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00:00:00 ♪ Everybody come and celebrate ♪
00:00:04 ♪ And everybody say hey, hey, hey, hey ♪
00:00:07 ♪ I love the country ♪
00:00:09 ♪ Well, let me hear you say hey, hey, hey, hey ♪
00:00:12 ♪ I feel it in my veins ♪
00:00:13 - Come on, come on, studio, give me a little more.
00:00:15 Give me a little more.
00:00:16 ♪ Hey, hey, hey, hey, I love the country ♪
00:00:18 (laughing)
00:00:19 It's Friday, you know, we have to lighten up today, you know.
00:00:22 It's Friday, it's Friday, October 6th.
00:00:24 Thank you very much for joining us this morning.
00:00:26 My name is Marlon Hopkins, and you know, sometimes,
00:00:29 boy, we have had a few weeks, really rough few weeks,
00:00:34 and you know, I'm going to take, how do I say,
00:00:38 I'm going to take a deep breath today
00:00:40 and try to see the glass as half full
00:00:45 and we just move on, right?
00:00:48 We do have a lot to be thankful for, yeah.
00:00:50 We do have some dark clouds hanging over us
00:00:53 and hopefully the authorities will address it,
00:00:55 but we just have to keep moving on and we're still here.
00:00:58 So a very special good morning to all of you.
00:01:00 Let's check out the Daily Express today.
00:01:02 On the front page, "Prisoner turned Calypsonian
00:01:05 released from jail after time served."
00:01:09 The caption says, "Apologized for his crime,
00:01:12 Romel Lizama, Subrique Papamel, during his performance
00:01:16 at the semifinals of the National Calypso Monarch Competition
00:01:19 at Skinner Park, San Fernando earlier this year.
00:01:22 Judge praises murder convict,
00:01:24 a model inmate who obeyed the rules."
00:01:29 To some sport now.
00:01:31 Heroic Haley can't save West Indies,
00:01:33 West Indies kipper stars again, but women lose T20I series.
00:01:37 Captain Haley Matthews sparkled again
00:01:40 with another player of the match, half century,
00:01:43 but it came in a losing cause as the West Indies women
00:01:46 went down to Australia's women by 47 runs
00:01:49 to surrender their three match T20 International Series
00:01:53 to one yesterday.
00:01:55 All right?
00:01:56 Okay, so it's time to remind you
00:01:58 about Trinbago, your nice feature.
00:02:00 Remember to participate.
00:02:01 WhatsApp your videos and images to 737-3778.
00:02:07 Yes, that's a lovely picture.
00:02:10 Hmm?
00:02:11 Studio, you think so?
00:02:13 What do you call this?
00:02:16 I know it's a hummingbird.
00:02:18 What?
00:02:19 What?
00:02:21 I'm not hearing.
00:02:23 ♪ Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh ♪
00:02:25 ♪ The God is praising ♪
00:02:27 Stuffing my face.
00:02:29 All right, thank you very much.
00:02:31 Thank you very much, Sharla.
00:02:33 [laughs]
00:02:35 Thank you very much.
00:02:36 So after much thought, Sharla, who is in our studio here,
00:02:40 says, "This picture is called Stuffing My Face."
00:02:44 All right.
00:02:45 Thank you very much to the person who would have sent in
00:02:48 that very beautiful picture for us,
00:02:50 and remember to put your name
00:02:51 so that we can say a very special good morning to you.
00:02:54 We do appreciate it.
00:02:55 So you have your coffee, you have your tea,
00:02:57 you have something to eat.
00:02:58 Well, we do have a very packed program for you,
00:03:00 an interesting program for you, an educational program for you.
00:03:04 So we're coming back.
00:03:06 ♪ Eh, eh, eh, eh, I'm feeling irie ♪
00:03:08 ♪ Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh ♪
00:03:10 ♪ Eh, eh, eh, eh, I love the country ♪
00:03:13 ♪ Whenever you see me ♪
00:03:15 ♪ Eh, eh, eh, eh, I'm feeling irie ♪
00:03:17 ♪ Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh ♪
00:03:19 ♪ Oh, I found it on West Gibbon ♪
00:03:21 ♪ As I'm on the weekend ♪
00:03:23 The Jade Monkey Mass in Tobago 2023
00:03:29 presents Faces of Tobago.
00:03:32 Play Mass in Tobago with Jade Monkey
00:03:36 as we take the epic vibe of Jade Monkey
00:03:39 to the streets of Tobago.
00:03:41 ♪ I'm not coming to work today ♪
00:03:43 Tunes from all sections that celebrate Tobago
00:03:46 and Tobagoness, Bird Sanctuary, Argyle, Nylon Pool,
00:03:50 Cocoa Plantation, or Pigeon Point.
00:03:52 All designs are produced by the award-winning
00:03:55 Ronnie and Carol Mass Band.
00:03:57 ♪ Right when we bum-swap ♪
00:03:59 Register today for Jade Monkey Mass in Tobago
00:04:01 on the website at jademonkeymass.com
00:04:04 or call 266-6626 for more information and registration.
00:04:09 See you on the road in Tobago this October.
00:04:12 Jade Monkey Mass.
00:04:14 Powered by Carib, Digicel, Blue Heron, and Cool Control.
00:04:18 ♪ Yalla, where you look ♪
00:04:19 ♪ Bam, bam, ba-ba-bam ♪
00:04:20 ♪ Bam, bam, bam, ba-ba-bam ♪
00:04:22 ♪ Yalla, where you look ♪
00:04:23 ♪ Bam, bam, ba-ba-bam ♪
00:04:24 TV6 presents the East Indian Music, Dance, and Tasa Finals
00:04:28 of the Prime Minister's Best Village Trophy Competition.
00:04:31 Tune in for the spectacular showcase
00:04:33 from the best of the best
00:04:34 in the East Indian cultural categories,
00:04:36 including devotional dance, influence dance,
00:04:40 devotional song, folk medley, and tasa.
00:04:44 You don't want to miss this
00:04:45 as the cream of the crop take to the stage.
00:04:48 It's the East Indian Music, Dance, and Tasa Finals
00:04:51 of the Prime Minister's Best Village Trophy Competition
00:04:54 on CCN TV6.
00:04:57 - The 2023 Jazz Concert Series
00:05:01 for the Holy Trinity Cathedral Restoration Project
00:05:04 is going down south.
00:05:05 Saturday, October 21st, 7 p.m. at Sapper.
00:05:09 South's first lady of jazz, Fonette Bigford,
00:05:12 welcomes steel band virtuoso Dr. Ray Holman,
00:05:15 ace musician, Leston Paul,
00:05:17 and the legendary Brother Valentino.
00:05:19 Tickets go on sale at the Sapper box office
00:05:21 Thursday, September 28th,
00:05:23 online at suntix.com/events
00:05:26 or call 288-TIXX
00:05:29 or Sapper box office 219-7272 extension 6015.
00:05:35 General seating, 200.
00:05:37 VIP, 300.
00:05:38 A night of great music for a great cause.
00:05:41 See you at Sapper.
00:05:43 (upbeat music)
00:05:49 (upbeat music)
00:06:17 - All right, and welcome back, everyone.
00:06:18 So as I said to you earlier,
00:06:19 we do have a lot on the program for you today.
00:06:22 Some sad news coming in overnight.
00:06:24 We are told that a security guard at the Massey stores
00:06:30 at Brentwood Inn, Shogwornos,
00:06:33 he was shot and killed last night.
00:06:36 So that's a story that we are working on for you today.
00:06:40 Also, I suspect, and what we are seeing thus far,
00:06:44 that it was not a robbery
00:06:46 or anything of the sort at this time.
00:06:48 That's what we know, and it seems to be a hit.
00:06:51 So again, it's a security guard,
00:06:55 and apparently he was shot and killed in the car park
00:06:59 of Brentwood Plaza in Shogwornos last night.
00:07:03 Let's get to this story that we spoke to you about
00:07:06 where this prisoner turned Calypso-Nyan
00:07:09 has been released from jail, all right?
00:07:12 So the story is in today's Express newspaper.
00:07:17 It speaks about Judge Swade by testimonies,
00:07:20 freeze killer after time served.
00:07:23 Prison's chief, model inmate, Romel,
00:07:26 obeyed all the rules.
00:07:28 The story says, in February, then-murder accused,
00:07:32 Romel Lizama, made history when he became
00:07:34 the first prison inmate to qualify
00:07:36 for the National Calypso Monarch Competition.
00:07:39 He's also an accomplished boxer, drummer,
00:07:42 and has obtained a number of academic qualifications
00:07:45 while on remand.
00:07:47 Yesterday, Lizama was released from the Youth Transformation
00:07:50 and Rehabilitation Center, ARUCA,
00:07:52 after pleading guilty to a capital offense, all right?
00:07:57 So that's one of the major stories
00:07:59 making the Express for today.
00:08:01 All right, so we are continuing our post-budget discussion
00:08:05 this morning, and we do have on the line this morning
00:08:07 economist, Valmiki Arjun.
00:08:09 Mr. Arjun, good morning, and thank you very much
00:08:11 for joining us.
00:08:13 Hi, good morning.
00:08:14 Thank you for having me, and good morning to Trent,
00:08:16 and to Bego.
00:08:17 Yeah.
00:08:18 If you'd allow me, I want to begin in this way.
00:08:21 And of course, we will be speaking about some
00:08:23 of the things in the budget.
00:08:25 But the finance minister, his theme for this year
00:08:31 is building capacity for diversification and growth.
00:08:35 And he says this about the economy.
00:08:38 He says that he's pleased to confirm
00:08:40 that economic activity rebounded in Trinidad and Tobago
00:08:44 in 2022 under the influence of favorable terms of trade.
00:08:48 He also says growth continued in early 2023 at 3%.
00:08:53 Significantly, and from a diversification perspective,
00:08:57 economic growth was driven by a buoyant non-energy sector,
00:09:01 which rebounded by 5.8% in 2022.
00:09:05 He also says the financial system
00:09:07 is sound with adequate and appropriate capital liquidity
00:09:11 and profitability levels.
00:09:14 So I thought I would begin that way to ask you this morning,
00:09:19 do you think that what the finance minister would have
00:09:22 said on the theme, do you think that he achieved
00:09:25 that in this year's budget?
00:09:28 So what's really going to drive meaningful growth
00:09:31 in this country is, of course, making the private sector much
00:09:34 more competitive, and of course, addressing
00:09:37 the issue of our subpar energy production,
00:09:40 addressing the issues with respect
00:09:42 to the greater accessibility of foreign exchange
00:09:45 among the private sector, and of course,
00:09:47 among the community, the citizens at large,
00:09:50 reducing poverty and inequality levels in the country,
00:09:53 reducing the vulnerability levels in the country.
00:09:56 That excerpt that you just read spoke a lot about our growth
00:09:59 levels, and I just want to make a point on something
00:10:02 so that we can have a greater appreciation for how
00:10:05 our growth evolved before the pandemic,
00:10:08 during and after the pandemic.
00:10:09 Yes.
00:10:10 So yes, it is certainly true that over 2021 to 2022,
00:10:15 according to the CSO data, between 2021 to 2022,
00:10:19 the economy grew by about 1.5%.
00:10:22 And in the first quarter of this year,
00:10:24 we also grew by around 3%.
00:10:27 But what we have to remember is that economic activities,
00:10:31 like most other countries, if not all,
00:10:33 were substantially low, were very, very low in 2020 and 2021.
00:10:38 They were outlier years because of the effects of the pandemic.
00:10:42 So naturally, when you hit these very low levels,
00:10:45 in fact, when you hit rock bottom,
00:10:47 and I hope that was rock bottom and we will never
00:10:50 see a worse period in Trinidad and Tobago in the future,
00:10:55 then after that, there is only one place you can go,
00:10:58 and that's upwards.
00:10:59 So therefore, it will actually be more intuitive
00:11:02 to compare our performance to the immediate pre-pandemic period.
00:11:07 So from 2019 to 2022, which is what we ought to be looking at,
00:11:13 the economy would have actually declined by about 8.7%.
00:11:17 And if we were to take the minister's forecasted annual growth figure
00:11:23 for 2023, which he places at about 2.7%,
00:11:27 if we were to take that at face value,
00:11:29 it means that between 2019 to 2023,
00:11:34 the economy would have declined by 6.2%.
00:11:37 So we would be at the end of 2023, 6.2% lower
00:11:41 in terms of our GDP levels compared to where we were in 2019.
00:11:46 So we still are a bit off from where our pre-pandemic economic performance lies.
00:11:55 But I have to admit that expecting a 2.7% growth this year,
00:12:00 annual growth this year, would be a little optimistic,
00:12:04 given the current challenges with our gas production.
00:12:07 If we look at the central bank's data, the most recent data that they have,
00:12:11 it would have shown that gas production stands at around 2.5 billion cubic feet per day.
00:12:17 Now that is about 10% lower than where we were last year,
00:12:24 compared to last year's figures.
00:12:25 Oil production is about 56,000 barrels a day,
00:12:28 and that is about 6% lower than where we were last year.
00:12:31 So this, and these figures are not likely to improve in the coming months.
00:12:36 So I would actually estimate our growth projections this year to be at about 1.8%,
00:12:42 and that is primarily because of the successes of the manufacturing sector,
00:12:47 the non-energy sector, particularly the non-energy aspect of manufacturing.
00:12:53 So as we know, components of this sector would have been performing quite well,
00:12:58 resoundingly well as a matter of fact.
00:13:00 I mean, let's really give the kudos to the manufacturing sector here.
00:13:04 Because since the economies would have reopened after their pandemic lockdowns,
00:13:10 the manufacturing sector really took great advantage of the surge in international spending,
00:13:14 especially in the advanced economies like the United States.
00:13:18 So they were able to ramp up their production levels,
00:13:20 and thereafter their export and foreign exchange earnings levels.
00:13:23 This sector grew, components of this sector, like food processors,
00:13:28 would have grown by about 36% from 2019 to 2022.
00:13:33 However, what we have to remember is that sectors like these, like food processors and others,
00:13:38 they don't account for a large chunk of our GDP.
00:13:42 So food processing, for example, only accounts for 5% of our GDP.
00:13:47 Non-energy manufacturing as a whole only accounts for 7% of our overall economy.
00:13:52 So this is why it's so important that we enhance the competitiveness of the private sector
00:13:57 so we can expand these and other non-energy components of the economy
00:14:02 and really have a meaningful diversification thrust.
00:14:05 So when energy goes down, as we've seen over the last few years,
00:14:09 these sectors can hold their own and contribute a significant portion more to our GDP.
00:14:16 Doctor, I think you're making an argument there that we're still heavily dependent on the energy sector.
00:14:22 But I just want to get back to a statement that you made earlier,
00:14:25 where you spoke about this sub-par situation in the energy sector.
00:14:30 Judging from what is happening in Guyana, and I understand that there are some developments to take place in Suriname,
00:14:38 how do we better the situation in the energy sector?
00:14:43 How do we make ourselves more competitive and attractive to, let's say, investors?
00:14:49 So you mentioned Guyana and Suriname.
00:14:52 And our energy services sector in itself, apart from the production aspects in the energy sector,
00:15:02 the energy services sector by itself, is very much a sector on its own and has the potential to certainly be,
00:15:10 from an export standpoint, a very thriving sector on its own.
00:15:14 So I think a lot of attention also has to be paid to that.
00:15:18 But just coming back to the production aspect.
00:15:20 Recently, we would have seen the granting or the approvals, rather, of three deepwater blocks to a Shell BP consortium.
00:15:31 And of course, we were aware that much of our reserves lies in this aspect, in the deepwater aspect, in these deepwater blocks.
00:15:43 So recently, we would have seen three out of 17 deepwater blocks being awarded.
00:15:52 Now, compare that to a period 10 years ago, for example, when we had about five, sorry, five deepwater blocks and 12 bids being on offer for those five deepwater blocks.
00:16:04 So what has happened over time between then and now is that the investment environment for deepwater exploration has actually become much more difficult.
00:16:17 It's become harsher. The reason being is that for gas prices and even international demand have actually been quite volatile over time.
00:16:26 So in fact, international energy companies have not been engaging in any type of investment, capital investment, especially for deepwater, compared to the pre-pandemic level.
00:16:39 Even in that aspect, they have not caught back up to the pre-pandemic level just as yet.
00:16:44 And remember, deepwater is actually very capital intensive. It is substantially expensive.
00:16:50 It requires at the very least investments in the hundreds of millions of US dollars.
00:16:54 So for this reason, one has to have a fiscal strategy that is going to help them help provide them with an encouraging a high rate of return to incentivize them to want to make this particular investment.
00:17:08 And remember, they could take that we are competing for capital, capital that could be used to invest in shallow water jurisdictions elsewhere in other countries where they could benefit from lower costs and returns economies of scale.
00:17:24 In addition, a lot of these energy companies are making investments. They're using some of their capital for the greener aspects of energy, green renewable energies as well.
00:17:34 So we are also competing for that capital, which also which there which which means it necessitates that there's a proper fiscal strategy that is going to incentivize them with a with a rate of return on their investment to want to meet these deepwater investments.
00:17:52 Banks internationally remember internationally interest rates are very high, which also means that the energy companies need to be compensated for making the investments by providing a rate of return that would at the very least exceed these high interest rates as well.
00:18:11 Banks have their environmental, social and corporate governance ESG requirements that they need to meet. So they're more likely to finance greener renewable energy projects as opposed to hydrocarbons.
00:18:24 So they'll probably charge a high interest rates to the energy companies if they were to take financing from banks for these particular projects, which many of them do.
00:18:32 But they don't necessarily use their own own capital alone. So, again, they have to be compensated with a high rate of return for this via an appropriate fiscal strategy.
00:18:43 So it's a 59. Remember, going forward. Yeah. So it's a fifty nine billion dollar budget and it's based on an oil price of eighty five dollars per barrel.
00:18:52 Is that a good estimate given what we're seeing by the government? No, I think the oil price is is is is is an appropriate one.
00:18:59 I think it's quite apt given what we've been seeing so far. Our prices are more or less closer to Brent and Brent prices have been quite high recently, somewhere within the mid 90s.
00:19:10 It's touted by international analysts that this could very well. Don't be surprised if it costs a hundred dollars per barrel, which of course is going to bode well for our economy.
00:19:20 But the OPEC, the OPEC plus group of countries, especially Saudi Arabia, they've been cutting their production levels and not to not also mention that there's been recently these these ban on exports from Russia in terms of in terms of some of their their their crude, their crude exports.
00:19:40 And particularly diesel. All of this has helped to push up and maintain a very high price recently of oil.
00:19:49 So don't be surprised if you see it crossing a hundred dollars per barrel. What I do think, however, is that because prices are high internationally, also driven by the oil prices, what could happen is that interest rates internationally, especially in countries like the United States.
00:20:06 Don't be surprised if you see another interest rate hike, at least one more round in an attempt to kind of of control any sort of inflationary impact.
00:20:13 If that were to happen, the value of the US dollar is going to increase internationally, which means and because oil and gas trades in the US dollar, some countries may reduce their demand for these commodities, which could put downward pressure in these prices.
00:20:28 However, if that were to happen again, there's OPEC plus Saudi Arabia and those countries, they may decide to withhold or manipulate production even further to ensure that it remains at the very least within an 80 to 90, 95 dollar range, more or less 80 to 90.
00:20:42 So I do think that within the next year, the very least oil prices could could very well be maintained at that at that health level, which of course, goes very well for us.
00:20:53 I don't think that a minister made an overly optimistic choice in the in the price of oil that he predicated the budget on.
00:21:01 Dr. Arjun, what what has the response been since Monday? Of course, the finance minister would have announced a number of things in the budget.
00:21:11 The minimum wage increase, the Christmas back pay, more resources for the police, no fuel price hike.
00:21:17 He has also promised to tackle the the the Forex crunch.
00:21:22 But then there there are certain pieces of the budget, such as the property tax that is going to be collected and so on.
00:21:29 So what has been the overall response, you think, to the budget?
00:21:34 So I think many within the private sector are are a bit fine with the increase in the minimum wage.
00:21:43 I was personally thinking that it should have gone for 2150, but there are there are dollars short of 2050.
00:21:48 But nonetheless, I think this was long overdue. Remember, the cost of living has surged for many years now, not just because of the price of fuel, but also because remember,
00:21:58 international prices are higher and that will be transmitted in the form of to the consumer,
00:22:03 any form of local higher local prices because we are so import intensive.
00:22:08 Importers have to be VAT, customs, overtime charges, port rental and damage charges.
00:22:13 The list of costs that import does and businesses in general have to endure are quite high.
00:22:19 So that translated into higher prices for consumers, for householders, et cetera.
00:22:25 And and of course, it was it was long overdue for a minimum wage increase for the lower income brackets.
00:22:32 Remember, what we what's the commodity we consume most of every day?
00:22:36 That's food, right? Food prices increased by a whopping 31 percent in the last year.
00:22:42 Food inflation is just below nine percent.
00:22:46 I took the liberty to survey some some supermarket prices within central Trinidad between 2019 to September 2023.
00:22:54 The price of cheddar cheese went up by almost 27 percent.
00:22:58 Lubaan margarine went up by almost 67 percent. Eggs, a dozen eggs went up by about 25 percent.
00:23:05 Liquid milk, that's the milk Nestle went to buy about almost 47 percent.
00:23:11 Ibus prepackaged flour went up by about 37 percent.
00:23:15 And the list goes on and on. Red beans went up by almost 37 percent as well.
00:23:19 These are basic commodities that many households tend to use on an almost daily basis.
00:23:25 So it was quite it was long overdue in my in my opinion, that there be a minimum wage increase.
00:23:31 However, there are certain other aspects in the budget that I do think could have been improved.
00:23:37 We speak about digitization quite often, and digitization is certainly one of the key ways that you can remove the obstacles in doing business and make the private sector more competitive.
00:23:48 There's been a thrust towards making online payments with the state.
00:23:54 So I've seen we've heard recently that you can visit that they can facilitate through the single electronic window payments with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture and Roads and Transport.
00:24:04 But what about your customs charges in this day and age? Importers still have to go to the port and pay via cash once your charges, your duties, etc.
00:24:17 are less than five thousand dollars. And if it's greater than five thousand dollars, you have to go to the bank and get a manager's check.
00:24:22 All of this is quite time consuming. There is a positive development in with respect to the port scanners.
00:24:29 We've we've heard the minister indicate that they're spending about 90 million dollars on on the acquisition of four new scanners.
00:24:37 This was actually in the budget last year, but I believe it's been ruled over this year yet again to ensure that it does, in fact, materialize.
00:24:46 And it's quite important because we've seen recently in the private bonded warehouses, several of them will have actually closed their operations because of of illegal activities.
00:24:55 But they really ought not to have actually closed down, even though it's temporary, because when you look at foreign countries, if there if there is an illegal activity or not,
00:25:05 they deal with that illegal activity. But the bond does not actually close down. Their operations continue.
00:25:12 By closing down, what happened is that other importers had to go to other bonded warehouses, declare their lawful cargo,
00:25:20 which meant they had to pay excess charges and customs overtime, excess charges and bond warehouse overtime.
00:25:26 All of these drive up the cost of doing business. But if you have scanners and they are bringing these scanners of both ports, Port Lisa and Port Spain,
00:25:35 it not only reduces or mitigates the extent of criminal activities, unlawful activities coming into the country via the ports,
00:25:43 but it also ensures that or helps to ensure that customs can speed up the rate at which they inspect and clear your cargo so that you can have greater access,
00:25:53 faster access to your imported raw materials, the free sales, et cetera.
00:26:00 So your operations are not delayed and you don't face excess amounts of charges in the form of customs overtime.
00:26:05 But I believe we're getting to a stage where we've gotten to a stage rather where not just the ports,
00:26:10 but can we also look at getting all the bonded warehouses in the countries at the very least one proper scanner to mitigate these illegal activities
00:26:19 and ensure faster clearance of goods at these at these points of entry?
00:26:24 Dr. Arjun, you get the feeling that there are going to be some type of increases.
00:26:29 I don't know when, but you get the feeling because I know that the finance minister would have focused on the on the price of electricity.
00:26:37 He would have spoken about the cost to the consumer when it comes to water.
00:26:42 You get the feeling that he was making a case for some type of increases that we are going to see sometime.
00:26:51 Well, I think we have to be very, very careful going forward, and I would caution I would put a serious word of caution out there for the for the for the authorities,
00:27:00 the RIC, especially with respect to this, if we're going to see those rates of increases any time soon.
00:27:08 The reason being, let me let me put it in the context. If if let's say a manufacturer who has about four or five plants is using about two million kilowatts of electricity.
00:27:21 Then is what the new rates that are that that were recently being proposed, the electricity bill will actually increase by about six hundred and eighty six thousand dollars.
00:27:32 Six hundred eighty six thousand dollar increases a significant amount of money, especially in this day and age when the cost of doing business, the cost of operations is quite high.
00:27:42 So just to go back a bit, the the last proper rate review before this one, the last proper rate review actually took place in about two thousand two thousand and six, about 17 years ago.
00:27:56 And at that point in time, the RIC made a decision that instead of electricity prices being TNT, TNT charges, the electricity prices being made only hold to the price of fuel,
00:28:09 to cover the price of fuel properly, the price of gas properly, because we as we know, electricity here is is is heavily gas based.
00:28:17 Instead of this, they're also going to implement a new model, a new pricing mechanism to make TNT coal to the prices of all the costs, the cost of production in terms of electricity.
00:28:30 So was this effectively implemented? It was actually supposed to be where the price of electricity, to cut a long story short, the price of electricity back in those days increased each year by a small incremental amount.
00:28:44 So therefore, the consumer will not feel that pinch really in their electricity bill. And over the space of several years, it would have it would have allowed TNT to have a more a more pragmatic price, to charge a more pragmatic price for electricity to help them.
00:29:01 From an overall standpoint, better cover their costs, especially since you can see what would consider the fact that costs of production of electricity would have gone up over time, price of gas would have gone up over time, the price of the equipment would have gone up over time, salaries went up over time, the cost of doing repairs to the infrastructure would have gone up over time, and small incremental increases each year that the consumer may not have felt that the private sector would not have felt would have helped them to be in a better position to meet these costs.
00:29:30 But now, it's a bit impractical to come overnight. And I'm surprised that the RIC did not see this happening one day, where you want to just just just drop a massive increase in the price of electricity, especially for the private sector.
00:29:46 It's a bit unfounded. And I think that they need to re-examine this approach as they go forward. Now is not the time to make significant increases, especially to the cost of doing business.
00:29:57 But you know, Dr. Arjun, the the argument of the RIC, when it was told, look, this is not the time, their argument has been, well, when would be the appropriate time?
00:30:10 I think the RIC needs to think back to really ask themselves, is it fair that they have not implemented? Well, first of all, is it fair that you didn't do proper rate reviews when it was actually due? Rate reviews are due, to my knowledge, every five to six years or so.
00:30:27 So, but this was not the case. Why did this not happen around 2011, when the other rate review was another proper rate review was actually due? Why was the small incremental increases in the price of electricity not made each year?
00:30:44 So it's a bit unfair for the mistakes of the RIC to now be taken out on the public and the private sector at large. That is my opinion. So while there is, and I do agree that one can always argue that when is the best time, when is a more appropriate time?
00:31:05 And that I think is what we need to pay attention to. It may never be, it will probably never be a good time in the eyes of many in the country. But when is the more appropriate time? And I think what needs to go forward, what needs to happen going forward is that if you want to implement electricity rate increases, try to avoid a massive surge in the price overnight.
00:31:27 What you need to do is have is start introducing these incremental stepwise increases in the rate of deficits to get where they want to be in the space of several years in the future, not necessarily increasing it by such a large, but to such a large extent in the space of just a few months or overnight rather.
00:31:50 Yeah, Dr Valmiki, Arjun, thank you very much for speaking with us this morning. We do appreciate it. So thank you very much again.
00:31:57 Thank you very much for having me. Have a great day.
00:31:59 All right. Bye for now. So it's time for a quick break. We're coming back.
00:32:04 In the morning, I'm talking.
00:32:07 I'm trying to find out when the start of the speakers talk about it.
00:32:13 Talk about it. I just get a body fever. Talk about it. Talk about it.
00:32:18 I just feel like.
00:32:22 I want to.
00:32:32 Oh, I got that lifestyle.
00:32:34 Yes.
00:33:03 Dogs, great companions.
00:33:07 Bad.
00:33:11 Some things are better left to the professionals.
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00:33:36 I'm not.
00:34:01 At 530 p.m.
00:34:14 No.
00:34:31 I'm not.
00:35:00 All right. So welcome back, everyone. So some public servants are planning a protest on Friday, the 13th, which is next week, Friday.
00:35:09 So we do have in studio this morning former general secretary of the Public Services Association, Oral Saunders.
00:35:17 And we do have accompanying him this morning, activist Wendell Eversley. Gentlemen, thank you very much for coming this morning.
00:35:24 Thanks. Yeah. Well, Mr. Saunders, tell us about this protest that you all are planning for next week, Friday.
00:35:32 Well, first and foremost, let me say a pleasant good morning to you and the staff and, of course, the thousands of public officers who are at this time very much aggrieved.
00:35:43 The budget presentation would have been read by the honorable minister of finance in the parliament.
00:35:49 And to everyone's surprise, the minister allocated one billion Trinidad and Tobago dollars for those public sector unions that would have settled, which amounted to 37 public sector unions.
00:36:07 37,000 public sector workers. Right. But the unions that they represented were 37 unions that would have signed off on the 4 percent that were initially given by the CPU.
00:36:18 I was actually surprised by that number because it was consistent with the position that myself and many others had adopted that had the trade union movement stood its ground,
00:36:32 we would have been in a better and stronger position to fight against the 4 percent.
00:36:37 But when I recognized many unions, seeing that the circumstances would have changed, especially when they appeared before the special tribunal,
00:36:45 I had to use wisdom, understand the terrain that we are currently in, understanding most importantly that public officers are still working on 2013 salaries, which equates to 10 years.
00:37:00 So you have to be fluid in your positions. And therefore, I said it would make it would make sense to hold out because those unions signing out would have weakened our position.
00:37:12 Public officers have been crying out. They have been complaining to us. They have been all over the media on every talk show.
00:37:21 They have been voicing their consternation, their disgust that the PSC have not signed off on that 4 percent.
00:37:29 And it is against that backdrop we would have spoken to persons.
00:37:33 And I consulted with my brother, Wendell Eversley, who is a social activist and someone who has always advocated for good governance in all institutions in Trinidad and Tobago.
00:37:44 And we decided that let us put the mechanisms in place for Mr. Leroy Batiste, who we would not have seen for the past three months at general council meeting.
00:37:54 Give the public officers an opportunity to speak to him because they don't even know who he is.
00:38:00 They don't know what he looks like, but they are hearing that he has decided to refer our negotiations that were before the special tribunal to get some point of clarification at the high court.
00:38:13 But but Mr. Saunders, Mr. Batiste has given the impression and Mr. Eversley, you'll come in in a short time from now.
00:38:22 But the PSC president has given everyone the impression that what he has been doing, he has the blessings of the majority of public servants and he's really carrying out their wishes.
00:38:37 Well, you may recall at our last interview, which was just roughly a week ago, I spoke about a virtual platform that Mr. Leroy Batiste continues to hide behind.
00:38:46 And as I said at that interview, and I will repeat for the national consumption, all the major decisions of the PSC are being done virtually.
00:38:57 We are of the firm belief that the PSC's leadership, which are the host and the administrators of that virtual platform, we believe it has been manipulated to give the PSC executive whatever they want.
00:39:11 So it is not a true reflection of the desires and will of the people.
00:39:16 And to compound the situation, there is no pandemic.
00:39:21 So why is Mr. Batiste hiding behind a virtual platform?
00:39:25 I am in the studio here with you, my brother. I tested my temperature prior to coming on set.
00:39:30 So we move forward. Why is the PSC adamant that they will stymie the will of the people where trade unionists would come together, discuss, agree, disagree and make decisions?
00:39:44 Yes. Mr. Evers-Lee, some are surprised to see you here this morning with Mr. Saunders, you know.
00:39:50 I'm glad to see some are surprised because yesterday I received telephone calls from some immigration officers.
00:39:58 And I was shocked to know that immigration officers are part of PSC.
00:40:03 They are.
00:40:04 And Mr. Evers-Lee, when I see that you went to deliver a letter at the police headquarters seeking permission for next week Friday, they welcome it.
00:40:14 This is time the leadership accept the 4 percent and start negotiating for a new period.
00:40:23 So if immigration officers could reach out and I keep fighting for good governance in all organizations,
00:40:30 and I keep seeing that trade union leaders use their membership, say they care about workers,
00:40:37 and when they get into the leadership role, they abandon their workers and they seek other alternatives.
00:40:43 We've seen it. I warned the public service, take it upon my own, telling them about the past president, Watson Druk,
00:40:51 where he's today from his own political party.
00:40:53 We see other trade union leaders sit in the upper and the lower house.
00:40:58 Right. And then after when they reach there, they see that how that to a government rule.
00:41:05 So why it is use your members?
00:41:08 Say you're fighting for the interests, they're fighting for that to get good working condition.
00:41:13 And up to today, when I see a trade union leader lobby for public officers to have a laptop,
00:41:20 an important tool as a laptop, when I say they lobby for the day, they're always talking about the cost of living.
00:41:27 When I say here, then it's called the National Trade Union Center, say call all the body, which is the umbrella body,
00:41:34 and say, let us have a mercy, let us have a price mark.
00:41:37 So so they could be helping their membership when it comes to the price of foodstuff, because they would hear them talking about.
00:41:44 Today, we see a lot of geriatric leaders taking advantage of their own constitution.
00:41:50 If you read some of those constitution about the age limit, when they post a leave office, some of them don't want to leave office.
00:41:58 So we see in grandfathers as trade union leaders and what they're doing, taking advantage of their grandchildren, which is the workers.
00:42:05 So I can't sit by and see these things taking place in this beautiful country called Tiongela and Tobago,
00:42:11 and see that the workers are being suffered by trade union leaders.
00:42:17 They talk about employers, they say employers doing this, employers doing that.
00:42:21 But what are you doing? Why we don't see younger, vibrant people with brilliant ideas coming forward?
00:42:29 And they have it all in all workplaces, where PSA, over 80,000 membership.
00:42:37 Look at PSA today. PSA today is in shambles. Why? Because of leaders. Leaders seeking their own personal interests.
00:42:48 So Mr. Saunders, is there a groundswell of support for this protest next week, Friday?
00:42:55 I believe so, genuinely. And to me, it is not necessarily about numbers.
00:43:02 To me, it is more important for persons to speak out and to show their displeasure.
00:43:08 Because as I said, and piggybacking on what my comrade would have said,
00:43:14 we need a new trust forward if the trade union movement is to remain relevant.
00:43:21 And it cannot be that trade union leaders, upon getting into office,
00:43:27 they are abandoning the ideals and values of the people and not listening to the people,
00:43:33 and pushing their own agendas. PSA is a prime example where our president, as the comrade would have said a while ago,
00:43:40 would have piggybacked on the organization to launch his own political career.
00:43:44 And I am wondering if I am seeing the very same thing in the PSA with this current leader.
00:43:50 We need to get trade union leaders to focus on representation.
00:43:56 That is our focus. And this self-gain for political office, if it is you want to pursue political office,
00:44:03 I have no problem with that. Please exit the organization and pursue your political career.
00:44:08 And that to me is hurting the entire movement. We have too many trade unionists who want to be a politician.
00:44:17 So is it then, because I know that you have been involved in the health sector for a number of years now.
00:44:25 So what are some of the concerns that people in health, and I am sure that you have relationships with other people,
00:44:35 such as in immigration and other public officers. What are the concerns presently?
00:44:43 The concerns basically for all public officers across the wide spectrum, in nursing fraternity, the health sector,
00:44:52 hospital attendants, hospital workers on the whole. Everyone is under pressure with the salaries of 2013.
00:45:01 They are looking for some form of relief. Contract employment, persons are not being made permanent,
00:45:07 that temporary working in the public service after several years. Can you imagine that so many nurses are leaving Trinidad and Tobago,
00:45:16 but yet the young nurses that we have in the system, they are on contract.
00:45:20 So by placing somebody after they would have studied for roughly three to five years to put them on contract,
00:45:26 you are actually making a decision that if it is you want to go, you can go.
00:45:31 And it is issues like that, that to me, a serious question must be asked.
00:45:37 If we are to simply say we are training our nursing personnel simply to export them at the expense of the taxpayer,
00:45:47 something has to be done. It has to be revisited. I'm looking at all my fellow public officers who would have worked through the COVID period,
00:45:55 immigration, licensing, public health inspectors, and the list goes on and on, nursing personnel and doctors,
00:46:02 every one of us, the entire public sector that were needed to ensure that government systems function.
00:46:09 They would have sacrificed tremendously. On my way to the studio this morning,
00:46:13 you're seeing hundreds of public officers heading into Port of Spain, thousands. They need some reprieve.
00:46:21 And I am not just saying to accept 4%. I am simply saying, let us return the PSA to good governance,
00:46:28 to democracy where we have in-person meetings, because if that decision to take the matter to the High Court was an in-person meeting,
00:46:40 where I would have been able to see the rest of comrades, I would have been convinced it was a legitimate meeting.
00:46:45 But that virtual platform, I would have put it to the test and it would have failed miserably.
00:46:49 So I have no faith and confidence in it.
00:46:52 How about the argument, and there could be an argument, because you know, at the beginning of this 4% discussion,
00:46:59 that there was, unions were firmly against it. Some unions accepted. Those unions rejected the offer.
00:47:11 And there could be an argument, well, the PSA is one of the last standing strong institutions that are sticking to,
00:47:24 or that is sticking to the initial position that the 4% is not enough, it's inappropriate, and we're not going to accept it.
00:47:34 Well, that is a reasonable argument. But it could be contained by the following.
00:47:39 There are other professional bodies, for example, teachers and police officers, they would have been staring down the same barrel,
00:47:49 and all of those unions that signed, the 37 of those unions that signed, they really do not want to sign, they didn't want to sign.
00:47:55 But as I said, the circumstances have changed. And the mere fact that if it is you do not sign,
00:48:02 you run the risk of having the special tribunal adjudicate on two five-year periods,
00:48:09 which will be from quite 2013 straight up to 2023, would not make much sense for the ability of the said trade unions
00:48:19 to come and negotiate a better package for the collective period 2020 to 2022.
00:48:25 We know for a fact strategically, going into that new rounds of negotiations will be bringing a smack on the eve of the 2025 elections.
00:48:34 So the unions who signed would have recognized that they would be in a stronger position to negotiate with the government
00:48:41 for a better and more improved set of terms and conditions of employment.
00:48:46 So it is not to me about standing your ground or capitulating as Mr. Leroy-Baptiste is saying, it is not about that.
00:48:54 But to me, my personal take is that the democracy of the organization must prevail.
00:49:00 It must not be the leader who wants to continue to fight for his own personal gain while leaving the people behind.
00:49:06 It must never be like that.
00:49:08 Mr. Eversley, you have said why you are supporting next week's protest and your participation.
00:49:15 What are you bringing to that protest next week, Friday?
00:49:18 One, I want to go back to what he said and talk about the 37th union who accepted.
00:49:28 Prisoners won because prisoners outright, even the election of a new president, he was firm that he was not going to accept it.
00:49:37 But then the memberships, say, they won the 4%.
00:49:41 Same as the, I listened to the newscast on a frequency where the president of the police welfare association said
00:49:52 we didn't want the 4%, but he's glad that the back pay is being paid by December.
00:50:00 And what I noticed too, when the minister of finance presented his budget presentation,
00:50:06 when he turned about paying the back pay to public service officials and he smiled and he said,
00:50:13 but he won billion, you know, you have a smiling face and the PSA not in it.
00:50:18 I said, but why it is members taking advantage, leadership taking advantage?
00:50:25 They talk about trade union leaders receiving $50,000 a month, right?
00:50:31 And plus they have perks, plus they have lunch allowance per day, 500.
00:50:36 And when they are benefiting and they're seeing the, talking about the price of cost of living,
00:50:42 it's not affecting them, but it's affecting the members.
00:50:45 And if the membership calling out, yesterday I was in Wausau, people in Wausau, workers saying,
00:50:51 he came from Wausau, saying they're glad that we, people talking out because they won the 4% too
00:50:58 and let's move on and start negotiation period.
00:51:01 So my decision to go out there is to fight for good governance in the PSA,
00:51:07 not only accepting the 4%, making sure that the leadership fight for workers,
00:51:12 fight for good working condition for workers.
00:51:15 You talk about nurses on contract and some leaving.
00:51:20 And when the government have notices on contract, you know what they do?
00:51:25 They hire nurses from outside Trinidad and Tobago to come and do the same work
00:51:29 and give them a three-year contract when they could have make these nurses here permanent.
00:51:34 So something is definitely wrong and people have to stand up for good governance in this country,
00:51:40 for all in all organization and that's why I'm fighting for.
00:51:43 Yes. Mr. Saunders, let's get to the day of the protest now.
00:51:48 How is all of this going to play out next week, Friday?
00:51:51 Wonderful. So I just want to reiterate, next week, Friday, October 13th,
00:51:58 we are calling that day the public servants day.
00:52:03 It is persons who are in the central public service, persons who are in statutory authorities,
00:52:08 NIB, the RHAs, all government offices where monthly paid workers are concerned,
00:52:16 this is your day. And you know, it's really befitting that we are in the month of October
00:52:21 where we put aside that month for mental health and mental wellness.
00:52:26 And really and truly, that day, Black Friday, is for public officers, public servants,
00:52:33 to get your mental day. I am taking your platform and asking the heads of departments,
00:52:38 the permanent secretaries, the deputy permanent secretaries, administrators, managers, supervisors,
00:52:44 free our people, free the public servants, so that they can come out on that day to voice their opinions.
00:52:51 They are coming to fight not only for themselves, but they are coming to fight for you.
00:52:55 So I'm asking everyone, we need total collaboration. This is not no time to be choosing political sides.
00:53:01 This is about us as public servants speaking out and saying enough is enough.
00:53:07 We want our just due and we want to get ready to negotiate for the new period.
00:53:13 So we will be assembling outside the PSA's head office, number 89 to 91, Abercrombie Street in Port of Spain,
00:53:22 where we will be addressed by persons like Comrade Evers-Lee and other strong activists.
00:53:27 And let us get our message good. All are invited, members of the PSA.
00:53:33 Non-members and retirees, persons who would have retired from the 1st of January 2013,
00:53:38 because they would be in the collective period. Everyone is welcome. Concerned citizens, you are also welcome.
00:53:44 Let's come out and let our voices be heard.
00:53:46 All right. From what time?
00:53:48 We are starting, we are assembling at 9.30 in front of the PSA's head office.
00:53:53 All right. Gentlemen, thank you very much.
00:53:55 Thank you so much.
00:53:56 We are going to a very short break. We also have the 7 o'clock news headlines for you. Be coming back.
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00:55:05 Universal Church presents Programs of Faith.
00:55:09 5.30am, the hour of miracles.
00:55:13 5pm, it's possible.
00:55:19 Now on TV6.
00:55:30 I can dance.
00:55:32 I can sing.
00:55:34 I can speak.
00:55:36 I have ideas.
00:55:38 I can debate.
00:55:40 I can reason.
00:55:42 I can write.
00:55:44 I can draw.
00:55:46 I can paint.
00:55:48 I can protest.
00:55:50 I can stand up for my rights.
00:55:53 And I can enjoy my rights.
00:55:56 I have the right to express myself.
00:56:00 Children have rights.
00:56:03 [♪♪♪]
00:56:06 Good morning. I am Ansel Gibbs with a news update.
00:56:30 At least two people were severely injured when two vehicles transporting school children collided in Maracas, St. Joseph.
00:56:39 It happened on Thursday afternoon on the Maracas Road.
00:56:43 Residents of the area said they were alerted to the collision by a loud bang.
00:56:48 Some residents then assisted the victims and notified authorities.
00:56:56 Police say of the 454 murders reported for the first nine months of the year, 44 of the victims were women, 18 were children, and 14 were foreign nationals.
00:57:10 Gang activity continues to be the number one factor of the global cause.
00:57:16 We are quite aware of the responsibilities owed to the citizens of being able to traverse our twin islands undisturbed and reinforce our commitment to achieve that objective.
00:57:31 We will continue to robustly use our crime-fighting initiatives to bring closure to these matters and again appeal to citizens to continue to provide information to bring more successes.
00:57:49 [♪♪♪]
00:57:53 And in the weather forecast, both islands can expect sunny conditions interspersed with partly cloudy periods and some isolated daytime showers.
00:58:05 There's the low to medium chance of some heavy afternoon showers and isolated thunderstorms near southern and hilly areas.
00:58:14 Tonight will be mostly fair and warm except for some developing overnight showers.
00:58:20 Temperatures are expected to climb to 33 degrees Celsius in Trinidad and 31 in Tobago.
00:58:27 Seas will be moderate with waves up to two meters in height in open waters and below one meter in sheltered areas.
00:58:36 [♪♪♪]
00:58:39 The wet and hurricane seasons are here. Prevention is better than cure.
00:58:44 The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management wishes to advise all persons to follow these seven steps to be better prepared for adverse weather conditions.
00:58:53 One, trim overhanging branches from the trees around your home or business as this can help prevent damage or injury during high winds.
00:59:01 Two, clear clogged gutters and drains in and around your property.
00:59:05 Three, use hurricane straps and jay clamps to properly secure your roofing.
00:59:09 Four, in the event of strong winds are forecast, prepare materials that could secure windows and doors.
00:59:15 Five, stock up on your emergency and medical supplies to last you and your loved ones for at least three days or 72 hours.
00:59:23 Six, fill and pre-position sandbags in areas of the property that are vulnerable to flood water.
00:59:29 Seven, secure loose items around your area as these can become flying missiles during high winds or adverse weather conditions.
00:59:36 Let's be prepared, be secured, and be ready for the wet and hurricane seasons.
00:59:41 A message from the ODPM.
00:59:43 [♪♪♪]
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01:00:14 [♪♪♪]
01:00:16 The world is in crisis.
01:00:18 Distressing news are flowing from every quarter in the society, and the hearts of many are failing them for fear.
01:00:27 However, in the midst of these alarming conditions come good news.
01:00:33 Jesus Christ saves, keeps, and satisfies.
01:00:38 This is the message of Daybreak.
01:00:41 [♪♪♪]
01:00:48 Some of us like to test limits, but there won't always be second chances.
01:00:54 Obey the speed limits.
01:00:57 Maybe you don't value your life, but others value theirs.
01:01:03 [tires screeching]
01:01:06 A message from the TTPS.
01:01:10 [♪♪♪]
01:01:12 [♪♪♪]
01:01:24 And welcome back, everyone.
01:01:26 So for another day, we are keeping our focus on breast cancer and Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
01:01:33 Joining us in studio now, we have Dr. Damaris Batiste-Sylvester, obstetrician, oncologist, gynecology oncologist,
01:01:41 and chief medical officer at the community hospital.
01:01:44 And we also have Mr. Samuel Sanka, director of strategic partnership and business development
01:01:50 at the community hospital of Seventh Day Adventist.
01:01:54 Good morning, Doctor. Good morning, Mr. Samuel.
01:01:56 Good morning.
01:01:57 Good morning. Thank you for the opportunity, Marlon, and to all our viewers online, live,
01:02:03 and the many different publics here on TV6, we want to let you know that this is Breast Cancer Month.
01:02:10 October is designated by the World Health Organization as Breast Cancer Month,
01:02:15 and we have on set here our chief medical officer who will drill down and let us know about breast cancer awareness,
01:02:23 treatment for it, and how we cope with it, and the many different offerings there are for breast cancer.
01:02:29 It's a golden opportunity we have to take care of that.
01:02:32 And while we speak about breast cancer, I understand--I was doing some reading and research as well--
01:02:37 that men could also have breast cancer, but today we're focusing on breast cancer awareness through our chief medical officer.
01:02:47 Yeah. Doctor Batee Silvestre, what's the message for this month, Re-Breast Cancer?
01:02:53 The message is all about bringing awareness.
01:02:56 You want individuals, especially women--and even though I'm targeting women,
01:03:02 it's very important that our men take heed of the message because they have wives, they have mothers,
01:03:07 and although it's very rare, men can get breast cancer.
01:03:11 We wanted to let the public know that breast cancer is a disease that has a screening modality attached to it,
01:03:21 and if we take part or become involved in the screening modalities that is offered for breast cancer,
01:03:28 then early detection can occur and we can save lives.
01:03:33 As a matter of fact, if breast cancer is detected early, there's a 99% five-year survival rate.
01:03:40 In Trinidad, breast cancer is the leading cancer amongst women.
01:03:45 As a matter of fact, the incidence is 37 in 100,000 of the population will get breast cancer.
01:03:55 Is that high?
01:03:56 That's absolutely high.
01:03:58 To put it into context, think of nine women that you know.
01:04:02 One in nine women will get breast cancer throughout their lifetime.
01:04:06 So it's a disease that is out there, and the message needs to be told that there's something we can do about it.
01:04:15 People need to understand what to look for, as in the signs and symptoms,
01:04:19 and they need to understand, most importantly, that lifestyle can also reduce the risk for getting breast cancer.
01:04:28 Let's speak about that, because I was going to ask what is contributing to these high numbers in Trinidad and Tobago.
01:04:33 Okay, so there's something known as risk factors,
01:04:36 and there are some risk factors that are associated with breast cancer that can be avoided,
01:04:44 and there are others that are unavoidable.
01:04:47 So when we talk about breast cancer specifically, the risk factors associated would really be hormonal, lifestyle, environmental.
01:04:57 And the unavoidable risk factors would be something such as just being a woman.
01:05:04 Just being a woman is a risk factor.
01:05:07 Increasing age is a risk factor for breast cancer.
01:05:11 Alcohol consumption, another risk factor.
01:05:14 Genes. So there are two specific genes I want to talk about.
01:05:19 They're called BRCA1 and BRCA2, and mutations in these genes can account for high incidence of breast cancer.
01:05:30 Never being pregnant is a risk factor.
01:05:35 Having your period at an early age, so nine or less, is another risk factor.
01:05:43 Having menopause at a delayed age, so you're looking at menopausal status later in your 50s or 60s, that's another risk factor.
01:05:54 In terms of being pregnant, that reduces your risk of having breast cancer.
01:06:03 So in the medical community, we term it unopposed estrogen,
01:06:08 so it means that having higher amounts of estrogen in your body will naturally predispose you to having breast cancer.
01:06:16 Stress has a contributing factor as well.
01:06:20 What we eat, highly refined sugars, foods that would manipulate the reproductive hormones in our body are also contributing factors to breast cancer.
01:06:32 Let's get back to, because some of the things that you touched on, I think that people can see them as symptoms.
01:06:43 Yes.
01:06:44 So if we can just focus a little more on some of the other symptoms that people must look for.
01:06:50 Okay. So in order for you to pick up something as abnormal, you must be familiar with your own breasts.
01:06:56 So we love to advocate self-breast examinations.
01:07:01 Women or even men, you should be familiar with your partner's breasts, and women should be familiar with their own breasts.
01:07:08 It's only when you understand what is your normal, you can detect something abnormal.
01:07:13 So a couple days after your periods, five days after your periods, we encourage at least a once a month self-breast examination.
01:07:21 It's pretty simple to do. You can do it lying down, you can do it with your hands above your head, looking into a mirror,
01:07:28 and you just want to feel from the outside until you get to the actual nipples of the breasts.
01:07:34 You want to look for any changes in the appearance, the shape of the breasts.
01:07:41 You want to feel for any lumps or any thickening in the auxiliary region all the way down to the actual breasts.
01:07:49 If you have a tissue, you want to look for any changes in the areola, so you want to see if there's any crusting, flaking, peeling.
01:07:58 You want to look for any redness or swelling of the breasts.
01:08:02 You want to try to look for if there's a recent change in your nipples.
01:08:08 If they're inverted, that means they're pushed inside.
01:08:11 If there's any discharge coming from the breasts.
01:08:14 So those are symptoms you should look out for.
01:08:17 And if you recognize any of these changes, particularly even if it's a small lump, you should see your physician and get it checked.
01:08:27 Especially if you're 40 years old, that's the age we advocate for starting to do your mammograms.
01:08:35 But of course, you're seeing symptoms in younger people and you're seeing younger people developing cancer.
01:08:42 Absolutely. And this is another point I want to touch on.
01:08:46 If you know that you have what we call a first-degree relative, so your mother, your daughter, your sister has breast cancer in the past,
01:08:56 you want to recognize that you could be at risk as well because you have a family history of breast cancer.
01:09:05 That should prompt you to visit your gynecologist or your GP to have a conversation about earlier screening or preventative measures or to evaluate your risk for getting breast cancer.
01:09:21 And the conversation might include with your GP or your gynecologist getting screened earlier.
01:09:28 And younger patients, we can encourage a breast ultrasound because the breast is a little bit thicker.
01:09:36 And so we may, instead of going straight to a mammogram, which is a specialized x-ray of the breast,
01:09:42 which helps the physician to recognize those areas of change in terms of the tissue in the breast and looking for lumps,
01:09:52 then the breast ultrasound can do that in younger people with more thickened breast tissue.
01:09:58 Then we can even have a conversation about doing mammograms earlier.
01:10:02 So once you know that you are re-stratified by your physician,
01:10:08 the conversation may be held with you about doing things that could try to, you know, see if you're at higher risk for getting breast cancer.
01:10:16 You may just have to do genetic screening as well to look for those genes that I mentioned, especially if you have a significant family history.
01:10:23 Yeah, and I think that there are some women out there who may be happy that there are other ways to test because I've known people who have gone for tests.
01:10:34 And I understand that when they're having this mammogram, that their breast has to be put onto a certain piece of equipment and it kind of clamps it down.
01:10:46 So you have some women out there who are definitely afraid of that.
01:10:50 Well, the technology has become so more improved that mammogram is now painless.
01:10:58 So whereas, you know, you used to have the discomfort of really patients used to complain my breast feels crushed.
01:11:04 Now the technology has improved over the years. A mammogram is now relatively painless.
01:11:10 The experience is a lot better. And while a mammogram will not prevent cancer, as I mentioned before, it can detect it earlier.
01:11:20 So then intervention can happen, whether it's a local excision of the area where the lump is or whether, you know, you may have to do adjuvant therapy such as chemotherapy or radiation along with surgery.
01:11:33 So there are various options, not necessarily surgery.
01:11:36 Well, some people may be definitely afraid of.
01:11:39 The thing is that you want to offer the patient what's best for them.
01:11:43 So it's dependent on the stage that breast cancer is detected. In the earlier stage, surgery is the best modality for treatment, especially if it's stage one.
01:11:54 You get rid of the tissues, the abnormal tissues.
01:11:58 You ensure that your angles that you remove are cancer free, so to speak.
01:12:06 And then the patient may not necessarily have to subject themselves to further treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, because with the addition of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, you're talking about more side effects and the patient's quality of life may be reduced a little bit.
01:12:25 So it depends on what stage you are in. The earlier the stage, as I said, the chance of completely curing is greatest.
01:12:33 Yeah. And this is something this may be a rhetorical question, but why does the Seventh Day Adventist Hospital, why was it so moved to to to speak about Cancer Awareness Month and to bring this whole issue of breast cancer to the fore?
01:12:53 And the Seventh Day Adventist Church operates the community hospital and the University of the Southern Caribbean, and we have a unit which is also School of Allied Health and Nursing at the university with a population of over 3,000 students.
01:13:10 The community hospital of Seventh Day Adventist, we are 61 years young and we are the first private hospital operating in Trinidad and Tobago.
01:13:21 And so part of our whole outreach is that the health message is the right arm of the Adventist Church.
01:13:29 And so we are well positioned in bringing awareness and we promote good health and well-being, which is also the third, number three in the sustainable development goals.
01:13:41 So we align in all that we do in terms of sustainability, good health and well-being and bring in that awareness.
01:13:48 And we care to all of our patients, customers and stakeholders. We're not limited to Seventh Day Adventist members alone.
01:13:58 We serve all the many different publics and therein lies where where we could come and work with you and be the most affordable.
01:14:06 And if if if Dr. Damaris could could join me, we just completed every month.
01:14:13 We have a community outreach. We were in Degou Martin in the constituency of Degou Martin, the Honorable Prime Minister.
01:14:21 We met with him. Then we continue to go along in many different on felt needs and provide that care and compassion that we want to share with all our stakeholders and Trinidad and Tobago.
01:14:36 Yeah. But Dr. relatives of victims or persons living with cancer or persons fighting cancer, however you want to put it.
01:14:45 But relatives of those persons also have a role to play.
01:14:48 Absolutely. Your role is to be there for your relative in whatever way they need.
01:14:55 People cope with the news of cancer differently. The prognosis is something you have to understand as well.
01:15:04 So you will know is this person end of life?
01:15:08 This this person have a fighting chance and dependent on the actual prognosis as well.
01:15:13 You should know how to be there for that person. For some persons, it may be all about getting their affairs in order for those who are terminal.
01:15:21 Ensure that they understand that, you know, there is a higher calling as well.
01:15:28 Their faith becomes a lot more integral and important.
01:15:33 There are also support groups that they can come, the patient and their families or even their families alone can come to to be educated, to learn how to cope with the disease or the diagnosis of breast cancer.
01:15:49 Also, it's a very stressful time for the patient as a gyne oncologist breaking bad news.
01:15:56 You see every reaction. You see a patient just walking away. You see a door slamming. You see every reaction.
01:16:04 We have to be poised to offer mental health support to these patients.
01:16:10 And at the community hospital, we have an excellent mental health program there.
01:16:15 Dr. Joan Carroll, she's a behavioral and mental health expert, and she loves to counsel, to give coping strategies to these patients and their families.
01:16:25 October 10th is World Mental Health Day, and we want to focus a lot on women's health, breaking bad news and the impact on their mental health.
01:16:36 And we want to let individuals know there's always a way.
01:16:40 We may not be able to always heal you physically.
01:16:44 Yes, but we can definitely help with the mental aspect of of of the patient and their families because physical, mental, emotional, they go hand in hand.
01:16:57 There's not one without the other. And at the community hospital, we stress holistic health.
01:17:03 Yes, we want individuals to know that, hey, we are offering these services to you.
01:17:09 We offer spiritual health. We offer mental health. We offer physical health and we offer social and emotional health.
01:17:17 And the person must walk away feeling like I am not just my breast. I am a human being.
01:17:25 So even though you may have your breasts removed because this is the surgical modality offered to you, you're still a beautiful individual.
01:17:35 Yeah, you're still loved. You're not just your breasts.
01:17:38 And that's the message we want people to understand as well.
01:17:42 You can still be loved by a man. You may be able to still have children.
01:17:47 Don't walk away feeling I am half of a woman. Love yourself.
01:17:53 And we're there to help you through the process. Doctor, I think that's a good way to end our discussion this morning.
01:17:58 Mr. Sanka, anything else you'd like to add? And we continue to serve all of Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean.
01:18:06 The community hospital will be launching a new start wellness club.
01:18:11 And we invite all our many different publics and stakeholders within the Port of Spain, Diggo Martin environs to be part of it, which you'll hear more about it soon.
01:18:22 It's New Start Nutrition, Exercise, Water, Sunshine, Temperance, Air, Rest and Trust in God.
01:18:31 That's a lot to remember. New Start. New Start. We'll come back and tell you more about that.
01:18:38 And we're looking to do that. You know, next month is Diabetes Month.
01:18:42 We will be engaging in many different publics as well and to bring that awareness.
01:18:47 And thank you for the opportunity to all of you, the thousands online watching us here. Thank you, Marlon. It's a pleasure.
01:18:54 Thank you, as always, Mr. Sanka and Doctor. It was a pleasure speaking with you this morning.
01:18:59 Thank you very much for the information. Bye for now.
01:19:01 So we are taking a quick break. We're coming back.
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01:19:42 Calling steel pan enthusiasts from around the globe.
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01:19:51 presents the 13th edition of its Artistic Bursary 2023.
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01:20:44 I'm moving, moving forward every day.
01:20:48 Jesus, I just let him lead the way.
01:20:52 Every second, every minute, every hour of the day.
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01:21:01 24/7, with Jesus every day.
01:21:05 24/7, I'm moving, with Jesus.
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01:21:23 Kira Trinidad, West Indies presents "Empowerment Through the Word".
01:21:28 Come with us as we affect humanity with the life transforming power of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
01:21:35 We invite you to sit with us and be blessed.
01:21:39 [Music]
01:21:43 [Music]
01:21:47 [Music]
01:21:51 [Music]
01:21:55 I jump from my bed, start holding my head.
01:21:59 Well I say tonight Lord, like somebody dead.
01:22:03 Because this old lady, she ain't living with nobody.
01:22:07 So I jump from my house and I start bawling like a crazy mouse.
01:22:11 And if you hear me, fire, fire, ain't she wire, papa?
01:22:16 Aye, aye, aye, oh, yo, yo.
01:22:20 Fire, fire, playin' on top of the beat, oh.
01:22:24 Dive in the water, I got a great fire.
01:22:27 And welcome back.
01:22:28 So you know that over maybe the past week or so, we have been rocked as a country,
01:22:33 following the deaths of two children involving, two situations involving fire.
01:22:39 So we do have this morning with us, Fire Prevention Officer Jude Rogers.
01:22:43 Mr. Rogers, thank you very much for coming this morning.
01:22:45 Thank you very much. Thank you for the opportunity to share this morning.
01:22:48 Yeah. Well, Mr. Rogers, I think it would be an opportune time to share some tips
01:22:54 with some members of the public following these two deaths over the past week or so.
01:22:59 So the Fire Service, Chief Fire Services Office as well,
01:23:03 is requiring the public to understand the challenges that are faced.
01:23:09 We have to understand that in Trinidad and Tobago, post-pandemic,
01:23:13 we've gone back up to levels of 700 fires annually.
01:23:17 And alongside that, we have approximately 25, an average of 25 deaths by fires
01:23:25 as a result of persons' homes.
01:23:27 And these are in residential homes, Marlon, where we see fires occurring.
01:23:31 And for some reason, the statistics also point to the fact that 50% of the persons
01:23:37 who are most susceptible to fires are the elderly and children.
01:23:42 So coming on board this morning, we want to pay specific focus on the fact that
01:23:48 children are at risk and the elderly, even those who are infirmed,
01:23:52 persons who are unable to move, non-ambulant persons.
01:23:55 We need to make a plan and we need to prepare for persons of that nature.
01:24:00 Yeah. I am shocked by the statistics that you have given us.
01:24:03 You're speaking about 700 fires annually in Trinidad and Tobago. That's a lot of fires.
01:24:09 That would solve, Marlon, to be approximately two fires per day.
01:24:12 So in essence, somewhere in Trinidad and Tobago today, there are going to be at least two fires.
01:24:18 It may not make the news, but it definitely is going to occur.
01:24:22 Some of them does not require the intervention of the fire service.
01:24:25 But as you say, where there is smoke, there is fire.
01:24:28 So we need to respond to those. And there are a number of challenges that we are observing.
01:24:32 And I want to point directly to electrical sources.
01:24:36 And so even as I think about the young baby Haley, who would have passed,
01:24:41 in conducting the investigation and speaking with the family
01:24:45 and going through that particular scene with a fine-tooth comb,
01:24:49 we would have uncovered electrical failure as one of the main reasons of our component.
01:24:55 And so it begs the answer, how do we review our home?
01:24:59 Are we taking cognizance of the fact that our homes need to be inspected
01:25:03 by the electrical inspectorate every five years?
01:25:07 The only way that you can even dream of bringing a claim against ENTEC if they are at fault
01:25:12 is if you have a valid certificate. Many members of the public are not aware of that.
01:25:16 When we purchase electrical cords, when we purchase appliances,
01:25:22 they have to be tested on the writer's laboratory.
01:25:25 They should have an OSHA standard.
01:25:28 They should have a Bureau of Standards from Trinidad and Tobago.
01:25:31 Otherwise, they are not fit for use nor fit for purpose.
01:25:34 And many of these components are failing us and causing fires within our homes.
01:25:38 I think too, sir, that many of us just do not understand
01:25:45 or don't believe that a fire will happen to us.
01:25:48 So I suspect that a lot of people who are looking at us right now,
01:25:52 their homes, they have no fire extinguishers or anything to fight fires.
01:25:57 That's a very good point that you make, Marlon.
01:26:00 But the fact of the matter is we need to prepare.
01:26:03 And we have a slogan in the fire service that we say, "Plan, prepare, and practice."
01:26:08 If you do not have smoke detectors in your home,
01:26:11 and I just want to make this very, very simple point,
01:26:13 a smoke detector detects smoke at its earliest stage, in the first 20 seconds of a fire.
01:26:19 Think about how much time you will save because really and truly,
01:26:23 when you look at the timelines, it takes only three minutes for a fire to reach a full-blown stage.
01:26:28 At that stage, all you can do is evacuate.
01:26:30 But if you get that early warning by the use of fire extinguishers as well as smoke detectors,
01:26:37 you have a chance and your family has a chance to retreat, to plan your escape,
01:26:42 and get out of that building on time.
01:26:44 Let's go down the list. So we're speaking about detectors.
01:26:46 We're speaking about fire extinguishers.
01:26:49 Fire extinguishers, understanding that you need to service your fire extinguishers as well.
01:26:53 If you have an item in your home that is designed to protect you,
01:26:57 but you don't take the time out to service, just as you do with your vehicle.
01:27:00 You change the oil, you change the tires when it's necessary.
01:27:02 When you have a fire extinguisher, you must service that annually.
01:27:06 But you can do a visual check on a monthly basis.
01:27:09 The batteries in your smoke detector may last two years.
01:27:11 It's a nine-volt battery. Change those every two years.
01:27:15 If you hear it beeping continuously, it means, or periodically,
01:27:19 it means the batteries are ready to be changed.
01:27:21 Also, what we also want people to know, your electrical items.
01:27:26 I'm asking members of the public, take it this far.
01:27:28 Unplug any items of electrical components that you are not using when you leave your home.
01:27:34 It makes no sense leaving televisions and all these other types of appliances unplugged,
01:27:38 unless it's your refrigerator, or it's something that's on an isolation breaker.
01:27:42 Because when and if that electrical circuit fails, it's going to ignite the component,
01:27:48 it's going to ignite the wiring and any combustibles that are along that pathway.
01:27:52 And this is where some of the major issues are happening.
01:27:55 I also want to point to the fact that, please, if you're doing work at your home,
01:28:00 do not bring a friend who knows a little bit about electricity to address electrical matters.
01:28:06 In fact, the laws of Trinidad and Tobago, as it pertains to electricity
01:28:11 and the installation of electrical components, mean you have to hire a certified wireman,
01:28:18 not your friend who is capable of doing a little bit of electrical.
01:28:22 And, you know, I have to break it down in this term.
01:28:25 Yeah, I have to break it down, because everybody is looking to save a dollar.
01:28:28 And we're looking to cut back on the quality, because quality means price.
01:28:32 But when you cut back on quality and you choose someone who is unable to do the job,
01:28:37 you're breaking the law, one, but you're also putting yourself, your loved one,
01:28:41 and your hard-earned property at risk.
01:28:44 I also want to speak about a very serious issue, and I'm sure that you will agree,
01:28:48 because most of us now have now imprisoned ourselves in our homes with burglar proof.
01:28:55 How do we deal with that?
01:28:57 So that is a very, very serious issue that the Fire Service has actually identified,
01:29:02 and we've addressed it.
01:29:04 So together with the Bureau of Standards and also the Small Building Codes,
01:29:08 we have actually come together with Tongan Country and all of these agencies,
01:29:11 and we've brought about some sort of requirement where when you are building a home,
01:29:18 you shall, you must install at least one fire escape burglar proof window in each bedroom.
01:29:25 As you would understand, the upper floors are the ones that you are most at risk.
01:29:29 If you are trapped in an upper floor and you have to come through the window,
01:29:32 that's your only possible escape, and you do not have a burglar proof that can open from the inside,
01:29:37 you are going to be trapped, and normally the outcome of that is the death of the person.
01:29:42 We want to avoid those situations.
01:29:44 We're saying that when you go to your vendors, when you go to your suppliers,
01:29:48 let them know that the Fire Service said that you need to install a fire escape equipped burglar proofing.
01:29:55 They are available.
01:29:57 Not only that, we have partnered with a number of agencies to create even keyless fire escape burglar proofing.
01:30:03 We have a plan for that at the Fire Service, and you can reach out to your fire departments to get more information on how you can achieve that.
01:30:11 Well, I know that. I know that.
01:30:14 I've seen homes where this has occurred, but I was not aware that each room should have one of that.
01:30:21 At least the bedrooms, because you remember when you are weak on, if there's a fire in the dead of night and you are weak on,
01:30:27 that may be your only route of escape.
01:30:29 Your exits may already be blocked or encumbered by fire.
01:30:33 You see, we see this happening more too often.
01:30:36 Every year, we come here on this station to bring advice to the public, and we recognize that it keeps occurring.
01:30:43 So we need to identify burglar proofing.
01:30:45 If I go back, just to go back a little bit in time in history, in 2021, in Nucori Lane, three children lost their lives.
01:30:52 Horrible.
01:30:53 Right, as a result of being trapped by burglar proofing.
01:30:55 Parents, one of the main things is to ensure that you provide for your children the instructions.
01:31:01 If you have to leave your children at home, leave them at home with an adult, someone who is responsible enough to treat with any situations that may arise.
01:31:10 And of course, please make the keys.
01:31:13 Please make the access to leave.
01:31:15 And you know, I understand the challenge that parents face.
01:31:19 I understand the challenge that our nation face, because crime is the number one issue.
01:31:23 And so persons are trying to protect the bandit from coming in.
01:31:26 But at the same time, there are ways and mechanism to do so, but not to trap yourself indoors.
01:31:31 Yeah. How do we deal, though, with the gates to your homes?
01:31:36 Because I'm sure that the advice would be, well, you need to have those keys somewhere near to the gate.
01:31:44 But then again, you don't want unwanted people taking those keys to open the burglar proof gates.
01:31:50 So in the business community and in industrial capacity, we have a piece of device that we use.
01:31:57 It's something it's where you put a key in a safe package.
01:32:01 It's called break the glass. It's something that you can actually place.
01:32:04 And it's there for you visible, but it's away from where the bandits could reach.
01:32:08 Nobody can reach it, but it's there and the key is in that little glass case.
01:32:11 Yes. Or you identify a spot emergency and you place your keys in those locations so that you can access it.
01:32:18 Never too close to the doorway where somebody could break the glass and access it,
01:32:22 but always visible so that members of the family are able to access it.
01:32:26 Not only that, when you are preparing your evacuation plan, please inform members of your family where they can find the keys to your burglar proofing.
01:32:35 It should not be on a multi key bunch where you have 20 keys for that one lock.
01:32:40 You're going to spend a length of time trying to find the right key.
01:32:44 And those precious seconds can mean your life.
01:32:47 How do individuals deal with, let's say they have detected smoke because we always hear the advice.
01:32:56 And I know that they would want to rush into the home to save a relative.
01:33:01 But how do they deal with that? We always hear the advice to drop, to stay below the smoke.
01:33:08 Yes. Is that the is that the advice you like to give?
01:33:11 So definitely when you're doing an evacuation and you recognize that smoke, because quickly smoke develops.
01:33:16 It's one of the byproducts of the combustion process, which is what a fire is.
01:33:19 Yes. That smoke goes up to the ceiling and it begins to roll just like a convection oven.
01:33:24 It billows and it will sit with with sweet dog.
01:33:27 And then the only place that you're going to find oxygen, breathable oxygen is at the lower regions of your room.
01:33:33 So this is why we say get low and go. So it's your only way of getting out.
01:33:39 If you have to perform a rescue and you do not have the necessary equipment.
01:33:43 Remember that if you are in combat by the very same smoke, you yourself may become a victim.
01:33:50 So you want what we have a rule of thumb. If the fire has already reached the ceiling, it's time for you to get out.
01:33:56 Yeah. Let's speak a little bit. I see that you have a flyer here and we're putting it up.
01:34:01 And it speaks about cooking safety starts with you. Pay attention to fire prevention.
01:34:06 Is it that in some cases fire is starting from the from the stove?
01:34:13 So so definitely this year we in the fire service, we celebrate the commemorate fire prevention week.
01:34:20 Twenty twenty three. We came to you last year with fire prevention. Twenty twenty two.
01:34:24 And we raised the issues there. So again, we're raising the issue and the international community of fire engineers,
01:34:31 NFPA and its association has teamed this year. Cooking safety starts with you.
01:34:36 So they've recognized in the US and even in our region that 50 percent of all the fires begin in the kitchen.
01:34:43 And it's only obvious because you have to look at where we consume or where we use fires in a normal way.
01:34:49 We use fires on the stove. We may use fires in the. So it's a non-electrical form of source of ignition.
01:34:56 But it's a real issue. And here's where the issue occurs. One, we use gas.
01:35:01 Yes. Propane gas. And we have that gas in our inside our home.
01:35:06 Sometimes the smaller tanks. You have to check the hose. You have to check the tank to make sure that it has no leaks.
01:35:13 One of the other issues is unattended cooking. Remember, we are busy.
01:35:17 Everybody's working. We have the short space of time to conduct and prepare for children for the next day.
01:35:23 But you cannot leave your cooking unattended. You have to move those pot handles in.
01:35:29 You have to be careful to keep a zone that is free from children.
01:35:33 Yes. So that is even a major issue. Children and pets should not be allowed close to your stove or your kitchen.
01:35:39 And I can't stress one more point. Yeah, we have 30 seconds.
01:35:42 Water should never be used as a mechanism to extinguish a fire in a kitchen where oil is there.
01:35:50 And don't forget these frilly curtains people want to put in the kitchen.
01:35:53 And the curtains for Christmas. Definitely.
01:35:55 Mr. Rogers, always, thank you very much. It's always a pleasure having you here, speaking to you on the line,
01:36:01 and having you speak to the population and giving us the tips that are required. Thank you very much again.
01:36:08 It's our pleasure. All right. We are going to a very short break. We're coming back.
01:36:12 [Music]
01:36:25 Shop online at caterpro.tt for all your catering equipment needs.
01:36:29 Available now. Commercial regions from $14,995. Refrigerated prep stations from $13,995.
01:36:35 Countertop refrigerated displays from $6,995. Call 318-COOK caterpro.tt for your restaurant equipment and supplies.
01:36:43 From the producers of This Little Piggy is Tired, What You Looking at Me So For, now comes Bacchanal Bubble and Bad Behavior.
01:36:50 Henry stole $2 million dollars. Nice guy, he's the last one.
01:36:53 Bacchanal Bubble and Bad Behavior premieres at the Navarima Bowl on Saturday, October 7th at 8.30pm and Sunday, October 8th at 6.30pm.
01:37:00 Police! Police! Sergeant Alexander Rogers for the Spain CID.
01:37:04 Tickets available at our usual outlets, chat, social media and press for further details.
01:37:08 More police! What? Detective Sergeant Hayward, Canopia Police. Oh God.
01:37:13 Celebrate their lives with a special All Saints Memorial in the Express Classifieds.
01:37:21 Book today to honor your loved ones.
01:37:24 [Music]
01:37:30 [Music]
01:37:35 [Music]
01:37:40 [Music]
01:37:45 [Music]
01:37:50 [Music]
01:37:55 [Music]
01:38:02 Slavery, a terrible time in our history.
01:38:05 The kidnapping, buying and selling of people for profit, the exploitation of another human being.
01:38:12 It still exists today. It has a new name, human trafficking.
01:38:17 Anyone can be a victim.
01:38:19 There is forced labor, sexual exploitation and domestic servitude.
01:38:28 Human trafficking is a worldwide problem and an emerging concern for us here in Trinidad and Tobago.
01:38:34 If you know of or suspect human trafficking activity, call the counter-trafficking hotline at 800-4CTU or 800-4288.
01:38:45 Human trafficking is a crime.
01:38:48 Identify it. Report it. Stop it.
01:38:51 A message from the Counter-Trafficking Unit of the Ministry of National Security.
01:38:56 [Music]
01:39:06 Alright, so welcome back. So we are now talking now about Truecab TT.
01:39:11 And joining us is Cole Mason of Truecab TT.
01:39:14 Mr. Mason, thank you very much for coming this morning.
01:39:17 Good morning. Thank you for having me.
01:39:18 Of course. Tell us about Truecab TT.
01:39:21 Alright, so Truecab TT is a ride-sharing platform for taxi drivers.
01:39:28 So, as you know, that in order to travel, to be legitimate, to do legitimate transportation, your car or vehicle must be H.
01:39:43 Right? So if you're traveling in a vehicle and the vehicle is a private vehicle, therefore that is illegitimate.
01:39:52 So Truecab TT is there now so that taxi drivers could come on board and do legitimate ride-sharing.
01:40:01 So it's like a ride-sharing experience, just strictly for taxis or any vehicle that is H.
01:40:10 How long have you all been around?
01:40:13 Yes, we launched on the 24th of September. This is a new platform.
01:40:20 So it has other platforms out there, of course, but it's nothing like what we have.
01:40:29 Tell us about this ride-sharing concept because I'm sure it's a new concept to a lot of people in Trinidad and Tobago.
01:40:38 I've heard about it, but so tell us a little more so that people can understand what we're speaking about.
01:40:45 So basically, there's an app for passengers and there's an app for the taxi drivers.
01:40:52 So the taxi drivers will download their app.
01:40:55 They will upload the necessary documents required in order to sign up and then be approved, of course, in order to use the service.
01:41:05 And then there's the app for the passengers where they will download.
01:41:10 They will also have to upload a form of identification, of course, for the safety of the drivers.
01:41:18 Once they do that, we check out the profile.
01:41:21 And once the profile is straight, we approve it and therefore they can use the service as well.
01:41:27 So you book, you go on the app, your entire destination.
01:41:32 You can decide if you want to ride later, if you want to ride now.
01:41:38 You will see an estimated fare, of course, of the ride.
01:41:46 Once you-- there's different categories as well, regular, executive.
01:41:54 Once you select which ride you want, then you hit up and book the ride and it will send out a signal to every driver within 50 kilometers that this person need a ride.
01:42:10 Yes.
01:42:11 And whichever driver accepted first, they will now get the details of the person they're going to pick up, the directions.
01:42:21 On the passenger side, they will get a code that they will need to provide to the driver.
01:42:27 So there is no way of getting into the wrong vehicle.
01:42:30 Right?
01:42:31 So as long as the driver show up for the passenger, the passenger will give the driver that code.
01:42:37 Driver will enter that code on his app and then the ride will start and take the passenger to their destination.
01:42:45 Where can people get the app?
01:42:47 You can get it on the Play Store and the Apple App Store as well.
01:42:51 All right.
01:42:52 Let's speak because safety and security are very big issues these days.
01:42:58 So is it that when taxi drivers sign on that you all are the people who are vetting them?
01:43:07 Yes.
01:43:08 Yes.
01:43:09 So they will be asked to upload certain documents.
01:43:14 Certificate of character.
01:43:17 Taxi badge holders is required to have a certificate of character to get a taxi badge.
01:43:22 So we actually have a taxi badge.
01:43:24 So the taxi badge, the driver's license, the insurance, certified copy of the vehicle and pictures of the vehicle.
01:43:32 And that will be on our platform waiting to be reviewed.
01:43:37 Right.
01:43:38 So we will check it out, make sure that all everything is correct.
01:43:42 The driver also have to upload a selfie photo.
01:43:46 All right.
01:43:47 And a selfie photo, not a photo from a library.
01:43:52 That is to ensure that the person who is the profile picture that we see is the actual person that is using the platform.
01:43:59 Is there any contact with you and the taxi driver to make sure that this is the person?
01:44:08 Contact between the driver and us?
01:44:11 Yes.
01:44:12 To ensure a sort of stringent vetting process.
01:44:17 Right.
01:44:18 So what we will do, we will call because the numbers, of course, they will have to upload the phone numbers, of course.
01:44:25 So we'll call the number.
01:44:27 We'll contact the driver.
01:44:31 We have a small talk with him.
01:44:34 And now when the driver show up for a passenger, the passenger will see the photo of the driver.
01:44:44 So it is shared with the passenger.
01:44:46 All the necessary information.
01:44:49 So the picture of the driver will be shared with the passenger and the passenger picture will be shared with the driver.
01:44:54 Yes.
01:44:55 So the driver knows who is picking up and the passenger would know also because the number plate of the vehicle, all that will come up on the passenger app.
01:45:03 How does the passenger pay?
01:45:05 They could pay via cash right now.
01:45:07 That's for now until we introduce the cashless payment.
01:45:11 And that cash goes to the driver?
01:45:13 All the cash goes to the driver and the driver, they will pay the commission to us.
01:45:21 We will give them the necessary information where they'll need to make the payment.
01:45:26 All right.
01:45:27 And they will pay the necessary commission.
01:45:30 What is the response by taxi drivers?
01:45:33 So far we have not a lot of drivers because of course this is something new.
01:45:43 We only launched on the 24th.
01:45:45 So far we have a few drivers that are on our platform that if somebody book a ride, they should be able to get a driver within that 50 kilometer.
01:45:55 But you hope that this sort of service would spread to other parts of the country so that you are able to provide service from anywhere and everywhere in Trinidad and Tobago.
01:46:05 Yes, because it's an enhancement.
01:46:08 It's not something that you have to do if it is your sign on.
01:46:11 You just toggle on and off switch.
01:46:14 So if it is you in a line in Pakistan, instead of waiting in the line and just there, you can just turn on the app.
01:46:22 Somebody might need a ride somewhere close by.
01:46:25 Right. And then you could just go do that job.
01:46:29 And if you want to go back and join the line, you might get a job before you reach the line.
01:46:33 So, yeah.
01:46:35 Is it also offered in Tobago?
01:46:37 Yes, it is throughout Trinidad and Tobago.
01:46:39 Anybody, any driver want to sign up, they can sign up. And any passenger want to use the app, they also could sign up.
01:46:46 Yeah.
01:46:49 What about, is this service provided on a 24 hour basis?
01:46:57 Yeah. Well, it all depends on the drivers, of course.
01:47:00 Yes.
01:47:01 So drivers, it have drivers who work at night.
01:47:04 Right. So we encourage them as well to sign up because I am a taxi driver.
01:47:09 I know night is be slow.
01:47:12 It's not like in the daytime fast pace.
01:47:14 So in the nighttime, instead of just waiting, so don't go in a long period waiting for somebody or for a car to full.
01:47:20 This is another way. You just turn on the app.
01:47:22 The people who are using the app are verified by us.
01:47:26 So there's no like, you know, not just feel like a shaky or feeling.
01:47:32 Of course, anything can happen anywhere, no matter what you try.
01:47:36 But this is a way to have some kind of accountability if something was to happen, which is not really, which is highly likely because nobody will upload the ID and verify themselves and go and do a crime.
01:47:50 So, so, yeah.
01:47:53 I know that other people are also providing similar services, but what makes your service different from the other people?
01:48:00 I was we are different because one is strictly taxis.
01:48:05 Yes. The other services, they don't operate that way.
01:48:09 So we only use taxis. We also have a cash back where you get rewards for using the app.
01:48:20 We also have a transportation like like you want to move a van.
01:48:28 We also have that feature for so anybody with a van and they want to move items from one from point A to point B.
01:48:35 We have that. Yeah.
01:48:39 And that is that is. All right. All right. Mr. Mason.
01:48:42 Well, we just have about 30 seconds again. Anything else you'd like to tell us?
01:48:47 Well, well, I hope the nation embrace this.
01:48:51 This new thing is we try to do it in a legit way, in a lawful way.
01:48:57 And we just invite the traveling and also the taxi drivers to come on board and let us provide the best service that we can.
01:49:08 All right. Mr. Mason, thank you very much for coming this morning and we wish you all the best with your initiative.
01:49:13 Thank you. All right. We are going to another very quick break. We're coming back.
01:49:18 Join our culinary journey as Fatima All Boys Association presents Fatima Food Fest October Fest, Saturday, 14 October.
01:49:37 100 top chefs showcasing an array of food and desserts from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. with an open bar and live entertainment until 11 p.m.
01:49:46 Tickets are 400 dollars all inclusive with all proceeds supporting education at Fatima College.
01:49:51 Get yours at the Great Pockets Store at Fatima College or any former committee member.
01:49:56 Children friendly. So bring the whole family. For details, call 628-4735.
01:50:06 Don't call it a comeback.
01:50:07 Twelfth Man. Twelfth Man. Twelfth Man.
01:50:12 Oh, gives you all. Saves you all the time. Gives you the best football in the world.
01:50:19 Passionate, impulsive, dedicated, decisive, loyal, sincere are the Twelfth Man attributes.
01:50:29 Join Andre Errol Batiste on TV6 for the Twelfth Man Season 4.
01:50:36 Brought to you by Tiger Dance and Coca-Cola.
01:50:42 Inspiration through song makes our souls rejoice.
01:50:46 Inspiration through dance is fueled by the spirit.
01:50:58 Inspiration is found in the diversity of the eight-notes.
01:51:02 Inspired word of God directs our past.
01:51:07 Join us every Monday morning at 8.30 a.m. right here on TV6 for our many moments of inspiration.
01:51:15 The 2023 Jazz Concert Series for the Holy Trinity Cathedral Restoration Project is going down south.
01:51:22 Saturday, October 21st, 7 p.m. at Sapphire.
01:51:26 South's first lady of jazz, Fonette Bigford, welcomes steel-pan virtuoso Dr. Ray Holman,
01:51:32 ace musician, Leston Paul, and the legendary Brother Valentino.
01:51:36 Tickets go on sale at the Sapphire Box Office Thursday, September 28th, online at suntix.com/events
01:51:43 or call 288-TIXX or Sapphire Box Office 219-7272 extension 6015.
01:51:52 General Seating 200, VIP 300, a night of great music for a great cause.
01:51:58 See you at Sapphire.
01:52:00 And welcome back everyone. We do have some local news headlines for you.
01:52:21 Good morning. I am Ansel Gibbs with a news update.
01:52:26 At least two people were severely injured when two vehicles transporting school children collided in Maracas, St. Joseph.
01:52:34 It happened on Thursday afternoon on the Maracas Road.
01:52:38 Residents of the area said they were alerted to the collision by a loud bang.
01:52:44 Some residents then assisted the victims and notified authorities.
01:52:50 Police say of the 454 murders reported for the first nine months of the year, 44 of the victims were women, 18 were children, and 14 were foreign nationals.
01:53:05 Gang activity continues to be the number one factor of the public cause.
01:53:11 We are quite aware of the responsibilities owed to the citizens of being able to traverse our twin islands undisturbed and reinforce our commitment to achieve that objective.
01:53:27 We will continue to robustly use our crime fighting initiatives to bring closure to these matters and again appeal to citizens to continue to provide information to bring more successes.
01:53:50 And in the weather forecast, both islands can expect sunny conditions interspersed with partly cloudy periods and some isolated daytime showers.
01:54:01 There's the low to medium chance of some heavy afternoon showers and isolated thunderstorms near southern and hilly areas.
01:54:10 Tonight will be mostly fair and warm except for some developing overnight showers.
01:54:16 Temperatures are expected to climb to 33 degrees Celsius in Trinidad and 31 in Tobago.
01:54:23 Seas will be moderate with waves up to two meters in height in open waters and below one meter in sheltered areas.
01:54:31 And that's going to do it for our program for today.
01:54:36 Just a reminder that the opposition leader's response to the budget, it happens at 1.30 today and TV6 will bring that to you live.
01:54:45 The Prime is at 8.30 this evening. Have a safe weekend everybody. Bye bye.
01:54:50 [Music]
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