The High Court will next month hear an application by members of the Highway Re-route Movement to stop work on the disputed Debe to Mon Desir segment of the Solomon Hochoy Highway extension. The matter came up for hearing before Justice James Aboud, at the Hall of Justice, Port-of-Spain, but was deferred to October 18 to allow the organisation and the State more time to submit documents to the court. A related lawsuit over the construction of the $7 billion project is scheduled to be heard before the same judge on October 28.

In an interview after the case was adjourned, the group’s leader environmentalist Dr Wayne Kublalsingh said they would continue with its protest action outside the Prime Minister’s office, in St Clair until the matters were decided before the court. “We will continue our vigil outside the Office of the Prime Minister, because this matter is just not about courts deciding things. Justice Aboud cannot decide on this matter ultimately. This is a matter between the people and the Government,” Kublalsingh said. 

In its application, which was filed on Wednesday, the group is seeking a conservatory order stopping construction of the controversial section of the highway. The group is also seeking to amend its substantive case to tender fresh evidence, including a report from a technical committee which examined the highway project.

Delivering preliminary submissions yesterday, Russell Martineau, SC, who is heading the State’s legal team, questioned the timing of the application, saying the group was given several opportunities, during hearings of the substantive case last year, to apply for the injunction, but refused to do so. In response, the group’s attorney Senior Counsel Fyard Hosein said that his clients had not sought the injunction before because construction work at Debe to Mon Desir did not start until Tuesday. 

“There was no need for it before, but the dynamics has now changed,” Hosein said. He claimed when a report on the highway was commissioned last year, his clients were given an undertaking that construction work would be put on hold until the determination of the substantive lawsuit. The report, which was prepared by a team of 17 professionals led by former Independent senator Dr James Armstrong, said construction work should be stopped immediately to allow further scientific assessments to take place. 

Hosein said the Government paid almost $700,000 for the report and his clients were given a legitimate expectation that the Government would abide by its findings. Martineau disputed this point. “There was no promise. That is just ole talk,” he said. He said work on the highway had begun since last year and never stopped. “Work is going on, so let it go on,” he said. 

Martineau said there were major macro-economic concerns relating to the highway’s construction and the injunction would cost the State significantly because of third-party rights of contractors. The State is also being represented Senior Counsel Deborah Peake and attorneys Kelvin Ramkisson, Gerald Ramdeen and Shastri Roberts. Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj, SC, and Rishi Dass are part of the group’s legal team. 

A Trinidadian woman who migrated to New York to escape an abusive relationship was shot dead by her estranged lover in the West Indian community in Brooklyn. Sellis Gonzales, 44, the mother of two, was killed instantly. The killer sent her daughters on an errand to a nearby eatery before he committed the act. 

In a telephone interview yesterday from Brooklyn, Kirt Gonzales, the brother of the dead woman, said for women to stay in an abusive relationship on the premise that the man will change only results in more pain and even worse, death. He said his sister was shot six times around 8.45 pm on Wednesday. A report from the New York Daily Mail said Sellis’ daughters Khadija, 15, and Alyssa, five, were given $8 by the killer to get food at a nearby chicken eatery.

When they got back some 15 minutes later, they found their mother motionless on the floor. She had been shot three times in the head and midsection, police sources told the newspaper. The Daily Mail said police identified Sallis’ ex-boyfriend as Eric McCormick, 40, who remained at large yesterday. Sellis moved to Brownsville, Brooklyn, when she was 31, as a result of trying circumstances.

“My sister’s second baby’s father used to also abuse her and when I found out I immediately told her to pack her bags and I sent a ticket for her. I wanted her out of that situation. I wanted her to have a better life and to get away from the abuse,” Gonzales said. He never thought his sister would again end up in another abusive relationship. Relatives, he said, tried “many times” to coax Sallis to end the relationship with the suspect but she did not take heed.

“I guess it was just a matter of dating the wrong guy. My mom and I spoke to my sister many, many times,” Gonzales said. “She wanted to let go but she couldn’t. I think it’s really a matter of women having respect for themselves and to demand that respect from the person they are with.” Despite the abuse he never thought his sister would be killed. “I mean she was shot six times. I thought it would be a black-and-blue eye but I never thought she would be killed. I was not expecting death,” he added.

He said he intended to apply for legal custody of his nieces. Urging women to immediately “walk away” when they spot the first sign of abuse, Gonzales said the message must be spread that women must not be subjected to any type of abuse, whether physical, mental or emotional.

Northern Division police yesterday recovered two high-powered assault rifles and a cache of ammunition during an exercise in Carapo, Arima. Investigators said shortly after 7 am, police led by Insp Wayne Baptiste were on patrol near Spring Road, Carapo, when they arrested the 28-year-old suspect and found the gun hidden in the bush. Police described the weapons as an American-made AR-15 and an AK-47 assault rifle, which is manufactured in Russia. The officers also recovered 65 rounds of assorted ammunition.

The suspect is believed to be a member of a criminal gang in the community. He is expected to be charged with illegal firearm and ammunition possession and will appear in the Arima Magistrates Court on Monday morning. Police said the high-powered rifles will be taken to the Forensic Science Centre in St James for ballistic testing to determine if they were used in recent shootings or murders in east Trinidad.

Meanwhile, a 63-year-old Nigerian doctor and his 28-year-old son remain in police custody after a quantity of high-grade marijuana and ammunition were recovered at their D’Abadie home on Thursday night. Around 9.15 pm on Thursday night, police searched the family’s Bregon Park, D’Abadie, home, and found three kilos of marijuana and 17 rounds of .44 ammunition hidden in a bedroom. 

The father and son are expected to appear before an Arima magistrate on Monday. Both exercises were co-ordinated by Senior Supt David Abraham and included Sgts Pitt and Parks. 

The collapse of the State’s case against a police officer charged with murder affects public confidence in the police service, according to general secretary of the Police Social and Welfare Association. Insp Michael Seales was commenting on the case of detective Darwin Ghouralal which ended earlier this week after a magistrate ruled there was insufficient evidence to cause him to stand trial for the 2011 murder of eight-year-old Daniel Guerra.

Seales said: “The association, having taken into account that the matter itself fell through as a consequence of the evidence gathered, would want the police officers and the DPP’s office to take a hard look at itself and do some introspection. “The association’s view is that when matters of such a nature collapse, it does not augur well for the police service in restoring its image or the public’s confidence. “The issue is that when the opportunity presents itself to the police service, it is a one shot and done.”

On Wednesday, Ghouralal, who has 15 years’ service, was released after two-and-a-half years at the Golden Grove Prison in Arouca. However, after Senior Magistrate Rajendra Rambachan dismissed the charge on the basis that a prima-facie case had not been made, the State led by Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Joan Honore-Paul announced that the prosecution would be seeking a judge’s warrant, to review the magistrate’s decision.

This meant that although the charge was dropped, a High Court judge could indict Ghouralal again on the murder charge, if there is sufficient evidence to support the charge. Seales said there should be no room for error when indicting a person for murder because of the lengthy period he or she would spend in prison before the matter is heard.

“There is no room for a margin of error, taking into account that people who are placed before the court and have to wait a protracted time for the matter to be heard and then you have a result such as this. The association’s view is that type of circumstance should be severely criticised. “The association condemns those matters that are akin to an abuse of process because more often than not that person would have spent time in prison, would have lost part of his life and no matter whether they win or not, they incur a severe loss.

“Justice is not just one side, not just the victim. We also have to look at the accused and in this circumstance, the police officer would have also become a victim because of the lengthy period it took for his trial. “His family would have been severely traumatised and would have lost a considerable amount of income and no amount of compensation could assist in them getting back on their feet. That is why the police service has a responsibility, on its first attempt, to get it right.”

Seales also expressed condolences to Guerra’s family, who he said would have to relive the trauma after the case against Ghouralal collapsed. “The association expresses its condolences to the family, having regard that they would have suffered the experience twice, once when the child would have died and now on this occasion when the matter has collapsed in court.”

“Success is not a secret, it is hard work and learning from failures.” These were the words of advice Naparima Girls’ High School scholarship winner Shalini Maharaj shared with her former schoolmates yesterday, as she joined 20 of the school’s 40 scholarship winners at a special assembly at the San Fernando school’s auditorium. While Naps received the most scholarships overall with four open and 36 additional, St Augustine Girls’ High School topped the nation with 18 open as well as 19 additional.

Maharaj, addressing the students, attributed her words of wisdom to her father, who she said was instrumental in motivating her to succeed, as well as, her mother. She stressed the importance of setting goals and effective time management. “What you put in is what you get out. Boys, Facebook, BBM (BlackBerry Messenger) will always be there—you need to focus on school,” she advised.

Many of the other scholarship winners who addressed the packed auditorium encouraged the students to believe in themselves no matter what and keep their faith in God. “God does not limit you, so do not limit yourself,” said Sarah Balkaran, who broke down in tears after she dedicated her scholarship to her grandfather, who died last year. 

Sherry Rambadan, who won an additional scholarship (science), reminded her peers about the importance of friendship and urged them to work together. “You have to help each other out,” she said. “Look at my friends, they are up here (on stage) with me. When you reach the top you do not want to be alone. You want to be there with people you love and trust.” 

Former Naps head girl Aneel Baintold students to “never give up.” She said the worst thing a student can do is “throw a pity party and cry and say, ‘I can’t do this, this is too hard.’ “If you are going to do it, go all the way and do it. Do not do it half-heartedly,” she urged.
After the assembly, the scholarship winners were mobbed by excited schoolmates who warmly embraced them and congratulated them on their success.

Naps principal Carolyn Gosine said the feeling of winning 40 scholarships was “indescribable.” She said it was the most scholarships the school had ever received. Gosine attributed the school’s success to the hard work of the students themselves.

“The girls worked really hard and the parents were very supportive. I think the teachers worked really hard with them and I think in our school all members of staff played a role in some way. The way we have everything here it is integrated. I believe that the success of our students is reflective of the togetherness and the team spirit that we have here,” she said. Gosine added that she hopes next year the school can improve their results and she knows the scholarship winners will continue to excel.

“I know they will continue to aim for excellence,” she said. Barrackpore Senior Comprehensive (Barrackpore West) principal Jermaine Gray could not contain her excitement after she learned students Devanan Ramdath and Saeed Khan had got scholarships. “We at Barrackpore West are extremely elated,” Gray said. “We expected it because the boys work extremely hard. We encouraged them and we are so happy that we got the scholarships. Our last scholarship was two years ago.” 

She described Ramdath and Khan as “bright, intelligent young men.” However, she stressed that they were not only involved in academics. “They were not only into their books, they took part in everything we had to offer at the school. They were all-round students. They received their just rewards,” she said. 

The abuse of businesses and financial institutions for the purpose of money laundering and financing of terrorism has an adverse effect on the economy and the wider society, says Finance Minister Larry Howai. Speaking in yesterday’s 2013 budget debate in the Senate, Tower D, Waterfront Centre, Wrightson Road, Port-of-Spain, Howai said the Government’s fight against crime must include continuing to move on money laundering and similar white-collar crimes.

Howai said T&T had gained recognition in the fight against money laundering and financing of terrorism issue with its adoption of Financial Intelligence Unit structures. He said the Government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy that no effort will be spared to arrest the culture of criminality. Howai said the Government was addressing the crime scourge via short-, medium- and long-term plans and has increased the 2014 national security allocation to $6.5 billion, up from $5 billion. “We will win the war on crime,” he added.

Howai said the gambling and gaming industry had the potential to fuel crime and other social ills and the Government was dealing with this via a governance structure including a governing body and upcoming law. A participatory approach is being used to regulate the industry via interim measures in the budget, he said. Opposition senator Lester Henry, who described the budget as “a eat-ah-food madness,” added, “This UNC cabal really know how to spend.” 

While saying the Government’s policy of giving some incentives was not necessarily wrong, he said it should state the net effect on the economy. He repeated a call by former Central Bank governor Ewart Williams at a recent UWI budget workshop which Henry attended: that Government should account for revenues forgone in various areas.

Henry also called for “serious” revenue-earning projects. Admitting he had not seen the IMF’s latest report, he asked nevertheless whether the IMF had expressed concern about achieving a balanced budget by 2016 and “poor governance” affecting the economy. Accusing WASA of being the “biggest feeding frenzy,” Henry claimed WASA had not met its target of 1,200 employees accepting Voluntary Separation of Employment packages (VSEP). Water Resources Minister Ganga Singh said 750 had taken VSEP.

Henry’s repeated accusations of “corruption, corruption” levelled at the Government were answered with equal fervour by government senator Gerald Hadeed who declared, “Allegation, allegation.” The budget debate will end in the Senate Monday, government officials said. 

Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley says the Government is being “cavalier” about concerns raised by seismologists and scientists over the proximity of the $1.5 billion Couva Children’s Hospital to the earthquake-active Central Range Fault in Preysal. Rowley, speaking with reporters during a walkabout at Fanny Village, Point Fortin on Thursday afternoon, expressed concern over the Government’s response to the arguments put forward by scientists about the hospital’s location.

On Monday Lloyd Lynch, a research fellow in instrumentation at the UWI Seismic Research Centre, in an exclusive T&T Guardian article, expressed reservations about the earthquake parameters (the earthquake magnitude a building could withstand) being used in the hospital’s design. Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan and Dr Roodal Moonilal, after discussing the matter with government technocrats, said the design is structurally sound.

Shanghai Construction, a Chinese firm, has been given the green light to continue construction of the hospital. However, Rowley is not satisfied with the government’s approach. The Opposition Leader, who is a geologist, said, “The Government is being very cavalier. I have filed a question in the Parliament asking specific information about who is taking responsibility to ensure the designs meet the potential earthquake hazards as indicated by scientific work.”

He said he knows one of the scientists who did the work and “there is evidence that should serve as cause for caution. “But government doesn’t care. That is not the approach we need,” he said. Lynch’s comments followed similar concerns raised last month by seismologist Dr Joan Latchman. A group of engineers, calling themselves Engineers Anonymous, also expressed concerns. They are contending that the fault line poses a significant seismic threat to T&T and the hospital.

Rowley said it is possible to build on an earthquake zone as they do all over the world, “but your designs have to meet certain standards and what we want to know is that the designs meet the earthquake standards.” He stressed that hospitals are supposed to be designed “up to the highest standards and therfore we asked the questions in the Parliament and we await the answers.” 

The Association of Professional Engineers (APETT) will host a seminar next week with Udecott officials and Dr Derek Gay, who did the geotechnical tests on the site. Engineers Anonymous, in a statement, maintained that the geotechnical report is not enough to guide designers and urged government to do a seismic hazard analysis.

The East St George Hunters Group said the two-year ban on hunting is unjustified. In an interview, president of the organisation Chaitram Sonneylall said the ban would increase the cost of wild meat and poaching. He said it would also put pressure on the 14 game wardens and the approximately 200 volunteers. 

Environment and Water Resources Minister Ganga Singh announced the ban during Thursday’s post-Cabinet news conference at the Office of the Prime Minister, St Clair. The minister also said significant fines and jail terms would be imposed on anyone who breaches the ban which takes effect from October 1­, the date the season was scheduled to be opened.

Sonneylall said the only real solution for establishing a databank and maintaining a credible database on wildlife is for the authorities to partner with the sport hunting fraternity so a meaningful and effective conservation plan can be put in place and be enforced, while allowing sport hunters to enjoy their sport. “While conservation groups have lobbied to protect the local wildlife population, we the sport hunters are advocating there is no justification for any  ban on domestic sport hunting,” Sonneylall said.

He called on veterinarian Dr Sanjay Ramdath, who signed a paid advertisement in the T&T Guardian in support of the proposal, to provide the data confirming the decline of any of the hunted species listed in Schedule II of the Conservation of Wildlife Act. 

“If there is any decrease to a sustainable wildlife population, it is not due to the effects of sport hunting, but rather, in the main, to the effects of habitat destruction and fragmentation, caused by (inter alia), oil exploration, quarrying, housing, urbanisation, highway construction, industries and agriculture.” Sonneylall said sport hunters possess the most accurate knowledge of where wildlife populations are abundant and suggested that any such survey could be done during the seven month closed season.

• ASJA Boys’ College, San Fernando (3)
Abdul Mohammed - Additional
Sanjay Bhagoutie - Additional
Christopher Chang - Additional

• ASJA Girls’ College, San Fernando (14)
Shivana Mohammed - Open
Shaleema Ali - Additional
Aneesa Ali - Additional
Anushka Maharaj - Additional
Stephanie Levia- Additional
Vanita Maharaj - Additional
Ruqayyah Baksh- Additional
Tanuja Balkeran - Additional
Amrita Birbal - Additional
Talia Boodoosingh - Additional
Safiyyah Mohammed - Additional
Shaleeza Mohammed - Additional
Alynthea Roberts - Additional
Sonia Singh - Additional

• ASJA Boys’ College, Charlieville (1)
Shiva Ramdeen - Additional

• Arima Central Secondary (1)
Safiya George - Additional

• Barrackpore Senior Comprehensive (2)
Devanan Ramdath - Additional
Saeed Khan - Additional

• Bishop Anstey & Trinity College East (14)
Rhoshenda Ellis - Additional
Renee Pierre - Additional
Varisha Branker - Additional
Justine Dolabaille - Additional
Janique Mitchell - Additional
Adele Dolabaille - Additional
Cuishan Liu - Additional
Srivane Basdeo-Richard - Additional
Aneka Thomas - Additional
Tamika Thomas - Additional
Keeron Tull - Additional
Varij Gosine - Additional
Daenia La Rode - Additional
Sherneil Stewart - Additional

• Bishop Anstey High School (16)
Kai Williams - Open
Sade Beckles - Additional
Simone Fletcher - Additional
Franka Primus - Additional
Kandice Smith - Additional
Chantal Waldropt - Additional
Sharlee Barkarr - Additional
Kafi Warner - Additional
Jessica Yawching - Additional
Anrea Charles - Additional
Simone Creed - Additional
Tamara Joseph - Additional
Nickesha Millette - Additional
Khadija Moses - Additional
Dionne Reid - Additional
Celine Choo Woon Chee - Additional

• Bishop High School Tobago (2)
Dhwane Henry - Additional
Lemuel Phillip - Additional

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Roland Ganga - Additional
Nicholet Mohammed - Additional
Matthew Ragoonanan - Additional
Aaron Roopnarine - Additional
Feliscia Belfon - Additional

• Fatima College (8)
Brendan Hatch - Open
Stephen Yearwood-Davidson - Open
Krystoff Kissoon - Additional
Sebastien-Marc Camacho - Additional
Jean-Louis Devaux - Additional
Levi Mahadeo - Additional
Akil Olliverrie - Additional
Yvan Pierre - Additional

• Fyzabad Anglican Secondary School (1)
Chantal Charles-Nation - Additional

• Hillview College (31)
Aaron Joseph - Open
Adam Khan - Open
Stephen Prince - Open
Umesh Maharaj - Additional
Leeanna La Borde - Additional
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Vance Ragbir - Additional
Kishen Seyjagat - Additional
Ananda Gobin - Additional
Ariel Ali - Additional
Kirish Balram - Additional
Kiran Hosein - Additional
Haleem Baksh - Additional
Hemanth Boppana - Additional
Keenan Chatar - Additional
Amrit Cooblal - Additional
Kindale Ellis - Additional
Corrado Figaro - Additional
Sesh Gowrie-Sankar - Additional
Jeremy Jogie - Additional
Nickash Kungbeharrysingh - Additional
Miranda Maharaj - Additional
Rajiv Maharaj - Additional
Jibril Mohamed - Additional
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Shiva Seebaransingh - Additional
Khaleel Sinanan - Additional
Vashish Sirjoosingh - Additional
Devesha Tewari - Additional
Trevon Tewari - Additional
Shiva Ramoudith - Additional

• Holy Faith Convent, Couva (24)
Stefanie Ganga - Open
Kimberly Maynard - Open
Kaara Sant - Open
Nicole Babwah - Additional
Sarekha Ramessar - Additional
Shivanna Roopchan - Additional
Renee Austin - Additional
Sharda Babwah - Additional
Candace Bennett - Additional
Sarika Chandoo - Additional
Arianne Daniel - Additional
Summer Eligon - Additional
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Priya Jaglal - Additional
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Sideeqa Mohammed - Additional
Reshmi Nanansingh - Additional
Jolean Ramdeen - Additional
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Thalia Singh - Additional
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Brenda Wong - Additional

• Holy Faith Convent, Penal (9)
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Shastine Ali - Additional
Taylor Ford - Additional
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Kama Jaggernauth - Additional
Renata Ramsoondar - Additional

• Holy Name Convent, Port-of-Spain (9)
Taya Serrao - Open
Sarah Munroe - Additional
Amanda Ameerali - Additional
Sitara Gosein - Additional
Kemisha Kerr - Additional
Meagan Thorpe - Additional
Mariella Wiltshire - Additional
Anabelle Castagne - Additional
Mairi Millar - Additional

• Iere High School (4)
Judy Deonarine - Additional
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Roshan Seepersad - Additional

• Lakshmi Girls’ Hindu College (14)
Krystal Andrews- Open
Vanita Dalipram - Open
Harisha Harracksingh - Open
Sasheka Daljitsingh - Additional
Elina Debysingh - Additional
Vanna Gobin - Additional
Sara Mohammed - Additional
Jayanti Teeluckdharry - Additional
Shreedevi Sahadeo - Additional
Amrika Garib  - Additional
Sushmela Harrinarine - Additional
Arianne Lalla - Additional
Adilah Mahabir - Additional
Christianne Manraj - Additional

Marabella Senior Comp School (1)
Nirmala Jonas - Additional

Naparima College (31)
Kerron Donawa - Open
Rishi Latchmepersad - Open
Vivek Chhatrapati Maharaj - Open
Sachin Moosay - Open
Josh Ragbir- Open
Nicholas Harrilal - Open
Denesh Baboolal - Additional
Akiri Heath-Adams - Additional
David Leonard - Additional
Chadd Pirali - Additional
Shivendra Dookie - Additional
Arvind Maharaj - Additional
Kelan Mc Lean - Additional
Romel Ramjitsingh - Additional
Ronald Ramsaroop - Additional
David Tam - Additional
Aadil Ali- Additional
Srikar Bathi - Additional
Riad Beharry - Additional
Liam Bhajan- Additional
Andell Jaggernauth - Additional
Ryan Nicholas - Additional
Sidesh Partheeban - Additional
Yudestri Raghunanan - Additional
Atri Ramlogan - Additional
Brandon Rampersad - Additional
Vishad Roopnarine - Additional
Jayme Saidwan - Additional
Amrit Sharma- Additional
Akshay Sieunarine - Additional
Andreas Sinanan  - Additional

Naparima Girls’ High School (40)
Sarah Chaitoo - Open
Arhona Pariag - Open
Diana Persad - Open
Kai-Yanna Meighu - Open
Sunita Narsingh - Additional
Shandelle Steadman - Additional
Jheuel Carter-Guy - Additional
Vaasha Ramnarine - Additional
Sarvaani  Mahara - Additional
Chelsea Ramadhar - Additional
Talia Abdool- Additional
Aqilah Browne- Additional
Akshita Dawar- Additional
Sarah Rampaul - Additional
Anjali Sankar  - Additional
Anneel Bain - Additional
Aleema Ali - Additional
Ariana Bahadur - Additional
Sarah Balkaran - Additional
Celeste Bhagwat - Additional
Seles Bhola - Additional
Vianna Chackan - Additional
Karissa Gayadeen - Additional
Reinessa Geoffroy - Additional
Sarah Gobin - Additional
Aqilah Hosein - Additional
Brigitte Jahoor - Additional
Celeste Jumrattie - Additional
Amelia Maharaj - Additional
Shalini Maharaj- Additional
Rae-Ann  Mohammed - Additional
Amelia Mohan - Additional
Johanna Narinesingh - Additional
Sherry Rambadan - Additional
Rianne Ramlal - Additional
Terrika Ramnarine - Additional
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Rehanna Solomon - Additional

North Eastern College (3)
Anita Ali - Additional
Ronan Narine - Additional
Kiran Ramroop - Additional

Presentation College, Chaguanas (27)
Nikhil Ramnarine- Open
Abhinav Karan- Open
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Kyle Ramcharan - Additional
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Michael Gunness - Additional
Roné Hanumansingh - Additional
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Surendra Naidoo- Additional
Sanjay Singh- Additional
Nasser Aziz - Additional
Idris Bailey - Additional
Rakesh Bissoon - Additional
Niranjan Debideen - Additional
Christopher Glasgow - Additional
Stefan Hassranah - Additional
Riyad Hosein  - Additional
Brendon Mohammed - Additional
Wazeem Ousman -Mohammed - Additional
Vishesh Ochalal - Additional
Aidan Rajpaul - Additional
Naren Ramlogan - Additional
Wesley Samaroo- Additional
Vinod Singh - Additional
Nathaniel Taitt - Additional

Presentation College, San Fernando (13)
Cheyenne Piper - Open
Yvan Dass - Additional
Darrel Ramasray - Additional
Brandon Rooplal- Additional
Darien Wong  - Additional
Shivan Ali - Additional
Trenton Chattoor - Additional
Brandon Deonarine - Additional
Kyle Hosein - Additional
Paul Li- Additional
Rajiv Maharaj- Additional
Chris Meetoo - Additional
Nosagie Ohonba - Additional

Queen’s Royal College (4)
Mario Singh - Open
Ian Dass - Additional
Rhondel Lewis - Additional
Cornelius Neptune - Additional

Rio Claro West Secondary School (1)
Darien Dookeran - Additional
 
 

San Fernando Central Secondary (2)
Aaron Ghouralal - Additional
Joshua Ramsamooj - Additional

Shiva Boys’ Hindu College (1)
Sherry Ann Soongoon - Additional

St Augustine Girls’ High School (37)
Tai Falby - Open
Josanne Harper - Open
Pavitra Ramlochan - Open
Alexa Garcia - Open
Aneilisse Kalicharan - Open
Chelsea Marjadsingh - Open
Quintina Bacchus - Open
Gabrielle Baptiste - Open
Jenia Hamilton - Open
Alyssa Khan - Open
Farrah Mathura - Open
Jade Mendoza - Open
Shazara Mohammed - Open
Serika Ramdhanie - Open
Sonia Ramkissoon - Open
Karishma Roopchand - Open
Shari Seepaul - Open
Renuka Sitram - Open
Tonya Thomas - Additional
Lisa Harricharan - Additional
Laura Ramlogan - Additional
Ariel Harridan - Additional
Raisah Khan - Additional
Hannah Westcott  - Additional
Asa Badall - Additional
Sherise  Chattoo - Additional
Jordana Dhalai - Additional
Stacy Gobin - Additional
Ayisha Joseph - Additional
Fazida Khan - Additional
Leshaya Maraj - Additional
Meagan Mohammed - Additional
Shridevi Mohan- Additional
Danita Motilal- Additional
Alana Ramai - Additional
Kelly-Ann Ramdeen - Additional
Denecia Waldron - Additional
St George’s College (7)
Videsh Sookram - Open
Joshua Sammy - Additional
Renelle Wilson- Additional
Akisha George - Additional
Anniesha Noel - Additional
Ruth Seepersad - Additional
Saif Singh - Additional
 
 

St Joseph’s Convent, Port-of-Spain (39)
Kimaada  Boyce - Open
Zara Suite-Stewart - Open
Tiffany Koylass - Open
Laurielyse Girod-Williams - Open
Tiffany Joseph - Open
Elizabeth Leung - Open
Renee Chin Lee - Open
Nikisha Gajadhar - Open
Jaimie Greasley - Open
Akira Isaac - Open
Monique Kellman - Open
Cherisse  Littrean - Open
Lisa-Marie Watts - Open
Catherine Brathwaite - Additional
Rebecca Mohammed - Additional
Candice Ali - Additional
Colin Romain - Additional
Christina  Hamilton - Additional
Celine Thompson  - Additional
Zakiyah Ali - Additional
Simon Wilkes - Additional
Kami Allong - Additional
Takeyah Campbell - Additional
Paulina Chamely - Additional
Crystal Charles - Additional
Meridith Chung - Additional
Jah-Zein Cooper - Additional
Cindy-Lee Crichlow- Additional
Celine Felix - Additional
Theana Guerra - Additional
Ishara Khan - Additional
Nykesi Omokughegbe - Additional
Camille Pereira - Additional
Maegan Sambrano - Additional
Emma Tang Yuk - Additional
Makeda Thom - Additional
Felisa Tracey- Additional
Sian Williams - Additional
Chioke Herbert - Additional

St Joseph’s Convent, San Fernando (15)
Nicolette Cassim - Open
Maryam Archie- Open
Kadesha  Meade - Additional
Sabrina Ali - Additional
Ciara Ghisyawan - Additional
Jeanne-Alexie Elias - Additional
Celeste Roberts - Additional
Nabila Alsuran - Additional
Caruna Maharaj - Additional
Daniella Ramlal- Additional
Sabrina Rasmine - Additional
Kerrissa Scott - Additional
Sati Seepersad - Additional
Sarah Chadee - Additional
Elise Francis - Additional

St Joseph’s Convent, St Joseph (19)
Carriel Lara - Open
Shelemiah Pedaiah-Peterkin - Open
Karishma Harrilal-Maharaj - Open
Arielle Pierre - Open
Samantha Marcano - Open
Angela Gan - Additional
Nicholas Reece - Additional
Kelly Huichi Yang- Additional
Aaliya Ali - Additional
Adenique Alleyne - Additional
Ayesha Greene- Additional
Samara Hassranah - Additional
Bakhita Johnston - Additional
Amy Laban - Additional
Hillary Muddeen - Additional
Calisha Oliver - Additional
Nadia Orr - Additional
Thais Razark - Additional
Kyra Romain - Additional

St Stephen’s College (4)
Candice Fraser - Open
Nalini Gopaul - Additional
Nalini Dookie  - Additional
Rukam Ramdath - Additional

St. Anthony’s College (1)
Darren Johnson - Additional

St. Francois Girls’ College (5)
Sherece Benskin - Additional
Chelsea Mc Kain - Additional
Dominique Smith - Additional
Aniesha Scott - Additional
Maisha Rae Richardson - Additional
 
 

St. Mary’s College (15)
Yohance Newton - Additional
Kester Wade - Additional
Etienne Bellemare - Additional
John Chen - Additional
Jean-Luc Duval - Additional
Andre Earle - Additional
Hugh Jacobs - Additional
Harshan Lal - Additional
Tilak Manjunath - Additional
Mikyle Moolchan - Additional
Max  Murray-Ramcharan - Additional
Scott Rochard - Additional
Shane Spiers - Additional
Richard Tom Pack - Additional
Ryan Van-Low - Additional

Upper Level Educational Instituion (1)
Sara Muslim - Additional

 
Vishnu Boys Hindu College (2)
Danielle Sookram  - Additional
Darryan Dhanpat - Additional

Waterloo Secondary School (2)
Shereece Mohammed  - Additional
Videsh Maharaj - Additional

Attorney General Anand Ramlogan has dismissed the latest call for his resignation by president of Fixin’ T&T, Kirk Waithe. Waithe called on Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar yesterday to fire  Ramlogan because of recent allegations about his importation of Range Rovers.

However, in a statement issued in response to Waithe yesterday, Ramlogan described the call for his resignation as “somewhat amusing.” He said the issues raised were before the Integrity Commission and he will “co-operate fully” with the Commission to clear his name of the allegations which he said were “malicious and false.” Ramlogan said Transport Commissioner Ruben Cato has confirmed in writing that “the necessary legal requirements were met and that my vehicles were properly and lawfully registered.”

“The fact that the same engine number was recorded on the certified copy for both vehicles was an error on the part of the Licensing Authority,” he said. The AG said Mark Navarro, of Navarro’s brokerage, has “also clarified the other issues which were caused by the different instructions which were apparently  given by the customs documents by the broker.”

Ramlogan said Waithe’s call for his resignation was part of “a wider political smear campaign and strategy.” He said Waithe has several questions to answer about his organisation and must say who were the executive and general members of Fixin T&T, who were its financiers and what was its constitution. Ramlogan said Fixin T&T must say if it was “a one-man organisation to provide tactical support for the PNM.” “Until Waithe provides answers to these questions, I am afraid he’ll just have to ‘wait’ for my resignation,” the AG said.

In calling for his resignation,  Waithe said Ramlogan was  “totally unfit to hold the position of the Attorney General and the PM should “remove him with immediate effect.” “Ramlogan has consistently demonstrated that he neither understands nor appreciates the remit of the office he currently holds and continues to bring it into disrepute,” he said. He said there were numerous inconsistencies in the process, timelines and paper trail regarding the importation, registration and acquisition of two Range Rovers by the AG.

In an earlier statement, Ramlogan said the lapse in communication at the Integrity Commission that left him in the dark regarding about ongoing investigation into the ownership of the two luxury vehicles was “a political conspiracy.” Though the investigation was mentioned as being “before” the commission in a media report last Sunday, Ramlogan was only made aware of that investigation after he wrote to the commission questioning the veracity of what he had read.

On Thursday, some four days after the publication, Ramlogan received a letter from the commission confirming the investigation. The short response, signed by commission registrar, Martin Farrell advised Ramlogan that “an investigation plan was approved by the Integrity Commission on September 23, 2013.” The letter apprised Ramlogan of the “investigation plan” to look into his connection to the registration and licensing of two luxury Range Rovers and possible breach of the Integrity in Public Life Act.

“The Integrity Commission regrets that this matter was not brought to your attention before but now does so with apologies,” the letter stated. The letter also stated that “a draft response was prepared on November 6, 2013, was approved for issuance at its meeting held on November 12, 2013.” But Ramlogan is questioning whether more sinister motives were at work behind the scenes. He said he was “shocked” by what he described as “a serious breach and violation in the procedure of the Integrity Commission.” 

“I cannot help but wonder if there a political conspiracy to bring me down. The complaint was made by Senator Hinds on July 29, 2013.  An investigation plan was agreed on September 23, 2013. A letter is drafted to notify me of these developments but it was never sent. The Integrity Commission is asking me to believe this was an ‘error.’ No explanation whatsoever was provided as to how this alleged error occurred.  It is too fundamental an error and cries out for an explanation,” Ramlogan said.

—With reporting by Renuka Singh.

National Security Minister Gary Griffith said there are plans to crack down on illegal use of cellphones in prisons. In an interview with the T&T Guardian yesterday, he said two major initiatives are planned to curb cellphone use in prisons. Although he did not give details, Griffith said a proposal by former justice minister Christlyn Moore for use of jammers and grabbers in prisons is being considered. 

The use of cellphones in prison was a major issue earlier this year and in May, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced at a United National Congress (UNC) meeting in Gasparillo that jammers and grabbers would be used to stop the illicit practice.

Griffith said he met with Justice Minister Emmanuel George and acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams to discuss whether prisons officers should be given firearms and bulletproof vests. He is of the view that threat assessments should be done before issuing firearms. He said, however, that the decision to give firearms to prisons officers is solely up to Williams. 

He said his ministry is aware of the concerns of prisons officers and initiatives were being put in place to address these concerns. Contacted yesterday, Williams said he does not comment on his meetings with ministers. There has been increased concern about the safety of prisons officers following the recent murder of Andy Rogers and reports of violence against prisons officers. Prisons officers at Remand Yard, Golden Grove Prison, Arouca, have been working to rule. 

General secretary of the Prisons Officers Association Second Division Gerard Gordon said he was tired of the talk since prisons officers have been “hearing that for a while now.” “It has been years we have been asking for a number of things,” he told the T&T Guardian. On the issue of rogue officers in the Prisons Service, Gordon said: “The Prisons Officers Association is supporting any and all attempts to cure our system of these undesirable of elements.”

His comments followed a television interview with an inmate via cellphone in which the inmate said: “There is not a prison officer in this ten-year span that has been shot that has been innocent.” The inmate, who spoke anonymously, claimed the officers were tyrants and inmates’ lives had been threatened. He said officers were shot because of what they had done to people. Gordon said officers were exposed to all kinds of diseases and he has been losing colleagues at an alarming rate.

On the use of cellphones in prison, Gordon said the association supported the call for implementation of jammers and grabbers in prison. He wondered why it is taking so long to implement the technology. Attempts to reach Justice Minister Emmanuel George for comment were unsuccessful. 

Former head of the Public Service Reginald Dumas says he will review the contributions made by MPs and ministers during last Wednesday’s debate on motions to approve President Anthony Carmona’s four nominations to the Police Service Commission. Dumas told the T&T Guardian on Friday that he will look at the contributions, review them, seek advice and then determine his next course of action. 

Weeks before the debate, Dumas had said he was committed to taking legal action as he believed two of the nominees, Roamar Achat-Saney and former Independent senator Dr James Armstrong, did not meet specific constitutional requirements for appointment to the commission.

However, during Wednesday’s debate in Parliament after the motions were presented by House leader, Housing Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal, all the nominees—attorneys Martin George, Addison Khan and Achat-Saney and Armstrong—were approved despite objections from the Opposition, including Jack Warner of the Independent Liberal Party.

Dumas’ attorney, Karl Hudson-Phillips, QC, wrote to Attorney General Anand Ramlogan recently, advising against proceeding with the motions approving the nomination of Achat-Saney and Armstrong as they did not meet the constitutional requirement. This position was endorsed and expressed by Opposition MPs during the debate. But Ramlogan dismissed that claim in his contribution to the short debate.

No date has been set for the swearing-in of the new members of the PSC. The term of the former members expired on July 20 and the commission has been unable to function since then. The PSC reviews the performance of the commissioner of police and the deputy commissioners. It also determines appeals from police officers on matters of discipline and promotion. There are hundreds of such matters pending before the commission.

Criminologist and former Independent senator Professor Ramesh Deosaran is the PSC chairman. His three-year term expires in six months.

A patient who ran away from the San Fernando General Hospital yesterday dressed only in a vest and adult diapers, with an IV attached to his arm, was chased through the streets of the city by hospital security guards. The unusual scene was witnessed by several people shortly after 3 pm. The patient kept glancing back at the two guards, a man and woman, who ran after him down Chancery Lane, to King’s Wharf and then onto Quenca Street where he was eventually held. 

By then a nurse and a man in plain clothes had joined the chase. The patient’s hands were tied with cloth behind his back and he was taken back to the hospital. Contacted for a comment about the incident, Dr Anand Chatoorgoon, hospital medical director, expressed surprise. “I don’t know about that. I will call the administrator and find out about it,” he said. Subsequent calls to Chatoorgoon’s cellphone went to voicemail.

President of the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (Tuco) Lutalo Masimba says calypsonians are happy with the return of the Calypso Monarch final to Dimanche Gras. He said that is exactly what they had asked for. The decision was announced by National Carnival Commission (NCC) chairman Allison Demas last week at the launch of Carnival 2014.

Last year, the Calypso Monarch finals took place on the Thursday before Carnival. Masimba said the NCC had been looking for an event for Dimanche Gras night and Tuco had offered the finals of its competition. “We were responding to a vibration from calypsonians and the general calypso-loving public,” he said, adding that the public preferred the final to be staged on Carnival Sunday.

“It is still a Tuco event and it still maintains its integrity,” Masimba said when asked if there would be changes to the format. “Tuco will do what it can in terms of marketing the art form and tents, calypsonians must do their best to market themselves.”

What was supposed to be a fun-filled outing for a woman and her 18-year-old son ended tragically when the teenager drowned in the Caura River on Saturday. No one saw what happened to Rakesh Brandon Sinanan, who was last seen standing in chest-high water. He went missing at around 11.45 pm. At her Guaracarite Trace, Mayo home yesterday, Minnie Hosein, 58, a Cepep worker, was unable to come to terms with her son’s death. She said they had gone to the river with about eight other Cepep workers.

“Is the first time we gone up there. We was excited. I really did not want carry him because he don’t go nowhere. We stay to ourself,” she said. Hosein said Sinanan could not swim and had not been to a river before. The last time he went to the beach was about nine years ago. “We don’t have money to go nowhere,” she said. Hosein said they got to the river at around 11.30 am. The devout Hindu said she offered flowers and said a prayer before venturing into the water.

“My son did it, too. That is for protection to keep us safe, but like it take him instead.” She said her son went off on his own while she remained in shallow water. “When it was about 11.45 am I looking for he but I can’t find him. About 100 people went all in the bush looking for him because someone say they see him gone with two fellas.” The police were called and they arrived on the scene within mintues.

Hosein recalled: “While we was walking to the police the bathers touch something under the water and the body just move and we see is Brandon. I was helpless, I just start to bawl and roll.” She said Sinanan had been her “hand and foot,” since her husband died five years ago. Hosein also has a 21-year-old son, but he does not live with her. “I don’t know how I going to live here alone,” sobbed Hosein who lives in a small wooden house with no electricity, or water. 

An autopsy is expected to be done today at the Forensic Science Centre in St James. Tunapuna police are investigating.

Vincentian Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves has told Britain’s Observer newspaper he instructed law firm Leigh Day to bring a case against the UK, France and the Netherlands for reparations for slavery. With the backing of the 15 Caricom heads of state, Gonsalves believes the case could be heard in the international court of justice at the Hague.

Historian Prof Bridget Brereton told the T&T Guardian there is a “very compelling moral and legal case for Britain and other countries to pay reparations for slavery and the slave trade,” but noted: “The difficulty will be conceptualising how reparations should be made.” In St Vincent, the reparations committee is seeking the establishment of a development fund as opposed to payments paid to the individual descendents of victims. 

“As far as I understand, no one is calling for a single transfer of money,” said Brereton, “they firstly want Britain to make a full apology for the crimes and then a fund for education.” 

Asked how T&T’s experience of slavery compared to the rest of the Caribbean, Brereton said T&T should be considered separately. Whereas Trinidad had a relatively short experience of plantation slavery—50 years, from 1780 to 1830—Tobago’s was considerably longer, as the island was first established as a Dutch slave colony in the 1600s and recolonised in 1763 by the British.

Whereas the last census in Trinidad showed 38 per cent of the population self-identifying as Afro-Trinidadian, Tobago’s African ancestry is closer to 100 per cent.

Brereton put the case for reparations in human terms as well as fiscal. “In addition to bringing people to the Caribbean against their will, they were enslaved as lifelong slaves and hereditary slaves—the children of an enslaved mother inherited her condition, and of course there were no wages,” she said.

Speaking about the lasting effect, she referred to the “huge legacy of damaging race myths and stereotypes, ideas about colour, shade and blackness that continue to this day. Massive social disadvantages that descendants of slave had to face in the 19th and 20th century.” On the economies of the Caribbean she said: “Slavery promoted skewed economic development. The focus on the export of plantation crops created an imbalanced economy.”

Khafra Kambon of the Emancipation Support Committee told the T&T Guardian the process of setting up a reparations committee in T&T had begun but was not finished. Since the meeting of Caricom heads of state in June, at which it was agreed that all 15 countries would appoint their own reparation committees, there have been two stakeholder meetings involving preliminary discussions, attended by representatives from academic institutions and the government.

Asked what form reparations should come in, Kambon said that was a matter for further down the line. Right now, he says, the “critical thing is that people accept reparations in principle and that we get our society to understand why it is necessary.” Kambon supports the Caricom agreement and, in anticipation of a long court case, he said extensive research was being carried out in all 15 member states into the specific impacts of slavery in each country. 

“A lot of people don’t have a proper idea of the loss brought about by slavery,” he said, “not just the the cruelty but the impact on society and human beings. That period reshaped the world in terms of economic power, psychology and in human and material terms. A tremendous amount of research has to be done to make a case. Each country has to research its own experience.”

Asked about the likelihood of securing victory in such a complex historical matter, Kambon pointed to reparations to the Jews of Europe after the Holocaust as a precedent. The creation of the state of Israel was part of the compensation to Jewish Holocaust survivors and victims. Similar states in West Africa, established as homelands for emancipated slaves—Liberia and Sierra Leone—do not, however, receive the funding and global economic partnerships that Israel does. 

Asked why Tony Blair and Jacques Chirac had refused to apologise for Britain and France’s roles in the slave trade, Kambon said: “An apology is an admission of guilt which opens the door for payments, so instead they say they deeply regret their state’s involvement but justify it by saying slavery was legal at the time.” He pointed to the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams’s support for reparations, saying: “People have a sense of justice.” 

Asked whether the case might damage the relationship between T&T and the UK and Europe, he said: “There is something very wrong in a relationship where someone who has done wrong doesn’t want to correct that wrong. It exposes a flaw in the relationship. 
“By international law, as long as the effects of the wrong—a crime against humanity—remain, and those who benefited in the past continue to benefit, then there is a legal case.”

T&T stakeholders

The stakeholders who attended the preliminary discussions before the establishment of T&T’s reparation committee are:
• Jennifer Marchand—director of Caricom and Caribbean Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Heather Cateau—senior lecturer and deputy dean, UWI
• Avril Belfon—archivist at the National Archives 
• Deon Isaac—deputy presiding officer, THA
• Aiyegoro Ome—president, NJAC
• Lucia Phillip—executive director, Nalis
• Khafra Kambon—Emancipation Support Committee
• Tiffany Bethel—Office of the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar wants citizens to do more to ensure the nation’s roads are safer. In a message to mark World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims yesterday, she said: “We must all, as drivers, passengers, cyclists and pedestrians, practise greater care and awareness.” Persad-Bissessar said there are more than 30,000 road accidents in T&T.

“We must eliminate dangerous behaviours which place our lives at risk,” she said as she urged road users to “adhere to the nation’s traffic laws and be considerate to others who are also in transit.” The Prime Minister advised drivers to employ responsible strategies and urged pedestrians to use zebra crossings and walkovers where available.

She said her Government is committed to “reducing the number of vehicular accidents on our roads” and announced that there will be increased highway patrols, implementation of random breathalyser tests and establishment of a National Road Safety Council (NRSC) to develop a road injury and prevention policy for T&T. Persad-Bissessar said the NRSC will be “the overarching body for co-ordination with inter-agency and multi-sector stakeholders with a shared goal for reducing traffic related incidents.”

The Ministry of Transport, in a statement in observance of the day, noted with grave concern the recent spike in carnage on the nation’s roads, including the “tragic deaths of six people and the unfortunate demise of Jocelyn Marquis-Taylor, who was impaled by steel rods in San Juan.” The ministry said such accidents were preventable and appealed to citizens to be more cautious on the roads.

The Transport Ministry said Marquis-Taylor’s death highlights the need for drivers transporting construction material to ensure precautions are taken to ensure the load was secured. It also said establishment of the new Motor Vehicle Authority will improve road safety by providing “stronger deterrents “ for violation of the rules of the road, among other things. In addition, the ministry said, discussions were held recently with the T&T Police Service to introduce modern speed detection devices.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki‑moon in his message for World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, applauded governments which have agreed to a Decade of Action for Road Safety, 2011-2020, with the target of saving five million lives. He called “for more concerted action on road safety as part of the future development agenda.” “This will be a vital component of efforts to improve health and save lives in the years ahead,” he said.

“On this World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, let us work to make more roads safe for all who use them. Together, we can save millions of lives. 

World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is observed on the third Sunday of November each year by an increasing number of countries. The day is in memory of the millions killed or injured in road crashes and their families and communities and also pays tribute to the dedicated emergency crews, police and medical professionals who deal with the traumatic aftermath of road death and injury.

Problem: St Augustine resident Dalton Dorman said he sent an e-mail “to Digicel about the removal and disbanding of his telephone number.” Dalton said: “Although they have sent an acknowledgement saying I can expect an investigation in 24 hours, no solution has been forthcoming.” Dalton, in an e-mail to Digicel, wrote: “After contacting your company today about my inability to access a SIM card sold to me in 2012 I was informed that it was taken off the system recently. Please note I have an assigned contract with a contact number.

“I had built up credit because of lack of use, although I know a top-up was necessary every 180 days to keep the card live. I tried to keep up. “Here is the problem: This card is embedded in a security system in my motor vehicle. Therefore, I do not have a handset and am only able to do a direct top wherever I can find a location. “So imagine my distress and inconvenience when I found the card suddenly disabled. At least your company could have given some warning or indication. 

Now I am informed that the number cannot be retrieved and I must replace the SIM with another. “This will cost me, in addition to the credit lost and the cost of a new SIM, a sum of $280 to reinstall the new card at the service provider’s place.”

Solution: When Digicel was contacted, the Guardian Angel was told a new SIM card must be topped up within 30 days of purchase, while a SIM card will expire once it is not topped up in 210 days. Digicel explained that sending credit (using the Credit U service) to a SIM card will not extend its life and when it expires, the number is recycled and reassigned to someone else.

Dalton was advised to go in to Digicel’s head office on Maraval Road, Port-of-Spain, with ID and proof that the number was his in order for it to be returned to him, as the number was still available when the Guardian Angel called Digicel. In order to extend the life of a SIM card used in such a security system, customers can either visit a dealer store so the credit can be sent directly to the phone or remove the SIM card from the security system and insert it in a phone to add credit.

Problem: Denise Gayah said she shopped at Xtra Foods in Grand Bazaar recently and was given an entry form to fill out for Grand Bazaar’s annual Christmas promotion. Gayah said: “I read the details on the form and proceeded to complete the entry. “On the said form, a clause stated ‘Valid only with official store stamp.’ I went to the front desk...(and) asked the young lady politely for a stamp on the entry form to complete and drop off and showed her the clause.

“She said: ‘The form does not have to be stamped and the judges will accept it as long as Xtra Foods is quoted on the form and because there are so many people purchasing goods at the supermarket, the form does not need to be stamped.’” Gayah is concerned about whether her entry form was invalid as a result and asks that “all forms be validated with a stamp as per official rules stated for the promotion.”

Solution: Xtra Foods said as long as the entry form has the invoice number and the name of the store the entry is valid. However, Grand Bazaar’s general manager Edward Ayin said entry forms were submitted without the stamp in the first week of the competition and were accepted but, in fact, all forms must be stamped. Ayin said in cases where the entry form was not stamped, customers can attach their bill to the entry.

Shervon Phillips 
Hugh Wooding Law School

Who can apply
Under the Cohabitational Relationships Act 1998, a person who was a party to a cohabitational relationship that has ended can apply to the court for a maintenance order. This is an order for the payment of a monetary sum either by a lump sum or periodical payments. A cohabitational relationship is one between a man and woman who, not being legally married to each other, are living or have lived together as husband and wife. 

To apply for a maintenance order, at least one of the parties must live in T&T and both parties must have lived together in the country for at least one third of the relationship.

Before you apply
The court must first be satisfied that:
• the applicant lived in a cohabitational relationship with the respondent for no less than five years
• the applicant has a child arising out of the cohabitational relationship
• the applicant has made substantial contributions (direct or indirect, financial or non financial).
The court must also be satisfied that failure to make the order would cause serious injustice to the applicant.

Time limit
An application must generally be made within two years after the parties stopped living together. 

No general right to maintenance
As a general rule one cohabitant has no right to be maintained by the other. However, the court may be willing to make a maintenance order if:
• the applicant is unable to support himself adequately because he is caring for a child of the cohabitational relationship, or a child of the respondent—the child must be under 12 years or if the child is mentally ill or physically disabled, under 18 years
• the applicant’s earning capacity has been negatively affected by the relationship, and a maintenance order would increase it by allowing the applicant to undertake a course of education or training
• in all the circumstances, it is reasonable to make the order.

Factors considered by the courts
The court will determine whether an order should be made and, if so, the amount of the order by considering a number of factors in relation to each cohabitant.
These include:
• their age and health including any disability
• their income, property, financial resources, needs and obligations
• their responsibilities to support any other person
• property or child maintenance orders made under the act
• duration of the relationship
• a reasonable standard of living
• contribution to the income, earning capacity, property and financial resources of the other
• any circumstance that justice requires to be taken into account.

As far as practicable, the court will attempt to end the financial relationship by making a “once and for all” payment order.

Where to apply
A person who wishes to apply for a maintenance order only may do so in the magistrates court. If the application includes other matters the applicant must go to the High Court. This column is not legal advice. If you have a legal problem, you should consult a legal adviser. Co-ordinator: Roshan Ramcharitar

Habitat for Humanity T&T has announced an extension of Digicel Trinidad Ltd UWI-SPEC text-to-donate programme to send humanitarian assistance to the victims of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. Subscribers to the Digicel network can continue to send texts to 11910, to deduct $10 from their accounts in favour of Habitat’s sister organisation in the Philippines. HFH Philippines is leading Habitat for Humanity’s international response. 

A major fund-raising campaign has been launched on the Web site:  www.habitat.org. Habitat Philippines plans to distribute 50,000 home-cleaning kits and 30,000 home-repair kits in the first stage of the emergency. The organisation will also build 10,000 homes as part of its response plan.