Surfing veteran Chris Dennis reinforced his status as one of the greatest national competitors in the history of the sport, as he rode the waves in San Souci, Trinidad, to a rare triple-crown at the National Surfing Championships that took place over the weekend.

The surfer from Balandra out-surfed the 40-plus competitors who tried to unseat him, capturing both the men’s open, and master’s championships, and surfer of the year honours. Jesse Jarvis, the number two ranked surfer in the nation entering the tournament, also had a strong showing in the men’s open championship, but finished second-best to Dennis, who has now won the competition three years in a row.

Rounding out the standings in the event were surprise joint-third winners Elton John, who represented T&T at the Hyundai Independence Surf Pro Competition in Barbados last month, and Shane Henneman, who also performed admirably.

The master’s championship was equally as entertaining, as current president of the Surfing Association of T&T, Che Lovelace, went wave-for-wave with Dennis, but eventually fell short to the experienced professional. Kendell Francis and Mikey “Bully” Phillips rounded out the standings in the event, placing third and fourth respectively.

In the Under-18 contest, surfing prodigy, Oba Lewis, who won the Junior National Boys U-16 Championship in October, finished second-best to Elton John, who shredded the North-East coast waves on the way to the title.

Ziggy Shweden, who finished runner-up in the U-16 championship, had another encouraging performance as well, placing third, and Logan de Freitas nabbed fourth place. The final event of the day, was the crowning of Surfer of the Year, and the accolade was rightfully given to Dennis, who was head and heels above the competition.

The annual event, which has existed since the formation of the Association in the 1980’s, is the pinnacle of local surfing competition and continues to deliver on its goal of promoting surfing throughout T&T.

“I think it was a successful event from the level of organisation and the production of the event itself,” Lovelace told Guardian Media Sport.

“We still want to attract bigger audiences, but we feel that the event itself will bring bigger audiences, and by hosting consistent, high-quality events we will eventually attract larger audiences,” he added.

JONATHON MATOUK
 

Sidey’s FC and Signal Hill United will take their fight for the runner-up spot behind newly crowned Tobago Football Association Premier Division champions, Stokely Vale down to the final match day of the season this weekend.

This after Sidey’s was held to a 3-3 draw by Goal City while champions Stokely Vale hammered Signal Hill 5-3.

As its stands, Stokely Vale completed its 27-match campaign with 73 points while Sidey’s FC which faces Roxborough Lakers in its final match has 49 points, two more than Signal Hill which plays Georgia FC and Lakers in its final two matches.

Down at the bottom end of the table, cellar-placed Bethel United with 11 points and one match to play will be relegated along with one from Georgia FC (19), Lakers (25) and Leeds United who have one, three and one match left to play respectively.

FC Goodwood as winners of the Second Division with 59 points from 26 matches and Moriah Youth which ended with 58 points, the same as Carnbee/Mt Pleasant, but with a better goal-difference both gained promotion to next year’s Premier competition.

TFA results

Premier Division

Sokely Vale 2 (Lashawn Roberts 21st, 22nd) vs Goal City 1 (Kasron Quashie 70th)

Sidey’s 3 (Reaneil Stewart 45th, 80th, Brandon Benjamin 84th) vs Goal City 3 (Kasron Quashie 9th, Akim Charles 52nd, Jelani Jackson 64th)

Stokely Vale 5 (Nick Campbell 17th, 43rd, Lashawn Roberts 33rd, 90th, Kelvin Thomas 80th) vs Signal Hill 3 (Darryl Trim 32nd, Ricardo Williams 86th, Kwesi Sandy 88th)

Leeds United 3 (Karyque Joseph 33rd, 64th, Kelvon Morris 69th) vs Roxborough Lakers 1 (Sellon Gray 61st

Black Rock 3 vs Georgia FC 0 - by default

Second Division

Earlbrokes 3 (Deon Thomas 6th, 76th, Dillon Villafana 17th) vs Goodwood 2 (Christien Yorke 20th, 65th)

TFA STANDINGS

Premier Division
Teams P W D L F A Pts
Stokely Vale 27 24 1 2 84 20 73
Sidey’s FC 26 14 7 5 59 33 49
Signal Hill 25 14 5 6 51 41 47
Goal City 25 11 5 9 54 42 38
Black Rock 27 10 7 10 42 36 37
Golden Lane 27 9 6 12 43 49 33
Leeds Utd 26 8 6 12 41 50 30
Roxborough 24 7 4 13 30 41 25
Georgia Utd 25 5 4 16 28 66 19
Bethel 26 3 2 21 23 77 11
Second Division
Teams P W D L F A Pts
Goodwood 26 19 2 5 79 40 59
Moriah Youths 26 17 7 2 87 34 58
Carnbee/Mt Pleasant 26 19 1 6 75 36 58
Mason Hall PYC 26 17 5 4 90 45 56
Belle Garden 26 11 8 7 48 35 41
Lambeau 26 13 1 12 52 49 40
Calder Hall 26 11 5 10 58 52 38
Earlbrokes 26 11 5 10 56 61 38
Mt Grace 26 11 5 10 38 43 38
St Clair CS 26 7 6 13 48 66 27
Hills United 26 8 3 15 39 61 27
HV Milan 26 4 8 14 33 50 20
Northside 26 4 3 19 18 64 15
Youth Stars 26 0 1 25 7 92 1

“This is the worst cricket ever …these guys are playing like novices…some of them should learn the basics before they even travel with an international team.”

At the moment, the West Indies team is engaged in a series of matches against New Zealand and the words expressed above, I feel certain, may have been in the minds of the commentators but because of courtesy, could not be expressed openly.

In the first place, this Test series after the Zimbabwe ordeal, was not even mentioned in cricketing circles in this country, much less for the Caribbean most likely, except Barbados, my Bajan friend told me.

At the moment, the regional Four-Day series is in progress, although that in itself is a misnomer, as there appears to be “no progress” in terms of the standard of the games being played with small totals, cheap dismissals and at times inaccurate bowling. Even the new rules appear totally skewed, with fast bowling points being encouraged, even when the bowlers are not good and spin bowling being discouraged by the lack of points.

So in the Caribbean and in the great mind of some “Wizard of Oz” at the West Indies Cricket Board, this idea was conjured and then rolled out to the many servants of the Cricket West Indies (CWI) juggernaut all around the region. I have to enquire, how many of them actually read the script that they were given but instead were all more concerned with the level of funding.

It is a poor plan and makes nonsense of first innings points and the preparation of proper surfaces for cricket, in other words, it encourages mediocrity at all levels, from the grounds staff, to the so-called fast bowlers, to the batsmen who make runs against these poor bowlers, to the spin bowlers who decide it is better not to train because they will not be selected because teams get zero points for having a true quality spinner and if he gets all the wickets, there are no fast bowling points. All of this sounds like a recipe for madness by mad people but then again, we need to understand, what is the origin and purpose of this.

Consultation is also important and we need to know whether the territorial boards were properly consulted on this matter, albeit we know that in T&T, our cricket board is still engaged in a legal battle in the courts, which is heading for its second year.

Meanwhile, the West Indies team continue to embarrass the region with one poor performance after another, unfortunately the current selector panel led by Courtney Browne cannot seem to get anything right at the moment. In fact, in a conversation I had with a very close friend Ash Marisella, I told her West Indies best player was “The Rain”. He was cheap, did not cost much and more often than not could not be dropped no mater the board or selectors and always delivered …she laughed having great knowledge of sports but I was being serious.

If the West Indies are to improve, then this current core of players have to be removed and either replaced by the best players or the best available players, in this regard, it would appear that Browne and his team lack the will to do either.

Therefore, I recommend that Browne should do the honourable thing and resign and take his whole team with him. Jason Holder is not a good enough captain and while many of us knew that a long time ago, there was a hope that in the ensuing years since his appointment, he would make a mark, set his own pathway, develop his own positive style, unfortunately we have seen none of the above and his assistant the pedantic Kraigg Braithwaite is not much better, it would appear. 

Examining the list of players on the team, a number of them appear to be batting in the wrong position or just not good enough, the one century that Shane Dowrich scored against Zimbabwe in a match, the West Indies fail to win, cannot excuse his appalling glove work, he is probably the worst West Indies wicket-keeper ever in the last 20 years.

Thankfully Kyle Hope is no more…we hope, because as we have stated before, he was not of the required quality in the first place to play for the West Indies despite our weaknesses. There is also no way that Rolston Chase should be batting at number five as his weaknesses outside of the Caribbean have been greatly exposed.

There is so much wrong with West Indies cricket at the moment, that you just have to watch the lack of spectator interest in New Zealand for the West Indies, even though the home team is running rings around them.

At the moment, on the international and domestic scene the future is not bright for the West Indies and no intelligent sponsor would be willing to support this current product, unless there is a facelift in many areas but given the TV rights, the CWI team may not need sponsors now but when the cycle is completed in three years, I expect given our poor performances, that funding, that money may also change and by then it may be too late to change West Indies cricket parlous faith.

Shakera Robinson, who has battled and beat cancer, and has been a survivor for nine years made a remark on Sunday. She said, “Rugby is a tough sport and cancer is a tough sickness. We were even stronger to beat cancer, and it feels good.” Her words drew an applause from fellow cancer survivors around her.

Harvard Sports Club was a buzz on Sunday with children running around, some playing with the animals on display, while others learned the sport of rugby in a miniature version. The club saw an opportunity arise to host a Christmas treat for children with cancer and they grabbed it.

Wayne Kelly, who is a player for Harvard men’s team, and also one of the organisers said, “We realise that being a staple in the community, we have a responsibility to give back to the community as well as make an impact, so we’re using this opportunity to do that.”

Over 100 children, some with special needs, others battling different forms of cancer attended the event. It really was for them. Just after 1:30pm, Santa Claus drove into the venue via a Fire Service truck.

Immediately, children surrounded him with hugs and cheers. He walked with a bag of gifts, distributing presents to scores of children.

The young ones, of course, was lost in the moment. However, Kelly and his team were busy pulling the strings to ensure the event came off smoothly. Harvard saw a deeper meaning as to why they did it. “Well for us, this is about getting the word out there that there is always something that you can do. It may not be big but any little effort is appreciated so we are hoping that everybody jumps on board and do their best too,” the 2006 rugby player of the year said.

In the midst of all the laughs and fun, Harvard was trying to send a serious message to all those involved. Among those helping with proceedings on the day was T&T Olympic Committee president Brian Lewis.

Having cancer survivors like Robinson at the event was also a way of helping the children gain confidence in their battle. Robinson went further, “Today is a big accomplishment for me. Having survived cancer for nine years, because I was four years when I had it, I have to be here to share hope with the other children to show them that they could survive too if they believe.”

Buoyed by the success of this year’s event, Harvard is now hoping to do a similar treat next Christmas. Or perhaps many wishes will come true by then, and cancer will finally have a cure.

Artist Gail Pantin completed a successful solo exhibition of her work at Bayshore, Port-of-Spain, on December 9. Titled Pan Rhythms People 4, Pantin sought to capture life in T&T as she envisions it.

An artist and teacher, Pantin is the daughter of Tobagonian Kevin Pantin while her mother, Patricia, is from Manzanilla.

Pantin’s work can be seen on both islands and is featured prominently at the Bambu Gift shop on Milford Road and at Johnstons Apartments, Store Bay, Tobago.

She is working on a series that depicts individual pan players showing their style and moods and is also working on a series of sketches of Tobagonian people and Tobago beaches and as well 100 portraits of individuals born in Trinidad or Tobago. Pantin works with pencil, watercolour, acrylic, pen and ink and Japanese brush pen.

She is best known for her panoramic landscapes and portraits. Pantin’s art is also used to capture expressions of the life and culture of people, places, and communities, and also reflects much of her 20-year-experience in Southeast Asia.

During her two decades in the East, Pantin was commissioned by SR Nathan, the president of Singapore in 2008, to create a series of panoramic sketches of the 1898 Neo-Palladian Istana, the official residence of the president and prime minister of Singapore. Her sketches were published in a book titled A Day at the Istana.

Pantin attended Holy Name Convent in Port-of-Spain where her interest in Asian culture was ignited. She travelled to Asia in 1995 and returned to stay for two decades. During this time she travelled and sketched while holding a full-time teaching job in Singapore. Pantin was also very involved in various artistic projects in Singapore and she would use art to capture various moments of Singapore’s growth and change including the Waterfront from the period 1998-2015.

Pantin said her work is perceived differently through the eyes of varying individuals. “Art speaks on my behalf and explains things I don’t want to discuss verbally,” she revealed. “I have seen the effect art has on me and its impact on others. I feel the world is a better place for all of us when we participate, use and experience art.”

Pantin said art is nothing without people and explained: “As a teacher I would often remind my students that it is all well and good that you want to do a painting but we must always consider that our objective should also be to consider the viewer. The viewer is also looking at the work trying to understand the artist and or the artists point of view.”

Pantin’s post-secondary education was focused on graphics and design which lead her to a career of corporate design and ultimately teaching.

Pantin can be contacted at 765-1398 or gailpantin@yahoo.com

Should such a designation ever exist, the Asa Wright Nature Centre would surely rank among the Wonders of T&T.

There are some who however believe that not enough support for this view exists among T&T policymaking circles.

This year, the centre, named for Icelandic founder Asa Wright, marks 50 years as a sanctuary for some of the country’s unique flora and fauna and as a magnet for naturalists from all corners of the globe.

The centre’s chairman Graham White believes the value of the facility exceeds its wellestablished reputation as a leading wildlife sanctuary.

“In 2017, we face a slump in the economy,” he says in a commemorative issue of The Bellbird—a publication of the centre.

“Not only are energy prices reduced but the entire industry is placing the planet’s climate in jeopardy. Nationally, we are again seeking avenues to grow our economy through new products and services.”

“Fortunately,” he notes, “AWNC has kept a candle burning in the window, demonstrating the value of natural habitats to our quality of life and as a sustainable economic activity.”

White continued to harp on the point when the centre hosted 50th anniversary celebrations at the Ortinola Estate in Maracas Valley last month.

Eco-tourism, White asserted, holds out promise as a serious focal point for economic diversification.

As he points out in The Bellbird: “We will continue to share our experience in ecotourism and expand our message of sustainable land use.”

The Asa Wright Nature Centre has been in the forefront promoting the value of “ecosystem services” such as the impact of sustainable forests on water harvesting, slope protection and reduced land slippage and urban flooding.

The first local president of the Centre, Ian Lambie, was elected in 1977 and went on, among other things, to a seat on the then T&T Tourist Board in 1982 where he actively promoted the country as an ideal destination for ecotourism.

“The word ecotourism was first used in 1983, long after the establishment of AWNC and after I had been assigned to promote ecotourism in Trinidad and Tobago,” he said.

“I think it is no mean feat to be ahead of the ecotourism bandwagon and to be promoting aspects of the green economy,” says board member, Steve Maximay.

The Icelandic connection meanwhile persists to this day, and several visitors from the Nordic island state were present for this year’s celebrations. They included Sigrún Ása Sturludóttir, grand-niece of the late AWNC founder who spoke about her aunt’s fondness for her adopted Caribbean home.

Ása Sturludóttir, a botanist who currently chairs the Asa Gudmundsdottir Wright Scientific Fund in Iceland, maintains contact with the centre. Also travelling with the team from Iceland was filmmaker Hrafnhildur Hanna Gunnarsdóttir, who is currently producing a documentary on Asa Wright.

Other testimonies at the Ortinola event came from attorney and honorary life board member, Christine Toppin- Allahar and renowned biologist/ policy specialist, Dr Carol James who chaired the board between 2004 and 2010. The occasion was moderated by former chairman, Dr Judy Gobin.

White laments the fact that “our lifestyle and entertainment have moved towards the indoor and virtual environment, at home or in malls and movie complexes” but reminded celebrants that “amongst these changes, the AWNC has remained a constant.”

It is, he says, “an institution rooted in the appreciation of natural history, advocating for conservation and sustainability of development.”

Tenor trio Q.E.D. (Quite Exquisitely Done) will be bringing their magical voices to the community as they perform their Christmas concert—One Night In December—at the Undercover Garden Centre in Santa Cruz on December 16. The trio is comprised of renowned singers Raymond Edwards, Nigel Floyd and Eddie Cumberbatch.

Cumberbatch, who is from Santa Cruz, said it was one of the loveliest places in the country, and the choice of the location came about after a chance visit due to the willingness of the owner to diversify the use of the space. Floyd said it is the perfect venue for their expansion into the community.

Floyd added that the show will pay tribute to three musical icons, “Johnny Gonsalves, who passed away earlier this year, and producers Jason Dasent and Richard Char Su Ahong,” because of the contributions they have made to music in T&T.

The programme will feature classic and modern Christmas pieces, as well as some Christmas Hindi and Christmas Arabic, according to Floyd. There will also be a pre-show performance from parang band Lujoe and the Gifted. The singers will be accompanied by instrumentalists on flute, saxophone, brass and steelpan. The trio said each year the show grows organically in terms of what instruments and music selections are used.

Edwards said as part of their push to diversify their offerings to the public, they have invested in a line of branded products, including stuffed animals, local chocolates in conjunction with Blue Mountain Chocolates, hand-made scented soy candles, branded T-shirts and CDs of their previous performances. “At the last concert we did, we brought out the T-shirt line and our CDs and we wanted to think how we could expand, because people loved it. There’s a keepsake element which goes beyond what you would get with a programme,” said Edwards.

The group said they will also be having a Festive Market, as part of what they see as their contribution to diversifying the economy. Floyd said the market will provide opportunities for other small and micro-entrepreneurs to benefit from partnering with them. He added: “Our regular audience will now have the opportunity to shop for Christmas, see a show and support a good cause.

“The Festive Market starts at 4 pm and runs until 10 pm. Undercover is staying open as well, to ensure people who love flowers too, can come and buy their flowers.”

Part proceeds from the concert will go towards Vitas House Hospice. Edwards said: “Vitas House has done some amazing work and they care for terminally ill cancer patients free of charge, operating completely on donations.

“We’ve all been doing fund-raisers for them since 2012, so every time we get an opportunity to raise some funds and give back in some way we do it.”

The trio said they hold a private concert for the patients each Christmas, and Floyd said he considers this experience the most important part of the whole thing. “You get to connect with a spirit and a soul on its journey and it’s an honour to be able to work with them and to highlight their cause. So the more people who come out to the show and who want to give to them, we applaud that effort 100 per cent.”

Tickets cost $250 and can be bought at he Undercover Garden Centre, the Chocolate Bar Cafe and from the cast and crew.

info

For more information, call 387-3146, email qedtt3@gmail.com and find One Night In December on Facebook.

The Gallery of Level 2, Long Circular Mall, hosted the launch of the jewelry line, Atelier Swarovski, on December 7 at the store.

Specially invited guests, including Miss Universe Wendy Fitzwilliam and acclaimed photographer Calvin French, viewed the exquisitely crafted, crystal-couture jewelry as they mingled and enjoyed cocktails. Owner of The Gallery, Sheena Thorpe, along with Swarovski representative Andrea Scicchitano, were on hand to give details on all items on display

Atelier Swarovski showcases the expensive capabilities of crystal as a creative medium. The line continues the trend of Swarovski’s long-standing history of innovation and creates a unique platform to craft special pieces that combine mastery, craftsmanship and crystal.

For the first two and a half months into the new fiscal year crude prices have been stronger than what Finance Minister Colm Imbert budgeted. In October, Brent averaged US $54.92 a barrel, while last month that average price shot up to US $59.93.

This would be welcomed news for the Finance Minister since he had budgeted that crude prices would average US$50 a barrel. It must be noted that 30 per cent of the crude we produce actually earns close to US$2 more than Brent prices and, therefore, the actual average prices for East Coast crude and condensate would be in the vicinity of US$57 in October and US$61 in November.

West Texas Intermediate prices, for which all the crude that is sent to the Pointe-a-Pierre refinery is based, was much lower, averaging US$52 a barrel, but still over what Imbert had budgeted.

This is important because as crude prices continue to average above US$50 a barrel it means that the supplemental petroleum taxes—SPT—will kick in and allow government to collect a windfall tax it had not projected.

Importantly, crude production has remained steady at just over 70,000 barrels of oil per day. The energy sector which has, and continues to, drive the economy was already expected to grow in the next fiscal year.

Revenues from the sector as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product are expected to increase by more than two percentage points according to the latest IMF 2017 Article IV consultation.

This increase is in part due to the imposition by the Finance Minister of a 12.5 per cent across the board royalty on oil and natural gas.

According to the IMF, fiscal energy revenues as a per cent of total GDP is expected to rise from 6.8 per cent in 2017, to 9.1 per cent in 2018 and 9.9 per cent in 2019, and start a process of gently tapering off to 9.5 per cent in 2022.

The IMF noted that the projected increase in revenues from the sector was predicated on improved output.

Already there are signs that the increased output from the natural gas sector is, in fact, happening.

Figures from the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries show that in September, natural gas production had peaked for the year, averaging just under 3.6 billion standard cubic feet per day (bscf/d). This is a direct result of the start up of the Juniper project with bpTT’s production increasing by more than 200 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscf/d) to average 2.1bcf/d.

It is based on the projected expansion of the energy sector that the IMF is projecting that in 2018 the country’s economy is likely to expand by 1.7 per cent.

Lecturer at the University of the West Indies St Augustine Campus Dr Roger Hosein believes that while the sector is likely to grow—and with it lead economic expansion—in real terms the country’s economy will not be moving forward because, according to him, the growth is not to be driven by new sectors of production.

He told Business & Money, “The economic growth projections follow the old paradigm of extracting natural gas resources and in so doing stimulating economic growth in the energy sector, with growth in the non-energy sector following as a consequence of the spur to the energy part of the economy, mainly on account of the spending effect, associated with energy sector activity. This would include spending by the energy companies, the workers in the energy sector and the government on receiving the energy sector fiscal revenues.”

Hosein lamented that the IMF report and the Budget Speech have had little to say about diversifying the T&T economy.

He added, “As it stands, there is no coherent plan on the way forward. There is no real systematic strategy on how to diversify the production base. In this scenario the current account balance would continue to be negative and the fiscal balance would likely remain in deficit leading to a worsening debt dilemma which by 2022 according to the IMF will reach over $145 billion.”

Hosein argued that when one looked at the IMF forecasts for capital expenditure (no doubt based on its various conversations with the Ministry of Finance, the Central Bank and the Ministry of Planning) it is very dormant at or around three per cent for the period 2017 to 2022.

He said this shows that the State will not be aggressively widening the supply infrastructure of the economy and, as a consequence, other idiosyncratic shocks to exports and domestic investment would have to be relied upon to stimulate aggregate demand.

“The evidence for the last 17 years does not suggest we can have much confidence that this strategy will work, but maybe I am wrong and there is room for optimism.”

Whether it is a large corporation or even a start-up company, poor customer service can cost businesses thousands of dollars, sometimes even millions.

For 59-year-old Sandee Bengochea and 61-year-old Hilary Juan-Bengochea of the Customer Service Academy, customer service is serious business. The two have been in the business of coaching workers across multiple sectors for more than a decade mainly in T&T, St Lucia, Barbados, Jamaica and Guyana.

Good customer service, they agree, must be dealt with in a holistic manner where the mental and physical state of the individual is treated with first, before training can occur.

They spoke with Business & Money from their Eastern Main Road, Champs Fleurs headquarters about the deteriorated state of customer service in T&T.

Defining customer service, Sandee said it is what the customer experiences and not what the customer service representative thinks they have delivered to the customer.

Agreeing that customer service had deteriorated in T&T, she said the true test of good customer service is asking the customer, “would you come back or would you recommend this company to someone else?

“When you bring somebody to the understanding that they have to uplift their mind, they have to improve and develop their spirituality and they have to deal with their emotions. A lot of young people who come into the workplace do not know how to deal with their emotions,” Hilary added.

He added that the average customer in T&T is an “angry customer” who visits an establishment and when the person who provides the service is faced with that tension—and the personalities cross—instead of the customer service representative staying calm, he/she gets heated and the issue of respect diminishes.

Other than training, Hilary said some companies employ the use of surveys as a tool to improve their level of customer service. He said surveys should be always be kept simple to ensure effectiveness.

Commenting on the effectiveness of surveys, Sandee said, “I see so many companies do them but when they get the results, they shoot the messenger.”

She added that oftentimes, when the findings are bound together in a policy document and presented to a company’s board and decisions are made, very little is done to implement the recommendations.

The Bengocheas believe every company in T&T has the potential to practice customer service similar to what is displayed in organisations such as the Ritz Carlton chain of hotels.

According to a Forbes magazine article, the hotel does a telephone survey and asks both emotional as well as functional questions.

Examples of functional questions include: was the service good or do you like the menu?

An example of an emotional question: were you, (the guest) taken care of?

Customer service in the tech space

Competing using technology and pricing strategies, TSTT’s vice-president of customer experience, Ayman El Azizi said good customer service builds on experiences that convey to the customer that their interest and needs are TSTT’s first priority. He added that good customer service shows the customer that, “you (the company) have empowered and equipped the staff to serve customers in a manner that customers feel respected, cared for and treated fairly.”

Asked how TSTT executes effective customer service especially when some of its services are being offered online, in emailed responses El Azizi said the company’s digital platform uses both human interaction as well as technology.

“Bmobile’s digital transformation is about the effective use of technology to serve customers better so it is a blend of technology and human interaction. Far from eliminating human interaction, it strives to make it more effective.

“In some instances—like for online payments and purchases—technology is used to provide a safe, secure, timely transaction experience for customers. But even our digital properties have options for Chat support from real people on the backend to assist with the array of products, services and offers that are available.

Asked what are some of the strategies that TSTT uses to maintain good customer relations, he said, “we have placed a lot of emphasis on more competitive offers like our unlimited plans that are unique in the local market, and customers appreciate getting this great value.

“The personal touch is also important, so training for all customer-facing staff to serve courteously, efficiently and knowledgeably in person and online, even via social media, is emphasised.”

Eastern Credit union goes the survey route

According to a notice posted on its website, Eastern Credit Union (ECU) stated they would be conducting a member service survey whereby members would be picked randomly and contacted via phone and email.

“We have engaged Vagus MRI Ltd, which is a local market research firm who will be conducting the survey in order to ensure that all feedback is gathered and that everyone has the opportunity to be heard,” the notice said.

As we move through December, it is a time when everyone starts anticipating the new year and what it might bring. There will be many 2018 outlooks and forecasts but before we get there I want to step back and look a bit further. This is especially in the context of our recently proposed Vision 2030 plan.

At the end of this year, we would be closer to the year 2035 than 2000. Time flies doesn’t it?

The world is changing rapidly but the question for us in T&T is whether our rate of development is keeping pace with the rest of the world.

The clear reality is that if we are developing at a slower pace than the rest of the world—and we are not yet at developed country status—then we will never get to the stage of being considered developed.

So, more than the quality of our plans and initiatives, it is the speed with which we execute those plans and initiatives that, ultimately, makes the difference of where we end up. Being a developed nation is a relative, as opposed to absolute, construct.

A key issue in economic development is our demographic profile.

Arthur Kemp is credited with coining the phrase, “Demographics is destiny”. If that statement is true then it is quite likely that on our current path T&T is has more challenges than we currently realise.

Upon the release of the last national census, we were told that “a population in which the ratio of people aged 65 and over relative to the population aged 15 and younger (ageing index) is 30 or above may be described as old.”

The ageing index of T&T is 43.5 which means we are a very “old” population. Three years on from this statement we are probably an even “older” population.

What are the implications and what are we doing about it?

Is the public aware, do we even care?

Something may be dawning on us as the discussion about increasing the retirement age takes hold. The labour leaders in T&T are expressing their members’ concern about increasing the retirement age. I would expect that those same labour leaders would have questioned their members about how they plan to fund their retirement and whether they can survive on their retirement benefits in an era when government subsidies will likely be no more.

Something has to give and one would expect nothing less than reasoned and intelligent conversations as opposed to spurious arguments and bluster.

Our ageing demographic is a reality that is the result of our collective lifestyle choices. Now we have no choice but to find solutions or risk serious social challenges.

Many times over this column has raised the issue of our poor demographics in the context of planning for retirement and our inability to develop our capital markets so as to allow for wealth creation where people can manage their own affairs into retirement and beyond instead of depending on the State for an increased grant or allowance. Instead of wealth creation our politics is more about wealth transfer.

Demographic issues have far reaching consequences, will affect the lives of every citizen and will determine the future prosperity of this country in a post oil and gas era. Despite this, it is yet to form part of the mainstream national debate and gets little more than lip service from those in authority.

Is it that we do not understand what is at stake?

Main driver

It is my strongly held view that demographics—more than any other driver—determines the movement of financial markets and impacts changes to culture and social “norms”. All this ultimately combines to determine the prosperity of a nation.

The number of children born to a woman living in the United States averaged eight in 1800 and declined steadily to two by 1930. At the end of that period came what is today called The Great Depression.

Following the end of World War II that number spiked to four children in 1960 heralding what was known as the “Baby Boom Generation”. As that generation came into the workforce it heralded the wealthiest generation in the history of man.

By 2010, the Baby Boomers began to retire en mass and 1.93 children per woman was the new average in the US. With that change in demographic came The Great Recession. Is this just a coincidence?

Factor in Japan which is currently in the midst of a multi decade economic malaise marked by chronic deflation. In 1989, 11 per cent of the Japanese population was over 65. In 2006, that number moved to 20 percent and it is expected to reach 38 per cent by 2055.

Japan has a life expectancy of 84.2 years, the highest in the world. Overall welfare costs have risen from five per cent of national income in 1970 to 31 per cent in 2012.

Will Japan ever get out of their economic malaise given their already high debt burden and poor demographic? I doubt it and the experience of the US and Japan are just two examples of the role that demographics play in an economy.

Demography impacts the structure of the capital markets as well. A society saving for retirement will invest and in the process the demand for longer-term securities like stocks increases.

A society that is aged will switch to longer term fixed income investments that tends to keep interest rates low, thus impacting savers in other age groups.

Demographic malaise

In 1973, the median age in China was 19, today it is 35.

China, with a one child per couple policy, has the same median age as T&T.

An aged index of 43.5, a median age of 34.5 and a negative population growth rate of -0.11 per cent speaks to T&T’s challenges. Our negative legal population growth rate is because 6.42 individuals leave per 1000 of population. After migration then add murders, even people killed in car accidents all have a cost to the society.

If you accept the role that demographics played in some of the countries citied above it should be clear our future is going to be challenged. T&T’s two largest age brackets at the time of the census was 20-34 and 45-55 years.

The 20-34 age group in theory leads to the greatest increase in output and GDP but how many of ours are in make-work and state sponsored programmes?

What plans are there to cater to the burgeoning over 40 demographic that now comprises 40 per cent of the population?

Where are our improvements to healthcare services, how are their retirements going to be funded?

Ian Narine can be contacted at ian.narine@gmail.com

Dramatist Cecilia Salazar’s superb, perennial depiction of the late whistleblower, Gene Miles, kicked off a creative commemoration of Anti-Corruption Day by the T&T Transparency Institute (TTTI) on the UWI Campus last Friday.

Tony Hall’s one-woman production resonated as clearly as it did almost six or seven years ago when it was first staged.

There was nothing mismatched between Miles’ gas station revelations of the 1960s and the work of contemporary whistle-blowers who have teamed with investigative journalists to blow the lid on more recent impropriety in public sector procurement practices.

There was also the ostracism and ridicule not unlike modern online attacks that attempt to diminish the credibility of journalists and others who make critical disclosures— “fake news” assertions and cyber-bullying included.

It might have helped that the Learning Centre Hall’s acoustics matched the demands of Salazar’s challenging role. But a knowledgeable audience got the message—loud and clear.

There is an air of dogged pedantry in the script which could challenge a lesser thespian but for newcomers to the narrative, this is helpful to remove doubt about the grave injustice reflected in the Gene Miles tragedy.

It would be for a panel of speakers on different areas of endemic corruption to flesh out the story’s immediate relevance. There were Miles’ initial, subtle signals that were ignored. So, Nikoli Edwards spoke on the estrangement of youth voices from official decision-making while Natalie O’Brady made the link with a “corrupt” system that routinely turns the other way when domestic violence occurs.

There was, as well, the spectre of failed systems, ill-equipped bureaucracies and outright ill-intent. They were all evident via intrepid campaigner Afra Raymond’s focus on the implementation of public procurement legislation, currently awaiting the green light and structure for implementation by January 1.

In a sense, Hall’s drama lingered long after Salazar exited the stage, only this time with a larger cast and an equally engaged audience—theatrical realism on show.

A 45-minute late start did not help TTTI chairman Dion Abdool’s cause, as the panel discussion provided a cue for a premature exit by some. But the evening had only just begun when the panel wrapped up its work.

Young promising dramatist Idrees Saleem was down for a spoken word presentation as was the Drama Making a Difference (DMAD) with a performance of Sentences, followed by another spoken word act by Michael Logie.

Brittany Alexandria Deane and Amandes Parranda brought the curtains down with seasonal fare.

In the background was Salazar’s dramatic performance and the story of a young public servant, a spectacular racket run by senior government officials, the whistle-blowing that exposed it all and the tragic turn of events that silenced many a witness to state corruption.

TTTI secretary Susan Gordon related the Institute’s acknowledgement of links between governance, corruption and unethical behaviour and called for a joining of hands to recognise and root out public sector malpractice.

The Gene Miles message prevails almost half a century later.

If you’re still wondering what to get your best friend, boss, co-worker or family member for Christmas, Alta has the answer. Give them an Alta Gift of Reading certificate.

The certificate which costs only $200 is the perfect gift for any time of the year, but is always well received at Christmas time. It is the ideal gift for people who are interested in giving back and giving to those may be in need—someone for whom giving is better than receiving.

How does it work

You come in to any of Alta’s offices and indicate your interest in a Gift of Reading certificate. You will receive the well decorated certificate which comes with a bow and fits neatly into an envelope which we also provide. By purchasing the certificate for your co-worker, friend or family member, a donation is made in their name to Alta to support an adult currently learning to read and write at a free Alta class in Trinidad.

The Gift of Reading certificate covers the cost of teaching one adult for one term. While classes are free for students, there are costs involved which include training and equipping the teacher, providing materials for the students, advertising so students know about the classes, record keeping and enabling guidance from Alta for the class teachers and administration.

By purchasing a Gift of Reading certificate, not only would you have helped someone attending Alta classes to improve their literacy skills, but you would have purchased a Christmas gift for someone and helped Alta spread awareness of the challenges of literacy.

The gift has long lasting benefits as the gift of literacy lasts a lifetime. Through this certificate one person can obtain employment previously out of their reach, become empowered to lift the literacy levels of their children and become a part of the current and future literate working population of Trinidad and Tobago.

If you want more information or you’re interested in purchasing an Alta Gift of Reading Certificate, pop in to our South Office (Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9AM-4PM) or our Belmont office (Monday-Friday 8 am-5 pm). You can also give us a call at 624-2582 to arrange a pickup or to have the Gift of Certificate posted to you.

‘Tis the season for giving...help Alta by purchasing a Gift of Reading certificate

Info

Volunteer, Donate or Sponsor-a-student. Call 624-2582 or email altapos.tt@gmail.com for more info. Keep up to date with ALTA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: ALTA TT

Kids In Need of Direction (Kind) utilised its Digicel Foundation EPIC grant of $33,750 to equip its computer lab with seven desktop computers and a multimedia projector which will assist with its Computer Literacy Programme Kind Connect.

Speaking at a media launch recently, Kind’s Community Outreach and Social Services Officer Dafina Tyson thanked the Digicel Foundation for making Kind Connect a reality. She announced: “Not only does this grant help in meeting the aim of the programme to teach computer literacy skills but it also helps us become a resource space for the youth, keeping them connected with information and opportunities via the internet.”

Kind Connect will cater to parents, caregivers and children of the Laventille and Beetham communities.

Kind is a charitable organisation founded 15 years ago and been providing assistance to disadvantaged children throughout T&T within the parameters of education, nutrition, medical assistance, vocational training, emotional counselling and Sport.

The Digicel Foundation’s Epic initiative was established in March 2016 to provide funding to community and faith-based organisations, as well as other non-governmental organisations to implement small scale projects throughout T&T. The donation makes Kind one of 20 grant recipients for 2017.

Each child got the opportunity to be a superstar as the Windermere Private School of Coconut Drive, San Fernando, staged a spectacular Christmas musical concert giving the traditional Navity a comical twist. The navity stars were all present – Mary, Joseph, the Three Wise men, shepherds, King Herod and even the animals from the stable.

These cows, dogs, and sheep were played by the excited children from the Pre-Kindergarten classes who were eager to fill the Naparima Bowl auditorium in San Fernando with their “mooos,” “baaas” and “woofs.”

There were no cries from baby Jesus although a toddler from the Nursery class broke down. However, teachers Narisa Lutchman and Sharon Remy easily consoled him and managed to get the others calm enough to play their parts.

All of the students from the various classes got the chance to be on stage and some of them were eager to show off their dancing skills much to the amusement of the audience.

The best dancers of all were the Little Drummer Boys who did a coordinated number to the song fondly known as Come They Told Us. They were outshone only by the little toddler rock stars who wore shades and carried little guitars.

A multitude of angels with well designed costumes and golden wings also lined the stage while the shepherds sang a comical tune We Dont Wash Our Socks instead of the traditional song While Shepherds watched their Flocks.

Teachers Oma Ramnarine and Ambik Bissoo ‘gallavanted’ on stage much to the amusement of the parents. Principal Laureen Debance-Misir said the concert was well rehearsed and each child had the opportunity to shine on stage.

“I always allow all the children to participate in all events. The cast and everyone had the opportunity to go on stage so our superstars were shining all over Bethlehem,” said Debance-Misir.

In a never before attempted or accomplished musical feat, 14 cellists played the Christmas carol O Come O Come, Emmanuel at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (Napa), Port-of-Spain last Saturday evening. The task was executed when the T&T Youth Philharmonic staged Christmas Wonder of His Glorious Majesty.

Keeping the entralled audience captive were the T&T Youth Philharmonic Advanced Orchestra, Euangelion Singers and Band, and VOUS (Voices Of the University School), all under the baton of music director Kenneth Listrop.

President of Bridgemans Services Group Brian Grange told the T&T Guardian that the engines of the Cabo Star “are all in fine shape.”

He said Wednesday night’s cancellation of the sailing of the vessel was linked to problems with a circuit board for an auxiliary engine which happened overnight in Tobago.

The discovery of the problem he said was first made last week and it was sent for repair locally. “There are now issues with the spare on board which is being investigated as there is no power to the system. “ The repair he said is being investigated.

Grange said they need a “trained electrician for the systems which are joining the vessel on arrival in PoS.” He said, “This is a timing issue of certified personal being available.”

According to Grange, “The delays we have had have been having over last month have had to do with repairs for preventative maintenance to make the vessel continue to operate and to improve performance.”

Grange also complained about “long lead times getting the parts into T&T.” But he said all the parts have now been received.

Because the Cabo Star is so large he said “it takes time to do these items. Our schedule for the CS is daily with one day off and we are running 12 hours per day.” As a result he said “maintenance needs to take place in between working hours to ensure the uptime of route.”

He said there are “certified and trained technicians from T&T, Europe and on the crew in the engine room.”

Grange said Bridgemans had spent “a lot of money to ensure longevity of the contract to include items such as renewing turbo chargers, cleaning air coolers, bottom cleaning and sea chest cleaning etc etc.”

In addition he said the company had spent “ as much money as we can locally to support local business.”

Rosemarie Sant

More problems on the inter-island cargo ferry the Cabo Star as a damaged electrical switch which controls the engine forced the cancellation of the sailing from Tobago on Wednesday night leaving truckers up in arms and concerned about perishable goods on the vessel.

President of the Inter-Island Truckers Association Horace Amede said he understands the starboard engine went down, He said, “Christmas in Tobago looking bleak because we losing a lot of days for the month so far.”

Amede was uncertain whether the vessel would have made a return sailing to Tobago saying “we are expecting a cruise ship in Tobago with four thousand passengers. We are not sure what time the vessel will get in or if it will sail back to Tobago today.”

He said the situation had greatly inconvenienced drivers who were hoping to make a turn-around to deliver, pick up and return.

Vice president of the Inter Island Truckers Association Samuel Applewhite said although the vessel sailed yesterday morning “it did not take any passengers.”

The truckers and loaders were asked to seek alternative transport on the T&T Express.

He said the vessel left Scarborough sailing on one engine and the normal five- hour trip would have taken almost eight hours.

Applewhite said among the goods on the vessel were perishable foodstuff which is transported for sale in the market on Thursday and Friday. This included oranges, bananas, pommecythere and avocadoes, “whatever fruits are in season they bring it to sell in the wholesale market.”

An official announcement from the management of Trinidad and Tobago Inter-Island Transportation Company (TTIT) said the vessel experienced “mechanical issues” on Wednesday night and was unable to make its scheduled 11 pm sailing.

The TTIT said the vessel sailed from Tobago at 6.05 am yesterday and the return sailing was delayed. But no time was given for that sailing the advisory stating “users will be advised of the rescheduled time upon the arrival of the vessel into PoS.”

While the official word from the Port was “mechanical issues,” vice president of Bridgemans Services Group Andrew Purdey said “all the engines are fine.”

He identified the problem which caused the delay as “a damaged electrical switch.” Purdey said, “The switch controls the thruster motors and a main engine,” and the vessel could not sail until the switch was replaced.

But he assured there was a spare in Tobago to replace the damaged switch.

Truckers meanwhile say they are concerned that although the Cabo Star was leased for one year they had noticed they are doing work on the vessel and “we have to wonder whether we would be stuck with it.”

Applewhite added: “There are foreigners on the boat installing air condition units,” but he lamented that the units are being installed “in the area they are using.” Their presence on the board he said had also reduced the number of cabins available to truckers and loaders and many of them were forced to sleep on the ground.

Over the past few months the truckers have complained about non-functioning air condition units on the boat which they say make the vessel a sweat shop.