The death of an innocent Japanese tourist visiting our shores she loved so dearly has riveted the world’s attention to the wrong side of our Carnival—our sweet, sweet T&T has been violated.

T&T Carnival has another side, the right side of a beautiful fun-loving people amassed together in unity of spirit, friendliness, joy and revelry. Carnival, in my view, is a celebration of a rainbow of colours, races, religion and people from all walks of life—local and foreign. 

Where else in the world do so many strangers assemble, drink hard and party hard, and blend into a chorus of assimilation into friendships and comradeship “on the road” chipping behind the truck.

Carnival is substantially more profound than bikini and beads, wine, woman and song—such things are mere branches of a cultural tree embedded with deep T&T roots. 

The spirit of Carnival exposes who and what we Trinbagonians are. Our heritage is rooted in friendliness, we love music and dance, we love the lime which is a reflection of unity of people sharing a good time together in harmony, and we like it so!

Beyond the political and moral constructs of zealots, prejudices and negativity, Carnival transcends the ills of our society and shines a bright light on our people. Carnival removes the human silos that deplete humanity and bonds our people in a cumulative release of the truth of what a Trinbagonian is—we are a fun-loving wonderful people, and yes, we like it so.

I spent my Carnival jumping all over the road. I played J’Ouvert, played mas in Harts, then jumped in Tribe and Fantasy for hours. I picked up Exodus steelpan on the avenue on Tuesday evening and chipped into town; and on Tuesday night I ended my mas chipping down the road with Renegades sweet pan.

I witnessed no “bad behaviour”, no fights or anything other than welcoming faces and new-found friends—even if it was friendships that lasted minutes at a time, it was real and genuine.

On behalf of all Carnival lovers of T&T, our sorrow is deeply felt for the death of one of us, Japanese musician Asami Nagakiya, who lived and exemplified what Carnival truly means, that all ah we is one family and we like it so. Asami’s price for her passion for our music, culture and love for T&T, is metaphorically speaking, a Romeo & Juliet death darkened by violence.

Asami’s passing is a wake-up call that what we like “so” is not “so”! It instructs us that her “sacrifice” for her love of our country is a call to duty of our own citizens to take up patriotic arms to rid our land of crime and make our homeland the paradise Asami believed in.

Brian Stone

The police have intervened in the alleged case of domestic violence that has been circulating on Facebook.

Yesterday the Facebook page of an automobile dealer began to show pictures of an abused woman.

“Been a victim of domestic violence for the last 12 years, and I tried to walk away a million times before, but he always threatened to kill me and my family and loved ones, so I always returned to a life of torture, but now I’ve reached to the point of no return. Lit him kill whoever displeases him. It is not the first and it won’t be the last,” one of the posts on the page stated.

The woman has removed herself and two minor children from the Chaguanas home of the alleged attacker.

The woman is to be interviewed today by the head of the Central Division to determine whether she wishes to press charges against her alleged attacker.

She is also to receive counselling from the Victim and Witness Support Unit and the children are to be referred to the Child Protection Unit and the Children’s Authority.

Following her first post, the wife of the business owner declared that the page was not hacked, and she has decided to make her abuse become public.

“This page was not hacked,” the post stated. “Left him yesterday for good and not turning back this time. He beat me like a dog in front of his business place Wednesday evening. He took my phone, money and vehicle away and told the police officers my two children are not his. Dropped them off in Chaguanas police station without a change of clothes or 25 cents for food.”

Over the last three years and more particularly over the last six-nine months I have read and listened to statements from Azim Bassarath (president of TTCB), Allen Sammy (of TTCB), Surey Ragoonath (CEO of TTCB), and statements emanating from the offices of the WICB. For now I prefer to deal with three issues that will allow cricket lovers throughout the Caribbean to understand just how shallow and superficial I feel the thinking is within the leadership of our cricket.

First issue: The notion that there is a burden to rent the Queen’s Park Oval.

For enlightenment (outside of CPL) we have had no international cricket in Trinidad for the last two years. Historically when things were good we got one Test Match and two One Days or a One Day and a T20 which effectively is seven days of cricket.

Just to maintain the outfield and pitch at the oval requires four full time daily staff (a supervisor and three others) at a five-six days per week, which equates to a weekly wage of $6,000 and an annual wage of $300,000. 

The public must be made aware that to rent the facility for the seven equivalent days is marginally more than this annual cost and this excludes costs associated with soil treatment, chemicals, rollers and a host of other equipment, etc. We have not even talked about maintenance of buildings, insurance, facilities management, etc. 

How can any sensible person even believe that the alternative to the QPCC is to build and outfit and maintain a $1 billion dollar facility to accommodate seven days of cricket at best. And now the same governments are preaching public/private partnership. 

Isn’t that what it should have been from the start? Not a single national entity in the First World entertains the thought of owning a ground. Not the NBA, NFL, England and Wales Cricket Board, Australia Cricket Board, English FA, German FA, etc.

And what is the knock-on effect of this impoverished thinking? No respect for cricket history. 

This unenlightened approach pervades not only Trinidad but the entire Caribbean. 

Let’s take two examples. Instead of coming together with Georgetown Cricket Club, Guyana builds a multi-million dollar stadium out of town (some will say behind God’s back) to be used for a pittance number of days per year and as a result the rich history of Georgetown Cricket Club has been forgotten, the beautiful pavilion a disgrace to its participants—Fredericks, Lloyd, Kallicharan, Kanhai, Gibbs. 

I shudder to think what and where the board with all the Test hundreds and five-wicket halls must look like. 

Similarly Antigua unnecessarily builds a new cricket facility and forsakes the Antigua Recreation Ground with the history of the fastest test hundred by a West Indian and not one, but two individual world batting records. It is now confined to football use. You think we know what we do? 

Second issue: This farce called Professional Retainer Contracts for WI players. 

Is that what it is? This idea that because we pay cricketers to “train daily” across the region makes us professional is a total joke. What we have actually done is turn these so-called professional players into glorified Cepep cricketers. If a player has no real ambition to play for the West Indies but is selected into the programme, where the pay is so significantly better than anything he can dream of earning, don’t the authorities expect the player to milk it? 

Previously the players’ payment was a graded match fee—no first team selection, no big pay. In order to obtain the better wage there was a definite need to compete, to value your physical fitness, your mental preparation. Your entire cricket skill had to improve. Now that we have brought is a Cepep-type approach to the cricket, can anyone tell me if they actually saw a single player on show in the Nagico Super 50 who looked hungry to make it to the top? I saw a host of overweight or unfit players and consistent mediocrity! 

It is amazing to me that our administrators still don’t understand that in world sport—single player events or team events—there must be and will always be superstars. The world understands it but our administrators in the Caribbean still don’t get it. Warne, Lara, Tendulkar, Gayle are they equal to the others? 

Third issue: National development programmes. 

What a waste—another recipe for nepotism and corruption. Every form of development throughout the world of sport is at club level. These clubs then expand links to the community and schools. Regional boards must have offices from where they administer the game but we fool ourselves by giving development money to these regional boards for who to gain? Where does the money go? Is there a real benefit for the sport? 

How local corporate sponsors get pulled into this type of thinking is just unbelievable. QPCC continues to produce a factory of Trinidad and West Indies cricketers. 

Why? We have dedicated Saturday and Sunday coaching programmes for ages seven-15; we have links to all the schools in and around Port-of-Spain; we have links to the entire east/west corridor; our under 19s go on development tours; we have dedicated qualified in-house coaches and not one cent of development money comes from the TTCB. We do it for ourselves because we understand it and live it 365 days a year for 125 years. 

Nepotism, corruption and the grab for power continues unchecked. Unfortunately the administrators don’t know that they don’t know, and worst, the people that vote for them also don’t know that they don’t know. We are doomed without serious intervention.

Brent Augustus

Former Trinidad Under-19 Player & QPCC Captain

Our Windies U-19s cricketers have demonstrated amazing discipline and teamness in winning the 2016 ICC Under-19 World Cup.

As many regional cricket fans did, I saw every ball and particularly enjoyed the mental sharpness, agility and technical skills of the youngsters.

Our bowling was terrific. Our catching was tremendous. Our batting was exquisite. Did you see the two catches, one by Kaecy Carty low to his left in the gully, and the other by Keemo Paul on his bootstraps in the covers? Did you really understand what our wicketkeeper Tevin Imlach did to their opener Pant in stumping him from some 20 yards behind the stumps? What mental sharpness by Tevin! 

What maturity and coolness displayed by Keemo and Kaecy in their 69-run winning partnership. What aggressive batting in earlier matches by our opener Pope.

Catches win matches and with the sound management of this team, our Windies future is back on track again. Thanks coach Graeme West and bowling coach Corey Collymore—we could not have done this without your professional inputs.

I trust that the “misfiring” WICBoard will take serious stock and look to cultivate these 16 youngsters for the future. Give them all the resources to grow, provide them with HPC scholarships to continue to blossom. Assign each youngster with a pedigree cricket mentor in each of the regions. 

Can we get Curtly or Courtney to work with the fast bowlers? Can we get Desmond Haynes or Brian Lara to work with the batsmen. Can we get say a Gus Logie to work with them on fielding.

Go Windies! And we now expect our senior team to bring home the bacon next month. Over to you, Captain Sammy, and don’t you dare drop the ball now.

Ronnie Jones

San Fernando

Congratulations to the West Indies for winning the world cup. They defeated the favourites, India, in Mirpur. This victory was achieved away from home.

This achievement must be recognised. It must not go unnoticed. Well done to the entire team.

This victory could not have come at a better time. West Indies cricket needs it now more than ever. This team is our future, make no mistake about it. Let us keep them together. You do not change a winning team.

No one remembers who came second. Winning is the only thing. Let us continue to rally round the West Indies and knock them down.

AV Rampersad

Princes Town

Reigning champions, Technocrats (men) and Glamorgan (women) will begin defence of their respective titles when the 2016 season of the Flow T&T Volleyball Federation Premier League serves off with a double-header tonight.

In the opening match at the Central Regional Indoor Sports Arena, Chaguanas, Glomargan and long-time rivals Technorats will face off in the women’s curtain raiser from 7pm followed by a men’s duel two hours later to close out the night action which will be repeat of last year’s title matches.

 Prior to the start of the double-header, a brief opening ceremony is expected to take place where Minister of Sports, Darryl Smith, T&T Olympic Committee president Brian Lewis, Managing Director of Flow, Brian Collins and NORCECA vice-president Mushtaque Mohammed are all expected to attend on the invite of T&T Volleyball Federation boss, Daymian Stewart from 6pm. 

The night will also feature a performance by newly-crowned International Soca Monarch winner Aaron “Voice” St Louis. 

This year’s Premier Division will comprise nine men teams and seven women’s clubs battling until May for an overall prize package of $240,000. The men’s tournament will comprise defending champions Technocrats, BIG South East Port-of-Spain (SEPoS), Challengers, Defence Force, Glamorgan, Southern United Volleyball Academy, Titans, Toco Youths Volleyball Academy and T&T Development Academy. 

In the Women’s Premier Division, title-holders Glamorgan, BIG SEPOS,  Southern United Volleyball Academy, Technocrats, University of T&T (UTT), West Side Stars and T&T Development Academy are the competing clubs. The men and women winners will each collect $30,000 while second gets $20,000; third  $15,000; fourth—$10,000 while fifth and sixth will get $7500, and the other placings $5,000 each. 

Last year, reigning Senior Caribbean Zonal Volleyball Association (CAZOVA) Men’s Championship “Most Valuable Player” Simon Blake led Technocrats to the title.

However, Blake who is also part of the national beach volleyball team (Daneil Williams/Fabien Whitfield and Simon Blake/Christian Francois) which got silver in  the Second Round of NORCECA Continental Olympic Qualifiers in Antigua last month to book a Third Round has returned to his home club, Toco Youths Volleyball Academy.

At the club and will link up with Whitfield, Williams, Colin Bernard and Kareem Thomas, all well known beach volleyballers to try and unseat Technocrats which will instead feature a host of young talent led by national players Marlon Phillip, Nicholas Prescott and Newton Grant, the club captain and former national youth skipper as well.  

On the women’s side, Glamorgan boast a wealth of young talent led by Kaylon Cruickshank, Kiana Young, Reann Young, Aliya Ross-Dick, Marisha Hebert and veteran duo, Ayana Dyette and Jalicia Ross-Kydd as they seek to repeat as champions. (NS)

Local athletes Mark London, Deandra Daniel and Khemani Roberts keep impressing on the University circuit with each winning silver in their respective events at the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Indoor Track & Field Championship held in Landover, Maryland, USA on the weekend.

London, in fact, copped two silver medals in the men’s 800 metres and the distance medley event, to help his Coppin State University team close the event sixth in the overall men’s rankings with 57 points. Bethune-Cookman topped with 122 points followed by North Carolina A&T (113), Maryland-Eastern Shore (103.50), Hampton (100), Norfolk State (66) and Maryland-Eastern Shore (49.50), respectively.

Haysean Cowie-Clarke just missed out on advancing to the final of the men’s 60m dash. He clocked 6.89 in the preliminary heats to have the ninth quickest time, not good enough as only the runners with the top eight times progressed. The sophomore clocked 1.53.02 seconds to follow his teammate Alaric Coker (1:52.98) to the line in the 800m. The duo was then joined by Ronaldo Ball and Michael James to place second in 10:20.41 in the medley event.

London also competed in the one mile run and placed 12th in 4:31.53. The Lady Eagles headed into the final day of the three-day Championships on Saturday ranked third overall with 40 points following the second day of events. Daniel, a senior at Coppin State, finished as the runner up in the high jump event, leaping 1.76m. 

Junior Khemani Roberts followed with a fourth place finish matching a season-best measure at 1.70m. 

Roberts gave her team a boost in placing second in the pentathlon with 3,403 points, falling short of first place by only four points. Roberts won the high jump event (1.68m), came second in the shot put (10.78), seventh in the long jump (4.84m), and eighth in both the 60m hurdles (9.39) and 800m run events (2:33.81).

At the end of the final day, the Lady Eagles dropped to fifth with 58 points after 17 scored events at the Championships. Hampton finished ranked first with 143.33 and Florida A&M is in second place with 114 points. Third and fourth were North Carolina A&T (81) and Bethune-Cookman (75).

Breaking point. Trinidad and Tobago is at a crucial place. People make decisions on the basis of agendas. It is about what is convenient and expedient. It matters not what the truth may be. Once it serves their own agenda, that’s it! Fairness and equity is dependent on interests of those who believe that money and more money makes the world go round and round.

Some are allowed the liberty to make mistakes while others are not. What makes the difference? One can only surmise. But what is certain is it is never what it seems.

As the Olympic Movement both here at home and globally comes closer to the August 5 Rio 2016 Olympic Games opening ceremony, the pace of preparation quickens. Coming with it all is the marketing cycle whereby corporate interest in the Olympics is building to a crescendo. Olympic Committees worldwide are in negotiations that will impact revenue generation. 

The Olympic year phase always brings with it new and old challenges. There is no hiding the truth. Here in T&T there has to be some mechanism in place to promote a better situation for sport organisations as rights holders. There are many opportunities to afford citizens a way to enjoy the Rio Olympics. Unlocking the opportunities require a willingness to engage those who have an interest. 

The TTOC has to figure out different and new ways to create new Olympic fans and engage the loyal ones. One gets a sense that the general interest in the Olympics can grow. Creating different ways to engage prospective partners with innovative plans are important, given the changes in demographics, including bringing fans to the digital intersection. 

With Carnival 2016 history, it’s full steam ahead as the TTOC calendar kicks into high gear. Qualifiers for the Rio Olympics will provide athletes with a shot at their Olympic dream in the next months. In all the frenzy, it is necessary to stay focused on what will make a difference. 

At Olympic House no day is the same. Add to the in tray the Zika virus along with the usual variations of problems to be solved, the Olympic road show is on its way. Let’s not forget in all the heady stuff that the TTOC  good governance code initiative remains a focus. Getting it done and done right by end of April is definitely on the cards.

The findings and reports completed following Good Governance Week November 2-7 last year will shortly be circulated to all stakeholders. 

The report, written by professor Leigh Robinson of the University of Stirling sets out the findings of the large number of discussions had with administrators, athletes, members of the media, and government. It sets out the context, highlights a number of issues to do with governance of NSOs and proposes a way forward.

Good Governance, athlete centred and market oriented are the three strategic pillars driving the TTOC forward. Turning back is not an option on the march to 10 or more Olympic Gold medals by the year 2024.

Brian Lewis is president of the T&T Olympic Committee (TTOC). The views expressed are not necessarily those of the Olympic Committee. Support #10 Golds24 Athlete Welfare and Preparation Fund. Purchase your Team TTO tee shirt from any branch of The Fan Club.

A six-race programme represents “short change” for the regular die-hards, who frequent the fibresand course, on which Rain In The Face achieved his best time-handicap mark to date last month, but they should be rewarded by backing Ralph Beckett’s charge in the eight-runner Maiden Stakes over a mile of the “deep stuff!”

Graham Gibbons partnered Rain In The Face and set about sorting out the wheat from the chaff, sending this Naaqoos gelding into the lead from stall one; the pace was strong, it burned off heavily-backed favourite Kaisan, and eight others, but 66/1 chance, Daisy Bere, proved persistent.

Rain In The Face powered on but Karl Burke-trained Daisy Bere joined issue late on and prevailed by a head, Kaisan was six lengths away in third and this form looks solid. “Gibbo” has been booked again, that’s significant because his “boss” David Barron introduces a four-year-old newcomer, Sir Runs a Lot, one of six newcomers that also include Masterful Man, trained by Burke!

We’ve ruled all of them out but know Malton-based “winning machine” Richard Fahey strongly fancies twice-raced Hutton, a Lawman gelding which possesses a similar profile to our selection. We’re swayed by the course and distance form of Rain In The Face and he’s napped with so many important boxes ticked.

Incidentally watch out for Kaisan; realistically he had no chance drawn widest and yet “they” backed him. Money talks! Halfway through February and more quality will “kick in” as we approach the 2016 turf flat season, but my modus operandi will remain a firm focus on all-weather racing, which is absolutely fascinating, not to mention competitive.

Recently an old-time trainer mentioned the fact, “it’s a lot harder nowadays, there are too many triers!” In his time fields of twenty-plus were a regular feature and so his “process of elimination” approach must have involved a lot of knowledge.

Apart from an occasional “dodgy” handicap it is indeed tougher in this day and age, doubtless due to training costs of at least £60 a day; anyone prepared to wait for two months therefore has to “invest” nigh on four grand. Makes your eyes water, doesn’t it?

SELECTIONS

Southwell, 12.15 Rain In The Face (nap); 11.05 Red Unico; 12.50 McVicar.

T&T’s Women Soca Warriors must beat Guyana in their final Group B match of the 2016 Concacaf Women’s Olympic Qualifiers at the BBVA Compass Stadium, Houston, Texas from 5pm tonight in order to advance to the semifinal round. 

Going into tonight’s final round of group matches, two-time Olympic Games qualifiers and London 2012 bronze winners, Canada lead the Group B table with maximum six points from its two matches, 5-0 and 6-0 victories over Guyana and T&T respectively, ahead of its final match against Guatemala tonight from 7.30pm.

Guyana and T&T have three points, having registered similar 2-1 wins over Guatemala. However, Guyana has a better goal-difference of minus-four to T&T’s minus-five and will qualify ahead of T&T to the semifinals, with a draw. T&T have beaten Guyana in their previous recent meetings, 3-0 at home in May 2010 and 4-1 in November 2010, during World Cup qualifiers.

Speaking after his team conceded six goals to Canada on Sunday night, T&T coach Richard Hood said: “We do need to win on Tuesday.”

“We looked at the Guyana game today (Sunday) and we observed some things that we certainly can exploit and hopefully we can go into that game, create our opportunities and take them and win the game.  Our ultimate goal was qualifying for the second round and that is still our goal,” Hood added.

Assessing Guyana, Hood said they had some good technical players. “At the same time, they are not overly athletic and I observed some weaknessess and we will exploit them and hopefully get the result we need.”

On the loss to Canada, Hood said: “Obviously, it was a disappointing result and not the one we had hoped for. I have to give Canada a lot of credit. They are a very strong tactical team and they did well. We had our plans and I think it worked for a while but we weren’t able to carry it on to the best of our abilities.” Last night,  Group A play concluded with a double-header between Mexico and Costa Rica for second spot, followed by world champions USA versus Puerto Rico.

STANDINGS

Group A 
Teams    P    W    D    L    F    A    Pts
USA    2    2    0    0    6    0    6
Mexico    2    1    0    1    6    1    3
Costa Rica    2    1    0    1    9    5    3
Puerto Rico    2    0    0    2    0    15    0
 
Group B  
Canada    2    2    0    0    11    0    6
Guyana    2    1    0    1    2    6    3
T&T    2    1    0    1    2    7    3
Guatemala    2    0    0    2    2    4    0

President of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Dave Cameron has described the withdrawal of Darren Bravo  from the T20 World Cup tournament as unfortunate.

Bravo pulled out of the team, opting instead to  play in the regional  Professional Cricket League (PCL) four-day tournament. In a letter to the WICB, Bravo stated while he was grateful for the opportunity to represent the West Indies at the World Cup, he was of the belief that he had a big part to play in the resurgence of West Indies cricket in the longer formats and preferred to play in the PCL since it would put him in good stead to achieve the goals he set himself for 2016.

Cameron said he was disappointed with that decision but understood the player’s position. He sai that he was happy that the senior players agreed to play in the tournament and he was looking forward to a good performance.

“We are happy that our senior players have signed and we intend to support them to ensure success in India. Not just the men but most importantly our women’s team.”

Cameron said he wanted to meet with the players before the tournament but due to travelling logistics it was difficult. “We have put it out there that we welcome the opportunity to meet with all the players. I was hoping we would have had an opportunity ahead of the World Cup, but they are all leaving from different points and some are in that part of the world already.”

He said Test and ODI captain Jason Holder is at the forefront of trying to get everyone together to discuss the way forward. “We have been speaking to Jason about how we move the process forward and he has promised to facilitate a forum for us to speak.”

Cameron who is very proud of the West Indies youth team victory at the Under-19 World Cup added that now is the time for all stakeholders especially the senior players to come on board and take the cricket forward.

“This is our time—we just need to trust the process, we need to continue to be critical but not personal and things will work out well for all concerned.”

He said West Indies will have a Test team of which we can be proud in 2017. “I would like to see our best players play in our PCL, play CPL and those who can get a county contract in the UK so be it, and we have an A team tour later this year. Our PCL season begins in November 2016 and we would be ready to determine those best fit to take us forward. We need to make sure that the players will last and that they are best suited when they are introduced.”

Ryan Hadeed

For the past few years, Hollywood has been cashing in on a winning combination of film genre—the young adult drama set in the dystopian future. Whether it’s the fight against an oppressive tyranny in The Hunger Games or rejecting conformity in Divergent, the adolescent protagonists face incredible odds and always triumph over evil. 

But take away the dramatic storyline of saving civilisation and the compulsory romantic subplot, and what we are left with is the disturbing message that the young will end up paying for the mistakes of their elders. 

Already this cost is being exacted upon many of our young citizens living along the east-west corridor. Their struggle for survival isn’t an exciting tale of tomorrow, but a reality of their today; one that seldom ends with “happily ever after.”

Carnival is behind us, and Trinbagonians are already looking forward to the long Easter weekend. Life, for the most part, has returned to normal. The same, however, cannot be said for the families of the two Laventille teenagers who were recently slain. 

When a young life ends, especially at the hands of violence, it is a gross violation of the natural order. What compounds this tragedy is that these weren’t would-be bandits “liming” on the corner, but secondary school students who were hailed as examples of the light that could exist in the darkness of the ghetto. 

And instead of spreading like a righteous fire, their promising light was suddenly and prematurely extinguished. 

What remains is the morbid certainty that it’s only a matter of time before the ongoing turf war between rival gangs claims another victim. Such is the insult to the memory of those innocent lives that more hasn’t been done to break the cycle. For while those communities continue to reel from those losses, the rest of the nation has long forgotten their names.

With regards our dysfunctions, be they social, political, or economic, public outcry has less to do with finding a solution and more to do with assigning blame. Take the recent murder of the female Japanese national for example—even before a cause of death had been determined, Mayor Tim Kee had taken it upon himself to chastise women for their behaviour, implying that they are partially at fault for “inviting” unwanted sexual advances. 

So when it comes to the long-existing issue of crime, poverty, and how it affects at-risk youth, our reaction of misplacing responsibility is no different. Even though there already exists a wealth of information with respect to causes and preventative measures, instead of implementing them we turn to blame. 

We blame the youth for their delinquency and poor choices. We blame the parents; young unwed mothers and absent fathers alike. We blame the school system and religious authorities who have given up too easily. 

And we blame the Government of the day, especially the PNM for not doing more for “their people.”

We are now in midst of the Roman Catholic season of Lent, a time of spiritual and personal reflection. 

I’ve always appreciated the multitude of ways in which my life has been blessed, especially when compared to those who are less fortunate. 

I recall the opening passage of The Great Gatsby, a tome of American literature written by F Scott Fitzgerald and published in 1925. It reads, “In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I’ve been turning over in my mind ever since. ‘Whenever you feel like criticizing(sic) any one,’ he told me, ‘just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had.’” 

I have no doubt that my personal achievements were made that much easier by the availability of certain “advantages.” It therefore begs the question—if my peers in Laventille have the same, mightn’t their lives turn out differently as well? Then again, maybe our apathy has become so entrenched that some lives just don’t matter, and we are satisfied with simply playing the “blame game” and doing little else.

Following the murder of Ms Nagakiya on Carnival Tuesday, the nation was united in its shock and anguish. 

And while her loss should not be minimised, we should nonetheless be ashamed that the same level of public outcry and outpouring isn’t provoked when our own citizens perish in equally senseless circumstances. 

Before any meaningful change can occur for the benefit of the impoverished and vulnerable members of our society, we must recognise that their lives are no less important. So to the students, De-Neil Smith and Mark Richards, I apologise on behalf my country; we have failed you.

My recent visit to a popular supermarket chain, made me realise they should revert to their former name, since they are charging high prices when they should be low. I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered that the cost on some of the items I usually purchased remained the same, so I didn’t bother to observe the cash register on check out. 

You can thus imagine my chagrin on getting home and checking my bill—instead of revising the prices of goods to reflect the new and supposedly reduced VAT inclusive cost, they are charging 12.5 per cent on former VAT inclusive prices. We paying 27.5 per cent VAT!

As expected, we the consumers are paying more for items that should have seen a reduction in costs. Didn’t we predict this? No one cares how the people survive. “It’s food,” they say, “they will pay whatever price.” And indeed we are paying the price! A high one indeed.

Needless to say I made use of the email given by consumer affairs and I was given assurance that “officers from the Consumer Affairs Division are currently out in their numbers and will be monitoring and regulating the market to correct such inconsistencies.” Despite this assurance I have absolutely no faith that changes will be made at this or any other supermarket. These businessmen continue to behave unscrupulously and our accounting agencies continue to let them.

Have you noticed how quiet our country has become? Where are all the union leaders who were so vociferous in fighting for the people’s rights? Where is the MSJ who spoke vehemently against corruption? Fixin T&T no longer wants things fixed? They probably all peeling cassava. 

I suggest that all wholesalers/suppliers take the time to advertise their revised prices given the VAT reduction, so we the citizens can be aware of the prices we should be paying. Bmobile, Kiss Baking and Angostura have done it and I say kudos to them.

So when you’re grocery shopping, walk with your calculators and your voice to demand fairness.

Ingabyrth Alexander

For some weeks now the major groceries in Tunapuna and El Dorado, which I frequent, have not put price stickers of a lot of food items. 

This, I feel, is so unfair to shoppers as they have no idea of the cost of products until they reach the cashier.

I suspect these groceries are milking the VAT change-over period to gouge out the eyes of shoppers. 

Is there any legislation in place which mandates that price stickers must be placed on items for sale? 

If not, then maybe there should be. 

This is one way consumers can be protected from unscrupulous merchants.

George McPherson.

I was reading a letter attributed to Soraya Aziz in Monday’s T&T Guardian and when I reached paragraph eight, I was so incensed, not at what Soraya was saying, but in support of it, and I just had to start writing this!

She was doing some number crunching, trying to figure the VAT etc, and she said in the last line of paragraph eight that “all my percentages should equal 12.5 per cent.” And that is where she is wrong! Her question as to whether businessmen were having a field day at consumers’ expense is very apt in this regard. 

Consider that the shelf prices are usually VAT inclusive. Consider the math involved to figure the price before 15 per cent and increase that price by the new 12.5 per cent and you will really see the advantage that is taking place! 

So the point is that her prices should not have all increased by 12.5 per cent, but they should have been reduced by 15 per cent then increased by 12.5 per cent, thus ensuring a 2.5 per cent reduction which would actually remain in the consumers’ pocket! Ha ha! Fat chance!

Soraya also questioned how was the “ordinary consumer” to know if he or was being exploited. Well, someone from my office told me that the prices started going up around Christmas. I halfway disbelieved her, mostly because I had done all of my shopping already and wasn’t due to go grocery shopping before the end of January. 

Well, I actually never went until the end of the first week in February. What a shock! I went to PriceSmart, and in chatting about the prices with one of the cashiers at checkout, she looked around to see who was around then told me that she advised her “regulars” to buy as much as they could because prices were going up in January, then again in February (with and without the VAT)! Talk about exploitation!

When I say that my mouth fell wide open, I am not exaggerating! 

In addition to which I also shop at Tru Valu (sorry but Massy is just too expensive), and I can tell you that the main problem is that the so-called Consumer Affairs Dept is on an extended vacation. They will deny it; they will say not enough or no staff and all sorts of things, but I don’t want to hear their excuses! They check nothing and do nothing! I really have no hesitation in saying that it is criminal what these people, these businessmen, are doing to their “loyal” customers. 

I am going back to the Central, Chaguanas and Tunapuna markets and will be bargaining with poultry shop people (again) from now on!

Soraya gyrl, I am not wasting my time trying to download any form or even looking for time off to visit any office. And that is mainly because wild horses could not drag me to Duncan Street in Port-of-Spain. Nuff said. 

Rotigirl

I am truly saddened and horrified at what has happened to Asami. Heartfelt condolences. 

I am also intrigued by the fact that usually complacent Trinis have formed a band to get the mayor out! Well, since he has resigned, the victory should spur us on. 

The next petition and march should be against the Supermarkets Association and retail businesses which have raised every single item on the shelves. Some who are still charging 15 per cent VAT. And those who have raised prices on zero-rated items. 

While we protesting on the mayor we might drop down from lack of nourishment! Womantra, start a protest and march for mothers whose salaries are the same and who will now have a harder time feeding their children. 

Let the petitions and marches continue. Only time will tell for nine days Trinis! 

Roxanne Martin

At the death of someone, more so as a result of murder, when there is deep sadness, grief and emotions are fragile, it is not the time for rebuke or generalisations. But would the public outcry have been the same if the Mayor of Port-of-Spain’s comments were made on a different occasion? Could it be a case of bad timing?

Is it possible that the Mayor was trying to send a message about the dangerous times in which we now live and that woman in particular, who are usually the subjects of abuse, should consciously take steps for personal safety?

While a woman may consider it her right to behave as she feels publicly, the fact is that there are sick individuals within public spaces who may interpret such behaviour as an invitation to encroach upon her person.

There was a time in the past, when a woman could count on a man to come to her rescue even if he were a stranger; when children were relatively safe in the company of adults; when citizens looked out for and warned visitors of potential dangers. But times have changed.

Perhaps the Mayor was so affected by the death of this young woman that he was seeking to warn women to heed the times and adjust accordingly. Could this be a case of timely advice but bad timing?

Phyllis Joseph,

Motivational Speaker, 

Counsellor, Author

I am in awe at the insanity in response at the PoS Mayor’s statement. I agree he was insensitive and compounded the error by repeating his message as more facts became known, but I don’t understand the outrage. 

I don’t know where all these feminists came from but their actions are questionable at best and laughable at worst. They seem to be angry at the Mayor for telling it as it is, while no one seems to be putting pressure on the police to solve this murder (with all the fuss you might even forget that there was a murder!) 

One of them even bared her behind in protest, blissfully unaware that by doing so she was doing exactly the kind of crass behaviour the Mayor was complaining about! 

I don’t understand what women are complaining about in T&T—we are a “western” society and the fact of the matter is women are pretty much equal and even surpass men in many aspects. Women can vote, do better in schools/education, HR departments are primarily women, the justice system is slanted towards women in many aspects (child custody/divorce etc). 

The real question is: when are men’s issues going to get an equal position in terms of visibility and resources? It is primarily men who are murdered but you don’t see anyone raising this kind of public outrage for the victims, regardless of how they were clothed. 

There are limited resources for men who are the victims of rape (regardless by a man or woman) and in fact male rape in prison is primarily treated as a joke by society. Not to mention that there is no real defence for a man against fake rape claims made by a woman (who remains unpunished even when claims are proven false). 

The people currently talking about “sexism” and “gender-based violence” are referring to the wrong gender. For those that feel disadvantaged you need to understand that equality and equity are two different concepts that should not be confused.

R Samaroo

I know that what I shall be saying will be a surprise and that it will even attract the odium of countless readers. Before proceeding further, I must say that I join all right-thinking citizens in condemning the murder of Japanese national Asami Nagakiya and do earnestly hope that this will be one of the crimes which the police will be successful in solving satisfactorily and this, in record time. 

It is clear that the near-nakedness of the costume which Ms Nagakiya was wearing at the time of her murder is not in doubt, however that in itself, (or for any reason whatsoever) cannot on any account be acceptable as a reason for snuffing out her life. 

Unfortunately, while a direct link between this and her murder will most likely not be established, in his haste to condemn the lewd behaviour as well as the scantiness of apparel which masqueraders have been wearing, Mayor Tim Kee unwittingly made reference to Ms Nagakiya’s murder although the circumstances of her death were not yet at hand, the assumption being that these taken together, were the cause of attracting her murderer.

One lesson which this episode should teach high public officials, more especially ministers, is the need for them to weigh most carefully what they wish to say before opening their mouths. 

Since assuming office as Mayor, Mr Tim Kee has been making a commendable effort to come to terms with the many seemingly intractable problems of long standing with which the Port-of-Spain Corporate Area has been faced. 

While one does not have to agree with this assertion completely it nevertheless tells us something in respect of this subject case. In this regard, I pose two questions: 

(1) by confining themselves only to the Mayor’s faux pas, are the protesters casting a blind eye on the matter of lewdness which seems to be becoming more and more evident at Carnival time—a matter to which the Mayor is said to have referred on more than one occasion in the past?

(2) are they also casting a blind eye on the past contributions of the mayor to society? 

All in all I am sensing even more than a political input here! 

Errol O C Cupid, 

Trincity, Tacarigua