Guardian

Trinidad & Tobago $4 Cop under

probe after
rude reply
Saturday, January 6, 2024 GUARDIAN OF THE PEOPLE No 40232 guardian.co.tt
to crime
victim
m PAGE 5

BAS’ FINAL SITTING

Defence Force pallbearers carry the casket of former prime minister Basdeo Panday
during a procession into the Red House, Port-of-Spain, yesterday. Citizens were
allowed to view the body at the venue. See pages 6, 7 and 8. PICTURE KERWIN PIERRE

TSTT FIRES
CFO SHIVA
Ramnarine becomes
second executive casualty
PAGE 5

Company denies it is
fallout from cyberattack
Staff informed of exit
via internal email Former
Former
For
SShiva
Shi
h va
er TSTT
TSTT
T CFO
CFFO
v Ramnarine
Ramnar
Ram
O
narrine
in
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2 Saturday, January 6, 2024
guardian.co.tt

3 Saturday, January 6, 2024
guardian.co.tt
The
News
Digest
Today’s stories
in capsule
OPINION
Warriors Hochoy,
Bas–huge legacies,
left ...
T he final goodbyes began.
Thursday’s funeral for late
former Tobago House of As-
sembly chief secretary Hochoy
Charles. Yesterday’s viewing at
the Parliament of the body of
late former prime minister Bas-
deo Panday.
Death in T&T’s political fam-
ily of two leaders so significant
in their lifetimes in the entire
country—would have been espe-
cially difficult, including for the
People’s National Movement
(PNM) Government and Oppo-
sition United National Congress
(UNC), starting this particularly
fortuitous year which will de-
cide the political fates of some.
Beyond jokes—of Charles ...
Gail Alexander
Page 12
Port-of-Spain:
22–24 St Vincent Street,
(PO Box 122)
Telephone:
235-5668 Exts 5133,
5135, 5116,
5174, 5113, 5115
San Fernando Bureau:
235-5668 Exts 5224,
5225, 5226
Sando City Corp hosts ole mas workshop
INNIS FRANCIS
Freelance Contributor
The San Fernando City Corpora-
tion hosted a two-day workshop
for teachers to become familiar
with the Ole Mas character por-
trayals at Skinner Park, San Fer-
nando.
The workshop, which ended
yesterday ( January 5), was themed
Rej’Ouvertnation and attracted 60
teachers from 40 primary and sec-
ondary schools from the Victoria
county.
Teachers were schooled on the
creativity of the traditional mas
and the art of picong, satire, and
sloganeering.
Convenor for San Fernando
Carnival, Dawad Phillip, said he
initiated the plan and included
some San Fernando stalwarts
LEAD STORY
TSTT fires CFO
Shiva Ramnarine
The Telecommunications Services
of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT)
has fired its Chief Financial Of-
ficer, Shiva Ramnarine.
It comes just two months after
former chief executive officer Lisa
Agard was fired from the com-
pany following the handling of a
data breach at the majority state-
owned company in October.
The Communication Workers’
Union (CWU) had called for the
removal of Agard and Ramnarine
following the massive data breach
last year.
“He did not pay for proper
cyber security services...—Page 5
INSIDE
NSIDE YOUR GUARDIAN
N
Welder Andrew Brumant fixes a steelpan rack at the bp Renegades Steel Orchestra panyard on Charlotte Street,
Port-of-Spain, on Thursday, as the band prepares for the Carnival season and Panorama competition.
who teamed up with emerging
talents, Victor Edwards, Valmiki
Ramsingh, David Sammy and
Meguella Simon, to produce the
programme.
Phillip said following the work-
shop, each school will form part of
a grand presentation to showcase
what they learned on January 27 at
South Park.
“We recognise that the ole mas
tradition, even though the J’Ou-
vert is striving, San Fernando
J’Ouvert is just getting bigger. The
authentic traditional aspect seems
to be getting lost in the shuffle…
They would learn how to develop
themes, in the language, and how
to turn and twist the language into
a pun. They learn how to make
placards, how to create, and use
the language to maximise impact.”
Phillip said.
NEWS
Hundreds view Panday’s
body at Parliament
The military band was play-
ing Frank Sinatra’s My Way as it
swung up to the Red House Parlia-
ment complex-escorting the gun
carriage bearing former prime
minister Basdeo Panday’s flag
draped casket.
“So very fitting and appropri-
ate (that song),” said a woman
near Parliament’s entrance. That
was at the start of the day’s pro-
ceedings as the gun carriage ap-
proached the Red House.
Panday, T&T’s 5th Prime Minis-
ter, yesterday began his final jour-
ney “home”–ahead of Tuesday’s
funeral– with a return... —Page 8
He also said, “The emphasis
now is not to allow it to be next
Carnival that we do this, this is just
to preserve some of the ole mas
traditions in the Carnival. As San
Fernandians, we are giving back.
We in San Fernando are known as
a J’Ouvert centre and still are the
J’Ouvert centre of the world but we
have to keep the traditions alive.”
He said teachers represented
schools as far as Barrackpore,
Monkey Town, Princes Town, San
Fernando, Marabella and La Ro-
main.
Phillip said it was a move to in-
volve the children in the ole mas
revelry as part of the Children’s
Carnival. He said in keeping with
the national celebrations, San Fer-
nando’s first major event will be
the single pan finals on January 12
at Skinner Park.
INTERNATIONAL REC
Survivors found in homes Renegades at 75
smashed by Japan quake A year of activities celebrating the
A woman was pulled carefully 75th anniversary of the bp Rene-
from the rubble 72 hours after a gades Steel Orchestra culminated
series of powerful quakes started
rattling Japan’s western coast. De-
spite rescue efforts, the death toll
last month with an anniversary
tour, a Christmas dinner and the
announcement of the band’s 2024
yesterday grew to at least 94 peo-
ple, and the number of missing
was lowered to 222 after it shot
Panorama tune.
The band, which has toured six
of the world’s seven continents,
has an enviable track record that
up the previous day.
An older man was found alive
Wednesday in a collapsed home
includes six Panorama titles over
12 years and four consecutive
in Suzu, one of the hardest-hit North Zone victories. In 2022, the
band emerged from the pandemic
cities in Ishikawa Prefecture. His
daughter called out, “Dad, dad,” and rebranded with a new vision
as a flock of firefighters got him focused on music, family and leg-
acy.
out on a stretcher, praising him
for holding on for... —Page 14 —Pages 20, 21
Quote of the Day
“I will always be your leader if 9
you want me. If on Sunday you
think it is time for me to go, I
shall do so with dignity. The WEATHER
choice is yours.” SUNNY
— Basdeo Panday Mostly sunny,
slightly
hazy and at
times breezy
conditions
despite few isolated showers,
mainly during the afternoon.
Generally fair night.
Piarco Max 32°C Min 23°C
Crown Point Max 32°C Min 24°C
YESTERDAY’S RESULTS
10.30 am: 28 (Red Fish)
1 pm: 28 (Red Fish)
4 pm: 14 (Money)
7 pm: 26 (Fowl)
10.30 am: 33, 32
1 pm: 2, 17
4 pm: 1, 7
7pm: 34, 3
10.30 am: 8, 6, 3, 4
1 pm: 8, 5, 5, 8
4 pm: 3, 1, 0, 0
7 pm: 2, 4, 1, 0
PICTURE KERWIN PIERRE 5, 9, 15, 17, 18 M: 1
Meguella Simon and Valmiki Ramsingh look on as some teachers work
together to create placards during the Rej’Ouvertnation workshop at
Skinner Park, San Fernando, yesterday. PICTURE INNIS FRANCIS
 4 news Saturday, January 6, 2024
guardian.co.tt

Glencoe murders of woman, mother Family members console each other after the
double murder at the Renaissance at Shorelands,

Cops to approach DPP soon

Glencoe, on Tuesday. PICTURE KERWIN PIERRE

SHANE SUPERVILLE
Senior Reporter
shane.superville.co.tt

A 48-year-old soldier remains in

police custody, as Homicide in-
vestigators continue their enquiry
into the murders of Calida Scham-
ber and her mother Carmelita De
Leon earlier this week.
Schamber, 43, and De Leon, 66,
were gunned down at their Re-
naissance at Shorelands, Glencoe
home on Tuesday morning by a
man who jumped over the wall of Calida Schamber, who was
the residential community. murdered at her Renaissance at
The suspect, who is a warrant Shorelands, Glencoe home
officer II in the Regiment, was ar-
rested in a forested part of Blan-
chisseuse Road, Arima, hours
after the attack.
Sources said the soldier re-
mained in custody at a Port-
of-Spain police station up to
yesterday afternoon, as officers
from the Homicide Bureau of In-
vestigations Region I continued to
collect statements and establish a Guardian Media sent several lowed to stay at a relative’s house the TTPS Gender Based Violence
timeline on what transpired. questions to the TTPS corporate in D’Abadie. Unit (GBVU) and restrictions to
One source said officers had communications unit on Wednes- Attempts to confirm this with firearms to people who had re-
not yet met with the Director of day on whether this was true but the TT Regiment since Wednes- straining orders against them
Public Prosecutions (DPP) but had received no feedback up to day were also unsuccessful. that were introduced during his
expected them to have a meeting press time last night. Former Police Commissioner tenure as commissioner, Griffith
sometime over this weekend to Carmelita De Leon, along with her Further claims on social media Gary Griffith and leader of the said such programmes made a
discuss charges. daughter Calida Schamber, were purported that the soldier was National Transformation Alliance difference in preventing domestic
The source also noted that sev- murdered on Tuesday. confined to barracks and was to (NTA), in a media release yester- violence.
eral “loose ends” in the enquiry was charged with at least seven be placed under the supervision day, said acts of domestic violence “Unless these plans, policies,
were being worked on, particu- offences in December, including of a sergeant major to whom he can be mitigated against with and operational procedures are
larly in terms of the murder assault occasioning actual bod- had to report to daily as part of proper planning and strategies. reinstated, we regrettably face
weapon and how it was sourced. ily harm, breaching a protection his bail conditions. Referring to consultations and a substantially increased risk
Several social media outlets order and housebreaking with However, these conditions were training from the New York Police for victims of domestic and gen-
have reported that the suspect intent. changed, as the suspect was al- Department (NYPD) for officers of der-based violence,” Griffith said.

Autopsies on sisters found dead in PCA investigates raid at

Tobago apartment inconclusive home of Venezuelan activist
ELIZABETH GONZALES
Tobago Correspondent
The autopsies on the bodies of Shevonne
Moffat and Gemma Alexis have come back as
inconclusive, and police will now await toxi-
cology reports on the bodies.
The autopsies were done yesterday after-
noon at this Scarborough General Hospital
Mortuary.
The women were found dead in an apart-
ment building in Moriah, Tobago, on Decem-
ber 27, 2023.
Police later confirmed to Guardian Media
that both women were sisters.
A police report said Alexis was found lying
on her back on a bed, with Mofatt next to her
slumped to the side with her head resting on
Alexis’ lap. There were no marks of violence
on their bodies.
The sisters had planned on spending Christ-
mas together and they were last seen on
Christmas Eve by nearby neighbours. Their
bodies were found partially decomposed by
the landlord days later, after Moffat did not
answer calls from him.
Mofatt had moved to Tobago years ago, after
her mother was gunned down in Trinidad. A
neighbour said days before her death, she said
she was excited to spend some time with her
sister from Trinidad for the holidays.
Speaking to Guardian Media yesterday, Mo-
Shevonne Moffat
fatt’s uncle, Derrick Aberdeen, said although
the family did not share close ties with her
sister, they have decided to work with Alexis’
family to arrange to have them buried to-
gether.
Aberdeen said, “Many of us still have doubt
that Shevonne would take her life. I was look-
ing forward to getting a firm answer from the
autopsy. Seeing it is inconclusive have me
speechless, that’s not the closure I was hop-
ing for.
“We really hoped it would have showed us
how she died. But now we just want to put
them to rest because it’s a difficult process for
the family and close friends.”
Following the autopsies, their bodies were
taken to Trinidad yesterday evening, where
they will be buried in the coming days.
Investigations into their deaths are ongoing.
RHONDOR DOWLAT
Senior Reporter
rhondor.dowlat@guardian.co.tt
The Police Complaints Authority (PCA)
has launched an official investigation
into claims reported to them by Vene-
zuelan and social activist Yesenia Gon-
zalez, that she was assaulted and her
home raided overnight on Thursday.
Guardian Media was told that four
men, who claimed they were police
officers allegedly went to her home in
East Trinidad and announced that they
were there to search her house.
It is alleged that when she asked for
a warrant to be produced, a sheet of
paper was waved in the air by one of
the officers. They then allegedly broke
the lock to the gate and entered her
home, where they allegedly physically
assaulted her and threatened to shoot
her after she was accused of hiding girls
who were being trafficked for prostitu-
tion.
Gonzalez, who is known to be out-
spoken against cruel treatment towards
Venezuelan migrants in T&T, and who is
known for rescuing young Venezuelan
women from human traffickers, was
said to be highly traumatised after the
incident.
Local Venezuelan activist Yesenia Gonzalez
PICTURE VASHTI SINGH
Guardian Media was told by PCA
head David West yesterday that Gonza-
lez made a report to them earlier.
He also confirmed that the PCA
would be investigating her claims.
Efforts to reach Gonzalez for com-
ment were unsuccessful, as all calls
to her phone went unanswered and
messages were not responded to. How-
ever, sources close to Gonzalez told the
Guardian Media that she preferred to go
straight to the PCA instead of the T&T
Police Service because she did not trust
officers in the TTPS.
When contacted on the issue yester-
day, Snr Supt Mervyn Edwards, head of
the North Eastern Division, said he did
not have any information with respect
to a raid at Gonzalez’s residence.
Saturday, January 6, 2024
guardian.co.tt
TSTT fires CFO Shiva Ramnarine
ASHA JAVEED
Lead Editor—Investigations
asha.javeed@guardian.co.tt
The Telecommunications Services
of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT) has
fired its chief financial officer, Shiva
Ramnarine.
It comes just two months after
former chief executive officer Lisa
Agard was fired from the company
following the handling of a data
breach at the majority State-owned
company in October.
The Communication Workers’
Union (CWU) had called for the
removal of Agard and Ramnarine
following the massive data breach
last year.
“He did not pay for proper cyber
security services for the company
which would have minimised the
impact and protect customers,” for-
mer secretary general of the CWU
Clyde Elder had said at the time of
the incident.
The T&T Guardian was told yes-
terday that TSTT sought legal ad-
vice before they axed Ramnarine.
Yesterday, TSTT’s management
sent out an all-staff email announc-
ing the departure of Ramnarine
from the organisation.
In a separate email note to ex-
Cop who was rude to crime victim faces investigation
SHANE SUPERVILLE
Senior Reporter
shane.superville@guardian.co.tt
A Woman Police Constable (WPC)
attached to the St Joseph Police
Station, whose brusque response
to the victim of a house break-in
stirred widespread outrage, was
served with a disciplinary notice
and will be investigated for her
response.
In a voice-note that was circu-
lated on social media yesterday,
the officer was heard speaking
with a man who claimed his home
was broken into and items stolen.
The man said a relative had ear-
lier called the E999, who in turn
said they would have called the
station to relay the information so
that officers could respond. How-
ever, the man said they were still
waiting on police to call them.
The officer responded, “Ok, so
what you all doing, sitting down
home and waiting for the police to
call allyuh? You don’t know where
the station is?”
The man, seemingly stunned by
the reply, asked, “Excuse me?”
To this, the officer said, “Do
you know where the station is,
St Joseph station. So why you all
don’t come in and make a formal
report.”
An even more stunned caller
then told the officer thanks and
hung up.
But the call, which was re-
corded, was later shared on
WhatsApp and was widely shared.
A senior police officer yester-
day said the issue was brought to
their attention and confirmed the
Former TSTT CFO Shiva Ramnarine
ecutives, TSTT said, “To ensure a
smooth transition, management
has identified an internal candidate
for recommendation to temporar-
ily fill the position of chief financial
officer. The relevant internal gov-
ernance processes will be engaged
in order to obtain the board’s ap-
proval for this candidate to oversee
the operations of the Finance De-
partment until a suitable successor
is found after the required recruit-
ment process has been engaged.
“You will be kept updated as
necessary in this regard. We have
thanked Mr Ramnarine for his con-
tribution to the company and wish
him well in his future endeavours.”
In a statement late yester-
Police Commissioner
Erla Harewood-Christopher
PICTURE ABRAHAM DIAZ
incident was authentic and had
happened in the St Joseph police
district.
The officer also clarified that
the incident was not a home inva-
sion, as originally suggested by the
caller, but a breaking and entering
and subsequent larceny.
The officer said the WPC will
now be investigated and brought
before a tribunal of senior officers
to answer for her tone.
The source added that the po-
lice service treated such incidents
with the utmost priority.
“It has the potential to under-
mine the trust we have with the
public and bring the service into
disrepute.”
The officer, the source said, will
not be pulled from active duty,
however, as it was not a criminal
investigation.
“Over the years, we have done
Former CWU secretary-general
Clyde Elder.
PICTURE ABRAHAM DIAZ
day, TSTT confirmed the exit.
“TSTT can confirm the departure
of its former Chief Financial Officer,
Mr Shiva Ramnarine. We, however,
categorically deny that his depar-
ture was in any way related to the
cyberattack. Mr Ramnarine served
the company well during his tenure
and we wish him well in his future
endeavours,” it said.
Ramnarine was a former chief
financial officer at Caribbean Air-
lines (CAL) and was fired from that
company in August 2013.
After Agard was fired, in a fallout
over the company’s poor public
handling of the matter, TSTT ap-
pointed Kent Western to the post of
National Security Minister
Fitzgerald Hinds
PICTURE NICOLE DRAYTON
our best to build a rapport and
closer relationship with the pub-
lic by having a ‘one door’ policy,
where matters can be reported at
any police station and even over
the phone if necessary, so this is
very unfortunate,” the senior of-
ficer said.
The source noted that the officer
could possibly face disciplinary ac-
tion owing to neglect of duty.
Contrary to reports on social
media, senior police said the WPC
was not transferred to the Toco
Police Station but was instead
placed on “desk duties” until the
completion of the enquiry.
Shortly after the voice-note
was shared on social media, Po-
lice Commissioner Erla Hare-
wood-Christopher, in a media
release, condemned the officer’s
abrasive tone, noting that unpro-
fessionalism and poor customer
service would not be tolerated in
the TTPS.
She also apologised to the vic-
acting CEO effective immediately.
The cyberbreach on TSTT oc-
curred on October 9, 2023, at 4.18
pm but was only made public on
October 27, after Falcon Feeds,
an India-based technology secu-
rity company, reported on its X
(formerly Twitter) social media
account that ransomware group,
RansomExx, added TSTT (http://
tstt.co.tt) to its victim list. It claimed
to have access to 6GB of organisa-
tion data.
On October 28, TSTT said in a
statement that there was no com-
promise of customer data but
added that it had not corroborated
information in the public domain
purported to be customer informa-
tion.
However, after cybersecurity
experts went digging into the data
and made their discoveries public,
the company issued another state-
ment.
On November 3, TSTT admitted
that 6GB, or less than one per cent
of the petabytes of the company’s
data, was accessed but that the ma-
jority of its customers’ data was not
acquired and no passwords were
compromised.
Guardian Media has reported
that the names of the country’s
St Joseph Police Station
tim and urged the public to seek
assistance from a senior officer at
the police station if they are unsat-
isfied with the quality of responses
from the officer taking their re-
port.
“The public is advised that sen-
ior officers at all police stations
are responsible for ensuring that
all reports made, whether by tele-
phone or in person, are accurately
and immediately recorded and
that officers take prompt action
where necessary,” the CoP.
“Members of the public not sat-
isfied that this protocol is being
followed, are advised to immedi-
ately seek an audience with the
officer in charge of the station.”
In a public post on his personal
Facebook account, National Se-
curity Minister Fitzgerald Hinds
also said the incident highlighted
the problem of unprofessionalism
and poor attitudes across the pub-
lic service.
news 5
top officials, including Prime Min-
ster Dr Keith Rowley, President
Christine Kangaloo, Chief Justice
Ivor Archie, Finance Minister Colm
Imbert, National Security Minister
Fitzgerald Hinds, Police Commis-
sioner Erla Harewood-Christopher
and Public Utilities Minister Mar-
vin Gonzales, are all included in a
list of people found in documents
downloaded from the dark web
from TSTT’s data breach.
And despite denial by TSTT,
Guardian Media obtained scans
with credit card information, as
well as bank account numbers, in-
cluded in the 6GB data bundle. Also
included among the scans were
banking information for custom-
ers, companies, State enterprises,
ministries, as well as credit card
numbers in transaction receipts.
There were also foreign ID cards
and documents in the dump.
The list contains 1.2 million en-
tries, which had been posted on-
line following the data breach at
the telecommunications company.
The company’s line Minister,
Marvin Gonzales, has ordered an
independent investigation into the
data breach but that investigation
has not yet begun.
Describing the officer’s response
as “rude and unbecoming”, Hinds
lamented that disrespectful, dis-
missive responses from public
servants was becoming increas-
ingly widespread and stressed the
need for such workers to be more
service-oriented.
“It is about service! Of course,
there are many who are not like
that! But there are far too many
who are,” Hinds said.
“Too often, rudeness and uncar-
ing are the order of the day. And
often, there is no accountability!
“This is a reflection of the gen-
eral trend in our society, where
rudeness, obscenity and violence
appear to be gaining ground rap-
idly.”
Hinds commended the citizen
for recording the phone call, but
also noted incidents where mem-
bers of the public have also been
disrespectful and even violent to-
wards public officers.
 6 ne
news
ews BASDEO PANDAY MAY 25, 1933JAN 1, 2024
Saturday, January 6, 2024
guardian.co.tt

Mickela thanks public for outpouring of love

‘Dad would not have wanted Piarco renamed after him’
GAIL ALEXANDER
Senior Political Reporter
“Thank you, thank you, thank you
all T&T... for the outpour of love!”
That was the heartfelt declara-
tion to T&T from Mickela Panday,
daughter of former prime minis-
ter Basdeo Panday yesterday, as
she spoke at the Red House Parlia-
ment complex, where a long line
of people had queued up to pay
their respects and view her late
father’s body.
And Panday—who was resound-
ingly hugged by political activist
Christine “Twiggy” Livia—said
her father wouldn’t have wanted
the Piarco International Airport
or anything named after him, but
would rather have wanted consti-
tutional reform if anything.
Panday, 90, died last Monday
in Florida, where he had been
receiving medical attention. He
was airlifted there on December
12. His body was brought home on
Wednesday.
Panday’s body lay in state at the
Parliament’s Rotunda gallery from
10 am yesterday to 5 pm. At 8.45
am, it was borne by military gun
carriage with uniformed escorts
from Broadway, South Quay, to
the Parliament’s Abercromby
Street entrance with full military
honours.
Panday’s body will also lie in
state for public viewing at the
Southern Academy for the Per-
forming Arts (SAPA) on Monday
from 9 am to 5 pm. His funeral is
8.30 am Tuesday at SAPA.
Mickela Panday and her siblings
arrived at the Parliament soon
after Panday’s coffin was borne
into the Rotunda. Panday’s driver
of 22 years, Roodan Rampersad,
drove their SUV.
Also assisting Ms Panday was
former UNC Minister Carlos John.
They were greeted by deputy
House Speaker Esmond Forde,
Senate President Nigel De Freitas
and Foreign and Caricom Affairs
Minister Dr Amery Browne.
After meetings, the group
emerged ahead of the 10.30 am
arrival time of President Chris-
tine Kangaloo and went to the Ro-
tunda, where Panday’s casket was
located. Kangaloo, who arrived
with her husband, First Gentle-
man Kerwyn Garcia, stood before
the coffin, then went over to speak
with the Panday group.
Kangaloo and Mickela embraced
warmly—as did Garcia and Ms
Panday. Kangaloo and Ms Panday
stood in animated conversation
while Garcia signed the condo-
lence book. Kangaloo and Garcia
then left.
The Panday entourage departed
the Rotunda at 11 am, heading to
speak with the long line of people
queued up in the hot sun awaiting
their turn to enter the Rotunda.
As Mickela left, she passed a pic-
ture of Panday on the table where
the condolence book lay, and she
reached out to gently touch her
dad’s photo.
Outside of the Parliament, Pan-
day repeatedly thanked all who
came out, the public in general,
Government and media.
Expressing thanks for the out-
pouring of love, she added, “Peo-
ple say when people send love to
you, you feel stronger. We’ve got-
ten strength from the people of
Trinidad and Tobago—the family,
me. It’s unbelievable. How do we
begin to say thank you. So we say
thank you on behalf of our dad as
well,”
Ms Panday disagreed with views
that her father didn’t get the same
kind of recognition in life as he did
in death. President Christine Kangaloo hugs Mickela Panday as family members look
“Noooo, I think, he got great on during the viewing of former prime minister Basdeo Panday’s body in
recognition and love while he was the Rotunda at the Red House, Port-of-Spain, yesterday.
alive and he’s just getting even PICTURE KERWIN PIERRE
more now, which I didn’t think were other siblings, including one his name. It was always coun-
was even possible. So no, he re- who is in the Defence Force and try before self and therefore, it
ceived love when he was alive sister Vastala’s husband Danny was what would have helped the
completely. And even more so Tarlow. country and constitutional reform
now and again, I can’t stop say- Panday said the family was would have helped the country,
ing thank you so very much to the“coping”. so that is what he’d want. I’m
people of T&T, north south, east “Mom is struggling a little bit, echoing his sentiment as I feel he
west!” but we’ve had love and support, would have said.”
“Thank you to everybody—the so thank you. She’ll get there, one Mickela said it was great that
media, the Parliament, the Gov- step at a time.” Shiva Boys’ Hindu College was
ernment has been extremely help- On whether her father should renamed in honour of her father.
ful. Everybody came together and be honoured by having the Piarco That decision was taken by the
made sure of unity in this country.
Airport named after him, Mickela Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha ex-
I wish he was here to see it.” said, “You know I tried to think of ecutive.
As she walked along talking to what he’d say if he was here and She added, “It’s great if it will
people, Twiggy, who was on the he’d say, ‘What you naming any- inspire the youth because he was
opposite side of the road, came thing after me for? Don’t name an- interested in the youth, he loved
over and enveloped Panday in a ything after me!’ That’s what he’d the youth of this nation and he
huge hug. say, ‘don’t name anything after believed they were the future and
me’.” education was the way out of pov-
Oma “struggling a little bit” She said her father would have erty—how you can change your
probably wanted constitutional life and have control of it. So, it’s
Panday said her older sister reform. a wonderful honour, we’re very
(Niala) will be coming to T&T “If he wanted anything, it was grateful and I thank them on his
soon. At the Parliament with her never about him, it was not about behalf.”

Former President wants ORTT bestowed on Panday

AKASH SAMAROO
Senior Reporter
akash.samaroo@cnc3.co.tt
Former president Anthony Car-
mona wants the state to bestow
the Order of the Republic of Trini-
dad and Tobago (ORTT) to Basdeo
Panday posthumously, an honour
Panday did not accept in 2014.
Speaking at remembrance cere-
mony for the former Prime Minis-
ter at his Alma Mata, Presentation
College San Fernando, on Thurs-
day night, Carmona said, “I wish
that the authorities consider hav-
ing the family receive on behalf
of the former PM, the ORTT post-
humously. And that he be given
his just due for his contribution
to T&T’s development so that he
can be addressed at the funeral
as former Prime Minister Basdeo
Panday ORTT.”
Carmona said it would be a fit-
ting tribute to a general who con-
sidered himself a proactive soldier
in the face of social, economic and
political reform, development and
advancement.
However, the former president
did address the fact that Panday
was offered the award in 2014
by then Prime Minister Kamla
press, but nothing was officially
relayed to me by Panday.”
Carmona said the topic be-
came a source of banter between
the two when they met at social
events.
“I would say Bas, when are
you coming to collect the people
thing boy? And then I would go
official and say Mr Panday, delay
and omission do not constitute or
add up to being a rejection of the
ORTT. He would then laugh and
say ‘that is why you were a judge,
the way you’re seeing things’, and
we would both end up laughing,”
Carmona told the audience.
Guardian Media contacted Pan-
Former president Anthony Carmona embraces Subhas Panday, brother of day’s daughter Mickela yesterday,
Basdeo Panday, and Justice Anthony Lucky during Presentation College San and asked if the family would be
Fernando’s remembrance function for Basdeo Panday on Thursday. willing to accept the award if of-
PICTURE RISHI RAGOONATH fered.
Persad-Bissessar. In August of portedly never responded to the Via text message, Mickela re-
that year, Persad-Bissessar had offer. sponded, “Now that my dad is no
announced that both Patrick But Carmona, who was presi- longer with us, I will leave that de-
Manning and Panday would be dent at that time, told mourners at cision to the people of his beloved
honoured with the ORTT for serv- the school’s compound, “Basdeo Trinidad and Tobago.”
ing the country with distinction. Panday never officially rejected Continuing his anecdotes about
Former prime minister Manning the ORTT. He never contacted Panday, Carmona warned that
declined citing a tumultuous re- me as president on the issue and some were quite risqué. He re-
lationship with Persad-Bissessar, never wrote to me officially as counted one time when Panday
whom he said attacked his charac- president.” went to a political meeting in St
ter. Panday, meanwhile, was out He added, “There were all kinds Augustine and said his presence
of the country on vacation and re- of comments on this issue in the there was required because the
then People’s National Movement
(PNM) government had a real
chance of losing the Tunapuna
constituency. He said Panday told
the crowd that the PNM was expe-
riencing ‘jariah’, a term the crowd
was not familiar with.
“And in his masterful oratorical
and rhetorical style, he blurted
out ‘allyuh want to know what
jariah is? Well, that is when you
frighten and your bamsy going
so,’” he said, making a gesture
where his hand opened and closed
like contractions.
Meanwhile, the son of arguably
Panday’s biggest political rival also
spoke at the ceremony. Brian Man-
ning said he could not help but
look at Panday with total admira-
tion, even when his father was on
the receiving end of his wit.
Manning recalled one particu-
lar political meeting where Pan-
day said, “‘When you lose three
times you call it a hat-trick, after
next election when I beat Manning
for the third time, when you lose
three times, you’ll call it a Pat-
rick’.”
“This man is trying to end my fa-
ther’s political career and I am the
one laughing harder than anyone
else,” Manning said.
Saturday, January 6, 2024
guardian.co.tt
Kamla pays tribute to Bas
UNC to hold talks on
how to honour him
KAYMARIE FLETCHER
Senior Reporter
kay-marie.fletcher@guardian.co.tt
Despite admitting they did not have
an amiable relationship in his later
years, Opposition Leader Kamla
Persad-Bissessar paid tribute to late
former prime minister and her for-
mer boss Basdeo Panday yesterday.
After leading her team of Oppo-
sition members to view Panday’s
body lying in state at the Rotunda
of the Parliament, Persad-Bissessar
said his legacy will live on as he did
a lot for the country.
Persad-Bissessar said, “It is true,
it is not a secret, in his later years
there was not really a cordial rela-
tionship but I repeat what he said
himself, ‘I had no political enemies,
only political opponents’.” He un-
derstood the reality, or the politic
real as they call it, of the today and
of today… I think we have a lot to
be grateful for in honouring and
paying tribute to the life and cele-
brating Mr Panday’s life.”
Some of the major ways in which
she believed the state could hon-
our Panday included constitutional
reform and even echoed other sug-
gestions from the public, including
renaming the Piarco International
Airport, an early childhood cen-
tre in his hometown of St Julien
Village, Princes Town, as well as
scholarships after him.
Persad-Bissessar agreed that
Panday deserves the highest hon-
our of the country, the Order of the
Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
(ORTT).
She added, “There’s no doubt
that we need serious constitutional
reform… It is something I think to
honour Mr Panday certainly, but to
honour the people of Trinidad and
Tobago, constitutional reform is re-
ally a serious matter to be tackled
head on. I totally agree with that.”
She added that self-governance
for Tobago is another aspect of con-
stitutional reform and believes it is
much needed and long overdue for
the island.
Persad-Bissessar noted that in
honour of Panday, condolence
books had been placed at the
seven UNC-controlled corporation
offices, the UNC headquarters in
Chaguanas and the Opposition of-
fice at Charles Street, Port-of-Spain.
The entire Opposition also plans
to attend the funeral while the
party will discuss other ways to
honour him.
Asked about criticisms about the
way the party treated Panday, she
said it was the People’s National
Movement who ill-treated him.
Persad-Bissessar added, “I think
the greatest disservice and injus-
tice done to Mr Panday was not by
the UNC. It was done by the PNM
BASDEO PANDAY MAY 25, 1933JAN 1, 2024 news 7
Government. We must never for-
get they were the ones who caused
him to be jailed, continued and up
to recently, Mr Rowley was talking
about Mr Panday’s mischief one
and mischief two and mischief UNC leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar signs
five… The PNM really hounded him the condolence book at the Rotunda of
out of office and even after, they the Red House, during the viewing of
have continued with all the smears former prime minister Basdeo Panday’s
body. PICTURE SHIRLEY BAHADUR
against him.”
She said her last conversation
with Panday was a brief but pleas-
ant one. She last saw him at the
opening of the Fourth Session of
the 12th Parliament in September
last year.
However, when asked about
reaching out to his daughter Mick-
ela, she said she hadn’t been able
to directly speak to her but had
sent her messages.
Reflecting on some fond memo-
ries of Panday, Persad-Bissessar she
he will always be remembered for
committing his adult life to helping
the poor and oppressed, his com-
mitment to education, his role in Members of the public with
the labour movement and his wit signs showing their support
and humour. and apologising to late prime
She referred to him as a regional, minister Basdeo Panday.
visionary leader, and said he had PICTURE ABRAHAM DIAZ
many loved ones in his colourful
life.
She said, “Even in the most dire Trinity College students wait
circumstances, Mr Panday would along with other mourners to pay
tribute to former prime minister
come up with one of the best Basdeo Panday at the Rotunda of
pieces of wit and humour that you the Red House, Port-of-Spain,
could hear. And I mean he served yesterday. PICTURE VASHTI SINGH
in every capacity. As I say, his en-
tire adult life was dedicated to
helping the poor and oppressed
and many of his policies, many of
his strategies implemented when
he was prime minister would give
credence to that. Even before he
became Prime Minister, with the la-
bour movement, he really worked
really hard for the sugarcane work-
ers and their dealing with things
like better wages, affordable hous-
ing for them. As a labour leader, he
was outstanding in that regard.”
She said she would always love
and respect Panday.
While Opposition members, Gov-
ernment ministers and members of
the public visited the Red House to
honour Panday yesterday, some
also lined up outside the Parlia-
ment with placards apologising and
honouring Panday.
Some posters read, “We love you
Mr Panday” and “Best UNC leader
was Mr Basdeo Panday.”
Others said, “We are sorry Mr
Panday, you were right.”
However, when Guardian Media
asked what they were sorry about,
no one had an answer.
When asked why they decided
to walk with placards and stand
outside the Parliament, there were Members of the public use their umbrellas to shelter from
the rain as they waited in line to enter the Red House to view
also no answer.
former prime minister Basdeo Panday’s body yesterday.
Some people said they came PICTURE ABRAHAM DIAZ
from South Trinidad.
 8 news
Panday begins final journey ...
Hundreds view body of former
prime minister at Parliament
GAIL ALEXANDER
Senior Political Reporter
The military band was playing Frank Sina-
tra’s “My Way” as it swung up to the Red
House Parliament complex-escorting the
gun carriage bearing former prime minis-
ter Basdeo Panday’s flag draped casket.
“So very fitting and appropriate (that
song),” said a woman near Parliament’s
entrance. That was at the start of the
day’s proceedings as the gun carriage ap-
proached the Red House.
Panday, T&T’s fifth prime minister, yes-
terday began his final journey “home”—
ahead of Tuesday’s funeral—with a return
to the Parliament where his government
was in charge from 1995 to 2001.
And the huge number of people who
lined up outside to await their turn to enter
the building to view his body and pay their
respects, came with myriad stories.
And everywhere Panday was given the
BASDEO PANDAY MAY 25, 1933JAN 1, 2024
Members of the public stand outside Woodford Square
during the procession for former prime minister
Basdeo Panday yesterday. PICTURE KERWIN PIERRE
21st century version
i off a salute—upraised
l i d
camera phone, capturing his last passage.
The military escort, which took Panday
to the Red House, set off at 8.45 am to Spar-
row’s “Memories” at funeral march pace,
the flag-draped casket a stark sight—com-
pared to Panday’s joie de vivre profile—but
secure on the gun carriage.
Scores of people gathered to watch, all
solemn faces. The procession wound its
way along Independence Square South,
up Abercromby Street into the Parliament
block where the casket was carried by sol-
diers into the Parliament’s Rotunda gallery.
Panday’s body in the open casket,
dressed in a suit and with red pocket ker-
chief, looked pretty much his normal self
(though minus his ever present glasses), his
white coiffure intact.
Mourners were allowed in batches and a
line formed outside the Parliament.
Among the first entering the Rotunda to
view his body, were a man who made the
sign
i off ff the
h cross and
d a woman who h smiled
il d
fondly when she saw the body.
By mid-morning, a line had stretched
the length of the pavement outside. People
comprise all ages—very elderly to teens—
ethnic blends and occupations from a
destitute person, labourer to top public
servants, immigration officers, attorneys,
Justice Gillian Lucky and others.
A middle aged man in a yellow jersey
left the building with tears falling from his
eyes.
Attorney Ronald Chuckaree, standing
with his mom, Radica, said, “Basdeo Pan-
day was the man they loved to hate but
they also loved to love or have respect for,
as he was a man of the people, a commoner
who brought himself to the people’s level.
That’s why so many people are here today.
It’s a wide cross-section of class, colour,
race and creed.”
Public servant Patricia Tinto of Piarco
said Panday was a PM whom she loved
People stand in the hot sun and rain to wait
to see former prime minister Basdeo
Panday’s body at the Parliament yesterday.
Part of the line of people at midday outside the creed and he was just to everybody.”
Red House waiting to pay their respects to
former prime minister Basdeo Panday.
PICTURES GAIL ALEXANDER for T&T.”
Saturday, January 6, 2024
guardian.co.tt
Rename airport
after Bas
Downtown Owners and Merchants
Association head Gregory Aboud:
“I find there’s a resonance surrounding the
naming of Piarco Airport after Mr Panday. I
think I remember him saying that ‘you all are
criticising me and trying to pin all this blame
on me but you all are going to love that
airport’.
“I feel it’ll be a fitting way to dispel any
possible innuendo about him regarding his
term in office if that airport were to be named
after him. With great respect to the decision-
makers, I believe he’s deserving. If left to me
I’d favour naming Piarco The Basdeo Panday
International Airport.”
NAR Stalwart Wendell Eversley: “There
should be a national debate on if to name the
airport after Mr Panday. For a man like Basdeo
Panday, we all know what he did for T&T in
terms of education especially, the Dollar for
Dollar programme and and laptops when
they first started. But more than that, in T&T
in the 21st century, we don’t have a cemetery
for heads of State, president and PM and we
should have that.
“We should also have a full library where
their documents, speeches and papers can
be displayed for viewing. The country’s lost
a great mind with Mr Panday, people like his
style, he had an answer for every question
but never stood stupidness among his own
members. Mr Panday is the one responsible
for where Kamla Persad-Bissessar is today.”
Pooran, of San Juan, said he’d followed
Panday’s politics since 1975.
“Rabbai” who said he was in the
“wilderness” was a former swimmer who also
praised Panday.
though she’d never met him in person.
“His democratic leadership style cap-
tured me and stayed in my heart. I followed
things he did which worked for T&T. I’m so
grateful for that. He represented true, true
leadership. I always remember how he
spoke up for the people’s rights. I thank
his family and party. I hope they’ll continue
with that strength,” she said.
Brandon Ogeer, of San Fernando said,
“Though very young. I know Mr Panday’s
legacy, he’s truly an inspiration, I’m a recip-
ient of university access. I’m very grateful
for the work he started in education. Even
in the public service where I work, I can see
his legacy in what he did for T&T’s public
servants, and I always remember his saying
‘if you see me and a lion fighting, feel sorry
for the lion’ ...”
Fatima College student Arie Jogie, 13, with
his parents, said, “Basdeo Panday, without
a doubt, was the greatest prime minister
of the twin island republic of T&T, the only
Hindu PM, he’ll have the first Hindu State
funeral—he’s making history here—he was
the most influential for the people and
sugar cane workers. It wasn’t just about
politics for him, it was about leading the
people first, as there’s no country without
the people.”
“I doubt in my lifetime in all the 197 odd
countries, we’ll ever see a prime minister
as good as Basdeo Panday. He was phe-
nomenal—he really cared about people. He
should get a few statues in every city.”
Next to them, PNM Port-of-Spain North
activist Kieran Armoroso who’d seen Pan-
day, said, “Bas looking real peaceful.”
Mrs Romain, of Petit Valley, said, “I came
as I know Mr Panday a long time since the
NAR days.”
Jennifer Walcott of Champs Fleurs added,
“He was a man for everybody—no race, no
Rastafarian Dwight Balfour of Gonzales
said, “I hear about Bas, yes, he was trying
Saturday, January 6, 2024
guardian.co.tt
Judge gives activist clearance
to seek transparency over
COVID-19 vaccines
RHONDOR DOWLAT
Senior Reporter
rhondor.dowlat@guardian.co.tt
Justice Frank Seepersad has
granted leave for judicial review
in the case of Umar Abdullah, the
leader of The First Wave Move-
ment to seek transparency and
accountability regarding adverse
events associated with COVID-19
vaccines.
Seepersad’s order, issued on
Thursday, allows Abdullah to
pursue a judicial review against
the Ministry of Health, asserting
that the intended respondent
breached its statutory duty under
Section 15 of the Freedom of In-
formation Act (FOIA).
The court has granted Abdullah
the right to seek various reliefs,
including a declaration of the
breach, an order of mandamus
compelling the Ministry of Health
to render a decision promptly,
and access to the requested infor-
mation under the FOIA.
According to the application
for judicial review, the facts and
grounds upon which the claim
for relief is based included that
“over the past few years, the in-
tended applicant/applicant has
attempted to bring awareness to
adverse events from the COVID-19
vaccine. The intended applicant/
applicant, in collaboration with
the Trinidad and Tobago Human
Rights Voice, launched the Vac-
cine Adverse Event Reporting
System (hereinafter referred to as
“VAERS”) accessible via vaerstt.
com.”
“The VAERS was established to
provide a platform for COVID-19
recipients of vaccines in T&T to
report adverse events from the
COVID-19 vaccines.
Minister: MoE awaiting word from AG’s office for migrant children to enter school
File: Minister of Education
Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly during a
media conference at the Ministry of
Education, Port-of-Spain.
PICTURE ANISTO ALVES
Activist Imam Umar Abdullah
PICTURE ABRAHAM DIAZ
“During the COVID-19 pan-
demic, the Honourable Minister
of Health, Terrance Deyalsingh
indicated that the system adopted
by the Ministry of Health to ad-
dress reporting of adverse events
of the COVID-19 vaccines was the
online Events Supposedly Attrib-
utable to Vaccines and Immuni-
sations (hereinafter referred to as
“ESAVI”),” it added.
It further stated that based on
information available to the pub-
lic, the ESAVI was available to
all doctors, accident and emer-
gency and all health centres. The
Honourable Minister further in-
dicated that these reports were
sent to the TT-based Expanded
programme of Immunisation.
Reports were generated weekly
during the pandemic and were
sent to the Pan American Health
Organisation, the World Health
Organisation and the manufac-
turers.”
It added, “The Intended appli-
cant/applicant strongly believes
KAYMARIE FLETCHER
Senior Reporter
kay-marie.fletcher@guardian.co.tt
It is a new year and new school
term, yet many migrant children
are still out of school despite
being promised to be placed in
the country’s public school sys-
tem at the primary school level.
Speaking to Guardian Media
yesterday, Education Minister
Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly indicated
it was the Office of the Attorney
General presently dealing with
the matter.
Gadsby-Dolly said, “The min-
istry is awaiting the regulations
being prepared by the AG’s office.
As soon as we are advised that
we can, the ministry will imple-
ment.”
Efforts to contact Attorney Gen-
news 9
that it is of utmost importance
for the Ministry of Health to pro-
vide open and transparent in-
formation pertaining to adverse
events associated with vaccines
to protect public health and en-
sure informed decision-making.
The advocacy efforts led by the
intended applicant/applicant
aims to highlight the necessity
of openly discussing and dissem-
inating information regarding
adverse events associated with
vaccines distributed in Trinidad
and Tobago.”
On August 10, 2023, Abdullah
embarked on a Freedom of Infor-
mation Project to obtain informa- President of Arrive Alive Sharon Inglefield presents Commissioner of
tion and documents related to the Police Erla Harewood-Christopher with the Road Safety award.
COVID-19 vaccines. PICTURE COURTESY TTPS
He submitted a cover letter and
request for access to official doc-
uments under the Freedom of In-
formation Act.
TTPS gets Road Safety
Award from Arrive Alive
On September 20, 2023, Mala
Kowlessar-Tagallie, Legal Ad-
viser in the Ministry of Health, Police Commissioner Erla yesterday. On June 7, 2023,
acknowledged receipt of the Harewood-Christopher yes- the Traffic and Highway Pa-
Pre-Action Protocol Letter and terday accepted the Minis- trol Branch copped 27 awards
indicated that an access decision try of Works and Transport’s for outstanding performance
will be provided on or before Oc- Woodside Energy, Road Safety in traffic enforcement, lead-
tober 10, 2023. Award on behalf of the TTPS. ership in road safety, dedica-
No further response and/or ac- The award, which was pre- tion to road safety in the line
cess decision was provided. sented to the commissioner, of duty and special efforts in
Abdullah, in a release, said was handed over by president road safety education through
despite challenges and being ar- of Arrive Alive, Sharon Ingle- community engagement and
rested four times, he remains field, at the Police Administra- a group award was also pre-
resolute in his commitment to tion Building, Port-of-Spain. sented to the Motor Cycle Sec-
justice, “This matter is important, It was achieved after Trini- tion.
not just to me, but will play an dad and Tobago was one of ten After the ceremony, both
important role in achieving trans- countries worldwide which Harewood-Christopher and
parency relative to the COVID- managed to reduce fatalities Inglefield held talks about
19 vaccines. We will continue to by 50 per cent in 2021. both agencies working closer
stand firm against repression and The awards are held annu- together to bolster safety initi-
uphold the principles of transpar- ally by Arrive Alive, however, ative enforcements and devel-
ency and human rights.” the event was not held in 2022 oping a working relationship
The First Wave Movement is as such, the ceremony was with the Victim and Witness
being represented by Keron Ram- held in 2023, and the Road Support Unit and their pro-
khalwhan and Shalini Sankar. Safety Award was presented grammes.
eral Reginald Armour were futile
yesterday. Back in July of last
year, Foreign and Caricom Affairs
Minister Dr Amery Browne said
the Government was advancing
policy geared towards integrating
migrant children into the primary
school education system by Sep-
tember.
The Ministry of Education had
also been in talks with the Catho-
lic Education Board last year in
preparation for enrolment.
But despite over a dozen Roman
Catholic schools saying they were
ready to accept migrant children
before the new school term in
September 2023, the ball remains
with the AG’s office.
There have also been no talks
File: Teacher Rosa Esther O’Farrill Mendoza teaches Venezuelan migrant
about migrant students being children English, Mathematics and other subjects at the La Romain Migrant
integrated into the secondary Support Group at the St Benedict’s Church, La Romain.
school system. PICTURE KRISTIAN DE SILVA
 10 news Saturday, January 6, 2024
guardian.co.tt

Residents and parents of St Dominic’s RC Primary School during their second day of protest at A man jumps over debris at Lachoos Road, Penal, during yesterday’s protest action.
Lachoos Road, Penal for a new school yesterday. PICTURES INNIS FRANCIS

Protest over conditions of Penal school heats up

Parents square off with cops, soldiers
Stories
SASCHA WILSON
Senior Reporter
sascha.wilson@guardian.co.tt
What was supposed to be a
peaceful protest over the St
Dominic’s RC Primary School in
Penal intensified yesterday when
protesters squared off with the
police and army.
From a placard demonstration
on Thursday in front of the Penal
Community Centre, where pupils
attend classes, the parents were
joined with residents in a fiery
protest along Lachoos Road,
Penal.
Several points along the Clarke
Road and Penal Rock Road were
also blocked with debris. The
confrontation occurred after a
resident was allegedly pushed
by a police officer. However, no
one was arrested and the protest
continued.
Guardian Media was told that
the school building was damaged
in 2017 during an earthquake
and the Standards One to Five
students were housed at the com-
munity centre while the infants
department was relocated to the
parish hall of the St Dominic’s RC
Church.
The parents complained that
apart from the building being
congested, the ceiling was col-
lapsing, the toilets were over-
flowing and flooding the facility,
the plumbing was faulty and
there were cracked tiles and elec-
trical issues.
Lamenting that for too long pu-
pils had been without a proper
school, resident Krystle Garcia
said, “Every day we have to do
this (protest) until we get some-
thing proper for our children.
We don’t want them to go and
sell drugs, we don’t want to thief.
We want them to get their edu-
cation.”
Another resident, Patricia Wil-
liams, said they wanted a new
school.
“Let them put something in
place because we bunning tyre
from now until we get we school.”
Kim St Clair, a Parent Teacher
Council representative, said,
“That building is not safe.”
She suggested that the old
school building be demolished
and a new structure rebuilt.
Unlike Thursday, when parents
prevented teachers and students
from entering the school gate,
resulting in no classes, no one
impeded access to the facility
yesterday, but parents kept their
children away from school.
In response to the protest on
Thursday, Education Minister Dr
Nyan Gadsby-Dolly assured that
the MTS had been tasked with
assessing the repairs, and once
a report was obtained, repairs to
the facility would commence.
Catholic Education Board of
Management CEO Sharon Man-
groo told Guardian Media that
they were in talks with the min-
istry about erecting a temporary
structure.

Single mom facing homelessness begs for help

Single parent Annisa Elliot and
her children are facing home-
lessness due to a landslip that is
threatening a Rio Claro church
that they have called home for
the past five years.
Wiping away tears, Elliot, 33,
accepted that she had to shoul-
der some responsibility for the
predicament facing her and her
children, but the woman said she
always tried to do what was best
for her children.
“I say, my fault. I would like to
blame myself because innocent
kids are brought in the word in
this kind of problems. I love my
kids too bad ... You have to put
your foot down to certain peo-
ple disrespecting you in life,” she
lamented.
The domestic violence survivor
said she did not depend on assis-
tance from the two fathers of her
children and has “hustled” vari-
ous jobs, including geriatric nurs-
ing, URP, bakery work and even
gardening to make ends meet for
her children, ages 12, nine, and
six.
Her second child is sickly as
he has low white blood cells.
She moved several places in Rio
Claro, Biche, and South Oro-
An emotional Annisa Elliot, 33, is
moved to tears recounting the chain
of events which forced her to be
living in the basement of the Glad
Tidings Assembly Church in Rio
Claro with her three children.
pouche until the pastor of Glad
Tidings Assembly allowed her to
move rent-free into the church
basement at Old Mayaro Road,
Libertville five years ago.
Almost three years ago, a land-
slip developed on the road near
the church, and she is forced to
search for another place to live.
“I am asking for assistance to
make them (children) happy,
cause I have been moving for
years since I am a teenager to
now, and this is my most happy
building might leave at any hour,
any time, any day. It is very hard
because it is not one life in this
building is more than one.”
When contacted, Rio Claro
South councillor David Law said
there were two landslips in close
proximity along the road, but
the regional corporation did not
have adequate funding to under-
take major works, but temporary
repairs would be done as soon as
possible.
Noting that there were at least
ten major and a few minor land-
slips within the district, he said
the average cost to repair a land-
slip was $1 million.
Annisa Elliot reads a verse from the New Testament prayer book to her He said in the last financial
children, sitting on a mattress on the floor of the Glad Tidings Assembly year, he received $1.1 million for
Church basement where she has been living with her three children for the roads and bridges.
past five years. PICTURES INNIS FRANCIS
Explaining that road mainte-
place,” she said. is appealing for assistance from nance and repairs were in high
Due to financial and other is- the government or the public; demand, Law said there are al-
sues, Elliot said her children have as soon as possible because the most 600 roads listed under the
not attended school in months so landslip is a threat to the church corporation. “The most we do
paying rent would be difficult. and their lives. is cutlass and clean drains. We
She said, “I was on my way to “The biggest part of that is don’t have stockpile material
building a home. Somebody set a hearing the crackling trees and to respond to even one land-
fire in the back and lick up all my bamboo moving and when you slip proper. We don’t have steel
materials last year. Now, I have look things that you plant no sheets. We don’t have beams and
nothing to build my home.” longer there in the morning, it is things like that,” he added.
While leaning on her faith to a very frightening effect, means Anyone willing to assist the El-
overcome this hurdle, the mother that you not sure if you and the liot family could contact 365-2415.
Saturday, January 6, 2024
guardian.co.tt regional 11

Guyana appoints new

ambassador to Venezuela
Dr Richard Van West-Charles
PNP calls on Govt to be creative
RAPHAEL JOHNLALL
The government of Guyana has an-
nounced the appointment of poli-
tician and businessman Dr Richard
Van West-Charles as the new am-
bassador to Venezuela.
This was reported by Guyana’s
Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Robert
Persaud, through his account on
the social network X on Wednes-
day.
Persaud’s X post said: “Wishing a
successful tour of duty to our new
Ambassador to Venezuela Dr Van
West-Charles as he prepares for Ca-
racas on January 15 after which he
will present his letters of credential
to the president of Venezuela.”
Persaud confirmed that the date
of departure will be January 15
after which West-Charles will pres-
ent his letters of credence to the
president of Venezuela, Nicolas
Maduro.
Guyana was awaiting Venezue-
la’s acceptance of the diplomat’s
credentials for several months.
West-Charles is the son-in-law
of late Guyanese president Forbes
Burnham, who was also the found-
ing leader of the People’s National
Congress (PNC).
He served as Head of the Guyana
Water Incorporated (GWI) under
the former APNU+AFC administra-
tion.
Meanwhile, the Venezuelan Am-
bassador Extraordinary and Plen-
ipotentiary to Guyana is Carlos
Amador Perez Silva who previously
served as Venezuela’s Ambassador
to T&T up to 2022.
The appointment of West-
Charles as the new Ambassador
to Venezuela comes at a time of
heightened tension between the
two countries over the disputed
Essequibo region. US actor Christian Oliver PICTURE AP
In December, both countries
met in St Vincent and the Gren-
adines where they signed the Ar-
gyle Agreement before Caricom Actor
and other South American leaders,
which promised that no military
force will be used to solve the bor-
Christian
der dispute.
However, tensions rose again Oliver, two
at the end of December when the
British sent a warship to Guyana
which Venezuela denounced and
daughters
led to Venezuela hosting military
exercises with almost 6,000 sol- killed in
diers and showing off military
hardware such as fighter jets and
missiles.
Bequia
plane crash
American actor Christian Klepser,

in the fight against inflation
KINGSTON, Jamaica—
Opposition spokesperson
on Industry, Investment
and Global Logistics,
Anthony Hylton, is calling
on the government to be
proactive in the fight
against inflation, which he
says is projected to remain
elevated due to a range of
factors affecting
international trade and
global logistics.
Hylton, in pointing to ge-
opolitical tensions in the
Middle East, low vessel ca-
pacity at the Panama Canal,
forecast for a very active
hurricane season and the
effects of recent drought
in domestic agriculture,
says he is concerned that
the fight to keep inflation
within the range set by the
Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) will
be lost using only monetary
policy tools.
“The government has,
from the outset, adopted a
very restrictive approach
in dealing with the COV-
ID-induced price rises with
mainly exchange rate and
interest rate tools, which it
has maintained without a
complementary strategy to
protect vulnerable consum-
ers and the MSME sector,”
the Opposition spokesper-
son said.
“There has been no an-
nounced measures, exclud-
ing monetary tools, which
have been proposed by the
administration. The bus
fare reduction is likely to
have limited effect on in-
flation, and is not a substi-
tute for a holistic approach
to fighting what has been a
supply-driven increase in
prices,” Hylton said.
He added that further dis-
ruption in supply chains is
set to continue affecting the
markets.
“Given the negative fall-
out on consumer mort-
gages, construction,
business expansion and
investments in the small
business sector and on the
vulnerable population, any
further increase in the pol-
icy rate by the BOJ in re-
sponse to the headwinds on
the horizon would be puni-
tive,” Hylton cautioned.
He went on to posit pos-
sible solutions for the issue
highlighted.
“The Consumer Affairs
Commission and the Fair
Trading Commission should
be more active and visible
at this time to ensure that
price increases are mini-
mised and businesses are
more efficient in their oper-
ations, so that consumers,
particularly pensioners,
the unemployed, and small
businesses are not further
burdened,” he stated.
Hylton added, “The gov-
ernment has the fiscal
space to act creatively and
decisively in inducing the
adoption of technology and
innovation in addressing
longstanding constraints
to our economy of energy,
customs reform, supply
chain and logistics, among
others.”
He further warned that
“in this matter, delay is dan-
ger!” Jamaica Observer
Guyana President Irfaan Ali, centre, government ministers and other officials turn
the sod for the new US$35 million Mackenzie/Wismar Bridge yesterday.
Guyana to participate in ferry
service linking Barbados and T&T
GEORGETOWN, Guyana—The Guyana
government said yesterday it would
participate in a regional ferry service
that would link the country with
Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados.
“Yesterday, Trinidad and Tobago,
Guyana, and Barbados formed a joint
company that would work for the in-
troduction of a ferry system for pas-
senger and cargo between Trinidad
and Tobago, Guyana and Barbados,”
President Irfaan Ali announced as the
signing ceremony for a new US$35
million Mackenzie/Wismar Bridge
in Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Ber-
bice) to be constructed by the China
Railway Construction Corporation.
In 2022, Caricom approached
the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for
funding to establish this intra-re-
gional ferry service with the Barba-
dos-based Caribbean Development
Bank (CDB) being tasked with ironing
out a proposed roadmap study for a
fast ferry service with an initial focus
on trade between Guyana, Trinidad
and Tobago, Grenada, and Barbados.
Meanwhile, Ali said the new four
lane highway being undertaken by
the Chinese company that is also con-
structing the new GUY$260 million
(One Guyana dollar=US$0.004 cents)
crossing over the Demerara River to
bridge Regions Three and Four, must
be completed within a two year
time frame in order to support the
increased number of vehicular cross-
ings in the mining town of Linden.
He said there were an estimated
768,000 vehicular crossings over the
existing bridge in 2020 and that last
year, that figure almost doubled with
crossings increasing to about 1.5 mil-
lion.
Ali said the new Mackenzie/Wis-
mar Bridge will be a crucial link
connecting Guyana’s coast and the
hinterland and will position Region
Ten as a new hub for engineering,
logistics and trading with increased
traffic coming from the South, as far
as Brazil. CMC
51, who went by the stage name
Christian Oliver, and his two kids,
ages ten and 12, were killed tragi-
cally when their plane nosedived
and plunged into the waters off
Bequia.
Along with his two children,
Madita and Annik, Robert Sachs,
the plane’s pilot, was also killed.
Klepser has appeared in big
films such as Speed Racer and
Valkyrie, and he just participated
in the latest episode of the Indi-
ana Jones franchise.
In 1995, he had a long-running
role on Saved by the Bell: The
New Class, which was one of his
first jobs in the United States. He
also played a role in the popular
video game Medal of Honour:
Above and Beyond.
Around midday on Thursday,
the tragedy occurred in the wa-
ters off Bequia, which is part of St
Vincent.
Oliver will be seen in the up-
coming film Forever Hold Your
Peace, which he also produced,
and he recently finished filming
his final scenes on December 20.
Nick Lyon, the director of his
most recent film, paid tribute to
Oliver by uploading a photo on
their final day of production with
the caption: ‘We talked about
making a film together for years
and finally achieved it!’ Thank
you for being such a wonderful
colleague, performer, and friend.’
According to accounts, he ar-
rived in Bequia with his daughters
on December 26.
Two days before his death,
Oliver uploaded a snapshot of
himself on a beach in a tropical
setting with the comment, “Let
love rule. I wish you all the best
in 2024.”
The actor, with over 60 credits
on IMDb to his name, was a native
of Germany who had been work-
ing in the US for 30 years.
St Vincent Times
 12 Saturday, January 6, 2024
guardian.co.tt

Guardian
opinion
Established 1917

Not protecting or serving

The mostly unsuccessful efforts by the T&T Police Service (TTPS)
to win public confidence suffered a major blow this week, when
an audio clip of a crime victim’s telephone call to a police station
began making the rounds on social media.
Law enforcement in this country already struggles to live up
to the TTPS motto, “To Protect and Serve With Pride,” and the Deputy Commissioner of Prisons Carlos Corraspe, left, National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds, Commissioner
qualities it should inspire were lacking in the tone and response of Prisons Deopersad Ramoutar and Deputy Commissioner of Prisons Sherwin Brice hold hands during the T&T
of a female officer when she interacted with a victim of crime. Prison Service’s Interfaith service at the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God, South Quay, Port-of-Spain, on
Tuesday. PICTURE NICOLE DRAYTON
Although Police Commissioner Erla Harewood-Christopher
wasted no time in condemning the officer’s unprofessionalism
The final goodbyes began.
and poor customer service, damage has already been done. The
promised investigation and disciplinary action against the female
constable involved in the incident are unlikely to quell the public
Thursday’s funeral for late former
Tobago House of Assembly chief Warriors Hochoy, Bas—
outrage over it.
In fact, it highlights the extent of the crisis of heightened
secretary Hochoy Charles. Yester-
day’s viewing at the Parliament of
the body of late former prime min-
Huge legacies left
crime, lowered public confidence and the lack of progress with ister Basdeo Panday.
policing reforms.
There are two worrying elements to the incident—the
Death in T&T’s political fam-
ily of two leaders so significant in
Gail Alexander
discourteous, terse response of the officer to a victim of their lifetimes in the entire coun-
housebreaking and larceny and the fact the call was made to try—would have been especially people who lived the public’s strug- PM making history even in death:
report the tardy police response to the crime. difficult, including for the People’s gles and sought improvements for the first dying overseas, to have a
It is very unlikely this was an isolated incident but even if it National Movement (PNM) Govern- them, death’s magnified respec- state funeral under Hindu rites and
was, wide circulation of the voice clip had the effect of eroding ment and Opposition United Na- tive high profiles, their unfulfilled whose body lay in state at the Red
already poor public perceptions of the TTPS. tional Congress (UNC), starting this wishes now among their legacy. House as the first after the late Dr
particularly fortuitous year which And possibly fodder for political Eric Williams’.
It has undermined efforts that have been taking place for quite
will decide the political fates of cannons. Regardless of his controversies
a few years, through town hall meetings, media programmes and Strong, opinionated, a walking
some. Beyond jokes—of Charles and and who takes up Panday’s pet
other outreaches, to portray police officers as being accessible to enclopedia minus “letters,” a per- causes, everyone’s competed to do
Panday embracing late PM Patrick
the public. Manning—the passage of these two son who’d often question reporters, best by him in the end: PNM footing
These strategies to improve relations between the police and political titans, once part of the Na- at Charles’ funeral, enough mes- Panday’s bills from the time he left
the public and gain support for preventing and controlling crime tional Alliance for Reconstruction’s sages on his Tobago autonomy wish T&T; UNC doing condolence books/
have had only limited success but kept lines of communication heyday, within 24 hours of each were sent by speakers to under- activities.
open between the TTPS and the public. other, underscored their huge po- stand this matter is on the general Even in death, Bas was “work-
This is more necessary now because the current Police litical legacies and consequent chal- election road 2025. Prime Minister ing”—revealing internal UNC issues:
Commissioner, unlike her predecessors, does not make herself lenges for various quarters. Dr Keith Rowley, confronted by call MPs Dinesh Rambally, Rushton
available to citizens, preferring to communicate through press Yesterday at the Parliament, the out, made it clear it’s up to T&T’s Paray (with SDMS top officials,) Rod-
releases and social media posts. long line of citizens waiting to pay Parliament (with invisible fingers ney Charles, Anita Haynes all went
This is not a winning strategy, as she is at the helm of a TTPS their respects to Panday didn’t pointed at the Opposition) and the to the Parliament ahead of the 2.30
with an image so tainted by corruption, discrimination and shorten until after 1.30 pm; there autonomy bills will be presented to pm time the Opposition announced
excessive use of force, that the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) were wide cross-sections of people Parliament again this year its team would have arrived.
faces an uphill task investigating the numerous reports filed. and ages reflecting his reach and ”And at that day and time you’d Persad-Bissessar’s view that T&T
from some youths statements, lend- see who’s running with the hares and the region would be hard-
Among the challenges for Commissioner Harewood-
ing hope for T&T’s future. and hunting with the hounds...” pressed to identify another leader
Christopher and her team is that less than a week into the new Rowley added. Pictures later circu-
Indeed, his daughter Mickela, with such insightful sincere outlook
year, there are already more murders than days. lated of UNC deputy leader Roodal and the determination to work to-
working the Panday magic, led her
Criminal gangs continue to have the upper hand, waging war siblings to meet the public, thank- Moonilal, posing with THA Assem- ward fulfilment ((“he’s served and
against underworld rivals openly and in broad daylight because ing them. blymen. led us like no one else”), swept
the risk of arrest and conviction is so low. Emboldened by the The Parliament location was par- Like Charles—whom Augustine Rowley—and herself—out of succes-
sophisticated high-powered weapons to which they have easy ticularly poignant. Panday was last said didn’t “shy away from contro- sorship there.
access, their violent exchanges often take place on the streets, there for September’s launch of versy or the courthouse”—Panday With Panday’s death in an elec-
sometimes in close proximity to police stations. the fourth session; greeted by PN- was larger than life, because of tion year, attention will be on Mick-
Add to that an officer who is not only reluctant to assist a Mites Keith Scotland, Stuart Young; those qualities. Steely. Toughness, ela’s direction. Apart from THA’s
member of the public but is downright rude and dismissive UNC leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar conveyed by his lifelong high style Augustine, attention at Thursday’s
of that citizen’s plight, and it is clear that policing in T&T has and MP David Lee. It was part of leather boots. Red beret militancy. funeral was also on Charles’ daugh-
plunged to a new low. Panday’s “rounds since the Piarco A man who said “no comment” ter, Nicole, whose eulogy prompted
Neither protection nor service was offered to that crime Airport charges were dropped in in enough words that produced a the chairman’s response. “She’s
victim—a situation, that regrettably, might be the norm rather March; in hindsight—unknowingly— four-paragraph story. Or led to im- ‘Miss Heavy Roller’ wow!”
than an exception. saying adieu. broglios. Warrior throughout his Both Hochoy and Bas would
In death, away from the earthly government’s 2001 collapse due to have—at heart—been warmed by the
In her New Year’s Day message, Commissioner Harewood-
encumbrances of their respective Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj/Ralph public support. They beat the odds.
Christopher appealed for public support in the fight against Maraj/Trevor Sudama issues and
problems of life, superlatives have They never surrendered. Paths
crime. Unfortunately, her call is not likely to elicit many positive perceived hijacking of the UNC ended. New roads have begun.
been unfurled for ”Heavy Roller”
responses, not when confidence in the TTPS remains so low. Charles and “Silver Fox” Panday, he founded, by others. A former Many thanks gentlemen.
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Saturday, January 6, 2024
guardian.co.tt opinion 13

Every human life has

an inestimable value
On the afternoon of Wednes-
day, December 27, on my way
to Maraval along the Churchill
Roosevelt Highway, I wondered
why, around 3 pm, the traffic
was so heavy. As I approached
Spring Village, I could see that
the body of what appeared to
be a young man was lying on
the road. Someone must have
determined that he was dead,
as no one was attending to him.
For some reason, a wave of
emotion washed over me and
tears just flowed. The sight of
this young man whose life was
snuffed out, either due to gang
warfare or a vehicular accident,
filled me with sadness. Each
day, the blood of our people
continues to flow on the streets
of our beloved country. Later
that afternoon, I heard the
news on the radio that four peo-
ple, including Lana Sahadeo,
an innocent bystander who
was in her home, were killed
after what was referred to in
the media as “a brazen daytime
shooting”.
That evening as I watched
some CCTV videos that were
shared on social media, show-
ing what had transpired, I could
not help but think that T&T has
become like the Wild Wild West.
The gunmen ran around shoot-
ing indiscriminately, confident
that they “ruled the roost” and
that they could shoot with im-
punity. As I drove back home
from Maraval, I saw quite a few
members of the police service
at the scene, looking helpless.
Who will “bell the cat?”
Shaliza Hassanali’s special
report on November 27 in the
T&T Guardian, entitled: The
changing face of T&T’s gang cul-
ture, is worth reading. She said
that at last year’s “launch of the
Gang Reduction and Commu-
nity Empowerment (GRACE)
programme, the then-acting
police commissioner Mc Don-
ald Jacob ... attributed 60 per
cent of the country’s murders
to gangs, while 80 per cent of
shootings and woundings were
gang-related. He said to suc-
cessfully hold gang members
accountable for their crimes,
police officers needed more
training. The police have since
arrested and charged a handful
of men under the Anti-Gang
Act”. We now wait to see how
long it will take for these cases
to be dealt with in our courts.
While crime prevention/re-
duction is everyone’s business,
a whole-of-society approach
won’t be realised by “vaps”.
Who is taking responsibility for
developing and implementing
a multi-stakeholder approach
to the challenges we face, en-
suring that civil society, includ-
ing youths, are involved in all
discussions? There have been
enough sound recommenda-
tions contained in reports sub-
Leela Ramdeen
Consultant, CCSJ &
Director, CREDI
mitted over the years, as well as
international best practice on
which we can draw and which
we can adapt, as necessary.
As human beings, we have
certain skills to deal with
trauma. However, the constant
onslaught of violent crimes in
our society must be impacting
adversely on the mental health
of some citizens. Dr Laura
Streyffleler, a mental health
counsellor in the USA, says:
“People think anxiety is stress,
but it’s really fear and just wait-
ing for the next shoe to drop.”
Both Streyffleler and US Mental
Health counsellor Shantell Pepe
agree: “It’s exhausting when
you’re experiencing trauma
over and over.”
And while vile names are
often used to describe those
who are terrorising communi-
ties with their acts of violence,
let us remember that none of
them was born a “bandit”. If we
believe that all lives matter, our
aim must be to promote trans-
formative justice and integral
human development.
On March 25, 2020, at the
General Audience at the Vati-
can, Pope Francis recalled St
Pope John Paul II’s encyclical
Evangelium vitae, on the value
and inviolability of human life.
Inter alia, he said: “The mes-
sage of the encyclical Evan-
gelium vitae is more relevant
than ever ... Every human life,
unique and unrepeatable, valu-
able in and of itself, constitutes
an inestimable worth. This
must be announced ever anew,
with the courage of words and
the courage of action. This calls
for solidarity and love for the
great human family, and for
each one of its members ...
“The life that we are called
to protect and defend is not an
abstract concept, but is always
manifested in a flesh and blood
person ... life manifests itself
concretely in people.” Pope
Francis recalled the words of
St Pope John Paul II: “I reiterate
with renewed conviction the
appeal he made, to all ...: ‘Re-
spect, defend, love, and serve
life, every life, every human life!
It is only on this path that you
will find justice, development,
freedom, peace, and happi-
ness!’”
During 2024, let’s be commu-
nicators of hope and peace.
QUESTION:
DO YOU THINK ANYTHING WILL
COME OUT OF THE RENEWED TALK
OF AUTONOMY FOR TOBAGO?
PICTURES VINDRA GOPAUL
Keron James, 41, Les Coteaux,
fisherman
I’m hoping that something
happens because we lost a
good person who set the order
for us. I think Chief Secretary
Farley Augustine will make
something happen. We lost a
“heavy roller” and the best has to come
out of it.
Khadijah Agard, 35, Rockley Vale, sales clerk
No, because we do not have our
own industries and factories. We
are still relying on Trinidad, so I
don’t think Tobago is ready for
something like that. Not until
we could accomplish these
things then we could fight for
autonomy.
Korin Henandez, 27,
Mt Pleasant, vendor
I am not sure but what I could
say is you cannot want to have
your cake and eat it too. I don’t
know what Tobago is really
thinking. They want powers to
do certain things and still want to
be dependent on Trinidad.
Selwyn Mark, 54, Princes Town,

Tribute to Mr Basdeo Panday

I had the honour of working with Mr Bas-
deo Panday for close to 20 years—as a
union representative on the board of Ca-
roni (1975) Limited, a minister, member of
Parliament and opposition chief whip.
During that period, I had the privilege of
gaining insights into his inner persona and
learning not only political acumen from
him but also invaluable life lessons.
Mr Panday’s philosophy in government
acknowledged there were finite resources
of government to satisfy the infinite de-
mands by the population. His position
was “prioritise your expenses in such a
manner to benefit the majority of people,
especially those at the lower end of the
economic spectrum”.
It is important to recall that during his
six-year tenure as prime minister, the
price of oil fluctuated significantly, rang-
ing from US$9 to $22 per barrel. Despite
these challenges, the country experienced
unprecedented progress under Mr Pan-
day’s leadership. Notably, Mr Panday intro-
duced the Heritage and Stabilisation Fund,
which has proven crucial in recent times.
One can only speculate on the potential
advancements this country would have
witnessed had he enjoyed an oil price of
$147 per barrel as others had.
His deep concern for the less fortunate
manifested in various measures, includ-
ing the importation of used cars into the
country. Although this may seem as a small
benefit, it afforded many who could have
only dreamt of purchasing a car with the
opportunity to own their own vehicle. He
also introduced the Dollar-for-Dollar ini-
tiative for tertiary education, which later
became the GATE Programme, benefiting
numerous young professionals over the
years.
Mr Panday recognised that a prime
minister in Trinidad and Tobago had so
much power, which, if not exercised ju-
diciously, he could become a veritable
dictator. Through these experiences as a
parliamentarian and especially those in
government, he understood that the pres-
ent form of governance was not in the best
interest of Trinidad and Tobago. He, there-
fore, became an unapologetic advocate for
constitutional reform, an aspiration that
remained unfulfilled.
Contrary to perceptions, Mr Panday pri-
oritised transparency and accountability
in public affairs. Towards this end, in addi-
tion to implementing other measures, he
had enacted in Parliament four pieces of
ground-breaking legislation: the Integrity
in Public Life Act, the Judicial Review Act,
the Freedom of Information Act and an
Act providing for Ministries and State En-
terprises to be scrutinised by committees
of Parliament.
As a leader in government, he instructed
mechanic
I feel they should give Tobago
what they want because
Tobago is a better place than
his cabinet members that whenever faced Trinidad and the people are
with contentious issues, just do the right more serious where everything
thing and deal with the consequences is concerned.
after.
Steve Gray, 54, Speyside,
On a personal note, on one occasion,
labourer
when I mentioned to him the problems Yes, because Hochoy Charles
faced in the health sector with the public worked very hard and the
servants and the newly created regional head who were there has to
health authorities, he said to me: “Minis- champion the call. Something
ter, the people elected you to solve their should come out of it.
problems, not to listen to yours.”
That statement guided my entire career
as a politician.
Finally, throughout his political life and Susan Vidal, 41, Sangre
up to his demise, he steadfastly believed Grande, entrepreneur
No, I don’t think Tobago is
that Trinidad and Tobago could only
ready for that.
achieve its full potential through unity
between the two major races. From his
very first address to the nation when he
was sworn in as prime minister in 1995, he Of the 621 online respondents,
committed himself to unity of the nation – below is a tally of the answers
a goal which he never abandoned.
While he was a pioneer in many areas
and achieved so much, some of Mr Pan- 13%
day’s dreams and aspirations remain un- YES
realised. Our greatest tribute to him is to
transform those dreams into reality. Only
then will he be able to rest in peace.
May God bless his soul and may He
grant to his wife and family the strength, 87%
patience and comfort on this sad occasion. NO
Dr Hamza Rafeeq
 14
Guardian
Trinidad & Tobago
World Digest
KERMAN, IRAN
Iran mourns those slain in
IS-claimed suicide blasts as
death toll rises to 89
Iranian officials tried yesterday
to link Israel and the US to an Is-
lamic State group-claimed suicide
bombing while speaking to a mass
funeral for some of the 89 people
killed in the attack, seeking to in-
tertwine the assault with wider
Middle East tensions from the Is-
rael-Hamas war.
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi
and the top commander of Iran’s
paramilitary Revolutionary Guard
sought to make the link without
offering evidence for their claims.
The gathered crowd in front of
flag-draped caskets shouted in re-
sponse: “Death to America!” and
“Death to Israel!”
“The enemy always sees the
power of the Islamic Republic.
The whole world is recognising
this power and this ability,” Raisi
said, without directly naming any
country.
“Be sure, the initiative is in the
hands of our powerful forces. The
place and time will be determined
by our forces.”
Iranian state television also
sought to link America to the
attack. At one point, it re-broad-
cast comments from 2016 from
then-presidential candidate Don-
ald Trump, who wrongly accused
then-President Barack Obama of
being the “founder” of the ex-
tremist group.
Critics have blamed Obama’s
decision to pull troops from Iraq
in 2011 for allowing the group,
once an affiliate of al-Qaida, to
thrive and ultimately hold vast
swaths of Iraq and Syria in its
self-declared caliphate by 2014.
US troops under both Obama and
People attend the funeral ceremony of the victims of Wednesday’s bomb
explosion in the city of Kerman, Iran, yesterday. Iran mourned those slain in
an Islamic State group-claimed suicide bombing targeting a
commemoration for a general slain in a US drone strike in 2020.
Trump then battled alongside al-
lied forces to retake that territory.
Gen Hossein Salami, the com-
mander of the Guard, similarly
sought to make the connection.
“They can only act as agents
and mercenaries of American
politics and Zionism,” Salami said.
“But we give them this warn-
ing, … wherever you are, we will
find you. You cannot avoid divine
punishment by disappearing. If
you live for 1,000 years, we will
find you.”
In Wednesday’s attack, one su-
icide bomber killed himself, then
another attacked 20 minutes later
as people and emergency workers
tried to help the wounded in Ker-
man, about 820 kilometres south-
east of Tehran. The attack targeted
a commemoration for Guard Gen
Qassem Soleimani, killed in 2020
by a US drone strike as he led its
expeditionary Quds Force.
Soleimani had been part of the
Iranian response to the Islamic
State group in Syria, while focus-
ing on keeping embattled Syrian
President Bashar Assad in power.
He also had extensive ties to proxy
groups around the wider Mideast,
including Hamas. But the US,
which killed Soleimani as part of
wider tensions over its collapsed
nuclear deal with world powers,
saw Soleimani as the mastermind
behind deadly roadside bomb-
ings targeting American soldiers
in Iraq.
The two attacks on Wednes-
day killed at least 89 people and
wounded about 280 others, au-
thorities said yesterday in an up-
date of the death toll.
Saturday, January 6, 2024
guardian.co.tt
This aerial photo shows fallen houses and the rubble in the quake-hit Suzu, Ishikawa prefecture, Japan, yesterday.
Monday’s temblor decimated houses, twisted and scarred roads and scattered boats like toys in the waters, and
prompted tsunami warnings. PICTURES AP
WAJIMA, JAPAN
Survivors found in homes smashed by
Japan quake that killed 94 people
Dozens still missing
A woman was pulled carefully found that the sandy coastline in people who lost their homes,
from the rubble 72 hours after a western Japan shifted by up to many of them older.
series of powerful quakes started 250 meters (820 feet) seaward in Masashi Tomari, a 67-year-old
rattling Japan’s western coast. De- some places. oyster farmer who lives in Anam-
spite rescue efforts, the death toll The earthquakes set off a large izu city in Ishikawa, said it was
yesterday grew to at least 94 peo- fire in the town of Wajima, as well tough sleeping on the floor with
ple, and the number of missing as tsunamis and landslides in the just one blanket. There was no
was lowered to 222 after it shot region. With some routes cut off heating until two stoves finally ar-
up the previous day. by the destruction, worries grew rived Thursday — three days after
An older man was found alive about communities in which the 7.6 quake struck.
Wednesday in a collapsed home water, food, blankets and medi- “This is a terrible, cold place,”
in Suzu, one of the hardest-hit cine had yet to arrive. he said.
cities in Ishikawa Prefecture. His The United States announced Tomari felt at a loss thinking
daughter called out, “Dad, dad,” $100,000 in aid yesterday, in- about his home, where broken
as a flock of firefighters got him cluding blankets, water and med- glass and knocked over items lit-
out on a stretcher, praising him ical supplies, and promised more tered the floor. It was pitch dark
for holding on for so long after help would come. Dodgers major at night because the area was still
Monday’s 7.6 magnitude earth- leaguer Shohei Ohtani also an- out of power.
quake. nounced aid for the Noto area, But Tomari and others were al-
Others were forced to wait though he did not disclose the ready thinking about rebuilding.
while rescuers searched for loved amount. Sachiko Kato, who owns a cloth-
ones. Thousands of Japanese troops ing shop in Anamizu, put up a yel-
Ishikawa officials said 55 of have joined the effort to reach the low notice as a warning inside her
those who died were in the city hardest-hit spots on the Noto Pen- store where the walls have tipped
of Wajima and 23 were in Suzu, insula, the centre of the quake, slanted, and a red one for the
while the others were reported connected by a narrow land strip shed in the back that was com-
in five neighbouring towns. More to the rest of the main island of pletely flattened.
than 460 people have been in- Honshu. “So many stores were on this
jured, at least 24 seriously. Experts warned of disease and street. Now, they’re all gone.
The Earthquake Research In- even death at the evacuation cen- Maybe we can work hard to re-
stitute at the University of Tokyo tres that now house about 34,000 build,” she said. (AP Stories)
RIO DE JANEIRO
Brazil postpones visa requirements for US, Canada
and Australia citizens to April
Brazil postponed for the second equal treatment. season, mainly during the New
time the reintroduction of re- The government initially post- Year’s celebrations and Carnival
quirements to obtain tourist visas poned the visa implementation festivities in February, which at-
for citizens of the US, Australia on October 1. President Luiz In- tract tens of thousands of tour-
and Canada, officials said. ácio Lula da Silva in September ists.
Former president Jair Bolson- then set January 10 as the new Lula reinstated the visa re-
aro scrapped the visa require- deadline. On Thursday night, quirements after he took office
ments in 2019 to support the Brazil’s presidency said it would one year ago. The countries in
tourism industry, but the three be postponed yet again till April question initially included Japan,
countries continued to demand 10. but the east Asian nation struck
visas from Brazilians. The South The statement said the govern- a deal with Brazilian authorities
American country requires visas ment was still finalising the new in September to ease travel pro-
from travellers based on princi- visa system and wanted to avoid visions between the two, keeping
ples of historical reciprocity and implementing it close to the high its citizens off of the new list.

Saturday, January 6, 2024
guardian.co.tt
Chamber, Stock Exchange sign MoU
PETER CHRISTOPHER
Senior Multimedia Reporter
peter.christopher@guardian.co.tt
If all goes to plan, a Memorandum of Under-
standing (MoU) signed by the Trinidad and
Tobago Stock Exchange (TTSE) and the Trin-
idad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and
Commerce (TTCIC) should encourage some
new names to be listed on the TTSE.
The MoU, which was signed yesterday, is
geared towards encouraging small and me-
dium enterprises (SMEs) to develop their
businesses and giving them tools that could
see these SMEs become listed companies.
“This collaboration is not merely a cer-
emonial act; it is a commitment, a shared
vision rooted in the development of oppor-
tunities for SMEs and businesses aspiring to
be listed on the TTSE. Today’s MoU signifies
our joint dedication to providing the nec-
essary support and capacity-building initi-
atives essential for realising this objective,”
said Eva Mitchell, CEO of the TTSE during
the signing ceremony at the Chamber’s of-
fice in Westmoorings.
Currently, only two SMEs are listed on the
TTSE, CinemaOne Limited which was listed
on November 21, 2018, and Endeavour Hold-
ings Limited which was listed on December
12, 2019.
Mitchell is hopeful this partnership will
increase this number significantly.
She said, “Our belief in the transformative
power of collaboration is the driving force
behind this partnership. By combining the
resources and expertise of the TTSE and the
Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry
and Commerce, we aim to create a syner-
gistic environment that fosters growth and
innovation within our business ecosystem.”
JMMB appoints new T&T CEO
Shawn Moses has been appointed as country
CEO for the JMMB Group’s T&T Operations,
effective January 2, 2024.
The announcement was made yesterday
on a post on the T&T Stock Exchange (TTSE)
website following a notice the TTSE received
from JMMBGL advising of Moses’ position.
According to the notice, Moses will now
have strategic and operational oversight
for the JMMB Group Ltd’s T&T subsidiar-
ies, namely: Jamaica Money Market Bro-
kers (T&T) Ltd and its subsidiaries which
are JMMB Bank (T&T) Ltd and its subsidiary
JMMB Express Finance (T&T) Ltd and JMMB
Investments (T&T) Ltd and its subsidiary
JMMB Securities (T&T) Ltd.
JMMBGL also advised that Moses main-
tains his role as CEO of JMMB Bank (T&T)
Ltd.
According to its website, the JMMB brand
started in 1992 as the first money market
broker in Jamaica.
Now, it has over 220,000 clients across its
operations in Jamaica, T&T and the Domin-
ican Republic.
“We built Jamaica’s first money market
with the goal of maximizing client satisfac-
tion through exceptional care and world
class financial expertise. For us, our patrons
are always ‘clients’ and never ‘customers.’
Every person who walks in our door re-
ceives the best advice and our full atten-
tion,” it added.
business
Former chief executive officer of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce
(TTCIC), Charles Pashley, at centre, chats with Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange (TTSE) CEO Eva
Mitchell, at left, and TTCIC president Kiran Maharaj following the signing of a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) between TTCIC and TTSE.
Mitchell said, “Entrepreneurs and busi-
nesses are the backbone of our economy,
and the TTSE stands as a beacon of financial
stability and growth. Through this partner-
ship, we seek to amplify our impact, provid-
ing entrepreneurs and SMEs with access to
capital markets, enhanced visibility and the
means to contribute significantly to the eco-
nomic prosperity of our nation.”
T&T Chamber president Kiran Maharaj
was also optimistic that the partnership
would foster growth amongst SMEs, particu-
larly those who had struggled to find fund-
ing.
“This cooperative agreement between the
Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry
and Commerce and the Trinidad and To-
bago Stock Exchange, to me is a milestone
because what it really signifies is the fact
that you have an advocacy group coming
together with the financial institution so
In November last year, the JMMB Group,
via its wholly-owned subsidiary, JMMB Inter-
national Ltd ( JMMB International), formally
commenced operations in the eastern Carib-
bean jurisdiction of Barbados.
This foray into Barbados represented the
fourth Caribbean nation in which the group
has established a physical presence, joining
T&T, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic.
In December 2023, rating agency CariCRIS
maintained the regional scale issuer ratings
assigned to JMMB Group of CariA- (regional
local currency) and CariBBB+ (regional for-
eign currency) and jmAA- (local currency
rating) and jmA+ (foreign currency rating)
on the Jamaica national scale.
CariCRIS scale ratings also indicated ‘good
creditworthiness’ of JMMB Group compared
to other similar entities in the Caribbean.
It further assigned a stable outlook, based
on the expectation that over the next 12 to
15 months the group is likely to continue to
record good financial performance and cap-
italisation levels.
In an interview with the Business Guard-
ian last September, Moses said since JMMB
Group Trinidad and Tobago became the
100 per cent shareholder of Intercommer-
cial Bank T&T (IBL) ten years ago, there had
been a significant uptick in its overall per-
formance.
The JMMB Group acquired a 50 per cent
shareholding in IBL from the Mittal family
PICTURE ABRAHAM DIAZ
that we could really collaborate to be able
to empower SMEs even more,” said Maharaj,
who said several SMEs had shown interest in
getting listed prior but struggled to get the
requirements to achieve such.
Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Brian
Manning, was present for the signing. He
said this development augured well for the
economy, as he noted it was among the lat-
est efforts to increase activity in the business
sector.
“This is a fantastic initiative and we are
happy that the stock exchange and also the
business chamber have come together to re-
ally develop this program to promote SME
development in Trinidad and Tobago. The
Ministry of Finance, the government of Trin-
idad and Tobago is a strong supporter of the
SME sector and this is one of the initiatives
that we are happy to see happen within our
economy,” he said.
JMMB’s Group T&T Operations CEO
Shawn Moses PICTURE COURTESY JMMB
in December 2004 and in 2005 the company
announced plans to acquire IBL and Inter-
commercial Trust and Merchant Bank after
getting approval from T&T’s Central Bank.
Moses said that when looking at the per-
formance of Intercommercial before and
after its full ownership by JMMB in 2013,
there had been ups and downs based on
what was happening in the economy. But
for the past few years there have been very
positive financial performances.
Moses said in 2013, JMMB Bank T&T’s con-
tribution to the group’s net profit was less
than five per cent. In 2018, the bank’s con-
tribution to the group’s net profit stood at
eight per cent and in 2023 it jumped to 17
per cent.
He noted that as of March 31, 2023, the
end of its financial year, the total assets of
JMMB Bank T&T, stood at $3.14 billion which
represents a four per cent increase com-
pared to the previous year.
15
LIAT to stop
flying on
January 24
The court-appointed administrator
for the cash-strapped regional air-
line, LIAT, Cleveland Seaforth, says
the airline will wind up its opera-
tions in its current form on January
24 this year.
In a letter to staff outlining the
latest position regarding the Anti-
gua-based LIAT (1974) Ltd, Seaforth
wrote, “After careful consideration
and evaluation of the present oper-
ations, a decision has been taken by
the court-appointed Administrator
to permanently cease all commer-
cial flying operations as of close of
business on January 24, 2024.
“As a result of the foregoing, you
are hereby notified that your em-
ployment with LIAT (1974) Limited
(in administration) will be made
redundant effective February 4,
2024.”
The move is expected to result
in more than 90 employees being
made redundant without any pay-
ment and a promise that obligations
will be met.
The airline is owned by the gov-
ernments of Antigua and Barbuda,
Barbados, Dominica and St Vincent
and the Grenadines and during the
presentation of his country’s na-
tional budget last month, Antigua
and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston
Browne said his government had
embraced the responsibility to re-
structure and resurrect LIAT, with a
“with a vision of returning the air-
line to the regional skies”.
Browne said the airline, which
has been under administration
since July 24, 2020, “has long been
an essential thread in the fabric of
Caribbean connectivity”.
Browne said that the Barba-
dos-based Caribbean Development
Bank (CDB) will play a critical role
in solidifying the arrangement
among the governments, adding
that this will set the stage for finalis-
ing the arrangement with Air Peace,
a private Nigerian airline founded
in 2013, “so that LIAT 2020 can
begin operations, thereby secur-
ing a promising future for regional
travel”.
Browne said that in 2024, the An-
tigua and Barbuda government will
spend an estimated EC$30 million
(One EC dollar=US$0.37 cents) to
“ensure LIAT 2020 Ltd has all the
aircraft needed and appropriate
maintenance and operational ar-
rangements are in place for the safe,
reliable, and efficient delivery of
service to the people of the region.”
In his letter, Seaforth told the staff
the company was not in a position
to make any severance payments
at this stage, but indicated that it
would not be shying away from its
obligations to them on severance,
vacation pay, retroactive pay and
any outstanding salaries.
 16 stocks Saturday, January 6, 2024
guardian.co.tt

Endeavour
Daily Report on Trading, Friday, January 5, 2024 rises by
ALL T&T INDEX: 1,811.87
CHANGE: -0.94
COMPOSITE INDEX: 1,210.15
CHANGE: -4.20
NUMBER OF SHARES
BOUGHT/SOLD: 197,905
VALUE OF SHARES
BOUGHT/SOLD: 2,064,629.86
12.60%
Overall market activity resulted
CHANGE
from trading in 17 securities of
OPEN DAY’S DAY’S O/S BID O/S BID O/S O/S LAST SALE LAST SALE VOLUME CLOSE
SECURITY PRICE HIGH LOW ($) VOL. OFFER OFFER PRICE($) DATE TRADED PRICE ($) which four advanced, 10 de-
($) ($) ($) ($) VOL. ($)
clined and three traded firm.
ORDINARY SHARES Trading activity resulted in
AGOSTINI’S LTD 68.50 68.49 68.42 68.42 57 68.49 356 68.42 05-01-2024 45 68.50 the following movements of the
ANGOSTURA HOLDINGS 21.95 20.00 22 21.50 142 22.00 29-12-2023 21.95 TTSE Indices:
ANSA MERCHANT BANK 43.00 43.00 43.00 42.70 400 43.00 1,253 43.00 05-01-2024 104 43.00
• The All T&T Index declined
ANSA MCAL 55.00 55.01 21 55.90 172 55.00 04-01-2024 55.00
FIRST CITIZEN GROUP FINANCIAL HOLDINGS 49.20 49.20 49.00 49.20 18,630 49.50 127 49.20 05-01-2024 12,341 49.11 -0.09
by 0.94 points (0.05 per cent) to
FIRST CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL 7.05 7.05 7.00 6.95 100 7.05 1,233,178 7.00 05-01-2024 36,285 7.00 -0.05 close at 1,811.87;
GUARDIAN HOLDINGS 19.00 18.60 563 19.00 14,880 19.00 04-01-2024 19.00 • The Composite Index de-
GRACE KENNEDY & CO 4.19 4.39 4.10 4.11 149 4.18 9,000 4.39 05-01-2024 22,788 4.13 -0.06 clined by 4.20 points (0.35 per
GUARDIAN MEDIA LTD 2.20 2.25 4,294 2.30 19,827 2.20 04-01-2024 2.20 cent) to close at 1,210.15;
JMMB GROUP LTD 1.37 1.37 1.26 1.26 46,666 1.37 950 1.26 05-01-2024 3,384 1.26 -0.11 • The Cross-Listed Index de-
LJ WILLIAMS A 0.21 0.22 23 0.21 03-10-2023 0.21
clined by 1.08 points (1.34 per
LJ WILLIAMS B 2.24 2.24 999 2.24 28-12-2023 2.24
MASSY 4.45 4.45 4.40 4.40 12,769 4.44 1,201 4.42 05-01-2024 47,598 4.44 -0.01 cent) to close at 79.25; and
NCBFG 3.43 3.15 500 3.40 5,495 3.45 02-01-2024 3.43 • The SME Index advanced
NATIONAL ENTERPRISES LTD 3.98 4.00 3.96 3.65 120 3.96 1,600 3.96 05-01-2024 635 3.97 -0.01 by 7.86 points (11.11 per cent) to
NATIONAL FLOUR MILLS 1.94 1.93 1.74 1.74 8,137 1.93 4,920 1.74 05-01-2024 6,536 1.89 -0.05 close at 78.58.
TTNGL 11.00 10.98 10.98 10.65 145 10.95 23,331 10.98 05-01-2024 2,849 10.98 -0.02 Endeavour Holdings Ltd led
ONE CARIBBEAN MEDIA 3.80 3.52 30 3.80 148,120 3.80 29-12-2023 3.80 advancing stocks, rising by 12.60
PRESTIGE HOLDINGS 9.30 9.30 9.25 9.21 400 9.30 55,783 9.30 05-01-2024 61,607 9.30
3.90 3.90 22,700 4.00 5,000 3.90 04-01-2024 3.90
per cent, adding $1.65, and clos-
POINT LISAS DEV
RFHL 122.98 123.00 122.00 122.40 78 122.98 6,867 122.40 05-01-2024 1,832 123.00 0.02 ing at $14.75. Trinidad Cement
SCOTIABANK 69.50 69.06 69.06 69.00 1,831 69.50 400 69.06 05-01-2024 411 69.06 -0.44 Ltd rose by 6.11 per cent, adding
T’DAD CEMENT LTD 3.11 3.30 3.30 3.30 600 3.35 500 3.30 05-01-2024 400 3.30 0.19 $0.19, to close at $3.30.
UNILEVER CARIB LTD 11.48 12.00 12.00 11.51 2,000 11.99 6,744 12.00 05-01-2024 1,090 12.00 0.52 JMMB Group Ltd led declining
WEST INDIAN TOBACCO CO 8.90 8.90 6,283 9.00 53,693 9.00 04-01-2024 8.90 stocks, dropping by 8.03 per
cent, losing $0.11, to close on
$1.26 per cent.
PREFERENCE SHARES
GUARDIAN MEDIA LTD 65.85 66.00 1 65.85 22-08-2023 65.85 Trading activity on the First-
WILLIAMS LJP 3.79 3.85 1 3.79 29-09-2023 3.79 Tier Market registered a volume
of 197,905 shares crossing the
SECOND TIER SHARES floor of the Exchange valued at
MORA VEN HOLDINGS 12.00 12.00 14-12-2018 12.00 $2,064,629.86.
Prestige Holdings Ltd was
MUTUAL FUND UNITS the volume leader with 61,607
CALYPSO MACRO INDEX FUND 23.50 23.50 22.52 22.55 100 23.50 7,964 23.50 05-01-2024 521 22.56 -0.94
CLICO INVESTMENT FUND 27.46 28.00 30-12-2022 27.46 shares changing hands for a
EPPLEY CARIBBEAN DEVELOPMENT FUND 0.71 0.71 09-05-2023 0.71 value of $572,817.32, followed by
EPPLEY CARIBBEAN VALUE FUND 1.60 1.60 10-02-2023 1.60 Massy Holdings with a volume
of 47,598 shares being traded
SME SHARES for $211,478.91.
CINEMAONE LIMITED 7.20 7.00 403 7.20 27-12-2023 7.20
13.10 14.75 14.75 13.14 10 14.75 2,073 14.75 05-01-2024 1,000 14.75 1.65
Calypso Macro Index Fund
ENDEAVOUR HOLDINGS LTD
was the only active security on
USD EQUITY SHARES the Mutual Fund Market, post-
MPC CARIBBEAN CLEAN ENERGY LIMITED 0.98 0.95 15,000 0.98 20-01-2023 0.98 ing a volume of 521 shares val-
ued at $11,774.86.
The Second Tier Market did
Note: Closing Price Methodology updated as of December 6, 2023 not record any activity.
Endeavour Holdings Ltd was
the only active security on the
SME Market, posting a vol-
ume of 1,000 shares valued at
$14,750.
The USD Equity Market did
not record any activity.
Saturday, January 6, 2024
guardian.co.tt opinion
p 17

PART Y START
Day One Fete, hosted by the
lluSions Committee, was held
on the first day of the year as
a breakfast party under the
PICTURES KERWIN PIERRE
you will appreciate this event
being held on the first day of
the New Year,” Baboolal ex-
plained.

trees at the Normandie Hotel, He said the response was

St Ann’s. great, as it was almost to
Partygoers, who were capacity and therefore it
dressed to impress, enjoyed would be an annual fete
the new 2024 soca played by going forward.
different deejays. “The inspiration for
They were also treated to an this fete came from is-
assortment of holiday-themed lands like Jamaica and
treats as they sipped on end- other Caribbean islands.
less Dacastello Prosecco IlluSions is a family, and we
mimosas, Aperol spritz and would like to create a fami-
champagne. ly-like atmosphere where
IlluSions director Damion you feel comfortable
“Fram” Baboolal told Guard- bringing your foreign
ia Media
ian M
Meediaa the
t Day One is a friends and relatives
new fe t on the committee’s
fete
te who are visiting Trini-
Carnival
Carniv
Car
Ca n al ccalendar.
rniv dad and Tobago for the
“There
“Th
Thheeree is a play on
re end-of-year festivities,” he
words
wor
w orr ds
d here—we ex- said.
pect
p
pe that when To close the breakfast
you
y come to Day party off, soca artistes
One you will be Mical Teja and Sekon Sta
here with your performed their hits to the
close friends patrons, who sang all the
and family, and songs word for word.
 18 opinion Saturday, January 6, 2024
guardian.co.tt

M
r Basdeo Panday, one-time
Prime Minister of the lovely
twin-island state of Trinidad and
Tobago, has certainly left a mark
and also a legacy behind him.
Many people will remember him
for various reasons.
These would include his clients
when he was a lawyer operating
out of his office in San Fernando,
employees of Caroni (1975) Ltd
who were part of the All Trinidad
Sugar Union, politicians both of
past and present governments,
opposition members and indeed
all citizens of T&T, especially those
who were touched in one way or
Panday’s legacy
another by his charm, quick-wit-
tedness and generosity.
One gentleman (who was a pri-
mary school student in 2000) is
AJ. Those are his initials because
I’m not sure he would like his
name printed in the media.
AJ was a student in my class at
Montrose Government School
and had just written the SEA
Exams. Being a late developer,
it was imposibble that AJ would
be afforded a place in secondary
school. However, with the new
policy of universal education for
all, AJ was given a place in a sec-
ondary school.
His exact words on television
on all local channels were, “I
thank Mr Panday for giving me a
place in secondary school.”
Today, AJ is a husband and a
today”. That is one young man
who can be grateful to a true
leader and a visionary.
Many other people would be
grateful to Mr Panday for plans
and policies put in place for the
proud father to two children andcomfort and advancement of the
owner and operator of a mini citizens of this country.
mart in Central. He developed This is the kind of leadership
the country needs more than ever
rapidly a few years after entering
secondary school and made up before. Will we ever see this kind
for time lost. of leader again?
He achieved a certificate in Time is running out and things
are not getting any better.
CSEC. Today, he says: “Had he not
been given that chance back in
the year 2000, he would not have WKS HOSEIN
achieved what he has achieved Chaguanas

Look out 2024

U nder the Rowley Government, Trinidad and
Tobago has become a very fractured land. The
economy is dissolute and the main economic driv-
ers have been put under the grasps of foreign pow-
ers. Local components of the energy industry are
led into believing their private arrangements are
more important and even crucial and irreplaceable
and will actually get somewhere meaningful.
People are forced by Government to enroll into
the internet, which is a third party that is also a for-
eign power. Laws are mimicked from abroad that
increase Government overreach and decrease in-
dependent and mutual action while oppressing free
enterprise and diversity of access.
Division is pursued through many channels: the
drive to make Tobago “more special;” the overly
competitive media narratives; the flattering of se-
lect conglomerates; the attempts to change the
Constitution with but a 2-seat majority; the flouting
of the Constitution in regard to, for example, the
public service, unions and labour. Minority ele-
ments desperate for power are courted—albeit qui-
etly. Crime has never been so extreme, with even
children shot up in their sleep; and crime has taken
over public space as if it belongs to crime as just
“ordinary part of civic life.”
Even though some legal cases have no hope to
change the Constitution, the courts are used to ad-
vertise the causes. The Chief Justice came out and
declared: “Do things differently.” Obviously he can’t
say: “Divide and rule.” What appears to be happen-
ing, is that some ruling elites for the time being,
have decided things will always be their way from
now on and nothing will or can be done correctly
at a later time. It is contrary to rule of law, the inten-
tion in the oaths of service, real economic strength,
sector integrity and true patriotism.
E GALY

Swimming classes
desperately needed
at community pools
T he Government has been proceeding with a
plan to build community swimming pools.
Great idea. But unless all these pools offer swim-
ming classes on a regular cycle, the pools would not
serve to develop human potential among the young
in the society.
The Diamond Vale swimming pool, for instance,
is a beautiful and well-maintained pool. Congratula-
tions to those in charge. But there are no swimming
classes offered at this pool. How difficult would it
be to appoint someone with the responsibility for
organising a programme of swimming classes for a
reasonable fee? The pool would then have an edu-
cational impact on the community.
Part-time instructors can be hired and paid from
the fees collected. Some money may also become
available for financing pool maintenance etc.

SAMUEL LOCHAN
Saturday, January 6, 2024
guardian.co.tt
I n a world that heavily relies on
visual communication, the Braille
system stands as a testament to
human innovation, transforming the
lives of the visually impaired.
Created by Louis Braille in the 19th
century, this tactile writing system
revolutionised accessibility to liter-
acy, education and communication
for millions worldwide. The Braille
system’s significance lies not only in
its simplicity but in the profound im-
pact it had on enabling independence
and empowerment within the blind
community.
By assigning combinations of raised
dots to represent letters, numbers
and punctuation, Braille unlocked
the doors to knowledge, offering a
means for individuals with visual
ARE YOU READY?
Braille: Shaping
communication for
the visually impaired
through time
impairments to read, write and com-
municate effectively. Louis Braille’s
invention filled a critical void in the
lives of the visually impaired, pro-
viding a method for literacy that
Kenneth
Suratt
transcended barriers. Its in-
troduction marked a pivotal
moment in history, amplifying
opportunities for education and
employment for the blind. Over
time, the Braille system evolved,
The international recognition
and standardisation of Braille
has fostered a global community
where individuals with visual
impairments can communicate
seamlessly across borders.
This standardisation has facil-
itated learning, encouraged so-
cial integration, and promoted
equal access to information on a
global scale. However, despite its
unparalleled contribution, chal-
lenges persist. Access to Braille
materials remains limited in
some regions due to factors such
as cost, availability, and varying
levels of education and aware-
ness.
This emphasises the ongoing
need for advocacy, support and
technological innovation to en-
opinion 19
one has equal opportunities to
engage, learn and communicate
effectively. As part of its service,
the Trinidad and Tobago Blind
Welfare Association (TTBWA) of-
fers Braille classes to its clients to
highlight the value of reading for
people with visual impairments.
The TTBWA places great im-
portance on inclusivity and eq-
uity in education, to ensure that
every child has access to educa-
tional resources. The association
provides textbooks in accessi-
ble formats such as pdf, audio,
Braille and large print.
In addition to Braille classes,
the TTBWA offers a range of ser-
vices, including orientation and
mobility training, daily living
skills, music and IT classes, vi-

Panday’s elevation
keeping pace with technological
advancements. Today, Braille is
not limited to traditional books
but is integrated into various
hance Braille accessibility world- sion screening, and conversion
wide. The Braille system stands of print to Braille or audio.
as a monumental achievement Furthermore, the association
in human history. Its impact will soon be introducing the

as a national scholar modern technologies. From

L ike Mahatma Gandhi, Basdeo Pan-
day’s life was his message, one that
permeated the nation-state of Trini-
dad and Tobago, and this fully evolved
when he, along with George Weekes,
then president of the Oilfield Workers’
Trade Union (OWTU), among others,
led the march from San Fernando to
Port-of-Spain in the mid-1970s with
the emblem to knit oil and sugar
workers, aimed at promoting national
unity for peace and bread.
It was really a national event in the
realm of national politics, which was
aimed to protest and as a show of sol-
idarity against Prime Minister Dr Eric
Williams and his People’s National
Movement. The historical develop-
ment of Panday’s maturity showed up
and it, therefore, formed part of his
input in the national political system.
We must not forget in this march, the
leaders were brutalised by the state
arm of national security—the police.
He was jailed as well.
Panday was not only a budding pol-
itician in the mid-seventies, despite
the fact that he, along with Stephen
Maharaj, a note-worthy and active
politician, and internationally-ac-
claimed writer and internationalist
journalist, and former confidante of
Dr Williams, CLR James, joined hands
together with the formation of the
Workers and Farmers Party (WFP),
which failed to get a single seat in the
General Elections of 1966. Panday had
fought the Naparima Constituency,
but failed to get that seat, even though
he was marketed as a young scholar
ignoring the offer to study for a doc-
torate in economics in India from the
British Council.
Panday had a very chequered ca-
reer in the pursuit of becoming Prime
Minister of Trinidad and Tobago sev-
eral years later, and the office door of
the Prime Minister dawned on him in
1995, when he was called to sit in that
office for just about six years. It could
have been more years, but as nature
would have it, it was not to be. It was
a see saw entry and exit, and this
caused severe consternation among
his supporters.
In the Prime Minister’s office, Pan-
day managed the country well with
limited oil money and other forms of
financial support. Panday’s demise on
January 1, 2024, struck the main cord
Braille displays on electronic de-
vices to specialised software and
embossed signage, its versatility
on communication and its sig-
nificance in empowering the
visually impaired cannot be
overstated.
Mantis refreshable Braille dis-
play, which is the first-ever Blue-
tooth QWERTY keyboard that
can pair with a screen reader or
of the national populace, from all
sectors of the national citizenry—aca-
demics, legal fraternity, business, pol-
continues to shape the land-
scape of accessibility.
Louis Braille’s ingenious cre-
ation continues to evolve and
smart device to provide an even
more accessible learning experi-
The significance of Braille in serve as a beacon of equality, ence.
iticians, religious, social, economic, present-day communication breaking barriers and ensuring
trade unions, and Caricom leaders. cannot be overstated. Despite that every individual, regardless This column is supplied in
All of them proclaimed his demise as the proliferation of digital media, of visual ability, has the right to conjunction with the T&T
a serious loss to the people of Trini- printed Braille materials remain access information and commu- Blind Welfare Association
dad and Tobago, and the Caribbean an essential means of access to nication. As we move forward, Headquarters: 118 Duke Street,
as a whole. information for the blind com- it’s crucial to honour this legacy Port of Spain, Trinidad.
The question we now ask ourselves: munity. It serves as a bridge, fa- by continuing to advocate for Email: ttbwa1914@gmail.com
Would there be another Panday in the cilitating inclusion in education, Braille literacy and fostering an Phone: (868) 624-4675
horizon? employment, and everyday life. inclusive society where every- WhatsApp: (868) 395-3086
For if Panday was still in the Prime
Minister’s office, ministers would not
play the fool in the distribution water
and roads. Would Rohan Sinanan and
Marvin Gonzales have survived the
titan Panday? Especially when the na-
tional populace continuously protest
for water and better roads.
Panday was an innovative leader
embedded with the humanitarian
spirit of human kindness, and blessed
with a spark of oratory, demonstrat-
ing strong leadership and absolute
management of the task ahead in the
pursuit of national development and
nation building. He had commanded
respect from all peoples at all times.
But, he was not immune to criticisms
and also had human failing,s as all
mankind. He was not without faults.
In this hour of compassion, the na-
tion has forgiven him. But he has left
lessons for all who think that they
will follow him from weakness to
strength, knowledge to wisdom, and
darkness to light.
Besides being the first person of the
Indian diaspora, the first person of
the Hindu faith to hold that high of-
fice, and to have a state funeral, these
accolades speak much more than pol-
iticking.
It is about the man, his personality,
his character, his wit, and our young
scholars and students and academia
should acquaint themselves with Pan-
day’s thoughts and his messages for
future generations.
And the NALIS library and its satel-
lite branches should be renamed the
Basdeo Panday Resource Library. And
the Ministry of Education should in-
corporate his works in our classrooms
for study and as well as pioneers of
our Independence.
May his soul rest in peace.
PARAS RAMOUTAR
Saturday, January 6, 2024
guardian.co.tt quik flix 21
„ From Page 20

Candice Andrews-Brumant and Colin Greaves display the proclamation bp

Renegades received from the Office of the Mayor of Washington DC.

Chief of Staff to Maryland Governor Wes Moore, centre, presents the Governor’s Citation
to bp Renegades representatives Candice Andrews-Brumant and Colin Greaves.

Notice is hereby given by the

Chest and Heart Association
of Trinidad & Tobago,
that the
Annual General Meeting (AGM),
will be held virtually and in person:

Date: Saturday 27th January 2024

Time: 10.00 am

Venue: The Old Fire Station, NALIS Building,

#23 Abercromby Street, POS

DETAILS AND THE LINK WILL BE PROVIDED

Executive secretary
Jossane Kerrice Felix and
T&T’s Ambassador to
Washington DC Anthony
Phillip Spencer.
UPON REGISTRATION.
PLEASE CONTACT THE OFFICE,
at 625-2805 for further information.
22 quik flix
Coco Jones
From Disney child star
to Grammyy nominee ...
Coco Jones talks about
overcoming obstacles
LOS ANGELES — Coco Jones was so
obsessed with fine tuning her skills
as a singer that she tried to mimic
Beyoncé’s Olympic-style training
of singing while running on a
treadmill.
Jones didn’t own a treadmill,
but her father and former NFL
player, Mike Jones, had an elliptical
machine she often used as an
alternative. Since her Disney child-
star days, the singer-actor has been
determined to apply the same
work ethic as the best in hopes of
breaking through on her terms.
For Jones, that time is now
following several pivotal moments:
After she starred on the 2012
Disney Channel musical “Let it
Shine,” she struggled to maintain
stardom and fell out the spotlight
until she created a new buzz
through viral TikTok videos before
unveiling her reshaped image as
Hilary Banks on Peacock’s Bel-Air.
Jones went on to earn five
Grammy nominations through her
well-received EP What I Didn’t Tell
You. It was anchored by her hit
ballad ICU, which garnered a remix
from Justin Timberlake. She’s up
for best new artist, R&B album,
traditional R&B performance, R&B
song and R&B performance.
In a recent interview, Jones
spoke with The Associated Press
about pushing through her rough
patches, EGOT status possibly
being on her vision board and her
thoughts after Taraji P Henson’s
passionate words on Hollywood’s
pay disparity.
Q : When you recorded
your EP, did you foresee
Grammy nominations?
A : I definitely didn’t think
“How far could this go?”
I was only focused on what was
in front of me, who I wanted to
present myself to as in front of the
world. I hadn’t released music with
a label since I was 16 years old, so
my expectations were all over the
place. I don’t even think I really
understood how it works as an
adult to release a project and what
Saturday, January 6, 2024
guardian.co.tt
it
i means to have
h a rollout.
ll I was a
kid when all of those conversations
were being had way above me. My
expectation was within myself and
my leaving everything in this booth
every time. I’m giving the world
the most fearless version of myself.
… My expectations have been
blown out of the water.
How much did your fame
through Bel-Air play a role in re-
establishing yourself?
It really opened a lot of doors,
because before my music came
out, Bel-Air came out. It’s always
so helpful for people to see a
rebranded version of you —
especially if you’re trying to
change, if you’re trying to give
something new. A very powerful
way to be projected to the world
is through TV and film as well as
music. It all helped with shifting
the narrative that I’m not that
little kid from the Disney Channel
anymore. I can be this upper
echelon Bel-Air girl, and I can be an
artist, and you’re going to respect
both of them because they’re both
going to hit hard in different way.
You went through a phase
after Let It Shine when you put
out music with little fanfare.
How did you maintain your
confidence?
Finding confidence in the in-
between stage was only through
God. I had placed my value in this
industry. If I had a great show,
great movie, great song, anything
worth talking about, then yeah,
you should be confident. Look at
what you’ve done. Look at what
you’re presenting to the world.
When I didn’t have those things, I
didn’t really know what to say or
what to sing about. I didn’t really
fit into the roles that were being
sent to me. I didn’t know when my
next perfect match would be an
opportunity that I didn’t feel like
was forced or I could do better. I
didn’t have much to brag about. I
had to find a different version of
value that really comes from my
passion and my tenacity.
Continues on page 23
Saturday, January 6, 2024
guardian.co.tt
‘I want to go bigger
and dream bigger’
From page 22
Who helped you through those
tough times?
I leaned on my mama the most
during the rough patches of my
career. My mom was my first
everything. She was my first vocal
coach, first stylist, hair and makeup,
glam manager, tour manager, first
co-writer, first co-producer. She was
everything. When there was nobody
to believe in me, she helped me
prove myself and continue to push
through those hurdles.
Which is your biggest passion:
Singing or acting?
If we’re talking in general,
singing or acting. Yes, singing for
sure. It’s not about playing a role.
It’s genuinely therapeutic to just
peel back all the layers and say the
rawest, realest version of your truth.
I think that’s the most comfortable
second nature. But acting. There
are films and shows that just eat
the content and the quality. ... You
get to relive a movie that just holds
you tight. That is also really dope.
I love them for different reasons. I
love acting because it’s a challenge,
and you kind of get to separate you
personally from the job. Sometimes
it’s a nice little break. I can’t wait
to play a role where I get to be like
crazy because I feel like I’m very
composed. I’m a little goofy, but I
can get crazy. One day I’ll get to do
that through acting.
You’ve dealt with colourism
in your career. What were your
thoughts after hearing about
Taraji P Henson shedding tears
regarding the gender and racial
pay gap in Hollywood for Black
women?
Everything can and will get
better. But it doesn’t get better if we
don’t do anything, if we don’t say
anything, if we aren’t transparent
and honest. I think hiding and
pretending that everything’s OK will
perpetuate stagnant energy. But
being honest and being vocal about
things that you want to change,
can always make change and
always inspire. It just makes your
quik flix 23
Coco Jones
platform worth any meaning. That’s
why I try to speak up so much on
colourism and on being patient
with your journey because we’re
Black women, and it does take a
different path with us to get where
we rightfully deserve to be.
I’m so grateful for women
like Viola (Davis) and Kerry
(Washington) and Angela Bassett
and Taraji. They all have paved a
way for me, and it’ll just get better
with time because they’ll continue
to kill it at every opportunity
and speak up and not be afraid
to push back and be honest and
demand more. They’ll teach us the
same. Then we’ll teach the next
generation. And one day, maybe
when my kids are my age, it won’t
be such a surprise that we are all
the same. You see Black women as
much as you see white women and
you see any colour of women. It’s
just all normal because that’s the
real world.
We are all these different stories
that deserve to be represented in
music and in TV and film. With
time, it’ll get there. We just have to
keep pressing the narrative.
When should we expect your
debut studio album?
If it was up to me, I would want
my debut album to come out in
March or April because I would
want to go on tour when it’s
warmer. It was so cold this tour. We
need to warm it up, but that’s just
me.
You have a photo of Beyoncé
holding several Grammys, but
you replaced her face with
yours. Have you created a similar
vision board for an EGOT?
I did tell myself that (this new)
year I need to take my goals up
higher. I pretty much did everything
that I wanted to do so far. I have
to believe bigger. I have to expect
more from myself. To be an EGOT
is a huge, huge, huge flex. I’ve done
theatre before. I could do it again.
I don’t see why not. Maybe it’ll be
on the vision board, maybe it’ll be
added. I definitely want to go bigger
and dream bigger. (AP)
 24 comic relief Saturday, January 6, 2024
guardian.co.tt

Horoscope Eugenia
Last
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Mosey your way into what you want to accomplish h with
ithh th
h ht h and
thought d
BY DEAN YOUNG

wisdom. Map out your course and alter what’s necessary to get things
BLONDIE

flowing in a direction that makes you happy. Don’t let outside interference
cost you. Keep your secrets unknown, and protect against anyone infringing
on your safety, security or long-term goals. Use intelligence and charm
to protect your interests.
BIRTHDAY BABY
You are aware, enthusiastic and comprehensive. Cautious and resourceful.
YOUR NUMBERS
5, 16, 24, 31, 33, 39, 44.
CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY
HEART OF THE CITY

Kate McKinnon, 40; Julie Chen, 54;

Gabrielle Reece, 54; Rowan Atkinson, 69.

Aries Libra
BY MARK TATULLI

March 21-April 19 Sept 23-October 22

3 STARS Think matters through
and act accordingly. You can assess
and change your path, but first, you
must recognise what isn’t working
for you anymore. Nothing is out of
reach if you mastermind your way
to your goal. Don’t give anyone the
chance to interfere.
3 STARS Reach out to people
already involved in something
that interests you, and it will help
you visualise what to expect if you
make a move. Don’t disrupt your
situation at home before you have
a clear picture of what you want
to achieve.

Taurus Scorpio
BY TOM ARMSTRONG

April 20-May 20 October 23-Nov 21

3 STARS Lead the way, and you’ll 3 STARS Plan a fun event with
MARVIN

find victory. Don’t hesitate to friends or relatives. The suggestions

implement change and push for
what you want. Don’t feel inclined
to sign up for joint ventures. Do
your own thing and pay your way.
Taking control will pay off and ease
stress.
you receive will offer plenty of
insight that can encourage a
lifestyle change. A positive attitude
will provide you with concepts that
help you excel. Take the road that
leads to contentment and personal

Gemini
happiness.

May 21-June 20 Sagittarius

3 STARS Take nothing for granted, Nov 22-December 21
and don’t believe everything you
hear. Rely on yourself and your 3 STARS Look at every angle and
PEANUTS

instincts to get what you want. Put
your heart on the line when dealing
with relationships, and you’ll find
out where you stand. Embrace the
future with optimism.
Cancer
June 21-July 22
5 STARS Don’t fear doing things
differently. You’ll be surprised by
how many will be impressed by
your creativity and will want to
BIZZARRO
protect what you have worked hard
to achieve. Refuse to let anyone
step in and take over or have access
to your plans. Focus on privacy and
distancing yourself from anyone
asking too many questions.
Capricorn
December 22-Jan 19
4 STARS Time spent rearranging
and organising your space will pay
off. Revel in what you accomplish,
and you’ll discover what efficiency

participate in your plans. Don’t limit can offer in return. Let your
what you can do or stop short of uniqueness lead the way, and take
what you can accomplish and gain. pride in using what you master to
Live and enjoy the moment. advance in other aspects of life.

Leo Aquarius
January 20-Feb 18
PEARLS BEFORE SWINE

July 23-Aug 22
2 STARS Too much of anything
will result in overload and trouble.
Take a moment to reinvent yourself
BY STEPHAN PASTIS
2 STARS Take a moment to collect
your thoughts. You’ll gain insight
if you tune in to the reactions of
others. Consider your choices and

and your plans, and you will find a
refined and cost-efficient way to get
ahead. Playtime will ease stress and
help you reconnect with someone
you love.
put your thoughts, time and effort
into getting ahead. A steady pace
will help you gain the confidence
you need to excel.

Virgo
August 23-Sept 22
4 STARS Say less and do more.
Keeping the peace at home will
allow you the freedom to get
things done your way. A change
of scenery will modify your plans
to fit your circumstances. Explore
BY MARK TATULLI
Pisces
Feb 19-March 20
5 STARS Call on those you can
count on for sound advice, and the
input you receive will encourage
you to take care of matters yourself.
You’ll reap much higher rewards if
you don’t rely on others. Hard work

the possibilities, and the results will and paying attention to detail will
surpass your expectations. pay off.
1 star: Avoid conflicts; work behind the scenes. 2 stars: You can
accomplish, but don’t rely on others. 3 stars: Focus and you’ll reach
.LIO

your goals. 4 stars: Aim high; start new projects. 5 stars: Nothing can
stop you; go for gold.
Saturday, January 6, 2024
guardian.co.tt comic relief 25
SCRABBLE ACROSS CROSSWORD 965
1. Body fluid
6. Cousin of a guinea
pig
10. Belonging to the
“Bob’s Burgers” mom
12. Deep blue
13. Get
14. Finger millet
15. Later, in text
16. Enduring
18. 11th letter of the
Semitic abjads
20. Like a “Switched
at Birth” character,
geographically
21. “___ there yet?”
23. Corn, medically
26. “ASAP!”
30. Looks for, again
32. Where Daphne
Moon went, when
Jane Leeves gave
birth
33. Clickable image
34. “Absolutely!”
36. Speedy shark
37. Newbie
38. Fool, in British slang
39. 40 of them make
a nap
DOWN
1. Prevent
2. Tripoli’s land
3. Like some beer
CONTRACT BRIDGE 4. “Ghost” psychic ___
Mae Brown
5. ___ Éireann: Irish
lower house
6. Spouse 17. Adage emperor
7. Novelist Nin 19. One low on dough 27. ___ case of emergency
8. Health insurance 22. Feel regret over 28. Tiny bit
corporation 23. Hamper 29. Hot spot
9. Put in a row 24. Old Renault 31. Falling flakes
11. Python epidermis 25. 2001 film about “great” Mauryan 35. 506 in Roman numerals
SUDOKU YESTERDAY’S SUDOKU SOLUTION

CROSSWORD SOLUTION 964

WORD WARP
 26 rec
„ TOMORROW
Salsa Vive presents
Dancexcitement 2024
Venue: Pleasantville Community
Centre Time: 8 pm
South Market
Venue: C3, Corinth
Time: 10 am to 6 pm
„ SATURDAY, JANUARY 20
Vintage Kaiso Meets King
David Rudder
A Society of St Vincent d Paul
presentation
Venue: St Dominic’s Hall (next to
St Finbar’s Church)
Carnival
schedule
„ TOMORROW
National Pan Small
Conventional Bands Finals
Venue: Carnival City, QPS
Time: 7 pm
„ SATURDAY, JANUARY 13
Opening of John Cupid
Carnival Village
Venue: QPS
Time: 7 pm
„ SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3
Red Cross Junior Carnival
Venue: Carnival City, QPS
Time: 11am
Calypso Fiesta
Venue: Skinner Park,
San Fernando
Time: noon
„ SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4
Junior Kings, Queens &
Individual Prelims
Venue: Carnival City, QPS
Time: 9 am
National Pan Medium
Conventional Bands Finals
Venue: Dwight Yorke Stadium,
Tobago
Time: 7 pm
„ MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5
National Junior Calypso
Monarch Finals
Venue: Carnival City, QPS
Time: 10 am
„ TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6
Traditional Individuals
Competition
Venue: Adam Smith Square
Time: 7 pm
THA Tobago Pan Champs
Venue: Parade Park, Dwight Yorke
Stadium, Tobago
„ WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7
Senior Kings & Queens Semi
Finals
Junior Kings Queens Finals
Venue: Carnival City,QPS
Time: 7pm
National Stickfighting Finals
Time: 7pm
„ THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8
Kaisorama Extempo Champion
Finals
Venue: Carnival City, QPS
Time: 7pm
Conventional Individuals
Competition
Venue: Adam Smith Square, PoS
Time: 7pm
South Central Pan Champs
Venue: Skinner Park
„ FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9
Re-enactment of Canboulay
Saturday, January 6, 2024
guardian.co.tt
Riots
Venue: Piccadilly Greens, PoS
Time: 4am
Dragon Festival
George & Prince Streets, PoS
Time: 9am
Traditional Carnival Character
Parade
Venue: Memorial Park, Victoria
Square, Woodford Square, PoS
Time: noon
Chutney Soca Monarch
Venue: Carnival City, PoS
Time: 8pm
„ SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10
Junior Parade of the Bands
Venue: Carnival City, PoS
Time: 9am
National Pan Large
Conventional Bands Finals
Venue: Carnival City, QPS
Time: 7 pm
„ SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 11
Dimanche Gras
Senior Kings & Queens Finals
National Calypso Monarch
Venue: Carnival City, QPS
Time: 7 pm

TUCO Calypso Monarch

competition prelims
Venue: PoS
Time: 9am

„ SUNDAY, JANUARY 14
National Junior Pan
Finals
Venue: TBA
Time: 7 pm

TUCO National Calypso

Monarch competition
prelims
Venue: San Fernando
Time: 9am

„ FRIDAY, JANUARY 26
National Stickfighting
Prelims
Venue: TBA Time: 7 pm

„ SATURDAY,
JANUARY 27
TUCO National Junior
Calypso Monarch
Semifinal
“Junior Fiesta”
Venue: To be confirmed

„ SUNDAY, JANUARY 28
National Pan Semis
(Medium & Large)
Venue: Carnival City, QPS
Time: 1 pm

„ MONDAY, JANUARY 29
TUCO National Extempo &
Freestyle Competition
Venue: To be confirmed

„ WEDNESDAY,
JANUARY 31
National Stickfighting
Semis
Venue: Diego Martin
Sporting Complex
Time: 7 pm

„ THURSDAY,
FEBRUARY 1
Senior Kings & Queens
Prelims
Venue: Carnival City, QPS
Time: 7 pm
Saturday, January 6, 2024
guardian.co.tt
Trinidad & Tobago Guardian
Classif ieds
It’s Easy!
Call Us
Directly at
235-5668
PORT OF SPAIN (22-24 St Vincent Street)
Dial 1 then ext. 5061 or 5062
SAN FERNANDO (South Park Plaza)
ext. 5222
Opening Hours – Monday to Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm
RETIRE EARLY
Earn US$ Online
www.NicoleNimrodBlake.com
WANTED
FIRST DAY PAYNUSE
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DRIVER WANTED. Work to own.
Immediate selection. 284-5433.
ACCOUNTS CLERK needed.
Minimum of 2 years
work experience.
Proficient in Microsoft Office,
must be able to multi task.
Starting salary
$4,000.00 monthly.
Email resume:
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com
ESTABLISHED DENTAL Practice
in Chaguanas and San Fernando
is accepting applications for a
DSA experienced in Cosmetic
Dentistry. Email:
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2 BEDROOM School Street,
Carenage. $3,400 499-9377
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EMPLOYMENT
Civil Engineer
Engineering Quantity Surveyor
Surveyor
Laboratory Technician - Soils,
Asphalt & Concrete Testing
HSE Officer
Roadworks and Civil
Infrastructure Supervisor
Asphalt Paving Supervisor
Heavy Equipment Operators
Truck Driver - Class 5
TEL: 339-3314
Email: construction.vacanciestt@
gmail.com
DISCOVER DR Yokomuro the
new counter’s world AU Login;
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FASHION JEWELRY/
CROCHET COURSES
7820851
H.R. TRANSPORT Service. 681-
8458/ 623-6343
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SEPTIC CLEANING
745-1835/ 742-8277
H.R. PLUMBING SERVICE
681-8458/ 623-6343
ANTIQUE OAK Desk $6,500
707-0781
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Commercial Pizza Oven
$45,000
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ne
Go to classified@guardian.co.tt
o.tt
Click on ‘Book an Ad’ and select
ect the
ds.
plan that best suits your needs.
Provide your Classified Ad byy filling
he requ
in relevant information in the
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to Pay using your Credit Card
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EQUIPMENT RENTAL: Back
Hoe, Roller, Excavator. Services
Offered: Demolition, Con-
struction, Road Paving. Call:
374-9976, 489-2232 for more
information.
ART COLLECTION
MAKE AND OFFER
CAZABON Watercolour,
CAZABON 1857
Lithographs (18),
Karen Sylvester,
Leroy Clarke,
Old Maps, Prints,
over 50 pieces
FB: Wrightson
Investments Ltd.
Call Ormarys or Shalice
624-5905
ELECTRIC STOVE
Pool table, 3 in 1, table tennis
board and air hockey
620-7684
ng
quired
ed fi
required fie
ellds
ds
fields
d
FOR SALE
• Back Hoe 1CX with
trailer
• Large power tools
• Copper Pipe and
fittings
• Steel pipe fittings
• Office furniture
CONTACT
392-4500
PCZ BMW X3. Very Good Condi-
tion, 81,000KM, Well Maintained.
$145,000. O.N.O. 683-0766
PDK ONE owner, excellent
condition, $60,000.00 negotiable.
788-8420
BT50 9000KM $200,000.00
381-8324
PDR NISSAN Juke, Excellent
332-0990/ 782-8655
BUYING
USED VEHICLES
275-6252
NISSAN TRUCK TBU
10 wheeler – 2005 – Mint Condi-
tion - $285K - Negotiable
Tanker - Brenner
4500 gallon Food Grade - CIP -
$250K - Negotiable
Call 663-6686, 794-2043
Whatsapp : +1 347-386-1016
2 FAW 10-WHEELER
TRUCKS
FOR SALE. 381-7427
VALSAYN PARK south, 1/2acre
immaculate home, 4 bedroom, 5
bathrooms, pool, 772-6938.
WESTMOORINGS 5 bedroom
villa, $13M. Whatsapp-680-2978
LUXURY WATERFRONT 4 bed-
room, Renaissance $13M What-
sapp 680-2978
27
MORTGAGEE SALE
HYUNDAI TUCSON PDW8174
KIA CERATO
KIA CERATO
PDL1985
PDW8945 BUSINESS FOR SALE
TOYOTA COROLLA PDW7373 Including land in Arima
Vehicles Can Be Viewed & Sealed with office, trucks, loader
Bids Submitted at: and more.
REX KAR LIMITED FB: Wrightson
URIAH BUTLER HIGHWAY Investments Ltd
CHARLIEVILLE CHAGUANAS or call Adam 624-5905
Or EMAIL BIDS TO
carsforsale@rfhl.com
Vehicles will be sold
“As is & Where is”
THE MORTGAGEE DOES NOT
BIND ITSELF TO ACCEPT THE
HIGHEST OR ANY BID. HENRY STREET Port-Of-
“BIDS ARE TO BE EXCLUSIVE Spain. 3 levels, 15,000
OF TRANSFER FEES” sq.ft. excellent invest-
Closing Date For Bids- ment. 776-9654
14 Days After First Advertised
ARIMA SPACIOUS 3 bedroom
house, kitchen/ dining room,
living room, washroom, TV room,
covered garage, fenced property,
Fiddlers Dream, off Cocorite
Road. Requirements: ID/ Pay-slip/
Job Letter/ Security deposit/ first
TABAQUITE 7 lots, 2 road front- month rent. Call/ WhatsApp Win-
age, $595,000.00. 707-0781 ston 868-725-0700
WEST HILLS 3 bedrooms,
2 1/2 toilet/ bath, air-
AM MARKETING condition, swimming
pool, security, parking.
COMPANY LTD 776-9654
CHAGUANAS
Reg, Dealer #10
NEAR PRICE PLAZA
#392-394 Cedar Hill BLANCHISSEUSE 2 bedrooms $4,400.00
Road, ClaxtonBay L’Anse Martin Beach. (D2)
Fully AC, Furnished, 3 bedrooms $5,400.00
768-9800/373-2558 4 Bedroom (en suite) on
Negotiable, Utilities
BRAND NEW the beach. Pool & Large
388-8240
3 Ton LPG FORKLIFT
decks. $5,788,000.00
Building 5360 sq.ft.
Land 14,000 sq.ft. SAN FERNANDO air-condition,
3.5 Ton Diesel FORKLIFT In a Company Name. single person, $2,500.00. 787-
See FB: Wrightson
Investments or
9150, 487-8889
Call Adam 624-5905 PALMISTE 1 bedroom $4000
681-5653.
BEL AIR Extension 3 bedroom,
3 t/b, Townhouse $2.6M, $2.5M WESTMOORINGS 1 BED-
and $2M 681-5653. ROOM $5000.00 620-7684
USED VEHICLES
TABAQUITE 7 lots, 2 road front-
age, $595,000.00. 707-0781
PDT TOYOTA FIELDER
CARENAGE GATED, ocean MAYARO SPACIOUS 3 Bedroom,
HYBRID (70K) views. Whatsapp-680-2978 2 toilet & bath. Call or whatsapp
TDW (5E) WINGLE P/UP CANOEBAY 5 acres. What-
768-9759.
(80K)
sapp-680-2978 ARIMA 3 bedrooms, close to
PBR. 269-3858
MAYARO BEACHFRONT. What-
E25 LOW TOP GLASS sapp-680-2978 3 BEDROOMS, 2 1/2 bath, un-
CHAGUANAS 2 acres, with furnished townhouse. Cocoyea.
SIDE ($65k)
deed $200,000.00. 349-7135 353-5825, 652-1124
UNION HALL 304-6814
ARIMA 2 bedrooms, move-in
ready. 778-8862 2 BEDROOM Maraval, 327-0147.
PALMISTE 3 bedroom $7500
681-5653. 17 SUNSET Cove, La Romaine. 1
DIEGO MARTIN,
PETIT VALLEY
bedroom: $2,500.00. 2 bedrooms:
STUDIO TRINCITY. A/c. Elec- $3,000.00. 1 Bachelor: $1,800.00.
1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments.
776-9654
tricity included. Single working
female or student. 791-9107
Hot/ cold, air-condition. 795-
7101, 681-9594
 28 classifieds Saturday, January 6, 2024
guardian.co.tt

MAYARO LARGE Office Com-

pound. Whatsapp-680-2978

ARE YOU looking for a “Busi-

ness Opportunity?” Hampton
Place, a Senior Citizens Nursing
Home is for rent. Situated in
Couva, this facility provides 24
hour care services for up to 22
residents and has the potential to
offer a wide range of supportive
services for many physical and
clinical issues. For further infor- MALE AND male fun. South
mation please contact Marva 266-3560
Seon-Clarke on 290-3221 HARDER DOUBLE Stimulation
Explosive & Orgasmic! Get a Total
Body Sensual Massage. 373-5821

SAN JUAN Rooms. 687-9448.

Notice of Closure of Private

Road
Take Notice that Glenfield
MAYARO, Road, in Blue Range, in the Ward
of Diego Martin, will be closed to
FRONTIN ROAD, Public access from 6.00p.m. on
Beachfront, 5-Bedroom, Friday 5th January, 2024, until
A/C, Wifi, Security 6.00a.m. on Sunday 7th
January, 2024
Cameras.
678-4210
/267672&.
&(57,),&$7(
7KHIROORZLQJVWRFN

EHHQUHSRUWHGORVW

1$0(2)
&203$1<
0$66<
+2/',1*6/7'

6+$5(+2/'(5 6 
/<',$/(:,6

&(57,),&$7( 1RRI
1RV 6KDUHV
 
 
 

LONG TERM, CROWN POINT-

residential, some suitable for
retirees, near Pigeon Point,
from $2,600.00 up. 767-9300
before 5:00pm.

SANDY POINT TOBAGO.

Sleeps 7. All amenities.
632-4127/ 754-9705
Saturday, January 6, 2024
guardian.co.tt
Guardian lives
DEL NEGRO STONE AND
MARBLE PRODUCTS
NEW YEAR’S SALE!
12*18 WHITE MARBLE
5 LINES ENGRAVED
FREE CROSS OR ROSE ENGRAVED
ONLY $850.00
10% OFF OF MATERIAL ON ALL
OTHER SIZES
(MARBLE/ GRANITE)
OFFER ENDS 15.1.24
ORDER NOW
778-3117/ 379-5604
DEXTER MURCHISON
BROWN passed away peace-
fully on 3rd December, 2023 in
New York. Son of Murchison
Brown and the late Yvonne
Brown. Father of Malik Brown.
Relative of the Brown and
Noel families and many others.
Beloved friend of too many
to mention. Long Standing
employee of Massy Motors.
Funeral at 9.30 a.m. on Tues-
day 9th January, 2024 at All
Saints Anglican Church, Marli
Street, Newtown followed by
interment at the Woodbrook
Cemetery, Mucurapo Road. For
enquiries; call C&B: (868) 625-
1170. To send condolences
please visit our website www.
clarkandbattoo.com
VILAIN, PASQUALINA MARIA
from Dublin, Ireland to Cascade,
Trinidad, passed away peace-
fully at her home on Tuesday
2nd January, 2024. Daughter of
the late Pasquale and Maria. Be-
loved mother of Philip and Paul.
Mother-in-law of Tiffany and
Caroline. Grandmother of Mark,
Matthew, Jordan, Christophe,
Nicolas and Luc. Great grand-
mother of Leila-Jane. Sister of the
late Luigi, Etna and Nina. Former
wife of the late Dr. Philip B. Vilain.
Close friend of the Bartholomew
and Jorsling families. Funeral
mass for the late Pasqualina
Vilain takes place at St. Mary’s
R.C. Church, St.James on Monday
8th January, 2024 at 10:00am,
followed by private cremation.
For livestream and other enquir-
ies, contact Chancellor Walks
Funeral Services, 287-0403/04.
JULIUS JOHN ANELO
DOLABAILLE. Son of Philip &
Jane Dolabaille. Father of
Christopher Dolabille (Deceased),
Juliet Carimbocos. Brother of
Phillippa, Pearl, Ruphina, William,
Peter (Deceased), Anselm (De-
ceased) and Denesia. Nephew of
Many. Uncle of Many. Relative of
the Alexis, Pereira, Borneo,
Burgess, Whaton. The funeral of
Julius Dolabaille will be at 10:00
am on Monday 8th January ,2024
at Faith Assembly Chapel, Five
Rivers Junction Arouca (on the
Main Road) followed by a Private
Cremation. For enquiries; call
C&B: (868) 625-1170. To send
condolences please visit our
website www.clarkandbattoo.
com
classifieds 29
remembered
PROFESSOR EMERITUS
DR. WINSTON ANTHONY
MELLOWES, age 82, passed
peacefully on Wednesday, 27th
December 2023. He was the son
of the late Eustace Nathaniel
Niles-Mellowes and Gwendoline
Mellowes. He was the beloved
husband of Barbara Mellowes.
Loving Father of Dr. Michelle and
Sean Mellowes. Grandfather of
Seanan Mellowes. Foster father of
Ann-Marie White. Father-in-law
of Tyrone and Jaishree. Brother
of Maureen Jones and Yvette
Walcott. Uncle of Marcia Greaves,
Ricardo and Emerson Jones, Ailsa
and Dr. Stefan Walcott, Tiffany
and Alyssa White and many oth-
ers. Great uncle of many. Cousin
of many. Relative of the Burgess,
Niles, Rucks, St. Louis, David,
Weekes, Drakes and Mellowes of
Barbados, England, Canada, and
USA families. Friend and mentor
of many. The funeral service of
the late Professor Emeritus Dr.
Winston Anthony Mellowes takes
place at 10:00 am on Tuesday 9th
January, 2024 at the Tunapuna
Methodist Church, Balthazar
Street, Tunapuna then to the
UWI, St. Augustine for interment.
Well-wishers who are unable to
physically attend are welcome
to join virtually, send their
condolences and tributes to the
family at www.leesfunerals.com.
Viewing on Monday 8th January,
2024 at Lee’s Funeral Chapel, 50
Eastern Main Road, St. Augustine.
For all enquiries, contact Lee’s
Funeral Directors, St. Augustine,
663-1010.
WINSTON BARROW
died on Wednesday 27th De-
cember 2023 in New York. Left
to cherish Winston’s memory is
his wife, Judy (nee
Chrysostom), children: Lisel
and Colin, granddaughter:
Nia, brothers: Lennox, John,
Dennis and Courtenay, in-
laws, nieces and nephews. He
was preceded in death by his
parents and sister Gemma. His
funeral service will be held in
Brooklyn, New York on January
8th at Caribe Funeral Home
at 6pm.
 sport
30 Saturday, January 6, 2024
guardian.co.tt

Pistorius freed after serving nearly

9 years in prison for killing girlfriend
PRETORIA, South Africa — Olympic
sprinter Oscar Pistorius, a
double-amputee who became a
global star competing at his
sport’s highest level while
running on carbon-fibre blades,
was released from prison
yesterday after serving nearly
nine years for killing his
girlfriend, the model Reeva
Steenkamp.
Pistorius, 37, quietly left the At-
teridgeville Correctional Centre
in Pretoria and was processed at
a parole office before being re-
leased to his family, Department
of Corrections spokesperson
Singabakho Nxumalo told The
Associated Press. Nxumalo, who
referred to Pistorius’ release as an
“operation” designed to avoid a
media scramble, declined to give
further details.
“I can only tell you he was re-
leased this morning (yesterday),”
Nxumalo said.
Pistorius served nearly nine
years of his murder sentence of
13 years and five months for the
fatal shooting of Steenkamp at his
home on Valentine’s Day 2013. He
became eligible for early release
having served at least half his sen-
tence, and was approved for pa-
role in November.
Pistorius will live under strict
parole conditions, including a
ban on speaking to the media,
until his sentence expires in De-
cember 2029. He is expected to
initially live at his uncle’s mansion
in the upscale Pretoria suburb of
Waterkloof, which is where he
stayed during his seven-month
trial in 2014.
A police van was outside that
house and a police officer was
seen coming out later yesterday.
The officer declined to comment
to reporters. Three black private
FILE: Oscar Pistorius leaves the High
Court in Pretoria, South Africa, back
in 2016, after his sentencing
Press gather outside the home of Oscar Pistorius’ uncle in the upmarket proceedings. PICTURES AP
suburb of Waterkloof, Pretoria, South Africa, yesterday.
security vehicles were also parked cubicle door, hitting Steenkamp
in front of the mansion. in the head, hip and hand. He
Pistorius and his brother and claimed he fired in what he be-
sister grew up under the care of lieved was self-defence and that
their uncle and aunt, Arnold and he didn’t know it was his girl-
Lois Pistorius, after becoming friend in the cubicle. Prosecutors
estranged from their father. Pis- alleged that he intentionally killed
torius’ mother died when he was her in anger during an argument.
a teenager. Arnold Pistorius was In addition to her modeling
seen driving out of the home, as career, Steenkamp was a reality
was Pistorius’ sister, Aimee. TV star with a law degree who
Pistorius’ trial drew a horde of had become an activist against
media from around the world, the scourge of violence against
and even though corrections of- women in South Africa—a tragic
ficials warned ahead of time that irony given how she died. She and
he wouldn’t be “paraded” for the Pistorius had only been dating for
cameras upon his release, a few a few months.
dozen reporters, photographers Steenkamp’s mother, June
and TV cameras were camped FILE: A mourner carries a Steenkamp, said in a statement
programme at the funeral for Reeva
outside the prison in the hopes of Steenkamp, in Port Elizabeth, South yesterday that she had accepted
seeing him. Africa back in 2013. Pistorius’ parole, although the
Pistorius maintains that he pain of her daughter’s death was
shot the 29-year-old Steenkamp bathroom in his Pretoria villa in “still raw and real”. Steenkamp’s
in error after mistaking her for the middle of the night. He fired father, Barry Steenkamp, died last
a dangerous intruder hiding in a four times through a locked toilet year.
“Has there been justice for
Reeva? Has Oscar served enough
time? There can never be justice
if your loved one is never com-
ing back, and no amount of time
served will bring Reeva back,”
June Steenkamp said. “We who
remain behind are the ones serv-
ing a life sentence.”
“With the release of Oscar Pis-
torius on parole, my only desire
is that I will be allowed to live my
last years in peace with my focus
remaining on the Reeva Rebecca
Steenkamp Foundation, to con-
tinue Reeva’s legacy.”
The Department of Correc-
tions has emphasised that the
champion Paralympic sprinter’s
release—like every other offender
on parole—doesn’t mean he has
completed his sentence.
Pistorius’ parole conditions in-
clude restrictions on when he’s
allowed to leave home, a ban on
consuming alcohol, and orders
that he must attend programmes
on anger management and vio-
lence against women. He must
also perform community service.
Pistorius also will have to reg-
ularly meet with parole officials
and will be subjected to unan-
nounced visits by authorities. He
is not allowed to leave the Wa-
terkloof district without permis-
sion and is not allowed to speak
to the media until the end of his
sentence. He could be sent back
to prison if he is in breach of any
of his parole conditions.
South Africa doesn’t use mon-
itoring devices on parolees. But
the Department of Corrections
said a parole official will con-
stantly monitor Pistorius, who
will have to inform the official
of any major changes in his life,
such as if he wants to get a job or
change addresses. (Stories AP)

After video circulates on social media ...

FILE: Brazil’s Dani Alves
Lawyer for alleged victim of Dani Alves files legal complaint
BARCELONA — The lawyer
representing the woman who was
allegedly sexually assaulted by
Brazilian football player Dani
Alves has filed a legal complaint
with Spanish authorities after a
video circulated on social media
that reportedly reveals the
identity of her client.
Ester García, the lawyer of
the alleged victim, told The As-
sociated Press yesterday that
her office filed the legal com-
plaint. Spanish newspaper La
Vanguardía said García filed the
complaint with Catalan police in
Barcelona.
In the video, alleged images
of the young woman are shown
along with information suppos-
edly revealing her name and
other personal data.
The Spanish state prosecutors’
office in Barcelona told the AP
that it was analysing the video to
see if there were grounds to open
a formal investigation. Spanish
law forbids the publication of
material revealing the identity of
someone without their consent.
The prosecutors’ office has also
asked the Barcelona-based court
to ensure it guarantees the pri-
vacy of the trial that is scheduled
to begin on February 5.
Alves is accused of sexually as-
saulting the woman in a Barcelona
night club in December 2022. The
former Barcelona right back has
been in pre-trial jail since January
2023. His requests to be released
on bail have been rejected be-
cause the court considered him a
flight risk.
Alves has denied any wrong-
doing. He initially claimed he did
not have any sexual contact with
the woman, but then later said
he had consensual sex with the
accuser. He was indicted by an in-
vestigative judge in August when
the court said there was enough
evidence to open a trial.
State prosecutors are seeking
a nine-year prison sentence if
found guilty. The victim’s lawyers
want him to spend 12 years be-
hind bars.
The 40-year-old Alves won 42
football titles, including three
Champions Leagues with Bar-
celona and two Copa Americas
with Brazil. He played at his third
World Cup in 2022 in Qatar.
Saturday, January 6, 2024
guardian.co.tt
Injury concerns for Nadal after losing in
quarterfinals of comeback tour at Brisbane
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA  Rafael
Nadal has concerns over his
surgically repaired left hip just
three matches into his comeback
from a year-long injury layoff,
and just over a week before the
Australian Open.
The 22-time major winner
needed a medical timeout in the
third set of his Brisbane Interna-
tional quarterfinal loss to Jordan
Thompson yesterday after failing
to convert three match points in
the second.
He miscued an overhead back-
hand on his first match point in
the 10th game of the second set,
about two hours into the contest.
He then missed consecutive fore-
hands from 6-4 in the tiebreaker
before No 55-ranked Thompson
rallied to win 5-7, 7-6 (6), 6-3.
With the Australian Open start-
ing January 14, Nadal’s rehabil-
itation from the hip injury and
surgery that sidelined him for all
of 2023 after the last Australian
Open will be tested.
“I hope to have the chance
to be practicing next week and
to play in Melbourne,” he said.
“Honestly, I am not 100% sure of
anything now.”
Nadal said it felt more like a
muscle issue than the tendon
problem that caused him so much
trouble last year, and he was
hopeful it was just fatigue.
“A lot of things can be happen-
ing in a body like my body after
a year without playing tennis,” he
said. “So hopefully it is just that,
just a muscle that is supercharged.
If that’s the thing, perfect.”
The 37-year-old Spaniard
opened the tournament with
straight-sets wins over Dominic
Thiem and Jason Kubler but was
pushed for 3 hours and 25 min-
utes by Thompson in what was
his third match in four nights.
His energy level waned at the
Germany faces Australia in United Cup semifinals after beating Greece 2-1
Germany’s Alexander Zverev plays a forehand return
to Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece during their United
Cup quarterfinal tennis match in Sydney, Australia,
yesterday.
Rafael Nadal of Spain looks dejected
between games in his quarter-final
match against Jordan Thompson of
Australia during the Brisbane
International tennis tournament in
Brisbane, Australia, yesterday.
PICTURES AP
start of the third set. And after
Thompson took a 4-1 lead, Nadal
was assessed by the trainer for his
upper left leg and took a medical
timeout.
He said the pain was in “a very
similar place to what happened
last year, but different stuff.”
“It’s not the same like last year
at all because when it happened
last year, I felt something drastic
immediately,” Nadal said. “Today
I didn’t feel anything. The only
problem is because the place is
the same, you’re a little bit more
scared.”
After sending a backhand long
on match point to end the longest
rally of the match, Nadal walked
around the net to embrace
Thompson. He blew a kiss and
waved to the crowd as he walked
off Pat Rafter Arena around mid-
night.
“Obviously he’s one of the best
of all time, so there’s no pressure
Germany’s Laura Siegemund and Alexander Zverev react
during their doubles quarterfinal match against Maria
Sakkari and Petros Tsitsipas of Greece at the United Cup in
PICTURES AP Sydney, Australia, yesterday.
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus reacts
after she won her quarter-final
match against Daria Kasatkina of
Russia 6-1, 6-4, during the Brisbane
International tennis tournament in
Brisbane, Australia,yesterday.
on me,” Thompson said. “But
there’s always a sense of pressure
playing at home, in front of an
Aussie crowd.
“He can destroy an opponent,
so there’s always that element
that can make you nervous. But
you still got to take it to him and
play your own game.”
Thompson advanced to a sem-
ifinal against second-seeded
Grigor Dimitrov.
Top-seeded Holger Rune had a
6-2, 7-6 (6) win over James Duck-
worth to set up a semifinal against
Roman Safiullin, who beat Matteo
Arnaldi 7-6 (4), 6-2.
SABALENKA EXTENDS
WINNING STREAK
Aryna Sabalenka and Victoria
Azarenka will be on opposite sides
of the net in the women’s semifi-
nals almost five years after team-
ing up on the same court in a Fed
Cup semifinal loss to Australia.
Australian Open champion Sa-
balenka ensured the matchup
by extending her winning streak
Down Under to 14 with a 6-1, 6-4
win over fifth-seeded Daria Kasat-
kina.
She won a title in Adelaide last
year before her Grand Slam break-
through at Melbourne Park, the
start of a 2023 season that also in-
cluded a run to the US Open final
and the semifinals at the French
Open and Wimbledon.
Sabalenka was utterly domi-
nant in the first set of her night
match in front of a Pat Rafter
Arena crowd that included actor
Jude Law, pinning Kasatkina on
the baseline with her deep, pow-
erful ground strokes.
Sabalenka and Azarenka have
both won the Australian Open
title and both have been ranked
No 1. They were born in Minsk,
Belarus, albeit about nine years
apart, but have played only four
times previously at the elite level.
Sabalenka leads their head-to-
head encounters 3-1.
“She’s an amazing player. I
was growing watching her,” Sa-
balenka said of her 34-year-old
compatriot. “It’s going to be great
battle. I’m really looking forward
for that.”
Azarenka, a two-time champion
at both the Australian Open (2012
and ‘13) and in Brisbane (2009
and ’16) , needed 2 1/2 hours to
advance 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 over third-
seeded Jelena Ostapenko, who
berated the chair umpire in the
third set.
Second-seeded Elena Rybakina,
who won Wimbledon in 2022 and
was runner-up at the Australian
Open last year, won the first set
6-1 before 11th-seeded Anastasia
Potapova retired from their quar-
terfinal with an abdominal injury.
She’ll next play Linda Noskova,
who beat 16-year-old Mirra An-
dreeva 7-5, 6-3. AP
SYDNEY Alexander Zverev won
both his singles and mixed
doubles matches against Greece
yesterday to lead Germany into
the United Cup semifinals against
Australia.
Zverev and Laura Siegemund
beat Maria Sakkari and Petros
Tsitsipas 6-3, 6-3 in the deciding
mixed doubles to clinch Germa-
ny’s 2-1 victory after Zverev beat
Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4, 6-4 in sin-
gles. Sakkari beat former Austral-
ian Open champion Angelique
Kerber 6-0, 6-3 to give Greece the
early lead.
France will play Poland in the
other semifinal match today. The
final is set for tomorrow, also at
Sydney’s Ken Rosewall Arena.
Sakkari had lost three of her four
previous career meetings with
Kerber. But those defeats came
before her rise to the world’s top
10 and 35-year-old Kerber’s break
to start a family.
sport 31
Russian
Ivanov gets
4-year ban
for refusing
doping test
LONDON  Russian tennis
player Vladislav Ivanov has
been given a four-year
suspension for refusing to
provide a urine sample for a
doping test, the International
Tennis Integrity Agency said
yesterday.
Ivanov’s violation took
place in September 2022
while he was competing at a
tournament in Casablanca,
Morocco.
The ITIA said Ivanov “was
notified to provide an in-com-
petition urine sample and
refused to do so, leaving the
tournament venue.” He later
returned to provide a sample
but was still charged for “re-
fusing to provide a sample
when asked to do so.”
Ivanov’s career-high ATP
world singles ranking was No.
835, also in September 2022.
“A player refusing to un-
dertake a test is rare, but this
sends a powerful message to
any sportsperson about the
devastating consequences if
they do,” ITIA chief executive
Karen Moorhouse said.
“We strongly urge players
who are selected for testing
to provide their sample at the
earliest opportunity, listen
carefully to instructions given
to them by the doping control
officer and be chaperoned
from the moment of notifica-
tion through to sample collec-
tion,” Moorhouse added. “We
understand that the testing
process can be inconvenient,
but it is vital in the fight for a
clean sport.”AP
“I was just very solid from the
baseline, doing what I have to
do,” Sakkari said. “But of course
I knew that Angie, because she’s
very experienced, an amazing
player, that she was going to find a
way to come back. I managed my
nerves really well, especially in
that second set.”
Zverev is unbeaten in the sea-
son-opening mixed teams event.
“I had to come out aggressive.
I knew that,” No 7-ranked Zverev
said of his game plan to beat Tsitsi-
pas for the fifth time in 14 matches.
“He is one of the best, maybe
the best aggressive players in the
game,” Zverev said. “If he’s on the
front foot, it’s extremely difficult
to play against him.
“That’s why I have a not-so-good
record against him because he is
somebody that is difficult for me.
But Germany and I needed that
win and I’m happy about that.”
AP
 32 sport Saturday, January 6, 2024
guardian.co.tt

Jamal stars for Pakistan before Australia’s

bowlers strike back in 3rd cricket Test
SYDNEY—Fast bowler Aamir Jamal
took six wickets to help Pakistan
take a slender first-innings lead
over Australia yesterday before
the home team’s bowlers regained
the advantage in the third cricket
Test.
The Australians took seven
wickets in the session before
stumps on day three to leave Pa-
kistan facing the prospect of los-
ing yet another Test match Down
Under.
Jamal was instrumental in Aus-
tralia losing its last four first-in-
nings wickets for ten runs to be all
out for 299, trailing Pakistan by 14
runs.
It was the first time since De-
cember 2020 Australia had been
behind in a home Test match
ahead of the second innings.
But then the Australian bowl-
ers took over. Josh Hazlewood
snared four wickets and Mitchell
Starc, Nathan Lyon and Travis
Head took one each as Pakistan
slumped to 68-7 at stumps, an
overall lead of 82. Pakistan’s last
test match win in Australia was in
1995, at the SCG.
After almost an early domina-
tion by the batters, the afternoon
belonged to the bowling attacks.
Aamir finished with figures of
6-69, his second six-wicket haul in
just three tests. His 18 wickets are
the most for any rookie Pakistan
bowler in a three-Test series.
back (myself ) because when you
try to get some wickets you get
boundaries as well.”
Aamir has also been a star at the
crease. Batting at No 9 in the first
innings he made 82 to frustrate
the Australians on day one.
He’ll be batting Saturday as Pa-
kistan tries to set a decent target
for Australia and to avoid a series
sweep.
Meanwhile, Australia opener
David Warner, who was dismissed
for 34 in the first innings in his
final Test, revealed that his lost
“baggy green” Test caps have
been recovered.
Warner’s two baggy green caps
went missing in transit between
Melbourne and Sydney this week
and Warner thought they’d been
stolen from his luggage. Ahead
of Friday’s play, Warner took to
social media to say the caps had
been located.
“It’s a load off my shoulders
going into the last couple of days,”
Warner said on Instagram. “Any
cricketer knows how special their
Pakistan’s Aamer Jamal, right, hold up the ball after taking his 5th wicket against Australia on the third day of their cap is and I’ll cherish this for the
cricket Test match in Sydney, yesterday. PICTURES AP rest of my life. I’m very grateful to
Only minutes after the tea inter- Travis Head (10) in earlier spells, Cricket after Australia’s innings all those involved in locating it.”
val, Aamir dismissed Australia’s then dismissed Australia skipper ended. “I’m feeling proud to be (Stories AP)
last recognised batter Mitchell Pat Cummins lbw for a second-ball representing my country at such
Marsh, who chipped the ball duck in his 21st over. He removed a level and performing for them. SCORES
straight to mid-off on 54 and was Lyon (5) and Hazlewood (0) in his This is a wonderful achievement Pakistan 313 and 68 for 7 (Ayub
caught by Shan Masood. next over to finish off the innings. for me. 33, Babar 23, Hazlewood 4-9) lead
Aamir, who picked up the wick- “I’m over the moon now,” “I just back myself every time. Australia 299 (Labuschagne 60,
ets of Usman Khawaja (47) and Aamir told local broadcaster Fox If I’ve been conceding runs I still Marsh 54, Jamal 6-69) by 82 runs.

Nuggets’ Jokic stuns Warriors with 40-footer for the win

SAN FRANCISCO—With three sec-
onds left in a tie game, Denver
Nuggets coach Michael Malone
set up Nikola Jokic to be the safety
valve on an inbounds pass at the
far end. Jamal Murray, the first op-
tion, wasn’t available up the side-
line. Neither was second-choice
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
Instead, Aaron Gordon got the
ball to Jokic, who took three drib-
bles across halfcourt, stopped and
launched a 40-footer over Kevon
Looney from the right sideline that
banked in as time expired. That
gave the Nuggets a stunning 130-
127 victory Thursday night after
trailing by 18 points in the fourth
quarter. They closed with a 25-4
run.
Jokic had 34 points, 10 assists
and nine rebounds. He tied it at
127 with a short jumper with 26
seconds left. Golden State’s final
possession ended with Stephen
Curry’s turnover, setting the stage
for Jokic’s winner.
Malone said he told Jokic during
the timeout to “take two dribbles
over halfcourt and shoot.”
“And he executed the play to
perfection,” Malone said. “But
great players make great plays.
And Nikola catching the ball and
making something happen behind
that is just incredible.”
Jokic said he was just trying to
helps the team.
“He’s so poised and he never
gets too high or too low,” Watson
said. “He’s an even-keel guy. So for
him to come up big in these big
moments and just to show that he’s
calm and poised, he calms every-
body else.”
Golden State pulled away in the
third quarter, outscoring Denver
44-24 after trailing by double-dig-
its early in the half. The Warriors
had a 19-6 midway through the
quarter, with Brandin Podziemski
hitting three corner 3-pointers for
a 107-94 lead going into the fourth
quarter.
“I think we just didn’t want to
give up,” Jokic said. “We could
easily have excuses just to lose the
Denver Nuggets centre Nikola Jokic (15) celebrates with teammates after his game or we have a back-to-back
3-pointer against the Golden State Warriors at the end of an NBA basketball tomorrow ... But the guys didn’t
game yesterday, in San Francisco. PICTURE AP drop their hats. We were really ag-
“get a little bit closer and just throw “These games all come down gressive.”
it to the basket.” to the wire, it feels like for us this The Nuggets took a 70-63 lead
“I think those shots are the easi- year,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr into halftime, shooting 62% from
est shots to take,” Jokic said. “You said. “We’ve probably lost four or the field.
don’t have any other option.” five we should have won.” Malone said he was most proud
The defending champion Nug- Aaron Gordon scored 30 points of his team responding down big to
gets have won 11 of 13 and six for Denver, and Jamal Murray had the Warriors on the road.
straight on the road. They sent the 25. Curry led Golden State with 30 “When you get down to this
Warriors — who failed to get back to points. Klay Thompson added 24. team, it’s very easily drop your
.500 after snapping a three-game “Some are a little bit easier to head in this building with that
skid Tuesday night — to a 1-3 start swallow than others,” Curry said. crowd,” Malone said. “And that’s
on their seven-game homestand. “This one is definitely tough.” probably the thing I was most
Golden State has blown several Nuggets forward Peyton Watson pleased with tonight is that every-
double-digit leads this season. said Jokic’s confidence in himself body—coaches, players, we just
stayed the course even after that
third quarter which they domi-
nated.”
The Warriors were without
Draymond Green, suspended in-
definitely three weeks ago, for the
11th straight game. ESPN reported
Thursday that Green was expected
to return to the team facility in the
coming days in anticipation of a re-
turn, though coach Steve Kerr did
not confirm the report before the
game.
Golden State will be with-
out Gary Payton II for another
extended stretch because of a
strained hamstring. The Warriors
said Patyon will be re-evaluated in
three weeks.
BUCKS 125, SPURS 121
SAN ANTONIO — Giannis
Antetokounmpo had 44 points
and 14 rebounds and Milwaukee
overcame an big night by Victor
Wembanyama on his 20th birthday
to beat San Antonio.
Wembanyama had 27 points,
and Devin Vassell led the Spurs
with 34.
Wembanyama’s first meeting
with Antetokounmpo was delayed
by the French rookie’s sprained
ankle Dec. 19 in Milwaukee, but it
proved to be worth the wait.
Damian Lillard had 25 points
and 10 assists for Milwaukee.
Saturday, January 6, 2024
guardian.co.tt
Veteran Paul signs contract
extension with Memphis
MEMPHIS, Tennessee—Veteran
T&T international Leston Paul
has signed a two-year contract
extension at Memphis 901 FC
and will take up an “expanded
leadership role” with a view to a
future managerial career.
The 33-year-old midfielder
joined Memphis for their inau-
Barbadian jockey Reshawn Latchman gural season in 2019 and has re-
Latchman tastes mained in the southeast for the
last five seasons, racking up 107
success on opening day appearances in over 7,000 min-
utes of playing time.
CHARLES TOWN, West Virginia—Bar-
Paul, the current club captain,
badian jockey Reshawn Latchman,
will shadow the coaching staff
who finished in the top five at Charles
during the upcoming United
Town last season, was good enough to
Soccer League Championship
land a winner on the opening day of
season, as he prepares for life
the new campaign Wednesday night.
following his playing career.
The 31-year-old captured the final
“Eventually when I’m done
race on the eight-race card when he
playing, I want to move into
paired with 14-1 outsider Mystified to
coaching and now coming down
beat the three-year-olds and upward
to the last couple of years of my
over seven furlongs.
playing career, I think it’s the
Five-to-one chance Gabriel’s Wing
sport 33
knocked out in the semifinals by
Tampa Bay Rowdies in 2022.
In his first season as captain,
Memphis also faltered at the
quarter-final stage.
Head coach Stephen Glass said
Paul remained critical to Mem-
phis’ plans and said the upcom-
T&T international ing season would also help the
player’s managerial ambitions.
Leston Paul
“I see Leston as a vital part of
our plans, having been with the
club since day one,” Glass said.
“As well as his contributions
to the team on the pitch, we’re
looking forward to bringing Le-
right time to start transitioning the first-ever Memphis squad, ston closer to the coaching staff
into that phase and shadowing Paul is a well-respected figure in in order to help him as he plans
the staff,” Paul said. the setup and has led the team for the long term in his career.”
“I think it’s a good place for me since 2021. Paul was one of two Trinidad-
to start, being here for the past He oversaw their trip to last ians on the Memphis roster last
five years. I’m thankful for the season’s conference quarter-fi- season, defender Jelani Peters hav-
opportunity and look forward to nals where they lost on penal- ing left at the end of the campaign.
grasping it with both hands.” ties to Louisville FC and was The new championship season
The last remaining member of also at the helm when they were gets underway March 9. (CMC)

Reggae Boy Williams follows Beckford to Hartford

produced the early fractions and had
opened up a three-length lead at the
half-way marker.
Latchman, who raced Mystified off HARTFORD, Connecticut—Hart- to Middlesbrough on Saturday.
the pace, made his move passing the ford Athletic has signed their Villa have been one of the
seventh sixteenth pole and entered second Jamaica international in-form teams in the Premier
the stretch contending for the lead. from Colorado Springs Switch- League, and are currently sec-
Royal Thunder and Gabriel’s wing backs this week, after announc- ond on 42 points, three adrift of
led in the upper stretch, however, ing the arrival of striker Romario leaders Liverpool.
before Latchman got his five-year-old Williams. But without any major success
bay gelding up in the final strides to Just hours after acquiring in the FA Cup in recent times, Bai-
win by a neck. Deshane Beckford from the ley said it was important for the
Latchman had earlier missed out western United States franchise, club to improve their fortunes,
in race two over 4-½ furlongs when Hartford said Thursday it had beginning with the third round
he finished second aboard 5-1 choice also secured the services of the Reggae Boy weekend outing on Teesside.
Windsor’s Play, 1-½ lengths behind the 29-year-old Williams, “pending Leon Bailey “This (the FA Cup) is very im-
winner Thunder Punch. league and federation approval.” portant for the club and us as
He also came close in another 4-½ Williams, who hails from the players because we haven’t ad-
length sprint in race seven when he small coastal town of Portmore He has racked up 56 career a single season at New Mexico vanced to the next round in quite
also finished second with 2-1 choice in southeastern Jamaica, enjoyed goals in 123 regular season out- United. some time,” the 26-year-old said.
Sayyestothelady, 3-½ lengths adrift of a prolific United Soccer League ings and his strike rate of a goal The USL Championship season “We really want to give it a go
the winner Mackenzie’s Music. championship season with the every 140.5 minutes has placed kicks off March 9. and all our thoughts are on the
The 2024 Charles Town season will Switchbacks last term, banging him third in the league’s history. weekend against Middlesbrough.
comprise 158 race days, headlined Williams will boost a Hartford
by the two graded stakes races – the
in a season-best 15 goals in 30
appearances. squad which struggled last sea-
Bailey wants Villa to “We want to play our style of
football and hopefully win the
Charles Town Classic and the Charles He added three assists, cre- son in finishing bottom of the show quality in effort to game.”
Town Oaks, which are both grade two. ated 23 chances and registered Eastern Conference with just break Cup drought “Cup games are always diffi-
In the year-long 2023 season which 45 shots—the latter only second four wins in 34 games. cult, it doesn’t matter who we
LONDON—Jamaica’s Premier
wrapped up three weeks ago, Latch- to countryman Beckford. Switchbacks, meanwhile, play. It’s important for us to
League star Leon Bailey has
man finished fourth with 84 wins Williams will bring a wealth reached the conference quarter- maintain our level and show our
urged his Aston Villa teammates
from 539 rides, behind champion of knowledge and experience to finals before bowing out to San quality.”
to show their quality, as they
rider Arnaldo Bocachica who logged Hartford, having played in Egypt Antonio FC. Bailey has been one of the
begin their bid to end a long
184. (CMC) and Kuwait and also having had Williams only joined Switch- standouts for Villa this season
drought in the FA Cup, with a visit
spells in Major League Soccer. backs a year ago after spending under manager Unai Emery,
scoring nine goals while creating
When De Mark Buss SATURDAY, JANUARY 6, 2024 LAST DRAW: FRIDAY, JANUARY 5, 2024 five assists and 15 chances.His
form has been one of the rea-
Marks Times played Marks Times played PLAY WHE PICK TWO sons behind Villa’s red-hot form,
10.30am 1pm 4pm 7pm Total 10.30am 1pm 4pm 7pm Total
01 CENTIPEDE 0 0 0 0 0 19 HORSE 0 0 0 0 0 TODAY’S STAR BETS 33 32
which the winger now hopes
10.30 am
02 OLD LADY 0 0 0 0 0 20 DOG 0 0 0 0 0 3 (Carriage) they can transfer into the pre-
03 CARRIAGE 0 0 1 0 1 21 MOUTH 0 0 0 0 0 14 (Money) 1 pm 2 17 mier Cup competition.
04 DEAD MAN 0 0 0 0 0 22 RAT 0 0 0 0 0 22 (Rat) “We’re looking forward to the
05 PARSON MAN 0 0 0 0 0 23 HOUSE 0 0 0 0 0 33 (Spider)
06 BELLY 0 0 0 0 0 24 QUEEN 0 0 0 0 0 28 (Red Fish) 10.30 am 28 (Red Fish) 1 pm 4 pm 1 7 game; it’s an important game for
07 HOG 0 0 0 0 0 25 MOROCOY 0 0 0 0 0 us,” he said.
BACKUP MARKS 7 pm 34 3
08 TIGER 0 0 0 0 0 26 FOWL 0 0 0 2 2 “It’s the first game of the year
09 CATTLE 0 0 1 0 1 27 LITTLE SNAKE 0 0 0 0 0 4-12-15-23-24-32
10 MONKEY 1 0 0 0 1 28 RED FISH 2 1 0 0 3 Under: (Last Saturday) and hopefully we can get the win
11 CORBEAU 0 0 0 1 1 29 OPIUM MAN 0 0 0 0 0 PREFERRED LINES 10.30 am.................................. 35-8 that we need to move on to the
3-4-5-6 1pm..........................................24-29
12 KING 0 0 0 0 0 30 HOUSE CAT 0 0 0 0 0 14 (Money) 4 pm 26 (Fowl) 7 pm 4 pm .........................................18-23 next round.”
13 CRAPAUD 0 0 0 0 0 31 PARSON WIFE 0 0 1 0 1
14 MONEY 0 1 0 0 1 32 SHRIMP 0 0 0 0 0 PICK FOUR 7 pm........................................ 21-32 Villa have won the FA Cup
15 SICK WOMAN 0 0 0 0 0 33 SPIDER 0 2 0 1 3 10.30 am Under: (Last Saturday) PICK TWO SELECTIONS seven times but are without a tri-
8 6 3 4 7-34 , 20-31
16 JAMETTE 0 1 0 0 1 34 BLIND MAN 0 0 0 0 0 10.30 am................... 2-4-0-6 umph in the modern era, their
17 PIGEON 0 0 0 0 0 35 BIG SNAKE 0 0 0 0 0 1 pm 8 1 pm........................... 2-6-9-6 CASH POT last success coming 67 years ago.
8 5 5 4 pm........................... 0-2-4-1
18 WATER BOAT 1 0 0 0 1 36 DONKEY 1 1 1 0 3
7 pm........................... 5-1-3-3 SELECTIONS The West Midlands club have
Play Whe—Under: (Last Saturday) 4 pm 3 1 0 0 1-2-11-15-16
PICK FOUR SELECTIONS RESULTS
also not reached the fourth
10.30 am: 14 (Money) 1 pm: 4 (Dead Man) 4 pm: 5 (Parson Man) 7 pm: 33 (Spider) 7 pm 2 4 1 0 2-5-8-9 5-9-15-17-18 Mx1 round in seven years. (CMC)
 34 sport Saturday, January 6, 2024
guardian.co.tt

Thompson, Gardiner lift Paragon past Old Fort in Ventures Invi

RACHAEL THOMPSONKING
Newsgthering Editor -Sport THURSDAY’S RESULTS
rachael.king@guardian.co.tt

Led by a double each from Ga- Women B: GCC 3 (Abosaide

brielle Thompson and Keima
Gardiner, Paragon defeated Old
Fort, 4-0, asserting their domi-
nance in their opening women’s
division Pool A match. This was
in the Ventures International In-
vitational Indoor Hockey Tour-
nament at the Woodbrook Youth
Facility in Port-of-Spain on Thurs-
day evening.
Thompson put the Paragon
unit ahead four minutes in, in the
third match of the evening. Gar-
diner then scored in the 14th min-
ute to give Paragon a 2-0 lead and
a minute later, Thompson took
their team’s lead to 3-0.
Gardiner etched her name
twice on the scorer’s sheet with
an item in the 21st minute.
Earlier, in the women’s division
Pool B clash, Guyana’s George-
town Cricket Club (GCC) beat
Saints, also of Guyana, 3-0. Abo-
saide Cadogan recorded a double
in the fifth and ninth minutes and
Aliyah Gordon also found the
back of the net in the 26th.
In the men’s division Pool A
match, Jordan Viera scored a
brace and his teammate Jerazeno
Bell scored once to lift Queen’s
Park Cricket Club (QPCC) past Old
Fort (Guyana), 3-0.
Cadogan 5th, 9th, Aliyah Gordon
26th) v Saints 0
Vets B: QPCC 4 (Jerazeno Bell 1st,
15th, Darren Cowie 10th, Mahinder
Singh 19th) vs Bounty GCC 2 (Kevin
Spencer 5th, 17th)
Women A: Paragon 4 (Gabrielle
Thompson 4th, 15th, Keima
Gardiner 14th, 21st) vs Old Fort 0
Men A: Old Fort 0 vs QPCC 3
(Jerazeno Bell 15th, Jordan Viera
16th, 30th)
Men B: Saints 2 (Shakeem Fausette
4th, Baraka Garnett 9th) vs UWI
Blackbirds 0
TODAY’S MATCHES
Vets B: Notre Dame vs QPCC
Vets A: Malvern vs Fatima
Men B: TTPS vs UWI Blackbirds
Women A: Old Fort vs UWI
Blackbirds
Women B: Saints vs TTPS
Vets B: GCC vs Notre Dame
Men A: Fatima vs QPCC
QPCC’s Shawn Lee Quay, left, tries to get past Old Fort’s Orland Semple during the Ventures Indoor Hockey Women A: Old Fort vs Ventures
International Invitational Tournament men’s division Pool A match at the Woodbrook Youth Facility in Port-of-Spain, Men A: TTDF vs Old Fort
on Thursday. QPCC won 3-0. PICTURE DANIEL PRENTICE Women B: Magnolia vs Saints
The duo of Shakeem Fausette The lone veterans division a goal in the win. For the losers, Men B: Notre Dame vs UWI
(4th) and Baraka Garnett (9th) match saw QPCC battled past Kevin Spencer scored twice. Blackbirds
Women A: Paragon vs UWI
registered one goal each in the Bounty GCC, 4-2. Bell featured The competition continues
Blackbirds
Saints 2-0 win over the University again with a pair of goals for the today with all teams in action in Women B: TTPS vs GCC
of the West Indies (UWI) Black- winner. National men’s coach their respective divisions. The Men B: TTPS vs Saints
birds from Barbados in their Darren Cowie (tenth) and Ma- semifinals and finals are sched- Men A: TTDF vs QPCC
men’s division Pool B match. hinder Singh (19th) each netted uled for tomorrow.

Jamaican
striker
Khadija
“Bunny”
Shaw.

Reggae Girl Shaw wins

Player-of-the-Month honour again
MANCHESTER, ENGLANDReggae
Girl Khadija “Bunny” Shaw has
been adjudged Manchester City
Women’s Player-of-the-Month for
December.
The prolific Spanish Town-born
striker beat out competition from
Dutch forward Jill Roord and Eng-
land international Lauren Hemp
to earn her second successive
win 2-1 at home, Hemp notching a
double in that encounter.
In November, Shaw scored
four goals—including another hat-
trick against Tottenham as City
stormed to a crushing 7-0 victory
also at home.
Shaw leads the league goal-scor-
ing charts with nine goals from
as many games, extending her

Player-of-the-Month honour.
Shaw, 26, netted three times in
December—all those goals com-
ing in a hat-trick against Everton
as City thrashed them 4-1 at Mer-
seyside in the Women’s Super
League.
She was also exceptional
against Aston Villa, helping her
side to come from a goal down to
red-hot form from last season
when she bagged 31 goals from 30
games in all competitions, to be
voted City’s Player-of-the-Season.
City lie second in the league on
22 points, just three adrift of lead-
ers and title-holders Chelsea but
level with Arsenal.
Last season, City finished
fourth. CMC
ON THE ATTACK
Defence Force FC’s Brent Sam starts an attack against Caledonia FC’s Carlyle Mitchell during the TT Premier
Football League match at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on Wednesday in Port-of-Spain. Defence Force FC won
2-1. Today, Defence Force will be back in action in matchweek seven against AC Port-of-Spain, at the Hasely
Crawford Stadium in Port-of-Spain from 8.10 pm, but before that, Caledonia FC will face Police FC at 6 pm. Also,
Point Fortin Civic will host Prison Service FC at the Mahaica Sporting Complex in Point Fortin at 6 pm and Tiger
Tanks Club Sando meets 1976 Phoenix at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar, Arima, at 3.30 pm.
PICTURE DANIEL PRENTICE
Saturday, January 6, 2024
guardian.co.tt
Muhammad, 4 others switch
allegiance to Marchin Sports
IAN WASON
gmsports@guardian.co.tt
Red Force fast bowler Uthman
Muhammad has made the switch
from Powergen Sports to Bess
Motor Marchin Sports for the
2024 T&T Cricket Board Premier-
ship I season.
The experienced fast-bowler
will be joined by the younger
Justin Manick, who also featured
with the Penal-based team and
batsman Kirstan Kallicharan,
who made the move from Queen’s
Park Cricket Club.
The Central-based team also ac-
quired the services of former Red
Force player Kissoondath Magram
and the young Crystian Thurton
for the season.
Bess Motor Marchin Sports won
all competitions last season in the
Premiership II South. They won
the two-day competition which
earned them promotion, the 50-
over competition and the T20
competition that was held as one
tournament, merging with the
Premiership II North teams.
Commenting on the additions
to the club, president Adrian Ali
said “It’s about providing the op-
portunities, making the players
feel at home and rewarding them
for their hard work.”
The player-president added,
“At our club, our focus is on cre-
ating a supportive environment
GOOD
DELIVERY
North and Tobago Masqueraders’ Zachary Siewah prepares to deliver against
East and North East Scarlet Ibis during the T&T Cricket Board Under-23 Cup at
the National Cricket Centre in Balmain, Couva, on Wednesday. Siewah helped
Masqueraders win by 34 runs and advanced to today’s final set for the Brian
Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, San Fernando from 2 pm.
PICTURE DANIEL PRENTICE
Ian Maharaj, left, director of Bess Motors Ltd presents a cheque to Bess Motors Marchin Sports president Adrian Ali,
recently.
for players to demonstrate their
skills and talent, with the aim of
helping them progress to Trinidad
and the West Indies teams.”
Kalicharan, 24, told Guardian
Media Sports, his decision to
leave Queen’s Park had nothing
to do with any bad blood or any
negativity.
“Queen’s Park has been good to
me for the last, I think, 11 years. I
just want a change of environment
and opportunities, just to see how
PICTURE COURTESY MARCHIN SPORTS
things will go for me there,” said
Kallicharan, who played with
Queen’s Park Two last season.
The second tier Queen’s Park
team has been demoted to
Premiership II North and Kallich-
aran believes heading Central will
give him a better chance of don-
ning the Red Force uniform.
“I think I have a better chance of
being seen by national selectors,”
Kallicharan admitted, adding,
“Queen’s Park is always known
as one of the better clubs in
the country, and so it’s a very
competitive position to fit in a
All Sectors Netball League opens
With Fire opting out,
Premier Div awaits new champs
A new Opening Day Premiership
Division knockout champion
will be crowned in the Courts All
Sectors Netball League (ASNL)
as Fire Service has opted out of
the competition this season.
Fire will take no part in any
competition according to a re-
lease from the league which
stated the Service did not regis-
ter a team. Fire’s absence means
that there will also be a new
champion in the league compe-
tition, Steve Sarjeant Challenge
and Fast5 competitions as Fire
swept all titles last season.
The 34th edition of the ASNL
will open today at the Eastern
Regional Indoor Sports Arena,
Tacarigua at 3 pm with the tra-
ditional opening ceremony in-
cluding the march past of the
teams to the music of the Fire
Service Band.
Following the parade, spec-
tators will witness the Opening
Day Knock Out competition in
team, because there are so many
national players and international
players on the team. Opportuni-
ties are not always there for me
as a young player coming up, so
I think I’ll be able to showcase
my talent more with Marchin and
hopefully, get some big scores and
do well for myself and see myself
on the national team soon again.”
Muhammad, on the other hand,
played 11 First-Class matches for
T&T between 2015 and 2023.
The tall fast-bowler made the
choice to head up to Marchin
from Penal for his personal bet-
the Premiership, the Champi-
onship, and the Alternative Di-
visions.
This year the league com-
prises 21 teams participating in
the competitions; four in the
Premiership Division, nine in
the Championship, and eight in
the Alternative.
The teams in the Premiership
Division are Defence Force,
Metal Industries Co (MIC Ti-
gers), Police and the University
of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT).
The Championship Division
comprises Bermudez United,
Defence Force, Police Netball
Youth Club (PNYC), Police, San
Juan Jabloteh, MIC Tigers, TT
Post, the Unit Trust Corporation
(UTC) Sparks and the University
of T&T (UTT).
In the Alternative Division are
Defence Force, Fire Youth, Po-
lice Netball Youth Club, Police,
TT Post, the University of the
Southern Caribbean (USC), UTC
sport 35
terment, saying: “It’s just about
seeing about my future.”
The 34-year-old was not among
the players who were offered re-
tainer contracts by the TTCB last
July.
Looking ahead at the season, he
said the team has a lot in common
as they look to feed off of each
other.
He said, “The set of guys we
have there, they basically went
through the same thing like me.
We feel that we were treated un-
fairly by the cricket board. So,
being around these guys, it be-
came a motivation. We all believe
we have something to prove. That
is the kind of bonding we have to-
gether.”
Kallicharan also believes
Marchin Sports will be no walko-
ver in the Premiership.
“Most of the Marchin players
played Premier I cricket already
for the clubs, different clubs
around T&T. Everyone has that
experience. They know what the
Premier I level is like, so they
just have a couple of players in
between that haven’t played (the
Premier I level) yet, but most of
the players are senior players on
the team. I think we have a really
good chance at going into the
tournament, not just participat-
ing, but coming up on top.”
Marchin Sports have, however,
renewed their long-term rela-
tionship with Bess Motors as the
Montrose-based company has ex-
tended their five-year partnership.
Sparks and the University of the
West Indies (UWI).
This year, men’s players will
be accommodated in the Courts
Open Knock Out only. A maxi-
mum of two men’s players only
will be allowed on court at any
time.
Generally, the league pro-
vides opportunities for women
to indulge in healthy and com-
petitive play, corporate citizens
to become involved in the net-
ball movement and families to
recreate. More importantly, it
provides a platform for senior
players to engage in elite com-
petition.
The league’s competitions
remain the same, including the
Fast 5. Major Knockout competi-
tions include the Jean Pierre and
the Steve Sarjeant Challenge tro-
phies. Both Jean and Steve, who
are deceased, were two of the
six founding members of the
League in 1991.
 36 Saturday, January 6, 2024
guardian.co.tt

SALE BY MORTGAGEE – JANUARY 2024

Reference No.: 152791 Reference No.: 141440 Reference No.: 152515

Property situated at: No. 3, George Street Lane, Belmont. Property situated at: No. 8, Krystal Gardens, Sinaswee Street, Property situated at: Unit No. 1 Cupen Heights, Cupen Road,
Bank Village, Carapichaima. Saddle Road, Maraval.
Description: Ground Floor: Two (2) bedrooms, Living
Room/Dining Room, Bathroom, Laundry, Description: Living/Dining Area, Kitchen, Two (2)
Kitchen, External Bathroom and Laundry. Description: Ground Floor: One (1) Open-Sided Bedrooms, Laundry and Bathroom Fitted
First Floor: Three (3) Bedrooms, Utility Room. with W.C., Shower and Wash Hand Basin.
Bathroom, Enclosed Porch, Living/Dining First Floor: Two (2) Balconies, Living/
Room. Dining Room, Kitchen, Apartment Area: End Unit at Ground Floor Level - 990 sq.
Three (3) Bedrooms with the Master ft.
Area: 1,929 sq. ft. having a Walk-In Closet, Two (2)
Land Area: 2,647 sq. ft. - Freehold VIEWING DATE: Sunday, January 7, 2024
Bathrooms each with W.C., Wash Hand
VIEWING TIME: 2:30PM TO 3:30PM
VIEWING DATE: Saturday, January 6, 2024 Basin and Shower Stall.
VIEWING TIME: 9:00AM TO 10:00AM Reference No.: 153708
Building Area: 4,046 sq. ft.
Reference No.: 142461 Land Area: 5,863 sq. ft. - Freehold. Property situated at: LP. 83H, Wyan Road, Blue Basin, Diego
Martin.
Property situated at: No. 6C, Sunset Court, Paradise Gardens, VIEWING DATE: Sunday, January 7, 2024
Tacarigua. VIEWING TIME: 8:00AM TO 9:00AM Description: First Floor: Master Bedroom with
en-suite Bathroom. Two (2) Bedrooms,
Description: Ground Floor: Living Room, Dining One (1) Bathroom, Living/Dining Room,
Room, Bathroom with Toilet and Face Reference No.: 123540 Kitchen, Porch, Store Room, Laundry,
Basin, Laundry, Kitchen. Study.
First Floor: Two (2) Bedrooms, One (1) Property situated at: Lot No. 4 Road Reserve, Off Freeport
Bathroom - Toilet and Bath/Face Basin. Mission Road, Freeport. Building Area: 2,452 sq. ft.
Land Area: 88,204 sq. ft. – Leasehold.
Building Area: 1,091 sq. ft. Description: Ground Floor: Foyer, Two (2) Patios,
Land Area: 2,706 sq. ft. - Leasehold VIEWING DATE: Sunday, January 7, 2024
Living Room, Dining Room, Family
VIEWING TIME: 4:00PM TO 5:00PM
VIEWING DATE: Saturday, January 6, 2024 Room, Study, Kitchen, Laundry, Three
VIEWING TIME: 11:00AM TO 12:30PM (3) Bedrooms, Two and a Half (2 1/2)
Bathrooms each with W.C., Face Basin Reference No.: 155160
Reference No.: 144818 and Shower Stall.
First Floor: Porch, Family Room, Four Property situated at: Lot 85, Sunset Drive, Five Rivers, Arouca.
Property situated at: Townhouse Unit 13B, Hillview Court, (4) Bedrooms, Two (2) Bathrooms each
Paradise Gardens, Tacarigua. with W.C., Face Basin and Shower Stall, Description: Living / Dining Room, Kitchen, Three
(3) Bedrooms, Two (2) Bathrooms with
Storeroom, Study.
Description: Ground Floor: Living/Dining Room, W.C, Wash Hand Basin and Shower Stall,
Kitchen, Laundry, Bathroom with W.C. Family Room, Laundry and Foyer.
and Wash Basin. Building Area: 2,855 sq. ft.
First Floor: Two (2) Bedrooms, Bathroom Land Area: 5,046 sq. ft. – Freehold Building Area: 1,680 Sq. ft.
with W.C. and Wash Basin and Shower. Land Area: 5,024 Sq. ft. - Freehold
VIEWING DATE: Sunday, January 7, 2024
Building Area: 937 sq. ft. VIEWING TIME: 9:30AM TO 10:30AM VIEWING DATE: Saturday January 13, 2024
Land Area: 1,625 sq. ft. - Leasehold VIEWING TIME: 8:00AM TO 9:00AM
Reference No.: 151623 Reference No.: 141746
VIEWING DATE: Saturday, January 6, 2024
VIEWING TIME: 11:00AM TO 12:30PM
Property situated at: Unit 4 Kal Kal Development, Cameo Property situated at: Lot 7, Sunset Drive, Off Lopinot Road,
Reference No.: 148120 Courts, off L.P. #101 Ariapita Road, St. Arouca.
Ann’s.
Property situated at: Lot 26, L.P. No. 122, Carapo Main Road, Description: Ground Floor: One (1) Bedroom and
Carapo. Description: Ground Floor: Foyer, two (2) patios, One (1) Bathroom, Living /Dining Room,
Kitchen, Laundry, Entertainment Room,
living room, dining room, family
Description: Upper Level: Three (3) Bedrooms, Two T.V. Room, Computer Room,
(2) Bathrooms, Walk-In Closet. room, study, kitchen, laundry, three Carport. There is also a Pool located to
Middle Level: Living Room, Dining (3) bedrooms, two and a half (2 1/2) the back of the house.
Room, Kitchen, Storeroom, Carport, Patio, bathrooms each with W.C., face basin
Laundry Room. and shower stall. First Floor: Three (3) Bedrooms one with
Lower Level: Recreation Room and First Floor: Porch, family room, four a walk-in closet and Two (2) Bathrooms
Terrace. (4) bedrooms, two (2) bathrooms each One (1) En suite) and a Verandah.
with W.C., face basin and shower stall,
Building Area: 3,180 sq. ft. Building Area: 2,899 sq. ft.
storeroom, study. Land Area: 5,105 sq. ft. – Freehold.
Land Area: 5,600 sq. ft. - Freehold

VIEWING DATE: Saturday, January 6, 2024 Townhouse Area: 1,850 sq. ft. on Leasehold Land. VIEWING DATE: Saturday January 13, 2024
VIEWING TIME: 1:30PM TO 2:30PM VIEWING TIME: 10:00AM TO 11:00AM
VIEWING DATE: Sunday, January 7, 2024
Reference No.: 158595 VIEWING TIME: 11:30AM TO 12:30PM Reference No.: 146450

Property situated at: Lot Nos. 1A and 5A6, Corner Chin Chin Property situated at: Lot 7 (LP #71) Slope Hill, Lopinot Road,
Reference No.: 143867
Road & Solomon Drive, Cunupia. Arouca.

Description: Five (5) Bedrooms, Three (3) Bathrooms Property situated at: No. 47, Gallus Street, Woodbrook. Description: Unfinished House – First Floor: Three
each with W.C., Wash Basin, Shower Stall (3) Bedrooms, Three (3) Bathrooms,
and one bath with Jacuzzi. Porch, Living Description: Three (3) Bedrooms, Two (2) Bathrooms, Porch.
Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, Laundry, Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, Ground Floor: Porch, Living Room,
(2) Carport/Garage, Entertainment Area Porch, Garage. Dining Room, Kitchen, Garage, Deck,
and Storage Area. Powder Room.
Building Area: 2,367 sq. ft. Building Area: 3,520 sq. ft.
Building Area: 4,021 sq. ft.
Land Area: 9,056 sq. ft. - Freehold Land Area: 5,000.00 sq. ft. - Leasehold Land Area: 5,076 sq. ft. - Freehold

VIEWING DATE: Saturday, January 6, 2024 VIEWING DATE: Sunday, January 7, 2024 VIEWING DATE: Saturday January 13, 2024
VIEWING TIME: 3:30PM TO 4:30PM VIEWING TIME: 1:00PM TO 2:00PM VIEWING TIME: 11:30AM TO 12:30PM
Saturday, January 6, 2024
guardian.co.tt
SALE BY MORTGAGEE – JANUARY 2024 (continued)
Reference No.: 153708
Property situated at: No. 13, London Street, Arouca.
Description: Three (3) Bedrooms, Two (2) Bathrooms
with W.C., Wash Basin, Shower Stall,
Porch, Living Room, Sitting Room,
Kitchen, Study, Laundry, Storeroom,
Carport.
Building Area: 2,404 sq. ft.
Land Area: 4,694 sq. ft. - Freehold.
VIEWING DATE: Saturday January 13, 2024
VIEWING TIME: 1:30PM TO 2:30PM
Reference No.: 160805
Property situated at: Townhouse 5 Ashley Villas, D’Abadie.
Description: Ground Floor: Kitchen, Living / Dining
Room, Laundry, Toilet and Wash Basin.
First Floor: Patio, (3) Bedrooms, (2)
Bathrooms with W.C, Wash Hand Basin
and Shower Stall.
Building Area: 1,475 Sq. ft (Townhouse) on Leasehold
Land
VIEWING DATE: Saturday January 13, 2024
VIEWING TIME: 3:30PM TO 4:30PM
Reference No.: 132341& 501078
Property situated at: No. 12 Ramnarine Avenue, Off
Bhagwansingh Trace, Gasparillo.
Description: Ground Floor: (2) Bedrooms, Living
Room, Foyer, Utility Room, 1 Bathroom.
First Floor: (3) Bedrooms (1 master), (2)
Bathrooms with W.C and Wash Basins, 1
Bathtub, 1 Jacuzzi, Kitchen, Living/Dining
Room, TV Room, Balcony.
Land Area: 2,525 Sq. ft.
Land Area: 5,583 sq. ft. - Freehold
VIEWING DATE: Sunday January 14, 2024
VIEWING TIME: 9:00AM TO 10:00AM
Reference No.: 144830 & 147482
Property situated at: Apartment 8, Guatauro Building 3, Olera
Heights Housing Development, San
Fernando.
Description: Two (2) Bedrooms, One (1) Bathroom
with W.C., Wash Basin and Shower
Stall, Porch, Living Room, Dining Room,
Kitchen, Laundry.
Apartment Area: 1,073 sq. ft. on Leasehold Land.
VIEWING DATE: Sunday January 14, 2024
VIEWING TIME: 10:30AM TO 11:30AM
Reference No.: 164143 & 164144
Property situated at: 24B Aralia Lane, Cypress Hills, Union Hall,
San Fernando.
Description: First Floor: Porch, Three (3) Bedrooms,
(2) Bathrooms each with W.C., Wash
Basin, Shower Stall.
Ground Floor: ½ Bathroom, Kitchen,
Living/Dining Room, Porch, Laundry
Room.
Apartment Area: 1,587 Sq. ft. (Townhouse) on Leasehold
Land.
VIEWING DATE: Sunday January 14, 2024
VIEWING TIME: 12:00 NOON TO 1:00PM
Reference No.: 156281
Property situated at: Lot No. B16, 74D Lothians Bridge Trace,
Inverness Road, Borde Narve, Princes
Town.
Description: Three (3) Bedrooms, Two (2) Bathrooms
with W.C., Wash Basin, Shower Stall,
Porch, Living / Dining Room, Kitchen,
Laundry, Study.
Building Area: 1,980 sq. ft.
Land Area: 8,778 sq. ft. - Leasehold.
VIEWING DATE: Sunday January 14, 2024
VIEWING TIME: 2:00PM TO 3:00PM
Reference No.: 151658
Property situated at: Lot 32 Graceland Heights Off Musso
Trace, Cantaro Village, Santa Cruz.
Description: First Floor: Three (3) Bedrooms with
Three (3) En Suite Bathrooms, Two (2)
Walk-in Closets, Home Office, Sitting
Area, Verandah.
Ground Floor: One (1) Bedroom with
One (1) En Suite Bathroom, One (1) Walk-
in Closet, Kitchen, Breakfast Area, Powder
Room, Living Room, Dining Room,
Storage, Utility Room, Family Room,
Foyer, Porch, Garage, Terrace and Pool.
Lower Ground Floor: Two (2) Bedrooms
and Two (2) En Suite Bathrooms, Kitchen/
Living Room, Pool Room and Two (2)
Toilets.
Building Area: 8,634 sq. ft.
Land Area: 10,000 sq. ft. – Leasehold.
VIEWING: BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
CALL 623-6112 EXT. 2152, 2156 OR 2158 TO SET AN
APPOINTMENT DATE
Reference No.: 141016
Property situated at: Lot No. 1, Upper Espinet Street, Off
Old St. Joseph Road, Success Village,
Laventille.
Description: First Floor: Three (3) Bedrooms,
Bathroom, Living/Dining Room, Kitchen,
Porch.
Ground Floor: Two (2) Apartments –
Each having a Bedroom, Kitchen, Living/
Dining Room, Porch.
Land Area: 4,524 sq. ft. Freehold
PROPERTY IS BEING SOLD AS IS
INTERESTED PARTIES ARE TO VIEW AT THEIR CONVENIENCE
Reference No.: 148889
Property situated at: LP. 3, Redhill, Upper Plover Street,
Morvant.
Description: The site is rectangular in shape, terrain
is flat and drainage is adequate. The
essential services of water, electricity and
telephone are laid-on. Sewerage is by
septic tank and soak-away.
Land Area: 6,089 sq. ft. - Freehold
PROPERTY IS BEING SOLD AS IS
INTERESTED PARTIES ARE TO VIEW AT THEIR CONVENIENCE
Reference No.: 144338
Property situated at: 1 & 3 Thornhill Street, Gonzales, Belmont.
Description: Land Only.
Land Area: 3,920 Sq. ft. - Freehold
PROPERTY IS BEING SOLD AS IS
INTERESTED PARTIES ARE TO VIEW AT THEIR CONVENIENCE
37
Reference No.: 145865
Property situated at: Lot 9, Road Reserve, Corner Dandy Lane
& Coconut Alley, Siparia.
Description: The site is rectangular in shape, terrain
is flat and drainage is adequate. The
essential services of water, electricity and
telephone are laid-on. Sewerage is by
septic tank and soak-away.
Land Area: 6,089 sq. ft. - Freehold
PROPERTY IS BEING SOLD AS IS
INTERESTED PARTIES ARE TO VIEW AT THEIR CONVENIENCE
Reference No.: 141921
Property situated at: Lot G, Pierre Street Extension, Off
Nicholas Street, Maraval.
Description: The site is rectangular in shape, terrain
is flat and drainage is adequate. The
essential services of water, electricity and
telephone are laid-on. Sewerage is by
septic tank and soak-away.
Land Area: 5,061 sq. ft. (470.2 m²) Freehold
PROPERTY IS BEING SOLD AS IS
INTERESTED PARTIES ARE TO VIEW AT THEIR CONVENIENCE
Reference No.: 149226
Property situated at: Lots 109 & 110 Road Reserve, Tobago
Plantations, Lowlands, Tobago.
Description: The parcels of land are predominantly
flat and drained naturally, rectangular
in shape with a view of the Golf course
and the size is not atypical for the
neighbourhood. Services available
include water, electricity, street lights and
telephone.
Land Area 1: Lot 109 - 22,638 sq. ft. - Leasehold
Land Area 2: Lot 110 – 23,103 sq. ft. - Leasehold
PROPERTY IS BEING SOLD AS IS
INTERESTED PARTIES ARE TO VIEW AT THEIR CONVENIENCE
NOTES
1. The Company does not bind itself to accept the highest or any
offer.
2. Properties are sold as is and will be subject to rates, taxes and
other charges, which may be outstanding at the time of sale.
3
. All Bids MUST be submitted via our Online Bidding Platform
ONLY which can be accessed via:
https://www.ttmf-mortgages.com/online-customer-service-
centre/property-bid-form-submission-form/ or via our
website: www.ttmf-mortgages.com, CUSTOMER SERVICE
CENTRE tab.
4. Please note that unacceptable Bids will NOT be
acknowledged.
For further information, please contact
Mrs. Karen Lall @ 623-8863 EXT. 2152, klall@ttmf-mortgages.com
or
Ms. Charlene Williams @ 623-8863 Ext. 2158, cwilliams@ttmf-
mortgages.com or
Mr. Kern Ali @ 623-8863 Ext. 2156, kali@ttmf-mortgages.com
Between the Hours of 8.00 AM and 4.00 PM
Or visit our website: www.ttmf-mortgages.com, for more
information on these properties.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR BIDS IS
FRIDAY JANUARY 26, 2024 AT 4:00 PM
 38 sport Saturday, January 6, 2024
guardian.co.tt

Barbados to host final, PM Mottley hails ‘organisation’

WI in favourable Group C
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados— Storied
Kensington Oval has been con-
firmed as the venue for the final
of this year’s Twenty20 World
Cup, with T&T and Guyana host-
ing the semifinals of the ninth
edition of the ritzy International
Cricket Council showpiece.
In the fixtures announced yes-
terday by organisers, the Oval was
named to stage its third major ICC
final following on from the his-
toric One-Day International World
Cup in 2007 and the 2010 edition
of the T20 World Cup, ending
months-long speculation over the
venue for the climax of the June
1-29 tournament.
The final will be one of nine
matches carded for the Oval, a
slate which includes three Super
Eight second stage fixtures and
five group stage matches—in-
cluding a blockbuster between
reigning T20 World champions
England and long-standing rivals
Australia.
Hosts West Indies, installed
in a favourable Group C along-
side New Zealand, Afghanistan,
Uganda and Papua New Guinea,
will not play any of their group
stage games at the Oval, however,
Guyana, T&T and St Lucia will
be hosting the Caribbean side’s
group encounters.
In addition to hosting a semi-fi-
nal, T&T will stage four group
stage games—including West In-
dies’ clash with New Zealand at
the Brian Lara Cricket Academy—
while Guyana will showcase five
group fixtures, along with their
semi-final.
“The announcement of the
match schedule for the ICC Men’s
T20 World Cup 2024 marks a sig-
nificant milestone in our prepara-
tions for this year’s tournament,”
said Johnny Grave, chief executive
of joint host board Cricket West
Indies.
“We know that teams, fans and
cricket enthusiasts worldwide
have been eagerly awaiting this
announcement, and now that it is
available, it provides a roadmap
for the thrilling journey that lies
ahead.
“In addition to the match fix-
after securing WC final
BRIDGETOWN—Barbados’ Prime
Minister Mia Mottley has lauded
the country’s “high level of or-
ganisation” after Kensington
Oval was awarded the final of this
year’s Twenty20 World Cup.
In a statement yesterday, Mot-
tley said the country had “firmly
established itself as a cricketing
mecca” while the storied Kens-
ington Oval had cemented its
place among the world’s leading
sporting venues.
The International Cricket
Council announced yesterday
that Barbados could host the final
of the June 1-29 showpiece, in ad-
dition to three Super Eight, sec-
ond-round games and five group
Kensington Oval in Barbados where the final of this year’s ICC men’s T20 stage matches.
World Cup will be held.
“It is with a sense of pride and
tures, the announcement also United States meet Canada in an excitement that I join cricketing
highlights the host countries and all-North American affair in Dal- fans here and across the region,
iconic venues that will set the las, marking the first time an ICC in celebrating Barbados being
stage for the ICC Men’s T20 World World Cup match will be played selected to host the International
Cup. on American soil. Cricket Council 2024 Men’s T20
“Each host country and city “The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup World Cup Final,” Mottley said.
will bring its own unique flavour 2024 marks an exciting expansion “That Barbados will host this
to the tournament, and fans from of our sport with more teams than final, as well as eight other games
every corner of the globe can ever before set to compete in this throughout the tournament,
expect an exciting blend of T20 event,” said ICC chief executive, three of which are Super Eight
cricketing entertainment, local Geoff Allardice. (quarter-finals) games, is nothing
culture and warm hospitality.” “It’s going to be an incredible short of a privilege and an hon-
He added, “From classic rival- spectacle bringing together 20 in- our.
ries to history-making upsets and ternational teams from Africa, the “It is a historic moment for our
continental showdowns, fans can Americas, Asia, East-Asia Pacific country as well, as this will be the
start looking forward to an ac- and Europe. third global cricketing final Kens-
tion-packed month of games at “The release of the fixtures is ington Oval has hosted, confirm-
the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup next made even more exciting for fans ing its place among the world’s
June, and we encourage everyone as we enter a new frontier, with premier sporting venues.
to get tickets as soon as they go on the USA hosting a major ICC event “As a government, we believe
sale as we expect the demand to for the first time. With 16 matches this is a testament to the high
be high.” being played across three venues level of organisation Barbados
A record 20 teams will con- in the USA, it allows us to make has displayed throughout the
test the tournament, also being a statement in the world’s biggest years, having hosted the 2007
played in the United States for the sports market.” Men’s Cricket World Cup Final
first time, and will see England He added, “It will also be great and the 2010 Men’s T20 World
defending the title they won in to have an ICC event back in the Cup Final.”
November two years ago when West Indies, which has such a rich Barbados will be one of six Car-
they beat Pakistan in the final in history of the game. ibbean host venues for the ninth
Melbourne. “It has hosted World Cups with edition of the ICC T20 World
England will play in Group B great success in the past and this Cup, with Antigua and Barbuda,
alongside Australia, Namibia, tournament will certainly provide Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago,
Scotland and Oman while Pa- a boost to the game there, espe- St Lucia and St Vincent and the
kistan clash with powerhouses cially with the final being played Grenadines all hosting matches.
India, along with Ireland, Can- in Barbados.” Dominica had also been an-
ada and co-hosts United States in The top two teams from each nounced as a host venue but
Group A. group will advance to the Super pulled out last month, citing in-
Group D comprises 2014 cham- Eights, which will be played in sufficient time to complete re-
pions Sri Lanka, South Africa, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, quired stadium upgrades.
Bangladesh, the Netherlands and St Lucia and St Vincent and the Barbados will welcome its
minnows Nepal. Grenadines across two groups. first group stage game on June 2
The tournament opener will see CMC when Namibia clash with Oman,
Barbados Prime Minister,
Mia Mottley
and will also stage two of World
champions England’s games—
against Scotland on June 4 and a
blockbuster against Australia on
June 8.
“It is equally a reflection of the
fact that cricket is intrinsically
linked to the identity of Barba-
dos. Quite simply, it is in our
DNA,” Mottley continued.
“Throughout our history, our
nation has firmly established
itself as a cricketing mecca, pro-
ducing some of the greatest male
and female players to have played
the game, including the greatest
cricketer the world has ever seen,
our National Hero The Right Ex-
cellent Sir Garfield Sobers.”
The Oval, located on the out-
skirts of the city, will now un-
dergo a multi-million dollar
renovation in time for the T20
World Cup, and Mottley said col-
laboration with all stakeholders
was now crucial in order to make
the venture a successful one.
“The planned renovation of
Kensington Oval is tangible evi-
dence that Barbados has already
started its preparations,” she
said.
“Over the coming months,
we will continue to work with
all stakeholders, in and outside
of the sporting arena, to ensure
the thousands of fans who gather
here from across the world expe-
rience a safe, enjoyable and suc-
cessful tournament and final.
“On behalf of the Government
and all Barbadians, I wish to ex-
press sincere thanks to the ICC
and Cricket West Indies for se-
lecting Barbados and Kensington
Oval as the location of choice
to host this ICC 2024 Men’s T20
World Cup Final.” CMC

World T20 semi, 4 group matches at BLCA

IAN WASON
gmsports@guardian.co.tt
T&T will host five matches in this
year’s International Cricket Coun-
cil T20 Cricket World Cup to be
held in the West Indies and USA
from June 1-29, with semifinal two
and four group matches.
The Brian Lara Cricket Acad-
emy (BLCA) in Tarouba, San Fer-
nando will play host to the West
Indies vs New Zealand match on
June 12, as the regional team will
play only one round-one Group C
match in T&T.
The other matches are Afghan-
istan vs Papua New Guinea ( June
13), New Zealand vs Uganda ( June
14) and New Zealand vs Papua
New Guinea on June 17.
Kensington Oval in Bridgetown,
Barbados will host the final.
Cricket West Indies chief execu-
tive officer, Johnny Grave, speak-
ing to Guardian Media Sports,
confirmed that T&T was in a tight
race for the final, but Barbados
won in the end.
“It was a very close decision.
Ultimately, the criteria that ICC
set for the final, Barbados, just
probably picked ahead of those
other venues that I mentioned,”
said Grave who encouraged the
cricket-loving nation to go to the
matches and flock to the ticket
offices when they are made avail-
able.
“We’re hoping that in the very
near future, the tickets will be on
sale, fans can now register their
interest.”
He added, “We are going to
make it as accessible as we can,
not just to our core cricket fans but
also to the school children. Hope-
fully, at the end of the exam period
we’ll be able to have a big schools
initiative so that all the young peo-
ple in the Caribbean can access the
cricket, can attend a World Cup
match and we’re really looking
forward to it and hopefully that ex-
citement is being shared amongst
the West Indies nations and we
can really put on a fantastic show
and spectacle for the world.”
Grave noted teams that are not
hosting World Cup matches can
still be part of the experience.
“We’re encouraging teams to
come early for training camps and
also for them to play their own CWI CEO Johnny Grave
additional warm-up games either
against other participants in the but also the countries that aren’t
World Cup or against some of hosting where facilities can be
our local teams and sides,” Grave used, teams can be welcomed
said.“So hopefully in the build-up and we can make sure that all the
to the World Cup in that month teams are acclimatised and ready
of May, there’ll be lots of activity for the tournament.”
across, not just the host countries Continues on page 39
Saturday, January 6, 2024
guardian.co.tt
Dallas to host opener between USA and Canada
GROUPS
Group A – India, Pakistan, Ireland,
Canada, United States
Group B – England, Australia, Namibia,
Scotland, Oman
Group C – New Zealand, West Indies,
Afghanistan, Uganda, Papua New
Guinea
Group D – South Africa, Sri Lanka,
Bangladesh, the Netherlands, Nepal
(The top two teams from each group
progress to the Super Eights.)
FIXTURES
June 1 – USA vs Canada (Dallas)
June 2 – West Indies vs Papua New
Guinea (Guyana)
June 2 – Namibia vs Oman (Barbados)
June 3 – Sri Lanka vs South Africa (New
York)
June 3 – Afghanistan vs Uganda
(Guyana)
June 4 – England vs Scotland (Barbados)
June 4 – Netherlands vs Nepal (Dallas)
June 5 – India vs Ireland (New York)
June 5 – Papua New Guinea vs Uganda
(Guyana)
June 5 – Australia vs Oman (Barbados)
June 6 – USA vs Pakistan (Dallas)
June 6 – Namibia vs Scotland (Barbados)
June 7 – Canada vs Ireland (New York)
June 7 – New Zealand vs Afghanistan
(Guyana)
June 7 – Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh (Dallas)
June 8 – Netherlands vs South Africa
(New York)
June 8 – Australia vs England (Barbados)
June 8 – West Indies vs Uganda (Guyana)
June 9 – India vs Pakistan (New York)
June 9 – Oman vs Scotland (Antigua
June 10 – South Africa vs Bangladesh
(New York
June 11 – Pakistan vs Canada (New York)
West Indies cricket team will tour Australia from January to February
2024 to play two Test, three ODIsand three T20I matches.
sport 39
Continued from page 38
Dallas will host ICC Men’s T20
World Cup opener between the
USA and Canada on June 1.
Two of world cricket’s biggest
rivals, India and Pakistan, will face
each other in New York on June 9.
The pinnacle ICC men’s T20
event will see a record 20 teams di-
vided into four groups competing
across 55 games for the right to be
crowned ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
Champions 2024, including co-
hosts the West Indies and the USA,
together with the other qualifiers:
Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh,
Canada, England, India, Ireland,
Namibia, Nepal, the Netherlands,
New Zealand, Oman, Pakistan,
Papua New Guinea (PNG), Scot-
land, South Africa, Sri Lanka and
Uganda.
LEFT:
The West Indies lift the ICC World T20
trophy after winning the ICC World
Twenty20 India 2016 Final between
England and the West Indies at Eden
Gardens on April 3, 2016 in Kolkata,
India. PICTURE COURTESY ICC
June 11 – Sri Lanka vs Nepal (Florida)
June 11 – Australia vs Namibia (Antigua)
June 12 – USA vs India (New York)
June 12 – West Indies vs New Zealand
(T&T)
June 13 – England vs Oman (Antigua)
June 13 – Bangladesh vs Netherlands (St
Vincent)
June 13 – Afghanistan vs Papua New
Guinea (T&T)
June 14 – USA vs Ireland (Florida)
June 14 – South Africa vs Nepal (St
Vincent)
June 14 – New Zealand vs Uganda (T&T)
June 15 – India vs Canada (Florida)
June 15 – Namibia vs England (Antigua)
June 15 – Australia vs Scotland (St Lucia)
June 16 – Pakistan vs Ireland (Florida)
June 16 – Bangladesh vs Nepal (St
Vincent)
June 16 – Sri Lanka vs Netherlands (St
Lucia)
June 17 – New Zealand vs Papua New
Guinea (T&T)
June 17 – West Indies vs Afghanistan (St
Lucia)
(Super Eights)
June 19 – A2 v D1 (Antigua)
June 19 – B1 v C2 (St Lucia)
June 20 – C1 v A1 (Barbados)
June 20 – B2 v D2 (Antigua)
June 21 – B1 v D1 (St Lucia)
June 21 – A2 v C2 (Barbados)
June 22 – A1 v D2 (Antigua)
June 22 – C1 v B2 (St Vincent)
June 23 – A2 v B1 (Barbados)
June 23 – C2 v D1 (Antigua)
June 24 – B2 v A1 (St Lucia)
June 24 – C1 v D2 (St Vincent)
(Semifinals & Final)
June 26 – Semifinal 1 (Guyana)
June 27 – Semifinal 2 (T&T)
June 29 – Final (Barbados)
In addition to the match fixtures,
the announcement also highlights
the host countries and iconic
venues that will set the stage for
the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
—JOHNNY GRAVE
CWI chief executive
More on Back page
Sport Saturday, January 6, 2024

Fixtures released for ICC men’s T20 WCup West Indies cricket team will tour
Australia from January to February

T&T GETS SEMI, 4

2024 to play two Test, three ODIs
and three T20I matches.

APPLAUSE

GROUP MATCHES PAGE 38

T&T cyclist ALEXI RAMIREZ
won the “Future Is Female”
Pakistan’s Sajid Khan is award at the Trinidad and
bowled by Australia’s Tobago Olympic Committee
Josh Hazlewood on the annual awards ceremony at the
third day of their cricket Hyatt Regency, Wrightson Road,
Test match in Sydney, Port-of-Spain, on Friday night.
yesterday. See page 32
PICTURE AP
PLAIN TALK

In addition to the match

fixtures, the announcement
also highlights the host
countries and iconic venues
that will set the stage for the
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Each
host country and city will bring
its own unique flavour to the
tournament, and fans from
every corner of the globe can
expect an exciting blend of T20
cricketing entertainment, local
culture and warm hospitality.
— CWI chief executive
JOHNNY GRAVE

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