Morning Edition: 19th April 2024

CCNTV6

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00:00:00 ♪ Region together ♪

00:00:03 ♪ In one big splashdown fiesta ♪

00:00:07 ♪ I'm the real definition ♪

00:00:10 - And a very special good morning

00:00:13 to Trinidad and Tobago and the rest of the world.

00:00:15 I'm Marlon Hopkinson.

00:00:16 As always, welcome to The Morning Edition.

00:00:18 It's Friday, April 19th, 2024,

00:00:20 and thank you very much for joining us this morning.

00:00:23 We always do appreciate it.

00:00:24 All right, here's what,

00:00:26 we have a lot on the program for you today.

00:00:28 So here's what.

00:00:29 Let's jump right into the Daily Express.

00:00:31 All right, so the NWRHA sends head of infection prevention

00:00:34 and control unit on leave pending probes into babies deaths.

00:00:39 So doctor suspended, sent on leave,

00:00:41 Dr. Darrell Jones, head of infection prevention

00:00:44 and control at the NWRHA.

00:00:46 Rowley, Kamala spent millions more on trips

00:00:49 and the caption says, has confidence in investigation.

00:00:54 Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley

00:00:55 addresses yesterday's post-Cabinet news conference

00:00:57 to the office of the Prime Minister in Porta, Spain.

00:01:01 All right, and Emancipation Day,

00:01:03 renamed African Emancipation Day, Cambon disagrees.

00:01:08 All right, let's move on to some sport now.

00:01:10 Charles in charge, off spinner puts Red Force

00:01:14 on top against Scorpions.

00:01:15 Greeted by six of his first ball,

00:01:18 Trinidad and Tobago Red Force off spinner,

00:01:20 Brian Charles came back in the best possible way

00:01:23 to take his sixth first class five wicket hole

00:01:26 and put his team in command against Jamaica Scorpions

00:01:29 on the second day of their final round

00:01:31 West Indies four day championship match

00:01:33 at Sabina Park in Jamaica yesterday.

00:01:36 All right, so glorious cricket as they say.

00:01:40 All right, so let's get right into the program.

00:01:43 Okay, so prisons commissioner,

00:01:45 Dave Passard Ramoutar has lashed out

00:01:47 at the executive of the Prison Officers Association.

00:01:50 So in response to a protest by the association yesterday,

00:01:53 this is what Mr. Ramoutar had to say.

00:01:56 - Wipe your snotty nose, dry up your tears

00:01:58 and come back to work.

00:01:59 You are here for the long haul.

00:02:01 You have colleagues who are on the job,

00:02:04 struggling to get a job done

00:02:06 by you being on continued sick leave.

00:02:09 And by the association saying it's psychological reasons.

00:02:12 If you cannot stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.

00:02:15 Instead of the association encourage hardworking

00:02:20 and dedication, they're encouraging misbehavior.

00:02:25 Both sides were injured in that incident,

00:02:27 inmates and officers.

00:02:29 How come the inmates over that

00:02:32 and get on with living their lives in the prison?

00:02:35 But my officers crying, crying, crying.

00:02:38 Wipe your snotty nose and come back on the job.

00:02:40 - All right, that's the voice there

00:02:42 of the prisons commissioner.

00:02:45 All right, so we do have on set this morning,

00:02:47 the president of the Prison Officers Association,

00:02:50 Mr. Gerard Gordon.

00:02:51 Mr. Gordon, thank you very much for coming this morning.

00:02:54 - Hey, good morning, good morning Marlon.

00:02:55 - All right, always good to see you.

00:02:57 All right, well, you have heard the comments

00:03:00 of the prisons commissioner.

00:03:02 What's your reaction to it?

00:03:03 - I will say this Marlon,

00:03:06 sometimes in positions of leadership,

00:03:09 we can't take the easy road.

00:03:11 It will be so easy to get into a tit for tat,

00:03:15 a back and forth.

00:03:16 And who suffers in that is going to be our members.

00:03:21 Mr. Ramota and his statements,

00:03:25 if we were to simply dissect it,

00:03:28 he speaks about the inmates going back to their lives

00:03:32 in the prison.

00:03:33 They have no choice.

00:03:35 They are prisoners.

00:03:37 He speaks to the officers misbehaving

00:03:42 or would want to allude to misbehavior.

00:03:45 Sick leave is considered misbehavior

00:03:49 after a riot.

00:03:51 And when I spoke to the trauma experience,

00:03:56 I just want to read something, Marlon.

00:04:00 I did a book report on a book written by a prison officer

00:04:04 entitled "Work-Related Stress in Trinidad and Tobago Prisons."

00:04:07 And just to give an overview,

00:04:09 they talk about the theory,

00:04:13 that perspective of work-related stress.

00:04:17 The author delves into the consequences of sustained stress

00:04:21 on the well-being of prison officers.

00:04:24 The diathesis stress model speaks to being predisposed

00:04:29 to developing a particular disorder

00:04:31 and aptly describes the position stress places the officer.

00:04:36 He outlines the symptoms of burnout,

00:04:39 including emotional exhaustion,

00:04:43 depersonalization and reduced personal accomplishment,

00:04:47 and emphasizes the need for early intervention

00:04:51 to prevent further negative outcomes.

00:04:55 Harden heart, as he calls it,

00:04:58 speaks to a numbing of our natural human inclination

00:05:03 to empathize.

00:05:05 And I'm reading that because clearly,

00:05:07 the commissioner is suffering from stress.

00:05:12 And stress related to being a prison officer.

00:05:15 And he has developed that hardened heart

00:05:18 to be able to speak to what has occurred in that manner.

00:05:23 I would also like to add, Marlon,

00:05:25 the fact of the matter,

00:05:28 and it continues to be to this day,

00:05:31 that prison officers continue to operate in an environment

00:05:36 that is less than stellar.

00:05:40 And these officers are hardworking officers.

00:05:44 And I challenge him.

00:05:46 I spoke to some of the officers,

00:05:48 even up to yesterday, I saw one of them.

00:05:51 And I asked them, I said, "How are you going?"

00:05:53 He said, "I'm coming along, coming back out just now."

00:05:57 You understand?

00:05:58 People have to put themselves in a mindset

00:06:00 to engage that environment, Marlon.

00:06:02 - Is that the state that most of the officers

00:06:06 who were involved in the fraca,

00:06:08 is that the state that they're still in?

00:06:11 How many of them are still on sick leave

00:06:13 and how many of them have returned to work?

00:06:15 - I think all of them are on sick leave.

00:06:18 I could be wrong, even up to yesterday,

00:06:19 we would have paid just over $20,000

00:06:23 for a procedure for one of the officers.

00:06:25 And he began that treatment yesterday.

00:06:29 The thing about it too,

00:06:30 what I want to share with the public

00:06:33 is that the officers who were involved in the fracas

00:06:36 are not the only officers who are affected

00:06:40 by what has happened.

00:06:41 There's something, the same author,

00:06:44 and my coworker, talks about vicarious trauma.

00:06:48 And that is, it didn't happen to me directly,

00:06:51 but it happens to people that I care about,

00:06:53 that I know, it happens in an environment

00:06:56 in which I also operate.

00:06:58 And so there's a extension of that trauma

00:07:02 to even the people who are around

00:07:04 and engage in that environment.

00:07:06 - But following the fracas,

00:07:08 did the prison service, you think,

00:07:11 put the correct measures in place

00:07:14 to help the officers mentally and physically?

00:07:17 - No, they didn't.

00:07:18 They were carried to the hospital.

00:07:20 We advise the officers to seek psychological intervention

00:07:25 because we understand that sometimes the outlay,

00:07:32 the aftermath of trauma leads to a number of issues.

00:07:37 And those issues are some of the issues we don't want.

00:07:40 And I'm saying that because in that same part of Spain,

00:07:43 because we had an officer who committed suicide.

00:07:46 To this point, we don't know why that was last year.

00:07:50 We don't know why.

00:07:51 Why did he do it?

00:07:52 And he was working down in that particular section.

00:07:55 - So is it that the psychological intervention

00:07:58 that you speak about,

00:07:59 that psychological intervention has to be sought privately?

00:08:03 - It has to be sought privately.

00:08:05 The thing about it is that we have a number of psychologists

00:08:10 who have been hired by the ministry,

00:08:13 the prison, to deal with inmates.

00:08:17 As an extension, they offer services to officers.

00:08:20 But one will understand that there is a level of trust

00:08:23 that needs to exist for us,

00:08:26 for someone to engage a process like that.

00:08:30 And there have been some challenges and issues

00:08:32 where that is concerned.

00:08:34 I think it's about five, four or five of them.

00:08:36 And we have over 3,000 officers.

00:08:41 And even if we were just to take a sample of that,

00:08:43 even if I, when I spoke to one of the psychologists

00:08:46 and she tells me she has people on her waiting list

00:08:49 and has to be shuffling people around.

00:08:51 I am saying that we continue to ignore the effects,

00:08:56 the negative effects of engaging that environment

00:09:00 on a day-to-day basis.

00:09:02 And we push things off.

00:09:04 So the commissioner would have mentioned

00:09:06 when he came in and had a glimpse,

00:09:08 yes, sure, the fact that you all didn't stand up

00:09:11 for yourselves then,

00:09:13 the fact that you all engaged that environment

00:09:16 and were affected by it

00:09:18 and didn't seek to have any sort of redress

00:09:23 does not diminish our ability now to seek redress.

00:09:28 It doesn't diminish our ability now

00:09:30 to speak to those ills.

00:09:32 It doesn't diminish our ability now

00:09:35 to advise our officers about that environment.

00:09:38 - What's this misbehavior

00:09:41 that the commissioner is speaking about?

00:09:43 And he's saying that you all,

00:09:45 the association is encouraging this misbehavior

00:09:48 by prison officers.

00:09:49 - He would be the best one to describe that.

00:09:53 As a past member of the executive

00:09:55 of the Prison Officers Association,

00:09:58 he fully understands what our role and responsibility is.

00:10:02 Unlike other people who would claim I am a prisoner lover,

00:10:05 the Prison Officers Association,

00:10:08 we are prison officer lovers.

00:10:10 It is our duty to seek after the collective

00:10:14 and individual wellbeing of our members.

00:10:17 Nowhere in that matrix, in that responsibility,

00:10:20 does it speak to having a responsibility to the inmates.

00:10:25 We do understand that where we end up as a service,

00:10:29 surely there is a connection.

00:10:31 Surely we want officers to be professional.

00:10:34 But what we continuously see,

00:10:37 you are expecting professionalism in an environment

00:10:41 that we don't have any tools, we don't have any equipment.

00:10:45 Things are falling apart.

00:10:47 How professional can we truly be

00:10:50 when we face in these challenges day in and day out?

00:10:55 - Is it that the association feels

00:10:58 that the concerns of the association

00:11:02 and the demands of the association,

00:11:05 that they are not being effectively or adequately addressed

00:11:10 by the executive of the prison service,

00:11:13 including the prisons commissioner?

00:11:15 - It is not a feeling.

00:11:16 It is not a feeling.

00:11:18 And it is not only the prison administration

00:11:22 and the prison commissioner.

00:11:24 We have a minister that we also have to deal with.

00:11:28 And I will continuously say that Mr. Fitzgerald Hines

00:11:32 is a complete and utter failure

00:11:35 as a minister of national security.

00:11:37 And this is not my opinion.

00:11:40 Every day that he speaks, that he opens his mouth,

00:11:44 that he engages using all of his pretty words.

00:11:48 After that, after the equal sign, there's a big zero.

00:11:52 And we see it, we experience it, and we live it.

00:11:55 So we know a number of letters would have been written

00:11:58 concerning the same Port of Spain prison.

00:12:00 Incidentally, the same day that that riot occurred,

00:12:04 not a fracker, not a brawl, not an altercation.

00:12:08 The same day that riot occurred,

00:12:10 we had just started to have discussions

00:12:13 about our concerns about Port of Spain prison,

00:12:16 the security outside with the commissioner of police.

00:12:19 And this is on that saying,

00:12:22 there are security implements

00:12:25 that are not functioning as they should.

00:12:27 Right as we speak, there's reduced staffing.

00:12:30 Right as we speak, the prison service is going through

00:12:35 a phase where we are losing people.

00:12:37 True to retirement, people are resigning positions.

00:12:40 And we are not keeping peace with attrition.

00:12:42 So if you are telling me that we require 100 people,

00:12:46 we just say, we just call in a figure to do a job.

00:12:48 We lose 60 of those individuals.

00:12:52 We are expecting the 40 to continue.

00:12:55 People are suffering from burnout.

00:12:58 Officers are showing signs of burnout in the environment.

00:13:02 And what we are saying, we are not mad people.

00:13:05 The Prison Officer Association is not crazy people.

00:13:08 Why all we are saying, and it's not no,

00:13:12 we have a matter in the court for over the last decade

00:13:15 concerning the safety and security of our officers.

00:13:19 We have a number of matters currently before the court.

00:13:21 - Yeah, what about this apology

00:13:23 that the prisons commissioner gave to prisoners,

00:13:28 the prisoners involved in the riot,

00:13:30 as you put it, the day after?

00:13:33 - I cannot explain that.

00:13:37 What I could say is that if you talk to any prison officer,

00:13:41 they will tell you that he needs to apologize for himself.

00:13:46 Don't apologize for us.

00:13:48 What exactly are you apologizing for?

00:13:50 The fact that we have no equipment,

00:13:53 the fact that the plant and the place in which we operate

00:13:57 is below standard, it is bordering on lunacy.

00:14:01 To believe in that is what you have,

00:14:04 what exactly are you apologizing for?

00:14:07 Is it squarely on the shoulders of the officers

00:14:10 to improve the prison?

00:14:12 No, it's not.

00:14:15 And still we try, you know,

00:14:17 because I am sure if I go any station today,

00:14:20 somebody raising some funds to do something,

00:14:23 to build something, to fix something.

00:14:26 We are being starved of resources by the government

00:14:30 and the Ministry of National Security, literally starved.

00:14:34 Even when you look at, we still have amalgamated

00:14:38 doing prisoner transport.

00:14:40 Our fleet has been totally dilapidated.

00:14:43 The conditions we work under is ridiculous.

00:14:47 And I told them that, and you know,

00:14:49 excuse me, I had to read out.

00:14:51 - You have 30 seconds, Zue.

00:14:52 - I have 30 seconds.

00:14:54 So the thing about it, the ushery, I will send it for you.

00:14:57 That ushery port on Port of Spain prison,

00:14:59 it spoke, this is what the inspector,

00:15:02 not what Gordon told the inspectors,

00:15:04 was a whole team of us, we went down into that main prison

00:15:08 and they saw for themselves, you're cutting a water bottle.

00:15:12 The inmates cutting a water bottle

00:15:15 and they urinate in the bottle

00:15:17 and they pour it out in a drain in front of the cell.

00:15:21 This is 2024 and this is what we are asked to endure.

00:15:25 This is what we are asked to be professional in.

00:15:28 And then we are insulted and talk about snotty nose

00:15:31 and all this sort of, it is adolescent

00:15:35 and it is boring and ridiculous.

00:15:39 As a head of an organization to rebuke the same staff,

00:15:43 you're talking about those who are there?

00:15:47 You think the officers who engage

00:15:48 in that environment feeling good?

00:15:50 - Yeah.

00:15:51 Mr. Gordon, thank you very much for coming this morning.

00:15:53 We have run out of time, but thank you very much

00:15:55 for taking the time this morning

00:15:56 to come out and speak with us.

00:15:58 We do appreciate it.

00:15:59 - Thank you.

00:16:01 - All right, so we are going to a very short break,

00:16:02 everybody, we're coming back.

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00:17:50 - All right, so welcome back everybody.

00:18:09 So the Police Services Cyber and Social Media Unit

00:18:13 is continuing investigations into the origin of an email

00:18:17 that was sent to the Barakpore East Secondary School

00:18:19 on April 14th.

00:18:21 As you know, threats were made against teachers

00:18:23 and students in that matter.

00:18:26 We do have on the line this morning, ASP Ramdath Philip,

00:18:30 who oversees anti-crime measures and operations

00:18:34 in the Southern Division.

00:18:36 ASP Philip, thank you very much for joining us

00:18:38 this morning, sir.

00:18:39 - Morning to you, sir,

00:18:41 and morning to the viewers of the program.

00:18:43 - Yes.

00:18:44 ASP, let's begin this way.

00:18:46 Can you tell us what's the latest concerning

00:18:49 the police's investigation in connection with this matter?

00:18:51 - Okay, man.

00:18:53 First of all, I'd like to clear up

00:18:56 sort of a misconception with respect to this report.

00:18:58 - Yes.

00:18:59 - And I wish to do so

00:19:01 because of a procedural effect it will have.

00:19:03 The report that we received on Sunday

00:19:07 was not that of a bomb threat at the school premises.

00:19:12 It was a report of an email being received

00:19:15 by the principal of that school

00:19:17 via the school's email address,

00:19:18 and then to two teachers.

00:19:20 And the contents of the email was that persons will be shot

00:19:25 on Monday and Tuesday,

00:19:26 that is the 15th and 16th of April, 2024.

00:19:30 And why I wish to clear up this is

00:19:31 the procedure to be followed with respect to a bomb threat

00:19:34 at any institution is totally different

00:19:36 to this report that we received.

00:19:41 So upon learning of this report,

00:19:43 the police in Southern Division,

00:19:45 both at the Barapow Police Station,

00:19:47 as well as the Southern Division Task Force,

00:19:49 we implemented measures.

00:19:51 We were there on the scene from around 5.30 a.m.

00:19:55 until about 7 p.m.

00:19:56 made checks at certain intervals in the school.

00:20:01 We had searches being done.

00:20:02 We cleared out vehicles and persons

00:20:05 who were found in and around the school premises.

00:20:09 And we had a constant presence at the school on both days.

00:20:14 Thankfully, nothing transpired

00:20:16 with respect to the threats that were made.

00:20:19 So I just thought I'd clear up that

00:20:21 with respect to it being a bomb threat

00:20:23 where a different procedure would have been adopted

00:20:26 versus this particular report that we are investigating.

00:20:30 - Yeah.

00:20:31 So ASP, is it safe to say that

00:20:33 the investigation is still underway?

00:20:36 - As it pertains to the investigation,

00:20:39 yes, the investigation is on its way.

00:20:41 We have reached a very advanced staging investigation.

00:20:44 These types of investigations are a bit intense.

00:20:48 However, we have the support,

00:20:50 and I wish to reiterate to the members of the public

00:20:52 that the TTPS is very well equipped

00:20:55 to deal with reports such as this.

00:20:57 We have implemented measures.

00:20:59 We have formed units such as the Cybercrime Unit,

00:21:03 the Anti-Terrorism Unit within the TTPS.

00:21:06 So we are very much involved in these types of activities

00:21:10 and reports being made by persons.

00:21:13 - But do you think, because ASP,

00:21:16 I think that there's a level of pessimism

00:21:20 from members of the public.

00:21:22 And I think that they base that on incidents in the past,

00:21:27 because we do have a history of this sort of behavior

00:21:31 in Trinidad and Tobago concerning threats.

00:21:34 And at the end of the day, when an investigation is done,

00:21:38 sometimes we do not see, or in a lot of cases,

00:21:43 we don't see anyone being held responsible for this.

00:21:48 Judging from how the investigation is going at this time,

00:21:52 you feel that persons are going to be held accountable

00:21:56 for this action?

00:21:57 - I'm confident about that.

00:22:00 As I indicated, these investigations are a bit intense

00:22:04 in that we have to have communications

00:22:06 with our international partners,

00:22:09 different agencies within the telecommunication sector,

00:22:13 both nationally and internationally.

00:22:15 But as I indicated, this investigation

00:22:18 has reached an advanced stage.

00:22:20 And I am confident that a person or persons

00:22:23 will be arrested, charged, and put before the court

00:22:27 for what they did in this particular incident.

00:22:31 - Now, you also have a situation, ASP,

00:22:35 where other people may feel that they now have a duty

00:22:40 to engage in such behavior.

00:22:45 Of course, we know the impact that it continues to have

00:22:48 on schools and the education of children

00:22:53 when these things happen.

00:22:57 But some people may still feel, well, here's what.

00:23:00 I still want to engage in such action

00:23:04 and cause chaos at educational facilities.

00:23:09 What's your, well, I don't wanna say advice,

00:23:14 but what is your warning,

00:23:16 if I could put it that way, to them?

00:23:18 - Indeed, and I want to take this opportunity

00:23:21 to warn such persons.

00:23:22 As I indicated earlier,

00:23:23 there are several pieces of legislation

00:23:25 within our jurisdiction that deals with issues like this.

00:23:29 I indicated we have the Terrorism Act,

00:23:31 we have the Summary Offenses Act,

00:23:32 we have the Offenses Against Persons Act,

00:23:34 and all these pieces of legislation

00:23:36 cater for activities of this nature.

00:23:39 I also indicated that we have partnered

00:23:41 with international bodies and organizations

00:23:44 through what we call MILAT.

00:23:47 And this is a treaty that was signed

00:23:48 by Trinidad and Tobago and member nations.

00:23:53 And it is really to provide information to us

00:23:56 as a law organization to deal with these investigations.

00:24:01 So we do have the support nationally and internationally.

00:24:04 So I would advise persons to desist from such behavior

00:24:09 as it pertains to sending threats

00:24:11 and to disrupt events and institutions like this.

00:24:15 - But, and let's get into the legislation

00:24:19 or the laws that exist to deal with such matters.

00:24:24 And while discussing that,

00:24:27 if we could speak a little bit about the repercussions

00:24:31 for people who may be arrested

00:24:34 and convicted in connection with such matters.

00:24:37 - As I indicated, under the Summary Offenses Act,

00:24:41 we have that offense,

00:24:43 it is found under section 106 of that act,

00:24:47 and it carries with it a penalty

00:24:49 of $200 or one month imprisonment.

00:24:53 We have under these offenses against the persons act,

00:24:56 those offenses carry higher penalties.

00:24:59 And then we have eventually the Terrorism Act.

00:25:02 Obviously there are thresholds to be met under that act,

00:25:05 but in those circumstances and under that act,

00:25:07 there are a number of offenses with very high fines

00:25:11 and long jail terms in our jurisdiction.

00:25:15 - Yeah.

00:25:16 ASP, I heard you say $200, you know.

00:25:23 ASP, you there?

00:25:24 ASP, I heard you say $200, you know.

00:25:28 I heard you say $200. - Sorry, Marlon,

00:25:31 I did not get you.

00:25:32 - Yeah, I heard you say $200, you know,

00:25:35 as we were speaking about it a short while ago.

00:25:37 $200, we're speaking about ASP?

00:25:40 - Yes, yes, yes, Marlon.

00:25:42 That is indeed the case under that Summary Offenses Act,

00:25:46 and probably it needs to be looked at by the legislatures

00:25:49 in terms of amendments and so on,

00:25:50 because we have seen a rise in this type of activity

00:25:54 by perpetrators.

00:25:55 So it is indeed something that has to be looked at.

00:25:58 Again, our function as police officers

00:26:01 is to enforce what is in the legislation,

00:26:04 and that is what we do and intend to do,

00:26:06 especially in instances like this.

00:26:08 - Yeah, but ASP, you must admit

00:26:11 that while the laws are in place,

00:26:14 there has been some difficulty

00:26:17 by really bringing people to justice

00:26:21 in connection with matters such as these.

00:26:23 As I remember recently, there was another matter,

00:26:27 and I think at the end of the day, if I remember correctly,

00:26:31 the threat would have,

00:26:33 it was determined that the threat

00:26:35 would have emanated from abroad.

00:26:38 Of course, we have not heard anything lately

00:26:41 in connection with that matter,

00:26:44 but sometimes, as I said earlier,

00:26:48 it would seem that there's a difficulty

00:26:51 in really bringing people to justice

00:26:54 in connection with these types of matters.

00:26:57 - I wouldn't want to use the word difficult,

00:27:02 but I would say that these investigations are intense,

00:27:05 as I indicated previously,

00:27:07 because we have to get information from Google,

00:27:13 Yahoo, and these are large international bodies

00:27:16 with their own laws and regulations,

00:27:18 as it pertains to giving out information

00:27:20 due to privacy laws and so on in those states.

00:27:23 However, I indicated the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty,

00:27:26 what is commonly called MILAT,

00:27:28 is the treaty that we use

00:27:30 and get the cooperation from these persons,

00:27:33 these organizations,

00:27:34 to move forward with these investigations.

00:27:36 So I would admit that it is a bit,

00:27:40 an investigation of this nature is somewhat lengthy,

00:27:43 but it is not that difficult.

00:27:45 We have had successes in the past.

00:27:48 Obviously, when we need to go to international bodies,

00:27:51 it would be a little more intense and drawn out

00:27:56 than if we're dealing with the local service providers

00:27:59 like B-Mobile, Digicel, and so on.

00:28:01 But the start of these investigations

00:28:05 is identifying the sender of that message

00:28:08 or those messages.

00:28:09 - Let's talk a little bit about,

00:28:12 because I know following this incident,

00:28:14 I remember the education ministry speaking about

00:28:19 an increase in security outside the institution

00:28:25 and patrols and so on.

00:28:27 Is that still the situation, ASP?

00:28:29 - Yes, yes, we have maintained the patrol

00:28:33 and maintained the surveillance,

00:28:36 both by marked and unmarked police vehicles

00:28:38 in and around the areas,

00:28:39 and not only in the Barakpore school

00:28:42 and the Barakpore district,

00:28:43 but we have done that in the Southern Division throughout.

00:28:45 We have increased our patrols and our police officers

00:28:50 in and around schools generally in Southern Division.

00:28:53 In fact, our senior superintendent

00:28:55 will be visiting the Barakpore school,

00:28:57 this said Barakpore school this morning

00:29:00 to do lectures and so on.

00:29:02 Mr. Sudin, I believe he's on his way to the Barakpore school

00:29:08 to deal with situations there.

00:29:10 And this is something we intend to do

00:29:12 as first division officers within Southern Division.

00:29:14 At times, just pop in and visit schools,

00:29:17 find out what is going on and so on.

00:29:20 - Yeah, and ASP, your division has not been spared.

00:29:25 When we speak about violence and fighting

00:29:29 at the nation's schools,

00:29:30 how is it that you and your officers

00:29:34 are going to address such matters in your division?

00:29:39 - What I can say for Southern Division, Marlon,

00:29:42 is that we have a zero tolerance approach

00:29:44 with respect to school fights

00:29:46 and incidents in school as it pertains to bullying.

00:29:49 As recent as last week, Monday or Tuesday,

00:29:55 we arrested, as a result of an investigation,

00:29:58 arrested a juvenile,

00:30:00 and that matter is presently before the court,

00:30:02 arising from a school incident.

00:30:05 And we have several reports of this nature,

00:30:07 and all those investigations are being monitored,

00:30:11 again, by first division officers,

00:30:13 and we intend to treat with them

00:30:15 in the manner that the law provides,

00:30:17 that is to arrest and charge these perpetrators

00:30:21 for these offenses.

00:30:23 - Yeah, so it is going to be treated

00:30:25 with the seriousness that it deserves,

00:30:28 because we do have a way in Trinidad and Tobago ASP,

00:30:33 that sometimes, because it involves children,

00:30:37 we tend to adopt a slap on the wrist approach,

00:30:42 and we sometimes prefer mediation,

00:30:46 rather than really the police intervening

00:30:50 and trying to deal with the situation

00:30:53 in a sort of decisive way.

00:30:55 So I think, judging from what you're saying,

00:30:57 is that the police are prepared to deal

00:31:01 with these matters in a very serious way,

00:31:03 and if persons have to be arrested and charged,

00:31:06 that is what is going to be done.

00:31:07 - Yes, my Lord, that is being done at present,

00:31:11 and it will continue to be done.

00:31:13 The law caters for us to act in particular ways,

00:31:15 as it pertains to children.

00:31:17 We have the Children's Judges Rules,

00:31:18 we have the Children's Act,

00:31:20 and we work in accordance

00:31:21 with those pieces of legislation,

00:31:24 and have a close relationship

00:31:25 with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions,

00:31:28 when we proceed with these matters.

00:31:29 The social intervention is there,

00:31:31 but at times, the law is required,

00:31:34 and we intend to use the full brunt of the law,

00:31:37 as it pertains to this increase in school violence,

00:31:40 throughout Trinidad and Tobago.

00:31:41 - Yeah, ASP, is there anything else you'd like to add?

00:31:44 We just have about 30 seconds again.

00:31:46 - Yes, yes, my Lord, as it pertains to anything

00:31:51 in relation to children, threats, bomb threats,

00:31:54 any sort of issues like this,

00:31:56 I want to reassure the public

00:31:57 that the TTPS is very well equipped

00:31:58 to deal with these situations.

00:32:00 Again, it may be a bit intense.

00:32:02 Some may say that we are not seeing results,

00:32:05 but the results are there, they will be forthcoming,

00:32:07 and persons will be put before the court.

00:32:09 I want to take this opportunity

00:32:11 to advise persons who may be thinking

00:32:13 about committing these offense, to please do not.

00:32:16 We will catch up with you,

00:32:18 and deal with you in accordance with the law.

00:32:21 - Yeah, ASP Ramdath Philip,

00:32:22 head of the Crime and Operations in the Southern Division,

00:32:26 thank you very much for speaking with us this morning, sir.

00:32:28 It has been a pleasure.

00:32:30 - Thank you for having me.

00:32:31 - All right, bye for now.

00:32:32 So it's time for a quick break,

00:32:32 we're coming back, everybody.

00:32:34 ♪ Showing up to get up ♪

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00:32:37 ♪ Showing up to get up ♪

00:32:39 ♪ I tell you from the top of my mind ♪

00:32:41 ♪ That I can't sleep ♪

00:32:42 ♪ I stress in all the day ♪

00:32:44 ♪ I can't stop me ♪

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00:33:56 Together, we utilize an all of society approach

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00:34:11 The ODPM coordinates resources during national disasters.

00:34:16 (upbeat music)

00:34:19 - I am really excited about this episode, Nicole.

00:34:22 - In these days, where many of us

00:34:25 are so afraid to speak out,

00:34:27 these two personalities, they let it rip.

00:34:30 So it's so interesting that we were able to capture them

00:34:34 in their zones, in their comfort zones, to share with you.

00:34:37 I hope you really enjoy this

00:34:39 as much as we would have enjoyed doing it for you.

00:34:42 - I'm Richard Young.

00:34:43 - And I'm Nicole Diedreffer.

00:34:44 - Join us for O2N Lifestyle.

00:34:47 - Right here on CCN TV6.

00:34:49 (upbeat music)

00:34:52 - Some of us like to test limits,

00:34:55 but there won't always be second chances.

00:34:59 Obey the speed limits.

00:35:01 Maybe you don't value your life,

00:35:04 but others value theirs.

00:35:06 (tires screeching)

00:35:09 A message from the TTPS.

00:35:13 (upbeat music)

00:35:16 - Studio in carnival mode, boy.

00:35:34 All your party, you know,

00:35:35 all your getting ready for the weekend, right?

00:35:37 All right, so welcome back, everybody.

00:35:39 So we're talking about the PEP's

00:35:41 "Axe the Tax" petition,

00:35:43 and we do have on the line at this time,

00:35:45 PEP leader, Philip Alexander.

00:35:47 Mr. Alexander, good morning.

00:35:48 - Good morning, Marlon.

00:35:51 Good morning to your viewers.

00:35:51 - Yes, always good to speak with you, Mr. Alexander.

00:35:53 Well, let's talk about the petition,

00:35:55 this new petition of the PEP.

00:35:57 - Well, Marlon, simply put,

00:36:00 the government is not entitled to another tax,

00:36:03 and they're surely not entitled to tax homes

00:36:06 that they did not help people buy or build,

00:36:08 and that is our position.

00:36:09 There are a lot of reasons why property tax

00:36:12 is opposite to where we need to be going as a society,

00:36:15 and if we had time, we'd dig deep down into that.

00:36:18 You could guide me and lead me where you want me to go.

00:36:21 But I'm saying to Trinidad and Tobago,

00:36:23 and we believe, and a lot of Trinidadians believe,

00:36:25 that simply the government is not entitled

00:36:28 to any new taxes of any kind,

00:36:31 and is certainly not entitled

00:36:33 to put another lien on people's homes.

00:36:38 In Trinidad and Tobago,

00:36:39 the average house pays stamp duty

00:36:41 when it is purchased,

00:36:42 houses in Westmoreland pay $300,000, $500,000 stamp duty.

00:36:47 Also, the banks charge people in excess

00:36:51 of 100% interest when they buy the house.

00:36:53 In fact, over the 20 years of the mortgage,

00:36:56 you pay for the house two times.

00:36:58 How is the government justify people

00:37:00 who have been through all of that and survived,

00:37:03 hoping to leave something for their children

00:37:06 and they shuffle off this mortal coil,

00:37:08 coming to put a lien on it

00:37:10 to make it difficult for the inheritors

00:37:12 to be able to acquire?

00:37:14 How do they justify this?

00:37:15 - But you know, Mr. Alexander,

00:37:17 some people are going to say this morning

00:37:19 as they hear your comments,

00:37:20 that land tax, property tax, it's nothing new.

00:37:23 - No, it's nothing new, Marlon,

00:37:27 but every tax is supposed to deliver government goods

00:37:30 and services in return.

00:37:32 We do not get an accounting.

00:37:34 As of today, I could sit here,

00:37:37 you know this better than me, I'm sure,

00:37:39 and I could list all the companies that we know

00:37:42 that are state-owned that do not account

00:37:45 for the monies that they receive.

00:37:47 In the United States of America,

00:37:48 at budget time, when you are submitting

00:37:50 your requests for funds,

00:37:52 you have to submit your accounting of expenses

00:37:54 and what you did with last year's money.

00:37:56 And if you can't do that,

00:37:57 the government will grind to a halt.

00:37:59 And it's ground to a halt repeatedly to prove the point

00:38:02 because the state cannot continue to take funds

00:38:05 from taxpayers and put it into the operation

00:38:07 of the country and not account to the people

00:38:10 what went on with that.

00:38:12 We've never been told what happened

00:38:13 to all of the money that was collected as gasoline tax.

00:38:17 We were told when the value-added tax was coming,

00:38:19 that it was a way of catching everybody

00:38:20 who was avoiding income tax,

00:38:22 so they're going to abolish income tax.

00:38:24 They never did that.

00:38:25 We are taxed and taxed and taxed again.

00:38:28 The budget, 60% of the budget,

00:38:31 the income column is taxed.

00:38:35 And that is ridiculous in a country

00:38:38 that the estimate is we earn $3 trillion from oil and gas.

00:38:43 60% of the budget is almost $30 billion.

00:38:48 Putting it in context, $30,000 billion.

00:38:54 We, for $3 trillion, we could have had our budgets,

00:39:00 all of our budgets funded for the next thousand years.

00:39:03 Where's that money?

00:39:05 When they tell us Cal O&P and NPO and NGC,

00:39:10 when they tell us these things,

00:39:11 they never come back and say which money was allocated,

00:39:14 which money was spent, where the money went.

00:39:16 Nobody accounts.

00:39:18 I do not believe that the average Trinidadian

00:39:21 hearing my voice is thinking about land

00:39:23 and building taxes right now,

00:39:26 rather than looking at what just took place

00:39:28 in the Port of Spain General Hospital

00:39:30 or in the neonatal intensive care unit,

00:39:34 where 11 babies now have died.

00:39:37 That organization, the Ministry of Health

00:39:39 gets $5 billion every single year.

00:39:43 And we don't know what happens to that money.

00:39:46 The Auditor General's report is the closest thing

00:39:49 that we have to an accountant.

00:39:50 And that comes so very late

00:39:52 that more money is spent on copper money.

00:39:55 The Tobago House of Assembly receives

00:39:58 between 1.2 and $1.4 billion of taxpayer funds every year

00:40:03 and have not given us an accountant of that money

00:40:05 for over 10 years.

00:40:07 This is unacceptable.

00:40:08 Until the government can actually account

00:40:11 for what they're doing with the taxes

00:40:12 that they're already taking from us,

00:40:14 we should not allow them any new taxes

00:40:17 and we certainly should not allow them to tax us all.

00:40:20 - But you know where the argument has been

00:40:22 or one of the arguments has been, Mr. Alexander,

00:40:24 that of course we are still very, very reliant

00:40:28 on the oil and gas sector.

00:40:30 Of course, we're dealing with dwindling resources.

00:40:32 However, we still have a lot of bills to pay

00:40:35 in Trinidad and Tobago, a lot of things to be done.

00:40:38 So if not the property tax, then we have to, I suspect,

00:40:43 implement taxes in other areas, right?

00:40:45 Because we do need the money.

00:40:47 You admit to that, that we do need the money

00:40:48 to do certain things in Trinidad and Tobago?

00:40:51 - Well, the point you just raised

00:40:53 is that the government needs to do better at income.

00:40:58 There are many ways of earning income as a nation,

00:41:02 the last of which should be taxes.

00:41:04 Taxes should be the last thing.

00:41:06 When you run out of ways to run the country, to earn money,

00:41:10 we don't know how much of our oil and gas revenue

00:41:14 still exists, what our resources are, what we get for it.

00:41:16 We hear all manner of things.

00:41:19 Things make big stories on the media

00:41:21 and then it goes nowhere.

00:41:22 $50 million in our supply, they find a rope,

00:41:24 they find the person responsible.

00:41:26 These things happen over and over and over.

00:41:29 What we need is a government that is capable

00:41:32 of leading this country.

00:41:35 We've known since the '80s, since the first recession,

00:41:40 that we have to diversify this economy.

00:41:44 Up to the '70s, we were a net food exporter.

00:41:47 Now we import almost 100% of the food that we consume,

00:41:50 spending scarce foreign exchange.

00:41:54 We have 90,000 acres of fertile farmland

00:41:57 that we got from Karne, Petrochen, and CL Financial.

00:42:00 We have 30,000 registered farmers.

00:42:02 I've said this in every interview that you and I have had.

00:42:05 Why aren't we growing our food?

00:42:07 Why aren't we exporting food?

00:42:10 Yesterday, they burned $10 million worth of marijuana

00:42:14 that they found in a forest.

00:42:17 We've decriminalized marijuana.

00:42:18 You're trying to tell me that we couldn't harvest,

00:42:21 package, and export that $10 million worth of marijuana

00:42:25 if we need money?

00:42:26 We burn it?

00:42:27 The government has no clue.

00:42:29 Peppermash in a barrel is worth more than a barrel of oil.

00:42:32 If the whole of Trinidad was growing coffee and pepper

00:42:34 for the pepper spray industry,

00:42:36 ask me for diversification.

00:42:37 Look it right there.

00:42:38 15,000 people touched down in St. Kitts

00:42:41 in one day from cruise ships.

00:42:43 Spend $1.5 million US into the economy

00:42:46 at the bottom rung of the drivers

00:42:48 and the people who are making sandwiches and juice.

00:42:50 You're trying to tell me we can't do these things?

00:42:53 We can't elect a government that could use

00:42:56 the fortuitous location Trinidad has on the map

00:42:59 and make us money rather than come in

00:43:01 to take whatever little savings

00:43:03 the people of Trinidad and Tobago have?

00:43:05 - Well, you know, let me put another argument on the table.

00:43:08 I'm being devil's advocate here this morning.

00:43:11 Of course, you know how we are in Trinidad and Tobago,

00:43:13 Mr. Alexander.

00:43:14 We like a lot of free things, you know.

00:43:16 We want things, but we don't want to pay for it.

00:43:19 Let me also put this on the table.

00:43:21 You have people in Trinidad and Tobago

00:43:23 and they have mansions.

00:43:25 You think that it is acceptable.

00:43:28 I hope that you're hearing me, Mr. Alexander.

00:43:29 You hearing me?

00:43:30 - I am. - Yeah.

00:43:32 So you have people in Trinidad and Tobago.

00:43:35 They have large pieces of land, mansions in some cases.

00:43:40 Is it acceptable for this group of people

00:43:45 to let's say be paying $500 in land tax,

00:43:49 $1,000 in land tax?

00:43:52 There has to be some level of equity in society, not so?

00:43:56 - I agree with you, but you have to remember

00:44:00 that the money that bought those houses

00:44:01 was already taxed before, but forget that for a second.

00:44:04 The reason the prices of real estate in this country

00:44:06 is as high as it is because corrupt politician

00:44:09 and drug traffickers and money launderers

00:44:11 own 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 properties.

00:44:14 If you tell them that you want to tax those properties,

00:44:16 you get no argument from me,

00:44:17 but don't tax people's primary residence.

00:44:20 Don't tax people's homes.

00:44:22 But if you have people that own 10, 20, 30, 40, 50,

00:44:25 100 properties, I heard there's one businessman

00:44:28 have 500 houses rent with.

00:44:29 Tax all, I have absolutely no problem with that.

00:44:32 That's a business.

00:44:33 In fact, the commercial real estate market

00:44:36 have companies set up to own homes

00:44:38 that people are hiding from the state.

00:44:41 Penetrate that.

00:44:43 The government has the ability,

00:44:44 the state has the resources to do these things.

00:44:47 I mean, I want to say it to you,

00:44:50 and I'm not trying to be petty,

00:44:52 but the government that told us

00:44:54 that they were changing the polymer notes

00:44:56 to go after people who were laundering money,

00:44:58 come back and give us a picture and a body for about.

00:45:02 The financial intelligence unit, the central bank,

00:45:05 the ministry of finance could track and find out

00:45:08 all of those people who have resources and assets

00:45:11 that they're not declaring.

00:45:12 If they can't do it, property tax will.

00:45:15 How is property tax suddenly the magic bullet

00:45:18 that Rasa, the ministry of property utilities

00:45:20 cannot fund water in their taps, but property tax will?

00:45:23 There are too many inconsistencies

00:45:28 in what is being said by everybody.

00:45:32 And I am saying to Toronto, we need to take a beat.

00:45:35 We need to take a step back.

00:45:37 We do not need wildness that's taking place in government.

00:45:40 This week, I did a video.

00:45:42 There's where the Westmoreland,

00:45:44 North Westmoreland Residents Association

00:45:46 fenced the road reserve and call it a park.

00:45:49 Outside that park, there is somebody has a CPAP contract

00:45:53 on the side of the Western Main Road

00:45:56 that takes two weeks to cut a hundred feet of grass.

00:45:59 So you telling me we like freeness?

00:46:01 I'm telling you the country is mismanaged.

00:46:03 All of those people that are being paid

00:46:06 to cut that hundred feet of grass,

00:46:08 we will do better to give them that money,

00:46:11 to support them in a job with some other company

00:46:13 and tell the company, listen, hire them,

00:46:15 train them, get them a job, we will assist you.

00:46:18 The government can do that.

00:46:19 It will increase productivity.

00:46:21 20 people cutting a hundred feet of grass

00:46:23 for two weeks, not increasing productivity.

00:46:27 And we have so much that we could be in marine industry.

00:46:31 The people of Kainaz and Kokorin born in the water.

00:46:34 How come we're not exporting fish?

00:46:36 How come we're not in the marine industry anymore?

00:46:38 We had a Boeing Marine that was making boats

00:46:40 that had become globally recognized.

00:46:43 Now all of a sudden we're in nothing.

00:46:44 I know a guy, Christopher Scott,

00:46:46 he manufactures and builds boats

00:46:49 that other coast guards use.

00:46:50 The man builds 40 foot platforms.

00:46:53 He could be creating boats for our coast guard right now,

00:46:57 today, maintaining them today, saving for an exchange.

00:47:00 We will get boats every two weeks

00:47:01 and we wouldn't have to spend hundreds of millions

00:47:03 and billions in Holland and Australia.

00:47:06 We're not having these conversations

00:47:08 because it's hidden from the public.

00:47:09 But if Trinidad and Tobago really wanted

00:47:11 to be a functional nation state, it could be.

00:47:14 We just have to want to be that.

00:47:16 - All right, Mr. Alexander,

00:47:17 you sound like the man with the plan,

00:47:19 but tell us about this petition.

00:47:21 - Yes.

00:47:23 I want you to give two numbers, 480-5463 and 269-4872.

00:47:28 480-5463 and 269-4872.

00:47:32 The petition is literally now rolling out.

00:47:34 If you call those numbers,

00:47:35 if you need any assistance or information,

00:47:38 there is a website, citizensunionpp.org.

00:47:41 You could go to that website.

00:47:42 You can actually download the petition there.

00:47:44 They're setting up teams throughout the country

00:47:46 to distribute the petition like we did

00:47:48 for Andrea Barrett and the Candlelight Movement

00:47:50 when we got 128,500 signatures.

00:47:53 We expect to duplicate and increase that here

00:47:55 because homeowners are incensed at the idea

00:47:58 of a property tax on homes

00:48:00 that the government did nothing to assist them

00:48:02 to build or buy.

00:48:03 And that's what's hurting people

00:48:06 because despite all of the obstacles to home ownership,

00:48:11 many people have gotten themselves there

00:48:13 in a market that is hyperinflated

00:48:15 because of corruption and drug money

00:48:17 higher than real estate.

00:48:18 And they've gotten themselves into a home

00:48:20 that they hope that they could finish pre-op in time

00:48:22 so that when they die,

00:48:23 their children can get a start in life.

00:48:25 That's how generational wealth works.

00:48:27 - But Mr. Alexander, what's the objective

00:48:31 of the petition?

00:48:33 - The objective of the petition

00:48:35 is to ask the government to abolish the tax

00:48:37 and appeal any laws that are associated

00:48:39 with a property tax.

00:48:40 I am willing to sit with the Minister of Finance

00:48:43 and identify five revenue streams

00:48:45 that could change the position of the economy

00:48:47 of this country, and I'll do it for free.

00:48:49 I am not in this for kicks.

00:48:51 I want a better Toronto Bay,

00:48:53 but we can't continue to just let all of these things

00:48:56 happen over and over and over.

00:48:58 We not take any action.

00:48:59 This petition is the public telling the government,

00:49:01 we do not want this property tax.

00:49:03 And if we mobilize the nation

00:49:05 to tell the government that in an election year,

00:49:07 this government will repeal that property tax

00:49:10 or the next government will.

00:49:11 - Yeah.

00:49:12 Mr. Alexander, you know, when I speak to you,

00:49:16 I try to put a lot of-

00:49:17 - And I lost your audio.

00:49:18 - I say, when I speak to you,

00:49:20 I usually put a lot of things on the table,

00:49:22 but you can handle it.

00:49:24 Last time we were having a conversation

00:49:28 about a relationship that you wanted to foster

00:49:33 with the United National Congress.

00:49:35 How has that panned out?

00:49:38 Has it panned out at all?

00:49:40 Will we see the PEP and the UNC joining forces

00:49:43 for the next general election?

00:49:45 How have those talks gone?

00:49:46 - I never set out to join with UNC.

00:49:51 I've said this repeatedly.

00:49:52 We didn't set out to form an alliance

00:49:55 like what Gary and the NTA do.

00:49:57 And we set out to support Kamala Hussain.

00:49:59 We said, sir, to end all of the back and all

00:50:01 that was taking place with the opposition,

00:50:03 I wanted to prop her up.

00:50:04 I wanted to make sure that there was something

00:50:06 that we could use to get this PNM out of office.

00:50:09 The PNM could fix things right now, you know.

00:50:12 The PNM could get people on their side.

00:50:14 The PNM needs to stop attacking the public.

00:50:17 This property tax is an attack on the public.

00:50:19 If the PNM is attacking the public,

00:50:21 then everybody else has to get on one side

00:50:23 and remove the PNM,

00:50:25 because that's the only thing that works.

00:50:26 - All right, so hold on.

00:50:27 - So that is the purpose for that.

00:50:28 - Right, so this--

00:50:29 - I'm not looking for a job or a position.

00:50:31 Marlon, you hear me every single time

00:50:33 I come on this show unscripted.

00:50:35 You know that if I wanted to,

00:50:36 I could have been feathering my nest

00:50:38 in government already.

00:50:39 PNM offered me Degomartin Central

00:50:41 when they didn't want Avery Brown

00:50:43 and they ended up with Darragh Swift

00:50:44 because my parents let me know

00:50:45 they didn't want me in no government at that time.

00:50:47 I am not interested in this being a way

00:50:51 for me to get a job.

00:50:53 I don't need it.

00:50:54 I'm trying to get a better Triantha Bego

00:50:56 and that is why I tried so hard

00:50:59 to be in the center and away.

00:51:01 Me offering the UNC to support them,

00:51:03 to give them my support is something I can give

00:51:06 and it's something that I can take.

00:51:07 - And that support--

00:51:07 - We need to get the act together.

00:51:08 - And that support--

00:51:09 - We need to know--

00:51:10 - That support is being embraced by the UNC.

00:51:14 The UNC has accepted the support.

00:51:15 - Well, of course, I was just gonna tell you that.

00:51:18 From March the 2nd, we announced that.

00:51:21 And from March the 3rd, you could see

00:51:23 the temperature drop in the UNC.

00:51:26 You could see they were almost

00:51:27 in their next Monday night forum singing Kumbaya.

00:51:29 Everybody was hugging up and embracing.

00:51:31 To the Alexander and the Progressive Empowerment Party

00:51:33 had arrived and we were going to get some good support.

00:51:36 - Mr. Alexander, it's always a pleasure speaking with you

00:51:40 and I'm sure that we are going to be speaking a lot more

00:51:42 as the year progresses.

00:51:44 It's always a pleasure.

00:51:44 Thank you very much, sir.

00:51:45 Bye for now.

00:51:47 - Thank you for having me.

00:51:47 Marlon, it's always a pleasure being here.

00:51:50 - All right, so it's time for a quick break.

00:51:52 Some news for you also.

00:51:53 We're coming back, everybody.

00:51:54 (upbeat music)

00:51:57 (singing in foreign language)

00:52:01 (upbeat music)

00:52:30 - Plumbing problems?

00:52:32 Don't guess.

00:52:33 Call Plumbing Solutions at 628-4646.

00:52:38 Proud to be serving Trinidad and Tobago for over 20 years.

00:52:41 We do it all.

00:52:43 Maintenance and repairs, new construction,

00:52:47 sewer lines, inspection, drain cleaning, leak detection.

00:52:52 We are licensed and insured.

00:52:55 So call Plumbing Solutions at 628-4646.

00:53:00 - It's crystal clear.

00:53:01 Say football, say 12th man, say TV6.

00:53:06 It's champions league time.

00:53:08 Tension is building in all the best leagues in the world

00:53:12 and the heat is on.

00:53:13 ♪ He's ready to lead ♪

00:53:15 The number one, numero uno, number one sports show

00:53:19 just got better.

00:53:20 More surprises and a few shots in football

00:53:23 with Andre Errol Batiste every Wednesday at 8.30 p.m.

00:53:27 on TV6.

00:53:28 ♪ Ain't nothing that'll put 'em on foot patrol ♪

00:53:32 - Brought to you by Coca-Cola.

00:53:34 (upbeat music)

00:53:39, ♪ Oh say does that star spangled banner ♪

00:53:44 ♪ Oh say does that star spangled banner ♪

00:53:50 ♪ Oh say does that star spangled banner ♪

00:53:55 (upbeat music)

00:53:58 ♪ Do you remember when we fell in love ♪

00:54:12 ♪ I remember all the rain ♪

00:54:16 ♪ Do you remember how it all began ♪

00:54:21 ♪ How could I ever forget it's the first time ♪

00:54:25 ♪ I could be here, I could be there ♪

00:54:28 ♪ I could be gone in a year and gone in a year and gone ♪

00:54:33 ♪ In a year and a year ♪

00:54:38 ♪ Do you remember when we fell in love ♪

00:54:44 ♪ I remember all the rain ♪

00:54:49 ♪ Do you remember when we fell in love ♪

00:54:55 ♪ I remember all the rain ♪

00:54:58 ♪ Do you remember how it all began ♪

00:55:03 - Good morning, I am Ansel Gibbs with a news update.

00:55:14 The head of the Infection Prevention Control Unit

00:55:16 at the Port of Spain General Hospital

00:55:19 has been sent on administrative leave.

00:55:22 This following the deaths of babies

00:55:24 at the neonatal intensive care unit.

00:55:27 - We can't overreact to the grief

00:55:30 that their families will be going through.

00:55:34 There are some people who are, you know,

00:55:36 excitedly concerned about compensation.

00:55:39 We're not there yet.

00:55:41 We want to know what the facts are

00:55:43 and the facts will determine where we go from there.

00:55:45 I just simply ask for a little bit of patience.

00:55:48 - Three weeks after an incident

00:55:49 at the Port of Spain prison,

00:55:51 which left one inmate dead

00:55:53 and 17 prison officers still on sick leave,

00:55:57 there's a war of words between the prison's commissioner

00:56:00 and the prison's officers association.

00:56:03 - And I'm placing it on the record,

00:56:04 the prison officers association is saying

00:56:08 that the next incident, which is going to happen,

00:56:11 we are certain of it, what happened in the riot,

00:56:15 it is going to make the riot look like a birthday party.

00:56:19 And instead of the association encourage

00:56:21 hardworking and dedication,

00:56:24 they're encouraging misbehavior.

00:56:27 Both sides were injured in that incident,

00:56:29 inmates and officers.

00:56:31 How come the inmates over that

00:56:34 and get on with living their lives in the prison?

00:56:36 But my officers, crying, crying, crying.

00:56:39 Why can't you do a job?

00:56:41 - And in the weather forecast,

00:56:45 terribly cloudy, warm and hazy conditions can be expected

00:56:49 with the occasional light to moderate shower

00:56:51 in some locations,

00:56:53 especially along Western and hilly areas.

00:56:56 In the event of a few showers becoming heavy or thundery,

00:56:59 winds may gust and street or flash flooding may occur.

00:57:03 Meanwhile, seas are smooth to moderate in open waters

00:57:07 with swells ranging from one and a half to two meters.

00:57:10 (upbeat music)

00:57:13 - The TV6 Daily Health Tip is brought to you by Omega XL.

00:57:23 (upbeat music)

00:57:28 - Sure, well, first of all,

00:57:30 knowing your family history of any eye disease

00:57:32 is a good place to start.

00:57:34 So conditions such as glaucoma and macular degeneration

00:57:37 always have a genetic component.

00:57:39 So we estimate about five to nine times a higher risk

00:57:43 if there's a family issue of glaucoma.

00:57:45 So once you know your status and your family history,

00:57:48 it's advised you come in and you have an eye exam

00:57:50 just to be sure to determine your risk factors

00:57:53 so that we can save vision going forward.

00:57:55 - It's to take regular breaks when using digital devices.

00:57:58 So practice the 20, 20, 20 rule.

00:58:01 Every 20 minutes, take a 20 second break

00:58:04 and look at something 20 feet away.

00:58:06 - So I think persons with underlying medical conditions

00:58:10 such as hypertension or diabetes

00:58:12 should always go to their doctors

00:58:14 and maintain a good control of those conditions.

00:58:18 For example, if you have diabetes,

00:58:21 you want to maintain a good level of your diabetes

00:58:24 so that it's not out of control or elevated

00:58:27 because if it is, it can cause sight-threatening problems

00:58:30 to the back of the eye, such as swelling, bleeding,

00:58:33 or even more serious retinal detachments.

00:58:36 So it's always a good rule to go to your doctor,

00:58:40 take your medications as prescribed,

00:58:43 follow a good diet, do a good exercise regime,

00:58:47 and keep good control of your lifestyle

00:58:51 because prevention is always better than cure.

00:58:54 - One of the important things I like to advise patients

00:58:56 to maintain a healthy eyesight is a healthy diet.

00:58:59 A diet which is low in sugar and salt,

00:59:02 and not good for only the eyes,

00:59:03 but also the rest of the body as well.

00:59:05 And also what's shown to help with eye health

00:59:07 is foods such as fish, dark green leafy vegetables,

00:59:12 and nuts.

00:59:13 Carrots as well helps a lot,

00:59:15 and also fruits like oranges or citrus fruits.

00:59:18 These things, they all contain nutrition and vitamin,

00:59:20 which is important for eye health.

00:59:22 And with proper diet, you can have a proper eyesight.

00:59:25 (upbeat music)

00:59:32 (upbeat music)

00:59:36 - The 2024 dry season is upon us.

00:59:38 And with that expectation, harsh dry conditions,

00:59:42 and in the face of rising global temperatures,

00:59:44 we must all do our part to conserve our water use.

00:59:48 At the Water and Sewerage Authority,

00:59:49 we applaud the efforts made by citizens in 2023

00:59:53 to conserve water and value every drop.

00:59:56 How can you get involved?

00:59:58 By employing simple water conservation techniques at home.

01:00:02 Here are some tips.

01:00:03 Close the tap when brushing your teeth and washing dishes.

01:00:07 Use a bucket instead of a hose

01:00:09 when washing your vehicles and driveways.

01:00:11 Repair leaks in toilets and overflowing water tanks.

01:00:15 Use your washing machine for full loads only.

01:00:18 Also, use the value every drop hashtag

01:00:22 in your social media posts

01:00:23 showing how you conserve our precious resource.

01:00:27 Join the movement as we value every drop.

01:00:31 (upbeat music)

01:00:32 - As I speak to you now,

01:00:33 London shudders beneath a Nazi onslaught.

01:00:36 - Hitler's not playing by the rules, so neither shall we.

01:00:40 - But the mission's insanity.

01:00:43 - You let me worry about that.

01:00:45 I'm not leaving until I have a barrel full of Nazi hearts.

01:00:49 (upbeat music)

01:00:52 Most importantly, try to have fun.

01:00:55 (upbeat music)

01:00:58 - The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare.

01:01:00 - What you can see from this image

01:01:04 is a man lying in a pool of blood in his living room.

01:01:07 He was shot dead a short while ago

01:01:10 as two bandits tried to rob him and his family.

01:01:14 What you can't hear is his wife crying inconsolably.

01:01:17 What you don't know is that his four-year-old daughter

01:01:21 is standing looking at her father,

01:01:23 confused, begging him to wake up.

01:01:25 Can you imagine what this wife and child are going through?

01:01:28 And what they will have to go through?

01:01:30 They try to process what has happened.

01:01:33 How can we begin to help?

01:01:35 We can start right here

01:01:36 at the Victim and Witness Support Unit.

01:01:38 From investigation to counseling,

01:01:41 to helping families find justice,

01:01:43 to helping families find peace.

01:01:46 This unit gives victims and witnesses hope to cope.

01:01:52 We are the Victim and Witness Support Unit,

01:01:54 bridging the service gap between the victims,

01:01:56 witnesses, and the police.

01:01:58 (upbeat music)

01:02:03 (upbeat music)

01:02:09 - All right, so welcome back everyone.

01:02:23 So we are speaking about again,

01:02:25 O2N style at O2 Park, all right?

01:02:29 So we do have in studio this morning,

01:02:31 Project Manager, Jamelia DeBeek.

01:02:33 And we also have Kevon LeFleur.

01:02:35 He's a partner and sponsor from Clinical Media Group.

01:02:40 All right, so a very special good morning, Jamelia.

01:02:43 And Kevon is joining us via Zoom.

01:02:46 Jamelia, well, let's begin our discussion.

01:02:49 You're the Project Manager.

01:02:51 How are preparations been going?

01:02:52 - Yes.

01:02:53 - Up preparations have been going.

01:02:54 - Preparations have been phenomenal.

01:02:56 You know, O2N Foundation is always in preparation mode

01:03:00 for O2N style.

01:03:01 And throughout the year,

01:03:02 we're embarking on a number of different initiatives.

01:03:05 So it's a cyclical kind of project management process,

01:03:10 but we have been really engaging our strategic partners.

01:03:14 We've been engaging our designer partners,

01:03:17 as well as we've completed a model search.

01:03:20 So there's a cadre of events that we take on,

01:03:24 starting with Style@Hyatt.

01:03:26 And Hyatt is one of our strategic partners

01:03:27 and has been over the years.

01:03:29 And so the Style@Hyatt, as well as the launch,

01:03:31 took place on the 30th of March.

01:03:35 And we then had our model search,

01:03:38 which was really, really a great experience for the models.

01:03:43 We discovered new models.

01:03:45 And we reconnected with some models

01:03:46 who may have been on Hyatt or break

01:03:49 because of study or school,

01:03:51 and connected with some new models

01:03:54 and really heard some inspiring stories

01:03:56 from some of the models.

01:03:57 - Yeah.

01:03:58 So the wheels are turning.

01:04:01 - The wheels are turning.

01:04:03 They are in-

01:04:04 - Speeding up, right?

01:04:05 - Yes, we're speeding towards the finish line.

01:04:08 And, you know, our creative director, Richard Young,

01:04:11 our chair, Nicole Dyer-Griffith,

01:04:13 and the full project management team

01:04:14 is fully taking on the planning and the execution,

01:04:18 as well as, of course, our partner,

01:04:21 our partners, Diabetes Association, Clinical Media,

01:04:23 Kevon is here, and Kevon also is fully preparing

01:04:27 for us to have an amazing show at O2N, Style O2 Park.

01:04:31 - All right, Kevon, good morning.

01:04:33 - Morning.

01:04:35 - Kevon, good morning,

01:04:36 and thank you very much for joining us.

01:04:37 Well, let's speak about your participation here

01:04:40 as partner, sponsor, Clinical Media Group.

01:04:42 - Sure.

01:04:45 So Clinical Media Group has been partnering

01:04:47 with the Diabetes Association for quite a number of years.

01:04:51 As you know, the Diabetes Association

01:04:53 has been a charity since around 1988,

01:04:55 and I've been doing works very quietly in the background,

01:04:58 and have been assisting in educating the public

01:05:02 about diabetes, and they have a number of programs.

01:05:05 You know, like they have, there's a summer program,

01:05:09 there is a national quiz that they normally do,

01:05:12 and a number of events that they do.

01:05:14 We have just completed a joint venture

01:05:18 in the form of a jazz festival,

01:05:20 and a Clinical Media Group,

01:05:21 and the Diabetes Association host together.

01:05:26 That was over the Easter weekend, which is a huge success.

01:05:29 And I mean, now we're preparing for this particular event.

01:05:32 So my role in this particular event, of course,

01:05:35 is to design one of the areas, which is the promenade area.

01:05:39 And I mean, the space is well-designed.

01:05:42 Of course, we have some insight,

01:05:45 why we did the site visit,

01:05:46 as to how the flow of the event is gonna go

01:05:49 in terms of the runway.

01:05:50 And there are some very interesting design ideas

01:05:54 that Mr. Richard Young would have brought to the table.

01:05:57 So my role in this project is just to, of course,

01:06:00 to assist as a media company, to assist both O2N,

01:06:04 and especially the Diabetes Association,

01:06:07 as we have been working with them for a while.

01:06:10 - But Kevon, you have to tell us a little more.

01:06:12 I know you don't want to say more,

01:06:13 but I have to try to get a little more from you,

01:06:17 as we speak about this promenade

01:06:19 that you all are having at O2 Park.

01:06:22 What can you tell us?

01:06:23 Don't say too much, but what can you tell us?

01:06:25 - Well, of course, you have to be there,

01:06:28 but I can't tell you everything.

01:06:30 But at the promenade,

01:06:32 you will definitely get a chance to meet

01:06:33 with the Diabetes Association.

01:06:35 Of course, they'll be doing some information about,

01:06:40 they'll be doing some testing.

01:06:42 There are other partners as well,

01:06:43 to who will be at the promenade.

01:06:45 So you'll get a chance to really meet and interact

01:06:47 with some of your favorite designers

01:06:51 and different people at the promenade itself.

01:06:53 So it's very similar to, of course,

01:06:55 the promenade that we know.

01:06:56 So where you will have a nice picturesque area

01:07:00 to be able to roam and intermingle

01:07:02 with a few prominent people before the event itself.

01:07:06 So this area takes place before the event,

01:07:10 before the main event itself.

01:07:11 And you get a chance to meet with all of the partners

01:07:15 and of course, get to interact with us as well.

01:07:19 - Yeah, Kevin, we don't want all aspects

01:07:21 of the real promenade.

01:07:22 I just want to put that on the...

01:07:23 (laughing)

01:07:26 Don't be too accurate.

01:07:27 Don't be too accurate, right?

01:07:28 - Too on the news, yeah.

01:07:29 - But again, Jamelia,

01:07:33 and we have been discussing this event for a while now.

01:07:40 And I always get the impression

01:07:43 that this is going to be a major event

01:07:45 and a mix of things,

01:07:47 a mix of art and entertainment and music.

01:07:50 - Absolutely.

01:07:51 - And even...

01:07:54 But there's a serious side to things too, right?

01:07:57 - Absolutely.

01:07:58 So the Oatswine Foundation

01:07:59 is a human development foundation.

01:08:01 And you realize we say human development.

01:08:03 So all walks of life,

01:08:05 we focus on the development

01:08:07 and telling the stories of octogenarians.

01:08:09 We tell the stories of women, the youth,

01:08:12 and we empower them through our various initiatives.

01:08:16 So we have our creative conversation

01:08:18 where we speak to creative intelligence

01:08:20 and we really interview and speak with different people

01:08:23 in society who have impacted society.

01:08:26 And the Oatswine style is really where we pull together

01:08:30 all of our partnerships in the creative community.

01:08:35 And we really tell the story,

01:08:36 the cultural expression of Trinidad and Tobago

01:08:39 and the Caribbean.

01:08:40 And I say the Caribbean because we do really focus

01:08:42 on the Caribbean aesthetic.

01:08:45 And what we've been doing with Oatswine style

01:08:48 is we've been holding the space consistently

01:08:51 where designers could bet on showcasing their product

01:08:55 in an environment that is well positioned, well designed.

01:08:59 And through our partners O2 Park,

01:09:01 we've actually been able to create an elevated space.

01:09:04 As we said, we don't want to say too much,

01:09:06 but it's going to be one of the most interesting runways

01:09:08 you've ever seen once you're there.

01:09:10 And we also infuse very, very strategically

01:09:15 art, fashion and the performing arts, right?

01:09:19 And we really focus heavily on that

01:09:22 at the Oatswine Foundation,

01:09:24 because all of it is part of human development

01:09:27 and the expression of our creativity.

01:09:29 So we are really focused on always creating a stage,

01:09:32 creating a platform where we can share our stories

01:09:36 as well as share our talents.

01:09:38 And this year is a really special year for us.

01:09:41 Our chair, Nicole Dyer Griffith,

01:09:43 has a very deep connection and relationship

01:09:46 with the Diabetes Association.

01:09:48 She was their patron.

01:09:49 This year we are doing, really taking on fashion

01:09:52 with a purpose.

01:09:53 We've always taken that on,

01:09:54 but this year it's going to be different.

01:09:56 We're actually going to, this year,

01:09:59 provide A1C testing kits for children who cannot afford it

01:10:03 and families who cannot afford it

01:10:05 as part of our partnership.

01:10:06 So we're really putting our money where our mouth is

01:10:09 as a foundation.

01:10:10 And this is non-profit to non-profit, right?

01:10:13 Because that's our focus at Oatswine Foundation.

01:10:16 And of course we are welcoming everyone.

01:10:18 If you are interested in supporting

01:10:20 the creative industries, cultural expression,

01:10:23 you know, the showcase of our Caribbean talents.

01:10:26 If you are interested in supporting

01:10:28 the Diabetes Association,

01:10:30 this is an opportunity for corporate partners

01:10:33 who would like to create a space for their teams

01:10:36 to bond, to experience some relatedness,

01:10:40 as well as for the general public

01:10:42 who just really want to have an amazing,

01:10:44 elevated experience.

01:10:46 Oatwine Style is the location for that.

01:10:48 And it's strategically placed at this time of year

01:10:50 where in the international fashion community,

01:10:54 there's a gap as well as it's almost a segue

01:10:57 into the spring/summer fashion showcases

01:11:00 going into resort later on.

01:11:03 And it's beautifully placed at O2 Park,

01:11:06 our partners and they've recently refurbished.

01:11:09 So we have some interesting stage placements,

01:11:12 just really an elevated space

01:11:15 against the backdrop of the sea and the sky.

01:11:18 And it's all a part of the Caribbean story,

01:11:21 well-expressed, well-executed

01:11:23 with proper corporate social responsibility

01:11:26 and accountability in that regard.

01:11:28 - Yeah.

01:11:29 Gavon, what Jamilia has told me,

01:11:32 you have some pressure on your shoulders, boy.

01:11:34 What more can you tell us?

01:11:36 - Well, I can tell you that it is definitely

01:11:40 not a one-man show.

01:11:43 We have some great partners.

01:11:45 So when you have names like O2N,

01:11:48 you have OCN, I know Hyatt is also a part of it,

01:11:53 Nicole Dyer, Richard Young.

01:11:55 When you have clinical media group, of course,

01:11:57 once you have names like these in your production,

01:12:00 it's gonna be an amazing production itself.

01:12:03 So I know for myself, I am no fashion guru,

01:12:07 but I can see definitely that fashion, of course,

01:12:10 plays an important role in how I live my life

01:12:13 in terms of how I present myself to my clients

01:12:16 in so many different ways.

01:12:17 And I would have learned all of these things, of course,

01:12:21 going to these fashion shows and tea party

01:12:25 when we were in school,

01:12:26 and you would have learned how important fashion is.

01:12:29 Now, of course, this is a different level of fashion,

01:12:33 right, and I would have learned to appreciate fashion

01:12:36 at this level.

01:12:38 I had the opportunity to be at the launch

01:12:41 of the O2N style, and I will say that I had to end up

01:12:46 purchasing a few of the pieces.

01:12:50 You don't have much opportunities to see pieces like this

01:12:54 on a normal basis.

01:12:55 So you have to come to these events to appreciate

01:12:58 the level of fashion that's gonna be there as well too.

01:13:01 So it's a very high event in terms of

01:13:06 what you're gonna see in terms of the fashion,

01:13:09 in terms of the decor, in terms of the placement of stuff,

01:13:13 because of the partners that are there.

01:13:15 - Yeah.

01:13:16 Jamelia, we just have about a minute again,

01:13:20 but I want to speak about where can people get tickets

01:13:24 and your contact information and everything,

01:13:26 and anything else you'd like to share with us.

01:13:28 - Yes, so you would be able to purchase tickets

01:13:31 at King's Lounge in Arima, of course, at Rent-A-Amp.

01:13:36 They're in St. James.

01:13:38 You'll be able to purchase tickets, of course,

01:13:40 at O2N Foundation at SAS,

01:13:42 and SAS is one of our partners in Aranguas,

01:13:45 and you can call us at 279, sorry, 269-7791.

01:13:50 You can also email us at O2NFoundation@gmail.com.

01:13:55 Tickets are $300, and we have, of course,

01:13:58 our O2N community, a group of like-minded individuals,

01:14:03 so you would be able to connect

01:14:05 to our networks in that way.

01:14:07 And as Kevon said, it's a high-octane event.

01:14:09 It's high-octane fashion.

01:14:11 If you really want to experience,

01:14:13 and my background is fashion management, right?

01:14:15 So if you really want to experience

01:14:17 what high-quality Caribbean fashion presentation

01:14:21 or fashion presentation around the world looks like,

01:14:24 O2N Style is the location,

01:14:26 and of course, you'll be really providing opportunities

01:14:30 for healthcare and wellness for individuals

01:14:34 who would, without this,

01:14:35 may not have the opportunity to take that on.

01:14:36 - It sounds like something new, Jamelia,

01:14:39 and groundbreaking, you know.

01:14:40 - It is groundbreaking, it is new,

01:14:42 and of course, this is our third iteration.

01:14:44 So we've been holding down the fort

01:14:45 in the fashion regard, right?

01:14:47 And we've been, through the foundation and our partners,

01:14:49 funding this initiative so that we could continue

01:14:52 to showcase human development,

01:14:55 showcase our talent and our products.

01:14:57 So if you are interested,

01:14:59 and we'll invite you to come down,

01:15:00 it's one of the most beautiful events,

01:15:03 and you'll be able to walk the blue carpet, right?

01:15:05 In partnership with Diabetes Association.

01:15:08 So we're taking it to another level here with O2N Style.

01:15:11 - Yeah, Kevon, anything else you'd like to add

01:15:13 before you leave us this morning?

01:15:15 And we may not have this.

01:15:17 - Well, I'd just like to say it is a privilege, of course,

01:15:19 to be a part of a project like this.

01:15:21 You know, not often you get to be in the same room

01:15:26 with greats like, you know, Nicole Dyer

01:15:28 and Richard Young and stuff like that.

01:15:30 So it is definitely a privilege to me,

01:15:32 and we will definitely be bringing our best foot forward

01:15:35 as a team, right, in the community group.

01:15:38 And as Jamila said, one of the unique features

01:15:42 of the evening will be that blue carpet.

01:15:44 You know, we are custom walking the red carpet.

01:15:46 So come out to expect different things,

01:15:48 come out to support, and I mean, come and greet us,

01:15:51 and I will be there personally to greet

01:15:53 and to mingle with everybody.

01:15:54 I mean, it's gonna be a really great event, you know?

01:15:56 - Yeah.

01:15:57 Jamila, I feel I've come a long day,

01:15:59 but I guess I'm going to wait.

01:16:00 - Listen, we have the designers, you have our contact.

01:16:04 We will definitely have you.

01:16:06 - But on that blue carpet,

01:16:08 I may have to wear white pair of shoes.

01:16:09 - White shoes, it depends.

01:16:12 Let's talk shades of white,

01:16:14 and we'll have that conversation, no worries.

01:16:16 - Jamila, Kevon, it was a pleasure speaking

01:16:18 with you all this morning.

01:16:19 Thank you very much.

01:16:19 - Thank you so much for having us.

01:16:20 - Okay, so we are going to a very short break.

01:16:22 We're coming back.

01:16:23 - White shoes, boy.

01:16:24 - White shoes.

01:16:24 (laughing)

01:16:25 (upbeat music)

01:16:28 - Age is ways alive.

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01:16:52 Choose Alive Kids Gummies by Nature's Way

01:16:55 because they deserve it.

01:16:57 (upbeat music)

01:16:59 (dramatic music)

01:17:02 - On Saturday, April 27th,

01:17:20 the atmosphere in Black Rock, Tobago

01:17:23 will be filled with a sweet sound of jazz

01:17:26 as Black Jew Sugars and Starfish Tobago

01:17:28 present Beachfront Jazz.

01:17:31 From 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., a premium drinks-inclusive event

01:17:36 featuring ace, patient, saxophonist,

01:17:38 Arturo Daffodil and Beth,

01:17:40 Trinidad Top Jazz Ensemble, Aylan Paulet,

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01:17:45 Kai DeBeer, and just added,

01:17:48 veteran jazz guitarist, Michael Boothman,

01:17:51 pianist, Hannah Goodrich, and new sensation, Rose.

01:17:54 Backed by the Beachfront Jazz Project,

01:17:57 led by Emmy Fortune, Beachfront Jazz,

01:18:00 all part of the Tobago Jazz and Music Weekend.

01:18:03 Get your tickets now at Cachet Port of Spain,

01:18:05 Trent City, Eastgate, Gulf City Malls in Trinidad,

01:18:08 Lowlands Mall in Tobago,

01:18:10 and Gencare Day Spa, Woodbrook and Tobago.

01:18:13 Or call 681-1516 or 627-4141.

01:18:18 Brought to you by B-Mobile,

01:18:19 Powertown Communications, Faulkner,

01:18:21 Angostura Premium Rums, Hennessy,

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01:18:25 and the Prime Minister's Sports and Culture Fund.

01:18:28 Beachfront Jazz, April 27th, Black Rock Tobago.

01:18:32 (audience cheering)

01:18:35 (dramatic music)

01:18:38 (dramatic music)

01:18:41 - It's not a thrill.

01:19:03 - When your speed can't kill.

01:19:05 (dramatic music)

01:19:08 (upbeat music)

01:19:14 - All right, so we are continuing our conversation

01:19:33 on fashion this time.

01:19:34 Tobago will be having its Fashion and Arts Festival

01:19:37 at Shore Park Complex.

01:19:38 The festival is said to be a celebration of art and culture,

01:19:41 and it will provide a platform for emerging talents,

01:19:44 designers, artists, and creatives to showcase their work.

01:19:48 So we do have on the line this morning, Miss Darian Phillips.

01:19:51 Miss Phillips, good morning.

01:19:52 - Hi, good morning.

01:19:55 - Yes, well, Miss Phillips, let's get right into it.

01:19:58 Tell us about the event.

01:19:59 What's in store for the patrons who would want to attend?

01:20:04 - Okay, so I am Darian Phillips,

01:20:07 designer of Euphoric Designs.

01:20:10 I am one of the nine designers that would be a part

01:20:13 of the Fashion and Arts Festival on 27th of April.

01:20:18 We start at 6.30 p.m.

01:20:20 And I am beyond excited about this experience

01:20:25 because I am seeing,

01:20:27 I would have participated in fashion shows before,

01:20:31 and this one seems to be a little bit different

01:20:33 as we're gonna have art, drawings, and pictures

01:20:38 on the runway,

01:20:40 and shoes and handbags on the ground base,

01:20:43 separate and apart from people's faces.

01:20:46 We have designers from Tobago, Trinidad, and St. Lucia.

01:20:51 There are food designers,

01:20:54 so there are going to be segments, spotlight features,

01:20:57 where they feature two designers.

01:21:02 I'm not sure what to expect there,

01:21:06 but I love to eat, as small as I am, I love to eat.

01:21:09 I like to that.

01:21:12 So the festival seems to be somewhat of a different,

01:21:16 it's not just a fashion show.

01:21:17 I feel like it's something that we need in Tobago

01:21:20 'cause we have not had anything like that since 2018,

01:21:26 when fashion show had the last showing.

01:21:29 - Yeah.

01:21:29 Is there an underlying theme to everything?

01:21:33 - Sorry, I missed that one.

01:21:36 - Is there an underlying theme?

01:21:37 What's the theme?

01:21:39 Or is there a theme?

01:21:40 - Oh, I don't think that the festival has a theme,

01:21:44 but every designer has to come up with their own story,

01:21:48 to tell their story.

01:21:49 - Right.

01:21:50 - So as Euphoric Designs,

01:21:52 I am going to present the Gardener, Ariane.

01:21:55 She blooms.

01:21:57 And this is where I would feature 12 flowers

01:22:00 that I will tie back to who I am as an individual

01:22:04 and tie back to the piece that I'm presenting on the runway.

01:22:09 - Yeah.

01:22:10 Is this the first time that this is being held in Tobago?

01:22:13 - Yes, yes, it is the first time.

01:22:17 - Yeah.

01:22:18 But there's also going to be, I believe,

01:22:22 a Tobago flavor to everything, right?

01:22:25 To the fashion and even the festival, right?

01:22:28 A Tobago flavor.

01:22:30 - Yes, yes.

01:22:31 Yes, of course.

01:22:32 Because, I mean, we're Tobagonians,

01:22:34 and as much as we have designers from Trinidad

01:22:36 and from St. Lucia, the majority is from Tobago.

01:22:41 We have models from Tobago.

01:22:42 The models were already assigned to the designers.

01:22:47 So we would have had the opportunity

01:22:49 to fit them before the show.

01:22:51 We know what we're looking for.

01:22:53 We would have had the opportunity to share the stories

01:22:55 so that the story could come across

01:22:57 exactly the way we want them to come across.

01:23:00 Yeah, so we have performances as well.

01:23:02 Yeah.

01:23:06 - But from what I'm seeing here, Darian,

01:23:08 it also provides an opportunity,

01:23:13 not so for emerging talents

01:23:17 and people who are already established in the industry.

01:23:20 - Yes, yes, of course.

01:23:23 Because, like I said, the artists,

01:23:28 some of the artists are young artists.

01:23:29 I think one of them, she is a student.

01:23:33 So she has not yet broken ground.

01:23:35 And then the other artist is a grown woman

01:23:40 who has been doing this for over three decades.

01:23:43 - Right.

01:23:44 But how long have you been involved?

01:23:45 - You have, I'm picturing.

01:23:47 - Yeah, how long have you been involved in design?

01:23:51 - Okay, so Euphoric Designs has started in 2015 officially.

01:23:56 So that's just about nine years.

01:23:58 - Right.

01:23:59 - Nine years I've been designing and supporting.

01:24:00 - Yeah.

01:24:01 And what's the fashion industry like in Tobago?

01:24:03 - It is a bit, okay, as a designer,

01:24:14 it is a bit boxed up because then you hardly have

01:24:19 the opportunity to just create

01:24:22 because you are doing something specific

01:24:24 for our clients most of the time.

01:24:27 And you don't want to go too far or stray too far

01:24:31 from what the client wants

01:24:32 or what the clients would be comfortable in.

01:24:35 So opportunities like this is what gives creatives

01:24:39 the opportunity to actually show how creative they can be

01:24:43 and be free with it.

01:24:45 Because it's not specific to one person.

01:24:47 You are now showing what you can do as a designer.

01:24:50 - I think I do understand what you're saying

01:24:53 because as a creative, you want to still create

01:24:58 but it has to be something for people

01:25:02 that they can understand and it could be palatable to them.

01:25:07 And of course it has to be viable for you too.

01:25:10 So you're really between a rock and a hard place, right?

01:25:14 - Yes, you are.

01:25:16 Yes, you definitely are.

01:25:18 But it is a very fun experience being a designer

01:25:22 because seeing your pieces, seeing persons go out

01:25:27 and feel comfortable and leave reviews

01:25:30 and take really nice pictures and all of those things

01:25:33 within your pieces, in something that you created,

01:25:36 it definitely, like I said, I always say it leaves me

01:25:39 with a feeling of euphoria.

01:25:42 And that's partially why my business name is Euphoric Design.

01:25:46 - Yeah, but do you feel,

01:25:47 and I'm really asking you these questions

01:25:50 based on your experience in the industry in Tobago,

01:25:54 do you feel that there is, how do I say,

01:25:59 an interest by people in Tobago

01:26:02 in getting specific pieces from designers

01:26:07 rather than just go to a department store

01:26:09 or a clothing store and just pick out a pants

01:26:12 or a shirt or a dressing and go to an event?

01:26:17 You feel that there's an interest

01:26:20 in people wanting specific pieces from specific designers?

01:26:25 - Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, 100% yes.

01:26:32 Because you would see at what we would consider

01:26:35 to be the busy times in Tobago,

01:26:38 there would be no seamstresses or designers

01:26:40 that have even time to eat properly

01:26:43 because we're all really booked out, right?

01:26:46 Besides that, you would see persons not wanting

01:26:50 to show up in the same outfit, in the same event.

01:26:54 The body types, we have a lot of voluptuous ladies

01:27:01 that might not necessarily get the fit that they want

01:27:05 from going to a store and getting clothing.

01:27:08 So they tend to come to designers like myself

01:27:13 to get pieces created only specifically for them.

01:27:18 So yes, there is definitely an interest there.

01:27:21 - Yeah, but it seems, Darian,

01:27:23 that the industry seems to be thriving

01:27:27 or there has been great development or improving

01:27:31 and it could be, or it is, a viable option for people.

01:27:38 - Yes, it is, definitely, most definitely.

01:27:40 I am battling right now with some students

01:27:45 because I tutor as well.

01:27:46 I don't tutor sewing, I tutor accounting.

01:27:51 And my students have been not so interested

01:27:56 in the schoolwork because they are seeing

01:27:58 so many creatives making it.

01:28:01 So I am kind of between a rock and a hard place

01:28:05 trying to encourage them that you kind of need them both.

01:28:08 - Yes.

01:28:09 - You know, I'm not saying that you should try

01:28:11 to do a trade or be a creative,

01:28:15 but still kind of right now focus on your school

01:28:18 so that you could jump onto something else

01:28:21 in the later on, in the later half,

01:28:23 and still have something to fall back on just in case.

01:28:26 - Yeah, Darian, just remind us when the event is again,

01:28:29 we will put up all information.

01:28:34 - The event is on the 27th of April.

01:28:38 It starts at 6.30 PM and it is at the show

01:28:41 of our complex tickets are $300.

01:28:44 And they can be purchased online at getticketspt.com.

01:28:50 They can be purchased at UVO, Portmall,

01:28:52 or any one of the designers that are a part of the show.

01:28:56 - Yeah, Darian, it was a pleasure speaking

01:28:57 with you this morning, thank you very much.

01:29:00 - Same here, thank you.

01:29:01 - Bye for now.

01:29:02 All right, so it's time for another break.

01:29:03 We are coming back everybody.

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01:32:33 - Welcome back everyone

01:32:40 to the National Council of Indian Culture.

01:32:41 Plans to host various academic and cultural programs

01:32:45 throughout the month of May via a heritage festival

01:32:49 to commemorate Indian Arrival Day 2024.

01:32:52 All right, we do have on the line this morning,

01:32:54 the president of the National Council of Indian Culture,

01:32:57 Mr. Deirup Timal.

01:32:59 Mr. Timal, good morning.

01:33:00 And thank you very much for joining us.

01:33:02 - Yeah, good morning.

01:33:05 Namaskar to you, Marlon, and to your listening audience.

01:33:10 - Thank you very much, Mr. Timal.

01:33:11 Well, Mr. Timal, let's get right into it.

01:33:13 Let's speak about the significance of this event

01:33:17 that you plan to host this year for Indian Arrival Day.

01:33:22 - Okay, so the NCIC is introducing

01:33:26 into the national landscape, NCIC Heritage Festival,

01:33:31 primarily aimed to commemorate Indian Arrival Day,

01:33:35 which is on May 30th, as we all know.

01:33:38 And the festival is intended to inform,

01:33:42 educate, and celebrate the,

01:33:48 inform and educate about the heritage traditions

01:33:51 of our indentured East Indian,

01:33:55 who came to Trinidad and Tobago,

01:33:57 as well as to celebrate their contributions

01:34:00 to the development of the nation of Trinidad and Tobago.

01:34:05 So we have quite a packed program

01:34:08 for the entire month of May,

01:34:10 which has also been branded by certain entities

01:34:15 as Indian Heritage Month.

01:34:17 And we are putting out a variety of programs and events

01:34:23 and actually to start off the month of May,

01:34:28 on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th,

01:34:31 we would be hosting a conference

01:34:34 on a genre of Indian music,

01:34:38 here in Trinidad and Tobago,

01:34:39 referred to as tan singing.

01:34:42 It is referred to as Baita Gana in the Caribbean,

01:34:45 our local Indian classical singing.

01:34:48 And in collaboration with UTT,

01:34:50 we will be hosting that conference

01:34:52 to explore dimensions of this art form

01:34:56 and to identify possible pathways,

01:34:59 and moving forward to have the art form further embraced,

01:35:05 further celebrated,

01:35:07 taken up by our younger artists in Trinidad and Tobago.

01:35:11 So we'll have also persons coming in from Ghana

01:35:15 and from Suriname,

01:35:16 practitioners of the art form,

01:35:19 and overall Malan will be having 26 presentations

01:35:24 from scholars, Trinidad and Tobago,

01:35:27 Suriname, Guyana, Fiji, Mauritius, and also India.

01:35:32 - You know, Mr. Tima--

01:35:36 - In addition to the intellectual side of the festival,

01:35:39 of course, we will be having our cultural programs.

01:35:42 We have five cultural programs scheduled throughout the month

01:35:46 primarily occurring on weekends.

01:35:50 And we'll be exploring different aspects

01:35:53 of the heritage, traditional music,

01:35:56 our folk traditions,

01:35:58 including the local Indian classical singing,

01:36:00 that I mentioned,

01:36:02 as well as, of course, the popular genres of Bollywood.

01:36:06 We'll be having a night of dance

01:36:08 because dance is exceedingly popular in Trinidad and Tobago.

01:36:11 So we're just promoting dance on one of the nights.

01:36:15 A grand cultural show on the day itself,

01:36:17 which is May the 30th.

01:36:19 And we are introducing a heritage food festival this year

01:36:24 as part of a heritage festival.

01:36:27 Now the heritage food festival will be focusing

01:36:30 mainly on traditional foods.

01:36:32 The foods that were brought to Trinidad and Tobago

01:36:38 by the indenture,

01:36:40 the foods that were prepared in the homes,

01:36:43 and some of them are still prepared,

01:36:47 as well as we will be highlighting some that have died out

01:36:50 in order to reintroduce them into the landscape

01:36:56 so that people would be able to experience

01:37:00 some of the dishes that were prepared and have died out.

01:37:04 - Yeah, Mr. Thiebaud, you know,

01:37:05 there's still a lot to learn

01:37:08 about Indian culture in Trinidad and Tobago.

01:37:12 And I say this because of our long, very, very long history

01:37:16 as it relates to indentureship and forefathers

01:37:22 and the contributions that Eastern brothers and sisters

01:37:27 have made to Trinidad and Tobago.

01:37:29 So there's still a lot to be learned about Indian culture,

01:37:34 but I just wanna speak a little bit

01:37:35 about these 26 presentations

01:37:39 that are going to be relayed

01:37:42 and announced to people as part of the celebrations.

01:37:49 What sort of,

01:37:50 let's speak a little bit about the components

01:37:54 of some of these presentations

01:37:57 that you think should be of interest

01:37:59 or what people in Trinidad and Tobago should know.

01:38:02 - Well, based on the theme for the conference,

01:38:08 actually, it's towards a vision for the art form,

01:38:11 towards a vision for tan singing by Tegnana

01:38:14 in the Caribbean, because it's primarily,

01:38:19 well, I should correct that.

01:38:20 It's primarily a product of what we refer to

01:38:25 as the Girmetia diaspora.

01:38:27 Girmetia comes out from the term girmet,

01:38:32 which is the agreement that was signed

01:38:33 by our Indian forefathers.

01:38:36 So descendants of the Indentiers,

01:38:40 the term girmetia is being used in academics.

01:38:42 So we have the Girmetia diaspora.

01:38:46 So we'll be exploring, of course, the historical aspects,

01:38:51 because from the very early times,

01:38:53 the art form has been there.

01:38:57 We'll be looking at also the development of the art form

01:39:01 in the Caribbean over the many years.

01:39:05 For us, it's 179 years.

01:39:08 And there have been certain innovations and creativity.

01:39:12 Actually, research is showing that the art form

01:39:15 in its present form is really something

01:39:20 that is indigenous to Trinidad, Tobago, and the Caribbean

01:39:24 in its current form.

01:39:26 So that is a very important thing.

01:39:28 And also, we'll be looking at the role that it played

01:39:31 in cultural identity,

01:39:34 maintenance of our cultural identity,

01:39:38 as well as where the art form is

01:39:42 in terms of its practice, in terms of training,

01:39:46 in terms of informing,

01:39:49 because all the events of the Heritage Festival,

01:39:53 you did mention at the beginning, Marlon,

01:39:55 about there's still a lot to be learned

01:39:57 about Indian culture.

01:39:58 And one of the primary objectives

01:40:00 of the NCIC's Heritage Festival

01:40:03 is really to educate and inform,

01:40:05 because we believe that the more we know about each other,

01:40:08 the more we understand each other,

01:40:11 our history, our backgrounds, our aspirations,

01:40:14 what we are striving for as a people,

01:40:18 the more we understand our diversity,

01:40:22 it develops respect for the many,

01:40:27 for amongst our citizens.

01:40:29 - Yeah.

01:40:30 - And primarily, this is one of the major objectives,

01:40:35 particularly targeting our youth, our young people.

01:40:39 - But you know, Mr. Timo,

01:40:40 it has to be a consistent effort, right?

01:40:44 So what more is needed?

01:40:46 Is it that more museums are needed

01:40:50 concerning Indian culture, more libraries, more schools?

01:40:54 How do we get the information

01:40:57 and relay this information more and more to,

01:41:00 as you said, the young people?

01:41:02 - Well, one of the areas, of course,

01:41:06 would be the curriculum, educational curriculum

01:41:10 that is used in the schools.

01:41:13 I think that is a golden opportunity

01:41:16 for us to inform our people about the many diverse cultures.

01:41:21 I think we do need to review our curriculum,

01:41:25 particularly in the context of all peoples

01:41:29 and their respective cultures and practices.

01:41:31 That is one area.

01:41:33 And then the NCIC Heritage Center,

01:41:36 under whose direction and vision

01:41:40 this heritage festival is being hosted,

01:41:43 has set up a heritage library to start with.

01:41:50 The project has been a couple of years in motion.

01:41:54 Of course, progress could be a lot better,

01:41:57 but the vision and the intention is noble.

01:42:01 And we see that heritage library

01:42:03 as being a vital role, what you have mentioned.

01:42:05 And also museums as well.

01:42:09 There is a museum in Waterloo,

01:42:11 an Indian museum that is run by the Sanatan Dharma Masjid.

01:42:17 But in addition to that,

01:42:18 I think there is also room and scope for additional museums

01:42:22 with varying skills and with varying focus.

01:42:27 So the NCIC is also embarked on establishing

01:42:30 a cultural museum, particularly focusing on culture.

01:42:35 And that project has started as well.

01:42:38 We also started an archival project,

01:42:42 we're looking to establish a cultural portal

01:42:48 that would be available digitally

01:42:51 to everybody, researchers worldwide,

01:42:53 as well as anybody seeking information.

01:42:57 Where information is archived

01:43:00 and made available to the public at large.

01:43:04 - So Mr. Timal, how do members of the public participate

01:43:09 in the heritage festival?

01:43:15 - Right, so we have started,

01:43:18 actually, let me extend our appreciation

01:43:21 to your media channel for giving us the opportunity.

01:43:25 This is the first interaction we are having media-wise,

01:43:30 but we have an extensive social media program

01:43:35 that will be enacted from today.

01:43:40 So the public can keep in touch

01:43:44 through our social media pages,

01:43:46 we have Facebook, Instagram, TikTok.

01:43:48 And more details about the starting time

01:43:53 and the content of the respective programs,

01:43:56 the artists who are performing and all of those things

01:43:59 will be coming up during the month of May,

01:44:01 but actually starting from this week,

01:44:04 so that the public is informed.

01:44:06 Actually, Marlon, in our effort to maximize participation

01:44:13 and maximize engagement from the public,

01:44:17 the NCIC has decided that all programs

01:44:20 for this heritage festival is gonna be free

01:44:24 of charge to the public, free admission.

01:44:26 We are blessed with a site

01:44:30 that has quite extensive parking as well.

01:44:33 Of course, the traffic to get in

01:44:36 with all the development of the site

01:44:39 is always a bit of a challenge,

01:44:40 but we have secured parking.

01:44:43 We have deliberately included events

01:44:47 such as the food festival.

01:44:48 And I forgot to mention, Marlon,

01:44:51 on the literary arts side of the culture,

01:44:54 we will be having a poetry festival this year,

01:44:58 where we are looking to feature works

01:45:00 that reflect poetry that reflects

01:45:03 on the Indo-Trinidadian, Indo-Caribbean experience.

01:45:09 And in addition to that,

01:45:10 we would also be encouraging persons

01:45:14 to take part in a poetry competition as well,

01:45:17 along the theme of the Indo-Caribbean experience.

01:45:21 So we're hoping that we get the response from the public

01:45:26 and also we get positive feedback from the public

01:45:31 so we can continue to improve as the years go by.

01:45:34 - Mr. Thiemel, it was a pleasure speaking

01:45:36 with you this morning,

01:45:37 and thank you very much for the contribution

01:45:39 that the NCIC continues to play in Trinidad and Tobago.

01:45:44 Thank you very much again, sir.

01:45:45 - Yeah, thank you very much.

01:45:48 Thank you to your viewing audience

01:45:49 and to your media network for giving us this opportunity.

01:45:53 - Of course, anytime, sir.

01:45:54 All right, so it's time for a quick break.

01:45:55 We're coming back.

01:45:57 Here's what, eh?

01:45:58 We have to take some calls,

01:46:00 and I have a package that I have to give away.

01:46:02 So the first caller after the break,

01:46:04 you are going to get that package.

01:46:06 You're calling us on 623-1711.

01:46:08 The extension, it's 19.95.

01:46:10 We're coming back, everybody.

01:46:11 (upbeat music)

01:46:14 (upbeat music)

01:46:21 - [Announcer] "Caribbean Hot Cider."

01:46:31 Moments made extraordinary.

01:46:34 Mom can live her best life this Mother's Day.

01:46:37 She has nothing to worry about with B-Mobile.

01:46:40 Win a high-end staycation, $10,000 cash,

01:46:43 home cleaning vouchers, Netflix and Amazon gift cards,

01:46:46 and more.

01:46:47 Top up $40, buy any prepaid plan,

01:46:50 sign up any postpaid or wireless broadband plan,

01:46:52 or pay your bill on time to enter.

01:46:55 B-Mobile, life is on.

01:47:03 - I am really excited about this episode, Nicole.

01:47:06 - In these days, where many of us are so afraid

01:47:09 to speak out, these two personalities, they let it rip.

01:47:13 So it's so interesting that we were able to capture them

01:47:17 in their zones, in their comfort zones, to share with you.

01:47:20 I hope you really enjoy this

01:47:22 as much as we would have enjoyed doing it for you.

01:47:25 - I'm Richard Young.

01:47:26 - And I'm Nicole Diagrafer.

01:47:27 - Join us for "U2N Lifestyle."

01:47:30 - Right here on CCN TV6.

01:47:33 (upbeat music)

01:47:35 (soft music)

01:47:38 (soft music)

01:47:41 - How am I?

01:47:42 I'm cool, I'm real good.

01:47:45 I try to be invisible when they reach home,

01:47:48 but they see me, they always see me.

01:47:50 Oh, how are my parents?

01:47:52 They're doing great, everybody's well.

01:47:55 I have bruises and marks that I have to make up stories about

01:47:58 when people ask.

01:48:00 What'd they say?

01:48:01 I fall off my bike, you know how it is.

01:48:04 They beat me up and I'm tired of lying.

01:48:06 Once, just once, I want to say, "No, I'm not fine."

01:48:11 Please someone, just help me.

01:48:13 (soft music)

01:48:16 - Children have rights.

01:48:28 (soft music)

01:48:31 (soft music)

01:48:33 (soft music)

01:48:35 (soft music)

01:48:39 (soft music)

01:48:41 (upbeat music)

01:49:07 - All right, so we're taking your calls now.

01:49:09 You're calling us on 623-1711.

01:49:11 The extension, it's 1995.

01:49:13 So if you call now, we are going to give you a package.

01:49:17 All right, remember earlier this week,

01:49:18 two packages were given to us to give to you.

01:49:21 Yeah, so we do have, Anthony is on the line.

01:49:24 Anthony, good morning.

01:49:26 - Yes, hi, morning.

01:49:28 - And just like that, Anthony, you have won a package.

01:49:30 All right, our producer has taken your information.

01:49:33 - Okay, thank you.

01:49:35 - All right.

01:49:36 - And we're listening as well.

01:49:37 - All right, thank you very much, Anthony.

01:49:39 Oh, Anthony, you want to make a contribution?

01:49:42 Anthony's gone?

01:49:44 Go ahead, Anthony, we're listening.

01:49:48 - Oh no, no, no comment this morning.

01:49:50 - Okay, all right.

01:49:52 Anthony has gotten this package.

01:49:54 A very special good morning to Patrick Billy.

01:49:56 Yeah, Patrick, a very special good morning to you.

01:49:59 You have collected your things,

01:50:00 so I'm happy with that, Patrick.

01:50:02 All right, we do have a few minutes again.

01:50:04 We can take your calls.

01:50:07 We had to get some calls.

01:50:08 You only had to call me.

01:50:10 All of the packages are gone,

01:50:11 but we want your calls still.

01:50:13 We have many things to discuss in Trinidad and Tobago.

01:50:16 All right, 623-1711, the extension, it's 1995.

01:50:20 It is Friday.

01:50:22 Valcine is on the line.

01:50:23 Friday, can be Friday.

01:50:25 Good morning, Valcine.

01:50:27 - Good morning.

01:50:28 - Yes.

01:50:29 - This is Michelle.

01:50:29 - Michelle, good morning.

01:50:31 - Good morning, I'm calling on the promotion.

01:50:34 - Well, Michelle, we have already given away the package.

01:50:37 It's gone.

01:50:38 - Oh, man.

01:50:39 - But we do appreciate your call.

01:50:40 You have anything else you'd like to share with us

01:50:43 this morning?

01:50:43 You have any concerns?

01:50:44 - Nothing right now.

01:50:47 I just want to wish everyone a happy weekend

01:50:49 and all the best to you.

01:50:50 - All right, Michelle.

01:50:51 Thank you very much.

01:50:52 Michelle said, "Oh, man."

01:50:54 (laughs)

01:50:55 Yeah?

01:50:56 So we do have a few minutes again

01:50:58 to take some of your calls.

01:51:00 So yesterday, the prime minister announced

01:51:04 that Emancipation Day is going to be called

01:51:07 African Emancipation Day.

01:51:09 Yeah, Marival is on the line.

01:51:11 Marival, good morning.

01:51:13 - Good morning.

01:51:14 - Morning.

01:51:15 - I'm just calling to find out when TNTEC will come

01:51:20 and put on a light on the polls since 2022.

01:51:23 I've been asking this.

01:51:26 - Give us the address.

01:51:29 - Lea Platte Village.

01:51:30 - Lea Platte Village.

01:51:31 - Monroe Shrule.

01:51:33 Marival.

01:51:36 - Marival.

01:51:37 All right, that's the exact address, right?

01:51:40 - Yes, since 2022, I've been calling

01:51:43 just to change a light.

01:51:44 - Yeah.

01:51:45 All right, so I know that personnel from TNTEC

01:51:48 that they look at the program.

01:51:50 So according to the lady,

01:51:53 a street light is needed at this address.

01:51:55 TNTEC, see if you could help the people, please.

01:51:58 All right, of Lea Platte Village in Marival.

01:52:01 All right, so you're calling us on 623-1711,

01:52:04 the extension, it's 1995.

01:52:06 We just have about maybe two or three minutes again.

01:52:08 We would appreciate your call.

01:52:10 So as I said, the prime minister said

01:52:12 the Emancipation Day public holiday

01:52:14 is to be renamed African Emancipation Day.

01:52:18 Tabakit, always good to hear from you.

01:52:20 Good morning.

01:52:21 - Oh, yes.

01:52:22 A pleasant morning to you, Mr. Hopkinson.

01:52:24 - Yes, sir.

01:52:26 - What I want to do this morning,

01:52:28 I want to congratulate yourself and TV6

01:52:32 and the callers and the management.

01:52:35 Yesterday, you opened the line

01:52:38 and the powers that be heard this program

01:52:42 and they took action to send administration on leave.

01:52:47 Again, Mr. Hopkinson,

01:52:49 sometimes people fail to call to tell you thanks.

01:52:53 And Mr. Tabakit is saying to you this morning,

01:52:56 thank you, Mr. Hopkinson.

01:52:58 Thanks to TV6 for giving voice,

01:53:02 which means people's power on TV6.

01:53:05 They heard the call yesterday on morning edition.

01:53:09 I wanted to thank you.

01:53:10 I would like you to take a bow in studio

01:53:13 and I want you to always do this

01:53:15 so we can get things done in Trinidad.

01:53:18 Tabakit out and over.

01:53:19 - Well, Tabakit, thank you very much

01:53:21 for your kind comments this morning.

01:53:22 But I do know that we should take credit for that.

01:53:26 But we will continue to give you all the opportunity

01:53:30 to call and express your views

01:53:32 because let me tell you,

01:53:33 it's a very, very serious situation.

01:53:35 And I'm glad that many of you called yesterday

01:53:38 to express concern about that.

01:53:40 All right, so I will give you the opportunity,

01:53:43 but I do not like to take credit for that.

01:53:45 Is that going to be it?

01:53:46 We have one more call.

01:53:49 Caller, good morning.

01:53:50 - Good morning.

01:53:51 - Yes, ma'am.

01:53:52 Caller, listen to us.

01:53:55 - Yes.

01:53:56 - On the phone.

01:53:57 You have about 30 seconds.

01:53:58 Good morning.

01:53:59 - All right, okay, thanks.

01:54:01 - Yes.

01:54:02 Caller, you're not listening to us on the phone.

01:54:05 All right.

01:54:07 All right, caller, we apologize for that,

01:54:09 but we have run out of time.

01:54:11 All right, so thank you to all of our guests today

01:54:14 and all of our viewers.

01:54:16 We do appreciate it.

01:54:17 All right, so that's going to do it for our program for today.

01:54:19 Have a good and safe weekend.

01:54:22 We'll see you right back here on Monday,

01:54:24 but before we do that, we have this image for you.

01:54:27 Ah, look at that.

01:54:28 They're going out in fine style.

01:54:30 Yeah.

01:54:31 See you on Monday, everybody.

01:54:33 Bye for now.

01:54:34 (upbeat music)

01:54:37 ♪ Right up on your bumper, baby ♪

01:54:39 ♪ I know where you're from, miss lady ♪

01:54:41 ♪ All up on your tip and go down there ♪

01:54:43 ♪ I know you're not easy ♪

01:54:45 ♪ Long time I've been waiting for you ♪

01:54:48 ♪ I got something for you ♪

01:54:50 ♪ It's time to leave in the morning ♪

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