Morning Edition: 03rd November 2023

CCNTV6

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Transcript

00:00:00 ♪ Hey, and shout to Dingle, hey ♪

00:00:02 ♪ I hear the soul God say, hey ♪

00:00:05 ♪ We are the sound of Soka ♪

00:00:06 ♪ Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey ♪

00:00:09 ♪ Big Bad Soka ♪

00:00:10 ♪ Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey ♪

00:00:13 ♪ Big Bad Soka ♪

00:00:15 - Up, up, up, up, up, up, up.

00:00:17 ♪ Big Bad Soka ♪

00:00:18 (laughing)

00:00:20 Good morning Trinidad and Tobago, I'm Marlon Hopkins

00:00:22 and welcome to The Morning Edition.

00:00:23 It's Friday, November 3rd, 2023.

00:00:25 You know sometimes,

00:00:27 things are just moving so fast in Trinidad and Tobago

00:00:30 that you need some time to take a deep breath.

00:00:33 (inhales)

00:00:35 And let it out.

00:00:37 And sometimes you need to smell the roses, yeah?

00:00:40 So hopefully that you have some time this weekend,

00:00:42 spend some time with the family,

00:00:44 go to the beach, you know?

00:00:46 Let's forget the business for a little while

00:00:48 and let's get down to some family business

00:00:51 and let's clear our minds

00:00:54 and just try to recuperate.

00:00:57 Yeah.

00:00:58 I guess that is what we have to do.

00:01:02 I got up this morning, went on to social media

00:01:05 and the first thing I could see is someone telling me that.

00:01:08 You know, take some deep breaths

00:01:11 and let it out to ease the stress.

00:01:14 So I'm telling you all to do that, right?

00:01:16 So all of you on the couch this morning,

00:01:18 take the deep breath and let it out.

00:01:21 All right, I hope that helps.

00:01:23 Let's check out what's happening

00:01:24 in the Daily Express for today.

00:01:27 Customers' email addresses, ID numbers,

00:01:30 phone numbers dumped on the dark web in cyber attack.

00:01:34 Thing to let all your stress go back up, right?

00:01:37 The big TSTT leak and offering prayers.

00:01:41 Devotee Sabita Sukhla prays before a Mother Lakshmi Murthy

00:01:46 at the entrance to the Diwali Nagar.

00:01:48 She warned us yesterday.

00:01:49 She will be performing puja tonight

00:01:51 at the official opening of the Nagar.

00:01:54 All right, to the back page now.

00:01:56 Medal blank, Thomas Grille,

00:01:59 four by 100 meter men failed to mount podium.

00:02:03 Team TTO added no more medals to their tally

00:02:07 at the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games last night

00:02:11 as their participation in the athletics competition

00:02:14 concluded last night, yeah?

00:02:17 Look at the athlete to the right.

00:02:21 Look at her face, yeah?

00:02:24 She's grimacing, yeah?

00:02:26 That's how it is sometimes.

00:02:29 All right, so it's time to remind you

00:02:31 of our Twin Bagel, your nice feature.

00:02:33 Remember to participate,

00:02:34 WhatsApp your videos or images to 737-3778.

00:02:39 What do we have for you?

00:02:41 Yeah?

00:02:41 So this weekend, try to take a walk to this spot,

00:02:47 a drive to this spot, and just take in the scenery, yeah?

00:02:51 Very special good morning

00:02:53 to the person who would have sent this in to us.

00:02:56 It's a very nice picture.

00:02:57 Thank you for that.

00:02:59 Remember, is this Castara?

00:03:02 It's a picture of Castara, all right?

00:03:04 So thank you very much to the person who sent that in.

00:03:07 Again, we want your name

00:03:08 so we can say a very special good morning to you, all right?

00:03:11 So we do have a packed program for you today.

00:03:13 Get that coffee, get that tea, and get something to eat.

00:03:17 We are coming back.

00:03:20 (upbeat music)

00:03:23 - Hey, hello guys, welcome.

00:03:33 Come have a seat.

00:03:35 This is so stylish.

00:03:38 Love the fabric.

00:03:40 - Darlings, you must tell us

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00:03:44 - We got them locally at Standard.

00:03:45 They've got new chic European furniture

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00:03:50 - Oh, Standard?

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00:03:54 - Experience luxurious European furniture

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00:03:58 The Hive Collection, now exclusively available at Standard.

00:04:02 - Plumbing problems?

00:04:04 Don't guess.

00:04:05 Call Plumbing Solutions at 628-4646.

00:04:10 Proud to be serving Trinidad and Tobago for over 20 years.

00:04:14 We do it all.

00:04:16 Maintenance and repairs, new construction,

00:04:19 sewer lines, inspection, drain cleaning, leak detection.

00:04:24 We are licensed and insured.

00:04:28 So call Plumbing Solutions at 628-4646.

00:04:32 - This Sunday, Sweet Men Promotion presents

00:04:34 Pan, Paran, and Soka at Estate 101.

00:04:37 Get your $200 tickets at iMoneyTickets.com

00:04:40 and call for $300 special reserve.

00:04:42 Live performances by Dane Gelson, Shell Invaders,

00:04:44 the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Steel Orchestra,

00:04:47 the Barrett, Eddie Charles, Marcia Miranda,

00:04:49 Ronnie McIntosh, Los Amigos Canterores,

00:04:51 Shoein Winchester, Tony Prescott, Viking Ding Dong,

00:04:53 Nadia Batson.

00:04:54 ♪ I'm a hard thinking market ♪

00:04:56 - Closed open 4 p.m. this Sunday, November 5th.

00:04:59 It's Pan, Paran, and Soka.

00:05:01 - Universal Church presents Programs of Faith,

00:05:06 5.30 a.m., the hour of miracles.

00:05:10 5 p.m., it's possible.

00:05:16 (dramatic music)

00:05:19 Now on TV6.

00:05:21 (dramatic music)

00:05:27 (speaking in foreign language)

00:05:30 (breathing heavily)

00:05:52 (dramatic music)

00:05:55 (upbeat music)

00:06:04 (singing in foreign language)

00:06:08 - All right, so welcome back, everyone.

00:06:32 So as I said, we do have a lot for you

00:06:34 on the program for today,

00:06:35 but let's look at some of the stories,

00:06:38 other stories making the Daily Express today.

00:06:42 IT expert on TSTT ransomware attack,

00:06:46 over one million customer records on the dark web.

00:06:51 Over one million records of personal information

00:06:53 belonging to customers in the telecommunication services

00:06:58 of Trinidad and Tobago's database

00:07:02 have been dumped on the dark web,

00:07:04 contrary to the company's assertion

00:07:06 that the data was not compromised in a cyber attack.

00:07:10 So I suspect it's a very serious situation there

00:07:13 because everyone's information

00:07:15 can get into the wrong hands, yeah?

00:07:18 So let's hope that, I don't know,

00:07:20 maybe TSTT needs to say something today

00:07:23 to give certain assurances to its customers again.

00:07:27 And JLSC challenges appeal court ruling on Air Caesar.

00:07:31 The Judicial and Legal Service Commission

00:07:33 has filed its notice of appeal

00:07:35 as it seeks to challenge the recent appeal court ruling

00:07:39 that former Chief Magistrate Marcia S. Caesar was found

00:07:42 or was forced by Chief Justice Ivor Archie

00:07:44 into resigning from her position as a high court judge.

00:07:48 You remember that over the past few weeks,

00:07:49 we have been speaking about that situation

00:07:51 and we have been speaking about the possibility of an appeal

00:07:55 but the appeal has happened.

00:07:57 I suspect now that they matter

00:08:01 because there has been the view that that matter

00:08:03 is going to go all the way to the Privy Council

00:08:06 so we are going to keep an acute eye on that situation.

00:08:11 Religious leaders ready to discuss security,

00:08:14 desecration issues, Gray, Burke, stamp out Satan,

00:08:19 religious leaders said they are willing to meet

00:08:22 to discuss issues such as desecration,

00:08:24 theft, safety and security issues

00:08:26 affecting religious organizations and their congregations.

00:08:30 And of course, we would have seen over the past few weeks

00:08:34 also that people breaking in to religious buildings

00:08:39 but it's not a new issue.

00:08:44 But I think that we in Trinidad and Tobago,

00:08:46 we have a copycat type of attitude.

00:08:49 So when one thing happens, it's like a domino effect.

00:08:53 Yeah?

00:08:54 All right, so we do have our first interview

00:08:58 for you this morning.

00:08:59 So in its 2022 annual report,

00:09:03 the Police Service Commission says the time has come

00:09:05 for it to have more meaningful oversight

00:09:08 over the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.

00:09:10 It says there has been a significant decline

00:09:12 of a number of people satisfied

00:09:14 with the police in this country, putting it at only 8%.

00:09:18 Additionally, it says the national security apparatus

00:09:21 has not been able to make a dent in crime.

00:09:23 So joining us this morning to speak about this

00:09:25 and other matters is President of the Police, Social

00:09:28 and Welfare Association, Mr. Gideon Dixon.

00:09:31 Mr. Dixon, as always, thank you very much for joining us.

00:09:34 Good morning.

00:09:35 - Good morning to you, Mr. Hopkinson,

00:09:38 and to your viewership.

00:09:39 - Yeah, of course.

00:09:41 Well, Mr. Dixon, this matter was discussed in the,

00:09:48 or it is a report that was laid in the parliament

00:09:52 earlier this week, speaking about

00:09:54 that the Police Service Commission

00:09:57 needs to have a little more say, authority,

00:10:02 when it comes to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.

00:10:06 It also speaks about what people would consider

00:10:09 to be a low rating for the Police Service,

00:10:13 people being satisfied at 8%.

00:10:16 How do you see this, sir?

00:10:17 - Again, it's a good question.

00:10:23 And all I would do is ask where the ratings

00:10:27 actually came from in terms of the data.

00:10:30 Now, we met with the Service Commission earlier this week,

00:10:33 that is the association, and we can say off the bat

00:10:37 that we would have received some data which suggests

00:10:41 that in the last survey conducted in the organization,

00:10:45 on the organization in 2020 to November,

00:10:49 only 10% of the target audience participated in the survey.

00:10:54 So that in itself, with 10% participation,

00:11:03 you realize that it could skew any analysis of data

00:11:07 that you would really actually want.

00:11:09 If it is a public sector survey of the Police Service,

00:11:15 that and all, we don't even have that data

00:11:18 to say we could be binded

00:11:21 or use as instructive measures moving forward.

00:11:25 Now, there is a role for the Service Commission

00:11:28 from where the association sits,

00:11:30 and we believe that the call by the Service Commission

00:11:35 should have a lot more autonomy and independence

00:11:40 than what exists presently.

00:11:43 Because as it is right now, we also believe

00:11:46 that the Service Commission operates as a government stamp

00:11:50 or a stamp for the cabinet, and it ought not to be so.

00:11:54 And let me explain further why I say that.

00:11:56 It is a case where you would have appointed

00:12:01 independent persons who have a wealth of knowledge

00:12:05 and experience, and their job is to do monitoring

00:12:09 and evaluation of the strategic leaders of the organization,

00:12:13 Commissioner, the Deputy Commissioner of Police,

00:12:15 to ensure that operations, administration,

00:12:18 and the mandates and targets that they set are met.

00:12:21 Now, it would also assist in the recruiting

00:12:27 and selection of both the Commissioner

00:12:30 and the Deputy Commissioners of Police.

00:12:32 We believe that that role and function is pivotal

00:12:39 when you want to dilute impact politics

00:12:45 have had on the police service.

00:12:47 It is important.

00:12:49 However, a simple case of a person to go and act

00:12:54 as a Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner of Police,

00:12:57 you would see the same Police Service Commission

00:13:03 engaged in an exercise to adopt a list,

00:13:09 and then that list of persons will still have to go

00:13:12 to the Parliament to be interrogated, to be scrutinized,

00:13:17 and to get a lot of approval from the Cabinet

00:13:22 for a person to act as a Commissioner

00:13:24 or Deputy Commissioner of Police.

00:13:26 That in itself makes no sense to the TTPS

00:13:31 as a body that is independent

00:13:34 and has its enforcement roles to conduct.

00:13:37 Additionally, it is only unique to the TTPS

00:13:40 that this occurs because it doesn't occur

00:13:43 with the military in terms of the Defense Force,

00:13:45 notifier, the prisons, any other institution

00:13:50 for an acting appointment to take place

00:13:52 and go to the Parliament.

00:13:53 That in itself, we see it as an interference

00:13:56 of some sorts into an independent institution

00:14:00 which is put there to treat with operations

00:14:04 and enforcing the law.

00:14:05 - Mr. Dixon, if you would.

00:14:06 - So to me and to us at the association

00:14:11 and our body of men,

00:14:12 the independence of the Police Service Commission

00:14:17 ought to be solidified and let them do those activities

00:14:22 and come up with a Commissioner of Police

00:14:25 and a Deputy Commissioner of Police to act.

00:14:27 It should not be a parliamentary intervention

00:14:29 for that to take place.

00:14:30 - Mr. Dixon, if you would allow me.

00:14:32 So the Service Commission,

00:14:35 the Police Service Commission said the results

00:14:38 of the 2022 Public Trust Confidence and Satisfaction Survey

00:14:42 it conducted found that there is a fear of crime

00:14:48 and it had increased.

00:14:51 This as 71% of respondents reported,

00:14:54 they were fearful or very fearful

00:14:57 of being physically attacked,

00:14:58 assaulted by a stranger in their community.

00:15:01 And 77% said they were fearful or very fearful

00:15:05 of being a victim of robbery,

00:15:07 home invasion and house breaking.

00:15:10 My question is, sir,

00:15:13 can the police service, police officers

00:15:18 take responsibility for that level of crime

00:15:22 that the commission is saying is pervasive in this society?

00:15:27 - So we can take some blame

00:15:32 in relation to what occurs with crime

00:15:37 and we are not a perfect organization.

00:15:41 So I'll start there.

00:15:43 And the data presented, again,

00:15:46 we will want to take it with a level of caution,

00:15:53 but we are realistic.

00:15:55 We have an issue where fear of crime is real

00:15:59 and crime is also real.

00:16:01 How do you combat these things?

00:16:04 Is it by just data analysis

00:16:07 or is it by ensuring that the resources are provided?

00:16:11 And when the resources are provided,

00:16:13 if it is the persons who are charged

00:16:16 with administrating these resources fail,

00:16:19 then there must be some consequence.

00:16:22 The date I look at, we have a situation

00:16:25 where we ought to have three deputy commissioners of police.

00:16:29 So we are judged on a daily basis

00:16:32 as if we have all the resources.

00:16:35 We are approximately 1,400 officers short.

00:16:37 Fear of crime is real.

00:16:40 Everyone knows what they're supposed to do

00:16:44 and everyone are doing what they're supposed to do.

00:16:47 Could anyone answer why we don't have three police officers

00:16:51 when this is sanctioned, authorized,

00:16:55 and it's part of strategic operations

00:16:59 where you could be able to achieve your target goals?

00:17:02 No one could answer that, but that stays there.

00:17:06 The public perception in terms of crime

00:17:09 being prevalent almost everywhere,

00:17:11 it is public's perception,

00:17:14 which we are also duty-bound to try to relieve.

00:17:18 We relieve that by being able to use your resources

00:17:22 on the ground to address these concerns.

00:17:26 It will require speedy intervention or response to crime.

00:17:31 It will require putting persons in different places

00:17:38 so that they could deal crime.

00:17:40 It will require operations and all these things.

00:17:43 However, I just said we have 1,400 officers short.

00:17:46 With 1,400 officers short,

00:17:48 that in itself will have an impact on your ability

00:17:53 and be as effective as the police would want to be.

00:17:57 It will also have an impact on your response

00:18:00 to crime and crime threat.

00:18:01 Police just continue to put all the police,

00:18:07 so they are persons responsible for outfitting.

00:18:11 And then also the police who have been working

00:18:16 and working unrestrainedly since 2019,

00:18:20 working and bringing persons before the court,

00:18:24 but then the same persons going before the court

00:18:26 are revolving and coming back out.

00:18:28 But therefore you are doubling up the impact

00:18:31 and the effect of the police,

00:18:33 but you are diluting it in terms of what is true

00:18:36 on the other side.

00:18:37 Because when they go to jail,

00:18:40 when they go to the penal system,

00:18:42 rehabilitation and restoration,

00:18:43 (indistinct)

00:18:46 When they go to the court,

00:18:47 they revolve through the door,

00:18:49 they come back out,

00:18:50 and all the blame still continues to be on the police.

00:18:55 When there's a breakdown in the school,

00:18:57 police, they want to be able to legislate for the police.

00:19:01 And presently, police is the only entity

00:19:05 in Trinidad and Tobago who attempts to purge the school.

00:19:10 And the record would show.

00:19:12 And we also have oversight independent body

00:19:15 who attempts to purge the police.

00:19:18 And now every time you legislate,

00:19:21 legislation is to see if you can put more systems in place

00:19:26 to put the police in handcuffs or to purge the police.

00:19:32 But the truth be told,

00:19:34 it is the police who are trying to ensure

00:19:38 that the perpetrators go before the court.

00:19:40 And it is not the police who are engaged

00:19:42 in the 400 plus murders on an annual basis.

00:19:47 So, where is the fairness,

00:19:51 or where is the balance in how you go about trying

00:19:55 to address the urge of crime,

00:19:57 the fear of crime,

00:19:59 and the ability to address for the sake of the situation

00:20:01 in Tobago.

00:20:02 We have other entities who are not even being called out.

00:20:07 And I would consistently come on areas

00:20:10 and intellectual media and speak to it

00:20:12 because it is high time that persons be held accountable

00:20:17 for what they're supposed to.

00:20:19 We are not perfect.

00:20:21 And on top of that,

00:20:22 there is a belief by even members of the public

00:20:28 that police officers are super, superhuman.

00:20:32 And that is not.

00:20:35 Police officers are human beings just like everyone else.

00:20:38 And our family members depend on us in the same way.

00:20:41 And if you could go on public record and say,

00:20:44 by and large, greater number of police officers

00:20:47 are in fact honest, law-abiding professionals.

00:20:52 And then in the same way,

00:20:54 to label the police a particular way,

00:20:57 their family, their children also see them that way.

00:21:01 So every, by administrators,

00:21:04 is to try to hustle,

00:21:08 try to control, try to manage the police.

00:21:13 What happens with our customs,

00:21:17 our immigration, our prisons,

00:21:20 our courts, our teachers, our doctors?

00:21:26 They are just servant of the state.

00:21:29 - Yes.

00:21:29 - What we would consider to be a professional,

00:21:31 but we are not being treated.

00:21:32 So we are treated like a stepchild.

00:21:34 We are used as a soft target, and that needs to stop.

00:21:37 - All right, so it takes me to this point and to this story.

00:21:40 I don't know if you would have seen

00:21:42 or heard the National Security Minister recently,

00:21:45 where he was talking about members

00:21:49 of the protective services,

00:21:51 and some in the civil service will have to provide hair,

00:21:54 urine, blood, saliva, and cheek swab samples,

00:21:58 and have their faces and eyes scanned

00:22:00 under the proposed bill for biometric data

00:22:03 and drug and polygraph testing.

00:22:06 Of course, the Minister of National Security

00:22:08 was speaking in Parliament earlier this week.

00:22:12 Does your association, do you have a position on that?

00:22:15 - Well, excellent question again,

00:22:18 and this just reinforce what I just said earlier.

00:22:21 All attempts are being made to continue to manage the police.

00:22:30 And though there might be attempts

00:22:33 to try to incorporate others into the mix,

00:22:36 our question is simple.

00:22:39 So what's what then?

00:22:41 So what's what then?

00:22:45 Right now, the fear of crime in Trinidad and Tobago

00:22:48 is because of the prevalence of high-power weapons

00:22:52 on the streets, and also,

00:22:55 and sometimes, compromised lives.

00:23:00 That is causing a fear of crime,

00:23:01 which impacts on foreign investment into the country,

00:23:05 impacts on movements of people.

00:23:08 How do we continue to do that?

00:23:13 Trying to legislate,

00:23:16 to weed potential or perceived corrupt officers

00:23:22 out of the organization,

00:23:24 is it the corrupt officers who are causing damage

00:23:27 on the nation's streets?

00:23:29 I think there's a need for us to really,

00:23:33 as a people, look at what we have,

00:23:35 and try our best,

00:23:37 from where we see it needs to be fixed first,

00:23:42 high-prioritize, and also look at long-term solutions

00:23:47 to some of the things that are happening.

00:23:49 So, our professional standards bureaus is working,

00:23:54 our police complaint unit is working,

00:23:58 our complaints authority is working.

00:24:00 Now, you would want to bring in biometrics.

00:24:04 Nothing is wrong with biometrics.

00:24:06 However, to compel a person to go and take an integrity test

00:24:11 when that is against his constitutional right,

00:24:15 we will have issues with that, the police.

00:24:19 And the reason why we have is because

00:24:22 that is not an accurate science.

00:24:24 Then, if it is so accurate, and you want to do it that way,

00:24:28 let us start with those who enter into a life of politics.

00:24:31 Let them have that as part of the criteria to enter.

00:24:36 Let it also be to the point we expect to provide

00:24:39 some form of corporate social responsibility

00:24:43 to the people of Trinidad and Tobago.

00:24:45 Let it be across the board.

00:24:46 Attempt to always target the police

00:24:51 when the data doesn't suggest that it's the police who is.

00:24:56 Police don't have $55 million.

00:24:58 No one is complaining to any entity or anybody for anything.

00:25:02 We need to be realistic.

00:25:06 There's no consultation with the association.

00:25:10 Persons legislate from where they are.

00:25:14 And there's a body of persons who are in tune

00:25:18 with the men and women on the ground

00:25:20 and understand the different challenges

00:25:23 that we are faced on a daily basis.

00:25:25 But no one consults us.

00:25:27 People want to legislate on police

00:25:31 to make the society better.

00:25:35 But we are in a lawless society

00:25:38 where all institutions have broken down.

00:25:41 So how do we fix everything at the same point in time?

00:25:45 Argument might be, let us fix part.

00:25:47 Let us fix with the pictures.

00:25:49 But why is it always the police?

00:25:51 - Yeah.

00:25:52 - And what results have that brought over time?

00:25:55 - Yeah, Mr. Dixon, it's always a pleasure speaking with you.

00:25:59 Thank you for your perspective this morning.

00:26:01 - Thank you very much.

00:26:03 - All right, bye for now.

00:26:04 So it's time for a quick break.

00:26:05 We do have this image for you.

00:26:07 It's from Ken Mahes.

00:26:10 Lonely picture, Ken.

00:26:12 And good morning.

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00:27:33 circular saws, jig saws.

00:27:35 Visit us at Mega Traders Limited,

00:27:37 number 81, St. Paris Street, San Fernando.

00:27:39 Call 652-4438.

00:27:42 Shop online at www.ebuystt.com.

00:27:45 (ethereal music)

00:28:10 ♪ Welcome back to school ♪

00:28:15 ♪ Mame, mame, stand home and do good ♪

00:28:20 ♪ I want you to understand ♪

00:28:25 - All right, so welcome back everyone.

00:28:26 So protest by parents of the Mafeking Government

00:28:29 Primary School in Mayaro.

00:28:30 They say the school was closed about a month ago

00:28:33 due to an electrical problem.

00:28:35 Since then, they complain that very little has been done

00:28:37 to fix the problem.

00:28:39 With us this morning is President

00:28:40 of the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers Association,

00:28:43 Mr. Martin Lumkin.

00:28:44 Mr. Lumkin, good morning,

00:28:45 and thank you very much for joining us.

00:28:47 - Good morning, Mr. Hopkinson.

00:28:49 Good morning, Trinidad and Tobago,

00:28:50 and thank you for having me on your program this morning.

00:28:54 - Of course, Mr. Lumkin.

00:28:55 Well, Mr. Lumkin, what is the situation this morning?

00:28:57 Has it remained the same way?

00:29:00 - The information that I have gathered thus far,

00:29:05 it is the same.

00:29:07 Nothing has changed thus far.

00:29:09 We are still seeking updates.

00:29:11 So today we will continue further investigation

00:29:14 into the situation at the Mafeking Government Primary School.

00:29:19 - So if it is that the institution has been shut down

00:29:22 for close to a month now,

00:29:25 I'm just wondering,

00:29:26 has there been alternative accommodation?

00:29:29 - As far as we are aware,

00:29:33 the ministry attempted to have the online engagement

00:29:38 in a case where the ministry does not foresee a long-term,

00:29:44 and in this case, they did not foresee a long-term closure,

00:29:49 they would seek to decant or have parts of the school

00:29:53 at other schools or buildings that can accommodate.

00:29:57 And so I know that the administration

00:30:00 would have looked forward to having the situation resolved

00:30:03 as quickly as possible so that the teachers,

00:30:08 the students can reoccupy the building

00:30:11 in a safe environment.

00:30:13 - Do you know, Mr. Lumkin, if there has been,

00:30:16 since the protest,

00:30:17 has there been any step by the education ministry

00:30:20 to address the situation in a more timely manner?

00:30:24 - We have not gotten such feedback,

00:30:27 but I would imagine that the protests,

00:30:31 the demonstration by the parents

00:30:34 would have given the ministry of education

00:30:39 that spotlight on the school.

00:30:44 As you know, in Trinidad and Tobago,

00:30:46 sometimes we require protests or demonstration

00:30:50 in order to bring some of the issues to the forefront.

00:30:53 And it's unfortunate that the parents

00:30:55 had to take these steps in order,

00:30:58 because we understand the frustration of the parents

00:31:01 in having their children out for such a long period of time.

00:31:05 Our teachers and all, they are frustrated.

00:31:08 Our teachers, by and large, want to teach.

00:31:10 They want to perform the duties

00:31:12 to which they were employed and paid.

00:31:15 And being at home or not having to do that

00:31:18 will help frustrate them.

00:31:20 - But when you do have a situation, incidents such as these,

00:31:24 surely there is an impact on the education of the students.

00:31:29 - Yes, and the learning loss.

00:31:33 So we came out of the pandemic recently, the shutdown,

00:31:38 and the ministry, as well as tutor,

00:31:41 recognize the learning loss that occurred.

00:31:45 And so the ministry is attempting to bridge that gap.

00:31:50 However, when you have instances where schools are closed,

00:31:54 that causes learning loss as well, too, especially a month.

00:31:58 We have roughly five weeks again for the term.

00:32:01 And part of that term is the revision

00:32:04 and the end of term tests.

00:32:05 By and large, and I say this confidently,

00:32:10 the majority of our educators, teachers,

00:32:13 will attempt to bridge that learning loss,

00:32:16 would attempt programs and even adjust the curriculum

00:32:21 so that they can bridge that gap.

00:32:23 Our curriculum is a spiral curriculum,

00:32:26 and the topics or the areas that you would do previously

00:32:31 impacts on the going forward.

00:32:33 And so you can't just skip a part of your curriculum

00:32:36 and go ahead as if nothing happens.

00:32:39 And our teachers recognize that,

00:32:41 but it places undue burden on them when this happens.

00:32:46 And what will happen is that you'll take a time

00:32:49 in order to bridge that gap.

00:32:51 - Yeah, Mr. Lumpkin, it would seem that every few months,

00:32:56 we do speak about problems at schools.

00:33:01 So the question is, is there need for greater monitoring

00:33:06 of the school environment?

00:33:09 I don't know, maybe some sort of team should be set up

00:33:14 to monitor schools on a frequent basis, in a timely manner

00:33:20 to identify some of the infrastructural problems at schools

00:33:24 before you have a situation

00:33:27 where you have to shut down an institution.

00:33:30 - Yes, there is the EFPPD.

00:33:35 That's the division within the ministry

00:33:36 that deals with repairs and upgrades and so.

00:33:40 But by and large, the Ministry of Education

00:33:43 relies on the principals at the schools

00:33:47 in order to have issues dealt with.

00:33:51 The majority of principals will send in the request

00:33:55 or inform the ministry

00:33:57 through what they call the ticket system.

00:34:00 In the past, we've had some challenges with it.

00:34:03 I can tell you personally, during the COVID period,

00:34:06 I would have sent in tickets just before the SCA

00:34:11 and they would never responded to,

00:34:13 and we would have follow-up.

00:34:14 However, I know the Ministry of Education

00:34:17 is attempting to improve

00:34:20 and there are instances of success.

00:34:23 The point I want to also make

00:34:25 is that our principals or administrators

00:34:28 are not qualified in facilities management

00:34:32 or even in project management.

00:34:34 So this is an area I think we need to focus as well too.

00:34:38 Principals are asked to do maintenance plans

00:34:42 and they would by and large,

00:34:44 try their best or get some help from outside.

00:34:47 And these maintenance plans take into account

00:34:50 the age of the building

00:34:52 and the needs of the building as well too.

00:34:55 In the case of Maffikin government,

00:34:58 where there was an electricity problem,

00:35:02 and we found out that the lines were sparking

00:35:05 from coming in,

00:35:08 and we would imagine that the school

00:35:10 would have had an increased load of electricity

00:35:14 due to the heat.

00:35:15 And the administration would have attempted

00:35:19 to have cooling systems, air conditions and so,

00:35:23 but the school was not wired for that.

00:35:25 And we are having that instance.

00:35:28 Separa E secondary,

00:35:29 I've been getting complaints about TNT having to come

00:35:33 and check the lines that go into the school

00:35:35 and change the type of lines as well too.

00:35:39 And these are the types of issues

00:35:42 that our principals by and large,

00:35:45 would not have experience or knowledge about.

00:35:48 And so it's probably time,

00:35:50 as you said to have a team

00:35:52 that would be in the different districts

00:35:57 that will lend support when it comes to infrastructure

00:36:00 and preventative maintenance as well too.

00:36:04 - Yeah.

00:36:05 Mr. Lamkin, if I can pull you in another direction

00:36:09 just for a short while.

00:36:11 Recently, the education minister would have spoken

00:36:13 about the presence of drug addicts in the nation schools.

00:36:18 She also spoke about gang members in the nation schools

00:36:22 and the education ministry.

00:36:24 And the minister at that time had promised

00:36:26 to do something about this situation.

00:36:29 Have you all noticed a change in the school environment?

00:36:33 Are there still convulsions,

00:36:37 if I can put it that way of violence happening

00:36:41 in the school environment?

00:36:43 Have you seen a change at all?

00:36:44 - We have not seen a significant change.

00:36:48 There may be instances,

00:36:50 and this is where I want to point out

00:36:53 one of the shortcomings of this entire issue

00:36:58 and the minister of education.

00:37:00 It appears to us that it is only being dealt with

00:37:04 when it rears its head.

00:37:06 There's no proactive measures being taken.

00:37:10 So we recognize that gangs, drug pushers,

00:37:15 and so seeing a lucrative area in the schools.

00:37:19 Now we have legislation which speaks about peddling drugs.

00:37:24 I can't remember the exact distance from a school.

00:37:29 It is a crime to do that and punishable by law.

00:37:34 We need to enforce that more.

00:37:37 And seeing that we recognize that these miscreants

00:37:42 are utilizing our schools,

00:37:44 we need to put more measures in place in terms of that.

00:37:47 But apart from what the schools can do,

00:37:51 there is also the need to have other agencies

00:37:55 intervene as well too.

00:37:58 And so it is a holistic approach we have to take.

00:38:01 We cannot be putting plasters on swords

00:38:04 and hoping that that will help.

00:38:06 We have to get to the root as well too.

00:38:09 And so increasing security in schools, yes, would help.

00:38:12 Increase in the instruments that would also,

00:38:16 the monitoring patrols along the perimeter fences,

00:38:21 because we understand that sometimes

00:38:23 they throw it over the wall.

00:38:25 So the students can get in and be checked and be free,

00:38:29 but then they go to the extreme ends of the perimeter

00:38:33 where it's not monitored.

00:38:34 And the persons throw over the illicit stuff.

00:38:39 And so there needs to be more monitoring.

00:38:43 However, counseling, guidance,

00:38:45 and those are the areas that we need some assistance

00:38:49 and beefing up with,

00:38:51 as well as looking at it holistically

00:38:53 in terms of Trinidad and Tobago,

00:38:56 and getting rid of gangs and drugs and so on

00:39:01 in the community,

00:39:04 because the school is a microcosm of the community

00:39:07 and the nation as a whole.

00:39:10 - Thank you.

00:39:11 Mr. Lumkin, as always,

00:39:12 thank you very much for speaking with us this morning.

00:39:15 - It's a pleasure being here.

00:39:16 Thank you very much, Mr. Hopkins.

00:39:16 - Bye for now.

00:39:17 So we are going to another break.

00:39:19 We do have this image for you.

00:39:20 It's of the San Fernando Yacht Club.

00:39:23 Coming back.

00:39:25 (upbeat music)

00:39:27 - Trinidad and Tobago Carnival 2024 is coming.

00:39:51 We invite you to come back home

00:39:55 for the launch event, Saturday, November 4th, 3 p.m.

00:39:59 Queens Park Savannah.

00:40:00 Join us as we launch the mother of all carnivals

00:40:05 with enchanting displays of stick fighting,

00:40:08 pretty masks, traditional carnival characters,

00:40:10 and fireworks.

00:40:12 Featuring performances by the best in Soka,

00:40:15 Steel Pan, Calypso, Chutney, and more.

00:40:18 Saturday, November 4th, 3 p.m.

00:40:20 The Queens Park Savannah will come alive.

00:40:24 Framing the entire family.

00:40:25 It's absolutely free.

00:40:27 Dear carnival, it's time to come back home.

00:40:33 A production of the National Carnival Commission

00:40:36 of Trinidad and Tobago in collaboration with

00:40:38 Tuco, Pantrinbaco, and TTCBA.

00:40:42 - This Christmas, get ready for the most enchanting

00:40:44 holiday experience of the year.

00:40:46 Journey into the heart of the season with Believe.

00:40:49 Christmas Around the World, a mesmerizing Christmas

00:40:52 concert spectacular.

00:40:54 Immerse yourself in the spirit of Christmas

00:40:57 like never before as melodies from every corner

00:41:00 of the globe fill the air with joy and wonder.

00:41:03 Experience the magic at two iconic venues.

00:41:07 Catch the spellbinding performances at Naperi Mabowl

00:41:10 on the 15th and 17th and feel the holiday chill

00:41:13 light up Queens Hall on the 22nd and 23rd.

00:41:18 Tickets are available now at islandetickets.com

00:41:21 or at Queens Hall box office.

00:41:23 Don't miss this unforgettable celebration of unity,

00:41:26 love, and the true meaning of Christmas.

00:41:28 Believe in the magic of the season and let the world's

00:41:31 harmonies inspire you.

00:41:33 John Thomas' Believe.

00:41:35 See online platforms for details.

00:41:38 - This Sunday, Sweet Men Promotion presents

00:41:42 Pan, Paran, and Soca at Estate 101.

00:41:44 Get your $200 tickets at islandetickets.com

00:41:47 and call for $300 special reserve.

00:41:49 Live performances by Dane Gelson, Shell Invaders,

00:41:52 the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Steel Orchestra,

00:41:54 The Barrett, Eddie Charles, Marcia Miranda,

00:41:56 Ronnie McIntosh, Los Amigos Canterores,

00:41:58 Showin Winchester, Tony Prescott, Viking Ding Dong,

00:42:00 and Nadia Batson.

00:42:02 ♪ Love ain't been marked ♪

00:42:04 Doors open 4 p.m. this Sunday, November 5th.

00:42:06 It's Pan, Paran, and Soca.

00:42:08 - Slavery, a terrible time in our history.

00:42:14 The kidnapping, buying and selling of people for profit,

00:42:18 the exploitation of another human being.

00:42:21 It still exists today.

00:42:23 It has a new name, human trafficking.

00:42:26 Anyone can be a victim.

00:42:29 There is forced labor, sexual exploitation,

00:42:33 and domestic servitude.

00:42:35 Human trafficking is a worldwide problem

00:42:39 and an emerging concern for us here in Trinidad and Tobago.

00:42:44 If you know of or suspect human trafficking activity,

00:42:48 call the counter-trafficking hotline at 804-CTU or 804-288.

00:42:53 Human trafficking is a crime.

00:42:57 Identify it, report it, stop it.

00:43:00 A message from the counter-trafficking unit

00:43:02 of the Ministry of National Security.

00:43:05 (horn honking)

00:43:08 (speaking in foreign language)

00:43:12 (breathing heavily)

00:43:34 (gentle music)

00:43:37 (upbeat music)

00:43:46 - All right, so welcome back everyone.

00:44:00 So our next guest is a gentleman

00:44:02 who has been one of the main voices

00:44:04 speaking out against the war on the Ukraine.

00:44:07 He is the Ukrainian ambassador to the United Nations

00:44:10 and non-resident ambassador of Ukraine

00:44:12 to Trinidad and Tobago, Mr. Sergei Kislytsa.

00:44:15 Ambassador, thank you very much for joining us this morning.

00:44:19 - Good morning.

00:44:21 It's very nice to be here with you.

00:44:23 - Of course.

00:44:24 Ambassador, let's look at what is still happening in Ukraine

00:44:29 because I do get the impression, Ambassador,

00:44:32 that since the war between Palestine and Israel,

00:44:37 the focus has really moved away

00:44:40 from what is happening between Ukraine and Russia.

00:44:44 Do you get that impression?

00:44:46 - Well, of course, I, like you,

00:44:48 or like all the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago,

00:44:52 been witnessing the huge coverage

00:44:56 of the war of Israel and Hamas in Middle East.

00:45:00 And we are not in competition for this attention,

00:45:03 but it is very important to remember

00:45:06 that the war in Ukraine has not faded away.

00:45:09 The war happens every day.

00:45:11 In fact, the last night was terrible in Ukraine

00:45:13 because Ukraine was hit again

00:45:15 by a wave of the Russian missiles and UAV drones

00:45:20 that hit the infrastructure

00:45:23 in many, many regions of Ukraine.

00:45:25 And people are dying in Ukraine every day.

00:45:28 So when all of us speak for the need

00:45:30 to stop the war in the Middle East immediately,

00:45:33 we should also remember that the lives of Ukrainians

00:45:37 are as valuable and precious

00:45:40 as the lives of people in the Middle East.

00:45:42 - Yeah, and I think that, Ambassador,

00:45:44 over the past few months,

00:45:46 the world was shocked by some of the sights

00:45:51 that we were seeing coming from Ukraine,

00:45:54 where we're seeing young children being killed,

00:45:57 women being killed, the elderly being killed.

00:46:01 Ambassador, there is the feeling

00:46:06 that what is being committed in the Ukraine,

00:46:11 we can boil it down to war crimes that are taking place.

00:46:17 - Well, absolutely.

00:46:19 And it was first Ukraine,

00:46:23 then transatlantic community,

00:46:25 then many countries like Trinidad

00:46:27 that condemned the war of aggression

00:46:30 on six occasions in the General Assembly.

00:46:33 I'm very grateful to Trinidad and Tobago

00:46:35 for voting together

00:46:37 with the overwhelming majority of the nations.

00:46:40 141 votes in February this year

00:46:44 when the General Assembly voted

00:46:46 for the underlining principles

00:46:48 for lasting and just peace in Ukraine

00:46:52 based on the UN Charter.

00:46:54 I mean, when we saw what happened in Israel

00:46:58 on the 7th of October,

00:47:00 when families, children, and elderly were executed

00:47:04 or taken hostage,

00:47:06 we well remembered what happened

00:47:09 in Ukrainian cities of Bucha or Erbil

00:47:12 when the occupiers moved in.

00:47:14 And it's not only my assessment,

00:47:18 it's also the assessment of the United Nations,

00:47:20 because if you look at the report

00:47:23 that was issued recently, a couple of days ago,

00:47:28 you would see that the UN has reported

00:47:33 that the Russian occupiers executed

00:47:37 in one of the villages, just one village alone,

00:47:39 they executed almost 40 people.

00:47:43 Every single family in that village now

00:47:45 has someone who perished due to the attack

00:47:49 by Russian missile on a funeral reception.

00:47:52 - Yeah, Ambassador, are you satisfied

00:47:55 with the intervention or the steps

00:47:59 that the United Nations and other countries

00:48:03 of the world have taken to address the war in Ukraine?

00:48:08 - Look, you know, it's true

00:48:12 that the Security Council is paralyzed.

00:48:15 The Security Council cannot take any meaningful decision

00:48:19 when it comes to war of Russia against Ukraine,

00:48:21 when it comes to the conflict between Hamas and Israel.

00:48:26 I mean, we saw the drama in the Security Council

00:48:28 in the last fortnight, what was going on there.

00:48:32 But we also saw the action by the General Assembly.

00:48:34 I mean, the General Assembly is very vocal on Ukraine.

00:48:37 The General Assembly was very vocal

00:48:40 on the crisis in the Middle East.

00:48:42 We got 141, 143 votes.

00:48:46 The resolution on the Middle East was carried by 120 votes.

00:48:50 So it is an impressive number of countries.

00:48:53 However, the problem is that it's not enough to be vocal.

00:48:58 It is also important to have the means and ways

00:49:03 how to enforce the decision of the overwhelming majority

00:49:06 of people around the world.

00:49:08 And that is what we are lacking,

00:49:10 because the architecture of the global security as it is,

00:49:13 as it was designed in 1945,

00:49:16 apparently does not match the challenges

00:49:19 of the 21st century.

00:49:21 And that is regretful because number of the conflicts

00:49:24 is increasing rather than decreasing.

00:49:26 - Yeah, you think that the hesitation comes from ambassador,

00:49:31 because there has been a fear that if there is,

00:49:36 there is, how do I say, a sort of strict sort of action

00:49:41 coming from countries, rigid action coming from countries

00:49:45 that it could trigger a world war.

00:49:48 Do you think that that is still very much a concern?

00:49:51 - I think what can trigger the world war

00:49:55 is the erosion of respect to international law,

00:49:59 international humanitarian law,

00:50:01 erosion of our dedication to peaceful resolution of disputes,

00:50:06 because there is nothing whatsoever

00:50:11 that can justify terrorist attacks

00:50:13 or that can justify territorial grabs by force,

00:50:17 no matter what the rhetorics are of this

00:50:19 or another government.

00:50:21 And I regret to say that if we do not address these issues

00:50:26 in the near future, we are heading to a total chaos

00:50:32 in this world.

00:50:34 - Ambassador, what role do you think that small countries

00:50:37 such as Trinidad and Tobago and other countries

00:50:40 in the Caribbean can play?

00:50:43 - Well, my friend, look, I always say the same thing.

00:50:47 You should not really refer to the geography

00:50:50 or the size of a country.

00:50:53 It doesn't really matter, because by the end of the day,

00:50:55 we all assemble in the same hall

00:50:58 on the first avenue in New York,

00:51:00 and it doesn't really matter whether you come from Trinidad

00:51:03 and Tobago or you come from Australia,

00:51:05 whether you come from Palau or you come from Canada,

00:51:08 whether you come from Ukraine

00:51:09 or you come from the United States,

00:51:12 because unlike in the Security Council

00:51:14 in the General Assembly,

00:51:15 every single country has the same vote.

00:51:19 And by the way, I would like to use this opportunity

00:51:23 to congratulate all the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago

00:51:26 with the fact that it is the son of Trinidad and Tobago,

00:51:31 Ambassador Dennis Francis,

00:51:32 who is the president of the General Assembly

00:51:34 until next September.

00:51:37 And he steers the discussions very skillfully.

00:51:41 The way he handles many challenges

00:51:44 from the rostrum of the General Assembly

00:51:46 is recommendable.

00:51:48 - Yeah.

00:51:49 Ambassador, the president of Ukraine,

00:51:52 he continues to put up a tough face and continues to...

00:51:57 - I apologize, I don't hear the question.

00:52:00 - You're hearing me, Ambassador?

00:52:02 Ambassador, you're hearing me?

00:52:05 All right.

00:52:07 I think we are losing the Ambassador.

00:52:08 - Yeah, go ahead.

00:52:10 I'm sorry to repeat the question.

00:52:11 - Yes, of course.

00:52:12 - I'm sorry to repeat.

00:52:13 - I was just saying the president of the Ukraine,

00:52:18 he continues to try to motivate his people

00:52:23 and continues to put up a very tough face

00:52:27 in light of this situation.

00:52:30 Do you think that he has been receiving the support

00:52:35 and the resources to continue fighting?

00:52:38 - Oh, absolutely.

00:52:40 I mean, of course, the Ukraine is a democracy

00:52:42 and in every democracy, you have lots of discussions.

00:52:45 And that is the intrinsic nature of any democratic state,

00:52:48 including Trinidad and Tobago

00:52:50 and many countries around the world.

00:52:51 But you also have to understand that 94% of the Ukrainians,

00:52:56 according to the latest poll,

00:52:59 believe that Ukraine will win the war.

00:53:02 And more than 80% of the Ukrainians

00:53:06 who participated in that poll

00:53:09 are against any territorial concessions.

00:53:13 So the president and the army,

00:53:15 the military leadership and political leadership of Ukraine

00:53:20 have lots of credit coming from the constituents

00:53:24 to fight for the freedom,

00:53:28 to fight against this neo-colonial war.

00:53:31 And, you know, the calculation of Putin

00:53:34 that the more people are killed in Ukraine,

00:53:36 the more they are prone to surrender is totally wrong

00:53:40 because families of Ukrainians are even more resolved

00:53:45 when they lose some of their members, you know,

00:53:48 and the more Ukrainians are killed,

00:53:50 the more the resolution in Ukraine to win the war.

00:53:53 - Yeah.

00:53:54 Ambassador, is there an end, you think, to this war

00:53:58 anytime soon and what needs to be done?

00:54:02 - No, I don't really see the end very soon,

00:54:04 and we should not really lead our public to believe

00:54:09 that the war in Ukraine is a Netflix series

00:54:13 with an end of the season.

00:54:15 It's not even a computer game.

00:54:17 It's a real high-technological war

00:54:20 between very strong armies.

00:54:22 There is a parity, and it's been acknowledged,

00:54:25 that when Russia believed

00:54:27 that they are the second army in the world,

00:54:30 they apparently proved that they are

00:54:31 the second army in Ukraine.

00:54:33 And there is this parity between the armies now.

00:54:36 There is a stalemate at the front.

00:54:39 But more generally, I mean, the military phase of this war

00:54:45 is not, when it is over, it's not the end of the war.

00:54:49 The end of the war is when the Russians,

00:54:54 the Russians, the citizens of Russia,

00:54:56 will have no appetite anymore

00:54:59 to go and grab someone's territory.

00:55:01 And that is a fundamental question.

00:55:03 The question is how Russia will return

00:55:05 to the beginning of democratic development.

00:55:08 And that means that they have to go back for years.

00:55:11 - Yeah.

00:55:12 Ambassador, is it that more mediation is needed?

00:55:16 - Can you repeat the question, please?

00:55:19 - Is it that more mediation is needed?

00:55:22 Mediation?

00:55:24 Mediation is needed when you mediate among the parties

00:55:29 who are committed to the principles,

00:55:35 in particular, fought by the General Assembly,

00:55:38 those principles that you can read

00:55:41 in the resolution of the General Assembly

00:55:42 of the 23rd of February about the principles

00:55:45 of sustainable and just peace in Ukraine.

00:55:48 I mean, so far, we see no desire

00:55:52 of the political or military leadership

00:55:54 of the Russian Federation to sit down

00:55:58 and discuss things around the UN Charter

00:56:02 and around the principles of the UN Charter.

00:56:05 We hear, nevertheless, we hear every day

00:56:09 from the officials and from state TV

00:56:13 of the Russian Federation the torrent of hatred.

00:56:18 And the hatred is not only towards the Ukrainians.

00:56:23 We saw recently the outburst of anti-Semitism

00:56:28 when a mob in Dagestan, in one of the regions of Russia,

00:56:31 took over the airport, and they were searching

00:56:34 for Jews or Israelis who supposedly arrived

00:56:39 on a flight from Tel Aviv.

00:56:41 So this atmosphere in Russia itself is not conducive

00:56:47 to any meaningful discussions.

00:56:49 And in fact, the Secretary General

00:56:50 of the United Nations himself, he says

00:56:53 that the two parties are not ready to sit down

00:56:56 and to have these conversations.

00:56:58 - Yeah, Ambassador, before you leave us this morning,

00:57:01 is there anything else you'd like to add?

00:57:03 - No, I'm very happy to be in Trinidad and Tobago.

00:57:06 You know, I was privileged to be

00:57:08 with the president of this country,

00:57:12 along with other heads of diplomatic missions.

00:57:15 I was very encouraged by the speech

00:57:17 that the president delivered to the ambassadors

00:57:22 and the peaceful nature of this speech

00:57:27 and this call for mutual understanding.

00:57:31 I think that the Trinidadians should be proud

00:57:33 of how the foreign policy of Trinidad is being conducted.

00:57:38 And I see it daily, as I said, in New York

00:57:43 when I listen to the president of the General Assembly.

00:57:46 - Ambassador, it was a pleasure speaking with you.

00:57:48 Thank you very much.

00:57:49 - Oh, thank you.

00:57:52 - All right, bye for now.

00:57:53 So it's time- - I can't hear you now, but-

00:57:55 - All right, bye.

00:57:58 Bye, Ambassador. - All right, thank you very much.

00:58:00 And have a good day.

00:58:01 - Thank you. - Enjoy your evening.

00:58:02 - Okay. - Enjoy your evening.

00:58:03 - All right, we do have the seven o'clock news headlines

00:58:06 for you, we're coming back.

00:58:08 (laughs)

00:58:11 (upbeat music)

00:58:13 Good morning, I am Anselm Gibbs with a news update.

00:58:21 With a hundred volunteer soldiers being called out

00:58:24 to support the police service,

00:58:26 some members of the public are praising the authorities.

00:58:30 - People are commenting about how effective

00:58:33 could be a hundred, the personality of the army

00:58:38 or the armed services and what differences does it make

00:58:43 if the prime minister says he's concerned.

00:58:45 It makes a lot of difference.

00:58:48 - If we are looking for ownership of the issue,

00:58:51 if the government is taking ownership of the situation,

00:58:55 presenting itself as the final arbiter of the actions

00:59:00 which will restore safety to the country,

00:59:03 safety to the citizens.

00:59:05 And I believe that we have reason to be cautious,

00:59:08 to be hopeful.

00:59:08 - In sport, Thursday's regional Super 50 match

00:59:14 between the TNT Red Force and the Jamaica Scorpions

00:59:18 ended in a no result because of rain.

00:59:22 There was some play as Jamaica got to 213 for nine

00:59:26 from 48 overs.

00:59:28 Sunil Narine and Aqil Hussain took three wickets each,

00:59:32 but rains prevented TNT from chasing

00:59:34 and that hurt Jamaica who have been eliminated.

00:59:38 And in the weather forecast,

00:59:45 there are still periods of partly cloudy skies

00:59:47 and rain throughout the islands,

00:59:49 contributing to the generally unstable weather.

00:59:53 Within the next 24 hours,

00:59:54 there's also a very slight possibility

00:59:56 of isolated thunderstorms, heavy showers

00:59:59 and periods of rain.

01:00:01 In the meantime, open water interest

01:00:03 should see moderate conditions with swells increasing

01:00:06 to a height of about two meters.

01:00:09 - Chicliche Limited, the Caribbean's largest manufacturers

01:00:17 of plain and printed paper bags.

01:00:19 Leaders in plastic bags, vermicelli,

01:00:21 split peas powder and grease proof paper,

01:00:23 ideal for doubles, french fries and sandwiches.

01:00:25 Supplying stores nationwide.

01:00:27 For quality products, trust Chicliche Limited.

01:00:28 665-3336.

01:00:30 - It's finally here.

01:00:32 La Vega's long awaited end of year seal.

01:00:34 Enjoy 20% off at both branches.

01:00:37 Beautify your home and garden

01:00:39 with a wide variety of indoor plants,

01:00:42 fruit trees, soil, pots and more.

01:00:44 There will be double chaconias, gardenias,

01:00:46 anthuriums, medellinas, bougainvillea

01:00:49 and red stem palms, just to name a few.

01:00:52 This is one seal you don't want to miss.

01:01:01 - Let's enjoy the sea, sand and sun.

01:01:04 - Speaking of sun, you know it's harder

01:01:07 for darker complexions to absorb vitamin D from the sun?

01:01:11 Hello, and in these times we need vitamin D

01:01:15 to strengthen our immune system,

01:01:16 protect against respiratory tract infections

01:01:19 and maintain healthy bones.

01:01:21 - Plus, sunscreen prevents 98% of UV light absorption

01:01:26 which is needed to meet vitamin D.

01:01:28 That's why I use Jamison Vitamin D.

01:01:32 - Jamison, here for your health.

01:01:34 - The world is in crisis.

01:01:39 Distressing news are flowing from every quarter

01:01:43 in the society and the hearts of many

01:01:46 are failing them for fear.

01:01:48 However, in the midst of these alarming conditions

01:01:52 come good news.

01:01:54 Jesus Christ saves, keeps and satisfies.

01:01:59 This is the message of Daybreak.

01:02:02 (upbeat music)

01:02:04 (upbeat music)

01:02:08 (door creaking)

01:02:11 (indistinct)

01:02:13 (indistinct)

01:02:16 (indistinct)

01:02:19 (indistinct)

01:02:21 (door slams)

01:02:32 (breathing heavily)

01:02:37 (upbeat music)

01:02:47 ♪ I know everybody's planning ♪

01:02:51 ♪ For this Christmas season coming ♪

01:02:55 ♪ I know everybody's planning ♪

01:02:59 - All right, everyone, welcome back.

01:03:02 - Let me just claim my truth.

01:03:04 - Yeah, so Project U is back with us this morning

01:03:07 and we do have in studio, Kaifa Michael Modest

01:03:11 and we are going to be speaking about a project,

01:03:14 just concluded Project Pads of Hope

01:03:17 and also Project U's plans for the Christmas season.

01:03:22 Kaifa, thank you very much for coming this morning.

01:03:25 - It was a pleasure.

01:03:26 It was quite rainy.

01:03:27 I thought like God was telling me not to come

01:03:29 because the closer I got to the express,

01:03:31 I was heavier the rain fell.

01:03:32 - Uh-huh, all right.

01:03:34 - We're here now.

01:03:35 - Okay, so tell us about the Pads of Hope project.

01:03:37 - The Pads of Hope was a drive

01:03:39 to collect feminine hygiene products

01:03:41 to those in need, women's shelters,

01:03:43 kids in residential care

01:03:44 because it turns out there's a need for that.

01:03:47 And that's where the Project U steps in,

01:03:49 to fill that gap, assist other NGOs,

01:03:52 women's shelters, things like that.

01:03:54 So we collected roughly 100,000 individual packages

01:03:59 and distributed as well.

01:04:00 The distribution is continuing right now.

01:04:02 We should be wrapped up in about a week or two.

01:04:04 - Yeah, so it was, I suspect you would say,

01:04:07 it was a successful exercise

01:04:09 where people contributed and donated these pads

01:04:14 and you distributed it after.

01:04:16 - The business community stepped up.

01:04:19 I think private citizens stepped up.

01:04:21 The women got a lot of support.

01:04:25 A lot of products have been distributed

01:04:27 and will be distributed.

01:04:28 - Yeah.

01:04:30 Is there, what about, do you still have product,

01:04:34 if I can put it that way?

01:04:35 - Mm-hmm.

01:04:36 - And if people need the pads,

01:04:41 how do they contact you all?

01:04:44 - They can send us an email.

01:04:46 I'm not sure if they provided it to you.

01:04:48 That'll be projectutt@gmail.com.

01:04:50 - Yeah.

01:04:51 - They can reach out to the social media pages.

01:04:54 What we have right now is allocated.

01:04:56 - Yes.

01:04:56 - But again, we could raise more efforts

01:04:58 and see what we could do.

01:05:00 - All right.

01:05:01 So I know that, well, for people familiar with Project U,

01:05:06 they have been on Morning Edition a number of times.

01:05:11 And we would have exposed some of the great work

01:05:15 that you all are doing in the community.

01:05:18 I'm sure that you do have something for us

01:05:21 for the Christmas season.

01:05:22 - Yeah.

01:05:22 For Christmas, we intend to have some more drives.

01:05:25 We intend to put together some care packages.

01:05:28 This would be, again, the same target audience,

01:05:31 the nonperishable food items.

01:05:34 We plan to do our next, not a pose of hope,

01:05:37 but like a buffer for the Christmas,

01:05:39 for the animal shelters, food for them.

01:05:42 We provide a little bit of medicine last night,

01:05:44 if we could do that again, for rescuers, things like that.

01:05:48 If we could provide maybe some more feminine products,

01:05:52 we can.

01:05:54 This will be, that will all fall under the care packages.

01:05:57 - So if it is that people who are looking at us right now,

01:06:01 of course, you would have given how people can get

01:06:04 in contact with you all.

01:06:05 But is there a headquarters that people,

01:06:08 if they want to donate things,

01:06:09 they can come and donate things?

01:06:11 - I wouldn't say much as a headquarters

01:06:12 'cause we're still young

01:06:14 and we're working on getting a headquarters,

01:06:16 but there are drop-off locations

01:06:19 that will be posted on social media.

01:06:21 - Yeah.

01:06:22 All right.

01:06:22 So what do you need at this time?

01:06:26 We spoke about the sanitary products.

01:06:33 What do you all need for the Christmas season specifically?

01:06:37 - Non-perishable food items is the main one

01:06:40 and animal feed.

01:06:41 - Yeah.

01:06:42 And when you, people contribute these items to you all,

01:06:49 how do you go about choosing who gets it?

01:06:53 - Well, to be honest, it's not so much a choice.

01:06:56 We try to attempt all.

01:06:59 So far, we haven't fallen short.

01:07:01 - Yeah.

01:07:02 All right.

01:07:03 - If someone reaches out to us, we've served so far.

01:07:06 - Yeah.

01:07:07 Is that the main way that people receive aid from you all,

01:07:10 that they contact you all?

01:07:12 - No.

01:07:12 - Or is it that you identify?

01:07:14 - We just, as much as we can do.

01:07:16 We have a list.

01:07:17 If someone didn't receive anything,

01:07:20 there was a chance that we have no communication with them.

01:07:23 We have no contact.

01:07:24 We didn't even know that they were there.

01:07:25 So that is part of the organization right now

01:07:28 to see, well, what's out there

01:07:30 because my numbers could be wrong,

01:07:33 but so far we have about 60 homes that we deal with.

01:07:37 I'm sure there's more, but I can't find that contact anywhere.

01:07:41 - Yeah.

01:07:42 - But I welcome them to reach out to us

01:07:44 so that we could build that database

01:07:45 so it's not a scramble anymore.

01:07:47 We're not waiting for them to reach out.

01:07:48 So when we're planning for the animals feed,

01:07:50 all feminine products, all food, non-perishable food,

01:07:53 we know that the number is no longer 60 homes.

01:07:55 It's now 100.

01:07:56 - Right.

01:07:57 - We try to target that number.

01:07:59 So it's not as if we're picking from the 60.

01:08:01 - Yeah.

01:08:01 So I guess what you're also saying

01:08:04 is that there is a demand for these sort of items.

01:08:08 - Yes.

01:08:08 - Families need it.

01:08:09 - Yeah, yeah.

01:08:10 Families need it.

01:08:11 Families, children in residential care, the homeless,

01:08:15 and a lot of NGOs and NPOs do a lot of work for the homeless

01:08:18 and still there's so much already.

01:08:20 - Yeah.

01:08:20 - So the more that we could do,

01:08:22 I believe that people have a responsibility.

01:08:25 Same way media has a responsibility.

01:08:26 Everybody in society has a responsibility.

01:08:28 And it's on us to be like our brother's keeper.

01:08:31 We just plan to fill that void.

01:08:32 - Yeah.

01:08:32 So if people want to contribute now to Project You,

01:08:37 how do they do that?

01:08:38 - They can reach out to us

01:08:39 and we'll direct them to a job location

01:08:41 or one of the members will meet them and pick it up.

01:08:44 - Yeah.

01:08:44 - Until we get a headquarters.

01:08:46 - Yeah.

01:08:48 You also have Project You packages.

01:08:51 - The care packages?

01:08:52 - Oh, these packages.

01:08:54 - Yeah, these packages are the feminine products

01:08:56 that we put together to be distributed.

01:08:58 So this was the end result of the drive.

01:09:04 - All right.

01:09:04 Taifa, anything else you'd like to tell us

01:09:06 before you leave us this morning?

01:09:07 - Well, we also plan for next year

01:09:10 that this will be now our second installation

01:09:13 of the Children's Fund Day.

01:09:15 This is something where we focus on as much children

01:09:19 in homes and residential care as possible

01:09:21 to just give them a day to just unwind.

01:09:23 Everybody gets unwind.

01:09:24 They should too.

01:09:26 And it's usually grand with artists, people having fun,

01:09:30 musical chairs, and having fun.

01:09:33 And we're going to do the same Paws of Hope

01:09:35 and Paths of Hope next year

01:09:36 as well as our gala, Casablanca.

01:09:39 So look out for those things.

01:09:40 - All right, Taifa.

01:09:41 Thank you very much for coming this morning

01:09:42 and thank you for the contribution

01:09:45 that you all continue to make to the communities.

01:09:47 Thank you very much.

01:09:48 - It was a pleasure.

01:09:49 Thanks for having us.

01:09:50 - So we are going to another break.

01:09:51 We are coming back.

01:09:53 (upbeat music)

01:09:58 ♪ What is Christmas ♪

01:10:00 ♪ I'm drinking anything ♪

01:10:02 ♪ What is Christmas ♪

01:10:03 ♪ I'm drinking anything ♪

01:10:04 (upbeat music)

01:10:09 ♪ I'm so weak ♪

01:10:12 ♪ I'm so weak ♪

01:10:15 ♪ I'm so weak ♪

01:10:18 ♪ I'm so weak ♪

01:10:21 ♪ I'm so weak ♪

01:10:24 ♪ I'm so weak ♪

01:10:27 ♪ I'm so weak ♪

01:10:30 ♪ I'm so weak ♪

01:10:33 (upbeat music)

01:10:36 - Port of Spain, get ready.

01:10:37 Bacchanal bubble and bad behavior is here at Napa.

01:10:40 For two nights only.

01:10:41 On Saturday the 4th of November at 8.30 PM

01:10:43 and Sunday the 5th at 6.30 PM.

01:10:45 - Henry stole $2 million.

01:10:47 - Nice guy, and he's the host?

01:10:48 - The hilarious Bacchanal bubble and bad behavior.

01:10:50 It's the comedy event of the year.

01:10:52 Port of Spain, Napa.

01:10:53 Don't miss it.

01:10:54 - Police. - Police.

01:10:55 - Sergeant Alexander Rogers, Port of Spain CID.

01:10:57 - Tickets available at our usual outlets.

01:10:59 Check social media and press for further details.

01:11:01 - More police. - What?

01:11:03 - Detective Sergeant Hayward, Columbia Police.

01:11:05 - Oh God.

01:11:06 (upbeat music)

01:11:09 (upbeat music)

01:11:12 (upbeat music)

01:11:15 (upbeat music)

01:11:18 (upbeat music)

01:11:21 (upbeat music)

01:11:24 (upbeat music)

01:11:27 ♪ I'm moving ♪

01:11:29 ♪ Moving forward every day ♪

01:11:32 ♪ Jesus ♪

01:11:33 ♪ I just let him lead the way ♪

01:11:36 ♪ Every second ♪

01:11:37 ♪ I'm moving ♪

01:11:38 ♪ Every hour of the day ♪

01:11:40 ♪ I'm moving ♪

01:11:42 ♪ With Jesus every day ♪

01:11:44 ♪ I'm moving 24/7 ♪

01:11:46 ♪ With Jesus every day ♪

01:11:48 ♪ I'm moving 24/7 ♪

01:11:51 ♪ I'm moving 24/7 ♪

01:11:54 ♪ With Jesus ♪

01:11:56 ♪ I'm moving 24/7 ♪

01:11:58 ♪ With Jesus every day ♪

01:12:01 - Kids, speak up against abuse.

01:12:04 - It is not acceptable for you to be abused

01:12:06 in any manner.

01:12:07 - From your parents.

01:12:08 - Family members.

01:12:09 - Or peers.

01:12:10 - You.

01:12:11 - You.

01:12:12 - You have the right.

01:12:13 - To refuse.

01:12:14 - To refuse the abuse.

01:12:15 - Report it to anyone.

01:12:16 - Guidance counselors.

01:12:17 - Doctors, teachers, or even your neighbors.

01:12:20 - Anyone.

01:12:21 - Anyone who can help.

01:12:22 - Speak up.

01:12:23 - Against abuse.

01:12:24 - Speak up.

01:12:26 - Speak up.

01:12:27 - Speak up.

01:12:28 - Speak up.

01:12:29 - Break the silence.

01:12:31 Child abuse is one secret you should never keep.

01:12:35 (car driving by)

01:12:38 (car engine revving)

01:12:41 - Anytime you leave your keys in the ignition

01:12:46 when you pull up to your driveway,

01:12:48 you make yourself an easy target for theft and robbery.

01:12:52 Make it tough for criminals.

01:12:54 Don't give them a chance.

01:12:56 Switch off your engine, remove your keys,

01:12:59 and stay alert.

01:13:01 - A message from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Department.

01:13:04 - A message from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.

01:13:07 (upbeat music)

01:13:12 - All right, so welcome back everyone.

01:13:27 Are you all enjoying the Christmas music

01:13:29 and the Parang music?

01:13:30 I tell you, we're in the Christmas mood, you know.

01:13:32 The only thing is missing right now is the Christmas tree.

01:13:35 When are we getting that?

01:13:36 Studio, you know?

01:13:37 Soon.

01:13:40 What?

01:13:43 This weekend I can come out and set it up, right?

01:13:46 So we're already in the Christmas mood, yeah?

01:13:49 Some of you are getting on real bad

01:13:53 in this Trinidad and Tobago.

01:13:54 I hear this story.

01:13:56 Trying to evict tenant.

01:13:58 HDC officials fired upon.

01:14:01 Housing Development Corporation officials were fired upon

01:14:05 as they sought to evict a tenant

01:14:07 at Tarredale Garden, San Fernando yesterday.

01:14:10 Now it was the second time in almost three weeks

01:14:13 that they had attempted to evict the tenant.

01:14:16 The HDC said in a statement that gunshots were fired

01:14:19 at their employees, but no one was harmed

01:14:22 as they carried out the planned eviction exercise.

01:14:26 Now following the gunfire, the HDC officials left the area

01:14:29 but returned with police officers

01:14:31 to continue the eviction exercise.

01:14:33 The HDC officials were acting on a report

01:14:36 that a tenant who owed thousands of dollars

01:14:39 and was previously evicted on October 12th

01:14:42 had returned to the property.

01:14:44 Well, I know that the HDC has been involved

01:14:47 in an exercise like that for a while now,

01:14:49 but some advice to the HDC.

01:14:52 Next time, go with some police officers, now.

01:14:55 It may be better for you, all right?

01:14:57 This is a different time, you know,

01:14:59 that we are operating in, all right?

01:15:03 So despite rampant murders and other crimes,

01:15:07 Erla defends cops on long leave.

01:15:11 Commissioner of Police Erla Christopher

01:15:13 is defending her decision to send senior officers

01:15:15 on vacation leave during this time

01:15:20 of rampant murders and other serious crimes.

01:15:25 Now responding to criticisms yesterday,

01:15:28 she issued a media release emphasizing

01:15:31 that sending officers on leave

01:15:33 would not affect the operationality of the TTPS.

01:15:38 She also defended the decision by stating

01:15:40 that one of the constitutional mandates

01:15:42 of the Commissioner of Police

01:15:44 is the effective management of the resources

01:15:47 assigned to the TTPS,

01:15:49 which includes human resources, okay?

01:15:53 All right, so we're moving on.

01:15:55 We do have something very interesting for you.

01:15:59 It's called Believe 2023, the concert,

01:16:03 and we do have John Thomas

01:16:05 and we do have Heather Dixon.

01:16:07 They are joining us right now.

01:16:10 Yes, Mr. Thomas, good morning.

01:16:13 - Hi, good morning.

01:16:14 - Ah, Mr. Thomas is fixing his frou there.

01:16:17 All right.

01:16:18 (laughing)

01:16:20 We caught you, Mr. Thomas, we caught you.

01:16:22 Yeah.

01:16:23 (laughing)

01:16:24 All right, so Mr. Thomas,

01:16:25 tell us about Believe 2023, the concert.

01:16:29 - Ah, well, basically Believe is back again.

01:16:34 We almost didn't have it this year,

01:16:37 but we're again pushing through,

01:16:40 and we have Believe at two locations this year.

01:16:45 We are coming to the Southland,

01:16:47 which we're very excited about.

01:16:49 We've had meetings and consultations

01:16:51 with the Naparimu Bowl,

01:16:53 and we are also at Queens Hall on the 22nd and 23rd.

01:16:58 As you know, Believe and OCM have a wonderful relationship

01:17:03 for the past seven, eight years,

01:17:06 and again, we are happy to partner with TV6 and OCM,

01:17:12 and this year our theme is Believe around the world.

01:17:17 - Yeah.

01:17:18 - So we're going to be featuring cultures,

01:17:21 we're going to be featuring cultures

01:17:23 from all around the world

01:17:24 as we tell the story of the nativity.

01:17:27 - Yeah, so is it because of the response

01:17:31 that you have gotten over the years,

01:17:34 you all have decided this year to hold a second event

01:17:38 which is going to be held in the Southland?

01:17:41 - Well, I don't know about second event.

01:17:43 It's the same event.

01:17:45 It's just that it is now brought down to the Southland

01:17:49 because of the numerous requests that we've been receiving.

01:17:53 "Why don't bring this down South?"

01:17:55 and that kind of thing.

01:17:56 So we're finally doing it,

01:17:58 and we're very excited about it.

01:18:00 - Yeah, don't be shocked if Tobago call you just now.

01:18:02 You're going to have to go across.

01:18:04 [laughter]

01:18:06 - And Miss Dixon?

01:18:07 - Well, they have made it to the South of us.

01:18:09 - Anywhere they call you, you have to go.

01:18:12 Not so, Miss Dixon?

01:18:13 - Of course.

01:18:14 Very much so.

01:18:15 Very much so.

01:18:16 - Miss Dixon, tell us about your participation here.

01:18:19 - Well, I am a member of the Believe Artists Collective.

01:18:25 I also function as the production assistant,

01:18:32 so scheduling when it comes to making sure everybody's okay,

01:18:38 making sure that at the end of the day,

01:18:41 everybody gets what they need,

01:18:43 sponsorship, everything like that, you name it.

01:18:47 We figure it out.

01:18:49 I'm part of that.

01:18:50 - Miss Dixon, you're a very important lady.

01:18:53 - I try.

01:18:55 - So are the preparations well underway for Believe 2023?

01:19:01 - Very much.

01:19:03 Very much.

01:19:04 Father, help us.

01:19:05 There is so much that goes into putting a show together,

01:19:11 and it's a beautiful chaos when I tell you.

01:19:16 So I'm very excited.

01:19:19 This is my second time around, and it's so much more --

01:19:25 I have so much of a better understanding

01:19:27 of what goes into putting a show together,

01:19:30 and I'm really grateful for the experience

01:19:34 that I have been getting through the Believe franchise.

01:19:39 - Yeah, and I see that John is delighted that you said

01:19:44 how you described it.

01:19:46 He's excited about it.

01:19:48 But, John, as Heather said, a lot goes into this production.

01:19:58 It's -- if I can put it this way,

01:20:01 it's really a pot of a number of things.

01:20:06 So you have the singing.

01:20:07 You have theatrics.

01:20:08 You have the lighting.

01:20:09 So a lot of things really go into these concerts

01:20:14 that are being held.

01:20:17 - Correct.

01:20:18 Yes.

01:20:19 So we have choreography, and, well,

01:20:22 the cast doesn't just come in, you know,

01:20:26 to sing their song and leave, like, the main cast,

01:20:29 because we have star cast, we have supporting cast,

01:20:33 and even the star cast has to learn choreography

01:20:37 lines, words, you know?

01:20:39 So it's a show that is very much like if you would go to see

01:20:44 in Radio City Hall or Broadway or if you're a Christian,

01:20:50 one of those shows from -- oh, goodness --

01:20:54 the Churchill kind of people.

01:20:56 But it's very much that kind of production,

01:21:01 very holistic and all-inclusive.

01:21:05 We have dancers, singers.

01:21:08 We have spoken-word artists.

01:21:12 We have people on the trapeze.

01:21:14 We have people doing all sorts of things,

01:21:16 but all coming together in a melting pot to produce and,

01:21:21 you know, bring forth something that is absolutely magical,

01:21:27 you know?

01:21:28 And this year, our theme, as I mentioned earlier on,

01:21:31 is Christmas Around the World.

01:21:33 And so the costuming is not just what you typically see.

01:21:38 It would be costuming from China.

01:21:42 It would be costuming from Korea, Jamaica, Germany,

01:21:48 you know?

01:21:49 You name it, we have it Africa, India.

01:21:54 And we've been playing a lot with melding the cultures

01:21:59 together.

01:22:00 And it's been such a wonderful experience because, you know,

01:22:05 we had to go down the rabbit hole of different cultures

01:22:07 around the world, you know?

01:22:09 And we had to figure out how we're going to present this

01:22:14 to the public.

01:22:17 You know, you have so many different facets to deal with

01:22:21 when you're putting together such a large theme like that.

01:22:25 And the choreography combined with the singing and music,

01:22:32 it's just absolutely breathtaking.

01:22:35 And we're very proud of it.

01:22:37 Yeah.

01:22:38 But how long does this take to have people prepared?

01:22:44 Does it take months for this to--

01:22:47 Well, this time it's taking a long-- it's taking longer,

01:22:50 I must admit.

01:22:51 Usually we take about two months to prepare a program to be

01:22:56 of first-class quality.

01:23:01 But because this year we chose this theme,

01:23:04 actually getting into it we thought, you know,

01:23:07 this was going to be a piece of cake.

01:23:10 But it really absolutely has made it much more difficult

01:23:16 because of all the research that we've had to do to not

01:23:20 offend cultures when we portray them and that kind of thing.

01:23:27 The wardrobe, you know, we just had to make sure.

01:23:33 And it is proving-- or rather it has proved to be really,

01:23:40 really very challenging, especially the programming,

01:23:44 being able to move seamlessly from one place of the world,

01:23:48 one corner of the world to the next.

01:23:50 Yes.

01:23:51 You know?

01:23:52 So-- but we're excited.

01:23:54 We are very excited.

01:23:56 Heather, it sounds like a process that just does not stop.

01:24:00 When it begins, it just does not stop.

01:24:02 And when you have the concert,

01:24:04 you move on to planning for the next event.

01:24:07 That's what it sounds like to me.

01:24:10 I learned that just from Belif the year before.

01:24:14 As soon as Belif was over, he was like,

01:24:17 "We have to get started right away."

01:24:20 And it has not stopped.

01:24:23 We've been going at this since January 2023,

01:24:27 and we are on the cusp of our show.

01:24:31 And when I tell you a lot has gone into it,

01:24:35 the letters that have had to be done, the programming,

01:24:38 making sure that people know when, where, how,

01:24:43 having our meetings.

01:24:45 There is so much that goes into it.

01:24:48 And when--that is why when this is all not done,

01:24:54 but when it finally comes to fruition,

01:24:56 you are so proud of the work that you've put in

01:25:01 and the result that you've gotten.

01:25:04 And it's also nice to see as the show grows

01:25:08 and it coalesces as you go through day one and day two

01:25:11 that it just gets better and better and better.

01:25:15 So show time is an exciting time.

01:25:21 As I keep saying, it's a beautiful chaos.

01:25:25 - Yes. - Because people just see a show

01:25:28 and they don't see all the running around

01:25:32 that's going on in the back.

01:25:33 It's a very fast-paced and interesting thing

01:25:40 to be a part of.

01:25:41 - Yeah. - I can't describe to you

01:25:43 how much the background, being a part of what it takes

01:25:49 to have that beautiful show,

01:25:52 what it--it does something different.

01:25:55 It means something different, yeah.

01:25:57 - John, I think that would it be safe to say

01:26:02 that you think that Trinidad-- people in Trinidad and Tobago

01:26:06 have developed an appetite for it?

01:26:09 And I put that in the context that when you all started,

01:26:13 was there a level of hesitation that you felt--

01:26:16 I don't know if people would accept this--

01:26:18 but you feel that there's an appetite now?

01:26:22 - Definitely, definitely.

01:26:24 So I've been involved in chorus work

01:26:30 for a really very long time.

01:26:32 I sang in the Lydians.

01:26:33 I sang in several choirs-- the marionettes, et cetera.

01:26:37 And I am--I come from that background,

01:26:42 a choral background.

01:26:43 My mother's a vocal coach.

01:26:44 I come from the Auntie Rita Porteo

01:26:47 who led the Eastern musical, the Northeastern choral

01:26:54 in the East.

01:26:55 I inherited the Eastern choral from her.

01:27:00 And I, you know, changed it a bit

01:27:02 'cause I was young.

01:27:03 I was 16 years old.

01:27:05 And we rebranded the Eastern Youth Choral

01:27:08 because I just felt uncomfortable teaching adults.

01:27:11 And we did what--I taught what I knew,

01:27:16 which was chorus work.

01:27:18 And then, you know, it developed along the way

01:27:21 because young people wanted something more energetic

01:27:25 and vibrant, so we started doing a lot of Broadway excerpts.

01:27:29 And from there, we noticed that the audience

01:27:33 respond very much to that kind of work.

01:27:37 So in order to appease my musicality and artistry,

01:27:43 I combined the choral work with other things,

01:27:50 other bells and whistles, as they were to say.

01:27:53 And we showed, basically, a transition

01:27:56 from one to the next.

01:27:57 And I'm building this--I've been building this audience

01:28:00 since I was 16 years old.

01:28:02 So it is difficult for me to say that the audience

01:28:06 would not accept because they've always been coming.

01:28:11 I've never not had an audience,

01:28:13 and I'm truly grateful for it.

01:28:16 I've never not had a full hall.

01:28:20 - Yeah, so they were fed very early by you, John.

01:28:23 - I'm truly grateful for it.

01:28:25 But I'll tell you that the interest has seriously grown,

01:28:30 and we are very proud of it because we've increased

01:28:32 the number of times we put the show on.

01:28:36 Before, it would be one show, maybe two.

01:28:39 Now we have three, four, maybe five, six.

01:28:43 So definitely, and also, Southland has been, you know,

01:28:48 really asking for it constantly.

01:28:51 "When are you coming to the South?"

01:28:52 "This show deserves to be in South."

01:28:54 "Why aren't you in South?"

01:28:55 "So hear what? Sandow, we coming!"

01:28:59 And the mayor of San Fernando,

01:29:01 the new mayor of San Fernando, is very excited about it.

01:29:04 And we are happy that he is,

01:29:07 and we are happy to have that support.

01:29:09 - And Heather, is the show, I can safely say that

01:29:12 the show is for everyone,

01:29:14 from the child to the elderly person who may want to come.

01:29:19 - This show is a show for families.

01:29:22 - Yes.

01:29:23 - So we encourage everyone,

01:29:26 give your family the gift of, believe this, yeah?

01:29:31 So it's bring your auntie, your auntie, your nanny, your dog.

01:29:37 (laughs)

01:29:39 We have put together a lovely program

01:29:43 of both world shows on songs,

01:29:49 and then we transition into the nativity,

01:29:53 and we still keep that theme of Christmas around the world.

01:29:57 You're going to hear songs in different languages.

01:30:00 You're going to hear that procession of the birth of Christ

01:30:05 in a fresh, new way.

01:30:08 You're going to hear from the hot mamas.

01:30:11 You're going to hear from Melissa Joseph.

01:30:13 You're going to hear from Farouk Jr.

01:30:15 You're going to hear from the Eastern Chorale.

01:30:17 You're going to hear from Critters Jordan.

01:30:19 You're going to hear from a real action

01:30:22 packed on a very dynamic group of singers, Candice, Kate, and Iphil.

01:30:27 We are so excited for you to come and experience

01:30:32 what we have to offer Trinidad and Tobago.

01:30:36 - Yeah, Heather is--

01:30:37 Go ahead, Heather.

01:30:39 I was just saying Heather is real passionate about this thing.

01:30:42 - I am, I am.

01:30:44 I'm so proud to be a part of this.

01:30:48 The thing about the Believe franchise is that we are always looking

01:30:54 for fresh, new talent and giving young people the opportunity

01:30:59 to be seen, heard, and known.

01:31:03 And I believe in that platform that we are offering to Trinbagonians.

01:31:12 There are a lot of us who--

01:31:14 They don't know who we are and being able to have that platform

01:31:18 where we can even be streamed, even internationally,

01:31:22 and giving young people the opportunity that they may not even have here

01:31:31 because of the platform that we have.

01:31:34 I believe in that.

01:31:36 I believe in that so much.

01:31:38 And so we want the public, we want Trinidad and Tobago to come,

01:31:45 to see, and to give the youth that are coming up an opportunity

01:31:51 to be--to show them what they have, if I may say.

01:31:57 - All right.

01:31:58 John, anything else you'd like to tell us before you leave us this morning?

01:32:04 Is John there?

01:32:05 - Can you repeat that?

01:32:06 - I say is there anything else you'd like to tell us

01:32:08 before you leave us this morning?

01:32:10 Heather is very passionate about it, so you have to follow up

01:32:13 on that performance there.

01:32:15 - Listen to me.

01:32:17 What I want to say, though, is that we've worked really very hard

01:32:21 on this programming.

01:32:23 We do provide such a wonderful platform for--and what people don't see

01:32:28 is that we have music literacy programs throughout the year.

01:32:32 We have summer camps.

01:32:33 We have many different things.

01:32:35 And the Believe is our largest fundraiser, as it were,

01:32:40 to assist all of these programs that we have running throughout the year.

01:32:46 So when you come to the show, you also support our cause.

01:32:49 It is not just a show.

01:32:51 It is so much more than just a show.

01:32:55 And I think that's why you're hearing all the passion from Heather

01:32:58 because she knows now all of what happens in the background of Believe,

01:33:03 where our resources go, what our mission is,

01:33:06 and what we want to achieve in Trinidad and Tobago.

01:33:09 We want to achieve excellence, and we want to bring forth to the public

01:33:14 nothing but excellence and service, and that is why you're hearing

01:33:19 that passion from Ms. Dixon.

01:33:22 But tickets are available online at islandetickets.com

01:33:27 and also at the Queen's Hall Box Office.

01:33:31 And if you're having any problems, they answer their help desk really well,

01:33:36 and both institutions are wonderfully run.

01:33:40 And they'll be happy to have a call and explain to you

01:33:44 how to go through that process.

01:33:46 So we are excited again, and we are looking forward to receiving the public

01:33:53 and having a wonderful time at Christmas around the world,

01:33:57 this Believe Christmas edition.

01:33:59 John Thomas, Heather Dixon, thank you very much for speaking with us this morning.

01:34:03 Thank you.

01:34:05 All right, we wish you all the best.

01:34:06 All right, so we are going to a very short break.

01:34:08 We are coming back.

01:34:10 [music]

01:34:30 [music]

01:34:42 This Diwali, let the divine lights of the dears bring victory over darkness

01:34:45 into your life.

01:34:46 Happy Diwali to all.

01:34:47 A message from Kaleidoscope Paints Limited.

01:34:49 [music]

01:34:51 This Christmas, get ready for the most enchanting holiday experience of the year.

01:34:56 Journey into the heart of the season with Believe Christmas Around the World,

01:35:01 a mesmerizing Christmas concert spectacular.

01:35:05 Immerse yourself in the spirit of Christmas like never before,

01:35:08 as melodies from every corner of the globe fill the air with joy and wonder.

01:35:14 Experience the magic at two iconic venues.

01:35:17 Catch the spellbinding performances at Naperi Mabol on the 15th and 17th,

01:35:22 and feel the holiday chair light up Queen's Hall on the 22nd and 23rd.

01:35:28 Tickets are available now at islandetickets.com or at Queen's Hall box office.

01:35:33 Don't miss this unforgettable celebration of unity, love, and the true meaning of Christmas.

01:35:38 Believe in the magic of the season and let the world's harmonies inspire you.

01:35:43 John Thomas' Believe.

01:35:45 See online platforms for details.

01:35:48 [music]

01:35:54 This thing is about to break for you.

01:35:57 Three hours in Gethsemane, he dragged that tire called salvation for man.

01:36:02 [music]

01:36:05 Lift my eyes unto the hills.

01:36:07 We only have one place to go for help.

01:36:10 Hallelujah.

01:36:12 So I celebrate in Jesus.

01:36:14 [music]

01:36:25 Walk into your new season.

01:36:29 [music]

01:36:53 [music]

01:37:04 All right, so welcome back everyone.

01:37:05 So the Holy Name Convent is having a bazaar.

01:37:09 And with us this morning, we do have the acting vice principal, Sister Renee Hall.

01:37:15 Sister, thank you very much for coming this morning.

01:37:17 Morning Marlon, morning Trent, to be go on all our viewers everywhere.

01:37:21 Yeah, well, Sister, let's get right into it.

01:37:23 Tell us about this bazaar.

01:37:25 So tomorrow, Saturday, 4th of November, we have our annual Christmas bazaar.

01:37:30 And I was just sharing with Marlon that we've been having this bazaar since 1946, 77 years.

01:37:37 And we're welcoming everyone to come to Holy Name tomorrow at number 2, Queen's Park East.

01:37:42 The entrance is $20 for adults, $10 for children under 12.

01:37:46 But if you're a ticket holder, because we have a tea experience,

01:37:50 so we have a tea stall, tea experience, we have lunch, we have a disco, we have Santa.

01:37:56 You know, just a fantastic event where we come together to raise funds for school, for children.

01:38:01 Yeah, and from what time can people come tomorrow?

01:38:04 12 o'clock, so from 12 noon sharp to 6 p.m.

01:38:08 At the school compound, there's parking.

01:38:11 You can go across to the TSTT car park behind the St. Gillingham Avenue,

01:38:15 or if you go down to the NLCB car park at the top of Pembroke Street.

01:38:20 So it's a real, you know, typical school bazaar where there's something for everybody.

01:38:24 Adults, teenagers, children, you know, it's just fantastic.

01:38:29 Yeah, and I was going to ask you that question because when I hear bazaar,

01:38:34 I have a certain concept in my mind what this entails.

01:38:39 I was happy to hear that you all are also having a disco.

01:38:42 Yes, yes. So it's something that would have, you know, evolved over the years.

01:38:47 It's run mainly by the Form 5s, but I want to stress that, you know, all of the classes have stalls.

01:38:53 Yes. And they offer different games.

01:38:55 So whether you're doing the pickle lollipop, different things,

01:38:59 plinko, but we have the chair plane, rock climbing.

01:39:02 For the adults, you can go to the H&C Boutique, one of my favorites.

01:39:06 So even right now as I speak, there's a whole store opening up with gently used clothes,

01:39:11 there's a white elephant just like new. Of course, what would be a bazaar without food and a lot of food?

01:39:16 Yeah. So we have lunch. You have wontons, wings and fries, hot dogs, hamburgers, poultry, bacon shark.

01:39:23 There's a family. The girls came to Holy Name and they're still coming back to give back to the school.

01:39:28 And they run a bacon shark at Maracas. So don't go Maracas tomorrow.

01:39:32 Come to Holy Name for your bacon shark.

01:39:35 Sister, it sounds to me like a family day, but but clean, wholesome, fun.

01:39:44 Yes, that's what it sounds like to me.

01:39:46 It is a community day in that you see everybody tomorrow, the Dominican sisters, all of our parents.

01:39:53 So this initiative, the steering committee, the engine room would be our PTA executive.

01:39:59 And all of the parent volunteers that they would have brought together.

01:40:01 Our teachers have been working very hard. October is Bazaar Month.

01:40:04 So for the entire month of October, we do the pre-bazaar fundraising so that you can buy gifts for their stores and also to decorate.

01:40:12 And you'd also see that we would have gotten some sponsorship, you know, from corporate TT, from public TT.

01:40:18 It's a community. All of our stakeholders, past pupils coming together as well.

01:40:23 But I want you to speak, sister, about the importance of raising funds for the school.

01:40:30 And that's why people should contribute.

01:40:32 Definitely. So the Hueneme Convent Bazaar is one of our major, major fundraisers.

01:40:39 And as a government assisted school, so we are grateful to our government for what they contribute to the education of our girls.

01:40:46 But we too must do our part. And you can well imagine a school is 121 years old.

01:40:52 We have growing needs, our running costs, maintenance, major repairs, developmental programs.

01:40:58 We pay our admin staff. You know, last year we had to replace our PBX.

01:41:02 And the year before that, the AC in the library went down. It's always five figures and six figures.

01:41:08 But it's not just raising funds. This is really an investment in the future of our country.

01:41:12 We know that the Hueneme women that we are producing, that they are transformative leaders.

01:41:18 And this whole Bazaar experience, when you see the girls, how they get involved, you know, not just in the fundraising,

01:41:24 but the critical thinking, the problem solving, the entrepreneurs.

01:41:28 You know, because they bring their little child to sell.

01:41:30 Really? At the school? Yes. And they have to get a food badge. They have to get permission from the admin.

01:41:35 You just can't come and bring things to sell. So you have to go into the office and say,

01:41:39 I'm going to sell this today. I have a raffle going. And, you know, we have Santa.

01:41:44 The North Pole will be at Hueneme tomorrow. I know that the teacher told me that she's already sold over 700 tickets for Santa.

01:41:52 So we'll be at Hueneme. So please bring your children down. Families come down.

01:41:56 Anybody connected to us, you're welcome to join us for our school Bazaar tomorrow.

01:42:01 Yes. So there is already a good response. Yes. Yes. Yes. Where can people get tickets?

01:42:07 So today at school, we'll be there. I'm sure till this evening.

01:42:12 You can come in. We have a little office set up by our Bazaar.

01:42:16 I've been coming in to assist from 8 o'clock. And I mean, I left a parent there after 7 last night.

01:42:22 He came in to look at, you know, because we had tents coming in and we have our auxiliary staff,

01:42:26 ancillary staff, you know, our facilities manager really ensuring that everything is in place for tomorrow.

01:42:33 So they can come down to the school. You can call us 623-8168.

01:42:37 We'll be there early tomorrow. You know, it's just a fantastic event.

01:42:41 Yeah. Anything additionally you'd like to tell us, sister, before you leave us this morning?

01:42:45 I would like to say that the only place that you ought to be tomorrow between 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock is at Holy Name Convent,

01:42:53 our number two Queen's Park East for our Bazaar. It is, you know, we kick off, we kick off the Bazaar season all throughout the country.

01:43:03 Lots of schools are having events, but we need your support. We appreciate your support.

01:43:09 And these young women, I keep saying to anybody who would listen that these are the young women,

01:43:15 the young people that we educate today will be the leaders of the 2050s.

01:43:19 So let's do what is right for them. Let's invest in our future of our country so that we can have a brighter Trinidad and Tobago for everyone.

01:43:27 The only place to be tomorrow, boy. Holy Name Convent, right, sister?

01:43:30 Yes, Marlon. Thank you. Thank you to CB6 and OCM for your support.

01:43:34 We partner with you for other events and we appreciate the support.

01:43:38 All right, sister. Take care and we wish you a good event tomorrow, a successful event. Bye for now.

01:43:43 So it's time for another break. We are coming back.

01:44:07 Have a Merry Christmas from SFCCU with an incredible seven loan available from November 1st to December 31st.

01:44:14 Apply now for up to seven times your shares at SFCCU.

01:44:18 Call us today at 657-5669 or visit us online at sfccu.com for more information on the incredible seven loan only from SFCCU.

01:44:29 Normal lending criteria applies.

01:44:31 You know, who would have ever believed that Jessica could take care of a child?

01:44:37 I know, right? I'm a kinship foster parent to my nephew Malik.

01:44:42 Papa, you remind me of my grandmother, you know, when she used to take care of my cousins.

01:44:47 If I didn't step in, I don't know where he would have ended up. Plus, I get support from Children's Authority, training and counseling.

01:44:57 But Jessica, you're not married.

01:44:59 That doesn't matter. Once you have a safe home and you're related to the child, you're good.

01:45:05 So did this give you money to do this?

01:45:07 Yeah, they do give me some money.

01:45:09 So, Auntie, you could buy a lamb and give it to me?

01:45:12 Oh, I'm so sorry, Malik, but that money is to take care of you. Okay, smuggle up, smuggle up, yes.

01:45:18 I will try. Mommy, you can buy a lamb?

01:45:21 No.

01:45:22 Wait, I haven't even finished my sentence.

01:45:24 About lamb-bogini, you can get lamb stew for lunch.

01:45:27 Auntie Jessica, Karuni, come when you come in, because all lamb stew is talking people business.

01:45:32 Malakai, I'm a Likole going all the way in.

01:45:34 But Mommy, the boy don't even live here.

01:45:36 Yeah, go to your bunkers.

01:45:38 What? Bunkers? Who is that? I think I'm getting pretty good at this.

01:45:42 Inspiration through song makes our souls rejoice.

01:45:53 Go out and tell the world of Jesus.

01:45:57 Tell of the wondrous things he did.

01:46:00 Inspiration through dance is fueled by the Spirit.

01:46:02 Go out and spread the gospel.

01:46:04 Inspiration is found in the diversity of creation.

01:46:08 Go tell the world of God.

01:46:10 Inspired Word of God, directs our path.

01:46:13 Join us every Monday morning at 8.30am, right here on TV6 for our many moments of inspiration.

01:46:22 The Kirop and Coastal Empowerment Ministries International of 27 McDonnell Street, Kirop, Trinidad, West Indies presents "Empowerment Through the Word."

01:46:33 Come with us as we affect humanity with the life-transforming power of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

01:46:40 We invite you to stay tuned and be blessed.

01:46:44 The World is in Crisis

01:46:46 The world is in crisis.

01:46:48 Distressing news are flowing from every quarter in the society.

01:46:53 And the hearts of many are failing them for fear.

01:46:57 However, in the midst of these alarming conditions come good news.

01:47:03 Jesus Christ saves, keeps, and saves again.

01:47:09 Jesus Christ saves, keeps, and satisfies.

01:47:14 This is the message of Daybreak.

01:47:17 Daybreak.

01:47:23 The World is in Crisis

01:47:27 This thing is about to break for you.

01:47:30 Three hours in Gethsemane, he dragged that tire called salvation for man.

01:47:35 Lift my eyes unto the hills.

01:47:40 We only have one place to go for help.

01:47:43 Hallelujah.

01:47:45 So I celebrate in Jesus.

01:47:47 There's a King who leads his people to victory.

01:47:55 We are destined to walk into your new season.

01:48:01 Ay, ay, Maria.

01:48:06 Ay, ay, Maria.

01:48:10 Sing Hosanna for our King.

01:48:15 In the highest let us sing.

01:48:18 Welcome back everyone.

01:48:20 So we do have two UB Valedictorians 2023 in studio right now.

01:48:25 We do have Cheyenne St. Hilaire Valedictorian for the Faculty of Humanities and Education,

01:48:32 BA Communication Studies with a minor in Public Sector Management.

01:48:36 What Cheyenne?

01:48:37 And we also have First Class Honors and Valedictorian, Lane Amichan.

01:48:43 Cheyenne, Lane, a very special good morning to all of you.

01:48:47 Cheyenne, you have me like this.

01:48:50 So how was this for you?

01:48:53 I mean, everyone goes into UWE and picking their courses of study and so on.

01:49:00 But when you learned that you were one of the Valedictorians, what was that experience like for you?

01:49:06 Okay.

01:49:07 Well, to be honest with you, I was coming back from work in the water taxi and I was asleep.

01:49:12 And I got an email and that vibration is what woke me up.

01:49:17 So I just saw congratulations, you're a Valedictorian.

01:49:20 And I was extremely excited.

01:49:22 So I just screenshot it at one time, sent it to my mom, my dad and my friends.

01:49:26 Yeah.

01:49:27 Well, I suspect Cheyenne, you were sleeping because of all of the work that you would have done, right?

01:49:31 Yes.

01:49:32 And Lane, what was it like for you?

01:49:34 Honestly, it was very different for me.

01:49:36 I initially got the news that I was nominated to be Valedictorian in the month of June.

01:49:41 And then they notified us via email that I was actually nominated in August.

01:49:47 Now, during that time gap, I honestly thought they forgot about it.

01:49:51 So I didn't know that I was still going to be selected.

01:49:54 And then I got the news that we had a sample address to prepare and I immediately took up the offer.

01:50:00 And when we did the sample address, again, I still did not expect to be nominated for Valedictorian.

01:50:07 When I got the message, I didn't even believe what I was reading.

01:50:10 And I showed my mom the message and I had to re-read the message just to make sure that I was reading it correctly.

01:50:16 Yeah.

01:50:17 So you had to address your colleagues on the day of graduation.

01:50:22 Was there a speech that you had to read?

01:50:24 Yeah, on graduation itself.

01:50:25 And what was your message to them?

01:50:27 It was basically about that it's okay to be uncertain.

01:50:32 You have to be confident in your purpose and take the time to figure it out.

01:50:37 And that it's okay to not know.

01:50:40 So it's just that because I myself, I was very uncertain about what I wanted to do and where I wanted to be.

01:50:47 And it was when I took a gap year and did my research and spent the time figuring out myself, my likes, my dislikes,

01:50:54 and what I would be passionate about.

01:50:56 And when I wake up in the morning, I am very excited.

01:50:59 That's how I figured it out.

01:51:00 And that was what I wanted to convey.

01:51:03 Yeah. And Lane?

01:51:04 I'm going to read the question.

01:51:05 As part of your address to your colleagues on that day at the graduation, what was your message?

01:51:12 I had multiple messages intertwined in my valedictory address.

01:51:16 One of the main addresses, points, was that it does not matter where you start in life.

01:51:21 It only matters where you finish.

01:51:23 Because some people come from a disadvantaged background and they tend to let those circumstances pull them down.

01:51:29 But I'm not of the belief that your circumstances define who you are.

01:51:32 I think that from whatever background you come from, you can still make it in your career.

01:51:38 I also had another message about doing something that you are passionate about.

01:51:42 I always preach to everyone, you must do what you love and love what you do.

01:51:45 And that is the only way to succeed.

01:51:46 Yeah. And Lane is the valedictorian for, let me see, Faculty of Engineering, BSc Electrical and Computer Engineering.

01:51:58 The boy has first class honors.

01:52:01 But Cheyenne, what is the next step for you?

01:52:08 Well, actually, I work now at the Caribbean Development Bank.

01:52:12 It's a remote position, corporate communications intern.

01:52:15 So it's directly up my alley.

01:52:18 So I get a lot of exposure to everything communications, press releases, news releases, working with graphics, updates on the website.

01:52:26 So it's really a holistic experience, molding me into the communications personality that I want to be in the future.

01:52:33 Cheyenne, you're looking like you're coming here.

01:52:37 Watch out for Cheyenne. And Lane, what's the next step for you?

01:52:41 So when I finished CAPE examinations, I was awarded a national scholarship.

01:52:46 So now that I've completed my studies, I'm working back for the government in the Ministry of Sport and Community Development.

01:52:51 So after I finish my obligatory service to the government, I honestly don't know what I want to do.

01:52:57 A part of me wants to further my studies in academia and do my master's and even PhD.

01:53:02 But I don't actually know if I'm actually going to follow through with that.

01:53:05 But it's something that I'm interested in.

01:53:07 Yeah, Dr. Amichand, doesn't sound bad, you know, Lane.

01:53:10 How do you keep focused, Cheyenne?

01:53:14 There are so many influencers out there.

01:53:17 How do you keep focused?

01:53:19 OK, well, first it would be prayer.

01:53:22 Having a relationship with God is important.

01:53:24 And apart from that, having a support system is extremely important.

01:53:28 I am so grateful for my family and friends who literally, I don't even know what to say.

01:53:35 They really pulled me through that journey.

01:53:37 Also, I love being organized.

01:53:39 So having a schedule for everything, I'd have everything printed out, writing out your assignments, what's next, so that you'd always be on the ball.

01:53:47 But most importantly, I just say having that support, having people to listen to you when you talk to anyone, don't keep it in.

01:53:54 Because you really need that community to uplift you and keep you grounded.

01:53:59 Yeah. So, Lane, when your friends came to you and say, hey, boy, let me go outside and lime.

01:54:04 During my course of my degree, that was not a shame when I did my engineering degree.

01:54:08 They don't have the time.

01:54:12 Lane is like, no, no, no, I have serious things to do. Right.

01:54:15 I have serious things to do.

01:54:20 There was a question I wanted to ask Lane, but again, it jumps off from Cheyenne's, what I asked Cheyenne,

01:54:28 how do you remain focused because of so many influences pulling and tugging at you?

01:54:34 I would say it's because I have a passion for what I do.

01:54:37 I actually like engineering, believe it or not, because that intersects everything that I am passionate about, which includes science, technology and maths.

01:54:43 So most people would say that they don't like it, but I actually like what I do.

01:54:47 And when you have that passion and you love what you do, it really becomes easy. It's not really work for you.

01:54:53 Yeah. So like Cheyenne, like Lane, Lane seems to be looking at bigger things.

01:55:01 You also have that passion that maybe a doctorate is in the cards. You never know.

01:55:08 Of course, of course, of course for me, yeah. But I would like to focus on getting work experience and exposure because there are so many niche areas that we don't know about.

01:55:18 So I'm really a research focused person. So when I work, I want to get a lot of experience in different areas so that when I do my master's and my PhD, it's something that I am certain that I want to pursue.

01:55:33 Cheyenne and Lane, it was a pleasure speaking with you all this morning.

01:55:37 We wish you all the best and and, you know, kudos to you, your studies and your successes.

01:55:46 And we were looking for greater things from you all. OK, doctors.

01:55:50 Thank you. It was a pleasure to be here. Thank you for inviting us.

01:55:53 Thank you. So that's the end of our show for today. Tune in for Emmy Prime.

01:55:57 That's at 930 p.m. Have a safe weekend, everyone. See you on Monday.

01:56:01 We do have this image for you. Bye bye.

01:56:05 Otherwise, later on in life, you will catch real hell.

01:56:10 Without an education in your head, your whole life will be pure misery.

01:56:17 And.

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