adding that he believed T&T is recession proof, Pineda Cruz said that the Cutuco port and connectivity projects in El Salvador also provided opportunities for locals. He said that the recently inaugurated Japanese financed port was the largest in Central America, and comprised several projects including a liquefied natural gas (LNG) power plant. However, he said, they were yet to source an LNG supplier. “This is the first time an LNG power producing plant is being installed in El Salvador. This is being built to amplify our matrix and to get more clean burning fuel. LNG is a very good alternative source of power,” Pineda Cruz said.

He said several industries would have to be established to support the functioning of the port. He said the US$233 million connectivity project, which consisted of roads and electricity, was a good opportunity for T&T businesspeople. “There are very many spaces for sub-contracts. Those of you who are into the machinery and engineering, road, asphalt and all those things that go with roads, well, you probably have a very good chance of coming to El Salvador.” He said that by mid-year, construction would begin on 230-plus kilometres of roadway.



Cesar Gomez Ruiloba, left, and Carlos Mauricio Pineda Cruz.
Photos: Tony Howell

Obama’s ‘Beast’ coming for Summit



By NALINEE SEELAL Tuesday, March 31 2009(T&T Newsday)



UNITED STATES Secret Service agents travelling aboard the US Airforce C-17 Transporter will arrive in the country shortly before next month’s Summit of the Americas, bringing with them US President Barack Obama’s official state limousine, which has been dubbed the Beast.

The limousine, which is informally known as Cadillac One, is a combination of a Cadillac limousine built on the body of a GMC truck.

Sources close to persons responsible for security for the Summit said yesterday that the Secret Service recommended that the limousine be brought to Trinidad for use by the President for security reasons. This recommendation was made after the Secret Service got information which suggested that there are persons in TT with international terrorist connections.

Newsday understands that when the vehicle arrives on the aircraft, only Secret Service agents will have access to it. This is a standard security procedure. Not even local and regional law enforcement agencies will be allowed to view the vehicle which will be kept concealed at Piarco International Airport following its arrival.

It will remain there under round the clock surveillance until the arrival of the US President and First Lady at Piarco on Airforce One.

They will be met by Secret Service agents who will transport the couple from Piarco to their hotel in the specially built armoured vehicle, which is bulletproof and bomb resistant.

The Beast seats seven people, including the President. The front seats two, and includes a console mounted communications centre. A glass partition divides the front from the back. The two rear seats, which can recline individually, are reserved for the President and the First Lady.

The Beast is completely fitted with military grade armour at least five inches thick for maximum protection, and the wheels are fitted with run flat tyres.

Due to the thickness of the glass much natural light is excluded, so there is a fluorescent halo lighting system in the headliner.

For security reasons, members of the public will only be able to view the Beast as it passes, either along the Priority Bus Route, or the Churchill Roosevelt Highway, on the day President Obama arrives.

Due to the thickness of the glass in the car, the public will not be able to see the President or First Lady Michelle Obama.

On trips in the US, Cadillac One displays the American and Presidential standard flags, which are illuminated by directional flood lights mounted on the hood. When the President visits a foreign country, the Presidential standard is replaced by that country’s flag. A special Trinidad and Tobago flag, which will be placed on the limousine, is being prepared.

Newsday understands that 35 vehicles will follow the President’s vehicle when he arrives at Piarco.

The President and his wife are expected to stay at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Port-of-Spain, venue of the Summit, although sources say the US President also has the option of staying at the official residence of Prime Minister Patrick Manning, in St Ann’s. Yesterday Gold Commander for the Summit, Asst Police Commissioner Steve Waldron and others involved in security for the Summit met for the entire day to do a post mortem of Sunday’s dry run exercise for the Summit.

He told Newsday: “We are looking for the gaps and we are trying to plug the loopholes in order to ensure that when the delegates for the conference arrive, the travel arrangements from the Piarco Airport to the Hyatt Hotel will be carried out with no glitches.”

24 new fire trucks commissioned



Donna Cox: Station upgrades coming



Published: April 10, 2009(Trinidad Guardian)




The T&T Fire Service received 24 vehicles and appliances and other fire fighting equipment yesterday. But although the arrival of the vehicles came just one week away from the start of the Fifth Summit of the Americas, they had no connection with the summit, says Minister in the Ministry of National Security Donna Cox.


The commissioning of the new vehicles and equipment took place yesterday at Fire Services Headquarters, Wrightson Road, Port-of-Spain. Cox could not give a costing for the vehicles and equipment.

“Actually, this was running a long time ago, but we didn’t get the vehicles right away because we had to order them from specific locations,” Cox said. She said the new appliances and vehicles should improve the response time and efficiency of the Fire Service.

“The commissioning of the new appliances and vehicles represents Government’s intention to comprehensively ensure that the nation’s fire fighters have modern equipment to provide efficient and professional service to the nation,” she added.

She said it was also Government’s intention that by 2010 it would have made major strides in modernising and upgrading the Fire Service.

Included in this modernising plan, she said, would be the construction and refurbishment of several fire stations. “Stations at Rio Claro, Mon Repos, Princes Town, Siparia, Point Fortin, Woodbrook, Four Roads, Tunapuna, Chaguaramas, Arouca, Wrightson Road and Lady Hailes, San Fernando, are currently in the design and review stage,” she said.

She said the Couva South and Sangre Grande Fire Stations had already been completed and were being refurbished and equipped before being commissioned. The Piarco Fire Station, she said, would be soon occupied.

The new vehicles and equipment commissioned yesterday were:

• Six water tenders

• Five water tankers

• Two Hazmat vehicles

• One emergency tenders

• One hose laying lorry

• One car carrier (flat bed wrecker)

• Four passenger buses

• Two double cab light trucks

• Six high pressure portable pumps.


Minister in the Ministry of National Security Donna Cox looks on as acting Chief Fire Officer Justin Bowen, left, shows off one of the new Jaws of Life, which was commissioned along with other equipment and vehicles, at the Fire Service Headquarters, Wrightson Road, Port-of-Spain, yesterday. Standing next to Cox is Deputy Chief Fire Officer Kenrick Bethelmy. Jaws of Life are used to free accident victims trapped in vehicles. Photo: Shirley Bahadur

Interceptors to play critical role, says Joseph



Ria Taitt Political Editor



Friday, April 10th 2009(T&T Express)





The ten interceptor vessels which were handed over to the Defence Force yesterday, by National Security Minister Martin Joseph, would be playing a "critical role in providing waterside security for the various high value assets and for the heads of state who will be in Trinidad and Tobago during the Fifth Summit of the Americas, which takes place next Friday to Sunday.

So said Commanding Officer of the Coast Guard Jeewah Ramoutar as he addressed the handing over ceremony at Staubles Bay, Chaguaramas, yesterday.

Joseph, who gave the feature address at the function, said Trinidad and Tobago has had to satisfy its international partners that security arrangements for the presidents and prime ministers of the 33 participating countries were "robust, effective and consistent with what obtains at a world class event". Therefore, there can be no compromise on the security arrangements that have been agreed to for the summit, he stressed.

Joseph said the interceptors, "without a doubt", were efficient tools which could go everywhere that other "illegal" pirogues can go. "Working in tandem with the 360-degree coastal radar surveillance systems, these ten vessels will strengthen the security blanket around both Trinidad and Tobago and provide greater insulation from drugs and gunrunners," he said.

Both Joseph and Ramoutar began their addresses by paying tribute to Coast Guard officer Jerome James, who went missing last Saturday during an operational exercise on the North Coast. "I wish to express my sympathies to and prayers for his family at this time. While I know that it has been five days since his disappearance, I pray and hope for his safe recovery and return," Joseph said. Ramoutar said he wanted to assure James' family and the public that the Coast Guard was doing everything in its power to locate him.

Joseph, who also commissioned the Defence Force Headquarters Command and Control Centre and Conference Room at Chaguaramas yesterday, said the Government was due to receive the six fast patrol boats at the end of this year and was also in the process of acquiring four fixed wing aircraft.

Noting that the police must also have maritime capabilities, Joseph added that the re-establishment of the Police Marine Branch was receiving the urgent attention of his ministry.


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CLEARING THE BOW: Seamen ready the bow of several spanking new Coast Guard interceptor vessels, prior to giving a demonstration of the vessels' speed during a commissioning ceremony at Staubles Bay in Chaguaramas yesterday.

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MARINE PATROL: Customs and Excise Division officers man one of two offshore patrol vessels acquired by the Division in the fight against drug-trafficking on Wednesday.The interceptors were handed over on Tuesday at the Division's Marine Interdiction Unit's base at Hart's Cut, Chaguaramas.