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3/1/2025, 2:27:04 PM

http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/imbert-drops-probe-against-auditor-general-6.2.2244906.1576a2f9ab *Imbert drops probe against Auditor General* The fate of a lawsuit over a decision to include Auditor General Jaiwantie Ramdass in an investigation into the handling of a misrepresentation of revenue in the national accounts is now unclear, after the Cabinet decided to scrap aspects of the probe related to her. The Cabinet’s decision was announced by the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs in a press release yesterday. It noted that while Ramdass was pursuing legal action over being subjected to the probe, the investigative committee led by retired High Court Judge David Harris continued their work in relation to its terms of reference that were not the subject of her case. It said the team had submitted its final report, which it claimed “helpfully discloses what went wrong and satisfactorily explained the understatement.” “The Cabinet, having since commenced consideration of the Investigative Committee findings, is satisfied that its report has adequately identified the contributing factors to the revenue understatement and provided recommendations to strengthen financial oversight and, will be receiving from the Minister of Finance, a note with suggestions and recommendations,” it said. It suggested that based on the development, the Cabinet determined that Ramdass’ legal proceedings, which are currently pending before Justice Joan Charles, will not “inform the issues” already addressed by the committee, while incurring further legal costs and judicial time. “Accordingly, the Cabinet has taken the decision not to proceed further with the Terms of Reference referred to above pertaining to the Auditor General,” it stated. “The Government remains committed to implementing the necessary measures to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the country’s financial reporting and to uphold the integrity of our public institutions,” it added. While the release appeared to suggest that Ramdass’ pending case was no longer necessary, her lawyer Anand Ramlogan, SC, said his team would have to consider the Government’s “capitulation” before making a final decision. Ramlogan said: “We will carefully assess the terms of the Government’s concession in this matter to determine whether it amounts to appropriate vindication to her rights.” He pointed out that Ramdass brought a judicial review challenging her inclusion and a constitutional claim alleging she was a victim of bullying, intimidation and harassment and claiming declarations and compensation. “We are interested to know whether the Government will also defend that matter all the way to the Privy Council, or whether this concession equally applies to her constitutional claim,” he said. However, he declined to comment further on the cases still before the courts. Stating that Ramdass is an example to all independent public officers, Ramlogan said: “We congratulate Ms Ramdass on her resounding legal victory and are pleased to be of service to her in her journey for justice.” In a statement issued late yesterday, Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar called on Cabinet to order a probe into Finance Minister Colm Imbert’s handling of the situation. Stating that it (the situation) was a blot on this country’s democracy, Persad-Bissessar said, “Mr Imbert’s attempts to intimidate, harass, and bully Auditor General Jaiwantie Ramdass backfired spectacularly when Ms Ramdass decided to stand up and defend herself and the Constitution from the Government’s unwarranted political attack.” She added, “We demand answers from the Government on whether Imbert’s conduct will be subject of an independent investigation, and the amount of money wasted on this matter.” She also pointed out that the AG’s Office did not disclose when the Cabinet received the investigative report. About the Case The dispute between Ramdass and the Ministry of Finance arose in April last year, after the ministry sought to deliver amended public accounts which sought to explain a reported $2.6 billion underestimation in revenue. Ramdass initially refused receipt, as she claimed she needed legal advice on whether she could accept them after the January statutory deadline for submission. Ramdass eventually accepted the records and dispatched audit staff to verify them. She then submitted her original annual report to Parliament, which was based on the original records. In subsequent legal correspondence between the parties, Ramdass claimed her audit team was unable to reconcile the amended records based on documents it audited. She also contended that the amended records appeared to be backdated to the original statutory deadline in January. Ramdass also took issue with the fact that the discrepancy was initially estimated at $3.4 billion. Finance Minister Imbert repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. His lawyers claimed the reconciliation after the initial estimate revealed that the variance was in fact $2,599,278,188.72, which was attributed to Value Added Tax (VAT), Individual, Business Levy and Green Fund Levy contributions. They also claimed that cheques in relation to the approximate $780 million difference between the initial and final estimated variances, attributed it to tax refund cheques to taxpayers issued for the 2022 financial year being cashed in the financial year 2023. They attributed the error to a switch from a manual to electronic cheque-clearing system by the Central Bank. They claimed there was no backdating, as they noted the allegation was made because a document related to the original public accounts was inadvertently included in the revised documents. They also contended that Ramdass acted illegally in initially refusing to accept the amended accounts. However, they claimed their client had, for the time being, decided against taking legal action against her for it. Imbert eventually agreed to lay the original report in Parliament and did so on May 24. His decision was based on the understanding that Ramdass would issue a special report clarifying her initial report based on the amended records provided. The report was eventually supplied but Ramdass maintained the concerns raised in her initial report. In laying the special report in Parliament, Imbert opposed comments made by Ramdass in an affidavit in her case, in which she claimed her ability to perform a proper audit and verify the issues that caused the error was hampered, as she was allegedly blocked by the Central Bank from accessing its electronic cheque- clearing system. Ramdass first filed a separate pending constitutional case over her ability to seek independent legal advice and representation, to be paid for by the State. She then filed a judicial review lawsuit challenging Imbert’s decision to include her in the probe into what transpired and the fairness of it. Ramdass was refused leave to pursue the case by High Court Judge Westmin James. His decision was overturned by the Court of Appeal, leading to an appeal from Imbert to the Privy Council. In November last year, five Law Lords dismissed the appeal. They gave their decision without even hearing from Ramdass’ lawyers on the date of the hearing but delivered written reasons for their decision earlier this month. Lady Ingrid Simler, who wrote the judgment, said it was unfortunate that Imbert challenged Ramdass’ ability to pursue the case instead of allowing a judge to weigh in on it. She took issue with the fact that Imbert recommended the investigation, helped select the investigation team, set their terms of reference, was responsible for their remuneration, and was expected to receive their report. “Notwithstanding his own role as minister of the department responsible for the understatement, and the fact that the investigation is capable of apportioning blame as between his department and that of the Auditor General, his conduct is not targeted for investigation in any of the terms of reference, whereas the conduct of the Auditor General is. It is arguable that this has the appearance of a one-sided investigation seeking to deflect attention or blame away from the minister,” Lady Simler said. When the case came up a day after the Privy Council delivered its written judgment, Justice Joan Charles gave directions for the filing of submissions and reserved May 12 to deliver her judgment. Ramdass was also represented by Kent Samlal, Natasha Bisram, and Aasha Ramlal. *By Derek Achong* *Senior Reporter*

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3/1/2025, 2:27:02 PM

http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/ag-cop-ttps-not-to-blame-for-dismissal-of-charges-against-trio-in-ssa-matter-6.2.2244852.2c13f0d7e8 *Ag CoP: TTPS not to blame for dismissal of charges against trio in SSA matter* Acting Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin says the police service cannot be held accountable for the eventual outcome of cases after they are heard in court. Responding to the decision by High Court Master Kimitra Gray last week to dismiss charges against former self-confessed spy, Pastor Ian Brown; security advisor Suzanne Portel-Griffith; and policeman Sherwin Waldron in matters related to their conduct at the Strategic Services Agency (SSA), Benjamin defended his officers, as he said they had done their part in the investigation involving the trio. He also reassured the public that the T&T Police Service (TTPS) has and will continue to do due diligence in any and all investigations before it. Speaking during a media briefing at the Police Administration Building, Port-of-Spain, yesterday, Benjamin said officers had no control over the court and what is decided as investigations progressed, and cannot be held accountable for how the matter ended. “The TTPS, we did all that we needed to be done in this matter. And, therefore, this matter is presently engaging the attention of the DPP’s office and we would await any further advice in the matter coming from the DPP’s office but the TTPS...let me make it emphatically clear that we did all that we needed to do in this matter.” The trio was charged last May with misbehaviour in public office, following the alleged transfer of four prohibited TTPS-owned firearms to the SSA. The charges were dismissed after prosecutors in the matter failed to comply with court procedures. Regarding the ongoing investigation involving suspended Commissioner of Police Erla Christopher-Harewood, Benjamin said investigators were complying with “further advice that was given to us,” by the Director of Public Prosecutions. He confirmed, “We are working on that as we speak and (when) we are finished, we will return to the DPP to get further advice on the matter.” *By Anna-Lisa Paul*

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3/1/2025, 2:27:05 PM

http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/hairdresser-21-hospitalised-after-acid-attack-6.2.2244848.f5752dc8fb *Hairdresser, 21, hospitalised after acid attack* A 21-year-old hairdresser is being treated for chemical burns after she was attacked by two women who doused her with acid, after accusing her of socialising with men they knew. Speaking with Guardian Media yesterday, Galia Noel, the aunt of Jessie James, confirmed her niece was contacted by one of the women who asked for an appointment to style her hair in Belmont. James was reportedly met by a woman on Wednesday, who identified herself as a relative of the person making the appointment, and taken to a track where she was confronted. During the altercation, the women accused James of speaking with men they knew and threw two steaming cups containing an unknown liquid on her. They then ran off. Noel said she was told by her niece that she screamed for help and was assisted by two women who took her to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital where she remained up to yesterday. Noel said she was deeply hurt by the incident, describing her niece as a “gentle, soft soul” who did not deserve such violence. “The two eyes were affected as well as her lip and the softer parts of her face. “Her two eyes are bruised on the outside, she can’t open it for too long, but when she does you can see how the eyes are bulging, they are both very red. “She can see in one eye but it’s a bit fuzzy, but she can’t see through the other one at all.” Noel said she was deeply disappointed that women would perpetrate such a vicious attack on another woman. “Whoever did this is a hypocrite because they’re trying to damage another woman. “Even if whatever they accused her of is true, they didn’t decide to have a civilised conversation, they attacked her in the most gruesome way because this could have been worse.” Noel said police took a statement from her on Thursday afternoon. *By Shane Superville*

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3/1/2025, 2:27:05 PM

http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/kambule-producers-teach-young-people-their-history-6.2.2244879.5035941202 *Kambule producers: Teach young people their history* The producers of Kambule say young people want to know their history. In fact, they say they are often angry when they do learn it because they feel they should have been taught this at an earlier age. Speaking yesterday at the conclusion of the Kambule Street Play on Piccadilly Greens, Port-of-Spain, show producer Attillah Springer said their team had to do a lot of emotional work helping their actors come to terms with their history. She said, “There is a need for this information, this education that is not didactic, that’s not in a book, in a textbook. And of course, the textbooks don’t have us in them anyway.” She said the play provided an opportunity for them to learn in a way that was also entertaining and they were very receptive to the information. “The young people, when they start to learn what we have to say, they get really angry,” Springer said. “Because the education system is not teaching them that about themselves.” The Idakeda Group, formed by Pearl Eintou Springer and her daughters Dara Healy and Attillah, are the producers of Kambule, now 20 years old. Healy said they are committed to spreading the message of educating through Carnival. The audience seemed to enjoy it. Many were seen singing and swaying throughout the roughly 90-minute production, which Idakea described as a ritual enactment of the 1881 riot. The play describes how the people of East Port-of-Spain confronted the police commissioner at the time, Captain Baker, who attempted to use force to stop their Carnival celebrations. The residents matched and bested Baker, earning their right to “play mas.” The actual confrontation took place on Duke Street, in the vicinity of All Stars Panyard. Guardian Media spoke to Aafisha, a first-time attendee who said the show was worth the early morning. She described it as culturally refreshing. Tamika, a young dancer and another first-time attendee, said she enjoyed the storytelling and how it brought the history of Carnival to life for her. “It was nice to add up all the steps,” she said. “You see where everything come from; the story just brought everything together for me.” At the end of the play, the production team awarded, for the first time, Spirit of Carnival Awards. Kalinda Bois were awarded to cast member Emmanuel Ansolia, who played one of the Pierrot Grenades in the play, and Prof Maureen Warner-Lewis, whose work on the African languages in Trinidad and Tobago informed Eintou Springer’s decision to change the name of the play from Canboulay, which means burning cane, to Kambule, the Kikongo word for procession. Ansolia is also the president of the National Drama Association of T&T. Yesterday’s presentation was viewed by President Christine Kangaloo and her husband, as well as acting Prime Minister Stuart Young. As is typical, the production ended with a traditional mas demonstration that was led by a tamboo bamboo band and featured the Whip Masters, Blue Devils and Black Indians. *By Soyini Grey* *Senior Producer*

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3/1/2025, 2:26:59 PM

http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/son-of-moko-jumbie-ace-wins-south-monarch-title-6.2.2244838.72736f4626 *Son of Moko Jumbie ace wins South Monarch title* Three champions, including a newcomer, were crowned during the South Monarch in San Fernando on Thursday night. Jahmarley Bisnath and Allison John won South King and Queen of the Carnival while Kyle “KC” Cowie was crowned South Calypso Monarch during the South Monarch competition at Harris Promenade. Twenty-six-year-old Bisnath’s winning costume, Scarecrow, which he performed on ten-foot-eight-inch stilts, was from the band Pan Mas Traditions. While it was his first time entering the competition, Bisnath had no problem bringing his portrayal to life, as he has been walking on stilts since he was a toddler. Bisnath, the son of Kaisokah Moko Jumbies founder Junior Bisnath, admitted it had been a long time since he had entered a competition. “Competition is something I go into with a lot of vigour. Sometimes it could be a lil helter-skelter, but for me, the energy that I put out there, even though craziness happens, we always reach out there and get it done, and most times we ace it.” Encouraging people who felt passionately about the artform to follow their passion, he said, “It brings a lot of happiness to me personally. When I am on stilts, my mind is clear. My spirit is free. I’m seeing a different perspective than anybody else, and I am taller than anybody else, so it’s a really nice feeling.” Thirty-four-year-old John captured the title for the second consecutive year, and both portrayals were from Kalicharan Carnival. John, who beautifully and masterfully portrayed her costume, The Souvenir Doll, told Guardian Media, “I am excited and happy because entering this, my goal was to restore Carnival in South Trinidad to the former glory it would have had.” Over the years, she said the major mas players, designers and masmen migrated to Port-of-Spain and caused a brain drain in San Fernando Carnival. John, who has been playing mas from the tender age of three, added, “We want South mas to strive, and I’m just happy and joyful about this.” Meanwhile, Cowie said he needed this win as he had been having a tough season. “This add something positive to it, and we ending on the high,” he said. Cowie placed second in the Young King competition, but he did not qualify for Calypso Fiesta, which was disappointing since he had “outstanding” performances in his calypso tent, Klassic Ruso. However, Cowie said, the South Calypso Monarch was close to his heart because many of his close relatives were from south Trinidad, and the only other competition he ever won was the Soca category in the South Monarch in 2015. “I think I am the only person to win both categories in the South Monarch. It feels great. I am humbled by it, and I am humbled by the audience.” Noting that the show started late and there were audio and sound system difficulties, as well as stage challenges, he said he understood it was a work in progress and it’s a new committee, but he was hoping for improvements. “We had a lot of difficulties. I just had to remain focused and go out there and do the job, and eventually, we came out victorious.” His self-composed rendition, Western Town, was about the gun violence in the country. The competition, which kicked off two and a half hours late at 9.30 pm, was officially opened by San Fernando Mayor Robert Parris and concluded sometime after 1 am. Unlike previous times, the results were not announced after the show. *By Sascha Wilson*

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3/1/2025, 2:27:05 PM

http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/faith-defends-use-of-expletives-strong-language-meant-to-push-for-change-6.2.2244855.3f4682299d *Faith defends use of expletives: Strong language meant to push for change* Secretary of Health, Wellness, and Social Protection, Dr Faith Brebnor has defended her use of expletives during a recent meeting with employees at the Public Health Services Department in Signal Hill.  Speaking in a plenary sitting on Thursday, Brebnor explained that the strong language was meant to make the point clear and push for real change in addressing productivity challenges within the department. The meeting, which was part of discussions on improving working conditions at Signal Hill, focused on the commencement of three key planned projects. While some employees criticised the language, Brebnor stood by her actions, saying that the use of expletives was intended to highlight the seriousness of the issues at hand. She said she clearly stated that the conversation could be unfiltered giving workers the green light to be open and direct in raising concerns. She said one of the drivers complained of not having boots on because the wrong ones were procured due to an error caused by the existing procurement laws. She admitted that’s when she used the expletives.  She explained, “Now, we spent the money. Which means for us to buy boots for him again we have to get the money and yes I did say ‘I have to pull it out of meh (ass)’ because we have to find money again after we went through the process.” Although the men accused her of cursing several times, she did not admit to any other instance. Since the incident on Tuesday, Chief Secretary Farley Augustine has launched an investigation asking for the workers to come to him directly. “Disgusting, appalling, and borderline insulting” were some of the words the workers used to describe the interaction. The workers claimed the secretary used the “F” word to the transport foreman and then asked them when issues surrounding overtime were raised if they wanted her to “pull it out my ass.” However, the transport foreman at the centre of the verbal abuse said his colleagues blew the incident out of proportion since he saw no reason for them to stand up for him as he didn’t feel disrespected by the expletives used. The motion on productivity was brought by Community Development and Sport Assistant Secretary Wayne Clarke. During his contribution, he blamed the lack of funding for the Tobago House of Assembly and the poor work ethic among some workers as the major reasons for the island’s low productivity.  He explained that without enough resources, the THA struggles to run important programmes. Clarke also mentioned that while some workers are hardworking, others have poor work ethics, which affects progress. In response, THA Minority Leader Kelvon Morris argued that neither workers nor funding was the problem. He pointed to poor management of human and financial resources as the real issue, saying this mismanagement is what stifles productivity on the island. Morris said, “While I believe there is merit to looking at productivity across the THA and all institutions, I do not agree with the diagnosis that the problem is the workers. My prognosis to this issue is that we have incompetent drivers who are unworthy of the licence they were given.” Ironically, as the debate on productivity continued, the presiding officer had to briefly suspend the sitting due to a lack of quorum— an order which states that a sitting cannot happen if less than nine assemblymen are present in the chamber. It resumed minutes later after members returned to the chamber. *By Elizabeth Gonzales*

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3/1/2025, 2:27:06 PM

http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/man-murdered-in-moruga-home-6.2.2244823.89f724f723 *Man murdered in Moruga home* Days after an elderly resident was strangled and beaten to death in a home invasion, another resident has been murdered in Moruga. Damian Sion Donny Cooper, 47, was chopped to death in his Fifth Company Road home yesterday. His cousin told police that around 8 am he arrived for work at a construction site next to Cooper’s home.   After learning that Cooper had not been seen for the morning, he went across to his home to check on him around 11 am. He found Cooper’s body slumped over on the ground next to a bed base and bearing chop wounds.  Police were told that Cooper was last seen walking along the road near his home around 8 pm on Thursday. Officers of the Homicide Bureau of Investigations 3 were last evening trying to ascertain why he was killed.   Over a week ago on February 20, the St Mary’s Village community was rocked by the murder of 64-year-old Durmatee Chance. She and her elderly husband were robbed by two men who broke into their home around 10.30 pm on February 19. Her husband was beaten and tied to a bed, while she was killed on her bed. The couple was discovered by their son the following morning. No one has been arrested in connection with Chance’s murder. Moruga MP Michelle Benjamin and residents have made repeated calls for increased police patrols and urgent security measures to protect villagers from criminal elements. *By Sascha Wilson*

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3/1/2025, 2:27:06 PM

http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/22-to-vie-for-kings-and-queens-mas-titles-tomorrow-night-6.2.2244840.e1290810c2 *22 to vie for Kings and Queens mas titles tomorrow night* Twenty-two Carnival Kings and Queens will compete for the top prizes in this year’s final at the Dimanche Gras show at the Queen’s Park Savannah tomorrow night.  While the top ten masqueraders in each category from Wednesday’s semi-final were expected to make it to the final round, Guardian Media understands that two masqueraders got a second shot at the competition as there was a tenth-place draw in each category.  The change in dynamic was confirmed yesterday by National Carnival Bands Association president Mark Ayen after consultation with the chief judge.  This year’s final will feature almost an even mix of previous winners seeking to add to their trophy cabinets and relatively unknown contestants seeking to leave their stamp on the competition by securing their first crown.  In the Carnival King competition, record winner Curtis Eustace and his younger brother Ted are vying for their ninth and fifth titles, respectively.  The elder Eustace topped the semifinal round with his brother securing third place.  Eustace’s eerie presentation Spirit of “D” Gaspree Cave began with a ghoulish narration backed with an electronic dance music beat, which transitioned into Problem Child’s Carnival Jumbie.  Eustace, whose costume was among the largest in the competition, earned the loudest applause from the audience as he highlighted his trademark dance moves in front of the judges.  Not to be outdone, his brother Ted, who is vying for his sixth title, also impressed the audience with his costume Journey To Mayaro, which occupied almost the entire width of the stage.  The costume featured a gigantic standing cow surrounded by monkeys swinging from coconut trees and a pair of macaws with moving wings.  Reigning Carnival King Joseph Lewis also impressed with his serpent-themed Oberon—King of Fairyland and the Protector of the Fairies and placed fourth. Veteran masquerader Fareid Carvalho was the leader of the pack in the preliminary round with his “well choreographed” presentation Dralozo a Being From the Sun, which featured numerous backup masqueraders.  He was narrowly edged out by Eustace in the semifinal round by seven points. In the Carnival Queen competition, masquerader Roxanne Omalo, who secured her second title last year, is seeking to defend it with an ocean-themed presentation.  She will have to improve her performance in order to retain her title as she placed third on Wednesday night.  The semifinal round was topped by first-time participant Rana Kandoo with her costume Maiya-Goddess of Creation.  Priya Nagassar, who won her first title in 2023, placed sixth with her costume “Nandi” An African Queen. The winners of this year’s competition will each drive away with a brand-new Suzuki Grand Vitara sponsored by Lifestyle Motors.  Junior King of Carnival Antonio Rampersad’s mother, Laura, barely made it into the final as one of the two Carnival Queens who secured 10th place.  His father, Marlon, narrowly missed out on the final as he placed 11th.  2025 King and Queen Semi-final Results Queen of Carnival 1. Rana Kandoo—Maiya, Goddess of Creation—421 2. Cherry Ann Valere—Solaria Firebird of Light and Life—416 3. Roxanne Omalo—Sirena, Mistress of the Seas—415 4. Savitri Holassie—Beira, Queen of Eternal Winter—408 5. Nicole Hercules—De Tiger Butterfly—405 6. Priya Nagassar—”Nandi” An African Queen—401 7. Liesha McEachnie - Esprit De Liberte (The Hunted Jab from Caroni Sugar Estate) - 393 8. Shynel Brizan—Queen Adelaide Dison—389 9. Turona Rambharose—The Sunrise and Sunset Over the Sahara—388 10. Laura Rampersad—Queen Nefertiti—383 (tie) 10. Takeyah Fletcher-Marshall - Carnival Our Golden Jewel - 383 (tie) King of Carnival 1. Curtis Eustace—Spirit of D Gaspree Cave—443 2. Fareid Carvalho—Dralozo, a Being From the Sun—436 3. Ted Eustace—Journey to Mayaro—433 4. Joseph Lewis—Jaixue Shenlong—Guardian of the Universe—430 5. Raymond Mark—Oberon—King of Fairyland and the Protector of the Forest—426 6. Russell Grant—King Sampson—420 7. Ravi Lakhan—Midnight Robber—Lord of Darkness & Death—419 8. Keston Benthum—Notsek Bardo—416 9. Erron Sookdeo—An African Drummer—415 10. Franklyn Jagdeo—Spirit of an African Witch Doctor—411 (tie) 10. Arif Grantum—Jafar, Sorcerer of Agrabah—411 (tie) *By Derek Achong*

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3/1/2025, 2:27:01 PM

http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/family-relocated-as-vessigny-oil-spill-cleanup-continues-6.2.2244825.c42b164999 *Family relocated as Vessigny oil spill clean-up continues* As clean-up operations continue in Vessigny Village, La Brea, following an oil spill on Tuesday, life is beginning to return to normal in the community, but one family has been temporarily relocated. Suresh Beharry and nine other members of his family, including five children, were relocated hours after the oil spill was detected, due to the strong toxic fumes. The family’s home is located mere feet away from a river that was contaminated by the oil leak. Meanwhile, the company has yet to give the all-clear for Vessigny Beach to be reopened to the public. Heritage personnel were still on site when Guardian Media visited yesterday. The company confirmed that the oil spill was caused by a leaking six-inch pipeline, which has since been repaired. In a release on Thursday, the company stated that independent air quality tests in the affected area were ongoing, and the readings remained within normal levels. Heritage stated, “The company is working closely with the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries, the Environmental Management Authority, local authorities, and community stakeholders to mitigate the impact of the spill and restore the affected area. Heritage remains committed to minimising environmental impact and ensuring a thorough and efficient response.”  In a telephone interview yesterday, Beharry, whose leg was amputated two years ago due to health complications, said the company relocated them to the Paria Suites Hotel, and they were doing well. He said officials told them that they would likely return home today. Meanwhile, 71-year-old resident Kameel Johan said the scent was now tolerable. “Now we can cook, light fires and prepare meals,” he said. He said the company provided meals for them on Wednesday. While he does not know the scope of work, he said a crew had been working day and night, and he is satisfied with their response. “I am comfortable home here because, as I said, the scent is not as strong as before. They working; I believe they have done their best,” he said. *By Sascha Wilson*

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3/1/2025, 2:26:58 PM

http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/analyst-kamla-within-her-right-to-probe-refinery-sale-if-shes-pm-6.2.2244900.ce8d3b974a *Analyst: Kamla ‘within her right’ to probe refinery sale if she’s PM* Political analyst Dr Shane Mohammed believes that if the Pointe-a-Pierre refinery is sold and Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar later becomes prime minister, she should investigate what led to such a sale. He said as prime minister, Persad-Bissessar would be within her right to dismantle any agreement that doesn’t seek citizens’ best interest. Mohammed gave his thoughts on the matter after Government announced on Thursday that Nigerian firm Oando PLC was selected as the preferred bidder for the refinery. Persad-Bissessar subsequently said the United National Congress (UNC) won’t honour any agreement the People’s National Movement (PNM) Government enters into regarding the refinery and guaranteed a UNC government would open investigations against everyone who participates in “this theft of the refinery assets.” Mohammed said he was concerned about the cautious language used by acting Prime Minister Stuart Young in his justification for the Government choosing Oando. “I’m not convinced by the explanation provided by the minister, who at the very least could have told the population one truth, is the refinery to be leased or sold? “If the refinery is sold, I believe she (Persad-Bissessar) should investigate what led to such a sale (I reject the idea of selling off assets of this kind). And if the Opposition Leader first succeeds in winning the next general election, she, as prime minister, would be within her right to dismantle any agreement by this administration that does not seek the best interest of the citizenry,” Mohammed stressed. Also contacted yesterday, Greater San Fernando Area Chamber of Commerce president Kiran Singh said a few years ago, he pulled a team of experts together to make a bid for the refinery but finance proved a challenge, ending their efforts. He said the refinery was a “significant employer and income generator before its closure.” On the latest development with Oando, Singh added, “I’m grateful for the possibility of the restart of the refinery and what that means for the country, and more so the southern economy, which is my primary concern. The majority of skilled and unskilled labour came from the Southland. Many downstream industries not only provided key services but benefited from the refinery’s operation.” “If Mrs Bissessar becomes prime minister, and she feels there’s a need to do so (investigate), that’s her prerogative,” Singh said. *By Gail Alexander* *Senior Political Reporter*