Signature local products, ranging from Tobago’s spiced, savoury pone, addictive preservatives and succulent cassava and corn dumplings, were among the locally manufactured products featured at the recently concluded Trade and Investment Convention (TIC), that caught the interest of international buyers. Pepper sauce was also a hot item for foreign companies.

This was the second year that exporTT partnered with the T&T Manufacturer’s Association (TTMA) for an Inward Buyers’ Mission and there’s a real possibility that these and many other goods will be exported within the next six months.

Apart from food and beverages, including a wide array of condiments, international companies were also interested in paper and packaging items like toilet paper and tissues.

Through the TIC, exporTT has been working to stimulate awareness of T&T as an exporter of quality products, allowing local exporters to meet multiple international buyers in one location at a fraction of what that type of investment would cost and generate export orders.

With four years’ experience in hosting inward buyers’ missions, exporTT was able to attract ten international buyers from Canada, the United States, Cuba, Guyana and Martinique, who were screened and selected based on mutual trade interests with local exporters in the sectors of food and beverage, printing and packaging, construction and chemicals.

At business to business (B2B) meetings, participants discussed trade opportunities that will redound to the benefit of T&T, said manager, export promotion and communications at exporTT, Betty Ann Noreiga-Mollineau.

She declared TIC 2018 a success, opening up much needed avenues to generate foreign exchange and propelling small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on to the international market.

Noreiga-Mollineau said exporTT facilitated more than 125 B2B meetings between foreign buyers and 58 local exporters.

“Some buyers have already indicated there will be commercial projects they will be undertaking. There are a number of people who got new lines and want to introduce it in their countries,” she said.

Trade relations are also expected to be strengthen between T&T and Guyana as one particular local manufacturer is seeking to have his products more widely distributed in that country.

Noreiga-Mollineau said another focus of the event was penetrating mainstream markets via different diaspora.

“All our diaspora markets are well covered because people look for their products on those markets. Our main focus was the mainstream through the diaspora markets,” she explained.

“We are also building on the experiences of our exporters who have already expressed an interest in returning.”

Shamilia Khan, business adviser at exporTT, said TIC was structured in a way that provided opportunities for SMEs to showcase their products both to international and local buyers.

She said: “These companies experienced what an international trade show was like. We had smaller companies who met buyers interested in their products.

“Some of those who exhibited were export ready. They were able to display their products on the business-to-business days which were Thursday and Friday.

“We had smaller cottage industry companies and they exhibited on the Saturday and Sunday and they were also exposed to international buyers and the general public. This was an opportunity to bring awareness of who are our exporters, products and opportunities to find distributors from the internationally market.”

Khan said exporters were very satisfied that the TIC met their objectives as they were able to gather leads from international distributors and are currently in the negotiations.

Another positive outcome was the networking opportunities provided, especially for smaller companies.

“There were many companies willing to share experiences and contacts with each other. There were a lot of people asking how can your product complement mine and how we can work together, for instance,” Khan said.

What made TIC 2018 different from previous years was that a sector approach was used.

Khan explained: “Because export promotion deals with several sectors—printing and packaging, construction, food and beverage, household and industrial chemicals—we decided we would have a variety of companies to give them opportunities for display.

“For the smaller companies, we worked on improving their standards to get them export ready for the international market. The smaller entities, mostly from Tobago, had food and a variety of drinks like rum punches, local teas, which highlighted health benefits and body creams which created great interest.”

Khan said the buyers were also impressed with our companies, including a small entity that offered various candles with fragrances are comparable to the popular foreign candles. Bottled tomato relish also caught the attention of some buyers.

“There was also Tropi-Mulch showcasing mulch in different colours, promoted by a small company; the interest generated was tremendous.

“These companies welcomed exporTT’s guidance to assist in growth and development and to tailor their products for the international market. What you sell on the local market is actually different on international arena. We were also amazed by the steady flow traffic at the booths,” Khan said.

Connecting with Canada

Roann David, business adviser, export promotions, at exporTT, brought in Grace Foods, Canada, a first time buyer at the event.

She said: “We invited Canada in the past but this is the first time they accepted.”

David said the company is seeking local brands for the Canadian market, particularly products which have some affinity with the diaspora.

“We are looking to increase trade with the diaspora and through this we can also reach the mainstream. This may not materialise overnight but it will eventually happen,” she said.

David said the Canadian buyer took back sample products which interested him to relevant persons for decision making.

“This will assist in preparation for the Canada trade mission exporTT is having this October because we will then know who the major players are in Canada.

“And based on interest generated we will then set-up follow up meetings with local manufacturers. In addition that buyer can also make recommendations for other local distributors,” she said.

The Grace Foods representative was especially interested in local non-alcoholic beverages like soft drinks and juices, as well as preserves.

“He was also very interested in some of our spices and condiments. These companies might not be the most well known but their products are very much synonymous with T&T and that’s what the buyer is looking for, again starting with the diaspora and to break into that mainstream aspect,” David emphasised.

Due to time constraints, the buyer was unable to fully explore all that TIC had to offer.

“Because it was just two days of business meetings, the buyer realised he probably should have stayed a bit longer. He did not have a full opportunity to walk the show and see all the other products. He just had to snatch time in between,” David said.

“The business meetings were set up to match him with the items he was interested in but the opportunity to walk the show could have provided a wider scope. He could have seen other products he probably could try to get into Canada as well.”

Some of the specifications this buyer insisted on for local goods entering Canada included proper labelling and ensuring items meet required export standards.

“We directed some local companies to the relevant bodies in Canada, like the trade office, which provides all the linkages to the other authorities like the Food Inspectorate.

“Not all the companies who came to the meeting were aware of the packaging and labelling laws for Canada and by providing these linkages it increased the knowledge of T&T’s companies,” David said.

This is beneficial to the country on the whole in ensuring all goods produced are of the highest international standards, she added.

If all goes well, more local goods could be on Canada’s supermarket shelves by the end of the year. While that might be a relatively short period for some companies who produce on a smaller scale, there is the option of consolidated shipments.

In this regard, exporTT plays a key role in facilitating cargo consolidation through product combination.

Gift and craft markets a hit

First time buyer from Martinique is interested in a range of products, including food and beverages, construction materials and chemicals. That buyer was also impressed with the work of a local gift and craft designer who creates copperware, including customised pieces, said exporTT’s senior business adviser, Natalie Paul-Harry.

“Gift and craft is one of the smaller sectors which falls under the creative industry. The buyer will be liaising with the gift and craft designer in the short and medium term,” she added.

Noting that exporTT is targeting buyers worldwide, Paul-Harry explained that Martinique provides optimum advantages as it is part of France.

“It’s essentially targeting Europe. We are seeking to use the French Caribbean as a launching pad to enter continental Europe. It’s ensuring we meet the quality standards for those markets and targeting this as a microcosm of the wider continental European market,” she explained.

One advantage of hosting an inward buyers market, she explained, as opposed to taking companies abroad, is cost effectiveness.

“It’s very expensive for local companies to participate given the high cost of airfare and accommodation. In this way we are facilitating them on the ground to meet a range of exporters.

“Our mandate is to diversify, to move away from oil and gas, and we are providing a platform to meet with buyers which they might not have had given financial constraints. There is also foreign exchange benefit by increasing exports via this intervention,” she said.

Chemicals, printing and packaging

T&T’s chemical sector covers a range of products, including dishwashing liquid and household bleach, all of which have resulted in viable inroads with buyers, said senior export officer Camille James.

Chemtrax Ltd, for instance, showcased a range of household cleaners such as disinfectants.

Regarding new buyers she explained: “All of them were new to us in terms of the countries they came from: Cuba, Martinique, Guyana and New York.”

Nathali Richards, who was responsible for the printing and packaging sector, said there were four buyers from Cuba.

Factory visits generated great interest and there were also tours to companies in the Point Lisas area, she added.

“We did factory visits to John Dickinson and to Caribbean Safety Products. They were not only really good hosts but profiled their companies efficiently. Buyers were impressed with the manufacturing aspect in particular.

“Regarding construction, there was interest in companies like Lifetime Roofing,” Richards added.

Local paper products, she noted, definitely have a viable market in Cuba.

Virtual missions

The work of exporTT is far from over.

Noreiga-Mollineau said the organisation will be hosting virtual missions—conferences via the Internet—to cement ties and provide avenues for exporters who were unable to meet buyers.

“We have contacts with our exporters and prospective buyers. If, for some reason, there is no response then it’s my duty to help you get to that exporter.

“While walking around at TIC I made contact with some of our local exporters who were in booths but were not linked with us. I will be bringing them in to meet with some of the buyers who were invited.

Definitely there will be some virtual missions after the TIC,” she said.

Technology drives a new initiative to improve the services provided by the Town and Country Planning Division (TCPD).

The project, which has already received public sector investment programme funding, places emphasis on automation, digitisation and service delivery. A pilot project has been implemented at the TCPD’s south regional office and there are plans to introduce it at other offices shortly.

The TCPD project was developed by three public servants—Marie Hinds from the Ministry of Planning, Sharon Bailey from WASA and Giselle Lall from TSTT—all graduates with distinctions from the Masters of Institutional Innovation and Effectiveness programme at the Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business (ALJGSB).

The trio also won the award for Excellence in Practicum (solution/intervention) and they had the opportunity to present their project to business leaders during a recent Flow if Impact event at the ALJGSB’s north campus in Mount Hope.

The practicum is part of some masters programmes offered by ALJGSB. It runs for six months and is intended for students to integrate what they have learnt in the classroom and apply that knowledge to solve live problems at public and private institutions.

The other projects presented to the business leaders at the event included a housing project involving a public-private partnership between the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) and a private developer.

It featured a unique risk allocation arrangement that satisfied the needs of all stakeholders, and was designed to be achieved in milestones so cash flows can be initiated and risks reduced.

Other featured project included the creation of a radio station in Tobago, Pulse 89.5 FM, an export engine and a plastic recycling venture.

Business leaders weigh in

Gabriel Faria, CEO of the T&T Chamber, told the students they should ensure the projects they create add value to the particular company. He said while it is good to look at what it costs to produce a product and what it will earn, it is also important look at the value added.

“Part of my concern when I looked at your presentation is that it looks good but I am not clear where the value is, and what it is,” he said.

Faria said when manufacturers build production capacity often it is for a home market and therefore not as competitive in the international market.

What is clear, he said, is if the T&T economy is to be less dependent on oil and gas, manufacturers need to be more competitive internationally.

David Dulal-Whiteway, CEO of ALJGSB, said the projects presented real world situations and the students had been given guidance to bring them close to commercialisation.

Dulal-Whiteway, a former bank executive, said he always had the perception that after academic research is done, all that happens is that, “it gets thrown into a drawer.”

He said the practicum creates an avenue for the ALJGSB to make a difference in the country.

Other business leaders who assessed the students’ presentation included: Nicholas Jackman, head of business development, ANSA McAL Group; Winston Dookeran, UWI Professor of Practice; Derek Alan Noël Parker of the French Embassy in Port-of-Spain; and Debra Boyce, senior trade commissioner, High Commission of Canada to T&T.

Did BHP Billiton make a discovery in its latest deepwater well, Victoria 1, which was recently drilled off the east coast?

Well-placed sources confirmed that hydrocarbons were found but there is no word on whether it was in commercial quantities, whether it was oil or gas, or a mixture of both.

The well was drilled in Block TTDAA 5, the same block where BHP announced it had discovered 5 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. It is also the block that Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley said Government is trying to get BHP to develop as quickly as possible to alleviate the natural gas shortage that has plagued the country for more than six years.

Unlike the first well in which the company drilled to 20,000 feet below the surface, this well is less than 10,000 feet. It encountered gas bearing sands and is likely successful. However, because the well is considered a “tight hole”, information is being kept among a few individuals.

Under their production sharing contract the country should know within the next month whether the latest deepwater well drilled by BHP Billiton was a success because they will have to report the outcome to the Ministry of Energy and Energy industries.

BHP was asked the following questions:

• Can you say whether the target depth (TD) was reached?

• What was that TD?

• How many feet of water was the well was drilled in?

• Did the well encounter hydrocarbons?

• Our understanding is that a discovery was made. Was it oil, gas, or both?

• How many feet of pay were encountered?

The company responded via email saying it was not in a position to speak on the well at this stage.

“We have not yet published any information re: Victoria yet but I will let you know once we have more information. However, this will likely not be in time for your story,” a BHP spokesman said.

BHP’s deepwater drilling campaign is crucial to T&T’s future oil and gas production because it is believed to be the place where the country has the best chance of making the kinds of massive oil and gas discoveries seen in West Africa and Guyana.

BHP Billiton is the operator of all the deepwater blocks that have so far been awarded and has drilled three wells in deepwater, inclusive of Victoria 1. They have so far made a major natural gas discovery but the second well, which was drilled closer to Tobago, failed and there has been a lot of hope that more gas and possibly oil will be discovered on the same block where the Le Clerc well was drilled and natural gas found.

A confidential document produced by the Ministry of Energy alluded to the importance of the BHP drilling campaign.

The document stated: “Three deepwater exploration wells are forecast to be drilled in 2018-2019. Two of these wells are to be drilled in Block TTDAA 5 to test the Magellan Gas Play which was discovered via Le Clerc-1 exploration well in 2016. The other well is to be drilled within Block TTDAA 14 to explore for hydrocarbons at various levels based on subsurface data.”

The Magellan Gas Play was the name given to the sands by BHP because it is the first time it was seen in T&T.

BHP is the operator of TTDAA 5 with Royal Dutch Shell as its partner and in Block TTDAA 14 it is the operator with bpTT as its partner.

The following represents a couple general points on how to approach an investment in bonds. These can be transposed to other asset classes and also provide the basic guidance for constructing an investment portfolio. The reference to bonds is due to this being topical at this time.

INVESTMENT LESSON #1

An investment is neither good nor bad

No investment on its own should be viewed as a good or a bad investment.

Yet this is the most frequent question that is asked of a financial professional.

If you take the riskiest investment and put it alongside the safest investment then the portfolio as a whole is going to be less risky than the risky investment alone. Everyone should be able to grasp this.

The US dollar is the reserve currency of the world and bonds issued by the US Government is considered to be one of the safest investments in the world.

If you invest 100 per cent of your money in US government bonds then you would own the safest investment in terms of getting the contractual obligations of the investment satisfied.

You are as certain as can be that your interest payments will be paid on time and at the stipulated amount and that your principal invested would be returned to you under the repayment terms agreed at the time of the investment.

Let’s say that bonds from the Government of Iraq sits at the other end of the scale.

A war-torn country that does not have a stable government and where there are so many other variables to consider.

You will appreciate that investing in Government of Iraq bonds would be a scary thing to do. The risk of not getting your money back is high.

However, as I will explain the Iraq bond can serve a useful purpose in a portfolio if used properly.

Let us for the sake of argument assume that a 10-year bond issued by the US Central Bank (The US Federal Reserve) pays interest at three per cent.

That may be a low rate of return on money invested for 10 years. You are trading off safety (low risk) for a low return (three per cent).

Appreciate that you can’t force the US to pay you more interest, that is determined by the market.

As a segue also appreciate that you can’t force banks to pay you a higher deposit rate.

This is also a function of the market and the levels of liquidity.

It is the monetary and fiscal authorities that are responsible for the level of liquidity in the financial system and bank deposit rates are primarily the result of their cumulative and collective actions over the past two decades.

Returning to the investment lesson. Since you can’t force the safe investment to pay a higher rate then you have to adjust your portfolio in order to achieve a higher return.

This also means taking on higher risk. This is where the Iraq bond, even though it is very risky may have value to you as an investor.

Let’s say that the 10-year Iraq bond pays interest at 15 per cent. That higher rate of interest is a reflection of the level of risk that is associated with investing in Iraq for ten years.

The high rate of return on offer is your compensation and incentive to take up the higher-risk investment.

Understanding Lesson 1 brings with it a realisation that no investment on its own is good or bad.

You need to recognise how that investment fits within your portfolio and whether it has any attributes that can serve your investment needs.

In this example the higher risk bond will provide a potentially higher return and the risk can be made acceptable if it is combined with the safe asset.

INVESTMENT LESSON #2

How much you invest is more important than where you invest

If you accept that you can combine a safe asset with a risky asset to manage the overall risk in your portfolio then the next stage is to determine how much money you should allocate to each investment.

Typically I am faced with the question: I have some money where should I invest it?

We tend to focus on the where rather than the how much. From my experience the reason this is so is because we usually approach things from an “all or nothing” perspective.

To move away from that mindset refer to Lesson 1 above. To reiterate, it is about how assets are combined as opposed to the individual assets in and of themselves.

If you avoid the “all or nothing” trap then you are faced with the “how much is enough” dilemma.

In the US and Iraq bond example, if you put all your money into an Iraq bond you run the risk of not being paid because of all the challenges associated with that country so, in simple terms, you can lose all your money. That’s not a good place to be in.

There is also risk in being fully invested into the US government bond. That risk is the low return due to the fact that it is a safe asset.

The risk here is not the financial safety associated with the asset but the risk is related to your financial safety.

You would invest because you are seeking to defer spending today in order to be able to spend at a future date.

If your investment does not grow at a rate that will allow you to increase your consumption in the future then you would be worse off having invested.

So asset safety also has a risk and that risk is that you may not achieve your financial goals with the safe investment.

The secret therefore is to take a level of risk that you are comfortable with. From Lesson #1 you can fine-tune your comfort levels by determining how much you would like to invest in each asset.

Being 100 per cent in the US bond for 10 years gives you a return of three per cent. Being 100 per cent invested in the Iraq bond for 10 years gives a return of 15 per cent.

If you adjust the percentages so that you own some of both bonds you can generate a return greater than three per cent but less than 15 per cent.

If you invest in both hypothetical bonds at the same time and they have the same maturity then at a ratio of 50 per cent in each bond you get the opportunity for a higher percent return with basically 50 per cent of your funds at risk.

Appreciate that here your worst case scenario is the Iraq bond defaults and you lose 50 per cent of your portfolio.

If you are unwilling to put 50 percent of your money at risk then you simply decrease allocation to the Iraq bond.

The smaller the amount at risk the closer you get to a 3 percent return. The reverse is also true in that the greater the amount at risk the closer you get to a 15 percent return.

If you are prepared to put 10 per cent of your portfolio at risk in the Iraq bond and 90 per cent in the safe US bond then you will get a return above three per cent but only have 10 per cent of your money at risk.

This is where a risky asset in an investment portfolio can be of value.

In summary the issue is not about anyone and anything else other than determining what you want to accomplish and how you plan to get there. No investment on its own is good or bad. How you fit together your investment portfolio makes all the difference.

If you are interested in investing in bonds then be sure to read the prospectus, understand the risk factors and then determine how much risk you are prepared to take to benefit from the returns on offer. There is no one size fits all position so ensure that you discuss the matter with a financial professional.

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

Patrons who attended Ramajay, the 2nd Edition, last Saturday evening are clamouring for a repeat, so good was the production.

Held Under the Trees at The Normandie in St Ann’s, the show began with opening remarks by former National Calypso Monarch Willard “Relator” Harris.

He performed the classic Matilda as a crowdwarmer and Skye Harper rendered the National Anthem to get proceedings rolling to an audience which seemed to be chomping at the bit for a night of excellent music. They were not to be disappointed.

Relator introduced reigning Extempore Monarch The IncredibleMyron B (Myron Bruce) who performed a lively set.

Former Extempore Monarch Winston “Gypsy” Peters, seated in the audience, was baited by Myron B to come on stage for a “shoot out,” much to the enjoyment of patrons.

Also raising the bar were crackshot pannist Natasha Joseph and former Charlie’s Roots songstress Juliet Robin who performed Lord Kitchener’s Pan In A Minor.

After a 15-minute intermission, it was the turn of veteran Caribbean Kaiso Jazz icon Clive “Zanda” Alexander to mesmerise the audience.

Rounding off the night were Northern Illinois University professor, Nutrien Silver Stars arranger Professor Liam Teague, joined by Michael Low Chu Tung and elan parle, featuring saxophonist Tony Paul.

Aside from the performances the other aspect of Ramajay patrons were in praise of was the beautiful stage set done by David Dyer Production’s Q Life, in collaboration with The Normandie.

Love, Sweat & Basmati Rice is Caricomedy Entertainment Ltd’s newest comedy offering to the public. The event, which consists of a short play and a stand-up comedy show, takes place on Sunday, July 22 at the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts (Sapa), San Fernando.

Co-founder Kwame Weekes said the play, “tells the story of young love in 21st century T&T between West girl Sarah Jane Waffles and her social media lover, Ravi C, who is from an entirely different country.

When their distance from each other and racism threatens the blossoming of their growing love, Sarah discovers a sweltering truth, that true love is a love worth sweating for.”

Caricomedy Entertainment, which is approximately two years old, is best known for their viral Facebook videos, featuring challenging, smart comedy. Weekes said: “We’ve grown to having over 35,000 followers on Facebook and reaching over 100,000 people every month with our videos.

Our cast has also grown in number and racial diversity.

Our goals were always two-pronged: to create original content for the internet and for the stage, and to create a platform for other upcoming comedians in Trinidad and Tobago to showcase their talent.

“We’re happy to have fulfilled these goals with over 80 online videos, two theatrical shows in two years and the launch of Nah Hoss! That Real Funny! the first free, stand-up comedy ONLY open mic in T&T which has launched the comedy careers of at least two new comedians.”

The play, which is directed by co-founder and artistic director Denith McNicolls, features both old and new members of the Caricomedy cast.

Weekes said: “One of our newest Caricomedy cast members, Chantal Waldropt, plays the lead role of Sarah Jane Waffles. Granny Maidenname will be played by Ocean Davidson, another new cast member.

Ravi C is played by Dike Samai, our most senior recognisable male actor and Mavis is played by Zwena Joseph, the most senior and loved Caricomedy actress. Mom and Daddy Waffles are played by Shenice Nyack and Kwame Weekes.”

The second half of the programme features four young male comedians: Keevan “Keevo” Lewis, Kevin Soyer, Gervail “Jr. Lee” Lemo and Thaddy Boom. Weekes said each comedian has a following of their own.

“Lewis is an observational comedian who is no stranger to going viral on Instagram and Facebook with his sharp observations about Trinbagonian culture,” said Weekes.

“Soyer is a naturally-gifted comedian who is known for his Facebook series about the young Pinky and her dysfunctional family, while the youthfully vibrant Lemo has a hit Facebook show Dollar Questions and his jokes about his family and love life will keep you young yourself.

“Thaddy Boom is one of the hilarious hosts of the First Citizens National Poetry Slam, and is sure to make audiences laugh with his quick wit, work with the crowd, and unique sense of humour.”

Weekes said children as young as 14-years-old can comfortably attend the show as, “there’s no obscene language. Sexuality will be confined to innuendo in some of the dialogue, but nothing more than what is seen in any teen Disney movie or series.”

He said the decision was made to have a physical show because, “while likes on Facebook are nice, but nothing beats the booming laughter, the knee slapping and falling over of a live audience. “Caricomedy’s founders have backgrounds in theatre, so it was always our intention to make people laugh on our Facebook page as well as the theatre stage. We hope the single people who attend the show find husbands and wives as they laugh loudly next to cute strangers in the crowd.

“We also hope the couples leave with the bonds of their love strengthened. Most of all we want everyone to leave full of enough joy to last until our next live show, and we hope they recognise Caricomedy as a company that surprises them each time with its approach to comedy.”

Show begins at 6 pm on July 22 at Sapa. Tickets cost $150 and special couple and group prices are available. For more information, find Love, Sweat, & Basmati Rice on Facebook Caricomedy’s Love, Sweat & Basmati Rice crew, from left, Ocean Davidson as Maidenname; Chantal Vasquez-Waldropt as Sarah Jane Waffles; Dike Samai as Ravi C; Shenice Nyack as Mom Waffles; and, Kwame Weekes as Daddy Waffles. PICTURE COURTESY CARICOMEDY ENTERTAINMENT LTD

The question—what really is leadership Ms Blood—was posed by a group of 15-25-year-olds.

My response: there is leadership and leadership of excellence…there’s a difference.

Touching on what they believe caused them to make choices that didn’t serve well, they lay blame on “the nation’s leadership,” “following’ friends,” and a range of other beaten issues.

Loving to listen to diverse genres of music, calypso wasn’t one.

“Ms Blood, calypso is for serious people and nerds.

“It ent have no set ah money boy.”

I smiled and asked if they seriously want to learn the cold facts about leadership, and of excellence, how it can make life reputable, and if they believe calypso is a powerful educational tool to help.

Advising that we must first learn of leader and leadership, affirmative nods gave way to deeper discussions.

Calypsoes referred to were: Changes, sung by youth and first-time National Calypso Monarch, 2018’s Helon Francis, National Unity, by undisputed chief monarch, Dr Hollis “Chalkdust” Liverpool and Education a Must, by Calypso King of the World, Dr Slinger Francisco, “Mighty Sparrow.”

With all three eloquently-penned, National Unity, eulogising the late President Maxwell Richards, asserts that leaders of yesteryear had sense, Changes, beseeches the nation to change, and Education…, edifies on the benefits of being educated and the drawbacks of not being.

What is a leader, and leadership? In its simplest form: a leader is a person—the ethos —that gets others to do, while leadership is the ‘thing’ which the leader uses.

The outcome can be good or bad, and signalises the quality of the leader and leadership, but with excellence at the fore or core, immorality is never close-by.

In National Unity, reference is also drawn to the late president in his time of leadership, having encountered “the good, the bad, the ugly and the horrible.”

The youths learned that these are all experiences in the path of a leader when trying to drive leadership, but again, when excellence is at the fore or core, morality triumphs immorality.

The youths bellowed, “Buh miss, you doh see like everything going wrong?”

In response, I referenced a particular editorial captioned “Government must do more to restore peace of mind,” cited in a July 6, 2018 local newspaper.

Ideal for explaining leader and leadership of excellence, two questions were posed relating to if the statement is fair, and who should truly create peace of mind.

Uncertainty met the first but, after lengthy deliberation to the second, was “we.”

I told them “yes” self is responsible for ensuring peace, by firstly, mastering our personal leadership-of-excellence abilities.

Each individual is a leader in his/her own right, and displays leadership skills, but to what quality is the concern.

Everyone is automatically taught from childhood how to lead, ultimately being equipped with leadership abilities, whether intrinsically or extrinsically, which are strengthened as we age and evolve.

Learning that a leader could be a follower also, and vice-versa, mystified the group.

To lead self to follow good and, encourage others to learn and do better things and do things better, are what is meant by leaders with sense and leadership of excellence.

If we are following or are leading, our leadership capabilities must indicate to us if what’s being done is good or bad.

This is what the Mighty Sparrow means by “knowledge is the key to success, and “education is the foundation.”

Francis asks: “Who set the standards in my T&T?”

“I find it’s so strange the way we arrange, still, this nation don’t know how to change,” alluding to not changing people but instead, changing what is being taught.

Ideally, it’s up to you and me, at all echelons, to improve our self, master the art of leadership of excellence this, to create peace.

And as the three icons vocalised, “Don’t cry!” “Don’t allow idle companion to lead you astray, you will get burnt.”

Let’s “change the change as “real change start with you”—self.

Even though the T&T Police Service reported a 12 per cent decrease in reports of serious crimes against children in 2018, former chairman of the Children's Authority Stephanie Daly said this does not mean that fewer crimes are being committed against children.

In an interview, Daly said the recent statistics cannot be interpreted to mean there is an actual decrease or increase of child abuse in T&T. 

Saying the "extent of reported child abuse was worrying from day one," Daly explained that increased reporting suggested a level of confidence in the agencies set up to deal with child abuse.

"We also have to take into account the issue of late reporting. 

Children could be facing abuse but it is not immediately reported," she explained. 

She noted that it is not reliable to use the statistics presented by the TTPS to make a statement on the extent of child abuse, adding, "This is still a sizeable problem in T&T and what is important is ensuring that the State agencies set up to deal with this, are equipped with enough resources so that all reports of abuse could be acted upon immediately."

While she was the head of the Children's Authority, Daly said the figures of abuse were much higher than anticipated but despite the overwhelming amount of reports, she was impressed by how the staff coped.

Asked whether she believed the negative exposure of child abusers on social media served as a deterrent to sexual child abusers, Daly said no.

"I don’t think people think that far ahead when they are committing these acts. Social media would have little bearing on how they behave," she said. She also urged people to continue to report incidents of abuse to the police and to exercise care with their children during the holiday period.

A source at the Children's Authority said there was still a problem with finding accommodation for victims of abuse, adding that most times they are placed in the care of a responsible relative. There is also severe staff shortages at the Authority. 

"We need a staff of 242 but we are currently operating with 140 and we are currently recruiting staff for our operations in Tobago," the official said.

During a function last week, chairman of the Children's Authority Haniff Benjamin said the authority has received 60,000 calls from the public on cases of abuse in T&T. He said the Authority is investigating 15,000 reports and remarked that 67 per cent of the reports are linked to instances of sexual abuse, physical abuse, and neglect.

On Wednesday, acting Senior Superintendent Sharon Cooper of the Child Protection Unit said the Police Service recorded a 12% decrease in reports of serious crimes against children, for the period January to June 2018 when compared to the corresponding period in 2017.  

Cooper said there was a total of 878 reports made to the Child Protection Unit for January to June 2018, when compared to 1006, the previous year.

Sexual touching and sexual penetration continue to be the most prevalent, with 140 reports of sexual touching; and 348 reports of sexual penetration, for the period under review in 2018, versus 119 and 351 such reports respect.

Parliament meets today to discuss the Police Service Commission (PSC) nomination of Stephen Williams as Commissioner of Police, but ahead of this another candidate, Wayne Hayde, has sent a pre-action protocol letter to PSC chairman Bliss Seepersad claiming he was not treated “fairly” and demanding his name be put on the merit list.

Through attorneys Fulton Wilson and Company, Hayde sought to debunk the commission’s position that a candidate who attained the age of 60 cannot apply for the CoP position and is also claiming he was graded on a question he was never asked or answered.

Hayde has described the PSC’s actions as “capricious, arbitrary and unfair” and is threatening legal action if it does not put his name on the merit list.

In the pre-action letter, Hayde denied claims by former PSC chairman Marie Therese Gomes that he was asked whether he wanted to be considered for the Deputy Commissioner post. He said he was never asked that question but “points were awarded or conclusions made by the PSC on the basis of the answers given to the question that had not been asked.”

At least one other CoP candidate told the T&T Guardian he was not asked the question either.

Hayde, a former cop now working with the UN in Uganda, is alleging he was ‘treated unfairly” and his position on the shortlist and subsequent omission from the merit list was due in part to the omission made by the PSC with respect to that question.

In the circumstances, the letter said “the failure of the PSC to properly, fairly and adequately assess and grade” Hayde’s application and omission of his name from the merit list is “legally wrong and represents a breach of his right to fair and equitable treatment.”

The pre action letter, dated July 17, demanded that the error be corrected immediately “by not only including his name on the merit list but also place him in a position on same, which takes into account the actions and omissions made by the PSC that resulted in his improper grading and omission from the said list.”

The letter cited among other things statements by Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley in Parliament that after the process undertaken by KPMG, with the involvement of the PSC, 11 candidates were deemed suitable and shortlisted, five for the CoP post and six for Deputy CoP.

The five shortlisted for the CoP position were identified as Deodat Dulalchan, Gary Griffith, Stephen Williams Hayde and Glen Hackett. But Hayde is contending only four people applied for the CoP position. He said he was led to conclude that the PSC, after deliberations, removed himself and Hackett from the shortlist while Dulalchan and Phillip, who applied for DCP, were elevated to the merit list “without proper explanation.”

The pre-action also notes statements made by Seepersad, in her letter to President Paula-Mae Weekes, that the PSC “simply does not have the money, time and other resources to conduct a completely new process” and that “two candidates were over sixty years old.”

The letter said Hayde felt he was “omitted based on the fact” he was 60 years at the time of his application. But it noted by law there is “no impediment for a person who is sixty years or over from applying or being appointed to either the posts of CoP or DCP.”

Hayde is also contending his age was listed on his application and yet he was ‘invited to participate in two separate interviews in November and December 2017.’ He said he was provided with two business class tickets from Uganda paid for by the PSC to attend the interviews.

The letter noted it was “therefore inconceivable” that the PSC, whose members had participated in both interviews and other aspects of the assessment, knew or believed Hayde was “ineligible for appointment as CoP due to his age.” There was also nothing in the ad put out by the PSC with regard to age, the letter said.

Efforts to contact both Gomes and Seepersad were unsuccessful yesterday.

The selection process for the top cop has resulted in pre-action protocols from two other candidates, Griffith and Dulalchan. Dulalchan and Phillip’s nominations have already gone before Parliament and were rejected.

Two weeks ago the parliament referred the selection process back to the PSC, telling the commission the merit list was still valid.

Prosecutors have made another blunder in the case again 10 men charged with the murder of former Independent Senator Dana Seetahal, SC.

The latest mistake occurred in the State’s appeal over a decision by Senior Magistrate Indrani Cedeno to dismiss gang charges against the group and two of their acquaintances in 2016, due to an administrative error by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Hours before the appeal was due to be heard yesterday, special prosecutor Travers Sinanan and Assistant DPP Angelica Teelucksingh-Ramoutar informed the court’s registry that their office had filed the notice of appeal late.

While it had 14 days to appeal Cedeno’s ruling, given on May 27, 2016, it filed the appeal on June 13 that year.

During yesterday’s hearing, Sinanan and Teelucksingh-Ramoutar applied to have the appeal withdrawn, but were given a lifeline as Appellate Judges Alice Yorke-Soo Hon and Rajendra Narine suggested they file an application to have the deadline extended retroactively.

Once that application is filed it will be determined by one Appellate Judge. Provided that the State succeeds in its application, the appeal will then be heard by Yorke-Soo Hon and Narine.

Seetahal was shot dead in her SUV while driving along Hamilton Holder Street, Woodbrook, on May 4, 2014.

Reputed gang-leader Rajaee Ali, his brothers Ishmael and Hamid Ali; Devaughn Cummings, Ricardo Stewart, Earl Richards, Stephan Cummings, Kevin Parkinson, Leston Gonzales; Roger Boucher and Gareth Wiseman were initially charged with the crime. They, along with Rajaee’s wife Stacy Griffith, Deon Peters and David Ector, were also charged under the Anti-Gang Act for being members of a gang.

In 2016, the DDP’s Office applied to amend the gang charges due to an administrative error made when they were laid on the group.

The DPP’s Office had admitted to filing the charges indictably (heard and determined by a High Court Judge and jury) as opposed to summarily (heard and determined by a magistrate) as prescribed by the legislation. Cedeno dismissed the charges as she ruled the time for making the amendment had expired.

Peters and Ector were set free, while Griffith remained in custody on an unrelated gang offence that was not affected by the blunder.

In December last year, the murder charge was discontinued against Stephan Cummings, who was instead charged with conspiring to murder Seetahal. Ector was murdered last week.

While the State mulls over its appeal, the preliminary inquiry into the murder charge has hit a snag.

Evidential hearings of the inquiry have been put on hold as Cedeno is considering an application calling on her to recuse herself from the case.

I am placed in a zone every time I attend a Brother Valentino (Anthony Emerold Phillip) performance and this has been happening for almost half a century. Emotions were about the same, though somewhat more poignant, when I attended Valentino at 77, held at Kaiso Blues Cafe, on Woodford Street, Newtown, last Saturday.

Celebrating his three-score and ten plus seven birthday, the People’s Calypsonian was joined in performance by his children, all displaying proof of that old adage, “de fruit doh fall from de tree.”

Valentino’s other half, Peggy Castanada, relatives and friends in calypso Shortpants, Gary Cordner and Roderick “Chucky” Gordon, were in attendance as well. The night was quite reminiscent, not unlike the feeling of family I used to get back in the 70s when Valentino would perform at the Belle Smythe Street residence of Rosie and Boboy Adams in Woodbrook on a Sunday evening, at NJAC’s Black Traditions in Art concerts. Back then, Vallie would regale us faithful, seated on crocus bags on the floor, to classics like Life is a Stage, Trinidad is Nice and Barking Dogs.

Saturday also made me remember 1979, when Valentino and Black Stalin staged Blood Brothers at Queen’s Hall, a show produced by the late Astor Johnson and at which I had the unforgettable honour of having my poetry dramatised by the late Errol “Stork” St Hill. Admission to that, then deemed exorbitant, was $4. Back then, fellow calypsonian Funny prophetically told Valentino, “boy, one day people will be paying a hundred dollars to hear you sing calypso.” Saturday’s admission to Kaiso Blues Cafe was $100 The loud voice of cartoonist Keith “Culture Man” Anderson awakened me from my nostalgia on Saturday though, just in time to take in Valentino’s son Jasane introduce the evening’s first act, his brother Joel, a vocalist as well as a competent keyboardist.

Valentino’s daughter Jiselle was late in arriving but son Ade and daughter Jandell were present, up front and centre, seemingly basking with pride of their celebrated father.

After Joel, Noel “Informer” James performed a mix of calypso and comedy, an act which whetted the audience’s appetite for Valentino’s eagerly awaited appearance.

Valentino opened with Glory Days, a ditty from the 80s, one with a distinctly different rhyme and metre from many of his well known acidic political and social commentaries. He followed with his 1975 Dis Place Nice and Kaiso in Trouble.

Next up, Valentino sang what I consider to be one of his best compositions, Pan From the West. This song I rank alongside another of his gems, Where Calypso Reach.

Birds that fly high, a song that most of today’s politicians and corporate jefes would do well to consider, preceded Valentino’s biggest hit Life is a Stage, first recorded 47 years ago.

At the ripe age of 77, patrons seemed to understand that Valentino couldn’t occupy the stage for much longer so he rounded off his contribution with his 1979 classic Stay Up Zimbabwe.

Bringing the curtain down on Valentino at 77 was his long time calypso brother Soft Touch.

Valentino was backed by Joel on keyboards, guitarist Keston Agard and drummer Kester Benjamin. During the programme, Anderson also gifted Valentino with a portrait he drew of the iconic calypsonian.

Against all odds, internationally renowned DJ Private Ryan—along with his diligent team—executed a truly successful and memorable first-time staging of the famed Soca Brainwash fete series in Toronto.

Appropriately titled Soca Brainwash in the 6ix, the Soca Picnic, the event that was originally set to take place at Toronto’s Bandshell Park, had to be relocated to the Woodbine Mall parking lot on Rexdale Boulevard due to unforeseen circumstances.

With only a couple of days of turnaround time to relocate, transform a new location and execute, the team pulled out of all the stops to recreate the unique essence of the famous fete for its first edition in Canada’s most exciting city and did so in fine style.

Despite the venue change, doubts and criticisms, Soca Brainwash in the 6ix was not only a well- organised event but also a well-attended event with patrons coming from all parts of the Greater Toronto Area, Ottawa, Montreal and even various US states.

Upon entry attendees were greeted with a spacious, festive, superbly decorated ambiance complete with plants, trees, grassy areas, park benches and balloons (to complement the picnic theme) and were given signature Soca Brainwash branded mugs.

The event’s décor created a true Caribbean festival atmosphere and was strategically and effectively arranged in order to provide patrons with shade from the sun while they enjoyed the sweet beats of soca, dancehall and reggae music.

In keeping with the standards of the DJ Private Ryan party brand, the day fete featured well stocked bars around the venue which boasted a plethora of premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink offerings.

Although not advertised, the drinks-inclusive affair offered its local and foreign-based feters a mix of complimentary food items which included BBQ & jerk chicken, rice and peas, coleslaw, doubles, waffles and Canadian poutine.

Much like all other editions held in the Caribbean region and US, Soca Brainwash in the 6ix presented an all-star cast of energetic DJs and MCs which represented the local, regional and diaspora markets.

These included favourites such as Barrie Hype, Ryan Sayeed, Tony X, Jester, Young Chow, and of course DJ Private Ryan himself.

Soca Brainwash was well received by those attending for the first time and by those hoping to recapture the vibes of previous Carnivals.

Up next on the Soca Brainwash global tour is the event Soca Brainwash is Cooler in Bim for Barbados’ Cropover next month. Keep informed on upcoming events by following www.instagram.com/djprivateryan/

Last month, RBC Royal Bank and WE brought one of the world’s largest youth empowerment celebration, WE Day Community, to T&T. This is the second time WE Day has been held in Port-of-Spain.

The event attracted more than 1,100 students from across the country and was co-hosted by Ally Brooke from the multiple international award-winning band Fifth Harmony, and Lonnie Chavis, an actor currently starring on the Emmy Award-winning television series This Is Us. Musical performances were given by Karl Wolf, David Rudder, and Marge Blackman.

“WE Day Community is a celebration of young people recognised for completing local and global actions as part of a year-long service learning programme that impact their lives, their communities, and the world,” said Gretchen Camacho-Mohammed, Managing Director, Trinidad and Tobago, RBC.

“RBC is a proud supporter of this vision. Through our partnership with WE, where over 200 schools are members of the WE Schools programme, and programmes like RBC Future Launch, we firmly believe in the potential that youth have to make a difference, change the world and be successful.”

As part of the celebration, several outstanding students were awarded with a trip to Canada to attend the world’s largest WE Day Event on September 20 in Toronto.

In addition, Gasparillo Secondary School student Destiny Prescott won a ME to WE trip. With this, she will be able to put her leadership into action on a volunteer-oriented trip to Ecuador.

In the past, the event in Toronto has drawn leading international figures such as former United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex.

The event also has featured inspiring performances from stars like Kelly Clarkson, Shawn Mendes, Nick Jonas, Zendaya, and many more.

“Together, RBC and WE are helping a generation of Trinidad and Tobago students realise their full potential and strive to achieve their dreams,” added Camacho-Mohammed. “In addition to serving our clients, we are fully committed to helping our communities prosper. This is why we are proud to have once again brought this inspiring event to Port-of-Spain.”

For more information on WE please visit: https://www.we.org/

The students from T&T attending the 2018 WE Day event in Toronto are:

• Quinn Bainn Black (Holy Faith Convent, Couva)

• Anjali Basdeo (Holy Faith Convent, Penal)

• Adrian Ragoo (Brazil Secondary School)

• Anilee Maharaj (Parvarti Girl’s Hindu College)

• Nathaneal Davis (St Mary’s College)

• Marcus Joseph (Palo Seco Secondary)

• Riana Lawrence (El Dorado West Secondary School)

• Kayla Stewart (Holy Name Convent, Port of Spain)

During the summer vacation, an exciting destination for a family campout is at Paria Bay. For those not wishing to hike, the boat is available, and secure overnight parking is available at Marianne Beach Resort.

Today’s assembly point is at the Blanchisseuse Fishing Depot, at 1 pm and interested people should contact Jamal at 761-1889.

Tomorrow’s assembly is at the same venue at 9 am and to make the jaunt contact Mario at 749-2956.

All campers are allowed two-three bags; a tent, sleeping bag and personal backpack. Campers must bring their belongings labeled in garbage bags to the boat jetty for loading.

Paria Bay is the perfect place to unwind, forget ones busy schedule and enjoy nature to the fullest. The scenic coastline and the refreshing Caribbean breeze provide the perfect ambiance to relax and rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit. The childhood memories to camp in the wilderness, sleep in a tent and admire the twinkling stars are everlasting. It is a time to be carefree just to sit on the sand, unconcern about time and blown away by the picturesque seascape. A time to reflect on the real meaning of life and how perfect a world we live.

Paria Bay has a little of everything, and apart from its fascinating beach and magnificent waterfall, there is the river mouth with its tranquilising waters. Another attraction is the giant leatherback turtles that frequent the beach at night and during the peak season from May to July over 30 come ashore to nest.

During the months of July and September another spectacle is to see the hatchling emerge from the sand.

On the western end of the beach, sea erosion formed a magnificently carved arch, which has a protruding fragment in its middle. Its grand appearance gives it the name Cathedral Rock, and because of its elegant grandeur, it is a lovely spot to take pictures. A nearby stream provides clean water for cooking and local fishermen supply freshly caught fish to campers.

A boat provides transportation of personal items and camping equipment to Paria Bay. To get to the beach campers have to walk the two-hour journey from the Blanchisseuse, Spring Bridge. Along the way, a place of interest is Turtle Rock where one can enjoy the spectacular coastal scenery.

Suggested Items for the camp-out: are a tent, sleeping bag, life jacket, medication, repellent, flashlight, extra change of clothing and footwear, cup, plate, knife, fork, garbage bag and a pen knife.

Suggested food items to bring along are Vienna sausages, sandwiches, tuna, sardines, baked potato, trail snacks, fruit juices, peanut butter, biscuits, boiled eggs, cooked chicken, milk, coffee or tea bags, drinking water.

Please note: dinner and breakfast supplied only tomorrow night and Sunday morning. However, campers are required to bring personal food items and eating utensils (cup, plate, knife, and fork not supplied).

Meals not provided today, so bring your own.

It was a family affair at Kaiso Blues Cafe in Newtown on July 8 as Easy Listening Promotions presented Ménagerie—Si, Oui Music, or, in local parlance See We Music, a play on French, Spanish and English influences in the musical arts.

The band Ménagerie features the musical talents of the Gabriel family comprising of vocalists Amirah Gabriel, Tharā Gabriel, Ayanna Gabriel, and Asha Gabriel-Lewis, as well as drummer Lenville Gabriel.

Bound both by family ties and friendship, the band also enjoys the accompaniment of Samuel Peter (guitar), Mark Peter (keyboard), and, bassist Kent Diaz.

The family band performed to a full venue of patrons of varying ages who followed the band on their musical journey through contemporary styled music like Ray Baretto’s Afro-Cuban Jazz version of the 1934’s song Summertime to present day gems such as Mark Anthony’s Vivir Mi Vida and No Te Pido Flores by Fanny Lu.

But it was when they turned on the Urban Swagger personas during the performance of their adapted piece Video by India Arie, that the uniqueness defining each vocalist’s individual style stood out; A truly refined display of how naturally their sounds coalesce and harmonise.

As they stated during an interlude, “One Bob Marley isn’t enough,” so a medley comprising of hits from the renowned Jamaican reggae icon’s Nine Mile album such as No Woman No Cry, Could You Be Loved and I Wanna Love You amongst others, were delivered.

During a 15-minute break, Lenville engaged patrons in a fun trivia game where he explained historical moments in the development of various instruments, their places of origin and the local rhythmic patterns/arrangements that define a genre.

Special tributes and recognition were also given to local artistes. Andre Tanker’s Sayamanda was performed in his honour. Calypso icons David Rudder and Carl Jacobs were also recognised as patrons were thrilled with a medley of extracts from Bahia Girl and Trini to De Bone.

The young blended voices backed by the expertise of the band’s instrumentalists made the evening quite a truly remarkable and enjoyable experience.

• For bookings of the band Ménagerie featuring the Gabriel family and friends, contact Easy Listening Promotions at easylisteningpromo@gmail.com

This weekend re-live T&T’s pre-Independence era with the hit production Three Sisters After Chekhov at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (Napa), Port-of-Spain today and tomorrow at 7.30 pm.

Anton Chekhov’s Three Sisters chronicles the decline of the upper class Prozorov family in Russia during the 1900s, and Trinidadian award-winning playwright Mustapha Matura reinvents this plot in a Caribbean context. Matura has won numerous awards including the George Devine award and the Evening Standard Award for Most Promising Playwright.

Set in colonial Trinidad in the 1940s, the production explores the historical and social issues associated with this era interwoven with an element of masquerade.

It features three sisters living a privileged life in Port-of-Spain with their nalve brother and his domineering wife.

This funny, exciting and captivating play will leave the audience breathless with its many surprises, striking designs and riveting storytelling directed by Belinda Barnes and featuring a talented cast comprising of Chanel Glasgow, Patti Ann-Ali, Breige Wilson, Shivonne Church-Isaacs, Syntyche Bishop, Cherysh Latouche, Marvin Dowridge, Adam Pascall, Fabrice Barker, Nicholas Subero, Joseph Quesnel and Kearn Samuel.

According to Minister of Community Development, Culture and the Arts Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly: "This production which is hosted by the Ministry and staged by the National Theatre Arts Company of T&T (NTAC), will provide an enriching experience for communities and is a continuation of a sustained programme of work by the Theatre Company aimed at the promotion, preservation and exploration of our theatrical heritage.”

Admission for Three Sisters After Chekhov is free but ticketed. Distribution of tickets was held daily at the Napa Box Office in Port-of-Spain since Monday, from 11 am to 6 pm. For more information call 271-2895; 271-2894; 225-4023.