TTA Accused of Plagiarism

Drugs found in Car heading toTobago

TWO men and a woman were arrested on the port of Port of Spain on Monday attempted to smuggle four kilos of marijuana hidden behind the upholstery of a car destined for Tobago.

Police said that around 3.30 p.m the port police acting on information received, searched a car that was about to be driven aboard a ferry destined for Scarborough, Tobago.

While searching the car they lifted off the interior upholstery on the doors and found stuffed in the crevices were several packets of high-grade marijuana, Columbi Kush and Mr Nice Guy Kush.

The three people who arrived in the car, two men from Tobago and the woman from Trinidad were detained and taken to the Central Police Station.

AGRICULTURAL REVITALIZATION TEAM FOR TOBAGO

Assemblyman Marslyn Melville-Jack Secretary of
 Community Development Enterprise Development and Labor
 and Assemblyman Hayden Spencer Secretary
 of Food Production and Fisheries at Wednesday’s
post Executive Council media briefing (March 9, 2017).

The Division of Food Production and Fisheries will soon establish an Agricultural Revitalization Team, which will help drive the Division’s efforts to enhance food security on the island.

At Wednesday’s post Executive Council media briefing (March 9, 2017), Food Production and Fisheries Secretary Hayden Spencer announced that the Executive Council approved the initiative.

“[The team will] formulate an agricultural revitalization plan to position the agricultural sector in Tobago as a major driver for delivering sustained economic growth,” Spencer said. He added that the team will also guide public and private sector efforts to address “major development challenges facing the sector”.

The team will draw on a “network of partners, consultants and facilitate the best practices in areas” such as diversified production and the management of natural resources.

The Secretary said the agriculture revitalization team will promote a “culture of learning” in his Division, and place focus on “evidence-based programs”.

Spencer said an example of this culture of learning included the Youth Apprenticeship Program in Agriculture ((YAPA) at the Kendal Farm School, which trains young people in both crop and livestock production.

Source: THA

Barjan Politicians Hails from Bethel Tobago

Shamfa Cudjoe Minister of Tourism and Delmon Baker, former
Minister of Tobago Development

Political Barjans: Bethel has long been known for being a depressed area and for being a crime hot spot in Tobago. Though surrounded somewhat by the coastal beauty of Mt. Irvine and the tranquility and serenity of Carnbee and SouSou lands, the aggression usually consistent within certain strata of society were seen displayed by persons who held and are currently holding high office.

Such was the case yesterday when current Member of Parliament and Tourism Minister Shamfa Cudjoe and former Member of Parliament and Tobago Affairs Minister Dr. Delmon Baker were caught throwing repulsive comments at each other.

Perhaps Tobago is a mill that produces poor examples of politicians or political 'barjans', or perhaps the two were exhibiting repressed social influence, a bi-product of the socialization and influence of their village. Even if neither is not the case, (and we hope so) the truth remains that both former and current MPs via their ugly exchange on social media are indulging in dishonorable behavior.

Indeed it is a poor display of statesmanship when politicians aspire to conduct themselves and engage in a manner that is unbecoming and unseemly. What are the benefits accrued by such irresponsibility? Likes? Support from those you should be an example to? Or is it a ploy to raise the 'ant nest' of blind followers before the THA's election?

It is embarrassing enough for Tobago to be labeled as 'backward' but it is even worst when persons of such caliber, through childish behavior adds meaning to such a label. What is left for our youths to emulate?

We the Tobago Daily cannot support,justify or condoned such aggressive behavioral display,whether virtually or otherwise. It leaves much to be desired and certainly not fitting for persons who aspire to or hold high office.

What we demand is that our politicians (whether in government or not) act with high esteem, morality, integrity and goodwill. We demand that the actions our politicians be honest, fair and worthy of respect. We demand that you perform your duties not only as Ministers, but as examplers and as a role model to our youths.

Get your crooked act together, desist from such frivolous and unprofessional social indulgences. Turn your attention to more productive social media activities. There are members of your constituency and village who are suffering and need your assistance. Always keep in mind that to whom much is given, much is required.

Health Saga in Tobago

Dr. Maria Dillon-Remy 

The Director of Medicine on the Tobago Regional Health Authority Board, Dr Maria Dillon-Remy yesterday tendered her resignation from the board with immediate effect.

The T&T Guardian understands that Dillon-Remy cited personal reasons for her resignation. 

However, the decision comes on the heels of the announcement that three doctors had been suspended by the TRHA over their involvement in the c-section surgery and subsequent death of nursery school principal Rose Gordon 35, of Charlotteville. 

Dillon-Remy, a pediatrician, has been attached to the TRHA since 1997 and reportedly plans to return to her private practice.

Dillon-Remy was a part of a nine-member board which was given their instruments of appointment in March 2014. The life of the board was expected to last two years and was scheduled to be dissolved in March this year.

In November 2014, mere eight months after the board was constituted, the chairman, Trevor Craig, also resigned. 

At the time, Craig said the “dishonest” actions of the Secretary of Health and Social Services, Claudia Groome-Duke, prompted his resignation. 

His resignation came after a row over the payment of a $1,000 telephone allowance to the board members. 

Since then, deputy chair Lydia Peters has been acting as board chair.

With the loss of two board members, however, the TRHA board is now not properly constituted and can no longer function.

Efforts to contact Groome-Duke yesterday were unsuccessful as she did not answer her cellphone nor return messages.

Source:TrinidadGuardian

Tobago Villa Makes Forbes Magazine

Villa Being, photo taken from Forbes

Tobago has made it to one of America's largest and most prestigious Business magazines, Forbes. If you are probably wondering what is the significance of such an entry in the "capitalist tool", consider that the site is frequented by 27 million unique individuals every month, something that might be equivalent to the reach of several years of Tourism Division's advertisement of this island.

Featured in the Lifestyle Section of the Magazine is story on one of our vacation destinations dubbed as "The Most Fabulous Vacation Villa in Tobago: Villa Being". This Villa is located in the lush tropical hills some where in Arnos Vale.

As at the time of writing, Forbes would have recorded approximately 16,000 views of this entry. This exposure is equivalent to approximately 26% of Tobago's population.

TobagoDaily joins with the rest of Tobago in saying that we are proud in seeing such gratifying achievement of our very own, published in one of the world's most renowned marketing magazine. Expectantly, we hope that it can contribute in further exposing our most beautiful and serene Island to the world amidst the claims of falling arrivals and hotel bookings for Tobago.

Click link to read the full Article 

BAD START:Tobago Records 1st Maternal Death

Scarborough General Hospital 

The Tobago Regional Health Authority has come under heavy criticism once again as Tobago records its first Maternal Death for 2016. Dead is 35 year old Rose Gordon of Charlotteville, Tobago. 

It is being reported that lack of blood was a major problem during her C-section, the baby survived and is in the neonatal unit at the hospital. A Postmortem would be conducted on the body today to determine the actual cause of death.

Tobago, a Crime Haven!

Once again the capacity of the Tobago Police force has been called into question. Yesterday the double murder of Richard and Grace Wheeler shock the foundations of the quiet community of Carnbee and instantly send trimmers of conversations around the island and popular social media platforms.  The serenity of Tobago was broken,  the murders became a trending topic,  pessimistic pundits and clairvoyants of doom pronounced on the impending impact to tourism, Tobago's bread and butter.  Surely, there must be an advisory.  But amids the thick sludge of pandemonium and prophetic pronouncements of doom, there was one aspect that stood out, perhaps not to many but deserving of highlight. 

With almost an immediate response,  the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) summoned a team the Homicide Bureau led by   Snr Supt Oswald Cudjoe to spear head investigation in Tobago. At one end this may be seen as welcomed reinforcements to the Homicide officers located in Tobago, however on the other side, it can been perceived as an inadequacy of the Tobago police officers to properly conduct investigative activities and speaks to the capacity and in some cases the competence of the officers stationed in Tobago.  Indeed this is not an isolated development, but somewhat a recurring decimal over the years that questions the functional capacity of Tobago's police officers and their ability and preparedness to investigative "serious" crimes.  Surely, one can question whether this move is as a result of the many unsolved murders in the island of Tobago.   

In recent times, Tobago have seen a marked increase in murders and crimes that includes the use of guns.  Numerous heinous crimes against visitors and nationals have gone unsolved in Tobago. Tobago's very own Mr. Mt. Pleasant,  the two young men who were discovered by a religious leader at French fort in 2009, Kenneth George and his partner Daislyn Hunte who were shot dead at their home, Patrick Dickson, Nigel Fraser shot dead in the capital of Tobago at his business in broad day light, and the list can go on and on.  Tobago murder toll at times reaching a figure of 15 more than one per month.  Visitors and Foreigners living on the island has not been spared as they too have become easy targets of criminals. German nationals Hubertus Keil and his wife Birgid Keil were hacked death at Bacolet Bay. The Greens, in 2009 also fell victims to vicious attacks of criminals though surviving. Peter Taut, a German national was beaten to death and buried near his home at Bacolet, and in 2008, Swedish couple Anna Sundsval, 62, and her companion Ake Alsoon, 73, were chopped to death at Bon Accord.  Sadly, most of these crimes remain unsolved with an explanation of robbery as the usual motive.  

Theorists of rational choice provides a macro and micro perspective on crime in that persons choose to engage in crime because it can be rewarding, easy, satisfying and fun. Moreover, central to this theory,is the premise that people are rational beings whose behaviour can be controlled or modified by a fear of punishment. But how can these criminals be punished if at first we cannot catch them? The likelihood of being caught and prosecuted is low and thus  the island has become a safe haven for criminals. 

  

Indeed, the island has become a "crime haven", where criminals are almost assured a free ticket of not being caught. The island's boarders are porous beyond imagination, and security forces reflects a weaken state with detection levels low and murders and other serious crimes remain unsolved.  Certainly, crime should not be addressed for the sole reason of Tourism or for international "prettiness", but rather crime should be addressed firstly for the safety and peace of its citizens and the prosperity of the nation. The time has come not only for reflection and introspection but also action. Action must be taken to restore peace to Tobago. Action must be taken to strengthen the security apparatus on the island and increase the training to officers and equipping them with the necessary tools to function optimally. Plans should move apace to make Tobago's boarders impermeable. Its time to send a strong signal to those would-be criminals, let them feel a sense of unease, create an atmosphere restlessness in them that stifles criminal intent and return Tobago to its calm, let the citizens breath again, let them enjoy the serenity they once knew. 

Tobago demands more of its officers. 

Tobago begins Sargassum Clean-Up

Workmen were in action yesterday as efforts continue to relieve the Tobago communities most affected by waves of Sargassum seaweed.

This comes on the heels of the recent announcement by the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) that $3 million has been budgeted to tackle the massive influx of Sargassum on Tobago’s Atlantic coastline. 

Speyside is one of the villages where workers yesterday used backhoes and garden tools to clear the rotting sargassum, placing it into trucks to be disposed of. 

Manager of Blue Waters Inn, Curtis Lee, thanked the THA for its quick response to the matter, adding efforts made a tremendous difference at his resort, although he admitted that business has been as usual. 

“The guy came, who the THA sent for us, operated the backhoe for about three days and he was able to clear a substantial amount and since he left last Saturday, we have been doing the minor clean-up of the little Sargassum that keeps coming up but the beach looks lovely. 

The guests of the hotel have been complimenting the staff and the guy with the backhoe and the guests now have a beach to relax on and enjoy.” Lee is hopeful that in the future should they be another “outbreak” it would be dealt with in the same manner. 

“As you all know, it is unpredictable and I would hope that in the future should we get another Sargassum outbreak, as I would call it, that the response would be the same as what we had,” he said. 

Residents told Newsday that little or no information is being communicated about possible health risks from Sargassum. 

“I notice when I am driving my vehicle from here going out of the village and I get to Studley Park, it is like I want to sleep. 

We are not seeing any doctor or health worker to explain to us the effects of this crisis. We need more advice because we have children and pregnant women. It is really affecting all of us, we cannot sleep at nights, many of us get an unwell feeling, vomiting and other things,” one man said. 

THA Secretary of Tourism and Transportation Tracey Davidson- Celestine, in a press release, said her Division continues to work alongside clean-up teams to ensure the impact on residents and visitors is minimised. 

She is also assuring visitors that Tobago’s tourism is not diminished by the naturally occurring Sargassum seaweed. 

The Secretary said the island continues to be an inviting place for those seeking to get away from the ordinary.  

Excerpt taken from T&T Newsdays

Tobago's West Coast escapes SeaWeed Invasion

Tobago Western Coast Escapes SeaWeed: ALL is not lost this tourist season as Tobago’s Caribbean Sea coast has remained seaweed-free, Secretary of Tourism and Transportation Tracey Davidson-Celestine has said.

The mounds of stinky, reddish Sargassum deposits making news in the region have heavily impacted Tobago’s Atlantic side, however, prompting the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) to pledge up to $3 million for clean-ups in the coming months.

Davidson-Celestine said in a media release yesterday that the Caribbean side of the island is still “all rays of sunshine, clean sandy beaches and clear waters for visitors”.

“People who come to Tobago don’t come only for the sun and sea the island has to offer,” Davidson-Celestine said. “They also come for the warmth, for the culture and activities Tobago is so well known for, and for the authentic island experience.

“Even though the Atlantic side is affected by the Sargassum, beachgoers and divers are enjoying our beautiful beaches and clear waters, which have remained unaffected by the seaweed. We are optimistic that through our collaboration we will be able to cope with this natural phenomenon.”

The THA has declared the naturally-occurring algae bloom, which has been washing ashore in massive volumes since earlier this year, as a “natural disaster”.

The Assembly has engaged the services of a number of heavy equipment operators, who are working every day to remove the mounds of seaweed that have washed ashore.

Director of the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, Linford Beckles, has spearheaded efforts to relieve those communities most affected and has reiterated the commitment of the Division of Agriculture, Marine Affairs, Marketing and the Environment to work until the beaches are cleared.

Beckles said the seaweed that has washed ashore has formed a “wall”, preventing the remaining seaweed from coming inland.

Removing the seaweed from the beach will allow the THA to collect all of the seaweed and dispose of it responsibly.

Sites at remote areas near Speyside — at the Laow Estate and at Murchiston — have already been identified and the seaweed is being transported to those locations for disposal.

Beckles said residents have also joined the campaign to clear the beaches.

“I have been in Speyside every single day since we had this amount of seaweed coming in and I’ve observed quite a number of the residents manually removing a lot of the stuff,” Beckles said.

Turned off tourists

“They would have been able to do a tremendous amount of work and they should be congratulated. We look forward to this kind of involvement.”

Sargassum is one of two species of brown algae commonly found in the Caribbean.

It does not attach to the ocean floor and is free-moving with ocean currents.

It originates from the Sargasso Sea in the open North Atlantic Ocean near Bermuda, as well as the Northern Gulf of Mexico, which is estimated to hold up to ten million metric tonnes of sargassum.

The current proliferation affecting the Caribbean, including Trinidad’s east coast, is due to a rise in water temperatures and low winds, which affect ocean currents. However, some research has linked the spread to pollution and global climate change.

Decomposing sargassum emits a strong, foul odour and leaves a layer of blackened deposit after it breaks down but is not toxic.

It does not typically cause skin or other irritation but is a nuisance to beachgoers and its presence is reportedly turning off potential tourists this season.

Sargassum does not necessarily affect the same location in the Caribbean all year and it is not known whether next year could bring another influx.

Signs from the Eastern Caribbean suggest there will be sargassum in the region periodically in 2015 and proposals are ongoing for the creation of a prediction system.

Though problematic to an unprepared Caribbean, sargassum occurs naturally on beaches in smaller quantities and plays a vital role in beach nourishment and shoreline stability.

Excerpt taken from T&Texpress.

Four Primary Boys In Tobago Rapes 12 Year old Girl

Four primary school boys have been charged in connection with the rape of a 12-year-old female

pupil in Tobago.

The boys appeared before Magistrate Cheryl Ann Antoine yesterday in the Scarborough Magistrates' Court.

They were not called upon to plead as the charges were laid indictably.

They were placed on $60,000 bail with surety in the care of their parents and the matter has been adjourned to July 17.

The four, ranging in ages from 11 to 13, were charged with kidnapping and sexual assault of the girl.

According to Scarborough police, the incident occurred on the afternoon of May 15 at Friendsfield, as the girl was returning from netball practice.

She was jumped from behind, dragged into some nearby bushes and raped repeatedly.

The child later raised an alarm and was supported by passers-by who rushed her to Scarborough General Hospital.

Source:trinidadexpress

Scarborough Library Opened

The controversial decade-old Scarborough Library has now been completed  at a cost of over $86 million, double the original estimated cost. 

Construction of the spanking new building which started in 2004 was finally opened to members of the public yesterday.

It has been a long wait as many thought it would have never been a reality, but the final of three mega projects by the present PNM-led Tobago House of Assembly (THA) has been delivered to the people of Tobago. 

Following an earthquake in 1997, the library facility was damaged considerably and later demolished. Head of Library Services Tobago, Helen Johnson, told the Express the building is also accommodating wheelchair bound persons and the visually impaired. 

“It’s a big sense of relief. We have been in Signal Hill since 2000, so it’s good to be able to come back to Scarborough and once again offer the full range of services to the members of the public,” Johnson said. 

Education Secretary Huey Cadette was observed sitting through a story-telling session in the presence of former senator Dr Eastlyn McKenzie. 

He called the opening of the facility a significant one under his tenure.   “I am extremely proud. I think this is a step into the future, a significant step into the future for all of Tobago, young people, children, youth of yesterday, young adults, everyone. The visually impaired, everyone can find a peace at the library,” Huey Cadette said. 

Among the sections of the library are the Eastlyn McKenzie Children’s Library, the Anne Mitchell-Gift Auditorium,  the James  Biggart Adult Library and the Susan Graig-James Heritage Library.  

McKenzie had this message for the children of Tobago: “Let them come in, let them read, let them research and let them be inspired by the people who they would see.” 

The Library is open to members of the public from 8.30 a.m, Monday to Saturday. 

Source:trinidadexpress

Shaw Park Cultural Complex Opening

Shaw Park Cultural Complex-Tobago
Photo by: Anthony R. Hector

A gala ceremony is being planned for the official commissioning of the multi-million dollar Shaw Park cultural facility in March 2015.

The official commissioning will be preceded by a thanksgiving entitled: "United in Praise" at 6.30 p.m. on February 3 to which all religions and their followers will be invited to attend; as well as the Inter-department personality and calypso show on February 5.

It is going to be the largest such facility in this part of the Caribbean seating 5,000 and is expected to bring significant benefits to Tobago through the hosting of all carnival-type and cultural activities, facilitate entertainment and convention tourism and indoor sport activities.

Following the commissioning the facility will be the venue for a sports festival in March, a jazz festival event in April and the heritage festival in July, all hosted by the Assembly. Other organisations have already booked the use of the facility the weeks following the commissioning.

An interim management committee headed by former Tourism Division events coordinator John Arnold has been appointed to operate the facility.

There will be restrictions on the consumption of food and drink within the large air conditioned auditorium which is also a no smoking environment. Special food and drink bars will be established for use by patrons at certain events.

Source:THA

Double Murder in Tobago

THE BODIES of a man and woman believed to be murdered were found on a beach in Bacolet, Tobago at around midday.

The identities of the persons were not yet known, police said, and the killings brought the murder toll in Tobago to seven for the year, the highest it has been for any given year in recent times.

In July, taxi-driver Curtis James, 60 was found dead was smothered to death with a pillow during what police believe was a robbery.

Also in July another taxi-driver Dain Kent, and Trinidadian businessman Nigel “Redman” Frasier were also killed.

On January 1, Toco resident Curtis Lovelace was stabbed to death and in October a head less was found in Mason Les Coteaux road.

Tobago Constitutional Reform a Political Scam

And the Game of Political Football continues, while the people of Tobago Suffers! Another Non Useful Exercise of Constitutional Ole Talk begins, courtesy, Minister Baker through the Ministry of Tobago Development. So Go ahead Tobago, indulge your self, be kicked like the Football you have settled to become, and when the game is ended, you'll recognized that you have lost the match in a worst manner than Brazil's shameful defeat.

Its only a week after branding the Constitutional reform (which was accepted by the Prime Minister) as illegal, that the Ministry of Tobago Development is seeking to present and initiate another design to engaged Tobagonians in the same process that was concluded mere months ago, and to which they categorically refused to be part of.  What sort of Duplication of effort is this? What sort of Wastage is this? both of time and resources! What sort of Tobagonian are you? This is Scandalous and Tobago must WAKE UP! Constitutional Reform has become a Political Game, and your well-being and future remains in the doldrums, because of some Over-Educated, Egocentric Few. 

Tobago, the only way out and forward is a resounding unified front. But this unified front does not exist in the leadership of any Political Party, it rests in the hands of the Masses, NGO's and other non partisan groups whom they have used and reused (for political expediency) over and over again. Time enough to send a resounding 'no nonsense' message, to those bent on keeping the island of Tobago in an everlasting state of Underdevelopment. Let them know that you are not prepared to compromise your future nor your children's future at the expense of these never ending Political Wars. Let them know that you are not prepared to sit idly by and be tossed like a 'shaft which the wind driveth away'. 

Stand up for your Rights, Stand up for your Future and your Children's Future. Let Your Voices be Heard. Stand up and Defend your Dignity and your Island against these Political Soucouyants.    

Big Big Piece of Tobago for Sale

In the UK daily mail a sizable portion of the North East of Tobago was seen for sale. The parcel of land is a 300-acre estate off the coast of L'Anse Fourmi with a stunning market price of £10m or 106 Million TT. 

The add stated "Forget spending a few thousand pounds for a brief stay in paradise on a Caribbean island... buy your own piece of idyllic coastline....". The add further advised those with deep pockets to take advantage of this offer and secure a chance to own piece of the Island. 

The land in question is located near the Tobago Main Ridge Forest Reserve, which is one of the oldest protected national parks and is blessed with the scenic views of the Caribbean sea's coastline, sandy beaches and crystal clear blue waters. 

This sizable portion of Tobago is prime to fall in the hands of Aliens, who more or less may not have the best interest of the island at heart, but somehow sees this a profit making capitalist endeavor. Nevertheless, the current owners, Anse Fourmi Beach Resorts Ltd, are willing to consider a joint venture with suitable partners or an outright sale of their freehold interest. 

Currently, the Tobago House of Assembly has made the process of land ownership by Aliens a tedious process. Through the Tobago land Acquisition Order 2007, all foreign investors desirous of purchasing any land in Tobago are required to obtain a licence. However, Six regions on the island of Tobago were designated as tourism related development areas they include: 

 Arnos Vale and Culloden Estate;

·    Bacolet Estate;

·    Buccoo and Golden Grove Estate;

·    Englishman’s Bay;

·    Lowlands (including the Tobago Plantations Development) and Diamond Estate; and

·    Mount Irvine and Grafton Estate. 

Currently, L' Ance Fourmi is not on the list and any application for investor may have to endure a process that is very lengthy.

READ MORE:Here

Bertille St Clair, robbed

Third robbery: Former national football coach and retired school teacher Bertille St Clair
outside his home at Pascal Village, Lambeau, yesterday.
 On Tuesday, St Clair was tied up and robbed by two masked bandits armed with guns.
 —Photo: ELIZABETH WILLIAMS

A search is on for two men who tied up and robbed 72-year-old former national football coach and retired schoolteacher Bertille St Clair on Tuesday at his home in Pascal Village, Lambeau, Tobago.

Officers said this was the third time St Clair—a mentor to former Trinidad and Tobago captain and Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke and seve­ral other national senior and youth players—had been robbed of his valuabl­es. A female relative told the Express the latest incident occurred shortly after noon, when St Clair was returning home to have lunch. According to police reports, St Clair was jumped from behind by two masked bandits armed with guns, upon arrival at his home. He was pushed to the ground, assaulted and a gun placed to his head. The bandits then tied him up. Signature jewelry, including rings, gold ID bands and chains, along with jewelry belonging to his wife, Jackie St Clair, and a number of alcoholic beverages from his in-house bar were taken. Valuables to the tune of $14,000 were stolen. St Clair later freed himself and drove to Scarborough Police Station, where a report was made.

When the Express visited St Clair yesterday, he was in good spirits, doing some chores around his home.

He said while he did not go to Scarborough General Hospital on Tuesday, it was his intention to visit yesterday to have an X-ray on his back. The incident occurred in the vicinity of Sylphil Home in Love, a home that cares for abandoned children. 

Acting Corporal Tafewa Daniel of the Scarborough station is spearheading investigations.

Source:trinidadexpress

LionFish Hunting Competition on for this weekend in Tobago

A LIONFISH hunting competition is scheduled to take place in Tobago this weekend in an attempt to

get rid of the invasive alien species.

Registration for the “Lionfish Derby” will take place at the Charlotteville Bandstand from 4 p.m. today.

Hunters will be rewarded for catching the largest, smallest and most lionfish.

An invasive alien species is an animal or plant whose introduction outside its natural habitat threatens biological diversity.

In July 2012 the first lionfish was captured off Castara in Tobago.

“Ecological impacts of the lionfish include the decline of biodiversity and resilience of coral reefs as well as the reduction of important species such as herbivores and forage fishes,” a release from the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) stated.

“Socioeconomic impacts of the lionfish include economic losses for commercial fishermen and potential impacts to stock rebuilding efforts for commercially important species.”

The IMA stated that the human health impacts “include stings from the lionfish”.

“Symptoms include hypertension, hypotension, seizures, chest pain, abdominal pain, swelling, pain and temporary paralysis of extremities. The long-term impacts of repeated envenominations are unknown,” the release said.

In April the IMA received approval from the Green Fund for $3.9 million for the project to control and manage the lionfish.

“For the duration of the one year project, the IMA will be working with the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) as well as the Association of Tobago Divers (ATDO) and several stakeholders including fishing associations, fisherfolk and divers,” the release stated.

This weekend will be the first lionfish derby.

“The competition will be open to certified scuba divers, free divers, snorkelers and generally anyone who is familiar with handling the lionfish,” the release stated.

“For those who do not participate in the derby they can come and learn about the lionfish, taste lionfish and view the live lionfish on display.”

Source:trinidadexpress

HIV AIDS On the Increase in Tobago

HIV/Aids cases are on the increase in Tobago, Dr Mentor Melville said yesterday. Melville, who is the general manager of primary care on the island, told the Express he was not at all happy with the findings.

As a result, he said, he was calling on people to practice safe sex and get tested. Melville spoke at the start of the annual Friends of the Tobago Aids Society (FOTAS) Aids walk from the Dwight Yorke Stadium to the Store Bay Beach facility. Hundreds attended the walk, the theme of which was “Prevention Is The Key To Protect You And Me”.

Also speaking at the event was Health Secretary Claudia Groome-Duke, who said a healthy lifestyle is everybody’s business. There was also a candle-lighting ceremony in memory of those who lost their lives to the disease.

Groome-Duke called on citizens to act responsibly.
“It impacts on all of us, on our family in the workplace, our individuals, and that is why we are committed to bring about the changes, behaviour changes that would increase the prevention and provide for the services for all of us here in Tobago,” she said.

THA Chief Secretary Orville London called on the population to reflect.
“I want us to see this as a walk for Tobagonians to reflect on their control over their own lives and their own destiny,” London said.

He said the walk must be one of self-control and self-discipline. “I want us all to note that the success of this exercise is not just about the number of people who attended. This is about what we do after we leave here.”

Source:trinidadexpress

TSTT expands Operations in Tobago

TELECOMMUNICATION Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT) is nearing the completion of what will be the company’s largest customer experience store in Trinidad and Tobago.

The blink/ bmobile retail offices at Gulf City Mall in Lowlands Tobago will be completed in a few weeks to complement the other two major mall locations in Trincity Mall and West Mall, Trinidad. 

The company’s investment in the blink | bmobile Experience Store in Tobago is part of TSTT’s expanded scope of activities in the sister isle to modernise its operations and customer service there, a statement from TSTT said. 

TSTT has completed significant infrastructure works in Tobago that include a new fibre optic network that encircles the island and expanding fibre optic access and wireless broadband access to more communities. These projects are part of the goal for achieving 95 percent broadband coverage of Trinidad and Tobago. 

In addition to relocating its customer service operations to Gulf City Mall Lowlands, the company will also open a payment centre at its Scarborough Exchange on Main Street that will continue to serve customers Monday to Friday between the hours of 8 am and 4 pm. 

TSTT also said it has continued to keep the representing workers’ union, Communication Workers Union (CWU), fully informed of its progress in the relocation exercise. Management and CWU representatives have visited the experience store and the Scarborough Exchange Payment Centre and the company continues to receive the CWU’s feedback on provisions to be made for staff and customers at these locations, TSTT said.

Source:newsdaytrinidad.