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00:00:00 ♪
00:00:11 And a very special good morning Trinidad and Tobago and the rest of the world.
00:00:14 I'm Alvin Hopkinson. As always, welcome to the Morning Edition.
00:00:18 It's Friday, May 17th, and thank you very much for joining us.
00:00:22 Friday, the beginning of the weekend. Yes, it's not month-enders yet.
00:00:27 Yeah, but it's still Friday, right?
00:00:30 So I just hope that you had a good night. How was your night?
00:00:33 I hope you took every precaution to have you safe.
00:00:37 You know, yesterday I saw a video.
00:00:40 I don't know how many of you would have seen it, but there's this lady,
00:00:43 and she's standing up in her yard, and she sees a car pass.
00:00:50 And she's standing up and she's looking, and all of a sudden,
00:00:54 you see three individuals jump her fence.
00:00:58 So she starts to run now.
00:01:00 Now, apparently, her elderly parents, they are inside the house,
00:01:04 and they hear, they fracker what is going on outside,
00:01:09 and they run out with two chairs,
00:01:12 and they start to tussle with these three gentlemen.
00:01:17 They were successful at the beginning, but they were overpowered.
00:01:22 And these gentlemen, they start to beat the elderly parents.
00:01:26 A lot of cuffs for the father on the floor.
00:01:30 And then they turn to the mother.
00:01:32 Now, apparently, it would seem that one of the assailants,
00:01:35 they have some item in their hand.
00:01:37 I don't know if it's a knife. It appears to be a knife.
00:01:41 And the mother, the elderly mother, she's cuffling.
00:01:44 She's in this cuffle with this young man.
00:01:48 And I think because of all of the noise maybe that they were making,
00:01:52 they eventually left.
00:01:54 But on many occasions during that tussle and that fracker,
00:01:59 the elderly couple could have been severely wounded in that exercise.
00:02:07 And I'm just telling you that to tell you that--
00:02:11 and I don't want to be overly dramatic,
00:02:14 but you see this thing that we have, we're going outside to take a breeze,
00:02:19 and we want to look at the mountain, and we want to--
00:02:22 you see the days for that? They are done.
00:02:25 These days, hot outside, so find yourself inside.
00:02:29 Because you have people who are in these vehicles--that's their job--
00:02:37 and they're in these vehicles, and they're roaming the communities
00:02:40 just to see your gate open, just to see you wetting your grass
00:02:45 or cutting your grass, and your gate is open,
00:02:48 and then they pounce on you.
00:02:50 So that video yesterday, it reminds me how serious the situation is.
00:02:56 As I always say, to me, everybody is a suspect.
00:03:01 So take that in your pipe this morning and smoke it.
00:03:05 Maybe not smoke it.
00:03:06 The doctor said yesterday that smoking and weeping, they are upright
00:03:10 and having an impact on society.
00:03:12 So a very special good morning to all of you again.
00:03:14 Let's check out to see what's happening in the Daily Express.
00:03:16 On the front page today, "Stop that probe!
00:03:19 Judge Tehere application for judicial review.
00:03:22 Jaywanti goes to court and killed by ex-lover.
00:03:26 Cops failed this abused woman."
00:03:29 Let me just touch a bit on that, all right?
00:03:32 "Judge rules in favor of mom of abused woman killed by ex,
00:03:37 failed by TTPS and judiciary.
00:03:39 The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, as well as the judiciary,
00:03:42 failed a woman who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend in 2017
00:03:47 as they did not take sufficient steps to protect her,
00:03:50 even though multiple reports of domestic violence were made against her
00:03:55 or against her would-be murderer," so said High Court Justice Robin Muhammad
00:03:59 yesterday as he delivered a 110-page judgment in favor of Tot Lamkin,
00:04:05 the mother of Samantha Stacey Isaac, who was killed in December 2017.
00:04:11 All right, we're moving on to some sport now.
00:04:14 After warm-up wins over Guyana, Eve Grenada won't be easy.
00:04:20 Head coach of the men's senior football squad, Angus Eve,
00:04:23 is hoping for big local support when they embark on the
00:04:27 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign starting June 5th against Grenada.
00:04:34 All right, so we're moving on.
00:04:36 So it's time to remind you about Trinbago, your nice feature.
00:04:38 Remember to participate, watch out for your videos or images to 737-3778.
00:04:44 All right, what do we have for our viewers this morning?
00:04:46 This beautiful image, it's of a hibiscus.
00:04:50 It's from Ajamu in Arima.
00:04:54 Have you all ever seen flowers look like this, hibiscus?
00:04:57 Look at the sprinkles of the yellow on it.
00:05:01 Yeah? They have seen it? All right, all right, OK, OK.
00:05:05 Yes, Marlon, yes, yes, we've seen that before.
00:05:08 This flower looks healthy.
00:05:13 So thank you very much for that photograph this morning.
00:05:16 All right, so we are going to a very short break.
00:05:19 Come back. You have your coffee, your tea, there's something to eat.
00:05:22 Be coming back, everybody.
00:05:25 To be.
00:05:50 The.
00:05:58 Queen's Park, Savannah, Trinidad, bring to you.
00:06:01 The one.
00:06:02 The only.
00:06:03 Angie.
00:06:23 The.
00:06:33 For the first time in redemption.
00:06:35 On June 1st.
00:06:40 Consciousness takes over.
00:06:42 Get general tickets.
00:06:43 Four hundred dollars.
00:06:44 Eight hundred and fifty VIP and twelve hundred and fifty dollars.
00:06:47 Call a hotline at seven eight zero show.
00:06:52 Hey, CPL fans, have you ever dreamt about being a part of the CPL broadcast presenting team?
00:06:57 Well, now's your chance.
00:07:01 All you have to do is simply share a video of your best presenting performance using the hashtag CPL search and you could be in front of the camera at this year's tournament.
00:07:13 Maybe you can interview a friend or give us an insightful preview about an upcoming game or just simply show us your passion and discuss a memorable CPL moment.
00:07:24 The winner will get a live sport presenting masterclass from some of our CPL directors.
00:07:28 And of course, you get to work with me and the rest of the team.
00:07:32 But don't forget the hashtag CPL talent search.
00:07:35 Get sharing.
00:07:36 I can't wait to see what you guys have got in store.
00:07:46 Man to man domestic violence is a real thing.
00:08:01 I caught still have to make them do better every day.
00:08:08 Get help.
00:08:09 Get your friends.
00:08:11 Get help to stop.
00:08:13 Call C.
00:08:14 There are.
00:08:42 Very special. Good morning.
00:08:44 Friday to all of you again.
00:08:45 And thank you very much for joining us.
00:08:48 So over the past few, maybe over the past week, there has been something bubbling and not many of us have paid attention to it.
00:08:59 All right. So we are going to focus on that this morning.
00:09:02 So there continues to be controversy within the seamen and waterfront workers trade union over the post of president general.
00:09:09 And questions are being asked today whether or not Michael Anicet still leads the union on the line this morning.
00:09:16 We do have Kamala Warner branch rep at Point Lisa's ITF youth workers rep also.
00:09:23 Miss Warner. Good morning. Thank you very much for joining us.
00:09:26 Good morning. Miss Warner.
00:09:28 What's this? The situation within the S.W.W.T.U. is Mr. Warner still at the helm of the union?
00:09:38 Mr. Anicet still at the helm of the of the union? Not Mr. Warner, but Mr. Anicet.
00:09:46 Well, I am not. Firstly, I want to say that I am not here speaking on my own behalf.
00:09:52 Yes. There is a number of concerned financial members from different branches and they have asked me to speak on behalf of them.
00:10:02 So I am here on behalf of persons from Point Lisa's, persons from National Flower Mill, persons from WITCO, persons from Port Authority, staff, daily port followers, IMA, Tobago branch.
00:10:17 So it's not just one person have an issue.
00:10:21 There are a number of financial members from different branches that have an issue with what is going on.
00:10:28 And our union for the past. All years, because we have been existing since the 19th of November, 1937.
00:10:39 So we were born straight out of the last riot that we had and we have never had a launch duty like this.
00:10:47 But I feel like it has come to we feel like it has come to a time where we didn't have a choice but to come out and set the public straight, because an article was posted in the newspapers on the 9th of May in The Guardian and The Express,
00:11:04 stating that the current executive council, which consists of the president, the first vice president, the second vice president, the third vice president, the treasurer and the trustee, no longer can act or talk on behalf of the Seamen and Waterfront Workers Trade Union.
00:11:24 Now, the trade union is governed by a constitution. And when we if it is we are doing something, we supposed to do it in accordance to our constitution.
00:11:35 When this article was posted, no branches was informed of such the removal.
00:11:41 And based on our constitution, it's a format in how it's supposed to be removed.
00:11:48 After that article was posted on the 9th, Mr. Otto Carrington, he came to the hall where he saw a few of us and he asked if we have any comment on what it is took place.
00:12:00 Then he further went to post misleading information into The Guardian and said that union members upset that Mr. Anisette is no longer at the helm and that Mr. Constantine is now the president.
00:12:14 Mr. Constantine is also part of the executive council that they posted is no longer part of the S.W.T.U.
00:12:24 The executive.
00:12:25 Now, yes, the only way that an executive council can be removed based on our constitution and based on many constitutions in many trade unions, not only in Trinidad, but in the Caribbean and on an international level is through a conference of delegates.
00:12:46 Now, when all these persons are said to be removed by the secretary general, when it is you say that they are removed, then who are you saying?
00:12:58 All right, Miss Warner, we are losing you.
00:13:02 Are you? Yes, yes. You're back with us. Yes. When you are saying that these persons are removed, then who is the executive council?
00:13:10 Then the executive council will only consist of the secretary general and the assistant secretary general.
00:13:16 And two persons cannot conclude to be an executive council.
00:13:22 So, Miss Warner, can we conclude then that the executive remains intact at the union being led by Mr. Anisette?
00:13:31 To us, yes, unless the constitution is followed.
00:13:35 We are still considering the entire executive to be a part of the union.
00:13:41 However, the secretary general actually replaced the trustee and the treasurer and they are no longer signing checks.
00:13:52 Why did the bank give the authorization to change the trustee and the treasurer without even informing the current treasurer and trustee?
00:14:01 We have no idea what documents were submitted.
00:14:04 We have asked the secretary general to submit the documents to us so that we would have an idea what is going on.
00:14:11 We have been writing and he has not been responding.
00:14:15 That has really caused us to have to answer to the public on what it is going on because we cannot get a direct response from him.
00:14:24 So the bank is supposed to call the trustee to get a confirmation.
00:14:31 We have these checks here and they haven't even been informed that they are removed.
00:14:36 So because of what is happening right now within the executive of the union, is it that the work of the union, the business of the union has been hampered?
00:14:51 Well, I wouldn't say it has been hampered because as I said, we still consider the president general to be our president.
00:15:00 However, the secretary general is the person that is basically in charge based on the situation that is going on.
00:15:09 Now, he took the president general to court where the court has ruled that he is sitting in office illegally because he has reached the retirement age.
00:15:21 However, there were similar cases in the courts where there was one with Watson Duke and PST and the judge ruled that they go in accordance with the constitution and call a conference of delegates.
00:15:34 So I am not understanding how they could rule for you to follow your constitution for one person, but when it comes to the other person, if he is saying that he is there illegally, why not be part of the ruling,
00:15:47 call your conference of delegates so we could have a democratic process in replacing the executive council the right way.
00:15:55 So whose responsibility is to call the conference of delegates?
00:16:01 Yes. And in the absence that if somebody believed that the executive council, even if you're saying that the executive council is retired,
00:16:10 the most supreme body of the union is the biennial conference and each branch is entitled to delegates.
00:16:18 For you to even be considered a trustee or treasurer, you must be a delegate elected from your branch.
00:16:26 We have someone like Jason Ramadin. He's the chairman of Angostura and he's a signatory on the check.
00:16:33 So my question is, when Angostura had the election, was he selected as a delegate who gives him the permission to sign a check?
00:16:41 The other person is Keane Braffett. He's from Massey branch. They have 10 financial members.
00:16:49 Our constitution clearly states that 75 financial members and more is only then you would be entitled to a delegate representative at the branch.
00:16:57 So how did you get to be a delegate? How did you get to sign checks without any permission?
00:17:05 Now, there was a meeting that was held on Carnival Friday of all days.
00:17:11 So clearly some of the branches were not present. Only the chairman and secretary was invited.
00:17:18 It's alleged that at that meeting is where they made a motion to remove the existing executive council and appoint persons.
00:17:28 However, the delegates are part of the supreme body of the union, not the chairman or secretary of the branch.
00:17:36 Therefore, based on the constitution, they still have no authority to make the decision on who is to be removed from who is to be.
00:17:46 There is something called a special conference of delegates that even if we are not having the biannual conference,
00:17:53 there is something that happened and it caused that. If you need to make a decision, you have to call a special conference.
00:17:59 If you believe that these people need to be removed because they have reached the retirement age,
00:18:05 call a special conference of delegates and let us have the persons be present to replace.
00:18:12 But whose responsibility is to call the special conference of delegates?
00:18:18 Yes. Whose responsibility is that? Pardon?
00:18:23 Whose responsibility within the union is to call the special conference of delegates?
00:18:30 The executive council. And our rules also state that what they are saying is he cannot be secretary general.
00:18:39 They are saying that they cannot be part of the conference of delegates because they have already crossed the retirement age.
00:18:46 However, our our constitution doesn't speak that here.
00:18:51 What if you are being retired, retiring or you have retired that you cannot be because the constitution also makes room that
00:19:00 the outgoing council members who are retiring are still allowed to have a voice and say and vote at the conference of delegates.
00:19:08 They just cannot nominate or be reelected for seat.
00:19:12 So it does not make provisions to say you have to vacate office immediately.
00:19:19 A quorum to make a decision in an executive council in our book in rule 13.
00:19:25 Yeah. No rule 17. It says that you must have at least a third of the executive council.
00:19:31 Two people can never constitute. And I see this as an attempt to destabilize the union,
00:19:36 because if you are saying that you believe you're trying to do the right thing and follow the constitution,
00:19:42 then how it is you're making decisions that are also unconstitutional.
00:19:46 And we have to come to the public, which I am not.
00:19:49 I am very saddened to have to do because we are not getting direct answers from the secretary general.
00:19:56 And we will be writing him emails. We will be sending letters and demand that we have a meeting this week because we need answers.
00:20:03 The union does not belong to one person. It's a body and it belongs to the membership.
00:20:08 And I am not going to sit back as a young person and allow anybody to come and say.
00:20:16 There is the executive council with all the membership, having a say, it don't work like that.
00:20:21 Yes. So from what we're hearing from you this morning is that there are many parts to this thing.
00:20:28 It's very, very dynamic. And it's really it's to be honest, it seems to be a mess.
00:20:36 How do you unravel this and how do you resolve this?
00:20:41 Well, I have reached out to. All right. As you mentioned, I'm ITF representative, which is the International Transport Federation.
00:20:53 I represent the Caribbean and. The youth and at the age of 35.
00:21:00 So when I reach the age of 35, I would no longer be considered a youth.
00:21:06 However, I don't vacate my seat. I stay there until the conference of delegates is called.
00:21:12 Therefore, the only way to resolve this is for them to even if you are not having the conference of delegates, because some people believe this.
00:21:21 I have to say, believe some people believe that you have to have your financial statements up to date in order to have a conference of delegate.
00:21:30 The reason being is because part of the conference is you have to report the financial statements to the delegates and give an account for the monies.
00:21:39 However, it is not written. It is not expressed. It is something that has been implied over the time.
00:21:46 However, due to the most of the executive council, which retirement age, it is enough provision to allow a conference of delegates to continue.
00:21:58 So it has been a known that your financial statement is to be up to date.
00:22:02 And even if you believe that you can't, then you need to call.
00:22:06 The only way to resolve this is to call a special conference of delegates.
00:22:11 The matter with comrades in the court where they say that he's there illegally, that is going to be appealed because to me, the part where he they are saying that he's there illegally and has to book it.
00:22:23 That is a part of the office that could never be right, because if they have read our constitution and they have to look at all things being equal, I'm not a lawyer, but the facts are still there.
00:22:35 The court uses statutory interpretation to decide the meaning of something in someone's constitution to look at the literal rule, they'll determine if it is if it makes sense, or they will look at the golden rule, the mischief rule to try to break down what this
00:22:51 means. And when you look at all things being equal, you look at what other unions do not only on a local level on a national level or international level, a person in an executive council position to not work it office immediately, unless there is a conference of delegates.
00:23:14 So, in our opinion, the conference of delegates or the special conference of delegates need to be held immediately to report our point, the executive councils in a democratic process, and allow us to have to stabilize and do what needs to be done, which is to call the election for the full time officers, which is the President General, the Secretary General, and the Assistant Secretary General.
00:23:43 >> But you know, Miss Warner, some people may be asking this morning, how did we get here when it comes to a situation where members of the executive have reached this, the retirement age, how did we get here? Where were the checks and balances to ensure succession within the union?
00:24:06 >> Well, to be honest, we have not had a conference of delegates in accordance to the constitution every two years. So I'm not here to dispute that. And we can't cry over spilled milk, because the most important thing is to fix it going forward. Without a trade union movement, without a trade union present in the workforce, everybody's job, it has risk, including yourself.
00:24:30 Because as much as you are not part of a trade union, we represent all workers regardless. And we are not going to allow anybody or any person to destabilize our union or any union as a matter of fact.
00:24:46 >> How is this situation within your union being viewed by other members of the trade union movement? Have they reached out to you? Have they expressed concern?
00:24:57 >> Well, they haven't reached out to me because I'm not really in contact with them. So I wouldn't be able to know what are their comments or --
00:25:08 >> Yeah. How is it then being viewed by members of your union? The membership?
00:25:17 >> Well, everybody's asking the same question, why did it have to reach to this? But again, while I agree and I'm not here to dispute that, people are thinking it is about -- we have an issue with -- and he said never said he had an issue with stepping down as a matter of fact for the past two years.
00:25:36 But he has been saying he's ready to go and he's only waiting on the conference of delegates. But every time the conference of delegates is called, the issue is the financial statement is not ready, we can't have it. But even if it's saying that, why are we not calling a special conference?
00:25:54 Why are we not trying to have the conference? At least have the special conference. That shouldn't have been an issue. Which means for the past two years, we could have more than already have a conference of delegates.
00:26:17 >> So is there an attempt, you think, by the secretary general to delay this entire process?
00:26:27 >> Well, it begs the question, because when the article was posted in the newspapers, I didn't jump to conclusion, because if we say that we are trade unionists, everybody deserves the right to be heard. That is something that we strive on. We thrive on that. The right to be heard as a worker.
00:26:45 So when the article was posted, the next day I actually called him. I said, Morris, I am seeing that this article was posted in the newspapers. What is going on? We had a conversation on the phone. And he said that he would send documents for me to read and then we would have a discussion.
00:27:07 So today is the 10th of May. Today is the 17th of May. I have yet to receive it. I tried to call him on three occasions. He did not answer. Other persons are calling him. And he is not responding. We have been sending e-mails. He is not responding. And we don't know what is going on.
00:27:27 >> Ms. Warner, what's the next step?
00:27:31 >> Pardon?
00:27:32 >> What's the next step?
00:27:34 >> I'm not hearing you.
00:27:36 >> What's the next step? What are the other options that you all now have?
00:27:42 >> Firstly, the bank is not giving any information. When the trustee went to the bank to find out how it is the signatories was changed without him being informed, they refused to give information. They went to the fraud squad. The bank said that they would have responded to them by last week, Thursday or Friday, and they have yet to be responded. So a legal letter will have to be sent to the bank to disseminate the information because we are not getting it from the secretary general.
00:28:11 >> Yeah.
00:28:13 >> And we will have to call a special conference of delegates with or without because something has to be done. Nobody is going to violate the constitution even though we have not enforced it over the years. It doesn't change the fact that there is a constitution. The process is a process.
00:28:30 Even if we believe that someone has reached the retirement age, it doesn't mean that we have to ignore the democratic process of having a conference of delegates to elect personals. The conference of delegates is the most supreme body. There is where you make decisions on salaries. There is where you make decisions on the type of committees. That is the highest body, and it cannot be ignored.
00:28:56 >> I believe the last time that I had a discussion with Mr. Annie said we were speaking about negotiations and so on. Does this have the potential to affect these ongoing negotiations?
00:29:08 >> When the issue that is going on right now, I can clearly state that I cannot speak for everyone in this situation, but I can speak for Point Lisa's. We are not having negotiations with Peter Morris unless we have answers, unless we have a process because basically we don't have any confidence with the stage that it is at right now unless something could be explained.
00:29:37 We have to have an election to appoint people. It can't be one person running the show. We can't have a negotiation with just one executive council member. It will work like that.
00:29:49 >> Ms. Warner, it was a pleasure speaking with you. Thank you very much for giving us all the information this morning. I think that many of us were not too au courant with what was happening within the union, and I think that you have removed some of the clouds over the situation. We do appreciate it. Thank you very much.
00:30:07 >> Okay. No problem.
00:30:09 >> So we are going to have a very quick break. We do have this for you. Mount St. Benedict, rising sun, and it's from Jackie. Jackie, a very special good morning to you. We're coming back, everybody.
00:30:19 >> ♪ ♪
00:30:43 >> ♪ ♪
00:31:11 >> ♪ ♪
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00:32:29 >> ♪ ♪
00:32:49 >> ♪ ♪
00:33:09 >> The letter of the day is R for respect.
00:33:13 >> ♪ ♪
00:33:33 >> ♪ ♪
00:33:43 >> I wrote it because life is precious. Plus, I can't afford to pay another speeding ticket.
00:33:53 >> A message from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.
00:33:58 >> ♪ ♪
00:34:16 >> Welcome back, everyone. The Emancipation Support Committee of Trinidad and Tobago is gearing up for the Pan-African Festival 2024.
00:34:26 To tell us more, we have this morning Asha Cambon, director of the Emancipation Support Committee.
00:34:31 Ms. Cambon, good morning.
00:34:33 >> Good morning. How are you?
00:34:35 >> I'm good. Good to speak with you, Ms. Cambon. Let's speak about the launch of the Pan-African Festival 2024.
00:34:43 >> Yes. You know, this year, a very exciting year for us because it represents the 186th anniversary of the end of chattel slavery in the English-speaking Caribbean.
00:34:56 It's also the end of the decade for people of African descent. So we are at the end of that decade that was declared by the United Nations.
00:35:05 Interestingly, we are also celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Caribbean Pan-African Movement, which is a movement that was started, founded by a small network of Pan-Africanists in the region.
00:35:20 And it has grown into an organization that also brings together Pan-Africanists from across even the non-independent states.
00:35:30 It's also very significant for us. It is the 25th anniversary of the Kwame Ture Memorial Lecture Series.
00:35:38 So, of course, we're looking forward to having a very, very special year.
00:35:44 We celebrate this, mark this occasion of launching the celebration on the same day that is the African Liberation Day or Africa Day, as the African Union has calls it.
00:36:00 And for us, that's a very special day because we've been involved in that, marking that occasion, all the way from the 60s and so on in Trinidad and Tobago.
00:36:12 So we don't want to miss marking that very special occasion. So we launched the Emancipation Celebrations.
00:36:19 We launched our Pan-African Festival on the same day as we mark the African Liberation Day or Africa Day, as it is often called.
00:36:32 Yeah. What's in store for us?
00:36:35 Oops, I can't hear you.
00:36:36 What's in store for us? And when I say for us, for members of the public at the festival?
00:36:43 OK, well, the festival, of course, this year is going to be, I mean, can I dare say bigger and brighter or larger than last year?
00:36:54 But for sure this year, we are going to have far more micro entrepreneurs who have already booked their booths for the festival.
00:37:03 So that's ongoing. People have been engaged in training workshops to ensure that the marketing of their products are well displayed and that the variety is there for the public.
00:37:16 You're working towards a very exciting program of cultural activities.
00:37:21 But on Saturday, the 25th of this month, when we mark African Liberation Day, which is African Liberation Day or Africa Day,
00:37:31 we're going to have a very special program organized for the public who will join us.
00:37:35 This year, we will be at City Hall. We used to organize the celebrations at City Hall.
00:37:41 Actually, the entire festival used to be down in Woodford Square and City Hall, that combination of spaces many, many years ago.
00:37:50 But this year, we returned to City Hall to have the launch of the festival.
00:37:54 It's been refurbished. It looks great. And our office is just getting too small for launching the festival because many, many guests come.
00:38:04 The public will be able to attend because it's open to the public. We will be there.
00:38:09 Our special guest who will speak at the launch is Dr. June Suma. Dr. June Suma is not someone people should be unfamiliar with.
00:38:21 She is a diplomat and technocrat par excellence across the Caribbean, well respected, well regarded.
00:38:30 She is actually now chair of the United Nations Permanent Forum for People of African Descent.
00:38:36 So June now comes to us, back to us. She was actually secretary general of the ACS for a stint here in Trinidad and Tobago.
00:38:45 So she's not unfamiliar with Trinidad and Tobago. So June, Dr. Suma will be our featured speaker.
00:38:51 We look forward to her bringing us up to date on what's been happening at the United Nations with the Forum for People of African Descent,
00:39:00 looking at the rights of people and so on. We'll also have, of course, the mayor will bring greetings.
00:39:07 The minister with responsibility for tourism, culture and the arts, he will bring greetings and he will actually launch the festival for us.
00:39:15 And rounding things off will be our head of programs of the African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council,
00:39:26 brother Kwesi Puyerter-Osei, brother Osei as we call him, Nana Osei as we call him.
00:39:32 And he's a longstanding friend of the organization as well. So we expect to have a rich combination of talk and art.
00:39:41 So they will be performing artists on the 25th. We're looking forward to drumming and dancing from the Chaguanas Women and Youth Group,
00:39:52 Ataklan will be bringing his voice to the event. And we have a young panist as well.
00:40:00 So we're going to launch it a big way. It's going to be exciting. We look forward to the public joining us at the fall.
00:40:09 We begin at 5 p.m. So please do come. It's open to the public. It's open to and I think there's going to be adequate space.
00:40:18 Yeah. Miss Cambon, I take note of the theme. I hope that you're hearing me.
00:40:26 I take note of your theme, a very interesting theme, I think, moving forward with our heads up.
00:40:36 Yes. You know, I think we are still in the post-COVID experience.
00:40:44 And I think a lot of people have become disconnected to family, to friends.
00:40:51 There certainly has been a lot of feeling of can we really re recover the way we expect to recover?
00:41:00 Are people getting on with their their small businesses, with their lives, with their families progression in the way that we had hoped?
00:41:10 And so we think it's important to to give our people that kind of motivation that says, yes, we are.
00:41:17 Yes, we can. We are moving forward. And that's really the kind of thinking we had between that gave us some inspiration for this year's theme.
00:41:30 I want to speak a little bit about the pan African movement, because I think that that a lot of people in Trinidad and Tobago,
00:41:40 they're not too okra with it, don't know too much about it.
00:41:45 And I suspect that there has to be some exercise in how we educate people about the pan African movement.
00:41:57 And more so the young people of Trinidad and Tobago.
00:42:00 Let's speak a little bit about the importance of that education and relaying that information to the young people and the importance of the pan African movement.
00:42:12 It is critical that our young people in the country understand the pan African movement.
00:42:19 Why? Because Trinidad and Tobago, interestingly, was at the center of that movement.
00:42:26 And it's from its virtually from its inception. We started with Henry Sylvester Williams and George Padmore.
00:42:35 And I urge everyone to look at the film on Ulrich Cross, because it gives a very good, easy introduction to understanding that movement.
00:42:48 And how Trinidad and Tobago was at the center of that movement.
00:42:53 And because, of course, our own George Padmore became the advisor to who other than Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana to speak and to look at the issue of pan Africanism on the continent and globally.
00:43:10 So imagine little Trinidad and Tobago has made that kind of significant contribution.
00:43:15 And then as in each generation, we have had contributors to that pan African movement.
00:43:22 So it's not like we started it and we somehow forgot it. No, absolutely not.
00:43:28 And in the 60s, our own Kwame Toure, which is around whom we organized the Kwame Touré Memorial Lecture Series.
00:43:38 Then he was known as Stokely Carmichael, born and bred in Trinidad and Tobago.
00:43:43 A young scholar gets into the best secondary schools when his parents bring him to North America.
00:43:50 He gets into the best secondary schools in North America.
00:43:53 The Bronx School of High School of Science, still today considered one of the better schools, best school.
00:43:59 And then he goes on to Howard University to study philosophy.
00:44:03 His mom wanted him to study medicine, but he was more interested in ideas and indeed makes an outstanding contribution to the civil rights struggle in North America and to the global pan African movement.
00:44:17 He spends his his last years in Ghana, in with Kwame Nkrumah and then in Guinea with Sekou Touré.
00:44:27 And hence he took the name Kwame from Kwame Nkrumah and Touré from Sekou Touré.
00:44:33 I think there is so much rich and exciting history to be taught and to be shared, to understand contemporary existence, because the struggle for social justice and racial justice continues today.
00:44:49 And we have seen the Black Lives Matter movement and people were using the using our Caribbean thinkers as the many of them as the expressions of,
00:45:02 how shall I say, as the guiding lights to how we address the social justice and racial justice movements globally.
00:45:09 So we heard of our brilliant brother from Martinique, France, Fanon, everyone were carrying signs that says, I cannot breathe.
00:45:19 Why did they say that? Because Fanon said the reason that people revolt, the reason that people seek independence and self-determination,
00:45:29 it's when they can no longer breathe in their own environments.
00:45:33 So we really, the region as a whole, I don't want to be too Trinidad centric, because the region as a whole has contributed spectacularly to the racial movement,
00:45:46 the racial and social justice movement. And that's what we talk about during the Pan-African Festival.
00:45:52 Yeah. And Miss Gambon, I know I'm jogging your mind this morning, but it's really for educational purposes.
00:46:00 But what was the main, what was the main objective you think of the Pan-African movement, Pan-Africanism?
00:46:11 The main, I mean, we can just go back to the simple words of Marcus Garvey.
00:46:17 Garvey used to tell us that in order to have the dignity for both people and nations, to have the dignity and respect that they require,
00:46:31 it is better that they come together and we recognize that coming together doesn't mean, you know, I have to end my sovereignty as a nation,
00:46:40 but that we recognize our, the strength and the, what should I say, the strength and the positivity that we can harness by such a global movement as Pan-Africanism.
00:46:54 Of course, also, Pan-Africanism came into being at a time when persons of African descent were marginalized across the globe.
00:47:06 And it was an attempt not only to recognize and to give strength to that initiative for equality and for dignity,
00:47:17 but that was of course one of the driving forces of Pan-Africanism then, and it continues to be at the center.
00:47:25 Yeah. Miss Gambon, we're losing you. I hope that you're hearing me.
00:47:30 Yes, I am hearing you now. Yes.
00:47:32 Is the Pan-African movement, you still think, alive and well?
00:47:37 Yeah, there's a little lack, but.
00:47:39 Yeah. Is it still alive and well, you think, in Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean, the Pan-African movement?
00:47:47 Well, I think that it is recognized and struggling and surviving. Is that the question? I'm hoping I've got it right.
00:47:56 Yeah. Is it alive and well?
00:47:58 Yeah. I think we always recognized that Pan-African movement without naming it so, without calling it so.
00:48:09 I mean, Stalin, our Calypso-nian, used to say that in one of his Calypsos where he said,
00:48:15 "What is it that the politicians don't know that the people know? That we are all one people, that we came on one ship?"
00:48:25 You know, and so on. I know it was that notion was controversial when he sang it because it,
00:48:32 persons of East Indian descent said, "Wait a minute. We didn't come on that ship. We came on the Fatal Razak."
00:48:39 But in a sense, I think using poetic license, Stalin was saying, "Listen, all of us came here, maybe differently, on different ships.
00:48:50 But in fact, we are one people now that we are here in the Caribbean. And we should,
00:48:56 why should we be having the challenges we have for movement within the region?"
00:49:02 That was a big issue, especially people of Rastafarian descent were complete, I mean, our own Dr. A. Ntu-Springer.
00:49:11 I remember once she called us from up the island. She was sitting in an immigration desk.
00:49:17 Here she was the head of our libraries in Trinidad and Tobago, but sitting somewhere in a desk,
00:49:25 being disrespected simply because her hair was in Rastafarian styling.
00:49:29 And we have, it's that kind of disregard of our population, not understanding who we are and where our spaces are,
00:49:40 that haunt us up to today. And so our leading figures in CARICOM are now saying,
00:49:46 "Hey, it is time to have free movement of people across the region."
00:49:49 You know, something that Stalin sang about quite some time back.
00:49:52 And it's part of the Pan-African movement. It's at the heart of the Pan-African movement, that we are really one people.
00:49:59 Yeah. Ms. Gambon, thank you for the education this morning.
00:50:02 And Dwight. I was going to say, go ahead, go ahead.
00:50:07 I was just saying, thank you for the education this morning, right?
00:50:11 But let's get back to the festival. Any additional information you'd like to give us about the festival?
00:50:20 OK, the festival, the big festival now we're talking about, not just the launch of it.
00:50:25 Don't forget all of this discourse that the launch will take place on the 25th at City Hall.
00:50:31 It's 5 p.m. It's absolutely free. Please join us.
00:50:35 We will also have some of our diplomats, the members of the diplomatic corps will also join us.
00:50:43 And why is that? That is they traditionally do. And they do so because it is also African Liberation Day.
00:50:49 And many of them have embassies and have been attending African Liberation Day functions that are held globally across the world.
00:51:02 So we do have members of the diplomatic corps who will join us on the 25th.
00:51:08 And we look forward to having them as usual. Now, the festival itself this year is going to be really, as I said, very exciting.
00:51:16 We have people working very hard already at at organizing, not just the layout of the of the savannah.
00:51:25 I think last year when we did some surveys asking people how they felt about the new way in which we have laid out the savannah
00:51:36 and the new way in which our micro entrepreneurs were being hosted, people loved it.
00:51:41 People said, yes, this they really like the way it is. And they have given us encouragement to make it even bigger and better.
00:51:49 This year, they were more entrepreneurs at the village. I think our micro entrepreneurs look forward to the emancipation period
00:51:57 because it is another moment in our annual calendar when they are able to bring their products to market.
00:52:05 And because we have many guests from North America and England and from up the Caribbean,
00:52:12 because just to remind our listeners that the Pan African Festival in commemoration of emancipation in Trinidad and Tobago is by far the largest commemoration of emancipation across the globe.
00:52:25 Yeah, Miss Kanbon, it has been a pleasure speaking with you this morning.
00:52:31 We do have all of the contact information up for you.
00:52:35 So again, we wish you all the best for the festival and the launch.
00:52:42 Until then, take care. Bye for now.
00:52:45 Thank you very much.
00:52:46 All right. So it's time for a quick break. We do have this for you.
00:52:50 It's from Mosquito Creek. Yeah. Over Mosquito Creek. Yeah. From Sham, Sahadeh.
00:52:56 Sham, thank you very much again. We're coming back.
00:52:59 [Music]
00:53:21 Transforming to better serve you.
00:53:23 Your participation is key.
00:53:25 Embark on our digital transformation journey. Understanding your needs is our priority.
00:53:30 Here's how to complete the survey.
00:53:32 Step one, log on to www.wasa.gov.tt.
00:53:37 Select the customer service improvement survey to the left of the screen.
00:53:41 Step two, fill out the relevant sections.
00:53:44 With your WASA bill and a form of identification in hand, complete the required fields.
00:53:49 Step three, geotag your property.
00:53:52 Ensure accuracy by geotagging your property in the customer account information section.
00:53:57 And if you complete the survey at your location, the pin will default to where you are.
00:54:02 It's that simple.
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00:54:52 Come with us as we affect humanity with the life-transforming power of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
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00:55:02 [Music]
00:55:12 So we're talking man to man, but what is the measure of a man?
00:55:16 Is it about strength and power and all that macho business?
00:55:21 Or is it about honor, dignity, courage, and the conviction to do what is right no matter the consequences?
00:55:29 And respect, yes, respect in all its forms, including respect for women.
00:55:35 And not just the women we know and love and care for, but all women, everywhere.
00:55:42 For they are our equals, working hand in hand, stride for stride, to build a better home, a better community, a better country, a better world.
00:55:54 So let's end this culture of abuse and humiliation and senseless violence towards women and girls.
00:56:02 Man to man, let's learn to become real men.
00:56:06 [Music]
00:56:10 [Car engine]
00:56:14 [Music]
00:56:42 I love to drive on the free road, see, because life is precious.
00:56:46 Plus, I can't afford to pay another speeding ticket.
00:56:51 [Music]
00:56:53 A message from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.
00:56:57 [Music]
00:57:04 Good morning, I am Anselm Gibbs with a news update.
00:57:08 DHA Assemblyman Terence Baines has been sworn in after being demoted to Assistant Secretary of Infrastructure.
00:57:16 As the leader of a team, you will never be able to please everyone, but the decisions I make must be in the interest of the island as a whole.
00:57:25 And one of the things that you must know that Mr. Baines accepted the reappointment and is here. And that should tell you how much we operate as a team.
00:57:38 And we move as a team. And we trust each other as a team, even if we don't initially see the wisdom in the decision being made.
00:57:49 Finance Minister and Acting Prime Minister Colm Imbert is urging the media to get it right when reporting on the impasse between the Auditor General and the Finance Ministry over the 2023 Auditor General's report.
00:58:04 The headline is, Imbert drops legal action against premature report.
00:58:10 There was never any legal action against any premature report.
00:58:14 So there's no legal action to drop. It was never contemplated in the first place.
00:58:20 What we said in the pre-action letter, what our lawyers said was that we do not intend to pursue legal action at this time.
00:58:33 And in the weather forecast, we expect mostly cloudy, breezy and dull conditions with a medium chance of occasional showers, especially over Trinidad.
00:58:45 Winds might gust at times, especially near showers. Additionally, there's a slight concentration of Saharan dust now, but starting tomorrow afternoon, a moderate concentration is anticipated while seas remain smooth to moderate in open waters.
00:59:02 The TV6 Daily Health Tip is brought to you by Omega XL.
00:59:12 So we're asking this morning, are you getting enough sleep?
00:59:16 Getting enough sleep is important for people of all ages to stay in good health.
00:59:20 People often cut back on their sleep for work, for family or even to watch a good show on television.
00:59:26 According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, if you're not getting enough sleep, you may be at an increased risk for obesity, heart disease, stroke, poor mental health and even early death.
00:59:41 So be consistent. Go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning, including on the weekends.
00:59:49 And that's your TV6 Health Tip. We're coming back, everybody.
00:59:53 The TV6 Daily Health Tip was brought to you by Omega XL.
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01:03:18 All right. So welcome back, everyone.
01:03:20 So up next is the Water and Sewage Authority.
01:03:22 Joining us now are Natasha Andrews, Customer Care at WASA, and Shira Alley, Director of Operations.
01:03:29 And, of course, the ladies are here this morning.
01:03:31 Ladies, just incidentally, thank you very much for coming this morning.
01:03:36 And I think that it is most important that you all are here to speak about the water situation in Trinidad and Tobago.
01:03:46 Of course, you know, over there a few days ago, the Public Utilities Minister,
01:03:51 he had a news conference, Miss Alley, I know that you were there.
01:03:54 And he spoke about that Trinidad and Tobago is on its way to a crisis point with its water supply.
01:04:03 Miss Alley, I want you to take the first question this morning.
01:04:07 Has there been an improvement at all?
01:04:11 Good morning and good morning to everyone viewing.
01:04:13 Unfortunately, no, not at this time.
01:04:16 We were hopeful that this month of May would have brought some rainfall, as was forecasted by our colleagues at Met Office.
01:04:24 Unfortunately, that rainfall didn't materialize.
01:04:27 So thus far, for the first few weeks in May, we have only received less than 5 millimeters at each of our impounded reservoirs.
01:04:36 And that's where we need the rainfall, really.
01:04:38 Those impounded reservoirs are at Kareni Arena, at Hollis, at Hillsborough in Tobago, and of course, Navit in the south side.
01:04:46 So with that lack of rainfall, we continue to have low levels at all the reservoirs.
01:04:52 And in turn, we had to implement prudent measures to ensure sustainability of supply.
01:04:58 So I could share some data with you this morning, of course.
01:05:02 So our current levels as of today, Kareni Arena currently 32 percent, Hollis currently 42 percent, Navit currently 35 percent, and Hillsborough 46 percent.
01:05:15 So we are in much anticipation of that rainfall, and we are looking forward to the first set of rain at least by the start of the rainy season for June.
01:05:25 Yeah. When we speak about the supply at the reservoirs at this time, is it the lowest that you have seen for a while when compared to previous years?
01:05:39 No. And this is quite an interesting question, because in 2010 and 2020, those two years signified real drought-type conditions for us.
01:05:51 And those were on record as our lowest reservoir levels.
01:05:56 So in those years, for example, in 2010, we were 15 percent at Arena, and in 2020, about 19 percent.
01:06:03 We are currently above that percentage, but notwithstanding, it still means that, you know, even though we are above those harsh conditions at that time,
01:06:14 you know, we still have to implement all the conservation measures and all the product management that we have implemented over the last couple of weeks.
01:06:22 Yeah. Miss Andrews, let's speak about some of the conservation measures.
01:06:26 And, of course, Miss Andrews is the director of customer care. Miss Andrews.
01:06:30 Yes. Morning, Marlon. Morning, everyone.
01:06:32 So it's really important because of the low levels to ensure that we conserve and we don't waste the water.
01:06:40 So that is why early in the dry season, we would have instituted our water use restrictions,
01:06:45 asking persons not to use these devices that dispense large amounts of water, you know, pressure washers and so on.
01:06:53 And for the most part, most of the public is conforming.
01:06:56 So what we want to do at this point, given that the dry season remains a harsh one, is to encourage persons to do so even further and to participate with us and collaborate with us,
01:07:08 because that is how we manage the demand. And so we should have enough supply to take us to the end of the dry season.
01:07:15 Yeah. Ladies, just incidentally, I have not washed my car for months.
01:07:21 You know, it's tempting, but I can't do it. Right. Because I understand my responsibility.
01:07:27 Let's talk about some of the mitigation measures that are in place that have been instituted by WASA to deal with the situation.
01:07:34 Oh, well, there are a lot of measures that we would have implemented. And I want to take us back to January.
01:07:40 The for the onset of the dry season, WASA would have started making strategic operational changes to our inbound and reservoirs in terms of what we release and what the production will.
01:07:52 And we would have done so to ensure that we manage and sustain the supply for the duration of the dry season.
01:07:59 And hence why we are still with reserves, you know, to take us through the next next period into the rainy season.
01:08:07 So notwithstanding, we would have adjusted all of our schedules and we continue to amend where we need to to ensure sustainability of supply.
01:08:16 That would have meant that we move supply from some of the more resilient areas where we have the groundwater impact and, you know,
01:08:25 allow that supply to be redistributed to areas that are more underservable, who are in more need now during this this period of time.
01:08:34 So that's one of the first measures we would have done. We would have also implemented or ramped up on our water trucking service.
01:08:42 And we have done so strategically through our main command center. And the approach now is more community based.
01:08:50 So it's more regionalized, meaning that the fleet has been expanded and we'll be covering communities by community.
01:08:58 And so once the schedule has not been successful from based on our reports and information from the teams that are on the ground,
01:09:06 then we deploy the trucks on a community community based approach.
01:09:10 So this is one of the areas that has been rolled out and it's currently enacted.
01:09:15 And we expect to increase and improve on that as we go along for the next few weeks until we start seeing the first onset of the rainy season.
01:09:23 Now, that is not the only measures we would have also got increases in supply from our two desalination companies at seven season point 14
01:09:33 for an additional 300000 gallons of water into that system and also ramped up a diesel cut to give us that much needed supply.
01:09:41 We would have done some flow arrangements between north and south to give priority for high level operations to ensure the filling of the reservoirs at strategic times.
01:09:51 So that on the north side for the system, on the south side in San Fernando, for those reservoirs,
01:09:58 we have dedicated focus times for filling and we adjust the schedule based on on that regime.
01:10:04 We would have also when Natasha will speak to some of the items on the call center side, but operationally.
01:10:12 And this is an area I would like to, you know, inform of a number of projects we would have been working on in preparation for this dry season.
01:10:20 But not only this dry season, but all the future wants to come because we are seeing the impact of climate change.
01:10:26 It is real. We have been working very closely with director big from Met Office and he has been tremendous help.
01:10:33 Well, tough information. And I really want to thank them for their support in not only them, but the Water Resources Agency.
01:10:41 And they have really worked with us closely to model, to forecast, to look at the existing conditions so that we could manage the system properly.
01:10:50 So what we have done was engaging in a number of projects.
01:10:54 And this is through a different funding means, but the critical ones, the groundwater.
01:10:59 So let's start with groundwater program. We would have done several wells, actually about 11 was over the last two years or so.
01:11:07 And that protein, two point nine nine imperial million gallons of water per day into the system.
01:11:12 Those wells were strategically placed throughout the country where we had had hit areas or communities that were unserved, underserved.
01:11:20 And it meant that we could now improve the schedules in those areas.
01:11:24 Groundwater has always proven to be more reliable during the dry season.
01:11:29 And our focus would have been to ramp up on our well development program.
01:11:33 So in addition to that, 11 wells, we are currently out for another 20.
01:11:39 And those are in, again, critical areas, areas such as Palo Seco, Granville, Icacos, Freeport, Mayaro, Tucker Valley.
01:11:49 We have done in Arepo, TrinCity, Arruca. So we are all over the country in terms of our well development program.
01:11:57 And that will add the additional supply. Just briefly before I hand over to Natasha,
01:12:02 we would also be doing, and we have done a number of projects, actually, if I count, it's about 142 projects thus far over the last few years.
01:12:12 And that would have been in a number of areas. We are talking about booster upgrade, new booster installation, pipeline replacement,
01:12:19 extending means we recently commissioned new project, first time supply for 300 customers in Corozal.
01:12:26 We would have done new source, new plant storage tanks at Paramin, at Maraval.
01:12:32 So in a number of areas, focus has been ongoing. But one critical aspect also is through the IDB funding.
01:12:39 There are new water treatment plants that are coming on board. And this is in the Santa Cruz area.
01:12:44 And of course, in the Tobago area in Goldsboro. Now, those plants will allow for more water or to augment the existing supply.
01:12:53 But more importantly, it would mean that the existing source from Kearney and even in Tobago,
01:13:00 we will now be able to redirect the supply to other hard hit communities when we interject this new supply.
01:13:07 So it's quite a lot happening. And one last thing before I hand over to Natasha is the technology.
01:13:12 So much things happening in the authority. It's really quite a lot. And I just want to touch on the technology.
01:13:19 We have been advancing in our technological aspect of all the operations.
01:13:24 So our team leads early on this week would have mentioned about automation, about digitization, and our entire network.
01:13:34 And we have started works on our main transmission distribution system.
01:13:37 And we are continuing to deploy instruments strategically.
01:13:41 So it would give us an idea of the supply of where we could make strategic intervention,
01:13:46 quick decision making to adjust schedules to ensure the continuity of supply to all areas.
01:13:52 So it's transformation on a number of levels. And, you know, everyone is fully on board in WASA.
01:13:58 We understand the tasks at hand and all hand on deck to take us through this period.
01:14:03 So in addition to that, for our contact center to ensure that customers can reach us,
01:14:09 because we know many persons complain about the long wait times.
01:14:13 Previously, it was 16 hours. We have now changed that. Our contact center is 24 hours.
01:14:19 So it's open right throughout the day. And we have actually to support that, we have engaged additional staff.
01:14:26 They are already on board. They have been trained.
01:14:29 So what we will see the public being able to get through faster.
01:14:33 We are aiming to bring that wait time down to three minutes so that while persons go through the challenges,
01:14:40 they can reach out to us and get us easier.
01:14:43 So that is a critical area for us in terms of trying to communicate more with our customers.
01:14:48 And to support that, what we have done is create a new communication platform with operations to get the feedback in.
01:14:56 Because persons have been saying, well, we don't know what the situation is.
01:15:01 So that communication platform is in place now because we have been using the technology.
01:15:06 And as such, updates from the field, from operation, comes back into the contact center to inform the responses of our agents.
01:15:14 So that would help us in terms of communicating and reaching our customers quicker.
01:15:20 How do members of the public or your customers tap into that system you're speaking about?
01:15:25 Right. So they can call us at 800-4426 or 44800.
01:15:32 Let me just get that number right. 800-4426 and 4420.
01:15:37 And as well, the 24-hour numbers, we have put on three new numbers.
01:15:42 So they are 463-8360-496-63738 and 709-7793.
01:15:56 So those three numbers are for the 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. shift.
01:16:02 So we've put on those three numbers to assist.
01:16:04 And the usual numbers, which is the 800-4420 and 800-4426, those numbers still obtain as well.
01:16:12 So there are many more channels to get into the authority and to reach our agents to request a truck bond supply.
01:16:21 Yeah. Sally, judging from what you have told us earlier, I get the impression that WASA has been preparing for a while now in anticipation of what we are seeing right now.
01:16:33 You made a statement earlier, and it gives me the impression that we do have enough water until the rainy season begins. Is that so?
01:16:46 Yes, because of the number of initiatives that we would have implemented and done so from the onset of the dry season,
01:16:55 it would have ensured available reserves maintained for the dry season.
01:17:00 Notwithstanding, I will stress and emphasize that we are seeing very low levels,
01:17:06 and it would mean that if we continue to see the dry conditions and the high temperatures that we are now,
01:17:12 we will have to make strategic changes again and maintain the schedules throughout north and south.
01:17:21 So those, and of course in Tobago as well. So yes, I would say we would have enough to take us through the remainder of this dry season,
01:17:32 but I will emphasize and stress on conservation.
01:17:36 Yeah. Miss Andrew, speak to that for me.
01:17:38 Yeah. So conservation, as Charisse said, is critical because it means that persons that may have more supply, if they use less,
01:17:45 we have more water in the system to send to the harder hit areas. So we are asking customers to participate with us.
01:17:53 Those simple measures that seem simple actually work if it's done by a large portion of the population, by everyone,
01:18:01 so that the water can channel to those harder hit areas.
01:18:05 And what we've been doing as well is engaging with young people because we recognize that this is something for the future that we have to put into place.
01:18:14 Because schools, we have visited several schools, we have engaged with over 3,000 students, sharing with them the important conservation measures,
01:18:23 because they are the future and when they grow up, they need to also employ these methods as a day-to-day activity in their lives.
01:18:32 So even we have engaged with some of the associations, the business associations, the agricultural associations,
01:18:39 sharing the conservation messages with them and showing them what they can do.
01:18:44 So even as simple as changing your shower head, changing, you know, putting a bottle of water into your toilet tank,
01:18:51 these things make you use less water and help us conserve and use less.
01:18:56 And because the dry season is so harsh, we really need everyone on deck.
01:19:01 And they have done pretty well, the public has been doing pretty well,
01:19:05 but we are asking persons to continue and persons who may not have been participating to engage with us and collaborate with us
01:19:13 so that we can make it through the remainder of the dry season.
01:19:16 Yeah, and you know, ladies, we do have some bad habits because, you know, when we're washing the wares,
01:19:20 the water is running and it's going down the drain and when we're brushing our teeth and so on.
01:19:26 So we do have a lot of bad habits. But Miss Ali, let's speak a little bit about the scheduling.
01:19:35 How is this going to be impacted? Is it going to be impacted at all?
01:19:40 Yes, of course it will be. So we would have implemented or amended schedules and it would have meant two things.
01:19:48 In areas where we have more availability of supply from especially the groundwater sources,
01:19:55 we would have moved supply strategically on different days to offset some of the hard hit areas.
01:20:01 So that's what when I refer to redistribution of supply, that is exactly what we would have done.
01:20:07 So we would have adjusted schedules from one area to the next to ensure an equitable distribution overall.
01:20:13 So one part of it, the other part is at extremities of the system,
01:20:18 areas that are more difficult to reach or at elevated points on the network.
01:20:24 We would have had to make strategic intervention again.
01:20:27 And in some areas we had unfortunately to reduce schedule by a day or so to ensure or reduce by the number of hours
01:20:35 to ensure that other areas where we're more difficult to get supply, you know, that we could really reach those endpoints.
01:20:41 Yeah. Miss Andrews, you have about 30 seconds again. Any final words?
01:20:45 Yeah. So we are asking the public to indeed continue with the conservation.
01:20:50 The theme of our conservation campaign is value every drop. And so we will collaborate with everyone.
01:20:57 We will also ask that persons reach out to us if they see persons wasting water,
01:21:03 because we do have that mechanism to, you know, go out and let customers know, you know, you need to change what you're doing.
01:21:10 So that that's really it. Yeah. Miss Ali, I'm going to take 30 seconds again.
01:21:14 Any final words? Parting words? Yes, of course. We will continue to navigate and work with all of our main stakeholders,
01:21:22 all of our customers to ensure that we get through this period.
01:21:26 We have all the mechanisms in place and we have been actively engaged with the community in different areas
01:21:33 to ensure that we meet and target those areas that are more prone to, you know, the water shortages.
01:21:40 So, again, my last word, conserve. Yeah. Ladies, it was a pleasure, an absolute pleasure speaking with you all this morning.
01:21:49 I think that you have given us a number of assurances that we feel a little better now,
01:21:55 because when we heard about this crisis point, you know, there was there was a level of fear.
01:22:00 So we do appreciate you all coming here this morning and speaking with us. We do appreciate it. Thank you.
01:22:05 Of course. All right. So we are going to a very short break. We're coming back, everybody.
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01:24:40 Alright, so welcome back everyone.
01:24:42 So we're talking Coco now, right?
01:24:44 So we do have with us this morning, Director of the Coco Research Center at the University of the West Indies, Professor Pat Umaharan.
01:24:51 He joins us now to discuss the Coco Research Center Annual Research and Development Symposium.
01:24:57 Professor, as always, thank you very much for joining us this morning.
01:25:00 It's always good to see you and speak with you, Professor.
01:25:03 Good morning. Good morning to you and your viewers.
01:25:06 Of course. Well, let's speak about the symposium. What's in store?
01:25:10 Well, the symposium is going to be a one day affair.
01:25:14 It's on the 22nd of May and it's all stakeholders in the cocoa industry and any well-wishers are invited.
01:25:23 It's at the auditorium in the education department of the Coco Research Center of the University of the West Indies.
01:25:31 So it's going to be a very important affair because we are going to talk about development,
01:25:37 not only the research findings that we are going to share, how are we going to use this to sort of build our cocoa industry?
01:25:45 The industry itself is going through difficulties, not only here in Trinidad and Tobago, but globally.
01:25:51 So there are lots of things to discuss. Professor, I believe that the last time that we spoke, and it may have been about a year ago,
01:26:00 we were speaking about about the industry at that time. I believe you were telling us about the availability of land to to citizens of Trinidad
01:26:13 and Tobago for the cultivation of cocoa and so on. How did that exercise go?
01:26:19 Did people apply for for for lands for cocoa cultivation? Have you seen an increase in cultivation? What is happening?
01:26:30 And I think we are sort of in a stalemate, right? And that is because we have been looking at lands that are available for cocoa.
01:26:38 A lot of the lands are abandoned lands and they require a lot of money, investment into really getting back, getting them back into production.
01:26:48 So we estimate that there are about 40000 hectares of abandoned cocoa lands in Trinidad and Tobago.
01:26:55 We used to cultivate 90000 hectares about a century ago, 90000.
01:27:00 And now we are cultivating only 4000. A lot of those acreages are sort of abandoned.
01:27:05 So we are looking at owners who have ownership of land and seeing that.
01:27:14 How can we get them to invest? What sort of resources do they require technology wise, management wise in terms of financing to get them moving ahead?
01:27:25 We have a tremendous industry that that we have a lot of potential, but we need to do things to get this potential realized.
01:27:33 And that requires all hands on deck. And Professor, yes, we do have a tremendous industry.
01:27:41 I'm not hearing you. Yeah. Are you hearing me now? You're hearing me now.
01:27:47 Professor, you're hearing me. I lost you for a minute. Yeah.
01:27:51 Am I back? You're hearing me now. Oh, yeah. I'm hearing you now.
01:27:54 All right. So I think that people will agree with you when you say we do have a tremendous industry here.
01:28:03 When we speak about the quality of of cocoa and chocolate, we continue to speak about how it's like one of the number one,
01:28:11 the greatest products on the market internationally. But, Professor, I think that you would agree there are many challenges which are still preventing people from getting into the industry.
01:28:27 Of course, you know that it's a really risky business and difficult business to get to get into.
01:28:35 So what has to be done? We recently concluded a value chain analysis of the entire cocoa value chain with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization.
01:28:47 And really, we identified some of the binding constraints and looking at opportunities,
01:28:53 what we need to do to overcome those constraints. And some of them require research and development, which is what we are doing.
01:29:00 We are working on looking at some of the risks associated with cocoa production and how to mitigate it.
01:29:07 But there are other binding constraints, you know, with regard to availability of land, building, bringing investors into the cocoa sector,
01:29:17 developing the markets, you know, particularly for chocolates. We are very well known for our cocoa quality,
01:29:25 but we are now in the process of building our reputation for our chocolates and other cocoa based products.
01:29:32 And how do you build those markets to expand our foreign exchange earning capacity?
01:29:37 So all of those things have been clearly mapped. And we are really now trying to be in the phase to how do you get the stakeholders together
01:29:46 to do this in a sort of way in which we can all of us can benefit from this industry.
01:29:53 I think this industry has a tremendous opportunity for diversification as we are looking for economic diversification options.
01:30:01 I think this is an industry that we need to pay attention to. We know the problems and we know we can overcome them.
01:30:08 And so this is what I think we are inviting everybody to come together.
01:30:12 This symposium that we are having is not only for farmers. It is important for farmers, processors, chocolatiers who are in the industry,
01:30:22 but also for those who are thinking of investing into cocoa.
01:30:27 This is a very important session where we discuss some of these ideas that we have to take the industry forward.
01:30:34 So I welcome everyone who is interested in building this industry, public, private sector, coming together to get this thing going.
01:30:43 Yeah. You spoke about all hands on deck a little earlier.
01:30:48 You think that there is a buy in into that concept, all hands on deck when it comes to the cocoa industry in Trinidad and Tobago?
01:30:57 I think so, because the government is very, very interested because they're looking at this as one of the most low hanging fruits in terms of diversification.
01:31:08 So translating some of those verbal things into interaction, action requires more policies, supporting policies.
01:31:17 So this is some of the things that we are going to be talking to the government about.
01:31:21 How can we get the right kind of policies to incentivize investment into this sector?
01:31:27 At the same time, the private sector is also very much interested.
01:31:30 I've been speaking to a number of private sector players locally, and they are all very much interested.
01:31:37 They need to learn more about it, the business models that they can adopt and so on.
01:31:43 So building those business models to show them that you can make money from investments in cocoa is very important.
01:31:51 So as part of one of the projects, this is exactly what we are doing, trying to build the business models, take it to the private sector and show them that if we invest in the right kind of way, there is opportunity to be money to be made.
01:32:04 Globally, the prices are actually hiking up. Last year, cocoa was selling at 2,500 US per ton in the global world market.
01:32:14 This year, the price has gone up to over 10,000.
01:32:18 So this is a real prime time for us to think about how do we want to rebuild this industry?
01:32:25 So that's what we are hoping for in this symposium.
01:32:29 What can we do? We have a lot of exciting talks.
01:32:32 We have one of the researchers from the University of Queensland, from Australia, coming over to talk about carbon capture and building sustainability to the industry.
01:32:43 Because I think that Trinidad and Tobago can produce the first carbon neutral chocolate, and that will be a great disruption in the marketplace.
01:32:53 This is something that we need to look at, innovation in everything that we do.
01:32:57 We are small, but small is not bad. We need to really be much more innovative in trying to break into those markets, disrupt the markets, and be into the niche and the very ultra niche parts of the market.
01:33:11 Professor, I know that the university, you and your team, you all have been doing a lot of work over the years in the cocoa industry.
01:33:20 I think that there has been always a concern, Professor, about how, because as you know, cocoa trees are susceptible to certain types of diseases and so on.
01:33:39 Have we made any strides in this respect to make our trees a little more disease resistant?
01:33:50 Exactly. I think the breeding is the easiest way to address some of the risks, the pest risk, the disease risk, the risk of cadmium in the soil, problems associated with quality issues.
01:34:07 All of these, there's opportunities to address them through breeding. So we are building breeding tools.
01:34:13 Breeding takes a lot of time, but we are in the process of building breeding tools that can make it much more efficient.
01:34:20 We've seen molecular markers and other methods to accelerate the breeding, to get better varieties in the hands of the farmers.
01:34:28 The other aspect of that is to be better nuanced in the way we deploy varieties in farmers.
01:34:36 Although Trinidad and Tobago is very small, we have parts of Trinidad and Tobago which are very different in terms of climate, in terms of soil.
01:34:44 So you need to get the right kind of technologies to the different parts of the countries.
01:34:49 And that is what we call precision agriculture. And we have done a lot of work in mapping the country in terms of the risks associated with different parts of the country.
01:35:00 So we think that we can really push forward a precision agriculture approach to addressing some of the concerns and deploying the best varieties.
01:35:10 Has this been looked at about maybe accelerating the production of the trees?
01:35:21 Professor, I don't know how you're going to do that, but I know it takes a period of time before a farmer can get cocoa.
01:35:29 So is there technology, is there science available to say, well, here's what, let's see if we can accelerate the production as it relates to the trees.
01:35:41 Cocoa is a tree crop because it's a tree, you know, it takes a little while to produce.
01:35:47 So we have tried through breeding to reduce the time. So we have, we can reduce it to maybe three years.
01:35:54 So what we are trying to do is that for investment, having your crop taking three years to come into production is a problem.
01:36:02 Right. So we are trying to see what other crops can be grown together with cocoa that can give you a fast revenue during the first three years where the cocoa crop is actually growing.
01:36:14 So these are some of the things that we need to really look at, because when you come to investment and investors, they are looking at all of these things.
01:36:23 You know, how do you, how long does it take for the investment to actually bear fruit?
01:36:28 And what can we do, you know, to get, accelerate this whole process?
01:36:33 So these are all interesting questions. And these are some of the things that we are trying to address in research.
01:36:39 You know, and that's why we call this symposium Research for Development. It's not just research, but research for development, because we want to target that research to support some of the problems we are facing, developing this industry.
01:36:55 Yeah. Professor, let's speak a little more about the symposium.
01:37:01 Could you remind us about what we're seeing? It's on the 22nd of May. Do people have to register or can they just come down?
01:37:11 I think, yeah, we have a registration link that's on all social media. They can register.
01:37:16 But even if they haven't registered, feel free to come over. We will register you on the spot and you can come into the, we have a very large venue.
01:37:25 So there is no problem of space. So we want the widest possible interest group to be there so that we can discuss some of the work and so that, you know, we can all go hand in hand together.
01:37:40 It's the 22nd of May, which is next week, Wednesday. It starts at 8.30 in the morning. The opening ceremony is from 8.30 to 10. And then from 10 to 4.30, we are going to have very interesting discussion and topics.
01:37:56 Yeah. And the location is at the School of Education Auditorium, St. Augustine Circular, St. Augustine. Yeah.
01:38:04 That's right. Yeah.
01:38:06 All right, Professor, it's always a pleasure speaking with you. And again, thank you for the good work that you and your team have done over the years in the cocoa industry.
01:38:14 We do appreciate it. Thank you very much, Professor.
01:38:17 Thank you. Thank you. You and your viewers.
01:38:20 All right. So we are going to a very short break. We do have this for you. The Venezuelan coastline as seen from South Trinidad.
01:38:28 It's from Sham. Sham, you're down in South Boy, deep South. Thank you very much to Sham again. We're coming back, everybody.
01:38:34 And you can come and look for me. If you want to jump in.
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01:40:29 [Music]
01:40:54 All right. So welcome back, everyone. So we're talking about Green Days by the River.
01:41:00 It's an upcoming production. All right. So it's going to be put on at the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts from June 7th to 9th, 2024.
01:41:11 So we do have in studio this morning, artistic director Victor Edwards and we do have actress Jessica Joseph.
01:41:18 Thank you very much for coming this morning.
01:41:20 Nice to be here.
01:41:22 Of course. Mr. Edwards, let's get right to it. Green Days by the River. I'm having some flashes. I'm seeing myself by the river.
01:41:30 But let's let's speak about this production. Green Days by the River.
01:41:35 Well, all the bad. Let's say that we do our theater is about honoring our icons, delving into our history, our traditions and so on.
01:41:45 Since 2011, that's the kind of theater that we've been doing. Last year, as I said to you before, we did celebrate 100 years of Samuel Selvon.
01:41:55 Right. It would have been 100 years if he lived last year. And this production actually was in process even before Anthony died,
01:42:07 because we felt that as a theater company, we feel that it is important that we invest in who we are.
01:42:18 There's too much focus on what's happening on the outside and there's so much so much richness in our soil, in our being.
01:42:26 And we tend to neglect that. And we were very unhappy, very sad when when he passed, because we were in the work already.
01:42:35 And that gave us impetus really to to go ahead and complete the work that we were doing.
01:42:42 The work that we're doing is heavily dependent on referencing the text and referencing the movie.
01:42:50 But I can tell you that our scripting of the of the of the script, the stage script is quite different from what happens in the text in terms of its structure and in terms of the movie, in terms of its structure.
01:43:04 Yeah. But Mr. Edwards, before I move on to Jessica, let's speak a little bit about about about the production itself,
01:43:13 because you're saying it's a bit different from the movie.
01:43:19 There may be some people who are not familiar with the movie or even the text.
01:43:25 What is the what is the what is the production about?
01:43:31 Well, Green Days by the River is really, you know, Anthony is really obsessed with rural Trinidad.
01:43:38 Right. You know, and what he does in his own and a lot of people call it simple,
01:43:46 but it's really complex way that he deals with the way rural people react to the circumstances.
01:43:53 Right. So we have the story of the Lamy family as opposed to the Gidharis family and how they work the differences out.
01:44:04 And Jessica here, who's playing Rosalie and her relationship with Cheryl and Cheryl, you know, it really deals with a lot of adolescent problems.
01:44:15 Right. Situations with which they are faced and how they interact with those problems and how they eventually overcome and deal with those problems.
01:44:27 Yeah. Jessica, how has the experience been for you?
01:44:30 Well, it's been quite a lot, I must say. It's a very tedious process, you know, becoming a character.
01:44:42 And I would say Rosalie is she's quite the hothead.
01:44:48 She's you know, she's very feminine and, you know, a lot of things that I may not be accustomed to being.
01:44:56 And so it's been a process in becoming the character as well as working with so many other people.
01:45:04 And of course, working with Mr. Edwards, which is a challenge on its own. Believe me.
01:45:09 So it's been difficult, but it's also been very enjoyable.
01:45:13 I feel like I'm still learning and I've learned so many new things and I'm becoming a different person than I was, you know, when I began.
01:45:22 Yeah. And and that is what I was going to ask, because maybe some of the things that you are portraying, you have not been exposed to it in in life, in reality.
01:45:37 So how did you how did you embrace that? How did you what is what was the experience like to say, well, maybe in life I have not experienced this, but I have to portray this.
01:45:49 So how easy was the process? Not easy at all. I can tell you that for sure.
01:45:54 In the beginning, I really didn't like Rosalie at all.
01:45:58 You know, I I judged her and I was like, I would never want to be this kind of person ever.
01:46:06 But a big thing that Victor always says is not to judge the character, you know.
01:46:15 And I found myself almost giving her excuses and making like coming up with my own reasons as to why she does the things that she does.
01:46:25 And I feel like that became very important because that is kind of how I became her.
01:46:32 It's it's like less of judging them and more of understanding, you know, and that's kind of how I became the character in a way.
01:46:41 Yeah. Mr. Edwards, is it that.
01:46:50 That the production really deals because we speak about real life,
01:46:56 so it shows the some of the the experiences in in in real life and the challenges and and life.
01:47:05 Well, life on the whole. Right. Yeah. It's just that as a writer, you know, coming from Miharu,
01:47:12 because that's where he lived and being influenced by that kind of environment.
01:47:20 A lot of his writing, you know, even when he was working at the oil fields or he spent a year in San Fernando as a child,
01:47:28 you know, those things influenced the themes.
01:47:33 Yes. But those themes are really universal themes.
01:47:37 Wherever people are, these are the kinds of situations and conflicts and so on that that people find themselves in.
01:47:46 So he's he he's no different, but his approach to his work.
01:47:50 And that is why his work is so well loved by young people and CXC and the books in schools.
01:47:58 Yeah. I mean, if you if you look at the cover of the book or the analysis done on his book by Professor Salick,
01:48:07 the book that is on top of the pile is Green Days by the River. Right.
01:48:11 You know, because that is one of the most popular of his novels.
01:48:17 And I want to tell you something about the work that that that we do. Right.
01:48:21 You know, that two weeks ago, all of our school shows, they've been oversubscribed. Really?
01:48:29 And that has been the way with all of the plays that we do, because the beast, you know,
01:48:36 in our literature and they deal with our icons, the teachers, you know,
01:48:41 they are very anxious to come to to see the work that we are doing.
01:48:46 And over the years, I should say from inception, because I've been doing this quite a while,
01:48:51 our work has value. It has a standard, you know,
01:48:54 and people come to the theater because they expect a particular kind of standard of work.
01:48:58 And last year, for instance, we had all sold out audiences, both adult audiences and
01:49:05 student audiences. But an interesting thing about Anthony today,
01:49:11 his brother is Zandoli. No, I didn't. Yeah.
01:49:15 So it becomes very difficult to reconcile the kind of writing and singing that Zandoli does.
01:49:21 Yes. As opposed to the kind of writing and so more gentle and more, you know,
01:49:26 socially accepted writing that Anthony did. And apart from that, too, I mean,
01:49:31 he has written more books than many. But what do you think that he really tried to
01:49:38 portray in all of these writings? Was there a common theme?
01:49:44 A lot of his novels dealt with young people. Right.
01:49:48 And I think it is because he, too, had a kind of troubling, you know,
01:49:55 adolescent life that he was still trying to reconcile even some of his own problems
01:50:03 in the writing. You know? So where can we get tickets?
01:50:07 Well, tickets are available at RIT, bookstores at Nigel Kahn's.
01:50:14 Yeah, we're available at Nigel Kahn in South Park.
01:50:21 Not in South Park, sorry, in Longstreet Killer Mall in Port of Spain. Right.
01:50:25 In Price Plaza in Chagones and in C3. And then we're available in RIK in Gulf City,
01:50:33 Bargains Drugs in South Park and Arie Theatre Admin.
01:50:37 Yeah, so we also, Box Office opens the week of the play. Yes.
01:50:43 So we do, and we also do bank transfers and, you know, many ways of getting those tickets.
01:50:49 So, you know, we're available from June 7th to 9th.
01:50:52 Well, actually, we didn't say the 6th because the three school shows are sold out.
01:50:58 We have two school shows on the 6th. Right.
01:51:00 They're sold out, so we felt that we didn't need to advertise it.
01:51:03 And there's a show on the 7th, the Friday-Monday is also sold out.
01:51:07 And all of the shows are being held at Zappa.
01:51:10 At the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts. Yes.
01:51:12 Jessica, what do you think that young people who come to see this production,
01:51:16 what do you get from it? What is going to be the takeaway?
01:51:19 Well, I think a very important thing for the young men who may be coming to see it is,
01:51:29 learning about your body and a lot of things that you need to control.
01:51:36 Yes. In terms of, you know, the sexual aspect, but also learning not to rush things, you know,
01:51:45 learning to take your time, you know, love is a funny thing.
01:51:49 And it can start from as young as 14, which is how old Rosalie is.
01:51:55 And I think a very important thing that people should learn is take your time.
01:52:01 Don't be in a rush to grow older, you know, especially Sheldon was forced to grow older
01:52:06 because of his father being in the hospital and having to become a man from so young.
01:52:11 So I think, one, appreciate the finer things in life because if you can afford to come and see the show,
01:52:17 I'm sure you're not struggling as much as Sheldon was for sure.
01:52:20 So, you know, appreciate the finer things in life and take your time, you know,
01:52:24 don't be in a rush to grow up, you know, enjoy your youth and, you know.
01:52:29 Take your time, take your time. You said what? 30 seconds.
01:52:32 Anything else you'd like to tell us?
01:52:35 I think it's important that we as a theatre company continue to do the work that we've been doing
01:52:43 because it's the old adage, if we don't tell our own stories, who will?
01:52:47 If we don't write our own plays, our own songs, our own poems and so on, who will do it?
01:52:52 And there's so much that the young people don't know that we need to inform them about, you know,
01:52:58 and all of the things that we've been doing and all the things that we have planned to do
01:53:02 is about unearthing all of those historical pasts, about presenting our icons, our heroes to them
01:53:12 so that they know that they live in a space that is rich, you know, in culture and rich in talent.
01:53:20 Miss Edwards and Jessica, it was a pleasure speaking with you all.
01:53:23 Thank you very much for coming this morning.
01:53:25 We must go to a very short break. We're coming back, everybody.
01:53:27 [Music]
01:53:53 [Whistle]
01:53:54 Hey Toby, look, I've got you your dog chow.
01:53:57 New mouth-watering recipes.
01:54:01 Sensational.
01:54:05 Dive into new tasty experiences.
01:54:10 Hello, variety.
01:54:12 Hey Toby, ready to eat?
01:54:14 [Dog barks]
01:54:15 Improve your dog's quality of life with the satisfying, nutritious flavors of dog chow.
01:54:22 [Dog barks]
01:54:23 [Music]
01:54:30 As Jessica says, young man, take your time, take your time.
01:54:34 You know, it was very good speaking to Miss Edwards and Jessica.
01:54:37 That's going to be it for our program for today.
01:54:40 Take some time off this weekend. Spend your time with the family.
01:54:43 Go and check out the pooeya, the savannah and so on, yeah?
01:54:47 It's always good to smell the roses. Take some time out, all right?
01:54:51 So we do have this for you. It's an image at Studley Bay, Tobago.
01:54:57 Have a good weekend, everybody. See you right back here on Monday morning. Bye for now.
01:55:02 [Music]
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