Tobago-born doctor a star in Maryland

Dr. Barbara Hutchinson

A TOBAGO-BORN cardiologist is enjoying major success in the United States.

St Augustine campus graduate Dr Barbara Hutchinson this year earned five prestigious awards in Maryland, where she has a thriving cardiology practice. They were:

• The Daily Record Innovator Award;

• Chesapeake Favorite Top Doc;

• Top 100 Minority Business Enterprise in the Mid Atlantic Area;

• Enterprising Women of the Year Award Winner;

• Cardiologist in Anne Arundel County given by National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

The awards were bestowed on Hutchinson, the owner and managing partner of Chesapeake Cardiac Care in Maryland, for improving the quality of life of her patients, while at the same time running a successful business.

They follow her recognition five years ago of the link between sleep, breathing disorders and heart diseases, and the unusual step she took to address the problem by opening that state's first sleep lab in a cardiology clinic.

Though humbled by the recognition her work has achieved, for Hutchinson the one which gave her the greatest satisfaction was The Daily Record Innovator Award because it "culminated what I have been doing for the last five years".

That award was established by The Daily Record, the leading business and legal newspaper in Maryland, to honour those who have created a product, service or process that has had a positive effect on their business, industry or community.

Hutchinson told the Express: "This award made me realise that someone recognises the journey that I have undertaken over the last five years to bring this whole sleep management programme to fruition."

Hutchinson, whose maiden name was Alexander before her marriage to Jamaica-born Merton, a doctor of pharmacy, took this innovative treatment route after recognising a number of patients who were receiving conventional treatment continued to struggle. That led her to examine the medical literature and other sources pointing to the role of sleep.

"If sleep disorders are not diagnosed, efforts to alleviate high blood pressure, hypertension and arrhythmias can be ineffective," Hutchinson explained.

"Sleep-related problems that are untreated can result in uncontrolled high blood pressure. So while we are treating high blood pressure with medications, if we don't get to the true cause of it, we'll be spinning our wheels," she added.

"What I was able to do over the five years was to marry those two together in a cardiology practice. And that is recognising the link between sleep, breathing disorders and cardiovascular disease," she said.

"We have a whole sleep management programme, where there is a sleep lab that you can do sleep studies; if you're positive [for sleep apena] you can be treated with different equipment. We work with dentists to give patients a dental appliance and we even work with ear, nose and throat specialists because some patients may have problems that can be treated surgically, that could affect their sleep problems,"said Hutchinson.

Since February, more than 200 patients have spent the night at the lab with its two bedrooms outfitted like cozy guest rooms, with soothing colours and comfortable mattresses under the watchful eye of a polysomnographer, who monitors brain waves, heart rhythm, respiration, oxygenation and other measurements.

By treating those sleep-related complications it has enabled her to maximise treatment of her patients' cardiovascular situation.

Though buoyed by her professional success, Hutchinson still yearns to assist her native Tobago.

"I'm looking forward to the day that I can give back, especially to Tobago. There is not a day that goes by in my professional life where I don't think of the fact that the little island that I'm from does not have a resident cardiologist. The first opportunity I have to give back, to work there, I would certainly grant that opportunity."

She said until that time she would use  telemedicine—medical consultation via the Internet—to offer assistance from her Maryland base.

Hutchinson, who spent this Christmas in Tobago with siblings—Beverley Nola Adams, a civil engineer with Nipdec, and Colonel Lyle Alexander, the Commanding Officer of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Reserves—attributes her late parents' guidance by instilling the right values, and belief in God, for her success.

"My parents (Methodist church stalwarts Dowling and Mirie Alexander) always kept me grounded and one of the things I know they would say now is, 'we're very proud of you, but please don't forget who has enabled you to accomplish all of this.'

"[So] when I think about these awards, I think about what my parents instilled in me as a child and that is, whatever you do, do it to the best of your ability. And most of all, always praise the one who sustains you—put God first."

Hutchinson, who also got a PhD in cardiovascular pharmacology from Howard University in Washington, DC, before attending the University of Maryland medical school, where she was class president and the first black chief resident in internal medicine, hopes her recent accolades would be a source of inspiration to Trinidad and Tobago youth.

"When I think of growing up in Tobago, going to school at Ebenezer Methodist, then Bishop's High School before going onto St Francois Girls' College in Belmont to complete my O-Levels and Advanced Levels... [should] give all those students out there the drive that they know they can accomplish the same thing."

—Sanka Price is an editor with

The Nation newspaper in Barbados.

Plenty Promises For Tobago From Kamla

A wave of change will sweep Tobago come 2013, as Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced last night that the Parliament's first order of business in the new year will be the debate of legislation which will see increased financial power for the Tobago House of Assembly (THA).

Among the major changes will be a doubling of the budgetary allocation to the THA, expansion of the island's territorial waters and law-making powers.

Speaking at the presentation of the Tobago Organisation of the People (TOP) candidates at Market Square, Scarborough, Tobago, Persad-Bissessar said the Constitutional (Amendment) (Tobago) Bill 2012 will be laid in Parliament on January 7 and debate will begin on January 16.

More autonomy for Tobago, she said, was one of the pledges made to the TOP led by Ashworth Jack, political leader and coalition partner in the People's Partnership Government.

Persad-Bissessar said in October, Cabinet considered all the recommendations made after wide consultation with Tobagonians, and has now drafted a Constitutional (Amendment) (Tobago) Bill 2012.

The bill, she said, seeks to amend the Constitution to enhance the legislative and executive powers of the THA with a view to promoting the internal self-government of Tobago.

She pointed out that the bill requires a constitutional majority and therefore will require a special majority of two thirds of the members of the House—therefore, the People's National Movement (PNM) support was crucial.

The Prime Minister disclosed that the bill proposes an increase, almost a doubling of national budgetary allocation, to the THA from the existing four per cent to six per cent to eight per cent.

In the 2012-2013 national budget, Tobago was allocated $3.4 billion.

"This means that more money will be made available for the development of Tobago by Tobagonians. In other words, the old maximum of 6.9 per cent is now the new minimum," said Persad-Bissessar.

Persad-Bissessar said the bill also proposes the THA to be equipped with law-making powers—in areas such as legal affairs, tertiary education, energy, Customs and Excise and public infrastructure.

Cabinet, she said, in formulating policy for matters in these areas, must consult with the THA.

"The effect of this is that the powers of the Parliament in relation to making laws for Tobago will be limited,'' she said. She further disclosed that three other new important provisions of the bill would be:

1. The establishment of a Secretary for Legal Matters in the THA;

2. More borrowing power for the THA (up to 25 per cent of the sum allocated per year to the THA under the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP), without the approval of Parliament);

3. Extension of the jurisdiction of the THA—an extension from six to 11 nautical miles from the baselines of Tobago.

Persad-Bissessar said self-governance for Tobago is being made a reality thanks to Jack and the TOP, who were adamant in ensuring the policy changes would redound to the benefit of Tobago.

The Prime Minister briefly touched on the controversy surrounding Jack's private multi-million Hillsborough, Mt St George, house.

"Today I want to tell (Orville) London and (Keith) Rowley that this election is not about the House of Jack; this election is about the House of Assembly of Tobago," said Persad-Bissessar.

She added that the Tobago election was not about the Section 34 debacle which saw the firing of former justice minister Herbert Volney.

"Section 34 will not bring you internal self-government and more money in your budget," she said.

Persad-Bissessar also dispelled notions that the United National Congress was coming to take over Tobago and buy out the lands.

"We have no wish or desire to invade Tobago... my wish and desire is that everyone will rise in every space and every place, whether in Trinidad or Tobago," she said.

Reproduced from Trinidadexpress.com

First-timers get ready to battle

Tomorrow is Nomination Day in Tobago, and it is expected that more than 24 candidates will file their nomination papers in the lead-up to the January 21 Tobago House of Assembly (THA) elections.

In just three weeks, the two leading contenders for the battle to govern Tobago's affairs for the next four years —the incumbent People's National Movement (PNM) deputy political leader Orville London and the Tobago Organisation of the People (TOP), led by Minority Leader Ashworth Jack—will know their fate.

The Sunday Express was unable to contact Hochoy Charles, of the Platform for Truth, to determine how many candidates he will be fielding for the election.

Charles was chief secretary of the THA under the National Alliance for Reconstruction (NAR) government.

Tomorrow, the returning officer will examine all nomination papers presented by the candidates and having found them to be valid, will accept their deposit of $2,000 and officially declare their candidacy for the electoral district, according to the Elections and Boundaries Commission's (EBC) website.

PNM incumbent London said last week, "All candidates are ready; we are going to be ramping our campaign of two public meetings per day from January 3.

Yesterday, it was learnt that both political parties were getting ready to roll out a massive marketing and advertising campaign, including the use of social media.

Reports also indicated some novel advertising gimmicks are being used, such as the contracting of a number of vehicles, draped in TOP colours and parked at strategic public places to ensure maximum visual impact.

Word on the ground in Tobago indicated as well that TOP candidates were given individual budgets upward of $80,000 to spend in their districts.

The Sunday Express was however unable to reach the TOP's leader to confirm this report.

The TOP party will field 12 candidates in its bid for control of the THA.

At present, the TOP controls three of the 12 seats in the THA: Providence/Mason Hall/Moriah; Goodwood/Belle Garden and Canaan/Bon Accord.

Outside of the current TOP members in the Assembly—all of whom have agreed to recontest—the new faces in the line-up for the upcoming poll will include:

• Fitzherbert Taylor

(Parlatuvier/L'anse Fourmi/ Charlotteville)

• Anslem Richards (Roxborough/Delaford)

• Pastor Chester Robinson Alleyne

(Lambeau/Signal Hill)

• Sherry-Ann Rollocks-Hackett

(Bethel/Mt Irvine)

• Theodil Mc-Pherson (Black Rock/Whim)

• Anthony Arnold (Scarborough/Calder Hall)

• Richard Alfred (Buccoo/Mt Pleasant)

• Certica Williams-Orr

(Plymouth/Golden Lane)

• Gladstone Solomon (Bacolet/Mt St George)

THA's Chief Secretary London and incumbent Assemblyman for Scarborough/Calder Hall is one of five PNM incumbents who will be seeking to retain their seats in this election

London is again being challenged by attorney Anthony Arnold of the TOP, whom he defeated by a narrow margin in the last (2009) THA election.

The other incumbents include:

• Claudia Groome-Duke, Secretary of Health/Social Services, who will come up against the TOP's Theodil McPherson in her bid to retain the Black Rock/ Whim/ Spring Garden seat

• Tracey Davidson-Celestine, Secretary of Community Development/Culture and Assemblywoman for Parlatuvier/L'Anse Fourmi/Speyside, who is also again being challenged by the TOP's Fitzherbert Taylor, who lost to her by a slim margin in 2009

• Deputy Chief Secretary/ Secretary of Infrastructure and Public Utilities Hilton Sandy (Roxborough/Delaford), who will contend with a relative newcomer to active politics, Anslem Richards, of the TOP

• Secretary of Housing/ Settlements Godwin Adams (Plymouth/ Golden Lane), who is being challenged by Certica Williams-Orr (TOP).

The PNM will be fielding three political newcomers against TOP candidates who are also first-timers in two of the three districts. They are:

• Jomo Pitt (PNM) against Pastor Chester Robinson-Alleyne (TOP) for the Lambeau/Signal Hill district

• Pastor Handel Beckles (PNM), up against secondary school principal Sherry Anne Rollocks-Hackett (TOP)—Bethel/ Mt Irvine.

While in the Buccoo/Mt Pleasant district, regarded as a PNM traditional stronghold, the party is being represented by bank employee Ancil Dennis, who is making his debut in the political arena up against Richard Alfred of the TOP, a former assemblyman under the NAR.

Other PNM candidates include Joel Jack, who will contest the TOP's Gladstone Solomon, both newcomers, for the Bacolet/Mt St George seat, currently held by the TOP, where the incumbent Orville Jordan chose not to seek re-election.

Other first-timers for the PNM include

• Sheldon Cunningham against TOP leader/THA Minority Leader and incumbent Assemblyman Ashworth Jack for the Providence/Mason Hall/Moriah seat

• Councillor Huey Cadette, incumbent Assistant Secretary in the Division of Education/Youth Affairs/Sport, who comes up against incumbent TOP Assemblyman Rolly Quaccoo.

The PNM's Hayden Spencer takes on TOP Assemblyman Steve Jack for the Belle Garden/ Goodwood seat.

reproduced from Trinidadexpress.

London Says 17 Billion spent over 12 Years in Tobago

Chief Secretary of THA
Orville London

Approximately $17 billion has been spent over the past 12 years by the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), under Chief Secretary Orville London.

This was revealed yesterday by London, leader of the Tobago Council of the People's National Movement (PNM).

London said while the figure is in fact $17 billion, it must be placed in context as funding has to be separated under "recurrent" and "development".

Under "recurrent" more than $13 billion was spent, while in terms of "development" less than $4 billion was spent.

"And it's that $13 billion that pays wages and salaries, provides goods and services, and places the THA in a position where it can provide employment to close to 60 per cent of the working population of Tobago," said London in the build-up to the THA election, scheduled for January 21.

And while the Tobago Organisation of the People (TOP) has claimed the PNM-led THA administration has squandered taxpayers money, especially with respect to THA mega projects including both incomplete Shaw Park Cultural Complex and Scarborough Library, London said it is unfair to judge the THA's spending of money in this way.

"It is sometimes unfair when you take monies accumulated over the period of time and then try to judge at a particular point in time as to whether you have done well or not," he said.

London said the $17 billion over the past 12 years was spent wisely in housing, infrastructure and other areas, and the benefits are obvious to the people of Tobago. However, he did admit some things could have been done differently.

"Well, I think one of the things I could have done differently is to communicate the success of the administration a little bit more effectively," he said.

He dismissed the existence of any poll placing the TOP in front of the PNM for the upcoming election and disclosed that the PNM's manifesto is at the printers and will be available within two weeks.

And the TOP, a member of the ruling People's Partnership Government, will hold its official launch of candidates for next month's election on Sunday at Market Square in Scarborough.

Attending will be Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and other members of her People's Partnership cabinet.

Reproduced from Trinidadexpress

Christmas landslidescut off roads in Tobago

LOCKED: L'Anse Fourmi/Charlotteville Link Road blocked
on Christmas Day by a landslide. —Photos: ELIZABETH WILLIAMS

Shortly before 3 a.m. on Christmas morning, heavy wind and incessant rain started in Tobago, causing landslides in Tobago East and a number of blocked roads.

According to Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) director Allan Stewart and information officer Alex Brown, areas such as Delaford, Goodwood, Hermitage and Charlotteville were affected. There were landslides along the Windward Road, as well as the L'Anse Fourmi/ Charlotteville Link Road.

Response teams from the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and the Division of Infrastructure and Public Utilities responded and assisted in the clearing of blocked roads. There was also clearing of landslides to reopen the main eastern artery and restore connectivity in the east. Emergency teams continued  to work towards the restoration of normality in the affected areas well into Christmas afternoon.

With the exception of the L'Anse Fourmi/Charlotteville Link Road, all the landslides have been cleared. There was also a tree that fell at Englishman's Bay that was cleared as well. 

Reproduced from Trinidadexpress

Merry Christmas and a very Happy, Prosperous New Year from Tobagodaily

Tobagodaily is delighted in being able to wish its readership a Wonderful, Holy, Spirit fill and Blessed Christmas.

Indeed, it is the perfect season to be joyous, cheerful, and thankful for all the many bounties of the year. Today lets not care about the negatives that so bountifully surround us, but let us take time to reflect on and demonstrate the love emanated by the child which was born on this day. 

As we celebrate his birth, let us not forget the true essence thereof. Let us not over indulge ourselves in conspicuous spending habits and over zealous attendance of frivolous parties/fetes, least we forget that Jesus is the reason for the season.  Let this season of goodwill spur us on to be messengers of peace and hope.  Let this season urge you on to lead someone to the light, the true light of the world which was born on Christmas day.  Let this season inspire us to dedicate our time in giving rather than receiving, not just a mere act of giving by a genuine one born of wholeheartedness and selflessness. 

Once again on behalf of Tobagodaily we wish you all Happy Holidays, and have yourself a Merry Merry Christmas and a Dynamic, Power filled, Energized New Year, and may God Bless You. 

TOP Supporter Went Berserk In Supermarket

TOP Supporters

Last night a rare but telling incident happened during my Christmas shopping exercise at one of the more popular supermarket in the Western part of Tobago.  An over exuberant TOP supporter dress in his bright yellow TOP jersey and head band began shouting at the "TOP" of his voice "Alyuh Ah Fed Up Talk, Ah doh care,  Alyuh Vote de PNM Nah, Alyuh Vote de PNM Nah, Alyuh Dead, Ah Doh Care Alyuh Dead... Storming through the isles as every one stood in awe ensuring he had sufficient clearance to pass, less another out-burst might be eminent. A caucasian woman running out of his way afraid of the "madman" antics. 

Twas, a bit of a respite for me, who would have found it rather amusing, as I would have been  shuffling my way through the overcrowded supermarket for about two and a half hours.  Although many would have laughed it off, it is clear that a midst the Joyous spirit of Christmas is a highly charged political battlefield, with fanatical foot soldiers, which might at some time display over zealous and obsessive behaviors. My fellow Tobagonians, let us not become too overly absorbed  and drawn in the political battlefield. Let us not become enemies over allegiances to different political doctrines. Lets maintain and demonstrate an atmosphere of Love even if we are on the other side of the divide. Because after all is said and done, when the votes have been counted and the winner proclaimed, be it PNM or TOP or Whoever, we all must live in this Island we called Tobago as one.   

TOP Working TRIPLE Time and OVer Time to Win Election

Ashworth Jack, Political Leader of the
Tobago Organisation of the People

Last Saturday morning party activists, TOP candidates, and Political Leader Ashworth Jack came to "preach the gospel of redemption to Tobago," at Market Square, Scarborough.

The early morning event targeted shoppers, vendors, and those passing by whether on foot or in car.

Samuel Fredericks opened the morning and described the current situation in Tobago under the PNM as a "challenge," adding that this is an "administration that does not care." Fredericks also discussed the issue of the Minority Leader's house and his efforts which including farming to finance the construction of his house. The attacks against Mr. Jack, according to Fredericks is "attacking every farmer in Tobago," because of some apparent PNM belief that the proceeds from farming is not enough to build a house. Fredericks discussed this kind of thinking and compared it to the agricultural policy under the PNM and the belief that Tobagonians farmers "can build nothing but shacks."

The party activist in his closing ripped into everything everyone has probably heard about the PNM and the 'greatness' of the organisation - "Great is the PNM and it shall prevail." If nothing else was said for the morning about the supposed inclusiveness of the TOP, it was when Fredericks closed and said, "Great is Tobago and Tobagonians will prevail."

Anthony Arnold, the TOP candidates running against Orville London encouraged those in the process of signing deeds in Mason Hall from THA's lands not to sign the leases. According to Arnold they are "signing away their rights to the THA" and in signing, the THA will be able to "seize lands without any compensation." Arnold then focused on developmental issues such as running water 24 hours a day in Scarborough, self-determination for Tobago and the Milshirv deal.

When Chester Robinson Alleyne took the platform he described "a paradigm shift coming" to Tobago whereby the island must move from "surviving to thriving." Alleyne spoke about individuals who are not able to get job letters because they are "only acting." "This is not Hollywood," Alleyne said. TOP Alleyne said well "triple the order" and while Alleyne spoke about shoes in a narrative story form, perhaps the "triple the order" is a metaphor for moving from 4 seats to a 12 seat TOP controlled assembly. Before ending, Alleyne spoke about the lack of milk in children's diet stating that many first formers are only "4ft tall" due to the lack of calcium.

Anslem Richards reminded the crowd of the PNM's stance on internal self-government and accused the PNM of stealing the elections with "lies and half-truths." In his own investigations which he plans on doing for all current Assemblymen using data collected from the Salary Review Commission, Richards spoke only about the numbers he has calculated for his opponent Hilton Sandy. Richards wants them to "account for the wealth they have accumulated in the past 12 years."

According to Richards, "the philosophy of the PNM is to suppress Tobago" while threatening democracy. The TOP, Richards promised "will defend you with the truth."

In his efforts to unseat Claudia Groome-Duke, Theodil McPherson who has been walking the hills of the Black Rock, Whim and Spring Garden constituencies, describes the current area representative as "tired." Transformation of the Courland Estate will be a priority for the TOP in efforts to create sustainable jobs and to "properly empower" people McPherson noted.

Political Leader Ashworth Jack described the reckonings of Chief Secretary Orville London and the PNM as an organisation that is "about to die," – hence their "resort to attacks."

"The money I am using to build my house is mine," Jack said, adding that this is the major difference between himself and those of the PNM who built houses during their tenure while in control of the Assembly purse strings. Jack blasted Opposition Leader Keith Rowley amounting him to a "Lord and Master" in Port of Spain while recently upgrading the status of the Tobago Council of the PNM from "field slave to house slave," in their party convention a few weeks ago.

Jack discussed plans for an integrated university campus in the Louis D'or area, which will bring greater economic vitality and jobs to Tobago East because "it is not a forgotten place." Jack claimed that 15 new buildings could have dotted the Scarborough landscape in the price the current administration paid for the Financial Complex, the library and the Cultural Complex at Shaw Park.

"Where is the new market," Jack asked in an effort to bring the planned meeting closer to home. Adding for the need of a cold storage facility and chillers to support the vendors because of produce going to waste. Among some of the TOP plans were efforts to support vendors who cannot affords shops while encouraging entrepreneurship and small businesses to boost job creation.

Party activists and candidates alike then went inside the market and interacted with shoppers and vendors encouraging them to vote TOP in January 21, election.

Reproduced from Tobago News

Tobago Law student collapses, dies in Barbados airport

DEAD: University of the West Indies student,
 Shenice Davis of Bon Accord,
Tobago who suddenly passed away after she collapsed
 at the Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados
moments before she was about to board a flight to Trinidad

A TRINIDAD and Tobago University of the West Indies student of Political Science and Law at Cave Hill, Barbados died on Thursday morning just before she was about to board a flight to Trinidad following which she would have gone over to Tobago where she lives.

Shenice Davis aged 23 lived with her grandmother in Bon Accord in Tobago.

Davis' cause of death had not yet been determined up to press time last night and it is not known whether a post mortem will be done.

She wanted to be an attorney her friend who only wanted to be identified as Therese told the Express last night.

A tearful Therese continued that, "she very lovable, quiet and easy to talk to".

She added, "She was a great motivator for me and I could have spoken to her about anything because she was like a big sister to me."

Davis lived with her grandmother in Bon Accord, Tobago as her mother passed away a few years ago.

According to a report in the Barbados Nation newspaper, Davis collapsed on Thursday morning at the island's Grantley Adams International Airport and was rushed to a nearby hospital where she was pronounced dead.

"Shenice was a quiet girl but to those who knew her she was a joy to be around," said Therese.

Reproduced from Trinidad Express

Vernella slams Chief Secretary's failures

Vernella Toppin

The TOP once again flexed its political message last week Saturday night with a mammoth public meeting in the heartland of Tobago East Pembroke. The TOP heavyweights Ashworth Jack, Vernella Alleyne-Toppin and Dr Delmon Baker all seemed to be lifted by the overflowing crowd and delivered speeches of high potency to their mass of supporters.

Tobago East representative and Minister in the Ministry of the People, Vernella Alleyne Toppin unleashed a concerted attack on her former teaching colleague, and Chief Secretary Orville London. She accused London of presiding over a failed education system in Tobago. Under the London regime she said, "due to the failed system in Tobago, youths are being channeled into URP and CEPEP jobs while the educational institutions on the island are left wanting in several areas." She pointed to the Roxborough Secondary School which he said, "was established in 1965 and has no form 6 and she noted, "in one year there 75 Fifth Form pupils who dropped out of school in Tobago east, while 45 Fourth Form pupils also left school during the same year."

Alleyne-Toppin indicated, "the plot is to keep the Tobago youths dependent on the PNM for jobs in order to dictate how they vote." She also slammed the London regime for their failure to complete the Scarborough Library after 12 years in office and the non-functioning of the Charlotteville Library. "The lack of library facilities are a serious blow to the academic development of the Tobagonian," she contended.

She also took serious issue with what she described as PNM instigated rumour about "Indians coming to buy out Tobagonians land."

She accused the PNM of resorting to their historical policy of racist bigotry and of preaching politics of division in a rainbow nation. "How could Indians buy up Tobagonians lands when 87 per cent of Tobagonians have no titles to their lands?" she asked.

Alleyne-Toppin said, "While the PNM is resorting to lies and rumours to salvage their dying campaign, Orville London and his cohorts in the THA are sitting on 34 estates while Tobagonians are scrunting for lands for agriculture and housing. London has failed to grow the Tobago economy and for that reason, they must be voted out of office," the eloquent minister urged.

Reproduced from TobagoNews

Stop the blame game, says Hardwicke

The relationship between the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) and the government is tiresome and it is about time both parties put aside their differences and work together.

This is the view of President of the Tobago Hotel and Tourism Association, Nicholas Hardwicke. He noted that it is clear from previous meetings that more work with the stakeholders involved for improving the tourism sector is needed.

Responding to questions about the possible fallout from the decision by Virgin Atlantic to pull-out its summer flights to Tobago, Hardwicke noted that there is no need for the blame game that has been going on between the Minister of Tourism, Stephen Cadiz and the Secretary for Tourism and Transport, Oswald Williams. He said now more than ever, both parties must work together to ensure the situation never happens again.

Hardwicke believes, the recent introduction of Caribbean Airlines flights to London was one of the contributing factors to the Virgin Atlantic suspension of flights, explained Hardwicke. He also mentioned that Virgin Atlantic recently added a new flight to Cancun, Mexico thus eliminating the need to keep servicing Tobago.

Another factor in the suspension is the inability of Tobago to provide sufficient room stock to host the level of guests being brought over at a decent rate, stated Hardwicke.

He said that other countries offer a better room stock at a better price and that discourages potential tourists from choosing Tobago.

On the issue of the installation of CCTV cameras in Tobago by the Ministry of National Security in an effort to make Tobago a safer place for tourists and locals alike, the tourism head believes that while this is a valuable measure, if there is not sufficient and qualified manpower monitoring the cameras, then it is of no use.

He added that enforcement of the law is crucial to ensuring a higher level of safety on the island. He also believes that the police force must be well equipped with the resources, equipment and training if it is to be effective.

He is disappointed that the government has not allocated enough in the budget for this and is also disappointed that measures such as traffic wardens which were mentioned in the budget, have not been implemented.

Reproduced from TobagoNews

Cayman Islands MPs vote against Premier McKeeva Bush

McKeeva Bush insisted he would not resign
as he had done nothing wrong

Parliament in the Cayman Islands has passed a vote of no confidence in Premier McKeeva Bush, who is facing corruption allegations.

The motion in effect removes him as head of government in the British overseas territory.

Mr Bush, who was briefly detained for questioning last week, says he is the victim of a "witch hunt".

The next step lies with the British-appointed governor, Duncan Taylor, who may decide to call early elections.

The other option is to see whether the fractured governing party can try to form a new government.

The no-confidence motion was passed by 11 votes to three, with members of Mr Bush's own United Democratic Party (UDP) voting against him.

He is suspected of misusing of a government credit card and importing explosive devices without a permit.

Mr Bush, who was detained on 11 December and released the next day after questioning, made it clear he would not resign.

He has suggested he is being targeted by senior island officials as part of a "very vindictive political witch hunt".

Mr Bush, 57, has been in power since the UDP won general elections in 2009 and also held the posts of minister of finance, tourism and development.

The Cayman Islands is a major financial centre and a global tax haven.

Reproduced from http://www.bbc.co.uk/

Jack Warner Must be In a Stupor

According to a Sunday Express report  Security Minister Jack Warner did not declared his assets in the Teachers' Credit Union to the Integrity Commission within recent years.

The report noted that Warner has shares in his name which were valued at $611,126.23 as at January 1, 2011. However, when questioned about the misrepresentation of his information to the Integrity Commission, Warner replied, that the blame and questions should be directed to his Accountant. 

How can a Minister who has the sole responsibility to declare his asset ascribe blame to his Accountant? Jack Warner has to be in a Stupor. No conscious person in managerial positions, leadership roles, heads of section etc would ascribe blame to junior staff given a document would have entered the public domain erroneously with his or her signature. Why didn't Basdeo Panday when he was being Locked UP tell the police to go for his Accountant, because his accountant would have been the one who forgot to put in the London Account?  

Jack Warner must be sleeping or in an effort to be ridiculously stupid or in his effort to dismiss questions from the Express (a paper they described as being anti government) formulate this frivolous answer/response. Jack Warner your answer is Stupid, Lacking Intelligence or Common sense.

The law is clear, that all assets and liabilities are to be declared and once you as Minister would have affixed your signature to a document, it matters not who would have been the originator of the document it becomes yours and as a result all responsibility for the content is ascribed to you. 

The truth about this is that the Account is an old account and should not be hard to justify it being left out. The action of trying to dissociate your responsibility for the omission speaks volumes to your character. Be a man and admit that the account was omitted on purpose or other wise.  

Tobago man’s throat slit in Moruga brawl

Police are searching for a man who reportedly slit the throat of Tobago labourer Nelton De Vignes during a dispute at a bar on Sunday. Des Vignes remains warded in a serious condition at the San Fernando General Hospital after undergoing emergency surgery. 

Police said De Vignes, 44, of Bethel Main Road, was among friends at a bar in Moruga. Des Vignes and the suspect had a misunderstanding. The man pulled a knife, grabbed Des Vignes by the neck and went after his throat. 

Des Vignes was taken to the Princes Town District Hospital and treated, then transferred to the San Fernando General Hospital later that night.

Police, supervised by PC Roopnarine, were up to late yesterday in search of the man. Police are appealing to anyone with helpful information to contact 656-6606. Investigations are continuing.

Reproduced from Trinidad Guardian

PRESS RELEASE: CPO and T&TUTA Reach agreement

The Chief Personnel Officer (CPO) and the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers’ Association (T&TUTA) have reached an agreement on revised salaries and other terms and conditions of employment applicable to officers of the Teaching Service represented by T&TUTA for the period October 1, 2008 to September 30, 2011.

During meetings leading up to the agreement, the parties undertook a comprehensive review of the methodology used to revise salaries since the implementation of the results of a Job Evaluation Exercise for the Teaching Service in 2000. 

During the negotiations, agreement was reached on: 

• Principles to be observed in the revision of salaries 

• Benchmarks and comparator positions to be used in the conduct of the salary survey

• Organisations to be surveyed

• Salaries of comparator jobs in the External Labour Market 

• The steps to be employed in determining actual revised salaries for members of the Teaching Service.

The agreement provides for Teachers in Grades 3 and 4 of the Compensation Plan to receive 83% and 82%, respectively, of the Full Market Salaries. The existing salary differentials between the other grades were then maintained. 

The Parties have also agreed to a new Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) of $125, $125, $145 per month in years 1 to 3 of the agreement respectively. 

A revised Commuted Travelling Allowance of $600 per month has been agreed to for all Principals and Vice Principals and the payment of this Allowance has been extended to all Senior Teachers. 

The parties have agreed to continue to work in the best interest of education and the nation and in this regard discussions in respect of the 2011 – 2014 negotiation period are to commence by the end of January 2013.

Reproduce from CCNTV6. 

1st Patient Flown from New Scarborough Hospital

Operation Nightingale was a success. All 57 patients  were transferred from the old Scarborough Regional Hospital to the New Scarborough Hospital. The Tobago Regional Health Authority spare headed the massive exercise. 

However, in-spite of the assurances that full services would be accessible in the neonatal department, four operating theatres, medical imaging, rehabilitation and 19 specialty services a patient had to be air lifted to the Port of Spain General Hospital. In addition there were allegations that some patients were discharged from the old Hospital before the transfer despite of complaining of being unwell. 

The 100-bed hospital at Signal Hill was handed over to the Division of Health and Social Services two weeks ago. At last Thursday's media briefing, Health Secretary Claudia Groome-Duke had announced that the new hospital would be fully operational by December 15.

At the new Hospital,  there is improved security services such as an electronic locking system and baby monitors and an improved customer service. 

There was also the addition of Eighteen new house officers, a variety of specialists and 50 nurses to the medical staff that served the old hospital. 

London:Jack Trying to Pull away from PP Government

Orville London, Chief  Secretary of THA

People's National Movement (PNM) Tobago Council political leader Orville London has claimed that within recent weeks Tobago Organistation of the People (TOP) leader Ashworth Jack has been trying to disassociate himself from the People's Partnership (PP) Government, led by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, and Tobagonians should not be easily fooled by this action.

"And over the last couple weeks I'm seeing the back-tracking of the TOP Leader. He wants to unlock the embrace, they want to stop looking like they holding hands and they start to make statements," said London last weekend during a PNM political meeting at Mt Grace in the build-up to next month's Tobago House of Assembly (THA) election.

London said the choice should be an easy one for Tobagonians come January 21.

"Regardless of that, the choice is easy for Tobagonians. You must understand that TOP in Tobago is PP in Tobago and PP in Tobago is pressure for Tobago," London said

PNM political leader Dr Keith Rowley reminded the crowd of the long history of his party, which has been in existence for the past 56 years.

The red brigade, he said of the PNM, is not a pick-up side, or a pressure group formed in a rum shop.

He sought to dismiss any notion by the TOP that the PNM Tobago arm has been involved in pilfering taxpayers' money.

"If any money is missing in Tobago the body that reports on that is the Auditor General's Department and so far if any monies cannot be accounted for, then they will intervene and they know where the police station is," said Rowley.

Reproduced from Trinidadexpress.

Happy Birthday Extended to Our Tobago Boy A.N.R. Robinson.

Arthur Napoleon Raymond Robinson
Former President, Former Prime Minister
of Trinidad and Tobago

TOBAGODAILY WISHES OUR TOBAGO BOY MR. A.N.R ROBINSON A HAPPY HAPPY 86TH BIRTHDAY. THANK YOU FOR ALL THE SERVICE YOU HAVE GIVEN TO OUR BELOVED COUNTRY. WE SO DEARLY WISH THAT YOU WOULD ENJOY MANY MORE EVEN TO BECOME OUR FIRST CENTURION PRIME MINISTER AND PRESIDENT. 

Arthur Napoleon Raymond Robinson (known as A. N. R. Robinson), SC, OCC, TC was born 16 December 1926 in Calder Hall, Tobago. He was the third President of Trinidad and Tobago, serving from 19 March 1997 to 17 March 2003, and also was Trinidad and Tobago's third Prime Minister, serving in that capacity from 18 December 1986 to 17 December 1991. He is internationally recognized for his proposal that eventually led to the founding of the International Criminal Court, and is known in Tobago for his work leading to the formation of the Tobago House of Assembly.

President Robinson was the first active politician to be elected to the Presidency, and was the first presidential candidate who was not elected unopposed (the Opposition People's National Movement (PNM) nominated Justice Anthony Lucky as its candidate for President). President Robinson sparked controversy in his term in office when he refused to appoint certain Senators recommended by the Prime Minister Basdeo Panday following the elections in 2000 and in 2001 when he appointed the Leader of the Opposition Patrick Manning to the position of Prime Minister after a tied election.

A. N. R. Robinson, born in Tobago to Isabella[1] and James A. Robinson, attended Castara Methodist School on the island, where his father was Head Master. From there he became the first Bowles Scholar to Bishop's High School, Tobago, in 1939, and later the first House Scholarship winner from Bishop's High School in 1942. As candidate for Island scholarship from Bishop's High School in 1944 and 1945, he obtained the Higher School Certificate in both years with Distinction in Latin. Continuing his studies in Tobago, Robinson gained admission to the Bachelor of Laws Degree of London University as an external student in 1949.

In 1951, he left for the United Kingdom, where he gained admission to the Inner Temple and passed the Bar Final Examinations in 1953. That same year he was admitted to St. John's College, Oxford, where he obtained a good Second-Class Honors Degree in two years in Philosophy, Politics and Economics. He was admitted to practise as a Barrister-at-Law in Trinidad and Tobago in 1955 and was in the Chambers of Sir Courtney Hannays from 1957 to 1961.

Political life

Robinson was elected to the Federal Parliament of the defunct Caribbean Federation in 1958 and to the Trinidad and Tobago Parliament as representative for Tobago in 1961. He served as the first Minister of Finance of Trinidad and Tobago after Independence and later as Minister of Foreign Affairs.

He broke with the PNM party following the Black Power disturbances in 1970 and founded the Action Committee of Democratic Citizens (ACDC). In conjunction with the Democratic Labour Party, Robinson led the ill-fated "No-vote" campaign of 1971. This campaign protested the use of voting machines which the Opposition DLP considered to be used for election fraud in the 1961 and 1966 elections. Following the election, Robinson founded the Democratic Action Congress (DAC) which won the two Tobago seats in the 1976 and 1981 elections, but which failed to make credible headway in any constituencies in Trinidad.

In 1981 Robinson joined forces with the United Labour Front (ULF) under the leadership of Basdeo Panday and the Tapia House Movement under the leadership of Lloyd Best to form the National Alliance. This group entered an Accommodation with the Organisation for National Reconstruction under the leadership of Karl Hudson-Phillips to fight (and win) the Local Government elections of 1983. Building on this victory the four parties combined to form the National Alliance for Reconstruction (NAR) which won the 1986 elections by a margin of 33-3 and Robinson was appointed the first non-PNM Prime Minister.

Prior to the 1986 elections Robinson was instrumental in setting up the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) and was its chairman from December 1980 to 16 December 1986. This local government entity was established in 1980 to strengthen the position of Tobago within the unitary state of Trinidad and Tobago. His party, the DAC (and later the NAR), controlled the THA from 1980 until 2001, when the PNM gained control of the body.

Jamaat al Muslimeen coup attempt

During the 1990 coup d'état attempt by the Jamaat al Muslimeen the Prime Minister Robinson and much of his Cabinet were held hostage for six days by gunmen under the leadership of Yasin Abu Bakr. When instructed to order the army to stop firing on the Red House (the seat of Parliament where they were held hostage) Robinson instead instructed them to "Attack with full force", an action that earned him a severe beating from his captors. He was also shot in his leg.

In 1989, during the 44th Session of the UN General Assembly, he proposed the creation of a permanent international court to deal with the transnational drug trade. This eventually led to the inauguration of the International Criminal Court in 2002, commissioned to hear cases of crimes against humanity. He has received many honours for this achievement.

In June 2009, Robinson revealed he can hardly see or hear, and has great difficulty in walking. Robinson collapsed at the Church of the Assumption on 18 February 2010. He was taken to St Clair Medical Centre where he was warded at the Intensive Care Unit.

Honours

In May 2011 for his great service to this country, the airport in Tobago was renamed the A.N.R. Robinson International Airport, replacing the name "Crown Point International Airport".

In November 2011, A. N. R. Robinson was the recipient of Tobago's highest award, the Tobago Medal of Honour.

He is an Honorary Councillor of the World Future Council.

References Wikipedia

First baby born in new Scarborough Hospital

historic birth: Paula Chester-Cumberbatch, left, CEO of the Tobago Regional Health Authority,
 and Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Health Secretary Claudia Groome- Duke, second from left,
present Akeisha Victor, right,
 with a hamper following the birth of her baby girl at the Scarborough General Hospital yesterday.
 Looking on is nurse Maureen George-Samuel, second from right,
 and proud father Anslem George.
Victor was the first mother to give birth at the institution which was fully opened yesterday.
 —Photo: ELIZABETH WILLIAMS

An early Christmas present to the people of Tobago came yesterday as the Scarborough General Hospital was opened and is now fully operational.

Nine years and nine months after the sod was turned to start construction of the 100-bed hospital at Signal Hill, the facility was fully functional yesterday.

In an exercise called "Operation Nightingale", 57 patients were moved via ambulance convoy, with blaring sirens and police escorts, from the old Scarborough Regional Hospital at Fort King George, two miles away, to the new $750 million medical institution yesterday.

The first patients to arrive at the institution at 8.43 a.m. were six children who were admitted to the paediatric ward.

This was followed by the admittance of seven patients to the surgical ward, ten to the maternity ward, eight to the medical ward and 26 to the accident and emergency department.

Full services were available at 8 a.m in the neonatal department, four operating theatres, medical imaging, rehabilitation and 19 specialty services.

It also included improved security services such as an electronic locking system and baby monitors, and an improved customer service.

Eighteen new house officers, a variety of specialists and 50 nurses were added to the medical staff that served the old hospital.

The financing, construction and equipping of the hospital was the responsibility of the Central Government, with the Ministry of Health as the client.

Vissyer Providence, the mother of ten-year-old patient Jabari Phillips, said she was happy the hospital was finally open.

"They kept to their promise; they said they would move positive on the 15th, and really, they did so with a smooth transition, and I notice the nurses; they did well to put the patients together. It was very good."

Health Secretary Claudia Groome-Duke said the day was historic for Tobago and the country.

"I have seen the very first patients being removed from the Scarborough Regional Hospital to the Scarborough General Hospital, and I've also welcomed these patients to this Scarborough General Hospital," Groome-Duke said.

The first baby was also born yesterday at the hospital.

Akeisha Victor of Calder Hall, Tobago, gave birth to her third child, a bouncing baby girl, around 12.30 p.m.

The sod for the institution was turned in February 2003 by then minister of planning Dr Keith Rowley, then minister of health Colm Imbert and Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Chief Secretary Orville London.

It was originally estimated to cost $135 million.

However, there were several delays in construction, and the project was stopped in 2006 after a dispute between the project managers and the main contractor, NH International (Caribbean Ltd).

Construction restarted under a new contractor, China Railway Construction Ltd, in 2010, which was contracted to construct the buildings and supply equipment.

Reproduced from Trinidad Express

JACK FAILS TO DECLARE

National Security Minister Jack Warner has not made a declaration about his assets in the Teachers' Credit Union to the Integrity Commission within recent years.

According to a document obtained by the Sunday Express, Warner has shares in his name which were valued at $611,126.23 as at January 1, 2011.

The document, which appears to be a computer generated "member statement", gives the account number, states that Warner—a former teacher—joined the credit union in 1983, some 29 years ago, suggesting that the funds have accumulated over a considerable period of time.

The document also gives Warner's birth date and address.

However, an examination of the Register of Interests, specifically with respect to Warner's last three declarations to the Integrity Commission, did not reflect this asset.

According to his 2009, 2010 and 2011 declarations of assets, income and liabilities, Warner revealed that he received income from a government pension; distributions from Unit Trust Corporation, a salary as an MP and bank interest from Scotiabank, First Citizens' and Republic Bank.

The 2009 declaration was received by the Commission on May 28, 2010; the 2010 declaration on November 28, 2011 and the 2011 declaration on September 19, 2012.

The declarations listed Warner's directorships, the properties he owned (with his wife) and his investments.

The shares in the Teachers' Credit Union are not listed as investments either.

The list of investments includes Joe Public, Eastern Agricultural Resorts Ltd, H &Z Ltd, Jamad Maintenance Service Ltd, Reenalen Ltd, JAW Ltd, Renraw Ltd, Sportal, JAW,  Holdings Ltd, (additionally for 2011) J & D International and CCAM Ltd. 

Attempts to contact Warner were unsuccessful yesterday.

However, he had been previously briefed—two weeks ago—and declined comment on the issue.

Speaking at that time through his adviser Francis Joseph, the Minister, who had been the subject of  a FIFA investigation and who is currently the subject of a complaint filed by Fixin' TnT's Kirk Waithe with the Integrity Commission, had only this retort: "Steups. You can do what you want."

Two weeks ago Warner told the Sunday Express he had been contacted by the Commission because it had said that his Form A was incomplete and there were other issues with his Form B.

Form A is the confidential document which instructs a public officer to declare his income, assets and liabilities. It calls for complete details of the income of the public officer, his spouse (and dependent children) and requests specifically all income from jobs, dividends, properties and from other sources.

Form B also relates to sources of funds, directorships and investments. Under the Integrity in Public Life Act, public officials are required to make a full and complete declaration about this assets, income and liabilities.

However, the law makes allowances for human error and a person would only be charged if the person cannot reasonably explain why there was no declaration of the particular funds, if the person cannot reasonably explain the source of the funds, and if all the evidence appears to suggests that a false/incomplete declaration was knowingly and deliberately made to the Commission by the public official.

Two previous government officials so charged were former prime minister Basdeo Panday and former energy minister Finbar Ganga

MASS PATIENT MOVE IN TOBAGO

The Tobago Regional Health Authority will this weekend embark on a massive exercise to transfer all patients currently housed at the Scarborough Regional Hospital, Fort King George to the new Scarborough General Hospital at Signal Hill.

The 100-bed hospital at Signal Hill was handed over to the Division of Health and Social Services two weeks ago. At last Thursday's media briefing, Health Secretary Claudia Groome-Duke had announced that the new hospital would be fully operational by December 15.

In a media release issued on Friday, the Tobago Regional Authority announced the Inter-facility Transfer of Patients from Scarborough Regional Hospital to Scarborough General Hospital. This transfer of patients is scheduled for Saturday from 8 a.m. and is expected to last throughout the day.

According to the release, all patients and their families will be notified in writing of the specifics of the transfer. Pre identified family members will be notified of the status of each patient before and after the transfer. Patients will be transported via ambulance service by their respective wards. Nurses, and where necessary, physicians will accompany patients during the transfer.

To facilitate the transfer, visiting hours will be suspended on Saturday. Emergency room services will commence at the Scarborough General Hospital (Signal Hill) at 6 am on Saturday and all emergencies would be received at the Scarborough General Hospital (Signal Hill).

Operating Room and Pharmacy services will also commence at the Scarborough General Hospital on Saturday.

The controversial facility which cost taxpayers some $700 million has come under much scrutiny over the extended construction period and more recently, the delay in opening.

Questions have also been raised about the readiness of the facility for a full-fledged opening given that some of the equipment was still being tested and the uncertainty of the functioning of the incinerator. Several doctors told Tobago News that they are yet to be properly notified by the Chief Medical Officer of the transfer.

The transfer of patients would involve the police service and there is expected to be some disruption to the flow of traffic.

Reproduced from TobagoNews

Road Rage in Scarborough: More Traffic Police Needed

Motorist Seen Breaking the Law in Tobago

The Christmas season is here and with it has brought some undesirables such as increase in traffic. Traffic in and around Scarborough has become a pain staking endeavor for most motorist. With many of the minor roads closed, all traffic must now try to manuveur on the major routes. As a result many drivers are not being  discourteous and inconsiderate in their quest to escape the traffic woes. 

 However, we cannot continue to drive all unconcerned about our fellow drivers. It is for this reason, Tobagodaily is calling on the Traffic Department of the TTPS to position officers at known areas where traffic offenses are most likely to be committed.  The TTPS must endeavor to take pro-active measures to ensure that all traffic signs are observed and the all traffic laws adhered to. 

Recently, we are seeing serious infringement of the traffic laws at the junction of Wilson Road, Dutch Fort and Darrel Spring. Tobagodaily have witnessed vehicles streaming up across T&TEC and attempting to filter left even against oncoming traffic when they would have meet as far as Royal Castle. This must stop. It is a dangerous practice, it can cause severe injury to life and damages to vehicle. 

Tobagodaily therefore calls on the relevant authorities to deploy officers within this area to deal with this dangerous practice and this blatant law breaking attitude that is committed without reservation by even Taxi drivers. 

Tobago Tourism Taking Blows: Virgin Atlantic Pulls Out.

Tobago Tourism Industry is on the verge of collapsing as the British owned Virgin Atlantic Airlines announced a pull out from Tobago in March 2013. Tobago tourism has been spiraling downwards within recent years and this latest debacle is now threatening to further sabotage and damage the fragile industry. This pull out would result in a lost for local business men, for taxi drivers, the cottage industry,  lost of employment for its employees and the list can go on and on. 

Meanwhile, Minister Cadiz has cast blame on the Tobago House of Assembly for the impending pullout. He stated that on November 5, at a meeting at the World Travel Market in London, Virgin Holidays represented by Gaizka Fraser and Amanda Wills signaled the airline's move to withdraw its service from Tobago.

"At this meeting, Virgin Holidays indicated they were considering the reduced load factor and excess capacity into Tobago and the need for an increased marketing support. No decision was taken at the meeting, however, in discussions with Williams, he said, 'THA had it under control'," stated Cadiz in his letter to London. In defense, Tourism Secretary, Oswald Williams said Virgin Atlantic made no new demands of the THA before its pull-out for the summer, but requested the subsidy for the winter season.  He stated that  the airline’s decision was based on economic concerns, because its summer market in the Caribbean has been dwindling while the winter traffic proved to be more thriving.

The "blame game" between the Minister of Tourism (PP) and the Division of Tourism (PNM) continues, while the the Industry we call Tourism burns and plummet to the ground even as the Tobago economy and families depending on tourism suffers. The Tobago population particularly those concerned with Tourism hopes that THA has some timely intervention planned so as to mitigate this fall out.  

Information meeting tobagodaily is that Virgin Atlantic would now move its service to Cancun Mexico.