Morning Edition: 02nd November 2023

CCNTV6

Watch Morning Edition: 02nd November 2023 - CCNTV6 on Dailymotion

Transcript

00:00:00 ♪ I live with wonder when I never know a better night ♪

00:00:05 ♪ Now we take time away to charm when somebody ♪

00:00:12 - And good morning Trinidad and Tobago, I'm Marlon Hopkins,

00:00:14 and welcome to "The Morning Edition."

00:00:16 It's November 2nd, 2023,

00:00:18 and thank you very much for joining us.

00:00:20 I hope that you had a very good night,

00:00:21 you had a safe night,

00:00:23 and that you're here with us this morning safe and secure,

00:00:27 and you're getting ready to spend the entire morning

00:00:30 with us because we do have a very important

00:00:32 and educational program for you,

00:00:34 just to tell you,

00:00:35 the Regulated Industries Commission,

00:00:37 they're here this morning.

00:00:38 So I'm going to be asking some questions,

00:00:40 hopefully on your behalf,

00:00:42 and try to get some answers

00:00:45 as to some of the concerns that you all have, right?

00:00:48 There were some things happening overnight.

00:00:50 I don't really like to share bad news

00:00:52 with you in the morning, you know.

00:00:53 So maybe if I,

00:00:54 maybe I may try to share that with you a little later,

00:00:57 but let's try to focus on the positives of today,

00:01:00 and I hope you all do have a very good and positive day.

00:01:04 Let's check out the Daily Express, yeah?

00:01:07 Okay, so column promises back pay,

00:01:10 money coming to 37,000 public servants next month.

00:01:15 Graceville Steps, swirling founder, director,

00:01:18 and dance tutor of Woodland Dance Academy,

00:01:21 Charlene's Sewerage Valley,

00:01:23 and dancers from the Coover and Debe Branches

00:01:25 perform the grand finale song entitled,

00:01:29 "Ayo, Te Shub Din Ayo Rey"

00:01:32 at their fourth television show,

00:01:35 Shub Din 4,

00:01:36 which will be shown on CCN TV6 on November 11.

00:01:40 The Wiley will be celebrated on Sunday, November 12.

00:01:44 All right?

00:01:45 So should I touch a little bit on this back pay story, boy?

00:01:50 All right.

00:01:51 Inbred confident of keeping promise

00:01:53 to public servants, yes, back pay by Christmas.

00:01:55 The government will keep its promise

00:01:57 to pay public servants back pay owed to them by December.

00:02:01 Finance Minister Colin Inbred yesterday emphasized

00:02:03 that the back pay to 37,000 public servants

00:02:07 will be paid by next month,

00:02:08 following Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley's statement

00:02:11 at the post-cabinet press conference on October 26

00:02:14 at Whitehall in Port-au-Prince, Spain.

00:02:16 All right, so let's check out some sport now.

00:02:19 Double Delight, Thomas Grow,

00:02:21 secure lanes in women's and men's 200-meter finals.

00:02:26 Yeah, beautiful picture there

00:02:29 of the women's 100-meter medalists

00:02:34 from left, Guyana's Jasmine Abrams,

00:02:36 silver, Cuba's Eunice Lady Garcia,

00:02:40 gold, and Trinidad and Tobago's Michelle Lee, aye.

00:02:44 All right, some of the stories

00:02:45 in the Daily Express for you today.

00:02:47 It's time to remind you of a Trinbago Unice feature

00:02:50 and participate, WhatsApp your videos or images

00:02:52 to 737-3778.

00:02:55 Yeah, man, this is a familiar sight, eh?

00:03:00 You all have seen this when you go to Las Cuevas.

00:03:02 You can't miss it, yeah?

00:03:04 So thank you very much to Kathleen Williams

00:03:07 for this photograph this morning, yeah?

00:03:12 I know many of you have gone under that rock, eh?

00:03:16 If I remember well, I may have some footprints

00:03:19 and handprints on that rock, yeah?

00:03:22 Because you just can't go up there

00:03:23 and just not go on the rock, right?

00:03:25 (laughs)

00:03:28 All right, so we do have a packed program for you for today.

00:03:32 As I said, you have your coffee and tea

00:03:34 and something to eat.

00:03:35 We're coming back, everybody.

00:03:36 (upbeat music)

00:03:39 ♪ It's a jolly morning ♪

00:03:42 ♪ Look, the world's not sleeping ♪

00:03:46 ♪ Tell them we're not leaving ♪

00:03:50 ♪ 'Til the last drop of Bacchanal ♪

00:03:52 - Order Spain, get ready.

00:03:54 Bacchanal bubble and bad behavior is here at Napa

00:03:57 for two nights only on Saturday the 4th of November

00:04:00 at 8.30 p.m. and Sunday the 5th at 6.30 p.m.

00:04:02 - Henry stole $2 million.

00:04:04 - Nice guy, and he's better.

00:04:04 - The hilarious Bacchanal bubble and bad behavior.

00:04:07 It's the comedy event of the year.

00:04:09 All of Spain, Napa, down for me.

00:04:11 - Police.

00:04:12 - Police.

00:04:12 - Sergeant Alexander Rogers for the Spain CID.

00:04:14 - Tickets available at our usual outlets.

00:04:15 Check social media and press for further details.

00:04:18 - More police.

00:04:19 - What?

00:04:20 - Detective Sergeant Hayward, Columbia Police.

00:04:21 - Oh, God.

00:04:22 - "Taj 92.3 FM," together with Fire One Fireworks

00:04:27 and the Ramjit and Basu Hindu Temple,

00:04:29 present Diwali Goshana 2023.

00:04:32 Join us for an enchanting evening

00:04:34 of spiritual connectivity and live entertainment

00:04:37 this Saturday, 4th of November

00:04:38 at the Ramjit and Basu Hindu Temple,

00:04:40 Mohipatri, St. Helena, Lakshmi Puja from 5 p.m.

00:04:44 Live cultural show from 6.30 to 9 p.m.

00:04:47 All are invited.

00:04:50 - Universal Church presents Programs of Faith,

00:04:54 5.30 a.m., the Hour of Miracles.

00:04:58 5 p.m., it's possible.

00:05:03 (upbeat music)

00:05:07 - Now on TV6.

00:05:10 - The 2023 Jazz Concert Series

00:05:12 for the Holy Trinity Cathedral Restoration Project

00:05:15 is going down south.

00:05:17 Saturday, October 21st, 7 p.m. at SAPPA.

00:05:20 South's first lady of jazz, Vonette Bigford,

00:05:23 welcomes steel-pan virtuoso Dr. Ray Holman,

00:05:26 ace musician, Leston Paul,

00:05:28 and the legendary brother, Valentino.

00:05:30 Tickets go on sale at the SAPPA box office

00:05:33 Thursday, September 28th, online at SAPPA.

00:05:36 At suntics.com/events or call 288-TIXX

00:05:41 or SAPPA box office 219-7272 extension 6015.

00:05:46 General seating 200, VIP 300.

00:05:50 A night of great music for a great cause.

00:05:54 See you at SAPPA.

00:05:55 (car engine roaring)

00:06:00 (upbeat music)

00:06:04 (car engine roaring)

00:06:07 (car engine roaring)

00:06:21 (tires screeching)

00:06:25 - I road save because life is precious.

00:06:32 Plus, I can't afford to pay another speeding ticket.

00:06:36 - A message from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.

00:06:42 - Skill, online here with this weirdo named Larry.

00:06:47 I getting rid of him now.

00:06:49 Eh, eh.

00:06:53 (laughing)

00:07:00 Let's take a selfie.

00:07:02 (camera shuttering)

00:07:04 - It looking good boy.

00:07:05 I present online.

00:07:07 - Hey, I thought you say you went to the beach

00:07:12 with your parents.

00:07:13 - Who's you?

00:07:15 - It's me, Larry, from online.

00:07:18 (car engine roaring)

00:07:23 (car engine roaring)

00:07:26 (upbeat music)

00:07:36 - All right, so welcome back everyone.

00:07:44 It's good to have you with us this morning.

00:07:46 As I said to you earlier,

00:07:47 we do have a lot for you on the program today.

00:07:50 A lot of interesting information

00:07:53 that you would not want to miss, all right?

00:07:55 But before we really get into the meat of the program today,

00:07:59 let's deal with some of the stories

00:08:01 making the rounds in the media.

00:08:05 In piloting polygraph bill,

00:08:06 Heinz calls for integrity tests for lawmen, civil service,

00:08:11 integrity testing for law enforcement,

00:08:13 and certain sections of the civil service

00:08:15 would help investigators to identify corrupt officers,

00:08:19 particularly in the police complaints authority

00:08:21 and the professional standards bureau.

00:08:24 So said the national security minister Fitzgerald Heinz.

00:08:28 Now, according to him, investigators are often limited

00:08:32 because they cannot apply the best standards,

00:08:34 the best practice, the best science.

00:08:37 He says, I come to you today,

00:08:39 Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago to gain your acquiescence

00:08:47 to support the introduction of these techniques

00:08:50 in order to assist investigators,

00:08:52 to assist employers, private and public,

00:08:55 because I know a private firm in Trinidad and Tobago

00:08:58 that uses integrity measures

00:09:00 before it hires individuals, he said.

00:09:02 And the opposition is saying that it will support law

00:09:07 once concerns are met.

00:09:08 The opposition will support polygraph testing legislation

00:09:12 only if the government treats

00:09:13 with the concerns they have raised,

00:09:15 says opposition MP, Rodney Charles.

00:09:19 Let me see.

00:09:20 Charles responded, we have no problem with that.

00:09:24 He was responding to a suggestion

00:09:29 that opposition members,

00:09:31 that they should also undergo polygraph testing.

00:09:36 He says, they have no problem with that

00:09:38 because they have nothing to hide, yes?

00:09:42 And again, public servants, you would be happy to hear

00:09:46 the finance minister has given assurances

00:09:49 that your back pay is coming.

00:09:51 There would have been some concerns

00:09:53 over the past few weeks, maybe,

00:09:56 that the monies would not be paid.

00:09:59 Well, the finance minister assured yesterday

00:10:02 that your monies are going to be coming for Christmas.

00:10:06 Let's look at some other news here.

00:10:11 The Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service

00:10:13 has been given a 14 day deadline

00:10:15 to provide information on who are the suppliers

00:10:19 of equipment, including 20 wooden ladders

00:10:22 that cost $1 million.

00:10:24 So that issue is not going away right now.

00:10:28 And that deadline has been given

00:10:30 by businessman Inshan Ishmael, all right?

00:10:34 So I know that the chief fire officer would have responded,

00:10:38 but again, I think that people are peeved

00:10:42 by what has transpired with these wooden ladders

00:10:46 and also the fact also that they are not being used.

00:10:49 So they were bought and now they are in,

00:10:53 I suspect, some facility where mold is growing on them

00:10:57 and dust and so on.

00:10:58 So that's another concern for members of the public.

00:11:02 And the public utilities minister is saying,

00:11:05 if negligence found in WASA workers' death,

00:11:08 let the chips fall where they may.

00:11:11 The report on the investigation into the death

00:11:14 of WASA employee, Kern Etienne, will be made public.

00:11:18 And if any negligence is found on the part of WASA,

00:11:21 we would allow the chips to fall where they may,

00:11:25 said public utilities minister Marvin Gonzalez yesterday

00:11:28 as he responded to an urgent question

00:11:31 from Cuba South MP, Rudy Indar Singh, all right?

00:11:35 So we are going to a very short break.

00:11:37 We're coming back.

00:11:38 (upbeat music)

00:11:40 - It's finally here.

00:11:51 La Vega's low-elevated end of year seal,

00:11:54 enjoying 20% off at both branches.

00:11:57 Beautify your home and garden

00:11:59 with a wide variety of indoor plants,

00:12:01 fruit trees, soil, pots, and more.

00:12:04 There will be double zirconias, gardenias,

00:12:06 anthuriums, medellinas, bougainvillea,

00:12:09 and red stem palms just to name a few.

00:12:12 This is one seal you don't want to miss.

00:12:15 ♪ I'm moving, moving forward every day ♪

00:12:25 ♪ Jesus, I just let him lead the way ♪

00:12:31 ♪ Every hour of the day ♪

00:12:36 ♪ With Jesus every day ♪

00:12:41 - It's the most prestigious racing series in the world.

00:13:00 Hut 93 and Fuchs Titan Motor Oil

00:13:02 are sending one lucky winner and a guest

00:13:05 to experience the Formula One Grand Prix in Las Vegas.

00:13:09 The grand prize airfare, hotel accommodation,

00:13:12 ground transfers, and more.

00:13:14 Stay tuned for details on how to qualify.

00:13:17 This Formula One experience is brought to you by

00:13:21 Fuchs Titan Motor Oil.

00:13:22 Moving your world.

00:13:24 In association with

00:13:26 (upbeat music)

00:13:28 - The world is in crisis.

00:13:43 Distressing news are flowing from every quarter

00:13:46 in the society.

00:13:48 And the hearts of many are failing them for fear.

00:13:52 However, in the midst of these alarming conditions

00:13:56 come good news.

00:13:58 Jesus Christ saves, keeps, and satisfies.

00:14:03 This is the message of Daybreak.

00:14:06 (upbeat music)

00:14:08 - Skin, online here with this weirdo named Larry.

00:14:15 I'm getting rid of him now.

00:14:20 Eh eh.

00:14:21 (laughing)

00:14:27 Let's take a selfie.

00:14:29 It looking good boy.

00:14:33 I'm putting it online.

00:14:35 - Hey, I thought you said you went to the beach

00:14:40 with your parents.

00:14:41 - Who's you?

00:14:43 - It's me, Larry, from online.

00:14:46 (upbeat music)

00:14:49 - Did you know that vaping with nicotine

00:15:03 can permanently affect brain development

00:15:05 in people under the age of 25?

00:15:07 (upbeat music)

00:15:09 - Did you know that e-cigarettes are associated

00:15:14 with increased risk of stroke, heart attack,

00:15:17 and heart disease?

00:15:18 - Did you know that for some people,

00:15:25 vaping with or without nicotine

00:15:27 disrupts the normal lung function

00:15:29 in otherwise healthy people?

00:15:30 - Consider the consequences and don't do it.

00:15:36 - Don't vape.

00:15:37 (upbeat music)

00:15:39 (upbeat music)

00:15:42 - All right, so welcome back everyone.

00:16:00 Mixed reviews to the Regulated Industries Commission's

00:16:03 proposed rate increases for electricity

00:16:06 since they were announced a few weeks ago.

00:16:08 Some say the increases are reasonable and justified,

00:16:11 while some say they are just too high

00:16:13 and should be implemented on a phased basis.

00:16:16 On set this morning, we do have the RIC's chairperson,

00:16:19 Dawn Callender, and its executive director,

00:16:22 Dr. Michelle Salandi.

00:16:24 Ladies, thank you very much for coming this morning.

00:16:26 - Thank you.

00:16:27 - Good morning.

00:16:28 - Madam Chair, well, let's get right to the meat

00:16:31 of the matter, as I always say.

00:16:32 There has been some concern.

00:16:36 What is the formula?

00:16:38 I think that some people would like to know

00:16:39 what is the formula that you all would have used

00:16:43 to get to some of these percentages that we're seeing.

00:16:47 And when I say percentages, let me just refer to them.

00:16:50 Residential customers will increase from 15 to 64%.

00:16:54 Commercial customers will increase from 37 to 51%.

00:16:58 And industrial customers will increase from 58 to 72%

00:17:02 for E-class industrial customers.

00:17:03 That ranges from 119% to 126%.

00:17:08 Customers charge for residential increases

00:17:12 from $3 a month, it was $6 by monthly,

00:17:16 to $7.50 a month for commercial customers,

00:17:19 but customer charge has increased to 35,

00:17:22 and I'm sure I can go on and on and on.

00:17:25 These numbers sound familiar to you, Madam Chair?

00:17:28 - Absolutely, certainly, they are quite familiar to us.

00:17:32 To me, they are even more familiar

00:17:34 to the members of staff that worked on them.

00:17:37 But I can give you a quick overview

00:17:39 of the things that we considered.

00:17:41 I think the first message I would say

00:17:44 is that those rates really reflect,

00:17:48 particularly in the case of the residentials,

00:17:50 75% of what they may have been.

00:17:54 And that's because we spent a lot of time reducing it,

00:17:58 seeing where we can bring some relief,

00:18:01 particularly to persons who would be considered vulnerable,

00:18:04 and even right across the board.

00:18:07 So even the persons who would be in the highest tier,

00:18:10 the persons who are thinking that,

00:18:12 if I can continue to consume at the level I did before,

00:18:17 I would face a 64% increase.

00:18:20 Those persons are also enjoying 75% of the true rates.

00:18:25 So I'll just leave that one there.

00:18:28 With respect to the process,

00:18:30 the process took, as we said today, approximately two years.

00:18:34 We received the business plan from TNTEC in November 2021,

00:18:39 and that business plan is interrogated.

00:18:43 We actually reduced what TNTEC asks for,

00:18:46 because we only give them efficient costs.

00:18:49 During the consultations, we had a lot of concerns

00:18:52 as to whether TNTEC is inefficient,

00:18:56 whether the overtime would be too high.

00:18:59 We took all of those things into consideration,

00:19:02 and we reduced what they asked for

00:19:04 by approximately $2 billion over the five year.

00:19:09 And thereafter, we then sought to allocate the rates,

00:19:14 make a couple changes here and there.

00:19:16 I know people are particularly concerned

00:19:18 about the residential rates.

00:19:20 We introduced a fourth tier.

00:19:24 It takes you a little longer

00:19:25 to get into the absolutely highest tier

00:19:29 before that you would get there

00:19:31 after you consumed 1,000 kilowatt hours.

00:19:35 And now we have made that number 1,400.

00:19:39 So a lot of care was taken,

00:19:41 and we know that price increases are never welcomed.

00:19:46 However, I want sometime this morning

00:19:49 to touch on what we believe TNTEC needed

00:19:54 to provide the service that Trinidadians

00:19:57 and Tubigoonians expect.

00:19:59 - Yeah, and Dr. Selandi, what role or what input,

00:20:04 if any, would the consultations have contributed

00:20:11 to these new rate increases?

00:20:16 - Okay, the consultations, I would say,

00:20:18 contributed significantly to the considerations

00:20:22 given to the one, the residential.

00:20:26 Though there was no change,

00:20:28 the team still looked at it for weeks,

00:20:32 seeing what could have, if any, could have changed.

00:20:35 And given that the considerations before were so great,

00:20:39 there was not any room to have any move there.

00:20:43 But given consideration to the residential,

00:20:45 looking at what commercial customers

00:20:47 and industrial customers would have said,

00:20:49 given that there would be this past refact of cost

00:20:52 to the residential through the increase in their cost,

00:20:56 the consideration was given to reduce

00:20:59 with the commercial customers by around 13%,

00:21:02 and so similarly the industrial customers.

00:21:05 And that consideration was given to reduce that pass-through

00:21:08 the consideration again to the smaller commercial customers,

00:21:12 the SMEs that we know contribute a lot

00:21:14 to Trinidad and Tobago economy, employment, GDP.

00:21:18 Those considerations were given to ensure

00:21:21 that a broad base in terms of that reduced percentage

00:21:25 at the end of moving it from what the original,

00:21:29 so let's say in the draft determination,

00:21:32 the minimum started at 51% for the commercials.

00:21:37 51% is now the maximum,

00:21:40 and vice versa for the industrials.

00:21:42 So it really was, and by industrials,

00:21:44 I mean the industrial D-class.

00:21:45 So those considerations were there to ensure

00:21:48 that the voices were heard,

00:21:50 and the regulated industry did as much as they could

00:21:54 to reduce the burden.

00:21:55 - So you think that you have struck the right balance?

00:21:58 - It's always, what I would say,

00:22:02 I would let the chairman go,

00:22:04 but with regulation, the right balance

00:22:07 is always a balance where, I mean, and it's worldwide.

00:22:10 Regulators never strike a balance where everyone is happy.

00:22:14 It is what I call an unhappy balance,

00:22:17 because you have to have that,

00:22:19 you have so many different or competing interests

00:22:22 that by the time you have one person,

00:22:24 at least happy in one area,

00:22:25 they're gonna be happy in another.

00:22:27 So I'm not sure if the chairman--

00:22:28 - Madam Chair?

00:22:29 - No, yeah, I just wanted to,

00:22:31 I could just expand on what Maidi just said.

00:22:34 I think we find ourselves with basically three stakeholders,

00:22:39 all of whom are somewhat unhappy.

00:22:42 And when you get to that place,

00:22:45 you have the right answer, I believe.

00:22:48 In TNTEC's case, as I just mentioned,

00:22:50 we reduced what they wanted by two million.

00:22:53 After we did the public--

00:22:54 - Two billion? - Two billion.

00:22:55 - Two billion? - Two billion,

00:22:56 over the five years, sorry.

00:22:58 After we did the public consultations,

00:23:00 we went back to TNTEC,

00:23:01 we debriefed some of the comments we had heard,

00:23:06 and I would imagine that for them,

00:23:08 if they wanted to meet all those expectations,

00:23:11 they probably wanted a two billion increase.

00:23:14 But we could not really afford that.

00:23:17 I think an important consideration for us, though,

00:23:20 is the type of service our citizens expect in today's world.

00:23:25 And in order to do that,

00:23:28 TNTEC required a certain level of revenue.

00:23:32 We have moved their revenue from, on average,

00:23:36 $3.2 billion a year to $4.8 billion.

00:23:41 And that would allow them to provide the type of service,

00:23:45 and also to meet their debt.

00:23:48 During the consultations,

00:23:49 we heard a lot about the unpaid debt to NGC,

00:23:53 and we've provided sufficient funds

00:23:55 so TNTEC would not build on the existing debt.

00:24:00 We're not even clearing off the old debt,

00:24:03 which I recently heard the Minister of Finance said

00:24:06 had reached $9 billion.

00:24:09 But we felt that we should not add to that burden,

00:24:13 and going forward, they should be able to keep,

00:24:17 at least from adding further.

00:24:19 - Yeah, I don't know if you would have heard

00:24:21 some of the comments over the past few weeks,

00:24:24 but the Supermarkets Association have expressed concern,

00:24:27 manufacturers have expressed concern over this,

00:24:30 and in the case of supermarkets, they have said,

00:24:34 "Well, we do have these large refrigeration systems,

00:24:38 "and they use electricity on a 24-hour basis."

00:24:43 Also, I suspect it's the same case for manufacturers.

00:24:49 And what they have really called for

00:24:52 is for these increases to be implemented on a phased basis.

00:24:57 - The increases are, in fact,

00:25:00 being implemented on a phased basis.

00:25:03 And I think one thing that we must be clear about

00:25:05 is that the rates that we have approved,

00:25:09 those are the maximum rates.

00:25:10 TNTEC does not have to take up the maximum rates,

00:25:13 but we hope they do,

00:25:14 particularly as they have to manage their NGC debt.

00:25:19 And those rates are really applicable in the first year.

00:25:23 And we will continue to review those rates

00:25:25 over the five years of the determination,

00:25:29 and possibly adjust them.

00:25:31 - Yeah. - Right?

00:25:32 But with respect to what the supermarkets said,

00:25:35 they came to one of what we called

00:25:38 the special interest group consultations.

00:25:41 Those numbers were higher.

00:25:43 We listened to their concerns.

00:25:46 And in some cases, persons would see an average of 13%,

00:25:50 but they could see as high as 17%.

00:25:53 - Yeah. - Yes.

00:25:55 - Dr. Selandi, let me put it this way.

00:26:00 And you did admit that some people remain happy,

00:26:04 but you feel that this was the best

00:26:07 under the circumstances that the RIC could have done.

00:26:12 As I said, some people, almost everyone,

00:26:14 remains a bit unhappy.

00:26:15 It's an unhappy balance.

00:26:17 What the regulator has to do,

00:26:20 you know, the chair mentioned the three stakeholders.

00:26:23 So one, as a regulator,

00:26:25 your responsibility is to ensure sustainability

00:26:28 and financial viability of the service provider.

00:26:32 And that's because the service and the money

00:26:35 that TNTEC earns today

00:26:37 ensures that we have continued service tomorrow

00:26:41 and for the future.

00:26:42 So the regulator must ensure

00:26:44 that the service provider can continue to go on

00:26:47 and provide reliable, quality service.

00:26:51 And therefore, when we put out the final determination,

00:26:55 'cause it's out,

00:26:56 what you would see is that,

00:26:57 I know everyone is concerned,

00:26:59 and you know, we look at the tariffs,

00:27:00 and that's one very important part.

00:27:02 But for TNTEC and the reason they would also be unhappy,

00:27:04 there are several directives

00:27:07 in the final determination document,

00:27:09 which guides our second part of what we do this for,

00:27:12 which is to ensure that there is sustained quality,

00:27:16 high quality service that the customer can expect.

00:27:21 And for the customer who has to pay these new rates,

00:27:25 or these potentially higher rates,

00:27:26 depending on where TNTEC goes with them,

00:27:29 the aim is for them to be able to have redress.

00:27:34 So they can come to the RIC,

00:27:35 they can go to their utility provider

00:27:37 because there are expectations.

00:27:39 Your increase matches the expectations that are put out.

00:27:43 And therefore, I know that no one really wants

00:27:46 to ever pay a high increase,

00:27:48 but we also do want to ensure that we have good service.

00:27:51 And that's where we have to find that balance.

00:27:53 - Madam Chair. - And we have.

00:27:54 - Yeah, Madam Chair,

00:27:55 are you satisfied that the RIC did its job?

00:28:00 Because the RIC continues to speak about the debt

00:28:05 that TNTEC has,

00:28:06 but when you test the temperature on the ground,

00:28:11 people will tell you that what is happening at TNTEC,

00:28:15 that's not their problem.

00:28:16 That's the position they have taken.

00:28:18 And they see it as really as a managerial

00:28:22 or a management problem at TNTEC.

00:28:25 So again, the question is that,

00:28:27 do you think that you have done what you were asked to do?

00:28:32 - I think we have.

00:28:34 And even though persons may say they don't care

00:28:39 or they're not interested in what's happening at TNTEC,

00:28:42 the fact is every customer is in a contractual relationship

00:28:46 with TNTEC and TNTEC is a monopoly.

00:28:49 And therein lies the role of the RIC.

00:28:53 We spend a lot of time,

00:28:55 not only ensuring that TNTEC only has efficient costs,

00:28:58 so we've cut out a lot of the excesses,

00:29:01 but as well, we advocate for customers.

00:29:04 When they go to TNTEC and they don't get satisfaction,

00:29:08 their next recourse is to come to the RIC.

00:29:11 So we have an ongoing relationship with TNTEC

00:29:16 ensuring that they implement the directives

00:29:18 that we spoke about.

00:29:19 And some of those directives are more onerous,

00:29:22 therefore our customers should expect better service.

00:29:26 And if the service is not delivered to them,

00:29:29 they have a secondary course of coming to the RIC.

00:29:33 So yes.

00:29:34 - Madam Chair, is this a fait accompli?

00:29:37 What's the next step?

00:29:38 - Right, our work is complete.

00:29:42 We have put out our final determination

00:29:45 and the stakeholder comments.

00:29:47 We did that yesterday.

00:29:48 But these are maximum rates for the first year.

00:29:53 That message may have been lost during the consultations

00:29:55 and we want people to understand that clearly.

00:29:58 When we say maximum rates,

00:30:00 it means that TNTEC does not have to take up

00:30:03 the maximum rates.

00:30:04 They can take up something lower if they so choose.

00:30:08 So they will go through their own governance process.

00:30:10 They would meet, you know,

00:30:11 the board will make that final decision.

00:30:14 So as to the level of the rates, it's not a fait accompli.

00:30:18 As to the directives and the other things

00:30:21 in the final determinations,

00:30:24 that came into effect yesterday.

00:30:27 - Yeah, when I mentioned the concerns

00:30:31 of organizations earlier,

00:30:33 you spoke about,

00:30:35 and when I mentioned that they wanted these increases

00:30:38 to be implemented on a phased basis,

00:30:40 you said they are being implemented on a phased basis.

00:30:44 Shed some more light on that for us.

00:30:46 - Okay, so when we had the special interest groups,

00:30:49 a lot of those business who were in manufacturing,

00:30:51 we had those behind closed doors

00:30:53 because we wanted to have really candid discussions.

00:30:56 We asked them about their financial circumstances

00:30:58 as the case might be.

00:31:00 That group actually recommended to us,

00:31:04 or suggested to us,

00:31:06 why don't you apply this over a phased basis?

00:31:09 So over the five year period,

00:31:11 our concern may be to ensure that TNTEC gets $100.

00:31:16 And let's say we may have phased it

00:31:18 with a large percentage increase in the first year.

00:31:20 So we may have phased it 50, 12, 12, 12,

00:31:24 to make up the 100.

00:31:26 When they came to us and they said

00:31:28 they wanted it on a more phased basis,

00:31:30 we then reduced the 50 in the first year

00:31:34 to what would be now about 37.

00:31:37 And therefore, the rest of the years,

00:31:39 that phasing would have to kicking

00:31:42 and be a higher number than 12.

00:31:44 We explained that fully to them.

00:31:46 And just in terms of the interaction, they agreed.

00:31:51 I think to some extent,

00:31:52 who likes a price increase, right?

00:31:54 It's always an unwelcome event.

00:31:57 And so persons would react to it.

00:32:00 But to the extent that we could have mitigated

00:32:02 some of the concerns,

00:32:04 we took those steps to do that.

00:32:07 - Yeah.

00:32:07 Madam Chair, I'm listening,

00:32:10 but I'm just hearing the cries of the public in my ear.

00:32:15 Not from studio, because I hear studio in my ear too.

00:32:19 But again, you cannot change the fact

00:32:22 that some people still see this as punitive.

00:32:26 Yeah?

00:32:27 And Dr. Selandi, if you'd allow me to bring you in here,

00:32:31 because there are cries of massive increases

00:32:38 because they see this,

00:32:39 or these new rate increases, proposed rate increases,

00:32:44 as having a domino effect.

00:32:46 They are predicting that.

00:32:49 Does the RIC foresee something like that?

00:32:52 - That was one of the considerations

00:32:54 in terms of when looking at rates.

00:32:57 It's a partial, I would say, consideration,

00:33:00 because the RIC, in terms of its remits,

00:33:02 it's looking at financial viability,

00:33:04 customer affordability,

00:33:06 but wider macroeconomic concerns,

00:33:08 we know that goes to government

00:33:10 and fiscal policy of the day.

00:33:12 However, it was considered,

00:33:14 and one of the areas that would be discussed

00:33:17 and is discussed in the final determination

00:33:20 is the percentage.

00:33:22 So it's about 1.5% electricity.

00:33:25 It's about 1.5% of the overall cost of business.

00:33:30 And with that average in mind,

00:33:33 it means that with the increase,

00:33:34 it's gonna be 1.5% again of that.

00:33:37 So when that's spread,

00:33:39 so for our grocery and manufacturers,

00:33:41 spread out amongst all of the goods,

00:33:43 yes, there will be some increase,

00:33:45 but the increase is expected to not be as significant

00:33:49 because if you have to get a couple,

00:33:52 if you have to get a couple more dollars,

00:33:53 you can spread that, that would be cents.

00:33:55 And we're looking at it that it will spread across many goods

00:33:58 and not be as detrimental as the expectation would be.

00:34:03 And again, there are also other policies

00:34:05 that happen in the economy that would ensure

00:34:07 that the expectation, the negative expectation

00:34:12 or consequence will not unfold in the way

00:34:14 that some may have predicted.

00:34:16 - Yeah, Madam Chair, let me tell you another allegation

00:34:20 that members of the public have said.

00:34:22 The RIC had confirmed that there was not any increase

00:34:27 in the last 17 years.

00:34:30 - Maybe about 13.

00:34:32 - Yeah, 13 years.

00:34:34 And people are saying because of that,

00:34:37 the RIC has sought to create rates

00:34:42 in order to make up for the years

00:34:48 that there were no rate increases.

00:34:51 - Actually, that is not how the approach

00:34:54 and the process works at all.

00:34:56 - Yes.

00:34:57 - The rates we are setting,

00:34:59 those rates are to meet TNTEC's future costs,

00:35:03 not what occurred in the past, as I said before,

00:35:07 even the debt that they've built up to NGC.

00:35:10 So TNTEC has said in public,

00:35:12 this is information in the public domain,

00:35:14 that they meet all of their operational costs

00:35:17 except the NGC debt.

00:35:19 When we did these rates, we looked to the future

00:35:23 and we are giving them funds to meet their future costs.

00:35:27 We do have a small amount for them

00:35:30 to put against the NGC debt,

00:35:33 but that amount has not been translated into rates so far.

00:35:38 That amount would be translated in years four and five,

00:35:43 and we have set rates for year one.

00:35:46 So while we understand that there is the perception

00:35:51 that the rates have become significantly higher

00:35:53 to make up for the TNTEC debt,

00:35:55 the methodology does not work that way.

00:35:58 But of course, we know that over those 13 years,

00:36:02 inflationary costs have increased and so on,

00:36:05 and therefore the number now is really much higher

00:36:09 than it was before.

00:36:12 With that in mind is where we designed the tariffs

00:36:16 as I spoke before,

00:36:18 making them 75% for the residential customers,

00:36:22 giving them higher bands in which to consume,

00:36:25 and also listening to the commercials and the industrials

00:36:29 and facing it.

00:36:30 So we have done, we feel we've,

00:36:33 actually I would say we feel as though the consultations

00:36:37 were very useful for us

00:36:40 in listening to the concerns of the public.

00:36:43 We've learned a lot of lessons going forward,

00:36:45 but also we've responded,

00:36:47 we've responded to the cries we heard.

00:36:50 And I also like to remind the persons

00:36:52 that we are subjected to these rates as well.

00:36:54 - Yes. - Right?

00:36:55 So we're not eagerly looking forward to say,

00:36:59 oh, I want a 25 or 30% increase,

00:37:03 but we must do what is necessary

00:37:05 and we must do our professional duty.

00:37:08 That's what we did.

00:37:09 - Yeah, Dr. Selandi, it was also announced

00:37:11 that there is going to be a next rate review.

00:37:18 When is it going to be?

00:37:20 Is it that the RIC is going to do rate reviews

00:37:25 in a more timely fashion?

00:37:27 - Oh, I'm not sure if you're referring

00:37:28 to the annual reviews.

00:37:30 So 45 year period,

00:37:31 the maximum rates are set for 2023 to 2024, first year.

00:37:36 And every year thereafter,

00:37:37 there is an annual tariff review exercise that occurs.

00:37:41 - Review, that does mean implementation

00:37:44 of new rate increases, right?

00:37:47 - Well, we can't say if it's going to be an increase.

00:37:49 And that's why we say a review.

00:37:51 In the last determination that was done,

00:37:54 in year two, the rates for the residential customers,

00:37:58 the lowest tariff block,

00:38:00 that really went between zero to 400 kilowatt hours

00:38:03 every bi-month cycle, those rates went down.

00:38:07 So rates could go down.

00:38:10 We are not saying that rates will go down,

00:38:12 but they could go down.

00:38:14 And I also just want to underscore

00:38:17 that with respect to the industrial

00:38:19 and commercial customers,

00:38:21 they actually made a plea,

00:38:23 give us a small increase in the first year,

00:38:25 and we would make it up subsequently.

00:38:29 So more than likely, they can expect the increases.

00:38:34 For the rest of the customers,

00:38:37 we will have to wait and see what TNTEC's,

00:38:40 how much they've collected in the first year,

00:38:42 and how we move forward.

00:38:44 - All right, Madam Chair, we just have about a minute again.

00:38:46 Anything else you'd like to add?

00:38:48 - Yes, I really would say that this is our last appearance

00:38:52 on television in Trinidad.

00:38:54 And we have one in Tobago next week,

00:38:56 and I look forward to that as well.

00:38:59 But I think it's really timely for me to thank the persons

00:39:03 who worked on this exercise.

00:39:05 It was a big exercise, it was an important exercise.

00:39:08 I want to thank my fellow board commissioners

00:39:11 for the good advice for our discussions

00:39:15 that really didn't descend into disagreement.

00:39:19 I thank them for that, because very often in Trinidad,

00:39:22 things can descend into personal disagreements.

00:39:25 But it really remained on the professional level,

00:39:27 and I thank them for their support and advice.

00:39:30 As well, I especially want to thank the management

00:39:34 and staff of the RIC.

00:39:36 This was a long exercise for them, it took almost two years.

00:39:39 They were extremely professional, they were independent,

00:39:44 and they operated with a high degree of confidentiality.

00:39:48 I'm very happy to say that we've had no leaks.

00:39:52 They stayed the course, we completed our last

00:39:55 public consultation on March the 31st.

00:39:59 Thereafter, until October the 31st,

00:40:02 we would have this exercise.

00:40:04 So I want the public to know the kind of service

00:40:08 and the kind of time that had been put into this,

00:40:10 and to thank my colleagues, my team at the RIC.

00:40:15 - Yeah, Madam Chair, Dr. Selandi,

00:40:18 thank you very much for coming this morning.

00:40:19 - Thank you for having us.

00:40:20 - All right. - Thank you.

00:40:21 - So it's time for another break.

00:40:23 We are coming back.

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00:42:56 ♪ Leave the tension ♪

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00:43:04 - All right, so welcome back everyone.

00:43:12 Pirate attacks on fishermen from Cali Bay.

00:43:14 On Tuesday, the fishermen staged a fiery protest

00:43:17 on the Cali Bay Road to highlight their plight.

00:43:20 On the line this morning is the president

00:43:21 of the Cali Bay Fisher Folk Association, Mr. Imtiaz Khan.

00:43:25 Mr. Khan, good morning.

00:43:27 - Good morning.

00:43:28 - Mr. Khan, please tell us,

00:43:30 I know that we have discussed in the past

00:43:34 pirate attacks on fisher folk, on fishermen.

00:43:37 Have there been an increase in recent times?

00:43:41 - Well, it never stopped, you know.

00:43:45 It's just the fishermen,

00:43:47 when the fishermen go to catch the fish, right?

00:43:52 The fish will be all over in the Gulf.

00:43:54 Sometimes we have to go north,

00:43:55 sometimes we have to go south, sometimes, you know.

00:43:59 So wherever the fish travels, we need to go.

00:44:01 So the fishermen have been receiving threats

00:44:04 for a very long time

00:44:05 because currently we can't go north to fish.

00:44:08 So we stay within our parameters where we save the fish.

00:44:12 Now, where the fish is in San Fernando,

00:44:15 they told us we can't fish.

00:44:17 And it is not the law because the person on the vessel

00:44:22 who came and threatened the fishermen,

00:44:24 told them the order came from the top

00:44:26 and only can fish here.

00:44:28 So we are a bit confused because we want to know

00:44:30 who said this?

00:44:34 Is it the Prime Minister, the Minister of National Security?

00:44:37 Who said this?

00:44:38 Because these guys come with guns and schemers

00:44:43 and telling all fishermen we can't fish.

00:44:46 - Mr. Khan, who are these guys, as you put it?

00:44:50 - Well, these guys are people who have,

00:44:53 apparently, the people who have the guns in the country

00:44:57 could do whatever they want.

00:44:58 And it's not legal firearms

00:45:01 because they come with schemers on a fishing vessel.

00:45:06 And this is what they're telling our fishermen,

00:45:07 "Folks, when we go north and south."

00:45:10 So we were left with no other option.

00:45:14 We were left with no other alternative

00:45:16 but to do something, we had to stand

00:45:18 because the fishermen come telling me

00:45:21 this is what happened with tears in their eyes

00:45:23 because they're spending money to go fish,

00:45:25 just take care of their family and they can't fish.

00:45:28 - But I'm just trying to ascertain

00:45:32 what is the reason to tell fishermen

00:45:37 that they cannot fish in a particular area?

00:45:40 - Because the people with the illegal guns,

00:45:44 they have power, we don't have guns in Caliwe.

00:45:48 So it looks like because that's what happening

00:45:50 because you know what's happening in this country,

00:45:52 that people can't go into certain areas.

00:45:54 So it's just happening out in the waters now

00:45:56 because nothing has been done.

00:45:57 - So is it you think that they want the fish for themselves?

00:46:02 I'm just trying to find out

00:46:03 what is the reason behind all of this?

00:46:06 - Well, I don't know.

00:46:08 Okay, if it is you continue breaking the laws, right?

00:46:13 And you keep getting out with it, there's no consequences

00:46:16 because based on all the pirates that are out at sea

00:46:19 and fishermen lost in their engine

00:46:21 and their boats and whatnot and things,

00:46:23 what are the consequences to the people

00:46:25 who are committing this crime?

00:46:27 There's none.

00:46:27 So it just continue.

00:46:30 And right now, the fishermen are victims.

00:46:33 - How much incidents you think have occurred

00:46:38 for this year thus far?

00:46:39 - A lot.

00:46:42 You heard about the two Togo fishermen,

00:46:44 the people come in all waters,

00:46:46 fishermen don't sulk, but they don't report it.

00:46:49 You know, one of the hardest thing

00:46:50 was to get the fishermen to go make the report

00:46:52 because we was told we need to make the report

00:46:55 to the police station

00:46:56 and then it will trigger a certain process.

00:46:59 That was the hardest thing because the fishermen say

00:47:01 if they give the name, they might end up dead.

00:47:04 And dealing with the issue for over the past few years,

00:47:07 you know, the police said that is one of the issues,

00:47:09 reports don't be made because the fishermen

00:47:12 don't have the trust in our security services.

00:47:16 It's hard to say, but that is the reality

00:47:17 we're dealing with currently.

00:47:19 - So is it that you think that locals

00:47:24 are behind these attacks on fisher folk?

00:47:27 - Yes, because it happened in Trinidad waters

00:47:30 and it just happened right in front San Fernando

00:47:32 by the club there, the yacht club there.

00:47:35 Right there, that's where the fishermen went to catch the fish.

00:47:38 And when we go up North is the same thing.

00:47:42 - How are these, because you have told us that,

00:47:49 of course, fishermen would be approached

00:47:52 and would be threatened under the gun,

00:47:56 but are they also being attacked physically?

00:47:59 - If they don't comply.

00:48:03 Because in this incident here,

00:48:06 the bungs the vessel,

00:48:07 they caught up one of the fishermen net

00:48:09 and tell them that come up from here.

00:48:11 And these are reoccurring thing,

00:48:15 the same thing happened up North.

00:48:16 And we made it known to the Minister of National Security

00:48:20 what was happening out at sea.

00:48:22 - And what has the response been?

00:48:25 - The response has been from the Minister is that,

00:48:29 when we went and met with the Minister in June 14th, 2021,

00:48:33 he told us we will have a centralized Coast Guard base.

00:48:36 You know, we were promised certain things

00:48:38 that never transpired.

00:48:39 We were promised interceptors,

00:48:41 so the Coast Guard could be in the shallow waters

00:48:44 where the fishermen fish.

00:48:45 We were promised a Coast Guard base centralized here,

00:48:49 somewhere by the port of Flipdecko.

00:48:51 The Minister, he didn't stand true to his word.

00:48:54 He put our Coast Guard vessel at the San Fernando Yacht Club

00:48:58 and then the vessel wasn't there no more.

00:48:59 When we called for Coast Guard,

00:49:01 all the riverine units, they're non-responsive.

00:49:04 So the fishermen are there facing these things

00:49:07 and nothing has been done.

00:49:12 Nothing, absolutely nothing.

00:49:13 - All right, so is it that you are repeating

00:49:18 your suggestion for greater protection

00:49:23 for Cali Bay fisher folk?

00:49:25 And if you maintain that position,

00:49:28 what exactly are you asking for?

00:49:30 - Look, I didn't say it.

00:49:33 This is what the Minister of National Security said.

00:49:36 - Yes.

00:49:37 - He said there are over 254 illegal ports of entry

00:49:40 in this country, not so.

00:49:42 We sent the killing of the fishermen in Orange Valley.

00:49:45 We had made a recommendation

00:49:47 to the former Minister of National Security,

00:49:50 the Honorable Stuart Young,

00:49:51 and the Prime Minister, who is Chief of the Defense,

00:49:54 the Security Counselor in this country.

00:49:57 We had made certain recommendations.

00:49:59 Had they even take four of the simple recommendations,

00:50:03 then we would not have this problem here today.

00:50:07 They choose to ignore that, and this is where we are.

00:50:10 So we are suggesting that we get the interceptors working

00:50:13 where the Coast Guard can do the regular patrol.

00:50:16 We get the riverine unit working

00:50:18 because I understand the police have two miles jurisdiction

00:50:21 from the shoreline where the river police

00:50:23 could do their work.

00:50:25 And we get our centralized Coast Guard base.

00:50:28 And what was recommended, we had Coast Guard base

00:50:30 on the four corners of this country.

00:50:32 So response time will be quick.

00:50:34 - How have fishermen been trying

00:50:38 to protect themselves individually?

00:50:41 - Well, you see right now I have fishermen.

00:50:43 I have these guys, wouldn't I, again today?

00:50:46 Because we try to get a response

00:50:49 from the relevant authorities

00:50:51 because they told us, "Okay, this is what happened.

00:50:53 "Make the report.

00:50:54 "This will trigger this.

00:50:55 "This is the report will go from the police station

00:50:58 "to the riverine unit,

00:50:59 "and the riverine unit will start to have patrol.

00:51:02 "The Coast Guard will get it."

00:51:03 Because yesterday I spoke to a police officer who said yes.

00:51:06 The reports went to the riverine and the Coast Guard, right?

00:51:10 And the fishermen from Kalibe went out just yesterday

00:51:14 because they're scared.

00:51:15 They don't want to have to,

00:51:16 if it comes to looking at taking care of your family

00:51:20 and defending yourself,

00:51:21 you have to do something to do that.

00:51:22 And it's sad to say that's where we reach

00:51:24 in a country like this.

00:51:25 - And speaking about the family,

00:51:28 how has this been impacting on the family?

00:51:31 - Well, you know, Christmas are only for Diwali here.

00:51:35 People have to take care,

00:51:36 and you know, everything get more expensive.

00:51:38 So if you miss a day at work,

00:51:41 it throws you off totally in terms of your earnings

00:51:44 and everything because that fishing is not a sure thing.

00:51:46 As they say, every day is fishing,

00:51:48 not every day is catching.

00:51:49 So every day you have to face this expense,

00:51:51 and you're not sure if you're going to catch anything

00:51:54 when you go all day.

00:51:55 And on top of that,

00:51:56 we have to deal with the stress of these pirates

00:51:58 and being robbed and all sorts of things

00:52:00 because you know, in Calibee, we had a lot of issues.

00:52:03 People burn we boats at the shore, at the landing sites.

00:52:06 When we go to fish, people threaten we,

00:52:08 it's because probably we don't have any guns,

00:52:10 but probably we might have to get some.

00:52:12 We don't know if the minister can help we.

00:52:15 - Is it that fishermen,

00:52:18 they are hesitant to go out to work?

00:52:21 They are frightened to go to work because of the situation?

00:52:24 - They are not, they are not scared per se,

00:52:27 but they don't want to be on the wrong end of the law.

00:52:31 So we are trying our best to take all the necessary measures

00:52:36 to get the attention of the authorities

00:52:39 so they could perform their duties

00:52:41 that they are being paid to do in this country.

00:52:43 It's not a favor we asking.

00:52:47 Coast Guard are being paid to secure all borders.

00:52:50 The riverine was introduced so we could have safety at sea

00:52:56 for the people of the sea bears.

00:52:57 - I know that earlier this week,

00:53:00 fisher folk would have embarked on protest.

00:53:04 What's the next step by fishermen at Calibee?

00:53:08 - Well, we're looking at legal options

00:53:13 because here, somehow we have to get the state

00:53:16 to do the work.

00:53:17 So I don't know, I spoke to some people

00:53:20 and I don't know what's going to transpire,

00:53:23 but apparently we have to,

00:53:26 everybody has to challenge the state

00:53:28 for them to perform their duties.

00:53:29 - Mr. Khan, anything else you'd like to tell us

00:53:33 before you leave us this morning?

00:53:36 - Yes, I would like, you know,

00:53:38 I hope this reaches the relevant authorities.

00:53:40 I would like to have more Coast Guard patrols.

00:53:44 I would like to see the riverine unit up and running.

00:53:46 And I would like to have this Coast Guard base centralized

00:53:50 where it could be deployed.

00:53:51 So this kind of thing will stop happening.

00:53:53 - Yeah, I know that in the past,

00:53:59 there were situations where,

00:54:02 and you did allude to the fact that

00:54:05 boats were being vandalized

00:54:07 and also engines were being taken.

00:54:10 Is that still going on?

00:54:11 - Not in our area,

00:54:15 but it have instances of it happening

00:54:17 around the country still,

00:54:18 currently as we speak.

00:54:20 But as I say, because we in Cali Bay,

00:54:23 we speak, some people, they can't speak.

00:54:27 And that's the reality.

00:54:28 It come like anything else.

00:54:29 You look at something and you can't say anything

00:54:31 because they're life on that ship.

00:54:33 This is where we are.

00:54:34 - Have there been incidents where people

00:54:38 who have been accused of attacking fishermen,

00:54:43 have they been arrested?

00:54:46 Have they been brought before the courts?

00:54:48 Have there been?

00:54:50 - Look at what's happening on land.

00:54:54 If we cannot hold people and the detection rate on land

00:54:58 where we have majority of the resources,

00:55:00 it's not happening.

00:55:01 At sea, we hardly have any vessels working,

00:55:05 anything happening.

00:55:06 So what, because right here at the Port of Plobdeko,

00:55:10 we have customer exercise with a vessel there

00:55:13 that is not being used.

00:55:15 I spoke to the director of fisheries.

00:55:16 They have a vessel also equipped that is not being used.

00:55:20 So we have resources, but why these things are not,

00:55:23 because people call me, they say,

00:55:24 well, look, look, we have this here.

00:55:26 Look, look what happened in the Gulf.

00:55:28 The Gulf is have so much commercial use

00:55:31 with all these big ships,

00:55:32 so much different ports of entry.

00:55:35 And this happened in the Gulf,

00:55:37 I'm here about approximately about seven miles of water

00:55:40 from us to Venezuela, and it cannot be secured

00:55:42 or they just don't want to secure it.

00:55:45 - Yeah.

00:55:46 - I mean, that cannot happen.

00:55:47 That could happen with the amount of resources

00:55:50 we have on the West Coast here with different ports

00:55:52 and every port have the security personnel.

00:55:54 Why does the fishery folks have to go through this

00:55:57 constantly?

00:55:58 - Yeah, MTS can.

00:55:59 Thank you very much for speaking with us this morning.

00:56:02 - Thanks.

00:56:03 - All right, bye for now.

00:56:04 So we do have the seven o'clock news headlines for you.

00:56:08 We're coming back.

00:56:09 (upbeat music)

00:56:15 - Good morning, I am Anselm Gibbs with a news update.

00:56:20 On Monday, TSTT confirmed that cyber attackers

00:56:24 try to access TSTT's systems.

00:56:27 On Wednesday, the public utilities minister

00:56:30 sought to address the concerns of customers.

00:56:33 - Madam Speaker, I can advise the honorable member

00:56:37 that based on the safety protocols that were triggered

00:56:40 when the inclusion was detected,

00:56:42 that TSTT's data and the data of its customers

00:56:47 were not in any way compromised.

00:56:49 - As gang violence continues to claim lives in TNT

00:56:56 and around the region, the attorney general says

00:56:59 there are more costs involved.

00:57:01 - Armed unconventional violence now gravely affects

00:57:06 our Caribbean, traditionally not associated

00:57:09 with violent crime.

00:57:11 Gang violence affects our foreign direct investment,

00:57:15 trade and tourism.

00:57:16 - And in the weather forecast,

00:57:22 while the open waters are still very calm and steady

00:57:26 with waves that are getting up to two meters in height,

00:57:28 the day ahead should be mostly sunny with sporadic showers,

00:57:32 especially in the afternoon and early evening

00:57:36 across the islands.

00:57:37 The likelihood of some of these showers intensifying

00:57:40 into heavy and thunderous downpours is low.

00:57:43 (woman sneezes)

00:57:54 - Cold or flu?

00:57:56 Take Panadol multi-symptoms relief in minutes.

00:58:00 Seven cold and flu symptoms.

00:58:02 Panadol release starts here.

00:58:06 - Get a loan at Bremont.

00:58:07 The process is simple,

00:58:09 fast and efficient approvals.

00:58:10 Receive funds within 24 hours once approved

00:58:13 and no penalty for early repayment.

00:58:15 Located at Fort Galler Street, Woodbrook.

00:58:17 Remember, we like to lend.

00:58:19 - Attention all bakers, doubles vendors and roti makers.

00:58:24 Try our high quality, homemade free,

00:58:26 all purpose and whole wheat flour.

00:58:28 Low price and conveniently packaged in two pounds,

00:58:30 two kg, 10 kg and 25 kg bags.

00:58:33 For wholesale and retail prices,

00:58:35 contact your creature limited

00:58:36 at 665-3336 or 480-8715

00:58:40 or visit us at Warrenville, Canopia.

00:58:41 (upbeat music)

00:58:45,

00:59:14 - Slavery, a terrible time in our history.

00:59:18 The kidnapping, buying and selling of people for profit,

00:59:21 the exploitation of another human being.

00:59:24 It still exists today.

00:59:26 It has a new name, human trafficking.

00:59:30 Anyone can be a victim.

00:59:32 There is forced labor,

00:59:33 sexual exploitation and domestic servitude.

00:59:38 Human trafficking is a worldwide problem

00:59:43 and an emerging concern for us here in Trinidad and Tobago.

00:59:46 If you know of or suspect human trafficking activity,

00:59:51 call the counter trafficking hotline at 800-4CTU

00:59:55 or 800-4288.

00:59:57 Human trafficking is a crime.

01:00:00 Identify it, report it, stop it.

01:00:04 A message from the counter trafficking unit

01:00:06 of the Ministry of National Security.

01:00:12 Imagine tying that bow on your daughter's hair

01:00:17 as you prepare her for her first day at school.

01:00:20 Imagine what it feels like when she comes back home

01:00:24 with scars on her face.

01:00:25 Imagine that same daughter

01:00:28 waiting up for her

01:00:32 because she just went on her first date

01:00:35 and she comes back into the house with a black eye.

01:00:41 Imagine walking her down the aisle

01:00:43 and having her come back home

01:00:48 knocking on that door, battered and bruised.

01:00:53 It is never okay to hit or strike a woman.

01:01:00 - Hola, my name is Elena.

01:01:06 It's actually not my real name.

01:01:10 You don't really care, do you?

01:01:13 All you care about is want to pay your money to my boss

01:01:16 that I look pretty, smell nice, smile for you

01:01:21 and let you have good time,

01:01:23 enjoying yourself and doing to me

01:01:25 whatever you want to do for the money you pay.

01:01:27 What you don't see or know is that

01:01:31 I don't get any part of the money you pay.

01:01:34 My boss takes all of it.

01:01:37 I am forced to work, taking as many clients

01:01:41 as my boss tells me to.

01:01:43 I am beaten, made to take drugs

01:01:46 and I cannot leave this kind of work on my own.

01:01:50 I am a victim of human trafficking.

01:01:54 Please, por favor, help me.

01:02:04 - A girl online here with a swearer named Larry.

01:02:08 I'm getting rid of him now.

01:02:10 Eh eh.

01:02:14 (laughing)

01:02:21 Let's take a selfie.

01:02:22 It looking good, boy.

01:02:26 I'm posting it online.

01:02:28 - Hey, I thought you say you went to the beach

01:02:33 with your parents.

01:02:34 - Who's you?

01:02:36 - It's me, Larry, from online.

01:02:39 - Hello, I'm Peter.

01:02:56 An Englishman living in Trinidad for many, many years.

01:02:59 I've come to love this country

01:03:01 because of the warm-hearted people,

01:03:02 a diverse culture, the fantastic food

01:03:05 and of course, the great weather.

01:03:07 A few years ago, I came across Habitat

01:03:09 and boy, oh boy, this is what the country needs.

01:03:11 At Habitat, they work alongside families

01:03:14 and give them a better life,

01:03:15 providing more opportunities for families,

01:03:16 especially the children.

01:03:18 If each one of us does the same,

01:03:20 then all our actions will add up to create major changes.

01:03:23 I work with Habitat for Humanity

01:03:25 to make small but significant actions

01:03:26 which contribute to the life I have come to love

01:03:28 in Trinidad and Tobago.

01:03:30 Help build a home and a home means an awful lot.

01:03:33 A house is not a home, a home is a home.

01:03:36 It's where the heart is.

01:03:37 So come with me and let's make it happen.

01:03:39 (soft music)

01:03:41 (upbeat music)

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01:04:00 (upbeat music)

01:04:03 (upbeat music)

01:04:07 (upbeat music)

01:04:09 (soft music)

01:04:34 (soft music)

01:04:36 - This segment is brought to you by Panadol Cold and Flu.

01:04:58 (sneezes)

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01:05:04 Cold or flu?

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01:05:09 Seven cold and flu symptoms.

01:05:11 Panadol, release starts here.

01:05:14 (upbeat music)

01:05:17 (upbeat music)

01:05:20 - All right, so welcome back everyone.

01:05:24 So we are talking about Kari Genetics,

01:05:26 and it's a company that deals with genetic research

01:05:30 and healthcare solutions.

01:05:32 We do have on the line at this time,

01:05:33 the founder of Kari Genetics.

01:05:36 We do have Dr. Weldon, Dr. Karika Weldon.

01:05:41 Doctor, good morning.

01:05:43 - Good morning.

01:05:44 Thank you for having me today.

01:05:45 - Yes, well, thank you very much

01:05:47 for joining us this morning, doctor.

01:05:49 Please tell us about Kari Genetics.

01:05:51 - Yeah, so Kari Genetics,

01:05:53 which is short for Caribbean Genetics,

01:05:55 is a company I founded and launched last year.

01:05:58 Myself, I'm a geneticist.

01:06:00 I'm a biochemist.

01:06:01 I'm from Bermuda.

01:06:03 But, you know, from the Caribbean region.

01:06:05 And there isn't enough data, genetic data on our people.

01:06:10 Drugs and medications are actually designed

01:06:13 off of European data.

01:06:16 And so everyone that is non-European,

01:06:18 we're essentially getting the crumbs

01:06:21 of the healthcare system

01:06:22 because none of it is designed for us.

01:06:24 Not are we considered in the design,

01:06:26 but when it comes to clinical trials,

01:06:28 we're not involved really in that process either.

01:06:32 And so we are looking to fix that.

01:06:35 We are important.

01:06:37 We have the highest rates of prostate,

01:06:40 breast cancer in the world.

01:06:42 We need to understand why

01:06:43 and have solutions that are designed for us.

01:06:46 - Yeah.

01:06:47 - So that's what Kari Genetics is all about.

01:06:48 - Yeah, so doctor, I guess what you're saying

01:06:51 is that the drugs on the market

01:06:54 that persons within the Caribbean are using,

01:06:57 these drugs are not designed for them.

01:07:00 And this is where your company comes in.

01:07:03 - Exactly.

01:07:04 I mean, one of the things that really shocked me

01:07:07 was actually when I started talking about this last year,

01:07:10 I had a friend of mine who is in his mid thirties.

01:07:14 Hypertension is really high among our people.

01:07:17 So he's actually on hypertension drugs, right?

01:07:20 So that's already a red flag or alarming fact.

01:07:24 He went and looked in his package insert

01:07:26 and in the cautions, it says in black and white ink,

01:07:30 this drug may not work as well in black patients.

01:07:35 - Yeah.

01:07:36 - It's right there.

01:07:38 The companies know that the drugs not designed for us,

01:07:41 but it's time that we take charge of our own healthcare.

01:07:44 And this is what Kari Genetics is all about.

01:07:46 We need to do research to design drugs better for us.

01:07:50 - Yeah.

01:07:51 So Dr. Weldon, tell us how long has your company been around?

01:07:55 And I'm sure that you all are already in the process

01:07:59 of designing drugs for persons in the Caribbean

01:08:01 and how has that process gone?

01:08:03 - So the very first step is actually getting

01:08:07 the genetic data.

01:08:08 So that's the step we're on now.

01:08:10 We launched our first human study in July in Bermuda.

01:08:14 It's a Caribbean breast cancer study.

01:08:18 So we have started recruitment.

01:08:20 It's a pilot, a hundred people.

01:08:22 We're already recruiting.

01:08:24 I think as of yesterday, we've created the 50th person.

01:08:27 So we're making good progress on that.

01:08:29 And we're looking here in Trinidad,

01:08:32 I'm at a urology conference to speak

01:08:34 to all the prostate cancer researchers

01:08:36 so that we can have a prostate cancer project as well.

01:08:39 So that is the very first step.

01:08:41 We can't design anything without the data.

01:08:44 I'm sure many know about 23andMe, right?

01:08:48 23andMe is a company that tells you your ancestry,

01:08:52 but they actually collect the data

01:08:54 and work with big pharmaceutical companies

01:08:56 to use that data to design drugs.

01:08:58 The issue is that, again,

01:09:00 that database is not very diverse.

01:09:02 So we are not really represented there.

01:09:04 And so that is the very first step.

01:09:06 So we're really excited.

01:09:07 We're getting good uptake,

01:09:08 and we're looking to expand what we're doing

01:09:10 throughout the Caribbean so we can actually get

01:09:12 what we need to start designing.

01:09:14 - Yeah, and if people in the Caribbean are interested

01:09:18 in being a part of this exercise,

01:09:20 how do they contact you?

01:09:22 - So you can go on our website.

01:09:25 It's carigenetics.com,

01:09:27 so C-A-R-I genetics.com.

01:09:31 You can go on our breast cancer page,

01:09:32 and there's actually a lovely link

01:09:34 that you can just sign up

01:09:35 if you're interested in future studies,

01:09:37 or they can follow us on Instagram,

01:09:39 which is @carigenetics,

01:09:41 and you can follow our progress.

01:09:42 And as we start launching studies in your country,

01:09:44 then you can see when that happens

01:09:46 and then start to sign up.

01:09:48 - Yeah.

01:09:49 What has the response been thus far

01:09:52 by persons within the Caribbean,

01:09:54 to sign up for these studies?

01:09:56 All right.

01:09:57 All right, let's try again.

01:09:58 Doctor, you're hearing me?

01:10:00 All right, I think that we have lost the doctor.

01:10:04 You're hearing me now?

01:10:05 - I can hear you now, yes.

01:10:06 - All right, so we're back.

01:10:07 But what has the response been

01:10:09 from persons within the Caribbean

01:10:11 to, I suspect, volunteer for these studies?

01:10:16 - Yeah, so at the minute,

01:10:17 the response we're getting is very overwhelming.

01:10:19 It's like a sigh of relief.

01:10:21 It's almost like,

01:10:22 finally, someone's focused on us.

01:10:26 Again, we have been,

01:10:28 worldwide statistics,

01:10:29 we are the number one death for breast cancer,

01:10:32 and top seven of the top 10 countries

01:10:35 for prostate cancer death in the Caribbean.

01:10:38 And so we've been suffering,

01:10:40 and nothing's really been tailored for us.

01:10:42 And so the other real response that we're getting is,

01:10:47 this is us doing it ourselves.

01:10:49 So our entire company are Caribbean people doing the work.

01:10:54 A lot of the times we feel like,

01:10:56 oh, we have to send stuff away,

01:10:57 and we can't do it ourselves,

01:10:59 and we need the European or the American experts.

01:11:02 No, we have the talent here.

01:11:04 And so being empowered to say,

01:11:07 yeah, we're doing it ourselves,

01:11:08 people are really resonating with that.

01:11:10 So I'm overwhelmed, I'm excited.

01:11:13 We've had a really great response as well

01:11:15 from researchers in the region.

01:11:16 So we've got already some people from Bahamas

01:11:19 and Jamaica that are on board.

01:11:21 Trinidad is on board as well, Trinidad and Tobago.

01:11:23 So it's really overwhelming to see the excitement

01:11:27 from us in the region that, yes, this is ours,

01:11:30 and we can finally take charge.

01:11:32 - Yeah.

01:11:32 So is it then that your first focus is on breast cancer?

01:11:37 Yeah?

01:11:41 She's not hearing me again.

01:11:42 You're hearing me, doctor?

01:11:43 No?

01:11:45 - No.

01:11:46 - Right.

01:11:47 - Still can't hear you.

01:11:48 - Right, no, we're just doing signals.

01:11:50 You're hearing me?

01:11:51 - There we go. - All right.

01:11:52 So we're back.

01:11:53 So is it that the first focus is on breast cancer,

01:11:58 prostate cancer, and then you move on

01:12:03 to other types of diseases in the Caribbean?

01:12:07 - Yes, that's exactly right.

01:12:09 So we're starting there first.

01:12:11 Our breast cancer study also served as our pilot

01:12:15 to really establish the workflows

01:12:17 and the processes because we have never done

01:12:21 what we call whole genome studies

01:12:23 in the region like this before.

01:12:25 So we're setting the standard with this.

01:12:27 And once we get that, we'll be able to start doing

01:12:29 a bunch of other studies.

01:12:30 We already have chronic kidney disease on our radar.

01:12:34 We have alcohol use disorder, which is linked to genetics.

01:12:39 So some people are addicted to alcohol,

01:12:42 and I know I see the smile on your face.

01:12:44 You know, it's a Caribbean culture,

01:12:46 but some people, you know, it's an addiction,

01:12:49 and we need to look into that so we know our limits.

01:12:51 And some of that is genetic.

01:12:53 We're also looking to do cardiovascular disease.

01:12:56 So touch all of those diseases

01:12:59 that are really affecting our community

01:13:01 and understand them better so that we can actually tailor

01:13:04 not only treatments, but also the diagnostic testing.

01:13:08 Because even when it comes to, let's say,

01:13:11 breast and prostate cancer, the screening age

01:13:14 that you start is the recommendation

01:13:17 based off of European stats, not our stats.

01:13:21 And so we're finding, I know in Bermuda,

01:13:24 we have the youngest person with prostate cancer

01:13:26 that's been recorded is 39,

01:13:29 but the screening doesn't start until you're 45.

01:13:33 So there's a disconnect.

01:13:35 And so we're looking to bridge that gap

01:13:37 because we have to tailor healthcare for us.

01:13:42 So anyone that is interested in participating

01:13:44 or being a research partner, please reach out.

01:13:48 We would love to work with you

01:13:49 and tailor whatever disease you're interested in

01:13:52 that's affecting our community.

01:13:54 - Yeah, but doctor, how is this going to play out?

01:13:57 Let's say I register for...

01:14:00 Doctor, are you hearing me?

01:14:03 You're hearing me now?

01:14:05 Testing one, two, three, four, you're hearing me?

01:14:08 - There's a delay, it seems, but yes, I can hear you now.

01:14:10 - So we're back.

01:14:11 I'll try to speak slowly like I'm in the matrix.

01:14:14 - It's going again.

01:14:15 - Yeah, you're back with us?

01:14:17 You're here with us, you're back with us?

01:14:23 All right. - Yes.

01:14:24 - All right, so this is all the beauty

01:14:26 of live television, doctor.

01:14:27 You're going again?

01:14:29 - I can hear you now.

01:14:30 - All right, so here's what.

01:14:32 So if an individual registers to be a part of the trials,

01:14:37 how does that work out?

01:14:40 Does it, is it that that individual has to visit you all?

01:14:43 You visit their country?

01:14:45 How does that work out?

01:14:47 - Right, so we're looking to work

01:14:48 with researchers on the ground.

01:14:50 So wherever you are, if you are interested,

01:14:52 we will come to you so you don't have to travel

01:14:55 outside your country or anything like that.

01:14:57 So we'll come to you.

01:14:59 All you have to give us is a blood sample.

01:15:02 That's it, nothing else.

01:15:04 And what we're also looking to do is empower our people

01:15:08 to own their data because data is the new oil.

01:15:13 It is the biggest commodity in the world.

01:15:16 And your genetic data is super valuable.

01:15:19 As I mentioned before, these companies, big pharma companies,

01:15:22 they know they need diverse information

01:15:25 and they know they need to pay for it.

01:15:27 So what we're looking to do is not only generate that data,

01:15:30 but also every person that joins,

01:15:33 you own your genetic information

01:15:36 and you can potentially monetize it if you want.

01:15:38 You don't have to, but we're giving you that control

01:15:42 because from our perspective,

01:15:44 as underrepresented minorities, as we get classified,

01:15:49 we've been used and abused and we've not been really

01:15:54 at the forefront of healthcare

01:15:56 and we have been taken advantage of.

01:15:58 We haven't been in control.

01:15:59 And so we wanna reverse that by giving people that control.

01:16:02 But yeah, so we don't have to travel to us.

01:16:04 We will come to you.

01:16:06 So if you are in a country where we don't have a researcher,

01:16:08 we're gonna find one so that we can make sure we get to you

01:16:11 and be a part of this great work.

01:16:14 - But doctor, what are some of the deadlines

01:16:17 that you have set?

01:16:18 What are some of the benchmarks that you have set

01:16:20 that you would like to achieve?

01:16:23 - Yeah, okay.

01:16:25 So we officially became operational in January.

01:16:28 This year was supposed to be just being in Bermuda

01:16:33 and establishing local capacity there.

01:16:35 But what we've seen is such a great response

01:16:37 in the Caribbean.

01:16:38 So that's why I'm here in Trinidad and Tobago in this year

01:16:42 because there's a real need.

01:16:45 Our goal for next year, so 2024,

01:16:47 is that we actually are in at least five

01:16:50 of the Caribbean countries.

01:16:51 So we're already at three.

01:16:52 So we're almost at that goal.

01:16:54 And the big, big, big milestone is we would love

01:16:56 to have a database of 100,000 Caribbean people.

01:17:01 That becomes a real asset

01:17:04 where we can really make a change in drug design,

01:17:07 in clinical trials, in a way that is equitable for everyone

01:17:11 because everyone owns their data.

01:17:13 But that is the goal we've got.

01:17:14 And I would love to reach that

01:17:16 in like the next three to five years.

01:17:18 So that's the targets that we've set for ourselves.

01:17:21 - Yeah.

01:17:22 Okay, well done.

01:17:22 Is there anything else you'd like to tell us

01:17:24 before you leave us this morning?

01:17:26 - I would love to just tell everyone

01:17:28 that we are so important.

01:17:30 We are unique.

01:17:31 We are the genetic melting pot of the world.

01:17:35 Like in the Caribbean,

01:17:36 you have every flavor you can think of

01:17:39 when it comes to genetics.

01:17:40 And so we have to be in a position

01:17:43 to be in control of this data

01:17:46 and be empowered to do it ourselves.

01:17:48 And that's exactly what Cary Genetics is here to do.

01:17:51 So I'm excited to hopefully work with everyone

01:17:53 that would love to be on board.

01:17:55 - Yeah.

01:17:56 And could you please give us your contact information again?

01:17:58 - Yes.

01:17:59 So it's Cary Genetics.

01:18:00 So C-A-R-I-G-E-N-E-T-I-C-S.com is our website.

01:18:05 And our social medias are @carygenetics.

01:18:11 And if you would like to get in contact with me directly,

01:18:13 you can email me on Carica.

01:18:16 So it's C-A-R-I-K-A @carygenetics.com.

01:18:20 And I'd love to have a conversation with you.

01:18:22 - Yeah.

01:18:23 Dr. Weldon, it was a pleasure speaking with you.

01:18:24 Thank you very much.

01:18:26 - Thank you.

01:18:27 Have a great day.

01:18:28 - Bye for now.

01:18:29 Okay.

01:18:29 Well, it's time for a very quick break.

01:18:31 We do have this image for you.

01:18:32 It's a sunset in Costara, Tobago.

01:18:35 Sent to us by Andre Edwards.

01:18:38 Andre, good morning.

01:18:39 A beautiful picture.

01:18:40 We're coming back.

01:18:41 ♪ It's a fantastic ♪

01:18:43 ♪ Fantastic ♪

01:18:44 ♪ I want you to come and join me ♪

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01:19:25 (upbeat music)

01:19:27 (upbeat music)

01:19:30 ♪ Do you feel it ♪

01:19:46 ♪ I can feel it coming in the air ♪

01:19:50 ♪ Coming in the air ♪

01:19:52 ♪ Coming in the air tonight ♪

01:19:57 (upbeat music)

01:19:59 - When I was a young boy growing up in Lavender Road

01:20:24 in Febbo Village in San Juan,

01:20:26 I really had no concept of ever becoming a manager

01:20:28 or having an organization of my own,

01:20:31 or even having my own house.

01:20:33 And a lot of people reached out and helped me along the way.

01:20:36 People who helped me who I knew,

01:20:38 some of them I didn't know.

01:20:39 And for that reason, I feel it's important now

01:20:43 that I give back in any way that I can.

01:20:45 All corporate social responsibility

01:20:47 at the Esquerrez and CiteHub is having to help humanity.

01:20:49 So we are supporting the cause of alleviating poverty housing

01:20:53 and really you don't have to have a whole lot

01:20:55 to be able to give,

01:20:57 because what you're giving of is your time,

01:21:00 talent and treasure.

01:21:01 So this is my appeal to you to get involved with Habitat,

01:21:04 get on board.

01:21:05 And for those of you who have received a lot,

01:21:07 to those who much is given, much is expected.

01:21:09 (upbeat music)

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01:21:36 ♪ Looking for a wife ♪

01:21:37 ♪ Santa looking for a wife ♪

01:21:39 ♪ Santa looking for a wife ♪

01:21:41 ♪ From the Caribbean ♪

01:21:44 (cheering)

01:21:53 (upbeat music)

01:21:56 (singing in foreign language)

01:22:02 (upbeat music)

01:22:05 - Just to tell you, I've caught the Parang fever.

01:22:26 I have to get the Moroccan put it on the set here.

01:22:29 So when you have these songs, I could participate.

01:22:31 So we are discussing Parang in a Pot

01:22:35 with St. Joseph Convent.

01:22:37 And we do have here with us in studio this morning,

01:22:39 the principal, Anna Pounder,

01:22:41 and we do have senior prefect, Yasmin Brito.

01:22:44 Ladies, thank you very much for coming this morning.

01:22:46 - Thank you very much for having us.

01:22:47 - Yes. - Thank you, good morning.

01:22:48 - Miss Pounder, let's talk about the Parang in a Pot.

01:22:52 - Yeah, so this is one of our signature fundraising events.

01:22:56 This is actually the ninth edition,

01:22:58 but it would have been 11 years

01:23:00 had it not been for COVID.

01:23:02 So 11 years ago, we started this idea

01:23:05 for a fundraising event at the school.

01:23:08 So the three parts of our Parang in a Pot fundraiser,

01:23:12 the first is a competition,

01:23:14 a keenly contested house competition.

01:23:16 So we have six houses at the school.

01:23:19 You know, our ladies, blue,

01:23:20 well, a whole long list,

01:23:22 St. Xavier's, red, Holy Trinity,

01:23:24 yellow, now I have to name all.

01:23:26 St. Teresa's, bronze, St. Joseph's,

01:23:28 purple, did I leave out?

01:23:29 Blessed Armory, green.

01:23:31 So we have that house competition

01:23:33 and the students have been practicing very hard

01:23:36 since September school reopened.

01:23:39 They would meet in their houses and practice.

01:23:42 We have the kind assistance,

01:23:43 had it not been for Noel Aming

01:23:45 and a group of Paranderos who come to help us.

01:23:48 So there's a test piece that each house has to sing

01:23:50 and then they get to choose a song of their choice.

01:23:53 So each house sings two songs

01:23:54 and that competition starts around seven tonight.

01:23:58 But before that, the second part of it,

01:24:00 as you saw in some of the pictures there,

01:24:02 it's a bazaar theme as well.

01:24:04 So each year group,

01:24:06 then form ones have pick a card,

01:24:09 what do you call it?

01:24:10 Lucky dip.

01:24:11 And you know, then hoopla form too.

01:24:13 So we have a variety of stores.

01:24:14 We have our possible association

01:24:16 that run the tin pan alley.

01:24:17 So lots of games and fun for everyone.

01:24:21 And of course, in a pot, food,

01:24:23 lots of food on sale and wonderful Christmas,

01:24:25 they have and pastels and of course,

01:24:28 traditional shark and bacon, all these things.

01:24:31 So from five till 10,

01:24:33 come and enjoy a wonderful afternoon

01:24:35 at St. Joseph Convent, Portisby,

01:24:36 lots to eat, lots to chances,

01:24:40 fun and games and a fantastic, right?

01:24:44 A wonderful first class,

01:24:46 the power and competition

01:24:47 and a surprise guest artists at the end.

01:24:49 - All right.

01:24:50 And Yasmin, I'm sure that you and your colleagues

01:24:53 are raring to go.

01:24:54 - Yes, the students are very excited.

01:24:57 As soon as you come out to school,

01:24:58 that's the first thing on everyone's mind.

01:25:00 Parang, you have captains,

01:25:02 they help with auditions and everybody comes together.

01:25:05 So a lot of people,

01:25:06 you might know everybody in your whole house

01:25:09 and parang in a pot is a great opportunity

01:25:11 to get to know people who are in older class from you.

01:25:14 And you make a lot of friends

01:25:15 and Israeli encourage a lot of bonds in our school.

01:25:18 And in my school,

01:25:20 we like to encourage holistic development.

01:25:22 So it's not just academic.

01:25:23 So parang is a great opportunity

01:25:26 to take your mind off the schoolwork

01:25:27 and focus on some parang.

01:25:29 - Yeah.

01:25:30 And I know that you are also representing a particular group.

01:25:32 - Yes, I'm representing my house this year, St. Teresa's.

01:25:35 But of course, it's not just about the competition,

01:25:38 it's about the school,

01:25:39 everybody's coming together to represent

01:25:42 and to help the school raise funds.

01:25:44 - But you know, I'm looking at some of these videos

01:25:47 and it's an exciting time,

01:25:50 but a lot of energy, Ms. Pounder.

01:25:52 - A lot, a lot of energy.

01:25:54 House spirit in schools is very exciting.

01:25:59 And we look at this as an event

01:26:01 as well as Yasmin as well,

01:26:02 it's to build a community

01:26:04 and we really value our student leadership

01:26:06 as an opportunity for the students themselves,

01:26:08 as you said, the captains to come together,

01:26:10 to lead their houses, to manage.

01:26:12 They do all the work of getting the students to practice,

01:26:15 choosing the costumes,

01:26:18 arranging their tune of choice.

01:26:21 And a great opportunity for them,

01:26:24 for this leadership and as you said, for bonding.

01:26:27 And then the prefects as well,

01:26:28 our prefect body, they are out as events coordinators

01:26:32 and they help manage the whole event as well.

01:26:36 In of course, coordination with our parent support group.

01:26:39 So you have all the stakeholders coming together,

01:26:41 parents and students and families

01:26:44 to really, they'll say, to build this community.

01:26:46 And of course, in the commemoration

01:26:49 of this wonderful tradition,

01:26:51 the power around music that we have,

01:26:53 so develop their talents and their music.

01:26:56 Yasmin herself is a very avid musician.

01:26:58 - I know, I know.

01:27:00 But Yasmin, I was a bit shocked

01:27:03 by the amount of excitement

01:27:05 and the response that I've seen here

01:27:08 from the student population.

01:27:10 - Yes, those commercials you all showed earlier,

01:27:13 a lot of students in our year group,

01:27:16 not my year group, the lower sixes,

01:27:18 they created that.

01:27:19 And in our school, they like to give us,

01:27:23 I wouldn't say the power,

01:27:23 but they give us the opportunity to run things ourselves.

01:27:26 We're not babies.

01:27:27 So for the competition,

01:27:29 it's really, the captains are really doing that themselves.

01:27:33 And you have to use your resources well.

01:27:35 If you know you have somebody in your house

01:27:37 who could arrange music, you ask them,

01:27:39 you have this one doing this.

01:27:41 So everybody's coming together,

01:27:42 who's very good at designing art.

01:27:44 So even though you may not be a singer,

01:27:46 it's an opportunity for everybody in the house

01:27:49 to use their talents to help us all together.

01:27:51 - Some dramatic performances there.

01:27:54 - Yes.

01:27:55 - And those are drama skills.

01:27:56 - Come on, show us.

01:27:57 - Yeah, that's a point.

01:27:58 - So Ms. Pounder, is it that this,

01:28:02 and I'm talking about the competition part,

01:28:04 this is an opportunity for form ones

01:28:09 come all the way up?

01:28:12 - It's actually just the form threes

01:28:14 to the upper sixes that get an opportunity

01:28:16 because as they come in form one and form two,

01:28:18 I don't see come to the competition,

01:28:20 but the form ones and twos are invited

01:28:23 to perform but not in the competition.

01:28:26 So we do have a group of form ones,

01:28:28 a group of form twos performing,

01:28:30 and teachers as well.

01:28:31 So the teachers also come out and sing.

01:28:32 - The teachers are also participating.

01:28:33 - Yes, we have a teachers group

01:28:35 and so they just perform just all for the fun and love of it.

01:28:38 And then to give form one and form twos

01:28:40 a little opportunity just to see what it is like,

01:28:42 come on the stage, and then by form three,

01:28:44 they're anxious and happy to go and then sing for them.

01:28:47 - And Ms. Pondo, we must not forget

01:28:48 that it's a fundraising event

01:28:51 in order to provide certain resources to the school.

01:28:55 - Yes, thank you very much.

01:28:57 So that we look forward to the support.

01:29:00 Of course, it's the education,

01:29:03 as our vision and mission,

01:29:04 we wanna ensure that students and teachers

01:29:07 have all the resources that they need,

01:29:10 evolving technologies,

01:29:11 keeping abreast of trends in education.

01:29:14 So we have our multimedia in every classroom

01:29:17 and of course, air conditions and labs,

01:29:19 it's constantly have to be restocked

01:29:22 and we always ensure that students have what they need

01:29:25 right at every moment.

01:29:26 So yeah, as you know,

01:29:30 De Norman National Schools,

01:29:31 yeah, we have to help ourselves

01:29:32 and this is an opportunity for us to do so.

01:29:35 - Yeah, so Yasmin, what day it is?

01:29:37 What day that we need to come down?

01:29:39 - It's this Saturday, the 4th of November,

01:29:42 at five to 11, but the competition starts at seven,

01:29:45 but come from five, we have stalls open all the way through.

01:29:49 - Yeah. - Lots of food.

01:29:50 - And lots of income for dinner.

01:29:51 - And what's the price?

01:29:52 - Only $120, only.

01:29:55 - 'Cause again, a great evening of entertainment.

01:29:58 - Yeah, a big competition. - Very high standard, yeah.

01:30:00 - So we could come down for some,

01:30:01 maybe some sorrel and pastel and--

01:30:03 - Definitely, definitely, we'd love to have,

01:30:05 have a big dessert stall too.

01:30:07 - Ladies, any additional information you'd like to give us?

01:30:13 - Just wanna say, you know, thank you

01:30:15 to the school community, to the students

01:30:17 and to the parents, as our parent support group,

01:30:19 you really have been behind the scenes working

01:30:22 to, you know, put everything in place

01:30:25 and the power swivels as well.

01:30:27 And, you know, the school really can only survive

01:30:30 because of the tremendous support

01:30:32 that we get from everyone.

01:30:33 - Yasmin, where can we get tickets?

01:30:35 - You can get tickets at our school in the office

01:30:38 or you can come on the day itself

01:30:39 and buy tickets at the door.

01:30:40 - Yeah, so they're not going to turn you away.

01:30:42 - No, they're not.

01:30:43 - Walk with your money or come in the week

01:30:45 and buy the tickets and these tickets

01:30:47 are going to be sold during the normal school hours.

01:30:50 - Yes, school hours, yeah.

01:30:52 8 to 2.30, yeah.

01:30:54 - All right, Miss Pounder and Yasmin,

01:30:56 it was a pleasure speaking with you all.

01:30:58 I wish you all the best for your event on the weekend.

01:31:00 - Thank you so much for having us.

01:31:02 Thank you for your support.

01:31:03 - So bye for now.

01:31:04 So we are going to a very quick break.

01:31:06 We are coming back.

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01:34:02 All right, so welcome back everyone.

01:34:03 So we are discussing now, Rough and Tough Caribbean MMA.

01:34:07 We do have in studio this morning, Jason Fraser,

01:34:09 President of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation.

01:34:13 Mr. Fraser, as always, thank you very much for coming.

01:34:16 - Thank you, Marlon, and thank you to all our listeners.

01:34:19 It's good to be here again.

01:34:21 Rough and Tough is back by public demand.

01:34:24 This time we're taking it to the east of Trinidad.

01:34:26 So it's gonna be in Tararico.

01:34:28 It's billed this time as Trinidad versus Venezuela,

01:34:32 but the main event will be two Trinidadians

01:34:34 who are young, talented, that we're looking to harvest

01:34:37 for the near future to represent us

01:34:39 at the international stage.

01:34:40 - Yeah, let's talk about the event in particular.

01:34:45 On what day, what time, and what can we expect?

01:34:50 - The event is on Saturday 4th.

01:34:52 It starts at 6 p.m.

01:34:54 You're gonna expect exactly what we are accustomed

01:34:57 to bring into our fans.

01:34:58 Full excitement, raw energy.

01:35:01 These are young talents that we have.

01:35:02 We have Trinidad and Tobago is looking

01:35:04 to host the Pan American Games next year.

01:35:06 Junior and youth, and also the seniors.

01:35:10 So in this event, we're gonna be featuring some juniors

01:35:13 and also some seniors.

01:35:15 We're looking to actually scout for new talents

01:35:19 because we have a wide pool,

01:35:21 and we definitely need to meet the international requirements

01:35:26 by doing at least three to two events a year.

01:35:29 - And you're saying that this is going to be a part,

01:35:32 this, not the event, but the sport,

01:35:35 is going to be a part of the Pan American Games?

01:35:38 - No, we're gonna be hosting the Pan American Games

01:35:40 next year, August, yeah. - Yes.

01:35:42 - So that is one of the reasons why we're actually trying

01:35:45 to identify as much athletes as possible

01:35:48 to put into camp as early as next year.

01:35:50 - All right.

01:35:51 What has the response been overall in Trinidad and Tobago?

01:35:55 - Combat Sambo is growing.

01:35:57 MMA is growing.

01:35:58 The two sports actually is like in one

01:36:00 because what this platform usually do rough and tough,

01:36:03 we usually use this platform to identify the talents

01:36:06 because our strength in Sambo is the combat part of it.

01:36:09 We met at the World Championship.

01:36:11 We met at Pan American Games, Commonwealth.

01:36:13 You know, Trinidad and Tobago always does well.

01:36:16 So the traction that we get in, trust me,

01:36:19 it's actually growing, growing.

01:36:21 You know, and now we spread out

01:36:22 throughout Trinidad and Tobago.

01:36:23 We know next year we have a very big program

01:36:26 that we're gonna roll out in some of the rural communities,

01:36:29 identifying talents and, you know,

01:36:31 by early next year, we break some news

01:36:34 where we'll actually have,

01:36:35 be working in one of the government department

01:36:37 to have at least 400 athletes coming on board with us.

01:36:41 So we're actually doing very well.

01:36:43 What we definitely need though is the support

01:36:46 of the cooperation in Trinidad and Tobago.

01:36:48 And I always make this plea,

01:36:50 which may my realize all government MPs,

01:36:52 come out and support the event,

01:36:53 come out and, you know, mix with the athletes

01:36:56 and encourage them so that they can know that,

01:36:57 look, we have people within the parliament

01:37:01 actually mixing with them.

01:37:02 We did an event in St. Martin

01:37:04 and every government MP,

01:37:05 even the prime minister was at the event

01:37:08 and they mingle with the athletes.

01:37:09 So we really need that kind of encouragement

01:37:11 to come out, you know, cooperation in Trinidad and Tobago.

01:37:14 And this event, on the heels of this event,

01:37:17 we're going straight off to the World Championship

01:37:19 in Albania.

01:37:20 We're leaving on Monday, the event is Saturday.

01:37:22 And also that it will be IMMEF

01:37:24 and then we're going to Armenia for Sambo,

01:37:29 World Championship.

01:37:30 So it's two back to back in November.

01:37:31 - Yeah, I love the use of your word athletics,

01:37:35 because I think that some parents

01:37:39 would be looking at us this morning

01:37:41 and hearing you speaking about this

01:37:43 and they are going to be concerned

01:37:46 that this looks very, very violent.

01:37:48 It's a violent sport, you know.

01:37:49 - I could say cricket is violent.

01:37:51 Somebody will put a court ball and you can't feel it.

01:37:53 - All right, but they have a helmet.

01:37:55 - All right, but every sport has rules.

01:37:56 We have shin pads, we have gloves,

01:37:58 we have, you know, grind protector, everything, my God.

01:38:01 Every sport has the rules.

01:38:03 Everybody don't want to be a basketballer.

01:38:04 Some want to be a cricketer,

01:38:05 some want to be a footballer, you know.

01:38:07 So trust me, this is one of the safest sport.

01:38:09 And if you do your research, you'll see,

01:38:11 this is the amateur,

01:38:12 this is not the professional part of it.

01:38:14 This is amateur we're talking about.

01:38:16 Harnessing youths and pushing the energy

01:38:18 in the right direction.

01:38:19 - Yeah, and there's--

01:38:20 - We're going to be creating some history

01:38:22 at this World Championship.

01:38:23 Where we have Warren Gill,

01:38:25 our officials from the Caribbean.

01:38:27 The only English speaking official

01:38:30 that will be officiating,

01:38:31 referring at the World Championship.

01:38:33 Never happened before.

01:38:34 He did great at the Pan American Games in Columbia.

01:38:37 We were just in Columbia where we met there.

01:38:38 Joshua James won bronze.

01:38:40 Who will be at the main event?

01:38:42 But Warren Gill will be creating history

01:38:43 for Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean by extension.

01:38:46 - And how have we in the Caribbean been doing,

01:38:49 the recovery or steps to become professional in this sport?

01:38:53 - It's transition.

01:38:54 We have a number of athletes from the Caribbean

01:38:57 who is actually, Jamaica is doing well.

01:38:59 They have athletes in the UFC.

01:39:00 Guyana have produced athletes into the UFC.

01:39:03 We just have Karen Bone who was,

01:39:05 who competed in Columbia on Brave CF,

01:39:08 which is a very big promotion.

01:39:10 And Brave will be coming to Trinidad next year

01:39:13 to actually partner with Rough and Tough

01:39:15 to help push the sport forward.

01:39:16 - Yeah.

01:39:17 How can we get tickets?

01:39:19 - Tickets at the venue, same price.

01:39:20 The tickets is giveaway.

01:39:21 $50 for the stands, $100 skate side.

01:39:24 It's basically to just encourage the athletes

01:39:26 and continue to provide the platform

01:39:28 that these athletes could showcase their talent.

01:39:30 Joshua Jamal Walker is one that we could look for.

01:39:33 Jamal Walker is undefeated.

01:39:35 He just, at the last Rough and Tough in July,

01:39:38 he won his fight in 35 seconds against one of our--

01:39:41 - 35 seconds?

01:39:41 - Yeah, against one of our senior and seasoned athlete

01:39:46 in Trinidad and Tobago, who was Mark Camerbatch.

01:39:48 So trust me, Rough and Tough is here to stay.

01:39:50 It's a premier promotion in the Caribbean.

01:39:53 It's the number one in Trinidad and Tobago.

01:39:55 And what we do, we provide opportunities for our athletes.

01:39:57 That's a big difference.

01:39:59 We are a recognized and accredited organization

01:40:01 by the International Federation, SAMBO and MMA.

01:40:05 - Yeah.

01:40:06 Can people also contact you?

01:40:07 I don't know if you may have a phone number,

01:40:09 social media platform. - Yeah, 398-9822.

01:40:12 Call, you could book your seats.

01:40:14 Seats are limited at ringside right now.

01:40:16 And also, you can hit us up on our Instagram,

01:40:19 Roughandtoughtrinidad,

01:40:20 and Facebook, Roughandtough Caribbean MMA League.

01:40:23 - Yeah.

01:40:24 And has support been growing for these events?

01:40:26 - Yeah, support is definitely growing.

01:40:28 Definitely, definitely growing.

01:40:29 Bluewater just came on board with us last night,

01:40:32 and that's a long-term relationship.

01:40:34 We have, the government are custom supporting us 100%.

01:40:39 Big up to our government.

01:40:41 You know, they're all about sports and the development.

01:40:43 So Ministry of Sports is,

01:40:46 I have a very good relationship with them.

01:40:48 - Yeah. - You know?

01:40:49 - All right.

01:40:49 Anything else you'd like to add?

01:40:50 - Yes, I just want to say to all of Trinidad and Tobago,

01:40:53 come out and support your local athletes.

01:40:55 Come out and support the Venezuelans,

01:40:57 the Venezuelan community.

01:40:58 Come out and support your own.

01:41:00 And who knows, we might have, in the next Rough and Tough,

01:41:04 Marlon as the main event.

01:41:06 (laughs)

01:41:07 - Damn, boy!

01:41:09 Look out!

01:41:10 Mr. Friese, it's always a pleasure speaking with you.

01:41:12 Thank you very much.

01:41:13 And I wish you all the best for your event.

01:41:14 - Thank you very much, too.

01:41:15 - All right, so we are going to another break.

01:41:17 We're coming back.

01:41:18 (upbeat music)

01:41:20 - Christmas is on us!

01:41:34 ♪ A season of giveaways ♪

01:41:35 ♪ Covering your holidays ♪

01:41:37 ♪ Home makeovers win with ease ♪

01:41:39 ♪ Cash check and groceries ♪

01:41:41 ♪ It's Christmas, blue treats, and you're right ♪

01:41:44 - Sign up for an everything plan,

01:41:45 or pay your bill in full for chances to win

01:41:48 over $1 million in cash and prizes.

01:41:51 Visit us in-store or online at discoverflow.co

01:41:54 for more details.

01:41:56 - The 2023 Jazz Concert Series

01:41:59 for the Holy Trinity Cathedral Restoration Project

01:42:02 is going down south.

01:42:03 Saturday, October 21st, 7 p.m. at Sapa.

01:42:07 South's first lady of jazz, Vonnette Bigford,

01:42:10 welcomes steel band virtuoso Dr. Ray Holman,

01:42:13 ace musician, Lestin Paul,

01:42:15 and the legendary Brother Valentino.

01:42:17 Tickets go on sale at the Sapa Box Office

01:42:19 Thursday, September 28th, online at suntix.com/events,

01:42:24 or call 288-TIXX,

01:42:27 or Sapa Box Office 219-7272, extension 6015.

01:42:32 General seating, 200, VIP, 300.

01:42:36 A night of great music for a great cause.

01:42:39 See you at Sapa.

01:42:41 - Slavery, a terrible time in our history.

01:42:48 The kidnapping, buying and selling of people for profit,

01:42:51 the exploitation of another human being.

01:42:54 It still exists today.

01:42:56 It has a new name, human trafficking.

01:43:00 Anyone can be a victim.

01:43:02 There is forced labor,

01:43:03 sexual exploitation, and domestic servitude.

01:43:09 Human trafficking is a worldwide problem

01:43:12 and an emerging concern for us here in Trinidad and Tobago.

01:43:15 If you know of or suspect human trafficking activity,

01:43:20 call the counter-trafficking hotline at 800-4CTU,

01:43:24 or 800-4288.

01:43:26 Human trafficking is a crime.

01:43:29 Identify it, report it, stop it.

01:43:33 A message from the counter-trafficking unit

01:43:34 of the Ministry of National Security.

01:43:37 (upbeat music)

01:43:40 (singing in foreign language)

01:43:44 (upbeat music)

01:43:47 (singing in foreign language)

01:43:51 (upbeat music)

01:43:53 (singing in foreign language)

01:43:57 (upbeat music)

01:44:18 (singing in foreign language)

01:44:21 - All right, so welcome back everyone.

01:44:34 So here's how we're going to do this.

01:44:36 And don't show my guests as yet.

01:44:37 All I want them to do is hit the desk and say,

01:44:40 (singing in foreign language)

01:44:44 Let me show it again.

01:44:46 - Gentlemen, how you going?

01:44:48 Look, we're liming with Marlon here this morning.

01:44:52 Right now, we are on the stage.

01:44:54 Marlon Hopkins, Sincalipso, Night and Black Sage.

01:44:58 Let me tell you, this is real drama.

01:45:01 We're here promoting X-Tempo Rama,

01:45:04 the greatest X-Tempo class you will ever see.

01:45:06 Right here in TNT.

01:45:09 - I'm telling my trendy friend,

01:45:13 come down to Lyon, November the 10th.

01:45:16 - Yes.

01:45:17 - Come down, confess.

01:45:19 You're going to hear X-Tempo of the best.

01:45:22 I have to say the truth, be told.

01:45:25 The best X-Tempo radiance in the world.

01:45:28 Lyon, 7 p.m., Friday the 10th.

01:45:31 Come down, you'll hear X-Tempo at length.

01:45:34 (singing in foreign language)

01:45:41 (singing in foreign language)

01:45:45 Well, what I would say,

01:45:47 welcome back and I want no drama.

01:45:49 We are discussing X-Tempo Rama.

01:45:52 - You're going good so far.

01:45:52 - I know my guests must be vexed and in a rage.

01:45:55 But I have my run B and the sage.

01:45:58 - Yes, man. - That is it.

01:45:59 - You're going great.

01:46:00 That lyrics I didn't anticipate.

01:46:04 But I'm telling you, you sing it with speed.

01:46:06 I wonder if it's lyrics on the paper you just read.

01:46:09 (laughing)

01:46:12 Gentlemen, it's a pleasure having you all here.

01:46:15 So we do have Myron Bruce, also known as Calypso Knight.

01:46:18 And we have Philip Murray, also known as the Black Sage.

01:46:22 And these gentlemen, they're really legends

01:46:26 in the area of X-Tempo.

01:46:28 You're talking about former X-Tempo monarchs.

01:46:32 Myron, how much you have?

01:46:33 - I only have one.

01:46:34 - And Sage, oh gosh.

01:46:35 - I have three.

01:46:35 - You have three? - Yeah.

01:46:36 - Yeah, and let me tell you,

01:46:38 it's really a pleasure to meet you all.

01:46:40 And more so, let me not put it that way.

01:46:43 I'm glad that Sage is here this morning

01:46:46 because I would go to the, as a child,

01:46:51 Sage, I don't mean to talk about your age,

01:46:53 but I would go to the competition

01:46:57 that used to be on Carnival Friday night.

01:47:00 To me, that was a beautiful event.

01:47:02 And I would see Sage and sometimes he would win,

01:47:06 sometimes he would not win,

01:47:08 but Sage, you have been around for a very, very long time

01:47:11 and I appreciate you.

01:47:12 - Well, we have been here since X-Tempo started a revival.

01:47:17 - Yes.

01:47:18 - Because at one time, they were only the Saparia twins

01:47:22 and Pretender was a stalwart in the art

01:47:26 and Gypsy and Relator.

01:47:27 And then they suddenly got a revival

01:47:29 and people like me, the late Big B,

01:47:32 the late Sheldon, John, Lady Africa,

01:47:34 Wendy, Darlene and so on came on the scene

01:47:36 and we are still trying to keep it alive

01:47:38 and we know that X-Tempo is one aspect of Calypso

01:47:41 that will always live on.

01:47:44 It was here originally, I mean,

01:47:46 the term San Iman it ain't no mercy,

01:47:48 it comes from French and Calypso was one song in patois.

01:47:52 You know, so this art that we are doing here

01:47:55 and plus it is very interactive.

01:47:58 You know, you deal with your audience,

01:48:00 you deal with people, you deal with topics,

01:48:02 pull something from a heart and immediately

01:48:04 you sing on that, it's very entertaining.

01:48:06 So you know, so we believe that X-Tempo

01:48:08 will live on always and we are doing our part

01:48:11 to make it so do.

01:48:13 - Calypso Night, let's, but Myron B,

01:48:18 explain this Calypso Night for me.

01:48:20 Where did this come from?

01:48:21 I suspect it's another attempt at rebranding.

01:48:24 - Well, I wouldn't say attempt,

01:48:26 it's a firm shift in rebranding

01:48:28 because we have a different world

01:48:32 that Calypso has to go into or reconnect with,

01:48:36 let me say, because it's not a new space.

01:48:38 And when you look at the world today,

01:48:40 when the global market looks at Trinidad and Tobago

01:48:45 and they see, for example, incredible Myron B.

01:48:49 - Yes.

01:48:50 - The first thing they ask, who is he?

01:48:51 What is he?

01:48:52 Where is he from?

01:48:53 So when we were looking at shifting and rebranding,

01:48:55 we took into consideration the digital age

01:48:58 and the next 30 years,

01:49:00 'cause Calypso-nia's last long, right?

01:49:02 We have a lot of longevity.

01:49:04 And in analyzing what 30 years from now looks like

01:49:09 in terms of culture,

01:49:11 and of course, me coming from a little bit of the old school

01:49:15 and now accepting the battle from the senior Calypso-nia's

01:49:19 to take this thing forward,

01:49:21 we had to shift and shuffle to rebrand,

01:49:24 to be able to create the right type of digital markers

01:49:28 to continue pushing the culture forward into this new age.

01:49:30 So that was the main purpose of the Calypso Night Rebrand,

01:49:34 and we shifted not just from singing Calypso's on stage,

01:49:37 but also creating content as a digital Calypso creator.

01:49:40 - Wow.

01:49:41 Sage, tell us about what's on show at Extemporama 2023.

01:49:47 - Well, Extemporama will be a clash

01:49:50 of the three zones of Extemporama.

01:49:51 You have the South Zone with Gypsy,

01:49:54 Abbebele Short Pants,

01:49:55 you have the East Zone with Lady Syntax,

01:49:58 Fireball, and Lingo.

01:50:00 And you have the North Zone with Contender,

01:50:03 Gary Ranks, and who's the next North Zone fella?

01:50:07 - I think it's supposed to be you, eh?

01:50:09 Lady Syntax and I in the East.

01:50:10 - Oh yeah, Myron in the East.

01:50:12 Well, they honored me for my long, long time in Extemporama,

01:50:16 so they honored me.

01:50:17 I'm quite pleased at that, you know,

01:50:18 because Johnny King's appreciation is most important.

01:50:22 You know, we'll have that, we'll have freestyle,

01:50:24 which is trying to bring younger people in.

01:50:27 Myron is currently the freestyle champion.

01:50:30 - Get that part right.

01:50:30 - Right, he is the freestyle champion,

01:50:32 but there are other people who will be coming in.

01:50:34 Fireball, there's a young fella from Tobago

01:50:37 named Niall Manswell.

01:50:38 He will be coming as well.

01:50:40 Gypsy say he coming in freestyle.

01:50:41 I know we will wait and see for him tonight.

01:50:43 (laughing)

01:50:44 You know, and we have two great guest artists,

01:50:46 and Ebony and Fernadrio.

01:50:49 So the people who come there

01:50:51 will be in for a very good show.

01:50:53 We have a band, we are an equal opportunity employer.

01:50:56 We have Michelle Henry and her band,

01:50:58 she's a police corporal, right, I believe.

01:51:00 And you know when you pass through the policeman,

01:51:02 you get a good training in music.

01:51:05 So we are using her band this year as we did last year.

01:51:08 So we are having a very, very beautiful show.

01:51:10 We have a good song system.

01:51:12 We picked a lovely venue in Lyons, you know,

01:51:14 a beautiful venue.

01:51:16 And we believe that the people could come out

01:51:19 and support us, and it will not be money wasted.

01:51:22 It's only $200 for a ticket.

01:51:24 And we promise you a very, very good show.

01:51:27 - War, extempore war, freestyle war.

01:51:30 Mario and I already throwing threats.

01:51:31 You see already throwing threats.

01:51:33 So we know it will be a beautiful, beautiful evening.

01:51:36 - Some threatening fellas, boy.

01:51:39 Time?

01:51:39 - Oh, the time is 7 p.m.

01:51:42 - Sharp.

01:51:43 - Yeah.

01:51:44 - On the button, we do start at--

01:51:45 - When can people get tickets?

01:51:47 - At two co-offices,

01:51:48 or by cross business and James, we have tickets.

01:51:50 - Yes.

01:51:51 - So you go to any two co-office in the south,

01:51:53 in the east, in the north zone,

01:51:55 at Jenningham Avenue, or you go by cross business

01:51:57 and James, and you can get your tickets.

01:51:59 - And they could come on the night as well.

01:52:01 - Right.

01:52:02 - Judging from your experience, Calypso Night,

01:52:08 have you seen a new interest in,

01:52:13 from the youth in extempore?

01:52:16 It's not a very easy thing, you know.

01:52:18 - Actually, what a lot of people would not understand

01:52:23 is that that's the first expression

01:52:25 most of the youth gravitate toward, right?

01:52:28 From beating the desk at school,

01:52:29 they would Santimanite some extempore,

01:52:31 and recently, we started,

01:52:33 there was a junior extempore monarch competition, right?

01:52:38 And that basically invigorated,

01:52:41 or injected an energy into the youth

01:52:43 that I have never seen before.

01:52:45 So we have students from all of the colleges,

01:52:47 you know, coming together,

01:52:48 having their own extempore cliques and clashes.

01:52:51 Now, when it comes to youth in extempore,

01:52:53 when I was creeping in, you know, a little while ago,

01:52:57 right, it didn't have much young faces like myself.

01:53:00 It had about a couple of us.

01:53:02 But today, if you come to the extempore preliminaries,

01:53:05 it's one of the best shows you will ever experience, right?

01:53:09 More entertaining than the final night,

01:53:13 because of the volume of people that come out

01:53:15 and throw their hat and try their hand

01:53:16 at the extempore thing.

01:53:19 And now with the advent of the freestyle component,

01:53:22 which is, of course, a more modern version of the extempore,

01:53:25 we have even more youth coming forward to participate

01:53:28 in both the freestyle and the extempore.

01:53:30 So I would say extempore is in good hands,

01:53:32 and it's just a matter of,

01:53:34 you see the cream of the rice to the top?

01:53:37 So the best will always come up,

01:53:39 and I think we have done a very good job

01:53:42 at nurturing the next generation

01:53:45 that would be coming through the ranks.

01:53:46 - Yeah, we just have a few minutes again,

01:53:48 but I just wanna speak about,

01:53:50 you still think that there's a need for workshops

01:53:53 and training when it comes to extempore?

01:53:55 - Of course, because extempore is not,

01:53:57 yes, there's one component,

01:53:59 I mean, to be able to do it off the cuff.

01:54:03 But extempore, when it comes to presenting it to the public,

01:54:08 is a craft that you would,

01:54:11 presenting it to the public, entertaining,

01:54:13 and when you're talking competition,

01:54:15 is a craft that needs a lot of research and training, right?

01:54:20 It's not just easy to walk on the stage,

01:54:22 pull a hat, and just spit on the topic, right?

01:54:24 - You need to read, I would say, you need to read.

01:54:26 It calls for a lot of reading,

01:54:29 you know, reading newspapers every day,

01:54:31 at least, you know, that familiarity with the word.

01:54:35 If you are a writer, you will have a better,

01:54:36 greater facility with the extempore,

01:54:38 because you have to rhyme.

01:54:40 My writers are writer, I write, Gypsy write,

01:54:42 most of the great extemporeans, they also write.

01:54:45 - I have one more thing, you need to have thick skin.

01:54:47 - Yeah. - You need to have thick skin.

01:54:49 - Yeah. - Yeah.

01:54:50 - I have seen-- - These fellas are saying

01:54:51 some things that could create the feelings

01:54:53 for the next 30 years.

01:54:54 - I have seen some people fall apart on stage, you know?

01:54:56 - Yeah, but that's the best part of it,

01:54:58 even when you fail, you are entertaining,

01:55:01 because people laugh at it, you know?

01:55:03 You know, just yesterday we were talking about a guy,

01:55:05 he got a topic called the Prophet of Siphos,

01:55:08 and he made a hash of the topic,

01:55:10 but the more you fight with the topic,

01:55:11 the more people laugh, you know?

01:55:13 - Gentlemen, you just have about a minute again,

01:55:15 take us out now.

01:55:18 - Well it is once more my pleasure

01:55:21 to promote Extemporama.

01:55:23 - Yes, from this--

01:55:24 - I am Lyman here with Marlon,

01:55:26 and I'm going to tell all you the reason.

01:55:29 - Yes, sir.

01:55:30 - I want Mr. Marlon to know,

01:55:32 The Only Tip is one of my favorite show,

01:55:35 and I really think that's why he have on,

01:55:40 he looking good in pink.

01:55:42 - Let me tell you this, I will have to say,

01:55:44 I hope to see all you coming down there,

01:55:48 I am telling you it's not a hash,

01:55:50 this is what they call the greatest extempo class,

01:55:53 down at the Lions, all you're going to see,

01:55:57 back and all for everybody,

01:55:59 I'm telling you now, when I hit that stage,

01:56:02 all you're going to see, deal with the black sea.

01:56:05 - Gentlemen, it was a pleasure,

01:56:07 we wish you all the best.

01:56:08 - Thank you very much.

01:56:08 - Pleasure to see you all.

01:56:10 That's the end of our show for today,

01:56:11 remember, Emmy Prime comes up at 9.30,

01:56:13 we leave you with this image, it's a sunrise in Moruga,

01:56:15 submitted by Dave C. Mirage.

01:56:17 Dave, good morning.

01:56:18 (upbeat music)

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