Morning Edition: 05th December 2023

CCNTV6

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Transcript

00:00:00 ♪ And it lives again ♪

00:00:02 ♪ I can't wait ♪

00:00:04 ♪ I can't wait to be back home ♪

00:00:07 - Hello, very good morning Trinidad and Tobago.

00:00:10 Welcome to the TV6 Morning Edition.

00:00:12 I'm Urvashi Tiwari-Ripnerine.

00:00:14 It's of course, December 5th, 2023.

00:00:17 I wanna thank you so much for joining us.

00:00:19 What are you doing this morning, December 5th?

00:00:22 Maybe having your cup of coffee or cup of tea.

00:00:25 Well, thank you so much for joining us

00:00:27 and taking us along with your day and choosing us really

00:00:30 to start off your day.

00:00:32 Well, as is customary, we tell you what's happening

00:00:34 in Trinidad and Tobago.

00:00:36 And for that, we go straight to the front pages

00:00:38 of the Express newspaper.

00:00:40 Guyana president rallies with citizens

00:00:43 after Venezuelans vote to take over Acequibo.

00:00:48 Do not despair.

00:00:50 We've got that feature story there by Marc Besant.

00:00:53 He and of course, cameraman Brandon Benoit,

00:00:57 they are our team across in Guyana,

00:01:00 just covering this referendum, the impacts and so on.

00:01:04 Message to Maduro, nothing you say,

00:01:06 no amount of propaganda or lies would drive any fear

00:01:10 in my heart or in the heart of any Guyanese.

00:01:14 Really reflective of that interview we would have had

00:01:18 just yesterday morning with health minister in Guyana,

00:01:23 Dr. Frank Antony.

00:01:25 What is this picture here?

00:01:26 Pan masters, champs, president of Pantrinbego,

00:01:30 Beverly Ramsey Moore.

00:01:31 Good morning to you, a regular on our morning show.

00:01:35 She celebrates with arranger, Andre White

00:01:38 and members of the Courtmasters Steel Orchestra.

00:01:41 And that's after the band won

00:01:43 the National Panorama single pan finals

00:01:46 at the Queen's Park, Savannah, Port of Spain on Sunday.

00:01:50 The band played Dr. Cassandra.

00:01:52 What a classic there, right?

00:01:54 So in crime news, man shot dead in bed.

00:01:59 Mom identifies decomposing body in central

00:02:03 and that is the body of Mikhail Hussain.

00:02:06 He and his brother, I believe, went missing sometime.

00:02:10 No, his brother went missing in August

00:02:14 and is still missing, that's Mathew Hussain

00:02:17 and Mikhail, whose body has been found,

00:02:20 he went missing in October,

00:02:22 last seen at a bar in Chacona.

00:02:25 So there is, of course, some closure for that mother there.

00:02:29 The murder toll, 533 this morning,

00:02:34 compared to 558 in 2022.

00:02:39 We are a bit lower, but still.

00:02:42 So many persons have been murdered in our country.

00:02:44 533, 533 mothers crying, 533 dead.

00:02:49 533 families grieving.

00:02:52 And of course, we'll have to live

00:02:54 with that trauma going forward.

00:02:56 Wife killer freed after three decades.

00:02:59 That story by Ricky Ramdas,

00:03:00 having spent almost three decades in prison

00:03:02 after being found guilty in 1999

00:03:06 of chopping his wife to death five years prior.

00:03:10 High court judge has ordered the immediate release

00:03:13 of a Mayaro man.

00:03:15 So of course, if you want to get the details of that story,

00:03:18 grab the copy of the Express newspaper now.

00:03:22 You can head out to your newsstands

00:03:24 or maybe log on to www.trinidadexpress.com.

00:03:28 What's happening in sport?

00:03:29 Let's go to the back page.

00:03:30 West Indies Academy trounce emerging Ireland,

00:03:35 and that would be on page 46.

00:03:37 And the big story there, Eve on hold.

00:03:39 Coach still waiting on extension.

00:03:41 He claims lack of support from the fraternity.

00:03:45 This photo by Jermaine Crickshank race

00:03:48 on Trinidad and Tobago's Nathaniel James left

00:03:51 tries to outpace USA's Younes Musa

00:03:54 during the Conquer Cup Nations League quarterfinal match

00:03:58 at the Haysley Crawford Stadium on November 20th.

00:04:01 TT won the game 2-1.

00:04:04 So grab your copy of the Express newspaper.

00:04:07 Well, it's now time to remind you

00:04:10 of our Trinbago Unice feature to participate.

00:04:13 It's very, very easy.

00:04:14 WhatsApp your videos and images,

00:04:16 maybe some Christmas themed videos and images.

00:04:19 We'd love that.

00:04:20 To the number 737-3778.

00:04:23 It's on your screen.

00:04:25 And we get to share it with Trinidad and Tobago.

00:04:27 This morning we're sharing with you a quote

00:04:30 just to inspire your December 5th.

00:04:33 If you change the way you look at things,

00:04:35 the things you look at will change.

00:04:38 Well, of course, we've got a very packed show

00:04:41 for you this morning.

00:04:43 Let's tell you what's coming up next.

00:04:45 We'll be still concentrating

00:04:48 on the Ester Quibble controversy.

00:04:51 We'll have a political outlook/economic outlook

00:04:55 on the Guyana-Venezuela controversy.

00:04:57 We'll be joined by economist Mariano Brown.

00:05:00 Next up, we'll be talking to the business community.

00:05:03 They'll be chatting with us about their 4X woes.

00:05:06 Vivek Charan and Shariza Ali will join us.

00:05:09 TGPS join us a little later on the show

00:05:11 to give us some tips and advice,

00:05:13 especially coming down to, you know,

00:05:16 it is festive Christmas, but it's also very commercialized.

00:05:19 So you'll need some tips just to make sure

00:05:21 you stay on the safe side.

00:05:23 And so Ford joins us.

00:05:25 He's the TGPS media ambassador.

00:05:27 And we're going to be taking your calls

00:05:28 a little later on in the show.

00:05:30 So stay close to your phone lines.

00:05:32 And for our regulars, you already know our numbers.

00:05:35 So stay close to your phone lines.

00:05:37 We'll be taking your calls at just about 7.30.

00:05:40 So we're going to take a quick break right now.

00:05:42 We will be back having a political outlook

00:05:45 on the Guyana-Venezuela controversy.

00:05:47 (upbeat music)

00:06:09 (upbeat music)

00:06:11 (upbeat music)

00:06:14 (upbeat music)

00:06:31 (upbeat music)

00:06:34 (upbeat music)

00:06:44 - Hey, hello guys.

00:06:51 Welcome.

00:06:52 Come have a seat.

00:06:53 This is so stylish.

00:06:57 Love the fabric.

00:06:58 - Darlings, you must tell us

00:07:00 where you got your new furnishings.

00:07:02 - We got them locally at Standard.

00:07:04 They've got new chic European furniture

00:07:06 crafted from high quality material.

00:07:08 - Oh, standard?

00:07:10 - No, it's Standard.

00:07:11 Their brand new hive collection.

00:07:12 - Experience luxurious European furniture

00:07:15 at a price you will love.

00:07:16 The Hive Collection.

00:07:17 Now exclusively available at Standard.

00:07:20 - What is Apex?

00:07:23 It is the pinnacle of high performance vision through a lens.

00:07:27 It's clarity, no matter what angle you look at.

00:07:30 It's comfort, no matter what you do all day, every day.

00:07:34 And it's customized with every digital measurement

00:07:38 your eyes require to see at their very best.

00:07:41 Apex digital lenses by Value Optical.

00:07:44 The ultimate lens design for your eyes.

00:07:47 Value Optical, expert care for your eyes.

00:07:51 - It have some people who just have to sew everything.

00:07:55 So what if I happy and I cheer on my child

00:07:57 for something small?

00:07:58 You know how hard them work for that?

00:08:00 So I have to live them up.

00:08:02 Always encourage your child in anything they do.

00:08:09 Not pressure, encourage.

00:08:11 Your faith in them will build their self-esteem

00:08:14 and confidence.

00:08:16 Praise their efforts.

00:08:17 Celebrate their success.

00:08:19 Support them through challenges

00:08:20 and acknowledge their efforts.

00:08:23 At the end of the day, do your best.

00:08:27 Share if you found this useful

00:08:29 and like and follow CTS profiles for more parenting tips.

00:08:33 The letter of the day is E, encourage.

00:08:39 (upbeat music)

00:08:43 ♪ Diary ♪

00:08:47 ♪ Is one love so feel free ♪

00:08:50 ♪ For we are the people of the Caribbean ♪

00:08:54 ♪ Showing that we go one of its plan ♪

00:08:59 - Welcome back TNT.

00:09:00 While we continue to keep you abreast

00:09:02 of this developing situation

00:09:04 between Guyana and Venezuela over a sequibal,

00:09:08 we will be joined shortly by former minister,

00:09:12 Mariano Brown to just get his perspective

00:09:14 on how the situation may impact TNT politically

00:09:17 and economically going forward.

00:09:20 Mr. Brown is not quite ready to join us.

00:09:23 We understand that he is about to enter the territory.

00:09:27 So in the meantime, we'll share with you a story

00:09:29 from our newscast last evening.

00:09:31 So with the results of the Venezuela's referendum,

00:09:35 affirming a decision to claim sovereignty

00:09:38 over part of what is currently Guyana's territory,

00:09:42 Trinidad and Tobago is issuing a call for peace.

00:09:46 Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr. Amory Brown says,

00:09:48 any calls for TNT to get involved in this dispute

00:09:52 in any way, shape or form is ill founded.

00:09:56 He took the opposition to task

00:09:57 for inserting itself into the matter.

00:10:00 This is a story from our 7 p.m. newscast last evening

00:10:04 done by Renessa Cutting.

00:10:07 With the results of Venezuela's referendum

00:10:09 indicating over 95% support for the establishment

00:10:13 of a new Venezuelan state in the Guyanese territory

00:10:16 known as Ezequiel, and no word yet

00:10:19 as to how Venezuela intends to achieve this goal,

00:10:22 TNT's Foreign Affairs Minister is issuing the following appeal.

00:10:26 -We continue to call on all parties

00:10:28 to respect the Caribbean Sea as a zone of peace

00:10:32 and for all to conduct themselves in accordance

00:10:35 with a peaceful common future.

00:10:38 -The Foreign Affairs Minister was speaking on the first day

00:10:41 of the CSME focal points attachment program

00:10:44 in Port of Spain,

00:10:45 in which Guyana is to be represented.

00:10:48 -Could we expect any group of countries

00:10:49 to be engaging in discussion on this issue as well?

00:10:52 -I'm not aware that it is the specific subject of the agenda

00:10:57 for the visiting focal points this week,

00:11:00 but it is a matter on the minds of the Caribbean community,

00:11:04 and as you know, CARICOM continues to speak

00:11:07 with one united voice.

00:11:09 -It's a united stance that the minister stresses

00:11:12 is based on principle, respect for international law,

00:11:16 sovereign borders, and due process.

00:11:19 -Would you consider TNT an ally to Venezuela?

00:11:22 -Trinidad and Tobago's position is identical

00:11:26 to the position of the Caribbean community

00:11:28 as a founding member of CARICOM

00:11:31 and a strong participation in CARICOM's deliberations,

00:11:36 formulations, and public pronouncements.

00:11:39 Trinidad and Tobago is fully identified and reflected.

00:11:44 Our position is reflected in CARICOM's statements.

00:11:47 We can anticipate another statement,

00:11:51 which is in draft at this stage

00:11:53 and which will be shared with the regional community

00:11:56 in the reasonable future.

00:11:57 So, again, we are stronger together.

00:11:59 We continue to speak with one voice.

00:12:02 -It's on these grounds that the foreign affairs minister

00:12:04 is calling on the opposition to cease and desist.

00:12:08 -I've been very disturbed by some voices

00:12:11 coming from the opposition in this country,

00:12:14 which once again is trying to make itself an outlier,

00:12:19 trying to insert itself into foreign policy matters

00:12:22 in which it has demonstrated very little expertise

00:12:27 and a partial for division and negative views.

00:12:32 Any cause for Trinidad and Tobago

00:12:35 to insert itself into the controversy

00:12:38 in the form of mediation or direct negotiation

00:12:42 is in direct contradiction,

00:12:46 a direct violation of the policy of Guyana,

00:12:50 a sovereign member of CARICOM, on this dispute.

00:12:54 So those are very ill-founded calls.

00:12:58 -Dr. Brown further notes that there is also

00:13:00 an ongoing territory dispute between Belize and Guatemala

00:13:04 as he reaffirmed CARICOM's commitment to its member states.

00:13:09 Vanessa Cutting, TV6 News.

00:13:13 -Very interesting developments there,

00:13:15 even here at home, about the controversy between Guyana

00:13:20 and Venezuela over the Ezequiel region.

00:13:24 So even the pronunciation of the territory in contention

00:13:31 is a bit of a controversy.

00:13:34 So I had one Guyanese person tell me that it's not --

00:13:40 well, that Venezuelans pronounce the region as Ezequiel,

00:13:46 while they pronounce it as Ezequiel.

00:13:49 So even that is -- the pronunciation

00:13:53 is a point of contention.

00:13:54 And I'm even reading here that Maduro, he would have said,

00:14:01 his country has taken the first steps of a new historical stage

00:14:05 to fight for Guyana, Ezequiel.

00:14:08 So even he refers to it as Ezequiel.

00:14:13 So that's very interesting there.

00:14:16 Just to remind you of what the UNC would have said on Saturday,

00:14:21 Barry Podaroff, a UNC MP, he called on the TNT government

00:14:28 to intervene as a mediator in the dispute

00:14:31 and to develop a comprehensive national strategy

00:14:34 to address the looming threat of war.

00:14:38 And, of course, Rodney Charles, in raising concerns

00:14:42 about the potential vulnerability of TNT

00:14:45 to Venezuela's military influence in the future,

00:14:49 well, he also suggested that this country play

00:14:51 a pivotal role in mediation between the two countries.

00:14:56 Of course, Dr. Brown's position is

00:14:58 that it matters still before the International Court of Justice.

00:15:01 So that is CARICOM's position.

00:15:04 And Trinidad and Tobago, as a member of CARICOM,

00:15:06 maintains that position.

00:15:12 So I understand Mr. Brown, Mariano Brown, our economist,

00:15:16 he is on the line.

00:15:17 A very good morning to you, Mr. Brown.

00:15:19 Good morning.

00:15:20 How are you?

00:15:21 I am very good.

00:15:22 And did you have a safe trip?

00:15:25 Yeah, I got that off the plane, yes.

00:15:28 All right.

00:15:29 Well, you look up and well and very energetic.

00:15:32 So let's just get straight to it.

00:15:34 We won't take too much of your time.

00:15:36 Does the opposition really have a say in this controversy,

00:15:41 even calling on our government to act?

00:15:46 You mean what?

00:15:47 We've gone to Venezuela and Guyana?

00:15:49 Yes.

00:15:51 Yeah, well, the answer to that is yes.

00:15:53 That's what a country consists of.

00:15:55 It consists of, essentially, an opposition and a government.

00:15:59 So the purpose of a government is--

00:16:00 the purpose of the opposition is to, essentially,

00:16:03 lay out a position.

00:16:05 It could agree, it could disagree with government.

00:16:07 But it has a rule, has a position,

00:16:09 in terms of galvanizing public opinion

00:16:12 in a particular direction.

00:16:14 But there are a couple of things that we ought to be--

00:16:18 opposition and government ought to be at eye them on.

00:16:22 One is national security.

00:16:24 And the other one is energy policy.

00:16:27 And literally, foreign policy more or less

00:16:29 follows from those two things.

00:16:30 Once you understand where you are, then by definition,

00:16:34 those positions should follow.

00:16:35 And the opposition should have--

00:16:37 government should have a consistent position

00:16:39 with the opposition.

00:16:40 And the country should understand them both.

00:16:43 Do you think that we have made our position clear

00:16:47 as it relates to the Ezequiel controversy?

00:16:50 Because we have always maintained

00:16:52 that non-intervention, non-interference approach.

00:16:56 I mean, we often hear that from the prime minister.

00:16:59 Although quite recently, he did call on Venezuela

00:17:02 to respect the decision of the ICG.

00:17:06 But we have not come out with our own statements

00:17:09 as other Caribbean territories have.

00:17:12 We have just stuck with the CARICOM position.

00:17:15 Have we made our position absolutely clear?

00:17:18 Well, I think the answer to that would be no,

00:17:22 we haven't said where we stand.

00:17:24 And there's a good reason for that.

00:17:26 Silence is golden in these circumstances

00:17:29 because opposition does not necessarily

00:17:31 align with that of CARICOM.

00:17:34 The moral of the story is that countries have interests.

00:17:37 And Trinidad and Tobago's interest

00:17:39 is aligned with its economic future.

00:17:41 Venezuela is, what, seven miles away.

00:17:45 We're actually closer than Guyana.

00:17:47 Instead of Venezuela, we're closer to Venezuela and Guyana

00:17:50 from that perspective.

00:17:52 So from that perspective, our position

00:17:57 would be different to the rest of CARICOM.

00:18:00 CARICOM can take a different position.

00:18:02 But we have a couple of things in position.

00:18:04 One, Venezuela is our big brother.

00:18:06 It's close by.

00:18:08 So we always have to be careful in terms

00:18:09 of what we say and how we say it.

00:18:11 And the second part of that is that we

00:18:12 have an interest in terms of dealing with Venezuela

00:18:14 on an energy policy basis.

00:18:17 So Trinidad is not going to come out and criticize

00:18:21 Venezuela openly.

00:18:23 We do so behind closed doors.

00:18:24 Now, it hasn't said that.

00:18:26 But I think that's quite clearly the position of the government

00:18:29 where that is concerned.

00:18:29 And I don't think there's anything

00:18:31 that we could complain about from that perspective.

00:18:34 Sure, we could tell Venezuela, follow the ICJ position.

00:18:39 Of course, that makes sense.

00:18:41 But on the other side, we also have a position

00:18:43 where we have to do business with Venezuela.

00:18:45 In fact, what is surprising is that we

00:18:48 aren't doing more business with Venezuela, not the reverse,

00:18:51 not less.

00:18:52 We need to do more.

00:18:54 We need to do more.

00:18:57 But if you think about it, Venezuela is seven miles away.

00:19:00 We probably have a couple of flights a week.

00:19:02 That's it.

00:19:03 Just think in terms of it has a population size of 25 million

00:19:07 people.

00:19:07 From the point of view of a market,

00:19:09 from the point of view of supply chain management and sourcing,

00:19:14 presuming that Venezuela's economy will recover,

00:19:16 then there's a lot of reason for us

00:19:18 to do business with Venezuela.

00:19:20 25 million people, Venezuela's a country.

00:19:23 Venezuela is 25 million.

00:19:25 Colombia is 49 million.

00:19:27 I mean, they're close by.

00:19:29 There's ample reason for us to do business with them.

00:19:33 OK, but given that--

00:19:37 yeah, just yesterday on our show,

00:19:38 we did have the Minister of Health for Guyana, Dr. Frank

00:19:42 Anthony, saying that--

00:19:43 well, he called on Caribbean territories.

00:19:45 He called on the international community, as a matter of fact,

00:19:48 to stand on principle.

00:19:50 Does standing on principle mean that we would jeopardize

00:19:57 the drug and gas deal, among other things

00:20:01 that you would have mentioned?

00:20:03 Well, I mean, if you stand on principle--

00:20:04 and Trinidad and Tobago has taken a principle stand.

00:20:07 It has recognized the International Court of ICJ's

00:20:10 position and the ICJ's--

00:20:13 how shall we call it-- relevance to the circumstances.

00:20:15 So there are two principles which have been established.

00:20:17 One is territorial integrity, and one

00:20:20 is the recognition of international institutions.

00:20:22 Trinidad has recognized both principles.

00:20:25 So if you're talking-- if Guyana is speaking on the basis

00:20:28 of standing on principle, Trinidad has stood on principle.

00:20:31 And what people may not be coming-- what people may not

00:20:34 be comfortable with is that Trinidad has not come out

00:20:36 and condemned the ventilator.

00:20:38 But as I said, Trinidad is in a position--

00:20:40 it's in a delicate position.

00:20:41 So the language that could be used by the rest of CARICOM

00:20:45 is not the language that could be used by Trinidad,

00:20:47 and not the language that would be used by Trinidad.

00:20:49 And I think citizens have to recognize that.

00:20:52 We have to take away the emotion, in the sense

00:20:55 that we have an emotional support position for Guyana

00:20:58 as a CARICOM country.

00:20:59 That's not to say that Trinidad is not going to support Guyana.

00:21:02 It will, and it has.

00:21:04 But one also has to recognize that Trinidad

00:21:06 has to be careful in terms of how it does it.

00:21:10 So if the position is not clear for people,

00:21:13 it is because what people want is an unequivocal statement,

00:21:16 a statement that says directly, this is it.

00:21:20 Venezuela should not do X. Venezuela should not do Y.

00:21:23 Trinidad has to be more nuanced in its position.

00:21:26 It will say so, but it will say so behind closed doors,

00:21:28 and it will say so quietly.

00:21:30 It's not going to say so loudly.

00:21:32 And quite frankly, anybody complaining about that,

00:21:35 not living in the real world, Trinidad and Tobago

00:21:37 lives seven miles away from Venezuela.

00:21:40 They are 25 times bigger than us by way of population size.

00:21:43 If you discount the 5 million people

00:21:46 that are supposed to have left, you still have 25.

00:21:49 Still has an army, still has a navy.

00:21:52 It's close by.

00:21:53 I mean, it's the area, what you call it.

00:21:54 You don't have to travel for more than about 15 minutes

00:21:57 by boat, and you're not certain whether you're

00:21:58 in Trinidad waters or in Venezuela waters.

00:22:01 So it requires Trinidad and Tobago

00:22:03 to be delicate, to be careful in its use of language,

00:22:09 to say what it has to say, but to say it quietly,

00:22:12 and not to wield a big stick.

00:22:15 Condemnation aside, Mr. Brown, does TNT

00:22:18 have a role in mediation?

00:22:21 Difficult. You can't mediate when

00:22:26 you have such a clear interest.

00:22:30 Mediation is normally done by third parties.

00:22:34 And that puts everybody-- any potential negotiator

00:22:37 in a compromising position.

00:22:39 Who doesn't have an interest?

00:22:40 The US has an interest.

00:22:41 The US has an interest in Venezuela.

00:22:44 It has an interest in terms of preserving, if you will,

00:22:47 its hegemony in this part of the world.

00:22:51 So it is, by definition, not a disinterested third party.

00:22:54 It has very many interests.

00:22:55 It has interest in Venezuela from the way of oil and gas.

00:22:58 It has interest in Guyana in the way of oil and gas.

00:23:01 So what it would want to do is to preserve the peace.

00:23:03 And by definition, Venezuela's position

00:23:05 is we would like to see-- sorry, US position

00:23:08 would like to see democracy come into play.

00:23:10 So you can't say that it would play a good negotiator.

00:23:14 It would be quite the opposite.

00:23:15 The same is true of literally almost any European country

00:23:19 at the moment.

00:23:19 Everybody has interests.

00:23:21 So there's always a difficulty in terms

00:23:22 of who is going to be saying what and for what.

00:23:25 Venezuela has something that the rest of the world wants,

00:23:27 which is energy resources.

00:23:30 It sits on the largest deposit of oil

00:23:33 in this part of the world.

00:23:35 So anybody coming to the table is not

00:23:38 coming with what one would call a disinterested position.

00:23:41 Everybody has interests.

00:23:43 Yeah, I even asked Health Minister yesterday

00:23:47 if he thought the US was supporting Guyana because

00:23:51 of ExxonMobil, because of their interests.

00:23:53 And his response was, well, we do have mutual interests.

00:23:56 So I do get your point there.

00:23:59 Well, the answer to that is--

00:24:00 he couldn't say yes, but the answer to that

00:24:02 is unequivocally yes.

00:24:03 And if you look at--

00:24:05 in terms of looking at US foreign policy,

00:24:09 the first man appointed under the Bush--

00:24:11 not Bush, under the Trump regime was the key man in Exxon.

00:24:20 Why did they appoint him?

00:24:21 Well, very simply, they had interest

00:24:23 in Russia, so you're talking about somebody--

00:24:25 geopolitical companies of that nature and that size,

00:24:28 literally as big as other countries.

00:24:31 So the man who's running an oil company in that sense

00:24:34 knows the people.

00:24:35 You would have to have met them and hands at the highest level.

00:24:38 So that's the kind of person that you appoint

00:24:41 to a senior position in government,

00:24:43 a senior position in a hegemonic government.

00:24:46 When they pick him, that tells you

00:24:48 very much in terms of where America is positioned

00:24:51 and stationed.

00:24:52 So of course they have interest.

00:24:54 Of course Exxon's interest matters.

00:24:57 It would be foolish to think otherwise.

00:24:59 Given that lines are being drawn internationally,

00:25:04 does this controversy-- or can it

00:25:07 affect our relationship with the US, given that the US are

00:25:11 allies, and they have indicated so clearly

00:25:13 the military presence and so on in Guyana?

00:25:18 Well, the answer to that is obvious, yes.

00:25:20 I mean, if you think about it, for us

00:25:21 to get any kind of conversation going with Venezuela,

00:25:24 we needed to get permission, literally,

00:25:27 from the US government to avoid sanctions.

00:25:29 And yes, of course it would affect our position

00:25:32 with the US.

00:25:33 But Trinidad has made some big decisions before.

00:25:38 If you consider-- if you go back to Trinidad's foreign policy,

00:25:41 1974, the height of the Cold War,

00:25:43 Trinidad and Tobago established a diplomatic relationship

00:25:47 with China.

00:25:48 China was not then the powerhouse that it is now.

00:25:51 But Trinidad joined in 1974.

00:25:55 And the Chinese haven't forgotten that.

00:25:57 So the bottom line is that Trinidad and Tobago does

00:25:59 follow an independent line.

00:26:00 Consider also, the US has had an embargo against Cuba

00:26:04 for 62 years, 63 years.

00:26:06 Yet we have a diplomatic relationship with Cuba.

00:26:11 And we have supported-- we have spoken out in support of them.

00:26:13 So Trinidad and Tobago does have the capacity and has a time,

00:26:16 and has followed an independent line from the US.

00:26:19 But at the same token, as I said before,

00:26:21 it requires us to be sensible in terms

00:26:25 of how we speak and converse.

00:26:26 If people are expecting the government

00:26:29 to speak loudly on this matter, that would be inappropriate.

00:26:34 It may be a correct emotional response,

00:26:37 but it would be an incorrect response

00:26:39 for the government of Trinidad and Tobago

00:26:41 to take that position nationally.

00:26:43 How can conflict, physical war--

00:26:46 how do you think that that will change the situation?

00:26:49 Will we then have to--

00:26:51 because of fear that we may be involved,

00:26:53 we may be in some way--

00:26:56 our position will change?

00:26:59 Well, all right.

00:27:00 Trinidad's position is equivalent to Switzerland's

00:27:03 position in the sector.

00:27:05 Switzerland has been an international country that

00:27:07 has never gone to war within the recent times.

00:27:15 So let's put it this way.

00:27:16 It has done business with everybody in these

00:27:18 circumstances, whilst respecting international rules

00:27:21 and international jurisprudence.

00:27:24 Trinidad's position will have to be equivalent to Switzerland's.

00:27:28 So the bottom line is, because it has always been a safe haven,

00:27:31 and Trinidad will have to continue to be.

00:27:33 Given this situation, this is exactly what will happen.

00:27:36 We will speak.

00:27:37 We will say what is necessary if Venezuela

00:27:41 enters militarily into Guyana.

00:27:43 Trinidad will take a position.

00:27:45 And the position is more than likely to support Guyana

00:27:48 and to criticize Venezuela.

00:27:49 But that does not mean to say that Trinidad will

00:27:51 stop speaking to Venezuela.

00:27:53 Quite the opposite.

00:27:55 That is a time when you have to speak most loudly and most

00:27:59 frequently to the enemy, to somebody

00:28:02 who is perceived as the enemy.

00:28:04 Why?

00:28:05 Well, we'll be seven miles away.

00:28:06 I mean, we have to be realistic about this.

00:28:09 This is real politic.

00:28:11 We can't afford to be guided by emotions and say, well,

00:28:14 they shouldn't be doing that and so on.

00:28:16 You could feel it.

00:28:17 You could want it.

00:28:18 But we have to be far more sensible in these circumstances.

00:28:21 How do you think that this situation will play out?

00:28:24 Like, logically, we've been seeing Venezuela

00:28:29 setting up their military, as you mentioned,

00:28:31 along the border of the Essequibo.

00:28:33 And same for Guyana.

00:28:36 I don't think anything else is going to come of it besides

00:28:38 that.

00:28:40 Now, this dispute goes back a long way, 100 years.

00:28:46 And at the time, Venezuela would have felt hard done

00:28:51 by when Britain used its power or was influential

00:28:57 in the world situation.

00:28:59 Britain in 1899 would be the equivalent of the US

00:29:02 in today's terms, so that Venezuela

00:29:06 dealing with the independence at that stage of the game

00:29:09 for, what, 94 years.

00:29:12 The revolution started, and the war of revolution,

00:29:14 started in 1805.

00:29:16 For most people who don't remember it,

00:29:18 literally Trinidad and Tobago is the jumping-off point

00:29:21 for the war of independence in Venezuela.

00:29:24 This is where-- Trinidad is where Bolivar left from.

00:29:28 Who was he supported by?

00:29:29 He was supported by Britain.

00:29:31 So that Venezuela always had a positive or friendly

00:29:34 relationship with Britain.

00:29:35 But when it comes to the issue of territory,

00:29:38 they and the British interests departed in 1899.

00:29:42 They've always felt that this has been a hatchet job.

00:29:45 And that's something that people in the Caribbean

00:29:47 have not understood.

00:29:49 On every map in Venezuela, part of the Essequibo region

00:29:53 is shown on Venezuelan maps as zona reclamada,

00:29:57 the zone that belongs to us, the zone that

00:30:00 is capable for reclamation, for us to claim it back.

00:30:04 And that's how every Venezuelan would have grown up,

00:30:07 literally from childhood.

00:30:09 So in their head, that's what they see.

00:30:11 So we have to be conscious of that.

00:30:13 But at the same token, this is international boundaries.

00:30:16 They have been determined over time.

00:30:20 I don't think that Venezuela can do much more.

00:30:22 And you have to remember also there

00:30:23 are two powers on either side of Venezuela.

00:30:25 One is called Brazil, and the other one is called Colombia.

00:30:29 One is 49 million people.

00:30:31 One is 100 and something million people.

00:30:33 The armies are a little slightly different.

00:30:36 And Brazil has interest in Guyana.

00:30:38 And it would not necessarily want

00:30:40 to see Venezuela expand toward that one.

00:30:42 So there are a number of key things and developments

00:30:47 that will prevent Venezuela from doing more to enforce

00:30:53 or to take control of that region.

00:30:55 To do so will be to upset the political balance

00:30:58 in the region and also trigger a different type of response.

00:31:02 And for most people who are not aware,

00:31:04 Venezuela and Colombia, as much as they were one country

00:31:08 at one time, have a very difficult relationship.

00:31:12 And affecting Guyana is also going

00:31:14 to affect that balance in that part of the world.

00:31:16 So I don't see Venezuela doing more

00:31:17 than what they're doing now.

00:31:20 Do you think conversations are happening behind closed doors?

00:31:23 People are whispering to Maduro or probably talking to him,

00:31:26 challenging him.

00:31:30 Well, that is always possible.

00:31:32 You know what they say, an easy head that wears the crown.

00:31:35 But one does not know what is taking place in the back office.

00:31:39 And it could happen within the party.

00:31:41 The presumption is that he's the undisputed leader

00:31:44 within his party.

00:31:48 But there's always a rival somewhere around.

00:31:51 And depending upon how things go and whatever happens,

00:31:54 he could be the post.

00:31:55 And one must not underestimate the power

00:31:58 of the army in Venezuela.

00:32:01 Venezuela's route to democracy is very short.

00:32:07 Up until 1959, it was a dictatorship.

00:32:10 So let's forget that the army has a very powerful rule.

00:32:14 Mariana Brown, economist and, of course,

00:32:16 chief executive officer at the UE Arthur Lockjack Global

00:32:20 School of Business.

00:32:21 Let me thank you so much for taking the time to join us.

00:32:24 It was a very interesting conversation.

00:32:26 Let me thank you so much again.

00:32:28 Thank you very much for the time.

00:32:30 Do have a good day.

00:32:31 Well, to our viewers, it's now time for a quick break.

00:32:33 But as we head off, we share with you this positive quote.

00:32:37 "The journey of 1,000 miles begins with one step."

00:32:42 We'll be right back.

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00:35:41 Well, welcome back, TNT.

00:35:43 We'll be talking Forex.

00:35:44 We'll be talking crime.

00:35:45 We'll be talking about the upcoming very

00:35:47 festive season of Christmas.

00:35:50 I'm going to welcome Vivek Charan.

00:35:51 He is chairman of the Confederation

00:35:54 of Regional Business Chambers.

00:35:56 And of course, Shariza Ali.

00:35:58 She's vice president of the Canupia Business Chamber.

00:36:01 We'll be talking, as I mentioned,

00:36:03 about accessing Forex and the challenges involved

00:36:07 in dealing with banks to obtain, of course,

00:36:09 the most wanted US dollars.

00:36:12 A very good morning to you both.

00:36:15 Good morning.

00:36:16 Thanks for having me on.

00:36:18 So we seem to be having some difficulties connecting

00:36:23 with Shariza Ali.

00:36:25 While we sort that out, Mr. Charan,

00:36:27 let's go ahead and kick it off by telling us

00:36:31 what exactly is the situation, your challenges in accessing

00:36:37 Forex.

00:36:38 Has it changed at all?

00:36:40 At the moment, no, it hasn't changed.

00:36:42 The situation remains pretty much the same.

00:36:46 So there is the shortage, which the minister of finance

00:36:50 has spoken about.

00:36:52 I think everybody knows now that part of the reason for that

00:36:55 was those VAT repayments or the VAT bonds that

00:36:58 were paid to the energy sector.

00:37:00 It means that sales of Forex to the public

00:37:03 were much less, considerably less than usual.

00:37:05 So the commercial banks, even though they

00:37:07 got the amounts they wanted from the central bank

00:37:10 for that particular injection, they

00:37:14 were unable to reach their quota in terms of, let's say,

00:37:17 sales to the public from the energy sector.

00:37:20 What was particularly troubling as well

00:37:22 was when the banks decided to cut credit card limits by 50%.

00:37:28 Now, the good news is that since that time,

00:37:32 the minister of finance has signaled

00:37:34 that there could be a facility for Forex through the Ex-Im

00:37:39 Bank.

00:37:39 The Ex-Im Bank has contacted many chambers.

00:37:42 We ourselves, I was there at a meeting at the Ex-Im Bank.

00:37:45 And it's quite promising.

00:37:46 The Ex-Im Bank had put out some--

00:37:49 they're trying to get a feel of the size

00:37:53 and the requirements necessary.

00:37:55 And we're hoping that this could possibly

00:37:58 be ruled out according to the Ex-Im Bank, perhaps by January.

00:38:02 That being said, we've kind of missed this logistical season

00:38:05 for Christmas.

00:38:07 So it has been troubling.

00:38:09 And the other thing to note that's quite important

00:38:12 is that while a facility, however large the facility may

00:38:16 be for SMEs that the Ex-Im Bank can provide,

00:38:20 this would be a cash facility, meaning

00:38:21 that any Forex that can derive from that particular facility

00:38:27 would have to be paid for immediately.

00:38:30 And to do so, then we're looking at SMEs or MSMEs

00:38:34 having to have the cash flow to do so.

00:38:38 When we look at MSMEs and the fact

00:38:41 that they're seasonal in nature, one of the issues that comes up

00:38:44 is, irregardless of the access to Forex that they have,

00:38:48 we also have to look at the limitations in terms

00:38:51 of their cash flow, the ability to pay on the spot

00:38:54 or at the particular time immediately for the Forex that

00:38:57 is being purchased.

00:38:58 And that's where credit cards come in.

00:39:00 And that's why credit cards are essential for businesses.

00:39:04 Credit cards are essential for businesses, particularly SMEs,

00:39:07 simply because it allows them to purchase goods on credit

00:39:12 through their credit cards and then pay according

00:39:16 to what their cash flows are at the end of the month and so on.

00:39:19 And often, this is a cycle between more than one credit

00:39:23 card.

00:39:24 So what we're asking is, in addition to any facility,

00:39:30 I believe that the facility will bottleneck

00:39:32 in terms of businesses that can only afford certain amounts

00:39:40 of Forex at a particular time when they're actually

00:39:44 doing well or they have that cash flow.

00:39:47 In order to have goods on the shelves throughout the year,

00:39:50 the credit card, MSMEs--

00:39:53 that's microbusinesses as well-- is essential.

00:39:56 And so it allows them to be able to afford

00:39:59 to purchase the US dollar.

00:40:00 So if the banks would consider at least increasing

00:40:06 the credit limit on corporate credit cards,

00:40:12 at least for the time being, it would help businesses.

00:40:15 It would help them to breathe a bit more,

00:40:17 particularly as we get into the new year

00:40:19 and that sort of thing.

00:40:20 Already, I feel that many businesses

00:40:23 have been struggling with just getting the goods that they

00:40:26 need for Christmas.

00:40:27 Because remember, when goods come in, that's one expense.

00:40:30 Purchasing the goods is one expense.

00:40:32 When the goods hit the port, it's

00:40:35 another considerable expense when

00:40:37 you consider vat and duty that needs to be paid on the goods.

00:40:40 So bringing in a container of goods

00:40:41 means that you also have to pay the vat and duty.

00:40:44 And that eats up a lot of your cash flow.

00:40:46 And the goods aren't even on your shelves as yet.

00:40:48 So it's important that when we look at the entire system,

00:40:53 in terms of if we want to provide help to the MSMEs,

00:40:56 which the government says they're willing to do,

00:40:58 and the Ex-Im Bank is also helping,

00:41:00 that the commercial banks also look at the situation

00:41:04 and say, at least we're willing to raise the credit

00:41:08 limits on corporate cards.

00:41:09 And that would allow for corporate customers

00:41:13 to access the money that they need.

00:41:15 Because many of these businesses also are debt-into-the-bank.

00:41:18 They also have obligations to the bank.

00:41:19 And they need to be able to operate as a growing concern

00:41:23 so that when their revenues come in, not only are they

00:41:25 going to pay their debts, but they also

00:41:26 have to pay their financial obligations to the bank.

00:41:29 But Mr. Charon, aside from the limit on the credit cards,

00:41:32 if I'm not mistaken--

00:41:33 I'm not sure if this is just for personnel

00:41:35 or if corporate cards are also affected--

00:41:39 the bank tells you that you can only spend--

00:41:42 despite your limit, it could be $15,000, $20,000, and so on.

00:41:47 They would tell you you're only allowed

00:41:49 to spend, say, $500 US per month or per billing cycle.

00:41:55 Well, that's the effective credit limit, let's say.

00:41:58 So you're quite correct.

00:42:00 So back in the day, a couple of years ago,

00:42:03 I would say more than five years ago,

00:42:06 credit card limits were much higher for corporate cards

00:42:08 or across the board.

00:42:09 It was quite possible that you could get $25,000, sometimes

00:42:12 more in certain banks, on one credit card.

00:42:15 Over the years, as the supply of Forex has dwindled

00:42:21 or as the supply of Forex has fallen,

00:42:25 we find that the banks have reduced that credit limit

00:42:29 until right now it's $5,000 per month.

00:42:32 Regardless of the fact that your credit rating allows you,

00:42:36 perhaps as a business, to access much more,

00:42:39 the real effective limit is--

00:42:42 And Mr. Charon, that, of course, gives rise to the black market.

00:42:46 I mean, I know when you have a little US to change, 10 US, 20

00:42:53 US, 100 US, you'll go to, more than likely,

00:42:56 those Chinese groceries.

00:42:59 Or even there are some stores in and around Port of Spain

00:43:02 that sell clothing.

00:43:04 You go there, you get rates of 7, in some cases, 720.

00:43:08 And I think that's a good thing.

00:43:10 In some cases, 720, in other cases.

00:43:12 But that's just an indication that there's

00:43:16 a need for US currency.

00:43:19 Yes, there is.

00:43:20 I mean, I can't say that that's the actual black market

00:43:22 that we're worried about.

00:43:24 Because most of the--

00:43:25 But what also happens is you find many people

00:43:29 have family that lives abroad.

00:43:31 And the family that's abroad often

00:43:32 take care of the people here in Trinidad,

00:43:34 which means that they send down US dollars to them

00:43:38 on occasion, so every month or every so often,

00:43:40 to help take care of expenses.

00:43:42 So those of us on the high street,

00:43:43 we're accustomed with that.

00:43:45 Sometimes people come in with US dollars.

00:43:47 You know, it happens.

00:43:48 Sometimes tourists come in with US dollars.

00:43:50 It happens.

00:43:51 But the issue with the black market is speculation.

00:43:55 So for example, on the black market, what happens

00:43:57 is when this thing had happened with the credit card limits

00:44:03 and that sort of thing, the black market prices,

00:44:06 as it were, jumped up drastically.

00:44:08 People are asking for crazy amounts, 8, 8.5 shortages

00:44:13 and so on.

00:44:14 And the reality is that when we look at international trade,

00:44:19 when we look at the quantity of goods

00:44:20 that have to be imported into Trinidad and Tobago--

00:44:23 and the thing is, you can't blame the consumers for that.

00:44:25 And you can't blame the businesses for that.

00:44:27 That is the reality.

00:44:28 When we look at consumables in Trinidad and Tobago,

00:44:31 how many of our consumables are actually manufactured here?

00:44:34 One.

00:44:35 The second thing is when you look

00:44:37 at the price of the goods that are imported

00:44:39 into Trinidad and Tobago, we're not only looking at luxury

00:44:41 goods.

00:44:42 What we're looking at is the largest volume of commodities

00:44:47 that are imported into Trinidad and Tobago

00:44:49 fall within a certain price point.

00:44:51 And that price point is important

00:44:53 because it exactly matches the largest

00:44:57 volume of disposable income of all people

00:45:00 in Trinidad and Tobago, which is not the highest level.

00:45:03 It's not even the middle highest level.

00:45:06 It's-- we're talking about middle, middle lower income.

00:45:09 When you look at the size of our population,

00:45:11 that is below the poverty line.

00:45:13 It's growing.

00:45:13 When you look at the size of our population,

00:45:15 that can be classified as lower income.

00:45:17 How do these people go out there and buy their commodities?

00:45:21 And that's why importing is important

00:45:23 because when people import, most of the businesses

00:45:27 do so to sell volume.

00:45:30 And when you sell volume, you're looking at catering

00:45:33 to the needs of your consumer, which

00:45:34 is, in essence, the disposable income of your consumer, which

00:45:43 with inflation, is it increasing or decreasing?

00:45:45 The fact of the matter, it is decreasing.

00:45:48 So it's an entire system.

00:45:51 It's not just separate transactions or here and there.

00:45:55 Everything works together.

00:45:57 I think we've got--

00:45:58 Ms. Charissa Ali, we've managed to correct

00:46:01 that technical difficulty.

00:46:02 Ms. Ali, vice president of the Canupia Business Chamber,

00:46:05 are you there?

00:46:06 Good morning to you.

00:46:08 Good morning.

00:46:09 Thank you so much.

00:46:10 So let's bring you in.

00:46:12 If you could turn on your camera,

00:46:14 let's bring you into the conversation.

00:46:16 Are you concerned about how the forex is being

00:46:21 shared among businesses, how the pie really

00:46:24 is being split up and shared?

00:46:26 I know a couple of years ago, a few years ago,

00:46:28 we did have a sort of exposé as to where the US currency was

00:46:33 going.

00:46:34 We saw it went into luxury cars.

00:46:36 We saw that some supermarkets had greater access

00:46:39 to the foreign exchange than others.

00:46:42 Are you concerned about how it is being shared

00:46:46 and where it really goes?

00:46:49 Well, our chamber had a discussion on the forex.

00:46:53 And we were disappointed, being that the foreign exchange is

00:47:01 going to mostly the big business in Trinidad.

00:47:05 So we have the small and medium business,

00:47:08 which is suffering to get forex.

00:47:10 And as Mr. Charan said, you sometimes

00:47:14 have to buy US black market.

00:47:18 Some people share people cards, and people business.

00:47:22 Some people business close because of this.

00:47:25 So we are really concerned about it.

00:47:27 And we do hope that something is put in place to change that

00:47:31 and correct that situation.

00:47:34 How would you expect or how would

00:47:36 you like it to be allocated?

00:47:40 Well, I would like it to come from the banks

00:47:43 and to treat everyone equally, and whom they see fit

00:47:48 to give the forex to.

00:47:51 And it will build business.

00:47:54 It will build business, especially in Trinidad.

00:47:56 And what I see is that there are really small and medium

00:48:00 business suffering because of this.

00:48:02 And I think that the heads of the banks

00:48:06 come together with the heads of chambers and with a discussion

00:48:10 and see what we can do to fix this or change it for business.

00:48:16 Mr. Charan, should some sectors or some parts of the business

00:48:21 community be prioritized?

00:48:24 Well, some parts of the business community are already prioritized.

00:48:26 As a matter of fact, food distribution is prioritized.

00:48:30 And I would like to--

00:48:32 allow me to make a small correction.

00:48:33 It's not supermarkets that are accessing large amounts of forex.

00:48:37 It is actually food distributors,

00:48:39 which is a different thing.

00:48:40 Supermarkets actually don't import that much.

00:48:42 But it is the food distributors that have--

00:48:45 some of them have distributorships, et cetera.

00:48:47 They bring in the food, and then they

00:48:49 sell to the supermarkets.

00:48:50 What also happens is when you look at our food import bill,

00:48:53 astronomically, it has been rising.

00:48:55 Now, if you go on to--

00:48:58 I think it's World Bank data.

00:49:00 You can look at Trinidad and Tobago,

00:49:02 and there's actually a graph that shows you

00:49:04 our food import bill and how astronomically it's been rising.

00:49:07 So when you look at things like that,

00:49:09 you kind of get an idea of where, particularly,

00:49:13 forex has been going.

00:49:15 Now, it's quite important--

00:49:17 like, Sareeza says, everyone's talking about fairness and how.

00:49:22 What's happened is the actual issue

00:49:24 is the supply of forex, which really has

00:49:26 started to fall since 2012.

00:49:29 In an environment of scarcity, we're going to have conflict,

00:49:32 and we're already seeing the conflict.

00:49:33 The conflict comes about because people are saying,

00:49:36 well, you are to blame, and you are to blame.

00:49:38 You're using too much credit cards,

00:49:39 and credit cards is now a bad word,

00:49:42 because it's been publicly stated

00:49:44 that businesses that use credit cards,

00:49:47 you are the problem.

00:49:48 The issue here is that we were never a problem before.

00:49:51 It's only when the shortage comes up,

00:49:53 or this shortage started occurring in a real sense,

00:49:57 and it's going to be a critical sense pretty soon,

00:50:00 that the blame game has begun.

00:50:03 And conflict, in a sense, has now entered the conversation.

00:50:06 We wouldn't have a problem with importers and small business

00:50:09 bringing in goods or anything like that

00:50:11 if we did not have a shortage.

00:50:13 But we do have a shortage, and that is a fact.

00:50:15 And that shortage needs to be fixed on two ends.

00:50:18 On one end, the government has to also determine

00:50:22 what is their plan to increase the earnings of foreigns.

00:50:26 Not everybody can earn foreigns.

00:50:28 On the other side, we also have small, medium, micro businesses.

00:50:32 And we have to ask them.

00:50:33 I have to ask them.

00:50:34 Confederation has to ask them and say.

00:50:38 We talk about diversification economy,

00:50:40 and we put it squarely on the hands of the government.

00:50:43 But on another level, we also need to look at diversifying

00:50:47 ourselves, our small and medium and micro businesses,

00:50:50 to find a way to export to earn foreigns.

00:50:53 You can manufacture, but that doesn't mean

00:50:54 you're going to earn foreigns.

00:50:56 Export is the key here.

00:50:58 How are you going to export to the region?

00:51:02 Digitally, you're going to use that as a framework to do so.

00:51:05 You're actually going to manufacture,

00:51:06 or you're going to be a re-exporter.

00:51:08 You're going to bring goods in, and you're

00:51:10 going to try to export to some of these smaller islands

00:51:12 to begin with.

00:51:14 And there are-- there's like Export TT, many other places

00:51:18 that can help you with that.

00:51:20 So let's jump to another topic, the Christmas season.

00:51:23 It's fast approaching.

00:51:25 You did mention that businesses missed that inflow of forex.

00:51:31 So therefore, some of the goods you may not

00:51:33 have been able to purchase.

00:51:34 So it's goods for resale and so on.

00:51:36 But how is the Christmas season looking?

00:51:40 Is it looking promising?

00:51:41 More promising than last year?

00:51:44 Do you expect consumers to have more spend?

00:51:47 Well, I think certain aspects of goods are doing well.

00:51:51 I think tech goods are doing well.

00:51:53 I think there's actually a shortage of iPhone 15s

00:51:56 in the country.

00:51:57 They've been coming in, and they've

00:51:59 been selling out and stuff.

00:52:00 So that's a good sign.

00:52:01 You like to see things like that.

00:52:02 I mean, I don't think everyone in the economy

00:52:04 can buy iPhone 15s, but certainly people have been.

00:52:07 So I think tech goods are doing well.

00:52:10 Other than that, I find that the traffic on the high streets

00:52:14 are reportedly still quite slow.

00:52:16 We're hoping that that's going to pick up.

00:52:17 Now, a very key thing here is that there's

00:52:19 a rumor circulating, or it's been

00:52:21 said that the government is going to pay back pay,

00:52:24 or give public servants their pay on the Friday

00:52:28 before Christmas.

00:52:29 And I really-- talking with other chambers and other--

00:52:32 we really want to make a plea to the government.

00:52:35 Could you please reconsider if that is, in fact, the case?

00:52:39 The payment of whatever back paid up

00:52:42 to people who are able to access it, or whatever payments

00:52:47 have to be made, be done before the Friday

00:52:50 of the weekend of Christmas.

00:52:52 And the reason for that--

00:52:53 there are multiple reasons for that.

00:52:54 One is that the expectation of this

00:52:57 is going to cut the season short for business.

00:53:00 People are going to say, well, let me wait until that Friday,

00:53:03 and then I'm going to go out, and I'm

00:53:04 going to shop, which gives them maybe about two days,

00:53:06 if so much.

00:53:08 The second thing is the logistics of it all.

00:53:11 You already have a very--

00:53:12 we have a kind of weekend before Christmas

00:53:14 that's going to be quite busy on its own.

00:53:17 You're going to add more volume and more impetus,

00:53:21 and more people are going to be out there.

00:53:22 And it's going to get a bit crazy

00:53:24 if everybody is going to be sitting there waiting,

00:53:27 thinking that, you know, wait until my money comes in

00:53:29 on Friday, and we're going to go out on the weekend.

00:53:31 This causes problems with traffic.

00:53:33 It causes problems with the TTPS,

00:53:35 because what do we want Christmas weekend?

00:53:37 We want families to come out.

00:53:39 We want families to be shopping, to enjoy the Christmas season.

00:53:42 We don't want people to be robbed.

00:53:44 We don't want people to be mugged.

00:53:46 We want people to be happy.

00:53:48 We want people to be safe, the consumers.

00:53:50 And we want businesses to thrive and do well,

00:53:53 because it's about time they start to thrive and do well.

00:53:55 And so we want a win-win situation for everybody.

00:53:58 That's a good point.

00:53:59 So again, it's a plea to the government.

00:54:02 If you can, please consider any payments that have to be made.

00:54:06 Please make it before Friday, the Christmas Friday.

00:54:11 And so I'd allow businesses to thrive for the entire season.

00:54:15 - Ms. Ali, I need to bring you in here.

00:54:17 We just have about a minute again.

00:54:19 Crime and security, what are your expectations,

00:54:22 or what do you hope for, for this Christmas season?

00:54:26 It is most commercialized, yes,

00:54:27 but it's also a time when, as Mr. Charron mentioned,

00:54:31 you know, people are mugged and so on.

00:54:33 You've got 30 seconds, Ms. Ali, it's off to you.

00:54:35 - Okay, well, our chamber,

00:54:38 and I speak for Trinidad and the whole,

00:54:41 we have to make an appeal.

00:54:42 We need support from the Ministry of,

00:54:44 the Minister of National Security

00:54:46 and the Commissioner of Police, you know,

00:54:48 to do something to help us for resources

00:54:51 for the police station on crime and traffic.

00:54:55 So we need help in that aspect.

00:54:58 And we also need, we also need the Forex.

00:55:03 We also need, we also need community vigilance

00:55:07 of the community police force.

00:55:11 We also work with the community to,

00:55:16 for Neighborhood Watch, police to be visible.

00:55:19 We need police to be visible

00:55:21 and the community business to be safe.

00:55:23 We need the consumers, the customers to be safe

00:55:27 to walk in the store, to shop.

00:55:29 - All righty, Ms. Ali,

00:55:31 let me thank you so much for sharing.

00:55:33 She's of course, Vice President

00:55:35 of the Canopia Business Chamber.

00:55:37 Vivek Charan, Chairman of the Confederation

00:55:39 of Regional Business Chambers.

00:55:40 Thank you so much for joining us this morning.

00:55:42 And we really do hope, you know,

00:55:43 all those things get sorted out before Christmas.

00:55:46 All the best to you both.

00:55:47 - Thank you. - Thank you very much.

00:55:49 This is briefing seven.

00:55:51 - It's now time for another break.

00:55:53 The 7 a.m. news is up next.

00:55:55 And as we head off, we share with you this image.

00:55:58 It looks a lot like Christmas.

00:56:00 The US and us sent this in, gifts under the tree already.

00:56:05 (upbeat music)

00:56:07 (upbeat music)

00:56:17 (upbeat music)

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00:57:34 (upbeat music)

00:57:36 - From the sacred hallowed halls

00:57:38 of the St. Joseph's Convent Chapel,

00:57:40 this December 9th and 10th,

00:57:42 join us for an evening of enchanting melodies

00:57:45 and timeless tradition at Carol's at the Convent

00:57:48 under the direction of John Thomas and Cecilia Salazar.

00:57:52 Be captivated by the awe-inspiring performances

00:57:55 of the award-winning St. Joseph's Convent Choir,

00:57:58 Port of Spain, alongside their esteemed special guests.

00:58:02 Tickets are $200 and are available at select outlets,

00:58:06 St. Joseph's Convent Office, the Abercrombie Tea Shop,

00:58:09 the Living Water Bookshop,

00:58:11 and Kitchen Corner Long Circular Mall,

00:58:13 or call 625-4502 for more information.

00:58:17 Don't miss this musical masterpiece

00:58:19 where every note resonates with the spirit of the season.

00:58:23 Carol's at the Convent.

00:58:24 Get your tickets today.

00:58:26 (upbeat music)

00:58:29 (upbeat music)

00:58:40 (upbeat music)

00:58:43 - Good morning, I am Ansel Gibbs with a news update.

00:58:47 Trinidad and Tobago is appealing for peace

00:58:51 following Venezuela's referendum on its dispute with Guyana

00:58:55 over the Esequibo region.

00:58:58 - I've been very disturbed by some voices

00:59:01 coming from the opposition in this country,

00:59:03 which once again is trying to make itself an outlier,

00:59:08 trying to insert itself into foreign policy matters

00:59:12 in which it has demonstrated very little expertise

00:59:17 and a partial for division and negative views.

00:59:22 Any cause for Trinidad and Tobago to insert itself

00:59:26 into the controversy in the form of mediation

00:59:30 or direct negotiation is in direct contradiction,

00:59:35 a direct violation of the policy of Guyana,

00:59:40 a sovereign member of CARICOM on this dispute.

00:59:44 So those are very ill-founded calls.

00:59:47 - More needs to be done to stimulate Tobago's economy.

00:59:52 That's according to one businesswoman.

00:59:54 - The economy of Tobago is flat.

00:59:57 In order to have come out of the pandemic and so,

01:00:02 people are still struggling.

01:00:04 And then we have a THA led with a government

01:00:09 or leading body that is not doing anything

01:00:12 to activate the economics of the island.

01:00:14 - And in the weather forecast,

01:00:17 predominantly sunny and breezy conditions prevail,

01:00:21 despite the chance of one or two brief passing showers.

01:00:25 During this time, seas may occasionally become choppy

01:00:29 as such small craft operators and seabathers

01:00:33 should be aware of above normal sea swells

01:00:36 along the island's coastlines.

01:00:38 - Know your rights and learn how the law protects you.

01:00:49 - The message said double your money fast,

01:00:51 bring two friends and earn more.

01:00:52 - Yes, and there's the man who gonna make you rich.

01:00:55 - You can't lose, it's easy.

01:00:58 You got the money?

01:00:59 - Scammers beware, there are now harsher fines

01:01:01 and penalties under the securities law

01:01:03 to protect investors and members of the public

01:01:06 from investment scams and fraud.

01:01:08 That's $10 million and 10 years in prison

01:01:10 for you operating a Ponzi pyramid scam

01:01:13 or other prohibited schemes.

01:01:15 And $5 million and five years in prison

01:01:18 for anyone participating in those schemes.

01:01:21 It's $2 million in fines and three years in prison

01:01:24 for advertising or inviting persons to join a Ponzi

01:01:28 pyramid scam or other prohibited schemes.

01:01:30 Visit the DTSC website and download the DTSC

01:01:34 investor protection app to anonymously report scams.

01:01:37 You invest, we protect, everyone benefits.

01:01:40 - This Christmas, get ready for the most

01:01:47 enchanting holiday experience of the year.

01:01:50 Journey into the heart of the season with Believe,

01:01:53 Christmas Around the World,

01:01:55 a mesmerizing Christmas concert spectacular.

01:01:58 Immerse yourself in the spirit of Christmas

01:02:01 like never before as melodies from every corner

01:02:04 of the globe fill the air with joy and wonder.

01:02:07 Experience the magic of two iconic venues.

01:02:11 Catch the spellbinding performances at Napari Mabowl

01:02:14 on the 15th and 17th and feel the holiday

01:02:17 chill light up Queens Hall on the 22nd and 23rd.

01:02:20 Tickets are available now at islandetickets.com

01:02:25 or at Queens Hall box office.

01:02:27 Don't miss this unforgettable celebration of unity,

01:02:30 love and the true meaning of Christmas.

01:02:32 Believe in the magic of the season

01:02:34 and let the world's harmonies inspire you.

01:02:37 John Thomas' Believe.

01:02:39 See online platforms for details.

01:02:41 - Anytime you leave your keys in the ignition

01:02:54 when you pull up to your driveway,

01:02:56 you make yourself an easy target for theft and robbery.

01:03:01 Make it tough for criminals.

01:03:03 Don't give them a chance.

01:03:05 Switch off your engine, remove your keys and stay alert.

01:03:10 - A message from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.

01:03:13 - Hello, I'm Peter,

01:03:17 an Englishman living in Trinidad for many, many years.

01:03:21 I've come to love this country

01:03:22 because of the warm-hearted people,

01:03:24 the diverse culture, the fantastic food

01:03:26 and of course the great weather.

01:03:28 A few years ago, I came across Habitat

01:03:30 and boy oh boy, this is what the country needs.

01:03:33 At Habitat, they work alongside families

01:03:35 and give them a better life,

01:03:36 providing more opportunities for families,

01:03:38 especially the children.

01:03:40 If each one of us does the same,

01:03:41 then all our actions will add up to create major changes.

01:03:44 I work with Habitat for Humanity

01:03:46 to make small but significant actions

01:03:48 which contribute to the life I have come to love

01:03:50 in Trinidad and Tobago.

01:03:51 Help build a home.

01:03:53 And a home means an awful lot.

01:03:55 A house is not a home, a home is a home.

01:03:57 It's where the heart is.

01:03:58 So come with me and let's make it happen.

01:04:00 (soft music)

01:04:03 (upbeat music)

01:04:18 (singing in foreign language)

01:04:22 - And welcome back TNT.

01:04:26 Well, it's time for our tips and advice

01:04:29 for Christmas safety.

01:04:30 We're joined this morning by Sergeant Ansel Ford,

01:04:33 TTPS Media Ambassador.

01:04:35 Thank you so much for joining us, Mr. Ford.

01:04:37 - Hi, pleasant morning.

01:04:39 Pleasant morning to the people.

01:04:40 Yes, it is nice to be here for another segment.

01:04:43 - What are we talking about this morning?

01:04:45 We know Christmas season is upon us.

01:04:47 People, some of them have already started their shopping.

01:04:50 Your scenic mall is looking a little busier than usual.

01:04:53 What do we need to be aware about?

01:04:55 - All right, well, definitely the issue of Christmas

01:04:58 and safety surrounding the activities,

01:05:00 pre-activities as well as the actual Christmas season

01:05:04 and enjoyment of, but we wanna deal with the pre-activities.

01:05:08 Now, firstly, we wanna recognize that school

01:05:11 is nearing closure and we expect that children

01:05:15 will be enjoying the Christmas vacation.

01:05:18 However, the parents, the parents may still be at work

01:05:22 and the issue of safety for children,

01:05:25 we just want to raise that awareness to parents, guardians,

01:05:30 that you need to put the necessary arrangements in place

01:05:34 to ensure that your children, your ward,

01:05:39 or persons who are dependent on you,

01:05:41 that they are safe during your absence.

01:05:43 - And supervised.

01:05:45 - And supervised, and not just supervised,

01:05:47 but supervised by responsible, trustworthy adults.

01:05:51 All right?

01:05:52 So having, let's touch briefly on children.

01:05:55 Yeah, we're speaking about Christmas now.

01:05:58 All right, so yes?

01:06:00 - Before we go there, before we enter,

01:06:02 let's stick to the kids a little bit.

01:06:05 - Sure.

01:06:05 - What sort of reports do you get?

01:06:07 Is it that kids are left at home, left in cars, unsupervised?

01:06:12 What sort of reports?

01:06:14 - Basically, we would get reports

01:06:16 of children being left unsupervised, all right?

01:06:18 And when that happens, it borders on the offense

01:06:22 of cruelty to children, all right?

01:06:24 Because when you leave the child unsupervised,

01:06:28 you expose them to danger, to harm,

01:06:32 to being ill-treated by someone else.

01:06:34 And these offenses would fall under the Children's Act.

01:06:39 So to, let us say, avoid that by sensitizing parents,

01:06:44 to what is required of them,

01:06:47 simply to make the proper arrangement.

01:06:49 Be that you may have to ask a relative

01:06:53 to take care of the child, or to hire a babysitter

01:06:57 to assist in taking care of the child.

01:06:57 - And then maybe like Christmas camps and so on.

01:07:00 - Well, you tend to have less Christmas camps

01:07:03 and more august period, you'll have the august camps.

01:07:07 Christmas tend to be different,

01:07:08 but yet still, there would be opportunities

01:07:12 for you to ensure that your child or children,

01:07:15 that they are cared for.

01:07:17 Now, some persons may take the risk of saying,

01:07:21 my child is 15, 16, and they believe

01:07:24 that the child is responsible enough.

01:07:26 In fact, the child may really show

01:07:27 that level of responsibility,

01:07:29 but yet still, according to the law,

01:07:32 a child is someone under the age of 18 years.

01:07:35 So if it is you were to take the risk

01:07:38 and something untoward happens,

01:07:40 then your Christmas in itself could be spoiled

01:07:43 because you now have to deal with the consequences

01:07:46 of accepting that risk.

01:07:47 - And just to confirm, that is a criminal offense.

01:07:50 - It is, it is a criminal offense, all right?

01:07:53 So, hoping that this message reaches parents

01:07:57 and that they do the right thing

01:07:59 and ensure that proper arrangements are made.

01:08:02 You see, if you fail to do that

01:08:05 and something happens to your child,

01:08:07 as much as we are looking at the Christmas season

01:08:09 and enjoying the festivities associated with it,

01:08:12 you will not enjoy your Christmas

01:08:14 if it is your child is not well, right?

01:08:17 Or if something happens at home, for instance,

01:08:20 a fire due to children playing with matches

01:08:25 or other flammable substances,

01:08:27 and the house could be destroyed.

01:08:30 And that definitely is gonna spoil your Christmas, right?

01:08:32 So, dealing with that important issue,

01:08:36 we can then move on to the issue of you--

01:08:39 - Christmas.

01:08:39 - And shopping for Christmas, right?

01:08:41 Now, we wanna look at things from a personal perspective

01:08:46 as individuals, right?

01:08:48 Now, oftentimes, you would hear of persons being robbed

01:08:52 in, let us say, the city areas, busy shopping areas,

01:08:56 persons being pickpocketed, all right?

01:08:59 And oftentimes, it is because members of the public,

01:09:02 they tend to be, let us say, unaware

01:09:07 and simply create the opportunity for a criminal

01:09:12 by simply advertising your valuables.

01:09:17 For instance, that expensive necklace,

01:09:21 that expensive bracelet, all right?

01:09:25 Your handbag, you may have your cell phone

01:09:28 sticking out of your handbag.

01:09:30 Your handbag may not be closed, all right?

01:09:34 And they may see money or other valuables

01:09:37 within your handbag.

01:09:38 But even just the, let us say,

01:09:42 that psychological mindset of the criminal

01:09:46 is that it's Christmas, persons are outside,

01:09:49 they are shopping, they have money, all right?

01:09:52 - Do criminals also profile persons, you know,

01:09:55 like you could tell that person X has money or--

01:09:58 - They will profile.

01:10:00 But they profile from the point of looking at

01:10:03 an easy victim, all right?

01:10:06 So they may look at females.

01:10:08 They may look at elderly persons,

01:10:11 both male and female, all right?

01:10:13 Persons that they feel that they can advantage easily

01:10:16 and take what they want,

01:10:18 be it that they snatch your cell phone,

01:10:21 be it that they snatch your handbag,

01:10:23 be it that they arrest you to the ground

01:10:25 and burst your chain off of your neck, all right?

01:10:27 Or take your bracelet off of your hand.

01:10:30 So the advice to members of the public is that,

01:10:33 one, you do not need to come into the busy shopping areas

01:10:38 with your jewelry, all right?

01:10:42 Because you're making yourself a target.

01:10:45 For women in particular,

01:10:47 you don't really need a handbag, all right?

01:10:50 Beside having an ID on you,

01:10:52 probably your driver's permit,

01:10:54 bank cards if necessary,

01:10:57 you may be able to secure whatever cash you have in your-

01:11:01 - On your purse, on your-

01:11:02 - Put in your pocket on your person.

01:11:04 And ideally, to have close fitted clothes

01:11:07 as opposed to loose clothing

01:11:08 because it is easier to, let's say, pickpocket you,

01:11:12 right, with loose fitting clothes, all right?

01:11:14 So that is specifically to a woman, all right?

01:11:18 To the elderly people, all right?

01:11:20 Coming and I'm thinking that,

01:11:23 here, what, you may not become a victim.

01:11:25 I wanna say it's a false sense of security.

01:11:29 You have to think the possibility exists

01:11:31 that I can become a target

01:11:33 simply because persons are out there

01:11:36 looking for an opportunity, an easy one at that, all right?

01:11:39 And they would see you, it may be known to them

01:11:44 that pension was paid recently, all right?

01:11:47 And they study these things, they know these things.

01:11:50 And they may look at you and believe,

01:11:53 okay, you went into a store,

01:11:54 you came out, you went into another store.

01:11:56 The whole belief is that you are looking for things to buy,

01:12:01 all right?

01:12:02 And they would assume that you have money on you.

01:12:04 And they may simply wait for the opportunity

01:12:07 to try to take the money from you.

01:12:11 And again, because you're an elderly person.

01:12:13 So the advice is to, one,

01:12:16 limit the amount of cash that you walk with.

01:12:19 If you can be in the company of someone else,

01:12:24 all right, who would give you that,

01:12:26 let us say, added layer of security,

01:12:29 then we advise that you do so, all right?

01:12:31 Now, with respect to the parents

01:12:34 who may be going to shop with children, all right,

01:12:39 you need to ensure that children remain within your sight.

01:12:44 And even the child, the child should not be encouraged

01:12:48 to wear expensive jewelry, all right?

01:12:52 Because the child could become an easy target.

01:12:55 And if it is that the child is lured away from you

01:12:59 because you're not paying attention,

01:13:01 it is easy to take something from the child, right?

01:13:04 Or even worse, to go somewhere else with the child

01:13:08 and then you cannot find your child.

01:13:10 So there's a need for you to be aware,

01:13:14 practice that level of alertness,

01:13:17 and take the necessary steps simply to avoid that.

01:13:21 So we're back to the individual person.

01:13:24 Avoid exposing cash.

01:13:27 You may have cash on you, but be very discreet

01:13:30 in terms of how you expose the cash,

01:13:33 whether it is to pay or to check or to separate funds,

01:13:37 you know, into smaller amounts.

01:13:38 - Do that at home.

01:13:39 - Ideally, do that at home.

01:13:42 And if it is that you are able to shop in groups,

01:13:45 by all means, have that group when you go shopping.

01:13:49 When it comes to securing your items in your vehicle,

01:13:53 you know, oftentimes people,

01:13:55 they would come into the busy areas, secure their vehicle.

01:13:58 And at that time, when they reach where they're going to stop,

01:14:03 they would come out of the vehicle

01:14:05 and now aim to one, secure valuables.

01:14:08 They may open the trunk to put valuables in the trunk.

01:14:11 But persons there already looking for opportunities, right?

01:14:16 And they observe that you would have done that,

01:14:18 put your handbag in the trunk

01:14:19 or other valuables, your bag with your laptop

01:14:22 or whatever it is.

01:14:23 And you know, lock your vehicle and go shopping.

01:14:26 But they know that there are valuable things there.

01:14:29 And that is an opportunity for them

01:14:30 to go and break into your vehicle, right?

01:14:32 So the better approach is to secure them

01:14:37 before you reach the location, all right?

01:14:42 And when you're parking, ideally park in an area

01:14:48 that is public, an area that has CCTV footage.

01:14:52 For instance, you go to the malls, right?

01:14:55 And you think that the mall security

01:14:58 will do the needful to secure your vehicle.

01:15:00 But the mall area is very, very big.

01:15:03 And to cover the area,

01:15:05 sometimes they may not be able to adequately cover the area.

01:15:08 And you would park in an area

01:15:10 that doesn't have CCTV cameras.

01:15:13 And there's an opportunity now

01:15:15 for someone to break into your vehicle.

01:15:17 So it's advisable, even when you're parking at the malls,

01:15:20 to see if you can park in an area

01:15:23 where there is CCTV camera.

01:15:25 It's a deterrent.

01:15:26 And not only a deterrent,

01:15:27 but if it is that persons do,

01:15:30 let's say attempt to rob you

01:15:31 or get into your vehicle,

01:15:34 the police may have some information

01:15:37 that could assist us in the investigation, okay?

01:15:39 So you need to also be aware of your surroundings.

01:15:46 Pay attention to persons

01:15:48 who may be simply there appearing to be idle, all right?

01:15:53 You need to have that sense of awareness

01:15:55 of your surroundings and persons.

01:15:57 So you pay attention to suspicious looking persons, all right?

01:16:00 And that would guide you in terms of

01:16:03 how you treat with your personal stuff,

01:16:05 be it cash or otherwise, all right?

01:16:08 Additionally, at a nighttime,

01:16:10 it's not the best time to say that I am going shopping.

01:16:15 All right?

01:16:16 Ideally, if you-- - Or to the ATM or--

01:16:17 - Well, I'm going to get to the ATM, right?

01:16:19 But it's a little bit for shopping.

01:16:22 Nighttime to say that you're going out late to shop.

01:16:26 One, there'll be less people, right, in those places.

01:16:31 And you expose yourself to becoming a victim

01:16:33 more easily than if it was in the day, all right?

01:16:37 Now you brought up the point about ATMs.

01:16:39 And I will speak to the issue of ATM.

01:16:41 One, there are persons who target persons visiting ATMs,

01:16:46 all right?

01:16:48 They simply look outside and they observe.

01:16:53 And you may go into the ATM, withdraw funds.

01:16:57 Before you come out of the ATM,

01:16:59 you did not secure the money.

01:17:02 You come out, you're checking the money.

01:17:04 You then secure the money, right?

01:17:06 To the visibility and awareness of persons outside, all right?

01:17:11 And that is an opportunity for them now to communicate

01:17:14 with other persons who are working in tandem with them,

01:17:16 all right, to point you out, to rob you, right?

01:17:20 When you leave the ATM not too far.

01:17:22 These are things that you need to be aware of

01:17:24 and change that practice.

01:17:26 You know, always think safety, always think security.

01:17:29 Now, not every ATM is a safe ATM to go to

01:17:34 because some ATMs are in some isolated areas, all right?

01:17:37 The lighting may not be well.

01:17:41 You may have to park a reasonably distance away

01:17:44 from where the ATM is and then walk to the ATM,

01:17:46 walk back, all right?

01:17:47 So you being someone who's aware

01:17:49 and thinking safety and security,

01:17:51 you would identify the ATMs that are, let us say,

01:17:56 safer to go to.

01:17:58 - I try to go to ATMs at night,

01:18:01 like at the physical bank.

01:18:02 - At the physical bank.

01:18:03 - There'd be a security there.

01:18:04 - Yes.

01:18:05 - Even if you are robbed, let's say,

01:18:08 there's a witness, there's someone there, you know?

01:18:10 - Yes, and there's a practice that--

01:18:12 - And cameras and so on.

01:18:13 - Yeah, there are cameras

01:18:14 and there may be security personnel.

01:18:17 And that is a practice that I and all try to do

01:18:20 in terms of ATMs, all right?

01:18:23 So select an ATM that is safe or safer than others

01:18:28 to go to to perform your transactions.

01:18:30 Avoid doing so at nighttime, all right?

01:18:33 Sometimes it is unavoidable

01:18:35 because you may not have had the opportunity to earlier

01:18:38 and you need to get cash.

01:18:39 Then it might be wise to get someone to go with you

01:18:44 or to go to an ATM, as you would have spoken to just now,

01:18:47 by the bank itself, all right?

01:18:49 Where there is that level of security.

01:18:51 And it would all go well in terms of you being able

01:18:54 to withdraw the funds and to reach back home safely, all right?

01:19:01 There are persons who, be it daylight or nighttime,

01:19:06 evening time, who may be in the ATM very idle, all right?

01:19:11 And they may have tampered with the ATM machine

01:19:15 to probably trap your card.

01:19:18 Or they may have put a device to capture your PIN

01:19:23 and other information.

01:19:24 And because the device is tampered with

01:19:27 and your card becomes lodged within,

01:19:31 they may offer to help you, all right?

01:19:33 And obviously you may accept the help.

01:19:38 Nothing, you know, they are there to scam you, all right?

01:19:41 So we are saying that be mindful of these sort of tricks

01:19:45 and to take a different approach

01:19:49 if it is that something that happens.

01:19:51 Your card become lodged in the ATM,

01:19:53 stop your transaction, all right?

01:19:55 Anybody who comes to assist you, all right,

01:19:58 refuse the assistance, all right?

01:20:02 If it is that they ask for your PIN,

01:20:03 do not divulge your PIN, all right?

01:20:06 And pay particular attention to the ATM itself

01:20:10 to see whether it is anything looks funny,

01:20:14 it looks out of place on the panel, right?

01:20:16 On the housing of the ATM.

01:20:18 Sometimes there are micro cameras, right?

01:20:20 They are to capture information.

01:20:22 - Mr. Ford, we've actually come to the end of this segment,

01:20:25 but is there any, I know you'll be back next week

01:20:28 and the following week,

01:20:29 so you'll take us into the Christmas

01:20:30 and continue with these tips.

01:20:32 But is there anything that you'd like to just share

01:20:34 with the public before we close?

01:20:36 - Generally, we would be out in our numbers, all right?

01:20:41 Trying to ensure that whilst you engage in your shopping,

01:20:44 that there is that blanket of police officers, right?

01:20:48 Outside there, we would be there,

01:20:50 both in plainclothes and in uniform.

01:20:52 We'll have mobile patrols,

01:20:54 we'll have foot patrols outside there

01:20:56 to, let us say, bring that level of security

01:21:01 and safety that you would want.

01:21:03 What we encourage you to do is do your part

01:21:06 in terms of taking your safety first

01:21:11 and at an individual level,

01:21:13 practice the basic things that we advise you to do

01:21:16 and reduce the chance of you becoming a victim.

01:21:19 - Yes.

01:21:20 So Sergeant Ansel Ford, of course,

01:21:22 CTPS Media Ambassador, let me thank you so much

01:21:25 for joining us.

01:21:25 Thank you so much for sharing these very useful tips

01:21:28 with members of the public.

01:21:29 He'll be back next week, so be sure to tune in.

01:21:32 As we head off to our break,

01:21:33 here's another positive quote.

01:21:35 Train your mind to see good in every situation.

01:21:39 We'll be right back.

01:21:40 (upbeat music)

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01:23:02 - Universal Church presents Programs of Faith.

01:23:07 5.30 in the hour of miracles.

01:23:11 5 p.m. it's possible.

01:23:17 (upbeat music)

01:23:20 Now on TV6.

01:23:24 (upbeat music)

01:23:28 - We're here at the Vikas Country Club in Barapur

01:23:32 for TV6 and Taj 92.3 FM's newest, most vibrant,

01:23:36 most energetic singing competition

01:23:38 to hit Trinidad and Tobago, Dhamal.

01:23:41 (singing in foreign language)

01:23:45 (singing in foreign language)

01:23:49 - Dhamal.

01:23:56 (upbeat music)

01:23:58 (singing in foreign language)

01:24:13 (singing in foreign language)

01:24:17 - Talk your talk.

01:24:20 It's now time for my favorite part of the show.

01:24:22 It's that time where we open our lines

01:24:24 and we get to hear from you, our viewers.

01:24:27 We'd like to know your views, your perspectives.

01:24:30 We'd love to hear from you

01:24:31 how you're spending your Christmas season.

01:24:33 What do you wanna talk about this morning?

01:24:35 What is burning you?

01:24:38 What do you wanna celebrate?

01:24:40 Topic is open this morning, so you decide.

01:24:43 Our numbers are 623-1711, extension 1995.

01:24:48 We'd love to hear from you.

01:24:51 So we did chat a little bit

01:24:53 about the Essequibo situation there.

01:24:56 So if you wanna talk about that,

01:24:57 what do you think our position should be?

01:25:00 Do you support government's non-intervention approach?

01:25:06 Or do you support the opposition's call

01:25:09 that TNT should be a mediator?

01:25:12 Of course, Mariano Brown, who joined us earlier today,

01:25:16 he did share his perspective,

01:25:17 and he thinks that we're doing it just right,

01:25:20 and that any expectation that Trinidad and Tobago

01:25:25 ought to come out and condemn Venezuela

01:25:29 is unrealistic, essentially.

01:25:32 Just read this interesting story here.

01:25:34 I shouldn't say interesting.

01:25:35 It's Bogas Cop Rapes Teen.

01:25:39 Police are searching for a man

01:25:40 who was dressed in police clothing.

01:25:42 So he went, let's see, where did, oh.

01:25:47 The girl perpetrator attacked the victim

01:25:50 while dropping her home

01:25:51 after she attended a school bazaar.

01:25:54 He raped the 16-year-old girl on Saturday night.

01:25:58 And of course, that was reported

01:26:00 to the Moruga Police Station.

01:26:04 The man spoke to the victim, a child,

01:26:07 16-year-old, at the bazaar at 4 p.m.,

01:26:10 and two hours later, he returned,

01:26:13 driving a teed up, dressed in police pants and a T-shirt.

01:26:17 He invited her to get a meal at a food outlet.

01:26:21 She agreed.

01:26:22 After the meal, he drove her to a secluded area,

01:26:26 and then he raped her before dropping her off

01:26:28 at another location.

01:26:30 Of course, police officers, they are on that.

01:26:34 And that would be police officers at the Princess Tower,

01:26:38 and of course, prisons at the Princess Tower

01:26:41 District Health Facility.

01:26:42 We've got a call on the line.

01:26:43 Caller, good morning to you.

01:26:45 - Hi, President, good morning.

01:26:47 - Good morning.

01:26:48 - I haven't heard anything about the security hut

01:26:53 that must be in built by Mr. H.

01:26:56 And Ishmael, you know, but that's a burning issue for me.

01:27:01 I want to say that I think it is a blatant display

01:27:06 of lawlessness.

01:27:08 If the state is telling you you are doing something

01:27:10 that is wrong, and you are telling them,

01:27:12 others do it, and you then hold yourself

01:27:16 as a person who's protecting the law.

01:27:18 I feel that the state should break that down immediately,

01:27:22 but I cannot openly fire.

01:27:24 - What about other structures?

01:27:25 What are your feelings, you know,

01:27:27 'cause Mr. Ishmael's defense is that the same

01:27:30 was done in Val Sain, and six months later,

01:27:33 they got their approvals.

01:27:35 He has shown and listed so many other structures,

01:27:39 commercial structures, along, like literally,

01:27:42 on the roadway.

01:27:43 What is your position as it relates to those other things?

01:27:45 - Yeah, but listen, eh?

01:27:47 The same thing that the criminals would be saying,

01:27:49 they say, "Look at this one, this one shoot this one

01:27:51 "and get caught here on that one," you know?

01:27:53 So it's not different.

01:27:55 It's just on a different, that criminality

01:27:56 is just on a different level, right?

01:27:58 Because criminals will say the same thing.

01:28:00 People who steal from the public,

01:28:02 police will say the same thing.

01:28:04 "Look at this one, get away, look at that one, get away,"

01:28:06 right?

01:28:07 But you shouldn't be openly defying the law.

01:28:11 Maybe we can say, "This is against the law,"

01:28:13 and you don't know.

01:28:15 You shouldn't be allowed to do it, right?

01:28:18 And that's my idea.

01:28:19 I think he's a very lawless person,

01:28:22 and an example should be made of him.

01:28:25 - Thank you very much, Kola, for sharing your view.

01:28:28 You did mention you haven't heard much about it.

01:28:30 As far as I understand, the booth is still up.

01:28:33 I am not sure if it is manned by any security

01:28:37 at this point in time, but as far as I understand,

01:28:40 it has not been demolished.

01:28:42 We've got another caller on the line.

01:28:44 Good morning to you.

01:28:45 - Good morning to you, Ms. Oversheet Tuwari.

01:28:49 - Good morning, how are you doing?

01:28:51 - Happy to be alive.

01:28:52 This is Tabakid here.

01:28:54 - Tabakid, good morning to you.

01:28:57 - Okay, let me make my contribution.

01:29:00 - Sure.

01:29:00 - I want to get touched a bit

01:29:02 before I go to the last caller's pet.

01:29:05 Ms. Oversheet, I continue to say,

01:29:07 two wrongs never deliver right.

01:29:10 I am saying, if you are a responsible person,

01:29:14 and insurance is a media personnel,

01:29:17 I am saying ignorance of the law

01:29:20 don't mean to say you will get through.

01:29:23 If Frank would have broke the law,

01:29:25 that don't mean to say you will point out and say,

01:29:27 look, Frank break the law, I going to break the law.

01:29:30 I can support that, yeah?

01:29:33 But let me come to Venezuela quickly.

01:29:36 You there with me, Ms. Oversheet?

01:29:38 - Yes, we're listening.

01:29:40 - Thank you.

01:29:42 I am saying Trinidad really have to be careful.

01:29:46 I think diplomacy, I think there's where Trinidad should go.

01:29:50 And I'll say this, I am no fan of the government,

01:29:53 but I want to say kudos to the Minister of Foreign Affairs,

01:29:57 Senator Amory Brown.

01:29:59 I believe he have been handling that properly.

01:30:03 And we have to be careful because of the energy sector,

01:30:07 the volatility in that market.

01:30:10 We understand what's happening with our energy sector.

01:30:13 Yes, Trinidad should mediate,

01:30:16 but at this time, we want to be so careful, yeah?

01:30:21 Yes, the land is Venezuela.

01:30:23 No, sorry, the land is Diane's own.

01:30:29 But I'm saying here, Trinidad and Tobago got to be careful

01:30:34 as a result of diplomacy, where we go.

01:30:38 I would not advise Trinidad to play any leading role

01:30:43 at this time, I thank you.

01:30:44 - Thank you very much, Tabakit.

01:30:46 All the best to you.

01:30:47 Do have a fantastic day.

01:30:50 Well, as I mentioned, we do have our reporter, Mark Bassant,

01:30:55 joined by Brandon Benoit there, of course, in Guyana.

01:30:58 And we'll try to link up with them sometime this week.

01:31:01 Producer Nicole may try to get them just to join us,

01:31:05 to give us a sense of what it is like on the ground.

01:31:09 And you'll be able to hear and probably see,

01:31:12 directly what is the situation there.

01:31:15 Of course, there's coverage so far.

01:31:16 It seems quite peaceful.

01:31:18 It does seem quite peaceful in that country.

01:31:22 They did go to one of the towns along the border.

01:31:26 And of course, showed us the rallies and so on.

01:31:32 No intense military action just yet,

01:31:36 but we still love to hear from Mark and Brandon,

01:31:40 live and direct on our morning show.

01:31:42 So you can call us, 623-1711, extension 199.

01:31:49 It doesn't have to be a burning issue.

01:31:51 If you wanna just share with us,

01:31:53 how you're feeling this season,

01:31:54 if you're feeling festive just yet.

01:31:56 We've got a call on the line.

01:31:57 Good morning to you, caller.

01:31:59 - Morning, ma'am.

01:32:00 Jackie?

01:32:01 - Yes, you can go right ahead.

01:32:04 - Morning, overseas.

01:32:06 - Good morning.

01:32:07 - I think my comment on this is that,

01:32:13 our country has to be very careful

01:32:17 in how we deal with this matter.

01:32:19 It's not an easy matter to deal with.

01:32:23 So whatever decision our government make,

01:32:28 I will support it fully.

01:32:31 Have a blessed day.

01:32:32 Take care of the best to you.

01:32:33 Marlon, good morning. - Thank you.

01:32:35 Thank you so much.

01:32:36 Marlon has the week off.

01:32:38 Marlon is probably busy doing his Christmas shopping,

01:32:41 you know, getting things in that bag under the tree

01:32:44 before it just creeps up on us oh so quickly.

01:32:47 So he'll be back next week.

01:32:49 So yeah, Alcola of course said that he supports

01:32:55 Trinidad and Tobago's position.

01:32:57 We can't take that iron fist approach.

01:33:02 We can't come out and condemn Venezuela.

01:33:08 We can't condemn Maduro,

01:33:09 because so much of our economic future

01:33:12 is dependent on those deals.

01:33:15 Prime Minister Rauli meets BP's interim CEO in London.

01:33:20 Oh, PM yesterday met with BP's interim

01:33:25 chief executive officer at the company's headquarters

01:33:30 in London.

01:33:31 So the prime minister is of course traveling.

01:33:35 Leadership at BP reaffirmed its commitment

01:33:40 to Trinidad and Tobago and emphasized the country

01:33:44 remains an important component of its global operations.

01:33:48 And that was of course a release

01:33:50 from the prime minister's office.

01:33:52 PM Rauli and interim CEO congratulated

01:33:56 the respective negotiation teams on the work done

01:34:01 towards the restructuring of Atlantic LNG.

01:34:06 So you can call us 623-1711 extension 1995.

01:34:11 Very good morning to you, Carlo.

01:34:15 Hi, good morning, Ogochi.

01:34:17 Ogochi, is it possible you could have somebody

01:34:19 for me for the Spain City Corporation

01:34:21 come and explain to us what is actually taking place

01:34:23 on Arpita Avenue.

01:34:25 We've seen all this pavement of the pathway,

01:34:28 the changing the tiles, the gestures,

01:34:31 and the design, they say they're accommodating

01:34:35 people in wheelchairs and there's some big, big potholes

01:34:38 in front by Synergy TV or by Gen. Juha

01:34:40 where there's some major, major potholes.

01:34:42 And we would like to know what is taking place

01:34:44 on Arpita Avenue and why does Adam Smith Square

01:34:48 still have this partition thing around it.

01:34:52 We would like to know for the first time,

01:34:54 we'll have somebody to explain to us, please.

01:34:56 All right, Carlo, that's your burning issue this morning.

01:35:00 Yeah, and one more thing, Ogochi,

01:35:02 the oil season is coming right now.

01:35:05 I saw this morning there's a man who was sleeping

01:35:08 by the cathedral, a homeless individual defecating.

01:35:12 I want to know again from the Portland City Corporation

01:35:15 what are the plans for all these homeless people

01:35:17 that be sleeping in Portland, Spain especially,

01:35:20 run by the bank.

01:35:20 And now it's cruise ship time,

01:35:22 we have a lot of tourists coming to the country.

01:35:23 What are the plans for the country?

01:35:26 Thank you.

01:35:27 Thank you so much, some good points there.

01:35:29 So we'll try to touch base with the city corporation

01:35:33 to find out, as our caller mentioned,

01:35:35 what's going on along Arpita Avenue.

01:35:38 There are a lot of potholes, apparently.

01:35:39 The face is changing on Arpita Avenue.

01:35:42 Haven't been there for a couple weeks,

01:35:44 so I will probably take a drive down, see what it's like,

01:35:47 and we will contact the corporation

01:35:49 to find out what's going on.

01:35:51 They also raised the issue of homelessness.

01:35:56 Quite interesting that the center

01:36:00 along the Nip/Deck car park there

01:36:03 has been closed, you know,

01:36:04 and the homeless people, they still live in and around there.

01:36:07 If you look just behind that building,

01:36:10 there's an empty lot of land,

01:36:12 and you do see little structures there

01:36:14 where they seem to be housing themselves.

01:36:18 We've got another caller on the line.

01:36:19 Good morning to you.

01:36:20 Morning, Avishi.

01:36:23 Hi, how are you?

01:36:25 Good, good.

01:36:26 What do you wanna share with us this morning?

01:36:28 Good job, good job, and you look beautiful this morning,

01:36:31 and please, greet them.

01:36:33 Thank you so much.

01:36:34 Colin here, okay, bye.

01:36:37 Alrighty, Colin, all the best to you.

01:36:39 That's my friend Colin.

01:36:40 He's from all the way in New York.

01:36:42 Thank you so much for calling.

01:36:45 So you see, we do have supporters,

01:36:47 we do have callers, you know,

01:36:49 not just in TNT, in other parts of the world.

01:36:53 Well, it's now time for another quick break.

01:36:56 When we get back, we've got Duvon Stewart.

01:36:59 He'll be joining us.

01:37:00 He's a world-renowned champion steel band arranger

01:37:04 talking about this new documentary.

01:37:06 You don't wanna miss it.

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01:38:53 (upbeat music)

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01:39:21 (upbeat music)

01:39:23 - Greetings, saints.

01:39:25 We are from Pillars of Truth Evangelistic

01:39:27 Outreach Ministries, and we warmly welcome you

01:39:30 to our television program, "Turning Point."

01:39:33 We are a church in the heart of the community

01:39:35 with a heart for the community.

01:39:37 Our host pastors, Apostle Dr. Reverend Dale DeVeans

01:39:41 and his wife, Reverend Dawn DeVeans,

01:39:43 warmly welcome you to join us every second

01:39:46 and fourth Sunday, 6 a.m. right here on TV6.

01:39:51 (upbeat music)

01:39:54 Welcome back, TNT, where we're shifting gears

01:40:13 a little bit now.

01:40:14 We're gonna be discussing the documentary

01:40:17 being made right here in TNT.

01:40:19 It's called "Duvon Stewart, The Man Behind the Music."

01:40:23 Duvon is the only arranger to win small, medium,

01:40:26 and large band categories in the history of Panorama.

01:40:30 He won the London Panorama 2023

01:40:33 and Voices Year for Love wrapped up in,

01:40:37 even while he was wrapped up in all his grief

01:40:40 and pain and grief.

01:40:41 Duvon joins us now to tell us more.

01:40:44 A very good morning to you

01:40:45 and thank you so much for joining us.

01:40:48 - Good morning, good morning,

01:40:49 obviously, President, I'm blessed to be here.

01:40:52 Grateful for the family.

01:40:54 - Grateful, that's a perfect way to start.

01:40:57 But for our viewers who may not know

01:40:59 much of your history and background,

01:41:00 share with us a little bit about yourself and your journey.

01:41:04 - I was born in Tobago, 1976.

01:41:10 I grew up in a home where my mom and my dad

01:41:14 was like big fans of the instrument.

01:41:16 My dad was the vice captain

01:41:17 of the Trent-Octobago All-Star Cymbalka Show.

01:41:20 My mother was a normal player in the band.

01:41:22 And I was exposed to the instrument

01:41:24 from a young age of age eight.

01:41:26 So I'm very, very happy to be in the hands

01:41:29 of individuals that were lovers of culture.

01:41:32 And from there, everything just blossomed

01:41:35 and become where I am right now.

01:41:37 And Mrs. Gwilym Armstrong, the late Mrs. Gwilym Armstrong

01:41:40 was the individual who took me under her wings

01:41:44 to mold me and groom me to have me literally,

01:41:48 practically well-groomed in the history of the instrument,

01:41:56 both theoretically and practically.

01:42:00 So moving on to Trinidad and being around

01:42:04 the great devotee of Susie Grandmaster

01:42:06 and the legends of the instrument

01:42:08 and who was really assigned to see them and be around them.

01:42:10 And unfortunately, we are part of the M.O. Kearney

01:42:13 Gates Steel Orchestra, which is for me,

01:42:15 one of the greatest steel orchestras in the world.

01:42:17 Being around Dr. Jitsamro when he was alive

01:42:19 was as a player and learned so much from that humble giant.

01:42:23 And I know it was just like living the dream

01:42:26 of a movie that I once saw called "Lion King Circle of Life."

01:42:31 Seeing him as the arranger and the player.

01:42:33 Now I'm the musical director of the Sameset Orchestra

01:42:36 winning three Panama titles,

01:42:39 winning small, medium, large, single pan for many years

01:42:46 internationally, Ebony Steel Band in London,

01:42:49 New York Chasm, St. Vincent's, Stardust Steel Orchestra.

01:42:53 And this goes on, but here I am,

01:42:56 40 years in business and a documentary on Duvon Stewart

01:42:59 is being done.

01:43:02 Thanks very much to Mr. Mark Mukwan

01:43:04 who saw the need for it to be done.

01:43:10 Thanks to videographer, Ms. Maria Nunes

01:43:13 and Mr. Wendell Van Roen for being instrumental

01:43:18 in having this out here.

01:43:20 The premiering was done in October 13th at Moving Town,

01:43:25 which was well received by the hundreds

01:43:28 that was at the Moving Town Theater.

01:43:31 And it was only right for me to have this documentary

01:43:34 where it was supposed to be done first

01:43:39 because as I said, never ever down the bridge

01:43:41 we had crossed, the ridge we had reached.

01:43:43 And the people of Tobago has been very, very supportive

01:43:46 to me for the 40 years that I've been

01:43:49 as team pan arranger, composer, performer.

01:43:53 So it's made me a good, great, happy feeling

01:43:56 to take this documentary and air it

01:43:59 at the Shaw Park Cultural Complex at the Auditorium

01:44:02 on the 7th of December.

01:44:04 It's gonna be free for the whole public.

01:44:08 - And that's of course this Thursday.

01:44:11 Now, Duvon tell me, you've got some really big names

01:44:14 behind you, Maria Nunes, Mark Lokon.

01:44:17 When he's not at NGC, he's of course doing

01:44:20 all these interesting things,

01:44:21 very steeped into steel pan as well.

01:44:24 Wendell Van Roen, were you surprised

01:44:27 when you were, and you're pretty young as well.

01:44:29 So were you, in that case, were you surprised

01:44:31 when you were approached to do this documentary?

01:44:34 - Yes, I was.

01:44:35 I was really, really surprised.

01:44:36 But back in the day in the year 2020

01:44:41 when the pandemic came into effect,

01:44:45 a lot of depression came down, you know,

01:44:48 just trying to see, gather myself and get back up there again

01:44:51 try to recalibrate the mind and stuff like that.

01:44:53 I've started online conversation segment called Pan Chronicles

01:44:58 where I've done featuring Dr. Len Bookes-Ishar,

01:45:06 Dr. Ray Harmon, you know, bringing people

01:45:08 in the steel pan community closer

01:45:10 and people who are on the social network platform

01:45:13 just to get them a sense of entertainment,

01:45:14 a little bit of knowledge and history

01:45:16 that they need to know about the icons and legends.

01:45:19 And I was approached by Mark Lokon,

01:45:20 I say, "I'm Duvon, I'm cool and stuff.

01:45:23 "When are we going to get your story?

01:45:26 "When are we going to get this interview with you?"

01:45:28 So, "Whenever you're ready."

01:45:30 And he just came home at my house

01:45:32 and we were just sitting at the veranda.

01:45:34 And he said, "Yo, now it's time to do your story.

01:45:37 "Let's sit, move yourself.

01:45:38 "How are we going to do it?

01:45:39 "Where are we going to take it?"

01:45:40 And there it is.

01:45:42 - It's poor reasoning, 'cause I'm going to share

01:45:45 with our viewers what Mark said.

01:45:47 He says, "I hope when you watch this,

01:45:50 "you are inspired and hopefully it touches you

01:45:53 "in some way emotionally.

01:45:55 "It certainly did for me as I listened to his story

01:45:59 "and witnessed the raw emotions on his balcony."

01:46:03 So, Ivan, just as you mentioned that,

01:46:05 he reflects on that very moment in your balcony.

01:46:09 But Duvon, of course, something happened in 2017

01:46:12 and whereas we don't want to give away

01:46:14 too much of the documentary,

01:46:16 but that seemed to be a changing period for you

01:46:20 when you did not fall victim to loss

01:46:25 and depression and sadness,

01:46:27 but you used that to change your trajectory.

01:46:30 You used that to grow.

01:46:31 Share with us what happened.

01:46:33 - I had a great friend, a great, great, great friend.

01:46:40 I remember him.

01:46:44 Wayne Allen. - Yeah.

01:46:46 - He was very, very close to me,

01:46:49 very, very supportive to me.

01:46:51 And any advice that was given from him to me

01:46:56 was well received by me.

01:46:59 He lost his life on the 11th of December

01:47:05 to the hands of the criminals,

01:47:08 shot 11 times for no apparent reason,

01:47:12 just because of a turf gun warfare

01:47:14 that was taking place, you know?

01:47:15 And that changed my whole life

01:47:20 and my whole perspective about how am I going to approach

01:47:25 a season that was upcoming in front of me,

01:47:28 which was the paranormal season 2018.

01:47:31 And it was like a divine intervention

01:47:36 at that point in time,

01:47:37 because I never knew that I would have had a song

01:47:41 which was composed by Aaron St. Louis called "Year for Love"

01:47:45 and listening to the song lyrically,

01:47:48 fired upon them,

01:47:50 who we fighting for, who we killing for.

01:47:52 It just sent that strong message from me

01:47:57 to put onto the instrument

01:47:59 to make that process become a healing one for me,

01:48:03 knowing that the individual is not there in flesh no more,

01:48:08 but his spirit was resonating around me

01:48:11 every time that I grace the panyad

01:48:12 to do music for the band.

01:48:14 And it touched me in so many ways.

01:48:19 For one example, you know,

01:48:21 which part the BPT Renegades Panyad

01:48:24 is in the heart of the Eastern region of Port Aux Slugs,

01:48:27 where the crime is very, very low there.

01:48:30 And to be approached by families

01:48:32 who lost loved ones around that time, you know?

01:48:37 So it's really emotional to tell this story now again.

01:48:42 It's really heartbreaking,

01:48:43 but I just want to make the general public know that,

01:48:48 you know, when it hits you,

01:48:51 it hits you really hard to know how passionate and loving

01:48:53 that these things that you adore and respect

01:48:55 and have a lot of real respect for.

01:48:58 And that episode did change my life,

01:49:01 did change my perspective of doing music.

01:49:03 I brought a community together.

01:49:05 I brought the Steel Pan Fertility together.

01:49:08 I brought Trinidad and Tobago came together

01:49:12 to come to the Panyad to witness the story

01:49:14 and to witness this transformation

01:49:15 and Duvon Stewart doing this again.

01:49:18 We won Panama that year.

01:49:19 And I owe it all to Mr. Wayne Allen

01:49:22 for being that very instrumental,

01:49:25 vocal, supportive individual to me, you know?

01:49:28 - And you managed to channel, you know,

01:49:30 some people, as I said, they let that emotion take over.

01:49:33 They fall victim to that emotion, but you manage.

01:49:36 And that's such a critical time.

01:49:38 That would have been, you said December 6th, 7th,

01:49:41 or 11th, I think, but that's just-

01:49:43 - 11th, 7th, December.

01:49:44 That was just like the time to prepare for carnival.

01:49:47 - Correct.

01:49:48 - Into the season.

01:49:49 - Three months, two, two and a half months before.

01:49:51 - I was broken down mentally,

01:49:52 but what made me afloat to keep my head above the water

01:49:56 is the support of the Steel Pan community,

01:49:59 the support of my family,

01:50:01 support of everybody who knew what took place that day.

01:50:05 It's not that it was something that was a TV script.

01:50:08 It was something that I saw in real life,

01:50:11 something that I saw with my two eyes.

01:50:14 He was killed.

01:50:15 I didn't see when he got killed.

01:50:16 I was at the Paniyar that set afternoon,

01:50:18 and I heard the shots.

01:50:20 - Wow.

01:50:20 - And I went back home to my home,

01:50:22 and I saw him on the ground bleeding, you know,

01:50:25 taking his time to breathe his last breath, you know?

01:50:29 - Yeah.

01:50:30 Those moments stay with you.

01:50:32 - Yeah, it's still on me.

01:50:34 It will never, never, never go away.

01:50:36 Just to show how close that individual,

01:50:38 Ray Allen, was to me.

01:50:39 And while translating this message back

01:50:43 onto myself and Mark Lucan on my balcony,

01:50:46 he was in tears too, saying,

01:50:47 "Yo, this story needs to be told.

01:50:49 This story needs to be told."

01:50:50 And they did a great job in having me just sat there,

01:50:54 sitting there for like two to three hours,

01:50:56 just recording and taking all the information

01:50:59 of what took place, the detailed information.

01:51:01 And it was the beginning of a project

01:51:05 that Mr. Mark Lucan so very vital

01:51:08 that he was supposed to be doing.

01:51:09 And I really, really thank him

01:51:11 for having this documentary being done

01:51:12 to be aired for the whole general public.

01:51:16 - So we've got the flyer on the screen.

01:51:19 As we close, Duvon, what is one thing

01:51:23 that you would want the Trinidad and Tobago public

01:51:26 to get from this documentary?

01:51:28 - When God has something for you,

01:51:31 it doesn't matter who stands against it.

01:51:34 God will move someone that is pulling you back

01:51:38 from that door of entry and put someone there

01:51:42 who will open that door as long as it's meant for you.

01:51:48 Always have God in your thoughts.

01:51:51 Always have God in your mind,

01:51:52 because at the end of the day, we are all his children.

01:51:56 - All right, to the listening public

01:51:59 on your program this morning,

01:52:01 the senseless killing and crime events

01:52:05 that are taking place around our nation and our country,

01:52:08 it doesn't really call for,

01:52:09 because God built a place for us to love

01:52:12 and to have unity and to have undivided love

01:52:16 across the board.

01:52:18 I know some people may feel the pain

01:52:20 of losing a loved one, truly, truly hands on criminals,

01:52:24 but a gentle message to the criminals,

01:52:27 one day it may happen to you,

01:52:28 because as our voice said, "Fight like a bunny."

01:52:31 Let's all unite and come together

01:52:35 and make this place a better place.

01:52:37 - Devon Stewart, let me thank you so much.

01:52:41 Of course, your "Advantage Pego" premieres

01:52:43 at the Chopin Complex.

01:52:44 It's absolutely free, December 7th.

01:52:47 If you wanna check it out,

01:52:49 check out the Office of the Chief Secretary's Facebook page

01:52:52 and just head down there to Pego,

01:52:54 head down and support Devon.

01:52:55 Devon, I wish you all the best,

01:52:57 God's blessings to continue doing everything that you do.

01:53:01 You're just amazing, you're an inspiration, we love you.

01:53:03 - Appreciate that, and thank you very much

01:53:05 for having me in your program,

01:53:06 and I wanna send condolences out

01:53:08 to the family of Mr. Earl Rodney,

01:53:12 a legend who passed away on Sunday,

01:53:14 a steel pan pioneer, he was one of the first

01:53:17 arrangers for the Sodor-Hammar Orchestra.

01:53:21 He passed away, and I wanna say thank you

01:53:24 for his contribution to the steel pan fraternity,

01:53:26 and we say condolences to his family,

01:53:28 and may he transition in peace.

01:53:30 - Transition in peace.

01:53:31 Thank you so much, Devon, all the best to you.

01:53:33 To our viewers, it's now time for another break.

01:53:36 We share with you this image of the steel pan.

01:53:38 (upbeat music)

01:53:41 ♪ Oh ♪

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