Skip to playerSkip to main content
CCNTV6
  • 2 years ago
Transcript
00:00:00 [Music]
00:00:10 The body of the former Prime Minister will lie in honour in the Rotunda area of the Red House today from 10am to 5.30pm.
00:00:19 The state funeral for Mr Pandey is scheduled for Tuesday, January 9th at the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts.
00:00:27 Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley has declared there is no self-government without Trinidad.
00:00:33 The Prime Minister made the remark at the funeral service on Thursday for the late Ho Choi Charles, Tobago's first Chief Secretary.
00:00:41 Dr Rowley's comments came as speaker after speaker preceding him spoke of the need for Tobago's autonomy to be granted, a wish of Mr Charles before his passing on the last day of 2023.
00:00:54 THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine bestowed the Tobago Medal of Honour Gold on the late Ho Choi Charles.
00:01:02 The medal was received by the wife of the deceased, Eka Frank Charles, during the funeral service at the Shore Park Complex.
00:01:10 [Music]
00:01:12 Taking a look at the weather forecast, sunny and breezy conditions prevail despite the odd brisk isolated showers favouring the morning period across Trinidad.
00:01:23 Be advised that winds can gust at times, especially near showers.
00:01:28 Overall, beachgoers can enjoy pleasant and moderate seas in open waters with swells ranging from 1.5 to 2 metres and holding steady.
00:01:40 [Music]
00:01:46 Plumbing problems?
00:01:48 Don't guess. Call Plumbing Solutions at 628-4646.
00:01:53 Proud to be serving Trinidad and Tobago for over 20 years, we do it all.
00:01:59 Maintenance and repairs, new construction, sewer lines, inspection, drain cleaning, leak detection.
00:02:09 We are licensed and insured, so call Plumbing Solutions at 628-4646.
00:02:16 [Music]
00:02:40 Give us a call.
00:02:41 [Music]
00:02:46 Where good, private healthcare is affordable.
00:02:49 [Music]
00:03:04 [Music]
00:03:28 It has some people who just have to sew everything.
00:03:32 So what if I'm happy and I cheer on my child for something small?
00:03:35 You know how hard they work for that?
00:03:37 So I have to live them up.
00:03:39 [Music]
00:03:42 Always encourage your child in anything they do.
00:03:46 Not pressure, eh?
00:03:47 Encourage.
00:03:48 Your faith in them will build their self-esteem and confidence.
00:03:52 Praise their efforts.
00:03:54 Celebrate their success.
00:03:56 Support them through challenges and acknowledge their efforts.
00:03:59 At the end of the day, do your best.
00:04:04 Share if you found this useful and like and follow CTA's profiles for more parenting tips.
00:04:10 The letter of the day is E.
00:04:14 Encourage.
00:04:16 [Music]
00:04:39 Come on, studio. Give us some energy. Give us some energy.
00:04:42 [Music]
00:04:44 [Laughter]
00:04:46 It's Friday, eh? The thing starts, you know.
00:04:48 The thing has started.
00:04:50 Good morning, Trinidad and Tobago. I'm Arlan Hopkinson.
00:04:52 Welcome to The Morning Edition.
00:04:53 It's January 5th, 2024.
00:04:55 It's a really short carnival season, right?
00:04:59 And you have so many events.
00:05:00 So everything is on top of everything else.
00:05:04 I don't know how you all are going to do it.
00:05:06 Yeah?
00:05:07 I'm an old man now, you know.
00:05:09 I'm just going to be looking at you all.
00:05:12 You know, I can't take that pressure, that energy and the hot sun.
00:05:16 You know, talking about the weather.
00:05:18 While I was coming down into Port of Spain this morning, Port of Spain looked hazy today.
00:05:23 I don't know why. I don't know if it is dust. I don't know if it is smoke.
00:05:26 I don't know what it is.
00:05:28 Hopefully, it has cleared up.
00:05:29 But for people who suffer from allergies, yeah, it may be a good idea today to come down, if you're coming down into town.
00:05:38 Because certain things are happening in town this morning and I'm going to tell you about it.
00:05:42 Maybe you should walk with your mask, yeah?
00:05:44 Because it could be a difficult day for us.
00:05:46 Okay?
00:05:47 Let's check out to see what's happening in the Daily Express.
00:05:50 On the front page today, Mahasabha to rename Shiva Boys in honor of former Prime Minister.
00:05:56 A school for Bas.
00:05:59 Attack on Integrity Commission, Rowley under fire.
00:06:02 And Tobago, honor for Ho Choi.
00:06:05 Tribute, the Tobago Medal of Honor, gold is presented to Ika Frank Charles, wife of the late Ho Choi Charles by Tobago House of Assembly Chief Secretary Farley Augustine.
00:06:16 At Charles' funeral at Shore Park Complex, Tobago yesterday.
00:06:20 Charles was the THA's first Chief Secretary.
00:06:25 Moving on to the back page now for some sport.
00:06:29 More time for Angus, Normalization Committee.
00:06:32 The Eve Reach Deal until December 2025.
00:06:35 Angus Eve has got another contract extension after all.
00:06:39 The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association yesterday announced that the National Senior Team Coach will be in the job until at least December 31st, 2025.
00:06:52 Let me just give you some information concerning the funeral of Mr. Pandey.
00:07:01 Because I know that many of you would want to attend and also pay your tributes.
00:07:08 So the body of former Prime Minister Bas de Pandey will lie in honor at the Parliament Building, Red House, Port of Spain today.
00:07:16 The body lying in honor will be preceded by a procession through Port of Spain in which the cortege will proceed from Broadway onto Independence Square South, proceeding west to Abercrombie Street and then north to the Red House.
00:07:31 Now, there was a release yesterday from the government.
00:07:36 So the procession begins at 845 this morning.
00:07:41 Now, viewing at the Rotunda of the Red House will be done from 10 a.m. to 530 p.m.
00:07:48 All right.
00:07:50 Excuse me. So you all who would want to attend today, you do have the opportunity.
00:07:56 All right. So it's time to remind you about Trinbago, your nice feature.
00:07:59 Remember to participate. What's up your videos or images to 737-3778.
00:08:07 Yeah. Is that it looks like flowers from a bougainvillea plant.
00:08:14 Yeah. Yeah. I have it. I have it caught this morning, everybody.
00:08:18 All right. So that picture comes from Steve Rattan from Marabella.
00:08:25 Good morning, Steve. Thank you very much for your photograph. All right.
00:08:28 So we do have a packed program for you today.
00:08:32 You have your coffee, you have your tea, you have something to eat. Yeah.
00:08:37 We're coming back, you know, we're going to break.
00:08:59 Things don't always go as expected. Be ready with Trinry for auto home business and group life.
00:09:06 Call us at 800 Trin or visit Trinry dot com today.
00:09:09 Huge insurance premium pay your premiums bit by bit with FlexiPay from Trinry for more manageable auto home and commercial insurance payments.
00:09:18 Call us 800 Trin or visit Trinry dot com today.
00:09:22 Trinry premier insurance coverage for less.
00:09:26 Green Dot continues to deliver Internet connectivity to a wide range of communities in Trinidad with our combination fiber and wireless network.
00:09:33 You get the service you need wherever you live.
00:09:35 Stream your favorite show. Enjoy online tuition.
00:09:38 Stay in touch with your work team and connect with friends and family with Internet service at a price you can afford as communities continue to grow.
00:09:46 We continue to deliver. Call 224GDOT or visit GDOTT today.
00:09:51 Green Dot improving and simplifying lives.
00:09:54 Universal Church presents programs of faith.
00:09:58 5.30am the hour of miracles.
00:10:04 5pm it's possible.
00:10:12 Now on TV6.
00:10:15 Phoenix Cooler Party is back and it's better than ever.
00:10:23 Get ready for an epic night with Nadia Batson, Lyrical, Shal Marshall, Farmer Nappy, Ding Dong, Second Star and the hottest DJs.
00:10:34 New Forest, Geo, Poison Sounds, Chucky Rayban, Blaze and Iceman.
00:10:41 It's a food inclusive event all for just $400.
00:10:45 All proceeds go to Holy Name Convent.
00:10:47 Don't miss out. Grab your tickets at islandeetickets.com or call 727-4HNC.
00:10:54 Tickets are going fast for the hottest cooler party in town.
00:10:58 Phoenix is on fire at Holy Name Convent on Saturday January 13th from 5pm.
00:11:05 Don't miss it.
00:11:06 [Music]
00:11:29 Alright, it's Friday morning.
00:11:31 A very special good morning to all of you again.
00:11:33 Thank you very much for joining us again.
00:11:35 So our friends in South, you also have an opportunity to pay your tributes to Mr. Panday.
00:11:43 So the body will also lie in honor at the Southern Academy Sapa for the Performing Arts on Monday from 9am to 5.30pm.
00:11:54 Now the state funeral will take place on Tuesday at 8.30am at Sapa in San Fernando.
00:12:02 So that's the itinerary concerning the funeral of the late Prime Minister Basdeo Panday.
00:12:08 Alright, so let's get right into our program.
00:12:11 Protests at the St. Dominic's RC School on Thursday over poor infrastructure, electrical and plumbing.
00:12:17 To give us an update on the situation this morning is head of the National Parent Teachers Association, Mr. Walter Stewart.
00:12:24 Mr. Stewart, good morning.
00:12:25 Good morning Mr. Hopkinson and thanks for having me.
00:12:30 Of course, I'm sure you're prepared to say happy new year to yourself and of course to viewership.
00:12:37 Absolutely Mr. Stewart. A very special good morning to you and happy new year to you.
00:12:42 Mr. Stewart, tell us what is happening at this school?
00:12:45 Well, the information that I have of course is based upon the media report of yesterday.
00:12:52 And I was able to speak with Mr. Sharon Mangu who is the chair of the Catholic Education Board of Management
00:12:59 and also the parent teacher council president of the St. Dominic's Penal RC School.
00:13:06 The information that I have is that the school is now being housed in two locations.
00:13:13 The infants are at the parish hall of the Roman Catholic Church and the senior students 1 to 5 are presently at the community center in Penala.
00:13:25 This I'm told further has been the situation since 2017 and March of this year 2024 would mark seven years since the relocation has been in progress.
00:13:41 So that the community center is now in a state of disrepair. Hence the reason for the protest action yesterday.
00:13:50 Is the protest continuing today?
00:13:53 Well, speaking with the president last evening and trying to quell some of the fires and the concerns,
00:14:01 my information is that yes, they are going to hold for a while on the protest action pending of course some firm decisions being made by the Ministry of Education
00:14:14 relevant to the repair of the present community center.
00:14:20 But Mr. Stewart, what has been holding back the relocation or the smooth relocation rather?
00:14:29 Well, there's a major problem from what I understand because in all of Penala there is no building available at this time to have the school relocated.
00:14:42 If the school has to be relocated, it has to be taken out of Penala and relocated outside of the Penala area.
00:14:51 That I think is the bugbear and why this seven year old situation has not been resolved on a more timely basis.
00:14:59 The proper relocation of the school.
00:15:03 So it's a RC primary school, so it falls under the Catholic Church?
00:15:10 That's correct, that's correct. The Catholic Church because it's a national school, of course.
00:15:15 But of course, as you know with this arrangement the government pays the salaries, etc.
00:15:19 So the Catholic Board does have a responsibility and of course so does the Ministry as well.
00:15:24 So then the question is what are they saying about the matter?
00:15:28 As I said, when I spoke to Mrs. Mangu yesterday, the main issue, the major issue is where are we going to put the students?
00:15:39 No possible relocation building in the Penala area.
00:15:44 My only recommendation is of course to properly repair the community centre because that seems to be the only port of call at this material point in time.
00:15:54 But you know, Mr. Stewart, if we're speaking of faulty electrical wiring, to me that poses a great threat to both students and teachers.
00:16:08 Yes, indeed. And again, I'm only talking from what I have been able to garner from the President.
00:16:17 These repairs I'm told should have been effected over the Christmas vacation, when of course the school would have been vacant.
00:16:24 I'm not sure why the emergency of the matter was not dealt with on a timely basis to ensure that January 2nd,
00:16:35 the community centre could have been up and running to accommodate these students.
00:16:40 Nonetheless, the President did assure me that the supervisor told on inspection of the school with the authorities,
00:16:52 has advised that the school is to some extent quite up and running enough to have the students always there for the time being.
00:17:04 Again, our major concern will now be of course, is that OSHA compliant as well? That of course is our major concern.
00:17:11 Yeah. If you'd allow me to quote the President, Sharon Batiste, she said,
00:17:17 "They intend to shut down the school until their concerns are addressed and they get safe and proper accommodation for their children."
00:17:24 She said, "Repairs to the community centre were supposed to have been done over the Christmas vacation, but nothing was done."
00:17:33 Certainly, certainly. And that is the question that we are asking as well of the authorities.
00:17:40 Why during the vacation period, when the building was vacant, the repairs were not effected? That's the question.
00:17:48 Yeah. Is this also having an impact on SEA students?
00:17:52 Certainly, certainly. And that's the major concern as well, because in under 10 weeks or so,
00:17:57 both the standard five students are facing SEA and they can ill afford lots of learning time,
00:18:03 lots of teaching time in order to properly prepare for the SEA at the end of March.
00:18:08 So that is, of course, another major, major concern.
00:18:12 Both of the parents in particular, I mean, some of them are very anxious to know what is going on with their students in standard five.
00:18:22 Yeah. I think, Mr. Stewart, it is safe to say that right now the students and teachers, they are between a rock and a hard place.
00:18:31 Indeed, indeed. I couldn't have said it better myself.
00:18:35 We are definitely taking, we are looking at this and continue to speak with the president on a daily basis from here on
00:18:45 to ensure that the measures and mechanisms are put in place in order to ensure that there can be some kind of continuing learning at this institution.
00:18:54 We're really concerned about that. Did I hear you right, Mr. Stewart, that this relocation,
00:19:01 it is a process of about six years or more that this this exercise, seven years, 20, exactly 2017.
00:19:12 I mean, we are not making an excuse here now, but of course, it was during some parts, it was during the pandemic.
00:19:19 But seven years for a temporary relocation is time too long taken to have this relocation put in place.
00:19:30 I'm just, when you speak about that, I'm just thinking, how do you keep up the morale of teachers?
00:19:36 And how do you create a learning environment for the children because of these conditions?
00:19:45 Yeah. And that's why the parents are so concerned. That's why they have to take to the protest action that they had yesterday,
00:19:53 because, you know, they are to them being ignored, not taken seriously at all.
00:19:58 So they had to put measures in place to ensure that their voices are being heard.
00:20:03 Yeah. So then I think the next question is, Mr. Stewart, what's the next step for students and parents and teachers?
00:20:12 Right. Good question. We are supposed to meet, of course, I'm not sure if you're aware, but this is the new executive at the NPTA.
00:20:21 So we are supposed to meet with the minister very soon. And of course, we are also going to meet with the Catholic Board of Management as well, very soon.
00:20:29 And those issues and much more, we are going to leave at the table when we meet with these two bodies very soon, this month of January 24.
00:20:40 Yeah. Virtual classes and an option being considered.
00:20:46 The result of the last virtual, my understanding, wasn't very effective.
00:20:53 And of course, the parents are very apprehensive to even think of going back into a virtual online sort of arrangement at this point in time.
00:21:03 Yeah. It's the beginning of the new school term, Mr. Stewart.
00:21:11 How, except for this situation, how has the new term resumed for other schools?
00:21:18 Have you all been getting reports at all as to how the beginning of the new school term opened?
00:21:28 Well, from where we sit, we have not been getting anything adverse, except of what we have been getting from the media.
00:21:35 And it's strange, though, that the Catholic schools in particular, because I can always tell you that St.
00:21:41 Rose's, for example, and also another school, the Catholic school in Poole, they also have some situations there to deal with.
00:21:49 So the Catholic schools are experiencing, in my home review, some severe situation in their institutions.
00:21:58 And again, as I said, this is something that we're going to take up with the board and of course the minister when we meet with them.
00:22:04 But to answer your question directly, no, I have not received so far or any of the executive,
00:22:11 what to my attention, besides what is in the media, anything untoward with regards to the reopening of school on Tuesday, 2nd.
00:22:18 Now, I know that last year there were more problems concerning dilapidated conditions at schools.
00:22:26 There was the issue of schools, violence.
00:22:31 What are some of the challenges, Mr. Stewart, as we look at the school environment and education in 2024?
00:22:43 Well, we have the national perspective.
00:22:47 What is what is 16 point plan?
00:22:50 Yeah. Again, let me emphasize that we are doing our best.
00:22:54 We are just about a week shy of two months in office and of course we have the data for the busy, bustling Christmas vacation.
00:23:01 But in the 16 point plan of this new executive, which we are still delving into and digging deep,
00:23:08 we'll be looking at the school based management system.
00:23:13 Now, this system has been around for quite some time, but in this school based management system,
00:23:18 it looks at leadership, it looks at governance, it looks at integrated management.
00:23:24 So it's a quality assurance tool of sort, which is to look at improving the leadership management skills of each school.
00:23:34 If we follow that matrix of the school based management, which is not only local to us here,
00:23:41 but of course is regional, international, Hong Kong, Singapore, etc.
00:23:45 And practice might be a code of the name, but practice by and large, the school based management system.
00:23:50 If we practice this and hold tenaciously to the values of what is embodied in the school based management system,
00:23:58 I'm sure many of these issues as well could be alleviated.
00:24:02 Not to mention as well, Mr. Hopkinson, that many of our schools, though, when you look at the infrastructure,
00:24:07 have been built several years ago.
00:24:10 So of course it is an opportune time as well, but if these schools are at their core,
00:24:16 to allow the government, the ministry, to look at these schools with an eagle's eye,
00:24:23 to ensure that whatever necessary electrical, plumbing, ceiling issues, etc. that need to be repaired,
00:24:32 are addressed as quickly as possible.
00:24:34 Because trust me, I mean, the way some of these schools are and their situation, they are going to be falling apart
00:24:40 in the not too distant future if remedial action and work are not put in place ASAP.
00:24:47 Yeah, Mr. Siwot, you said that your executive is just about two months old.
00:24:53 It's a very new executive. What are some of your major priorities?
00:25:01 Well, we are looking at a national development program for the NPTA.
00:25:09 In particular, a parenting program.
00:25:12 We believe that taking the parenting program throughout the length and breadth of Trinidad and Tobago,
00:25:19 more or less like a crusade, taking it to the byways and hedges,
00:25:23 so that the parents will have a better understanding and being able to grapple with the problems and challenges
00:25:29 that they face as parents in 2024.
00:25:32 We are even wanting, Mr. Hopkinson, to address prenatal parents.
00:25:38 In other words, when parents are going to the health centers or the medical institutions, prenatal care,
00:25:45 we want to go into those institutions and make representation, conduct lectures and workshops
00:25:51 to assist them in better parenting the child that is on its way.
00:25:55 More than that, we know for a fact that there are students in our schools who are practicing sex.
00:26:02 And as such, once you venture into those waters, you are a potential parent.
00:26:07 So, of course, the parenting program has to also start at the school level, at the secondary school level,
00:26:14 so that those parents who are going to be parents will, of course, be better schooled and tutored
00:26:22 into how to be a better parent. And, of course, it extends into the community for those who are already parents
00:26:27 and want to know how to continue to better parent their charges, their children.
00:26:33 So that's one of the major issues that we are backing on, especially in this current calendar year.
00:26:39 Yeah. But you also know there is also a problem of gang culture in the nation's schools.
00:26:44 There's a problem of drugs in the nation's schools.
00:26:48 Yes, certainly. And those issues are of great concern to the NPTA as well.
00:26:55 And we are trying to see how best we can address those issues as well.
00:27:00 There's something that's called peer mediation, peer counseling.
00:27:05 And we are looking at that because while students might not be able to relate to even some of their teachers
00:27:11 or even some of their parents, they might be able to relate to some of their own charges.
00:27:16 So that if we culture our students with regards and give them the tools to be able to mediate and counsel their own,
00:27:25 these deviant students may be willing to get advice and counsel, the right counsel, that is, from one of their own.
00:27:32 So that by peer mediation, peer counseling, these students themselves can assist their deviant peers in the schools that they attend.
00:27:41 Yeah. Has your new executive taken a decision yet on the MILAT program, which is being considered for delinquent students?
00:27:53 Yes, and we are on record of endorsing that program.
00:27:58 As a matter of fact, I'm proud to say that my stepson, another officer, visited the MILAT in Maustika quite recently.
00:28:05 And we were able to speak with the leaders there of the program, and they have given us such stories untold.
00:28:11 So that we are quite comfortable with the MILAT program.
00:28:14 And we have endorsed the MILAT program in terms of having those deviant students being put into MILAT program for some kind of remedial action to be taken.
00:28:25 So, yes, we have endorsed the MILAT program.
00:28:27 But, Mr. Stewart, your executive has a problem that other executives have experienced.
00:28:37 And that is the issue of how does the executive, how does the NPTA get more parents involved?
00:28:46 Because, as you know, Mr. Stewart, sometimes the NPTA or PTAs would have meetings and you have very low participation by parents.
00:29:00 And listen, you can have said it better because that is so correct.
00:29:04 And of course, we have a slogan at the PTA where we are practicing P for partnership.
00:29:12 We are practicing T for training, and we are practicing A for addition.
00:29:16 Addition means being able to put on our role several non-affiliated schools.
00:29:24 Because, I'm not sure if you're aware, but we need to have all these schools that are not affiliated with the National Parent Teacher Association, get them on board and be affiliated with the National Parent Teacher Association.
00:29:36 I go further. We have mandated all of our regions, and there are eight regions, eight educational districts.
00:29:41 We have mandated our regions to ensure that every month no less than two new schools or PTA units are put on board and being a part of the National Parent Teacher Association, being affiliated.
00:29:56 I would even go further to say at the end of our tenure, because this is of course the two-year tenure for this executive, we are hoping to have at least 80% of all the schools in Funara and Tobago on board the National PTA affiliation.
00:30:11 Humongous task, you may say. Assiduous? Yes.
00:30:14 But of course, we are taking this head on and making sure that we contact all the national boards, we are contacting our principals, we are contacting tutors, every stakeholder that has any part to do with education.
00:30:28 We are in communication with them on board to ensure that we can have most, if not all, of schools, private and government-assisted schools and government-run schools, as a member of the National PTA.
00:30:40 But you know, Mr. Stewart, during all my discussions with past executives of the NPTA, I never thought for once that there may be some type of hesitation by some schools to be a part of the NPTA.
00:30:59 And I'm kind of taken by surprise this morning by what you are telling us, that there is, as I said, some hesitation or a decision by some schools not to be a part of the NPTA.
00:31:15 Yeah, we have had some pushbacks. I'm seeing that there have been pushbacks in the NPTA from all fronts, for different and several reasons as well.
00:31:26 But as, and of course, some of it might have to do with how we ourselves internally run the NPTA.
00:31:32 But we are trying to lift the bar, Mr. Hopkinson. We are trying to ensure that everyone is at peace and comfortable with coming under the umbrella and the ambit of the NPTA.
00:31:45 Because, of course, the main concern is, of course, the children. Our motto is "Home and School United for the Good of the Child."
00:31:52 And who would not be, who in the education system would not be concerned as to the ultimate of our efforts and our sacrifice and our hard work, seeing and caring and promoting the welfare of the children of our nation of Trinidad and Tobago.
00:32:07 As a matter of fact, you are correct. Everybody should jump on board without question and wanting to be a part of this organization that embraces all the children of Trinidad and Tobago.
00:32:18 But, Mr. Stewart, let's speak a little bit about that. And I'm speaking about the schools who are not a part of the NPTA.
00:32:26 I'm sure that there may be persons associated with the schools who are looking at us this morning.
00:32:32 What are the benefits of joining the NPTA?
00:32:36 Right. Good question. The NPTA is involved in a series of training workshops in particular, similar to what I just exposed a while ago with regards to that.
00:32:48 There are several other types of workshops that the NPTA is involved in, which are benefits to PTAs and, of course, regions throughout Trinidad and Tobago.
00:33:01 I would also want to admit that if we have a seat at the Ministry of Education, as we do, this is a golden opportunity to have the concerns that we have.
00:33:13 And there are several and myriad concerns that there are in Trinidad and Tobago, in our schools, in our institutions.
00:33:19 But if we have a seat at the table of the minister and the ear of the minister, many of these concerns would be able to be easily addressed because we want to meet with the minister on a regular basis.
00:33:32 And, of course, being able to address these problems and these challenges that the schools are experiencing.
00:33:39 Even if, for example, this school in particular, the instance is at St. Dominic's, let's say this school was affiliated with the NPTA, and through the region, because we have the two to eight regions, and through the St. Patrick region,
00:33:52 if there are concerns and there are challenges there, when we meet with the region, we can be able to get first-hand all the problems, all the challenges that this particular school is experiencing,
00:34:05 and being able to voice this at the table when we meet with the Honorable Minister and, of course, the technocrats at the ministry.
00:34:11 Yeah, Mr. Stewart, it was a pleasure speaking with you this morning. Is there anything else you'd like to tell us before you leave us, sir?
00:34:18 Well, I want to just say that one of the remits of the NPTA is to promote the welfare of children and young persons at home, school, place of worship, and community.
00:34:31 This instance case at St. Dominic's School has all the parameters of the concern of the NPTA at the home level, at the school level, at the level of the church, the Roman Catholic Church, and the level of the community in particular, Pinal, because it is affecting all those facets.
00:34:49 If we bring all of those concerns together, if we bring all those stakeholders together, as we are wanting to do, it is certainly going to mitigate some of these problems that we now face.
00:35:01 Yeah. Mr. Stewart, thank you very much for speaking with us this morning. Congratulations to you and your executive, and I'm sure we will be speaking a lot more during this year.
00:35:14 In the meantime, thank you very much again. Bye for now.
00:35:16 And thank you too. All the best, sir.
00:35:18 All right. So we are going to a very short break, but before we do that, I can tell you that we are going to be discussing again Tobago's autonomy.
00:35:27 You will get the opportunity to speak on it after our break. Remember, you're calling us on 623-1711. The extension is 1995.
00:35:35 Tobago, we want to hear you, but people in Trinidad can also call us as we discuss Tobago's autonomy and calls for Tobago's autonomy.
00:35:45 Yeah. We're leaving you with this image, the beauty of nature.
00:35:50 I guess this is me.
00:35:56 I mean, everything we can show these folks that we can.
00:36:04 It's time for you to see.
00:36:09 Now, from here out of respect.
00:36:14 I'm here.
00:36:19 I'm here.
00:36:23 Get ready for Bishop School of 2024. Come on and enjoy the pumping beaches, exciting guest parties, fantastic food and much more.
00:36:31 Tickets cost 475 and are available on Island tickets.com from the school's office Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
00:36:38 And from committee members, check on Bishop School of it on Facebook and Instagram for more info.
00:36:44 It's a fed that gives you great value and even greater vibes.
00:36:48 Bishop School of 2024, Saturday, January 6th, from 5 p.m. to 12 midnight at the school's compound, Keech Street, Port of Spain.
00:36:55 Don't miss it.
00:36:58 Moving forward every day.
00:37:03 I just let him lead the way.
00:37:06 Every second.
00:37:08 Every hour of the day.
00:37:12 With Jesus.
00:37:14 With Jesus.
00:37:32 [Music]
00:37:51 [Music]
00:38:14 [Music]
00:38:21 It's not a thrill when your speed can't kill.
00:38:31 [Music]
00:38:54 So welcome back. As you know, yesterday, former Chief Secretary Hojo Charles, he was laid to rest and at yesterday's funeral, the issue of Tobago's autonomy came up again.
00:39:10 Of course, of course, you know that Mr. Charles has been a great supporter when it comes to Tobago's autonomy.
00:39:19 All right. So as we told you earlier, we want you to call in to chime in on Tobago's autonomy.
00:39:29 All right. But before we do that, we have this report for you from Elizabeth Williams.
00:39:36 The people of Tobago cannot and will not get anything called self-government or anything for that matter.
00:39:48 Which involves the people of Trinidad and Tobago without the involvement of the people of Trinidad.
00:39:58 Because the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago is the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago.
00:40:05 Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley, as he paid tribute to Mr. Hojo Charles and the late former chief secretary's desire for Tobago to be granted autonomy.
00:40:16 And out of respect for the people of Tobago and their consultation.
00:40:23 The cabinet put that bill in the parliament without changing a comma or a full stop.
00:40:33 I don't hear anything else from anybody else. It is a lie.
00:40:36 Dr. Rowley then made this announcement.
00:40:40 Speaking as the prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago, with some involvement in the action of the cabinet and the legislative program.
00:40:47 I tell you here today.
00:40:50 Sometime during this year, those bills will be put before the parliament for the 41 members of Trinidad and Tobago's parliament to vote on it on your behalf.
00:41:05 The prime minister said the people of Tobago have spoken and it will now be up to the parliament to act.
00:41:13 Ladies and gentlemen, Hojo Charles knew that Tobago could fly.
00:41:18 He wanted Tobago to fly high like all of us.
00:41:23 But we be cautioned.
00:41:25 That we do not have wings of wax.
00:41:28 In concluding, Dr. Rowley said Tobago would be better off with more people like Hojo Charles.
00:41:35 The funeral service took place at the Shaw Park complex.
00:41:39 Elizabeth Williams, 26 News.
00:41:43 All right, so welcome back, everyone.
00:41:44 So again, you're calling us on 623-1711.
00:41:48 The extension is 1995.
00:41:49 Tobago, we'd love to hear from you concerning what the prime minister would have said yesterday at Mr. Hojo Charles' funeral.
00:41:57 Yeah.
00:41:58 So again, so the issue of Tobago's autonomy was discussed yesterday.
00:42:04 Over the past few months, there has been great debate concerning Tobago's autonomy.
00:42:12 We do have a first caller. Good morning.
00:42:14 Good morning, Marlon.
00:42:15 The caller is from Tobago. Tobago, good morning.
00:42:18 Good morning. How are you?
00:42:19 I'm good. Glad to hear from you.
00:42:21 Yeah, man. Yeah, but just let us, Marlon.
00:42:28 Go ahead.
00:42:29 Let us examine the statement that the.
00:42:35 Hello.
00:42:36 Go ahead, sir. Go ahead.
00:42:37 Marlon, let us examine the statement that the prime minister just made.
00:42:40 Yes.
00:42:42 He said Tobago could not, cannot get its autonomy unless the people of Trinidad decides that.
00:42:59 Well, I think that he was speaking about the parliament.
00:43:01 There has parliament has to has to have a say in this.
00:43:06 Yes. He said the parliament because the parliament he he controls the parliament of Trinidad and Tobago.
00:43:12 And then he went on to say.
00:43:13 Well, I don't know that he controls the parliament.
00:43:16 Well, I mean, he had. Well, when I said he's in government, he's part of it.
00:43:23 Well, he has the majority of seats in the parliament.
00:43:27 But go ahead. Yeah, but the main the main point, the main issue is that he said the people of Trinidad.
00:43:33 When he said what he meant by the people of Trinidad.
00:43:38 Well, as I said, I would think that the prime minister was speaking about the intervention of parliament in all of this.
00:43:46 No, no, no, no, no. Marlon, Marlon, Marlon, Marlon.
00:43:50 This has been the problem.
00:43:53 This is the you see, the people of Trinidad cannot cannot alone.
00:44:00 I alone cannot decide if they're going to give to be able to talk to me.
00:44:08 All right. So let me tell you what the prime minister said. OK, so he said the people of Tobago cannot and will not get anything called self self-government or anything for that matter,
00:44:20 which involves the people of Trinidad and Tobago without the involvement of the people of Trinidad,
00:44:25 because the parliament of Trinidad and Tobago is the parliament of Trinidad and Tobago.
00:44:32 That's what the prime minister said. It's clear to you now.
00:44:38 So it was the parliament that he was speaking about. But Tobago, you're there.
00:44:44 You're still there. But but let's let's let's look at it in a wider sense now.
00:44:49 When it comes to autonomy, I think that there have been some fairs as to how Tobago would be able to deal with autonomy.
00:45:01 What are your views? Marlon, let us let us let us let us let us dissect this thing in a meaningful way.
00:45:10 Dissected. Go ahead. Right. There are two I am called make up the country called Trinidad and Tobago.
00:45:18 Yes. All the people of Tobago want is to contribute to the to the to the country called the Trinidad and Tobago.
00:45:29 We don't want to be dependent on the island of Trinidad.
00:45:33 So the only way to be able to contribute in a meaningful way, because we are separated by water.
00:45:41 We have all we have all different culture. We have our own kind of natural resources.
00:45:46 We have our own human resources. So in order to contribute to the country called Trinidad and Tobago,
00:45:53 the island of Tobago need a certain level of autonomy, meaning some can create some kind of law that govern ourselves.
00:46:04 It's not dependent on the on the island of Tobago, of Trinidad.
00:46:09 So we can contribute to the country called Trinidad and Tobago.
00:46:15 So you so you believe you believe that that Tobago needs to contribute or should be given the opportunity to contribute a little more.
00:46:26 And autonomy would provide that opportunity. All right. You're calling us on six to three, 17, 11.
00:46:31 The extension is 1995 to Bagel. As I said, we would love to hear your views concerning what the prime minister said or your general views when it comes to Tobago and autonomy.
00:46:44 Of course, Mr. Charles, over the years, he has been calling for that.
00:46:49 You had a you also have a situation right now with the chief secretary, Farley.
00:46:53 Augustin has been calling for that over the past few few years since his administration has been in power in Tobago.
00:47:05 All right. So it's a very interesting topic. And I'm sure that many of you would want to contribute to to this debate.
00:47:13 Again, you're calling us on six to three, 17, 11. The extension is 1995.
00:47:18 The lines are free. You can please call us now. Yeah.
00:47:22 So not only you had a funeral yesterday, but at the funeral, you had many political statements being made.
00:47:31 Yeah. Well, I guess people can say, well, which I Charles was a politician.
00:47:35 So, you know, it was it was all in good stead at his funeral yesterday.
00:47:41 You're calling us on six to three, 17, 11. The extension is 1995 to Bagel to Bagel.
00:47:47 Let's hear from you. What are your views concerning to Bagel's autonomy?
00:47:52 Yeah. Good morning. Good morning. I'm calling you, Barney.
00:47:56 You're calling from Petey Valley. Go ahead. Petey Valley.
00:48:00 Yes. I would like to judge him. I would suggest that you don't go.
00:48:05 I mean, the statement to be one country.
00:48:11 No. Any decision that has been made about any region.
00:48:18 Of Toronto, they must be made by the whole country of Toronto.
00:48:24 For example, if a referendum has to be needed, it cannot be made with only the people because the people is not.
00:48:34 An island by itself.
00:48:38 Toronto must make that referendum of one point four million people.
00:48:43 So from one point four million people, we can actually know what the heart is on the matter of division.
00:48:53 No, I listen to all these opinions talk about they want to contribute.
00:48:59 I don't believe it is like that. I believe it's a victim mentality.
00:49:04 And they are getting a lion's share of the budget as compared to 100,000 people living in Bagel Martin.
00:49:13 Do not get that amount of money to improve their life.
00:49:18 The Bagel, however, get a large percentage of the budget for the effect.
00:49:23 70,000 people know that is a disparity.
00:49:29 And it is the one point four million people's taxes up in for this disparity.
00:49:36 OK, no, I understand contribution or whatever, but it's you that must be there.
00:49:41 We are new to the vision.
00:49:45 It's not the solution for any to be good.
00:49:50 It's not unity is a better position of economic strength, foreign strength, or foreign unity, foreign issues to go forward.
00:50:04 Not autonomy.
00:50:06 But however, the spirit of the autonomy seems to be in its hands in a political form.
00:50:12 And I don't think it is wise.
00:50:14 All right. Thank you very much, Petey Valley.
00:50:17 Calling us on 63 1711. The extension is 1995.
00:50:20 We just have about 10 minutes again to take your calls.
00:50:23 Restatements concerning Tobago's autonomy calls for Tobago's autonomy.
00:50:30 There was a point I wanted to make.
00:50:33 And this is a very interesting topic because autonomy.
00:50:37 There are persons in the know, persons in authority who have said that autonomy does not need does not mean secession.
00:50:47 That's two different issues that we are dealing with. And I think that sometimes when we speak about Tobago and autonomy, we always mix them up and we always speak about secession.
00:50:59 Right. So it's two different issues. Long Circular. Good morning.
00:51:03 Good morning.
00:51:07 So could you speak up a little bit? We're not hearing you very well.
00:51:11 Yes. Yes. We're hearing you now. Go ahead.
00:51:15 I want to be.
00:51:21 I must say. All right.
00:51:24 So you need to change your position a little bit so that we can hear you.
00:51:29 Go ahead. We'll try again. Go ahead.
00:51:32 While I would like Tobago to be half-authority autonomy, I just want to say to Tobago, Tobago, you're only going to be from Keith Road.
00:51:45 Because we remember a big mining pastor. He was fully indifferent.
00:51:51 So I'm going to call up with the greatest respect to you. I'm not hearing you very well. And I'm sure people are not hearing you.
00:51:58 I don't know if you can call us back because we really do want to hear your contribution.
00:52:03 But I think it would be a disservice to you and a disservice to our viewers if they're not hearing you, because I want to hear what you're saying.
00:52:10 OK, so you're calling us on six to three. Seventeen. Eleven. The extension is nineteen ninety five.
00:52:15 We are discussing calls for Tobago's autonomy. Tobago's first chief secretary, but they told George Charles was yesterday posthumously bestowed the island's highest award.
00:52:26 But Tobago Medal of Honor Gold. The award was presented by T.H.A. chief secretary, Farley Augustine, to his widow, Ika Frank Charles,
00:52:35 and other family members during Charles's funeral service of a shore park complex in Scarborough.
00:52:41 Now, Charles, 77, died on December 31st after ailing for some time.
00:52:47 You're calling us in six to three. Seventeen. Eleven. The extension is nineteen ninety five.
00:52:51 We just have about seven minutes again, so you can please call us now as we debate the issue of Tobago self governance.
00:53:02 In other words, Tobago's autonomy. Yeah. Is it something that you feel that is good for Tobago?
00:53:08 Is it is it do you feel that Tobago is ready for this major step?
00:53:15 Well, according to the prime minister, there's going to be a discussion debate later on this year concerning Tobago and self governance.
00:53:26 All right. You're calling us in six to three. Seventeen. Eleven. The extension is nineteen ninety five.
00:53:30 Tobago, it would be a pleasure to hear from you all this morning because this directly affects you all.
00:53:38 This is what many of you have been calling for for some time now.
00:53:43 So it would be it would be good to hear from you, hear your views, hear about the.
00:53:48 Karanash is on the line. Good morning, Karanash. Good morning. All the best to you.
00:53:53 To you too, sir. Since I was born a long time ago, I've been hearing about this thing with Tobago autonomy and Tobago.
00:54:01 It will go on for your lifetime and my lifetime. It'll never stop.
00:54:05 The only solution is give Tobago complete independence. Let them run their own government.
00:54:11 Let them collect their own taxes. Have their own prime minister take Tobago off of our passport.
00:54:17 We have a Trinidad passport. We have a Tobago passport. If they want, like any ally, like Grenada, let them run their own affairs.
00:54:24 But this thing will go on and go on. It's been going on for years and it will never stop.
00:54:29 Give them complete independence and if you have a referendum of the people of Trinidad and the people of Tobago about independence,
00:54:39 I am quite sure the people of Trinidad will vote to give Tobago complete independence.
00:54:45 Tobago, what do they contribute to our economy? We spend a lot more money than we get from Tobago.
00:54:52 So this will go on and go on. The only solution is to give them complete independence. Thank you.
00:55:00 All right. You're calling us on 63-17-11. The extension is 1995 and this is all of the debate.
00:55:07 This is all a part of the debate. Some people will want to happen what the caller has just suggested.
00:55:17 And again, so it's it's you. You are going to get mixed views, varying views concerning this matter.
00:55:25 Let's take another call. Good morning, caller. Caller, good morning.
00:55:30 Yeah, Marlon, good morning again. You hear me now?
00:55:33 Better. Let's let's hope it keeps up. Go ahead.
00:55:37 Yeah, as I was saying, Marlon, I just want to say to the people of Tobago,
00:55:40 why I would love to see you giving the opportunity to be a part of the Tanah Biter Run and run affairs.
00:55:45 Just want to say this premise that we have here, just said that yesterday, this cannot wind up somewhere up there.
00:55:52 We're not going to let this happen, period, because just as you said, Marlon, you promised us all of the different things
00:55:57 that Patrick Manning passed away, we're still waiting to see it happen.
00:56:00 He's in the second term as a prime minister. He's not going to let this happen at all.
00:56:05 He's not going to let this happen. But I would love to see Tobago giving the opportunity to get the owner
00:56:11 to run the owner affairs because from having different times being across the island,
00:56:17 the island is really pretty. The island is really nice. People is warm, respectable.
00:56:22 And all that crime, everything is a set of that you know, I don't want to prevent cause and creating a whole heap of havoc up in the island.
00:56:29 We could do better. And the PNR administration, that's helping us all. Thank you, Marlon.
00:56:35 All right. Thank you very much. Well, let's get back to some other things that the prime minister said.
00:56:39 He said, and until the law is changed by the parliament of Trinidad and Tobago,
00:56:43 the internal self-government ambitions of Tobago would be having to pass through the parliament of Trinidad and Tobago.
00:56:50 There is no other pathway. The prime minister noted when the first draft self-governance legislation was submitted to the cabinet
00:56:59 and put to the parliament in 2021 by the government, Rowley recalled it went to the parliament
00:57:04 and the parliament is made up of different groups of different parts of the country with different interests.
00:57:10 And when the two bills were sent, they were sent to a joint select committee of the parliament representation from across the parliament.
00:57:17 And it was worked on very diligently for quite some time, because in these committees that you are looking for is consensus to generate an agreement,
00:57:27 because no matter how good you think or you might think it is, if you can't get agreement and you can't get consensus,
00:57:37 you will be complaining until you're dead. That's what it's here of the prime minister.
00:57:42 Let's take another call. Good morning, caller. Marlon, I have to call back just to respond to the caller from Carnage.
00:57:50 Go ahead. Go ahead. And give him some homework to do. All right.
00:57:54 Because you're respectful, be respectful, but go ahead. I'll be respectful.
00:57:58 You ought to be educate, you know, some people. Go on.
00:58:02 To be able to make the country of Trinidad and Tobago the size it is for my for my throat, for my throat to see.
00:58:13 La Cita respective. What is the distance between Venezuela and Trinidad? What is the distance between Trinidad and Tobago?
00:58:27 If Tobago gets it independent, Trinidad will be locked in between Venezuela and Tobago, and Trinidad will be become small in terms of territorial water.
00:58:42 Because the distance between Venezuela and Trinidad is about 11 miles.
00:58:48 So six feet apart, the distance between Trinidad and Tobago is 22 miles between the shore.
00:58:55 That'll be leveled from a territorial water.
00:58:59 Trinidad will be smaller and will be locked in. So this independence that he spoke about,
00:59:07 this is how Tobago is important to the country called Trinidad and Tobago. And after that,
00:59:12 the most of the gas and oil resources will not be in Trinidad for you all to exploit.
00:59:18 So, Carnage, when you're talking, know what you're speaking about.
00:59:25 And know that the importance of Tobago to the country called Trinidad and Tobago.
00:59:30 I rest my case. Go on, go on and research that.
00:59:33 Tobago, thank you very much for your contribution. You know, Sparrow has a song at the beginning of the song.
00:59:39 What he says, Trinidad and Tobago will always be one.
00:59:44 You remember that song? Yeah. Thank you to all of our callers this morning for speaking on the issue that we pose to you, Tobago and autonomy.
00:59:53 Yeah, we are going to have to continue this debate at a later stage. It's an interesting one.
00:59:59 We are going to a very short break. We're coming back, everybody.
01:00:08 It was the week before Christmas and inside his house was a grumpy old man and his usual grouse.
01:00:18 He had errands to run, but he could not bear this crazy new world and the nonsense out there.
01:00:26 On his first stop, it was such a bummer. All of the spots hogged by a hummer.
01:00:36 To the grocery he went to pick up some bread.
01:00:48 But landed on Tick-Tock. And knocked in the head.
01:01:01 His glasses were broken into two or three. Luckily, right around the corner was a brand new OT.
01:01:08 Welcome to Optometrist. How may I assist you? What he experienced inside is these days too rare.
01:01:14 He was treated with warmth and genuine care. From that day on, he was a new Trevor.
01:01:21 Looking, feeling, seeing much better than ever.
01:01:28 At OT, we believe kindness can change your point of view. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year too.
01:01:39 Hello everyone. I am Shami Noel and welcome to the program Highway of Holiness.
01:01:45 Tune in every first Sunday on CCN TV 6 at 7 a.m. where you will hear the very heart and mind of God.
01:01:54 God bless you. Catholic Charismatic Renewal presents its 25th Caribbean Conference from Friday, January 5th to Sunday, January 7th, 2024.
01:02:04 The theme of the conference is Evangelize, Spread the Good News. The main celebrant and homilist will be His Excellency Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon.
01:02:13 Other speakers are Father Maurice Nutt from the USA, Father Kingsley Asphal from Jamaica, Father Peter Wamutitu from Dominica,
01:02:20 and from Trinidad and Tobago, Father Ian Taylor and Sister Deborah De Rossia.
01:02:25 Come join us at the Center of Excellence in Macquoia to be part of this spirit-filled weekend.
01:02:30 The conference costs $300. For information, call 645-0525 or 645-2902.
01:02:39 The body of the former Prime Minister will lie in honor in the Rotunda area of the Red House today from 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.
01:02:58 The state funeral for Mr. Pandey is scheduled for Tuesday, January 9th at the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts.
01:03:05 Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley has declared there is no self-government without Trinidad.
01:03:11 The Prime Minister made the remark at the funeral service on Thursday for the late Ho-Troi Charles, Tobago's first Chief Secretary.
01:03:19 Dr. Rowley's comments came as speaker after speaker preceding him spoke of the need for Tobago's autonomy to be granted, a wish of Mr. Charles before his passing on the last day of 2023.
01:03:32 THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine bestowed the Tobago Medal of Honor Gold on the late Ho-Troi Charles.
01:03:40 The medal was received by the wife of the deceased, Eka Frank Charles, during the funeral service at the Shore Park Complex.
01:03:48 Taking a look at the weather forecast, sunny and breezy conditions prevail despite the odd brisk isolated showers favoring the morning period across Trinidad.
01:04:01 Be advised that winds can gust at times, especially near showers.
01:04:06 Overall, beachgoers can enjoy pleasant and moderate seas in open waters with swells ranging from 1.5 to 2 meters and holding steady.
01:04:19 [music]
01:04:24 Welcome to Bradford, the home of exquisitely tailored suits, the Bradford brand, the perfect pants with the perfect fit, designer shirts for work, dress or play.
01:04:33 Bradford is also the leading supplier of corporate uniforms and of course, we are the preferred uniform provider of the best quality school uniforms for boys and girls of primary and secondary schools.
01:04:43 The best quality at the lowest prices. Order in advance via WhatsApp at 623-8474 and pick up at any of our convenient locations.
01:04:51 Here's to wishing you a happy, healthy and prosperous new year.
01:04:54 Point 14 Hardware is the leader of residential, commercial and industrial electrical construction materials with a wide range of armored and unarmored cables, ECC cables and much more.
01:05:05 We supply all electrical material for domestic and commercial wiring and a wide range of other construction supplies at very competitive prices.
01:05:13 All cables are approved by the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards.
01:05:17 Visit Point 14 Hardware at the warehouse and wholesale division, Frederick Settlement, Kearney or call us now at 678-0857.
01:05:25 [music]
01:05:29 [music]
01:05:39 [music]
01:05:49 [music]
01:05:59 [music]
01:06:09 [music]
01:06:19 [music]
01:06:29 [music]
01:06:39 [music]
01:06:49 [music]
01:06:59 [music]
01:07:09 [music]
01:07:19 [music]
01:07:29 [music]
01:07:39 [music]
01:07:49 [music]
01:07:59 [music]
01:08:09 [music]
01:08:19 [music]
01:08:29 [music]
01:08:39 [music]
01:08:49 [music]
01:08:59 [music]
01:09:09 [music]
01:09:19 [music]
01:09:29 [music]
01:09:39 [music]
01:09:49 [music]
01:09:59 [music]
01:10:09 [music]
01:10:19 [music]
01:10:29 [music]
01:10:39 [music]
01:10:49 [music]
01:10:59 [music]
01:11:09 [music]
01:11:19 [music]
01:11:29 [music]
01:11:39 [music]
01:11:49 [music]
01:11:59 [music]
01:12:09 [music]
01:12:19 [music]
01:12:29 [music]
01:12:39 [music]
01:12:49 [music]
01:12:59 [music]
01:13:09 [music]
01:13:19 [music]
01:13:29 [music]
01:13:39 [music]
01:13:49 [music]
01:13:59 [music]
01:14:09 [music]
01:14:19 [music]
01:14:29 [music]
01:14:39 [music]
01:14:49 [music]
01:14:59 [music]
01:15:09 [music]
01:15:19 [music]
01:15:29 [music]
01:15:39 [music]
01:15:49 [music]
01:15:59 [music]
01:16:09 [music]
01:16:19 [music]
01:16:29 [music]
01:16:39 [music]
01:16:49 [music]
01:16:59 [music]
01:17:09 [music]
01:17:19 [music]
01:17:29 [music]
01:17:39 [music]
01:17:49 [music]
01:17:59 [music]
01:18:09 [music]
01:18:19 [music]
01:18:29 [music]
01:18:39 [music]
01:18:49 [music]
01:18:59 [music]
01:19:09 [music]
01:19:19 [music]
01:19:29 [music]
01:19:39 [music]
01:19:49 [music]
01:19:59 [music]
01:20:09 [music]
01:20:19 [music]
01:20:29 [music]
01:20:39 [music]
01:20:49 [music]
01:20:59 [music]
01:21:09 [music]
01:21:19 [music]
01:21:29 [music]
01:21:39 [music]
01:21:49 [music]
01:21:59 [music]
01:22:09 [music]
01:22:19 [music]
01:22:29 [music]
01:22:39 [music]
01:22:49 [music]
01:22:59 [music]
01:23:09 [music]
01:23:19 [music]
01:23:29 [music]
01:23:39 [music]
01:23:49 [music]
01:23:59 [music]
01:24:09 [music]
01:24:19 [music]
01:24:29 [music]
01:24:39 [music]
01:24:49 [music]
01:24:59 [music]
01:25:09 [music]
01:25:19 [music]
01:25:29 [music]
01:25:39 [music]
01:25:49 [music]
01:25:59 [music]
01:26:09 [music]
01:26:19 [music]
01:26:29 [music]
01:26:39 [music]
01:26:49 [music]
01:26:59 [music]
01:27:09 [music]
01:27:19 [music]
01:27:29 [music]
01:27:39 [music]
01:27:49 [music]
01:27:59 [music]
01:28:09 [music]
01:28:19 [music]
01:28:29 [music]
01:28:39 [music]
01:28:49 [music]
01:28:59 [music]
01:29:09 [music]
01:29:18 [music]
01:29:28 [music]
01:29:38 [music]
01:29:48 [music]
01:29:58 [music]
01:30:08 [music]
01:30:16 Any time you leave your keys in the ignition when you pull up to your driveway, you make yourself an easy target for theft and robbery.
01:30:26 Make it tough for criminals. Don't give them a chance. Switch off your engine, remove your keys, and stay alert.
01:30:35 A message from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.
01:30:39 [music]
01:30:54 [music]
01:30:56 Welcome back everyone. So we are talking about the Tobago harvest. Yes, Tobago still has the harvest, right?
01:31:04 And they have it every year. And we have Mr. Kervin Horsford with us this morning. Harvest God, you know.
01:31:11 Harvest God is me.
01:31:12 What do you look harvest God here?
01:31:13 [laughter]
01:31:15 I don't know if to call you Harvest God or...
01:31:18 Harvest God is fine.
01:31:19 Harvest God.
01:31:20 Yes, and it's fine.
01:31:21 Tell us about the Tobago harvest because as we were discussing during the break, I know of the Tobago harvest.
01:31:29 And I'm just wondering if there's a change in the way that it is ruled out.
01:31:37 Because I remember hearing that when you have the harvest in Tobago, it's like the majority of people in Tobago are cooking.
01:31:46 And you had a situation where you could have gone to people's home and get free food.
01:31:51 I mean, that is what the harvest really is about.
01:31:54 First things first, I want to say thank you for having me.
01:31:56 Of course.
01:31:57 Good morning to all of your viewers.
01:32:00 The Tobago harvest is still ongoing. It's never stopped.
01:32:05 What harvest really is about, for those of you that do not know, it actually starts in the church in the morning.
01:32:15 Where all the different farmers would bring their crops to the church and they share it amongst each other.
01:32:21 Later on in the afternoon in the church, there's poetry, there's singing.
01:32:25 That's the religious aspect of it.
01:32:27 But it flows all into the afternoon where everybody would go home and prepare all different meals.
01:32:33 And literally open up their homes to absolutely anybody.
01:32:37 You're free to come, you eat as much as you like, you drink as much as you like.
01:32:42 It's like an all-inclusive event.
01:32:45 For free?
01:32:46 For free.
01:32:47 So what time does the food begin?
01:32:51 Well, actually, most people usually target like 12, 1 o'clock to finish cooking.
01:32:58 A good time to go to harvest is like 2 o'clock in the evening.
01:33:01 And different harvest times, people go, sometimes harvest runs until 10, 11, 12.
01:33:07 Harvest God, look at this food here.
01:33:10 That looks like Gwana boy.
01:33:12 I mean, that is actually Gwana and dumping.
01:33:15 In Tobago, you know, we are law-abiding citizens, so we only cook these kinds of meals when the hunting season is open.
01:33:22 Other than that, we cook chicken, pork, fish, crab, rabbit.
01:33:26 The meats that are legal when the hunting season isn't open.
01:33:30 So it's a particular day every year?
01:33:33 Actually, I'm glad you asked that. Harvest is almost every Sunday in a different community across the island.
01:33:41 Almost every Sunday.
01:33:42 Like for instance, like this Sunday here, the first Sunday in every year is usually the village of Pembroke and Glamorgan harvest.
01:33:52 And because harvest is such a vital aspect of our culture in Tobago,
01:33:57 majority of the people in these communities do celebrate Christmas.
01:34:02 They mainly focus all the resources on harvest.
01:34:05 And some people may think that, hey, this is crazy, because I mean, Christmas is a very important part of our tradition.
01:34:12 And people overlook that in these communities and focus mainly on the harvest festivities, just to make sure that the harvest is really nice.
01:34:22 All right. So this Sunday, it's the opportunity for Pembroke and Glamorgan.
01:34:28 Yes. Right. And how long is this going to continue for?
01:34:33 Because I suspect the next week you have another community next week.
01:34:37 All right. This Sunday, Pembroke, Glamorgan, the following Sunday is in Palative Aire.
01:34:43 The Sunday after that is in Bethel's Depliment.
01:34:46 And almost every Sunday of the year, there's a different community.
01:34:52 Really? So this goes on until the end of the year?
01:34:55 Basically. Why wasn't I told that?
01:34:59 Well, I mean, one thing that I must say, harvest is actually the glue that gels us together in the Tobago space.
01:35:07 You know, harvest is a place where a lot of people tend to go and just relax and chill out.
01:35:12 You know, sometimes it's not even just about the food. You would have all different meals at home and still not eat that at home and go to harvest.
01:35:21 Harvest is a time where you would interact with some of the top politicians, you know, the top lawyers, the top doctors that would take off their suits, come off of the high chair, come down on the ground and literally interact with everybody.
01:35:33 But I'm sure that there has to be a different flavor, as it were, when it comes to each community.
01:35:43 So Pembroke and Glamorgan, they may be known for a certain type of food.
01:35:47 And as you move on to the other areas that there's this particular flavor and food that they that they cook.
01:35:55 Well, to a certain extent, because, like, for instance, when you go to some of the villages higher up in the country, like for instance, Spaceside and Charleville, you get I mean, those villages are fishing villages.
01:36:07 So you get the normal chicken, pork, fish, normal, those kind of meats.
01:36:12 But sometimes you get some really nice traditional smoked fish where people actually prepare their own smoked fish in the smokehouse at the back of the yard.
01:36:19 And you may get it prepared in all different styles, all different ways.
01:36:23 Yeah. Yeah. So I understand that you are also a cook, a chef.
01:36:32 Well, I mean, most definitely. I mean, I think one thing I like it confidently, the majority of Tobago Indians are really good in the kitchen.
01:36:40 You know, so for me, I grew up with my mom. My mom is originally from Palleterville.
01:36:44 And I mean, I ain't saying country people are better than town people in cooking.
01:36:49 You see what this man causing here? Go ahead.
01:36:53 But I mean, I learned a lot of traditional style cooking from my mom.
01:36:57 So one thing that I have on my platform also is that every Sunday I run a show where I call it Fireside Sunday.
01:37:05 Right.
01:37:06 Where I go to a different beach or a different location across the island and really showcase some of our locally or some of our traditional meals.
01:37:15 You know, actually cooking on spot on the wood fire.
01:37:19 You know, so sometimes you may see it like the video you just showed that was in Castara Beach where I did a traditional Tobago breakfast.
01:37:26 Everything on the beach, fireside, chocolate tea, fried fish, smoked fish, full whipped.
01:37:32 You know, so I mean, I get a little bit in the kitchen.
01:37:35 Boy, I don't come up boy.
01:37:36 And you know, the thing is, I ain't really causing no back and all.
01:37:40 You know, men are better cooks than women, right?
01:37:43 Let's talk about some of the events that you have been hosting on the island.
01:37:51 Of course, the Tobago Heritage Space site have a celebration, Tobago Day, Judging of the Division, cooking competition, things like these.
01:37:58 Tell us a little bit more about these events.
01:38:01 Well, for me, it's all about showcase in our culture.
01:38:08 It's all about giving service to Tobago.
01:38:12 Right. And I've been to the Tobago Day in Brooklyn, New York.
01:38:17 Yeah. Again, showcasing the harvest festivities in Tobago.
01:38:21 I go to every community that hosts the harvest and basically showcase the harvest to the world.
01:38:29 Right. This picture that you're seeing here is freelance vlogger Uri Maya from Ghana.
01:38:35 OK. He was in Trinidad and Tobago for a couple of times, so I had the honor to have him for a couple of days and show him organically some of our meals that we prepare in Tobago.
01:38:46 Right. This year is actually in Brooklyn, New York.
01:38:51 I went to Times Square and again, we are promoting the culture, harvest, Tobago culture, Trinidad and Tobago.
01:38:57 So we were in Times Square doing a promotion here.
01:39:02 This year is actually my harvest festivities in Garmin as Harvest God.
01:39:06 You know, you must you must keep harvest. And one thing that I did, I told it to some of my viewers, if you're in the Tobago space and you want to
01:39:14 just you want to experience organic Tobago harvest, I'm inviting you to my home.
01:39:18 And I was surprised there were people that were there from Switzerland, Germany, Spain, all over the world.
01:39:23 So this is some t-shirts that I gave out at my harvest also.
01:39:28 This is actually I actually had the honor and the privilege to educate, to tell the consulate general of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago stationed in New York at the Tobago Day Festival.
01:39:41 And this was just some pictures from that event. That is actually the consulate general in the red t-shirt and his team.
01:39:46 So Harvest God, where does this love come from?
01:39:50 Well, one thing I could confidently say is that, I mean, Trinbagonians are genuinely loving people, you know,
01:39:57 but Tobagoians have a special kind of love, you know, and in any way we had the opportunity to really show it and share that love.
01:40:04 We just capitalize on it in the best way that we can.
01:40:08 So what's next for you as Harvest God?
01:40:10 Well, for me, one thing I definitely intend to do, I look at it from, there's no Tobago without Trinidad and there's no Trinidad without Tobago.
01:40:21 It's a twin island republic. I mean, although it's a twin island republic, to a certain extent we are cultured differently, you know,
01:40:29 and one of my drive is to showcase to the world that despite of all the bad things we are hearing across the world, you know, I mean, there are so many people are dying,
01:40:39 there are so many people are, so many kids are crying.
01:40:41 One of my main aim is to show that, hey, in that lovely country of Trinidad and Tobago, there is still this amount of love amongst us.
01:40:50 You know, Trinidad, I mean, there's so much in terms of the nightlife and there's so much going on,
01:40:56 but there's simply a 20 minute flight across the Tobago where there's so much that we have to offer, you know, especially that aspect of our culture.
01:41:05 It's unbelievable to see that in the world today, we have something so fabulous as harvest, where you can just go to a total stranger home and be given red carpet treatment
01:41:18 as if it's by your mom for your parents for harvest, as if it's by a family member.
01:41:23 And this is the culture, as I said, every Sunday.
01:41:26 So my aim, I mean, one of the projects that I have going forward is I'm planning a Tobago harvest experience
01:41:33 and I plan to roll it out across the Trinidad space.
01:41:36 So I plan to do it at different locations in the Trinidad space, you know, where I, where I, me and my team come and actually give an organic Tobago harvest experience
01:41:46 where people can show up at whatever event that I do, whatever location it is.
01:41:50 And just like the Tobago harvest, you eat as much as you want, drink as much as you want, and it's all free.
01:41:56 You know what I mean? As I said, harvest is for free.
01:41:59 You don't pay anything at all. Obviously, you know, we had to get some sponsors.
01:42:03 You know, you need sponsors in order to have that materialized.
01:42:07 Yeah, I understand what you're saying.
01:42:08 All right, Harvest God, anything else you'd like to tell us before you leave us this morning?
01:42:13 I mean, for me, Tobago is love, Trinidad and Tobago is love.
01:42:18 It's so easy to share negative stuff.
01:42:22 And I'm saying, let us focus on somebody positive.
01:42:24 There are a lot of positive things that are going on within our nation. You know, harvest tends to be one of the best ones in my opinion.
01:42:32 So if we're coming to Pembroke and Glamorgan, where do we go?
01:42:37 It's the entire community.
01:42:39 The entire community.
01:42:40 Just tell the taxi driver, drop me.
01:42:42 And you can go to any house in the community that you see is keeping harvest.
01:42:45 You'll see people at the house whatsoever. You don't have to know anybody.
01:42:48 If people need to contact you, how do they do that?
01:42:51 My number is 3-6-4-1-7-1-1.
01:42:54 But you can follow me at Harvest God on any platforms, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook or YouTube.
01:43:00 Harvest God, my number again, 3-6-4-1-7-1-1.
01:43:04 Yeah, Harvest God, it was a pleasure speaking with you this morning.
01:43:07 Thank you very much for the information.
01:43:09 Thank you very much. It was a pleasure being here.
01:43:10 All right. Bye for now.
01:43:11 We are going to a very short break. We're coming back.
01:43:13 [Music]
01:43:25 With Alive Multivitamins by Nature's Way, you won't be defined by time.
01:43:32 You'll own every minute of it.
01:43:35 Discover how you can age vibrantly with Alive.
01:43:40 [Music]
01:43:46 Twelfth Man. Twelfth Man. Twelfth Man.
01:43:50 Oh, gives you all.
01:43:52 Saves you all the time.
01:43:54 Gives you the best football in the world.
01:43:57 Passionate, impulsive, dedicated, decisive, loyal, sincere are the Twelfth Man attributes.
01:44:06 Join Andre Errol Batiste on TV6 for The Twelfth Man Season 4.
01:44:16 Brought to you by Tiger Tanks and Coca-Cola.
01:44:19 [Music]
01:44:22 This is Mary.
01:44:25 Mary has bills to pay and takes a chance parking in front of the building at the no parking sign.
01:44:31 Mary returns to her car and this is what happens.
01:44:36 [Music]
01:44:42 Mary decides to call when she's five minutes away to let her daughter know that she is close by.
01:44:48 But Mary forgot one thing.
01:44:52 Boy, second ticket for the day. I don't know, na. I really don't know. Well, I tell you.
01:44:57 After two tickets, Mary just isn't paying attention to her speed.
01:45:03 [Music]
01:45:18 Don't be like Mary. Obey the laws of the road.
01:45:22 A message from the TTPS.
01:45:24 [Music]
01:45:27 Who cares?
01:45:28 Who cares?
01:45:29 Who really cares?
01:45:30 Who cares? I care. Because I know that tobacco use is the single largest preventable cause of cancer related deaths worldwide.
01:45:38 Smoking cigarettes has been found to harm almost every organ and organ system in your body.
01:45:43 You can do something about that. Don't smoke. If you do, stop. I care because cancer doesn't.
01:45:51 [Music]
01:46:16 Hey, welcome back everyone. I think I cleared that before I came on it.
01:46:21 Welcome back. So we are discussing now the boxcar intercall and we do have Andre Critchlow,
01:46:28 who is a director of the Gravity Racing Association of Trinidad and Tobago.
01:46:32 And we also have Miss Nicole Johnson, director, Gravity Racing Association of Trinidad and Tobago.
01:46:38 Lady, gentleman, good morning. Good morning. Good morning.
01:46:41 Good morning. Good morning. Good morning. Mr. Critchlow was here last time and we had a long discussion.
01:46:45 So I'm going to put Miss Johnson in the hot seat this morning to tell us about the boxcar intercall.
01:46:52 Thank you very much to you and to your viewers. Yes.
01:46:56 We're excited about Sunday. This Sunday, the boxcar intercall, the very first. I think we made history.
01:47:02 We know boxcarting, an old school tradition.
01:47:04 Man might think about white man and, you know, get bruised up and tumble down a hill and all of that.
01:47:09 But we've taken that tradition, proud tradition of ours, dangerous, dangerous tradition,
01:47:16 and we've made it into something fun, safe. Absolutely.
01:47:20 And we've engaged big people. And we saw that in our event in 2015, 2016, 2019, we had national events.
01:47:30 The young people wanted to be involved. They really were at their helm, at the forefront.
01:47:34 And when we asked them what was fun about it, not just the building, the designing of the boxcar,
01:47:39 but actually applying things that they learn in school, their custom, you know, whiteboard, chalk and talk.
01:47:45 But having a hands on project like this where you can take the physics theory that you're learning or the art concepts that you're learning or the math that you're learning and put it into something real, something tangible where you could race down a ramp.
01:47:59 We actually create the hill. Yeah. Yeah. It's not a hill we're going to. We create the hill. We build the hill.
01:48:04 And that was the turning point for us. And so we took that and we said, you know what?
01:48:10 The young people want to run with this. And so it became an intercourse. Yeah. Right.
01:48:16 Mr. Grachulo, is it that you see where more and more young people are gravitating towards this?
01:48:24 Well, I'll tell you what I see is that we have to find another way to engage youth, especially when it comes to learning and applying the things that they learn.
01:48:34 What this brings to the table is development of all skills from entrepreneurial because they have to find ways to raise funding if they go to the local parlor, stuff like that.
01:48:45 Right. So they're developing life skills from this experience. And there is a yearning for it.
01:48:50 When we did the caravan, we were all in Tobago, Blanche, Shea, Stoke, and the engagement and excitement was so we could do this, we could build this.
01:48:59 And I'm saying, yes, but more importantly, all the work to do towards building the boxcarts can be submitted towards the SBA.
01:49:07 So it's not just a GLAD project. It's not really an extracurricular activity because the things that they do, they have calculation sheets to present.
01:49:16 I even have one of our executives always chastised me and said they wanted an IT component.
01:49:22 And I get what IT have to do with building and books. I don't understand.
01:49:26 And she's like, well, you know, they have spreadsheets, they have data compilations, they have to do Web's.
01:49:30 And I'm like, OK, noted for the next one. Yeah, do that. Right.
01:49:35 I have to say that again, I am so happy, proud and impressed with what our youth are presenting.
01:49:42 The written portfolio, which is part of the competition, is not just building the boxcarts and racing.
01:49:47 You have to show your thought process through your build and you're rewarded for documenting that process.
01:49:53 Just like a science lab. Yes. The quality of portfolios, the written portfolio is absolutely outstanding.
01:50:01 Absolutely outstanding. As a matter of fact, you know, in a fit of gladness, I shared with the head of the engineering department.
01:50:07 Did you read Dr. Bridge? I call and I said, look, I have to share this with somebody.
01:50:12 And that's what we point out in portfolios that but look at the level of work and detail.
01:50:17 And again, it's something we're very, very proud about. We encourage people to come up.
01:50:22 Entry is free. Bring your cooler. Come on. Chill out. See what the youths are producing.
01:50:28 We have provided a platform for the youth to express themselves in a safe, controlled environment.
01:50:33 That is competitive because I hear a couple of schools say they bring in rhythm section and thing.
01:50:38 Right. To deal with the other schools. You know, and that is kind of healthy engagement we're looking for.
01:50:44 And if all goes well and continues to go well, we'll be able to represent our culture in a very different and engaging way.
01:50:53 Nicole, let's look at the itinerary, as it were, on Sunday. How is this going to roll out on Sunday?
01:50:59 So the gates open at the Arima Velodrome at 7 a.m. That's not for the public.
01:51:04 That's for the participants. Make sure that you're there between 7 and 8 a.m.
01:51:09 So all of our participants, I want to shout out some of the schools like Holy Name Convent point 14.
01:51:15 We have Blanchishes secondary coming through Barrett.
01:51:19 It's we've we did really well with with campaigning and attracting different schools.
01:51:24 So from as far as point 14 coming to Arima, they have to get there between seven and eight.
01:51:30 Why? Because you need to settle. So we have a pit area for them, a special space where all of the teams would be gathered to be able to get themselves up onto the ramp.
01:51:40 From from that eight o'clock, we start scrutineering so Andre can go into detail.
01:51:45 That is that's basically checking to make sure that you follow the rules and regulations in your build, in your design.
01:51:51 And it is safe, no pointed pointy parts and, you know, that kind of thing.
01:51:56 No one has a jetpack. Hidden power additives.
01:52:00 That's right. Pedals on the inside. It is all powered by gravity, all powered by gravity.
01:52:06 So we have to do that check. So scrutineering happens between eight and nine at nine.
01:52:11 We have a mini opening. It is an all in all grill, you know, our very first box cart intercall.
01:52:16 So we want to have an opening. We are so thankful for the response that we got from the member of parliament for Arima Minister Penelope Beckles, who will be kicking off the event.
01:52:27 So that opening happens at nine. Competition starts right after that competition till about noon.
01:52:34 You have a short break and then more competition, more races after from about one to two and then from three, three, three to any grudge matches.
01:52:43 If you have a with somebody, if one school, say we come out to, you know, to do with you and some fun runs, too.
01:52:49 So, you know, Mr. Hopkinson decide to show up and I put you in a car and send you down the ramp.
01:52:54 What a cart like this. Boy. Yeah, we have we have we have some.
01:52:58 I'm sure the students would love to have Marlon Hopkinson in one of the cars representing TV six.
01:53:05 But look at the carts. Yeah. Well, again, expression of creativity and stuff.
01:53:09 You know, that's what we're about. And I want to also add, if you notice, we said Holy Name Convent from deep down.
01:53:16 And so this competition is not gender bias and it's not resource bias.
01:53:22 Ingenuity is what will give you the edge. You know, we had an all girls team.
01:53:27 I remember these guys. My cart would have looked something like that.
01:53:32 Right. Yeah. And that is what very dangerous.
01:53:35 If you notice, though, they have a lot of the PPE on board, helmets, jackets and stuff.
01:53:39 So we have protection. And as we say that we've got to safety.
01:53:43 We've had numerous crashes and all the crashes were fun because everybody gets.
01:53:48 No, we have. By the way, this injury is not from boxcar.
01:53:52 I just let everybody know. All right. I know your producer, Nicole Romany, was teasing me about that with the sling.
01:53:58 And it is not from boxcar. But what I'm saying is we've had numerous crashes, spills, but they were all fun.
01:54:04 Yes. Because of the safety involved. Yeah. You know, they walk away. They had the experience.
01:54:08 And they came back and they competed. And that is what this is about. It's about getting out there.
01:54:12 There's no gender bias. There's no competitive advantage offer to money, size, strength.
01:54:19 Nothing. It's about this. You use your build process properly and you will be competitive.
01:54:24 But are there categories? So we have two categories open.
01:54:29 We have what you call the gravity racer, which is once we saw the big wheels. Yes, they are the fastest.
01:54:34 They are the ones built with used BMX bicycle wheels, 16 inch diameter.
01:54:39 Again, all the rules and regulations are on the site. Trini Tuner dot com slash boxcar.
01:54:45 There's also the luge. You want to do so. That was familiar. Yes.
01:54:49 But they actually use skateboard wheels. We found it difficult to find access to the steel bearings that we were.
01:54:54 Right. So we adapted to that using the skateboard wheels. Right. That, too, is a lot of fun.
01:55:00 As people of a certain build tend to be better on that. So I believe I believe that there.
01:55:07 But again, we we're very proud of what we're seeing, you know, and again, the support.
01:55:13 Let's go to a very short break and we'll be returned. We're coming back, everybody.
01:55:26 Come on, come on. Everyone can play.
01:55:30 Play football. It's the miniature sport and community development seven aside tournament powered by red.
01:55:38 96.7 FM. Stand and deliver. Kick your way to success and glory.
01:55:44 Listen, listen. Now, become the footballer you dream of by registering for a seven aside.
01:55:52 One of a kind tournament. Represent your community, your area, your people and win prizes and fame.
01:55:59 As live TV comes your way. Spots are limited. So don't delay for registration details.
01:56:06 Visit red. 96.7 FM Facebook page or send your email to 96 football at Gmail dot com.
01:56:13 The Ministry of Sport and Community Development presents seven aside tournament powered by the bigger 96.
01:56:21 Sports. Sports.
01:56:34 All right, everybody. So welcome back. So again, we are discussing the boxcart intercall.
01:56:40 Mr. Critchlow, before I stop to you. Yes, I was about to say with regard to support.
01:56:45 And it's very important because this would not have been possible without the support from Digicel, NGC, Trinituna dot com.
01:56:53 They've all contributed. We have an anonymous benefactor that is on board that says he will pay for the registration and entry fee for all the students that came in.
01:57:02 That's another way we're paying some bills. We have support again from Ministry of Sport and Ministry of Education.
01:57:09 They endorse and said they gave us permission to engage the school. So again, without that support, it wouldn't have been possible.
01:57:15 And that's very important to us. Did you sell as well? I've offered free Internet to the school, the winning school for a year.
01:57:23 And they have some gift bags and goodies of some specials, I think might be on the day.
01:57:27 We have some special prizes that's going to be given out. We didn't want to spoil it for the youths that put their sweat equity into the whole effort.
01:57:34 And also when they come out, you'll be surprised. And again, it is free to the general public.
01:57:39 You could pass through, spend five minutes, spend five hours, engage and talk to you.
01:57:44 We want people to engage youth and see what our youth are capable of.
01:57:49 That is that is the goal for this particular event. Of course, also test and tune and greed so that we'll be able to award an overall winner.
01:57:59 But Nicole, it sounds like an event for everyone. Yes, every member of the family.
01:58:04 Of course. And as we as we evolve, we'll make sure that our event could cater to a toddler straight up to a grandmom.
01:58:14 Right now, it's really to engage with the young people, see what they have built, see what they're doing and how it's impacting their lives.
01:58:20 And I want to I want to give two testimonials, if I may. We've been having this event on a national level, not the intercollegiate self,
01:58:27 but boxcar competition since 2015. And as I mentioned before, a lot of young people got involved.
01:58:33 A lot of students got involved applying what they learn in the classroom to a hands on project.
01:58:38 And we have just just two. There are many, but just two.
01:58:41 And I want to call them out by name, Teda Marie, who was the captain of the first all girls team in 2019.
01:58:48 She's now in University of the West Indies, I think, studying engineering in the engineering department.
01:58:53 I don't want to put him on the spot, but Mr. Rampersad Singh, his his son was part of the very first one.
01:58:59 And he's evolved as a as an individual, as a Trinbaygonian going to UTT, going to university in Canada, studying engineering.
01:59:09 And his father said to us, plain out, and this is it fills my heart when he told me this, that what Andre had done,
01:59:15 what the boxcar thing did was set him on a course, a clear path to understanding those basic concepts and charting a course for his career.
01:59:24 Right. So it is not just a fun vibe. It's not just racing.
01:59:29 It really can excite and ignite and inspire young people in STEM.
01:59:34 A lot of us don't realize that STEM is for you. STEM is for you. STEM science, technology, engineering, art and math.
01:59:41 That is a field that you can go into and it opens up their eyes to those opportunities.
01:59:46 Is that the break there? Yeah, that's a breaking. Yeah. Yeah.
01:59:50 Breaks would be important in any moving vehicle. But some of these some of these pictures you're seeing here are from students from QRC back in 2015.
01:59:59 Some of these individuals went on to even have their masters in engineering. You see the bearings? Look at the bearings.
02:00:03 Those are the old school bearings. Those have been incredibly difficult to come by now, unfortunately.
02:00:09 I don't know if it's the scrap iron industry. This is the young Rampersad sitting here, by the way, in the yellow.
02:00:15 And as well as winning cut. It's very, very competitive.
02:00:18 So is there a grand prize? Well, we're working on a super grand prize, but the grand prize right now is being put forward by Digicel.
02:00:26 Right. Free Internet for the year for the winning school, plus the gift box with some hopefully some nice,
02:00:32 you know, electronic tablets, things that you can use to further their development with communication and stuff like that.
02:00:38 And we're working on some other alignments where some of these students could do internships at some of the, you know, better known or larger industries.
02:00:49 But we're still in negotiation, so we can't talk officially about it yet.
02:00:53 But that is the kind of excitement and traction we've had so far. Nicole, we have about 30 seconds.
02:00:57 Anything else you'd like to add? It's open to everyone. Come, come to this space. Enjoy the moment.
02:01:03 We want to see you at the Arima Velodrome on Sunday. And it might flood you with memories if you're older.
02:01:09 But come talk to the kids. It's open to everyone. Arima Velodrome, Sunday, 7th from 9 a.m.
02:01:14 Yeah. Nicole, Andre, it's a pleasure. Always, always.
02:01:18 With you all this morning. And thank you for the contribution that you all continue to make to our young people.
02:01:23 We do appreciate it. Thank you. All right. That's going to do it for our program for today.
02:01:27 Thank you to everyone who would have contributed. Yeah. See you on Monday, everybody.
02:01:33 We have this for you. It's a sunrise. It's over the Western Peninsula. Have a good weekend, everybody. Bye bye.
02:01:40 Bye bye.
02:01:43 You know, like a big space. We're going to make that we missed this one.
02:01:49 I've been waiting. I've been waiting. I've been waiting. I've been waiting.
Be the first to comment
Add your comment