TTUTA: School is sacred ground

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

News

Martin Lum Kin’s goal as TTUTA president is to improve the union’s public image. – Marvin Hamilton

TTUTA newly-elected president Martin Lum Kin reacted to a video of small children cowering from nearby gunfire at Rose Hill RC Primary School by saying the school was “sacred ground” and urging gangsters to put down their guns and live in peace. He spoke to Newsday on Thursday, the day after the country was shocked by a online post showing a teacher telling her young pupils to stay on the floor and calmly explaining that two gangs were exchanging gun shots nearby.

Lum Kin commended the unidentified female teacher and her principal and other staff for having instituted drills by pupils in case of gunfire.

“It is very disturbing this happened near a school which is supposed to be a safe haven where students should have the best days of their lives. We are very concerned, but mindful of the reality.

“Gunplay has been getting closer and closer to the school compound.”

He said the school had been closed for a while after the shooting but short-term measures were needed.

Lum Kin commended the Ministry of Education for providing counselling for staff and pupils.

“We are looking forward to meeting the ministry, Catholic Board of Education, Ministry of National Security, police service, and all community-based organisations.”

He said school was an important part of the community, while noting that teachers must feel safe at that location in order to teach their pupils.

Lum Kin said short-term measures were needed to bring relief to teachers, school administrators and pupils.

Asked about specific concrete measures, he replied, “The idea of relocation or police posts has to be discussed (by the ministry) with TTUTA.”

Newsday asked if he had any message to the gunmen.

“TTUTA would like to say to those persons, ‘Please put down the guns.’” He said incidents such as at Rose Hill were very sad to see happening.

“TTUTA would like to say, please put down the guns. Have a level of truce, or even to have schools and the environment to be safe zones.

“In the first instance, let’s stop the violence.”

Lum Kin urged peace in the community.

“We deem school to be sacred grounds, where learning, teaching and development take place.

“Around the school should be sacred ground where people feel safe.” He pledged TTUTA’s help towards ensuring teachers have a safe working environment.

Lum Kin commended all school administrators and teachers who were persevering under difficult circumstances. “TTUTA will be there for you.” He commended the Rose Hill female teacher for acting in such a calm manner under very trying conditions, possibly even exposing herself to risk. “I know teachers do this on a daily basis. They put themselves second and the students first.”

He said TTUTA was arranging to meet the Ministry of Education over the incident.

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Carter wins 7th World Cup gold, breaks another TT record

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

Sports

Dylan Carter of Trinidad and Tobago waves after winning the men’s 50m freestyle at the FINA Swimming World Cup meet in Toronto, on October 28. (via AP) –

TRINIDAD and Tobago swimmer Dylan Carter won gold and broke his national record in the men’s 50-metre freestyle short course event when the third and final leg of the FINA Swimming World Cup 2022 splashed off at The IU Natatorium in Indianapolis, USA on Thursday.

It was Carter’s seventh gold medal over the three legs of the World Cup.

Carter, 26, has been in brilliant form winning three gold medals apiece in leg one and leg two of the World Cup.

Carter, swimming out of lane four on Thursday, stopped the clock in 20.72 seconds to erase his national record of 20.77 set during the first leg of the World Cup.

Australian Kyle Chalmers earned silver in 20.81 and American Justin Ress copped bronze in 21.23.

Carter had the fastest time in the 50m freestyle heats. He finished in 21.03 swimming in lane four of heat six. German Rafael Miroslaw was second in heat six in 21.88 and Matej Dusa of Slovakia ended third in 21.89.

TT swimmer Aqeel Joseph, 20, also competed in the 50m freestyle event.

He finished second in heat one after stopping the clock in 22.84, but his time was not fast enough to advance to the final. Joseph ended 33rd overall out of 53 swimmers who started the heats.

At the first leg of the World Cup in Berlin, Germany from October 21-23, Carter won the 50m freestyle, 50m backstroke and the 50m butterfly. He broke national records in the 50m freestyle and 50m backstroke.

Carter continued his prolific form at the second leg of the World Cup from October 28-30 in Toronto, Canada.

He won the 50m butterfly event, 50m freestyle and the 50m backstroke. He set another national record in the 50m backstroke.

On Friday, Carter and Joseph will compete in the men’s 100m freestyle heats. Joseph will swim in heat one at 11.03 am TT time and Carter will swim in heat eight at 11.17 am.

Earlier in the day, the TT swimmers will also line up in the men’s 50m backstroke. Joseph will face the starter in heat two at 9.44 am and Carter will participate in heat five at 9.50 am.

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State appeals dismissal of motor vehicle offence in Rajaee Ali’s favour

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

News

FILE PHOTO: Rajaee Ali

THE State has appealed the dismissal of a charge for failing to produce a valid certificate of insurance by a magistrate in favour of alleged gang leader Rajaee Ali in 2019.

Ali was found not guilty of the offence which allegedly took place in November 2014 in Carapo, Arima.

It was alleged when asked to provide the certificate of insurance for the car he was driving, Ali showed the police officers who stopped him a policy in someone else’s name which had expired the day before on November 2, 2014.

Ali was asked if he had a valid policy for October 3, but he allegedly said he did not. The next day, the person in whose name the insurance was in brought a new policy to the police but that was valid for one year, starting on that date (November 4, 2014).

Ali, who did not testify or call witnesses at the magistrates’ court was found not guilty on April 23, 2019, by Magistrate Avion Gill.

However, in its appeal, the State is contending that the court misdirected itself on the burden of proof in accordance with section 40 of the Summary Courts Act.

Although the appeal will be heard on November 28, deputy Director of Public Prosecutions George Busby, on Thursday, said the law provides that a citizen has to show they have valid insurance.

In the grounds of appeal, the State is contending the court also misdirected itself on what is required as far as a policy of insurance is concerned in order to comply with requirements of the Motor Vehicles Insurance (Third-Party Risks) Act. It is also contended that the finding that the production of the insurance the next day was irrelevant and inadmissible was also wrong.

At a hearing on Thursday, Justices of Appeal Mark Mohammed and Maria Wilson said they wanted brief submissions from both the State and Ali’s attorney, Roshan Tota-Maharaj, and adjourned the hearing to the end of the month.

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Appeal Court provides guidance for disciplining permanent secretaries

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

News

Alice Yorke-Soo Hon –

THE COURT of Appeal has set aside the orders of a High Court judge on the correct regulations to use when starting disciplinary action against senior public officers, in particular permanent secretaries or heads of department.

On Thursday, Justices of Appeal Alice Yorke-Soo Hon, Gregory Smith, and Vasheist Kokaram allowed the appeal of the Public Service Commission (PSC) against a ruling of then High Court judge, Justice James Aboud, in favour of an acting PS who was initially slapped with 26 disciplinary charges in 2016, which were later dropped.

Smith, who delivered the decision, said the Appeal Court did not usually entertain appeals that are considered academic but did so, in this case, to provide guidance to the PSC and other commissions on the correct procedure to adopt involving a senior public officer.

The PSC, through its attorney Russell Martineau, SC, on Wednesday, urged the judges to entertain its appeal to clarify the law on how disciplinary proceedings against senior public officers are to progress.

In his ruling, Aboud granted several declarations that the decision of the PSC not to provide the acting PS with documents relating to the charges, to interdict her, and to send the matter to a one-man tribunal was in excess of the commission’s jurisdiction and contrary to law as they were in breach of natural justice. He also granted an injunction preventing the PSC from appointing or convening the tribunal until the public officer received the documents she said were needed to defend the charges. Aboud also held the PSC should have advanced its public interest considerations so that the deputy PS could properly respond to her interdiction.

Aboud held that the failure to provide certain documentation to the acting PS to respond to the allegations ran afoul of regulation 90 of the public service regulations.

However, Smith said the judge erred in finding that regulation 90.1 related to permanent secretaries. He said that regulation was not applicable to permanent secretaries or heads of department as it was the procedure to adopt for normal public officers. The judges held the applicable regulation for senior public officers was 84 B.

He also said although it was a matter of common sense, there was no duty to provide particulars of an alleged offence but only to inform the public officer of the allegations.

Smith also said there was also no duty to provide this in writing.

He also said in this particular case – pointing out that other cases may not be similar in nature and must be considered individually – the failure by the PSC to provide documentation to the acting PS did not automatically bring about breaches of natural justice since the demand for information at the inquiry stage of an investigation would depend on the nature of the allegations against the public officer.

He also said while it would be “good practice” to get a response from the public officer when interdicting them is being considered, it was not necessary and it was also not a mandatory requirement for the PSC to provide its “public interest reasons” for contemplating the course of action.

Although initially, the judges dismissed the PSC’s appeal since it was considered an academic one as they could not send it back to a judge for consideration or consider the merits of it themselves, they agreed to uphold the challenge since Martineau said if the judge’s orders remained it was likely to create some “controversy” in future matters.

In his ruling, Smith said, “We have identified several errors of the judge and it would be wrong to let the orders stand.”

“In these special circumstances, we will allow the appeal and set aside the orders of the trial judge.”

The Appeal Court also departed from the usual cost order since attorneys for the PSC and the acting PS agreed that they will not seek any because of how the case progressed.

The acting PS was represented by Ian Benjamin, SC.

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World Bank, UK, Canada & CIF Support Geothermal Exploration In Saint Lucia – St. Lucia Times News

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: St. Lucia Times News

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As Caribbean consumers face high energy prices due to a heavy reliance on costly and volatile fossil fuel imports and, with projected increased climate vulnerability, the World Bank partners with the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, the Canada Clean Energy and Forests Climate Facility and the Climate Investment Fund, to explore geothermal viability in Saint Lucia.

The Renewable Energy Sector Development Project (RESDP) – launched today in Soufriere – applies concessional, multi-partner financing in support of St Lucia’s goal of 7 percent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030, through geothermal exploration and the strengthening of the legal and regulatory framework for clean energy integration in St. Lucia.

Commenting on the new project, Lilia Burunciuc, World Bank’s Director for the Caribbean said, “The impact of high fuel expenditure on Caribbean economies cannot be understated. In 2020, St Lucia’s fuel imports accounted for 4.4% of GDP and we cannot overlook the utility of channeling these funds to other critical sectors, for example, into education and health. Exploring geothermal potential in St Lucia gives the country the ability to build its energy independence, increase resilience and reduce the environmental impact of GHG emissions.”

RESDP will facilitate the de-risking of exploration drilling which in turn enables private investment into subsequent stages of geothermal power development, toward climate change mitigation and improved energy security.

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“The current global energy predicament should serve as a telling reminder to all stakeholders, including the government, to hasten the transition away from fossil fuels, towards renewable sources of energy for Saint Lucia. And so, we are here today to make some progress in that area, with the clear intention to move this project forward, to shape the country’s future economic prospects”, said Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, the Honorable Philip J. Pierre, during the project’s launch event.

Likewise, Corin Robertson, UK Director General for Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean lauded the project’s potential while connecting the project to global initiatives. She said, “The UK is proud to support geothermal exploration in St Lucia and elsewhere in the Caribbean. This project has the potential for major reduction in energy costs and transformational potential for economic development in the medium to long term. It is fitting that in the last week of the UK’s COP Presidency, we are part of a launch that showcases the efforts Caribbean SIDS are taking to adapt to climate change and improve resilience.”

The strong renewable energy – including, solar and wind energy – and energy efficiency potential of Saint Lucia and the wider Caribbean presents significant prospects.

In response to Caribbean needs and global agreements, World Bank continues support of climate and energy initiatives, with its Caribbean programmes in these areas closely aligned to the Bank’s Climate Change Action Plan.

SOURCE: The World Bank. Headline photo: Audience at launch of Renewable Energy Sector Development Project.

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Asan Tsie Chun Sioe

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The content originally appeared on: De Ware Tijd Online

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Masters 1000 de Paris: Djokovic s’affirme, Alcaraz confirme

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Martinique FranceAntilles

Finir en beauté une étrange saison 2022: tel est l’objectif de Novak Djokovic qui a affirmé jeudi son statut de favori au Masters 1000 de Paris… comme Carlos Alcaraz qui veut…

Finir en beauté une étrange saison 2022: tel est l’objectif de Novak Djokovic qui a affirmé jeudi son statut de favori au Masters 1000 de Paris… comme Carlos Alcaraz qui veut confirmer son statut de N.1 mondial.

Le Serbe, qui défend son titre, a mis une petite heure et demie pour infliger un 6-4, 6-1 au Russe Karen Khachanov (19e mondial) qui l’avait battu en finale de l’édition 2018. Et encore, il a affirmé ne pas s’être senti bien en début de rencontre.

“Les deux manches ont été complètement différentes, a-t-il analysé. Dans la deuxième, je me sentais bien, physiquement aussi. Mais dans la première, j’étais comme-ci, comme-ça. J’ai eu beaucoup d’opportunités sur son service, mais nous étions très proches jusqu’au dernier point du premier set. Ensuite, je me suis détendu et j’ai pris le dessus.”

Dans sa quête d’un septième titre record à Bercy, Djokovic trouvera vendredi sur son chemin le jeune Lorenzo Musetti (23e à 20 ans).

L’Italien s’est jusque-là montré plus efficace sur terre battue que sur dur, mais il a su “ajuster son jeu à cette surface”, a souligné le Djoker.

Pour preuve, il a battu en 8es jeudi le finaliste de Roland-Garros et de l’US Open, Casper Ruud (4e), 4-6, 6-4, 6-4.

La surprise du chef

“Tactiquement, je sais ce que je dois faire, mais je ne vais pas en parler, venez demain pour voir”, a lancé Djokovic.

Privé de tournée américaine estivale par sa décision de ne pas se faire vacciner contre le Covid-19, et ainsi de compétition pendant plus de deux mois après son titre à Wimbledon en juillet, le Serbe de 35 ans est sur une série de onze matches gagnés depuis qu’il est revenu sur le circuit fin septembre.

L’ex-N.1 mondial, actuellement 7e, a successivement remporté les tournois de Tel Aviv et d’Astana avant de venir à Paris.

L’actuel N.1, le très jeune Carlos Alcaraz (19 ans), s’est lui aussi qualifié pour les quarts en se montrant expéditif face au Bulgare Grigor Dimitrov (28e), balayé 6-1, 6-3 en 71 minutes. Il ne lui avait déjà fallu que 75 minutes pour avaler son premier adversaire. 

“Ce n’était pas son jour, il n’a pas joué à son meilleur niveau. Mais moi, j’ai joué mon jeu”, a résumé Alcaraz qui n’a commis que six fautes directes pour seize coups gagnants, quand son adversaire a affiché un bilan de 24 fautes directes pour seize points gagnants.

Mauvais signe pour ses prochains adversaires, le bulldozer espagnol s’est aussi débarrassé durant la partie des bandes adhésives protégeant son genou gauche.

Outre la perspective d’un nouveau prestigieux trophée (en plus de l’US Open et des Masters 1000 de Miami et Madrid, déjà raflés cette année), une victoire finale à Paris assurerait à Alcaraz de terminer l’année au sommet de la hiérarchie mondiale.

Tsitsipas dans le coup

Pour y parvenir, il faudra commencer par dominer le Danois Holger Rune (18e à 19 ans) qui a fait forte impression en sortant le cogneur russe Andrey Rublev (9e) 6-4, 7-5.

Le vainqueur de ce duel sera opposé en demies au vainqueur de celui qui opposera vendredi l’Américain Frances Tiafoe (21e) à l’homme en forme du moment, le Canadien Felix Auger-Aliassime (8e).

Ce dernier a mis un terme jeudi à la carrière de l’un des plus grands joueurs français de ces dernières années, Gilles Simon (ex-N.6 qui jouait en tant que 188e), qu’il a battu 6-1, 6-3.

A 22 ans, FAA vise à Bercy un quatrième titre en quatre semaines après s’être imposé à Florence, Anvers et Bâle.

Quant à Tiafoe, demi-finaliste du dernier US Open, il s’est débarrassé de l’Australien Alex de Minaur (25e) 6-3, 7-6 (7/5).

Dans le bas du tableau, Stefanos Tsitsipas (5e) s’est qualifié pour les quarts en dominant le Français Corentin Moutet (64e et issu des qualifications) 6-3, 7-6 (7/3).

“Je ne m’attendais pas à un match facile, il a des super coups, il joue des coups imprévisibles sortis de nulle part”, a affirmé Tsitsipas, qui affrontera l’inattendu Américain Tommy Paul (31e), tombeur de l’Espagnol Pablo Carreno (14e) sur un double 6-4, pour tenter de se hisser dans le dernier carré.

es-ig/chc

Novak Djokovic au cours de son quart de finale contre Karen Khachanov au Masters 1000 de Paris le 3 novembre 2022
• Christophe ARCHAMBAULT

Carlos Alcaraz pendant son huitième de finale contre Grigor Dimitrov au Masters 1000 de Paris le 3 novembre 2022
• Christophe ARCHAMBAULT

Stefanos Tsitsipas pendant son huitième de finale contre Corentin Moutet au Masters 1000 de Paris le 3 novembre 2022
• Christophe ARCHAMBAULT

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Masters 1000 de Paris: Djokovic s’affirme, Alcaraz confirme

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Guadeloupe FranceAntilles

Finir en beauté une étrange saison 2022: tel est l’objectif de Novak Djokovic qui a affirmé jeudi son statut de favori au Masters 1000 de Paris… comme Carlos Alcaraz qui veut…

Finir en beauté une étrange saison 2022: tel est l’objectif de Novak Djokovic qui a affirmé jeudi son statut de favori au Masters 1000 de Paris… comme Carlos Alcaraz qui veut confirmer son statut de N.1 mondial.

Le Serbe, qui défend son titre, a mis une petite heure et demie pour infliger un 6-4, 6-1 au Russe Karen Khachanov (19e mondial) qui l’avait battu en finale de l’édition 2018. Et encore, il a affirmé ne pas s’être senti bien en début de rencontre.

“Les deux manches ont été complètement différentes, a-t-il analysé. Dans la deuxième, je me sentais bien, physiquement aussi. Mais dans la première, j’étais comme-ci, comme-ça. J’ai eu beaucoup d’opportunités sur son service, mais nous étions très proches jusqu’au dernier point du premier set. Ensuite, je me suis détendu et j’ai pris le dessus.”

Dans sa quête d’un septième titre record à Bercy, Djokovic trouvera vendredi sur son chemin le jeune Lorenzo Musetti (23e à 20 ans).

L’Italien s’est jusque-là montré plus efficace sur terre battue que sur dur, mais il a su “ajuster son jeu à cette surface”, a souligné le Djoker.

Pour preuve, il a battu en 8es jeudi le finaliste de Roland-Garros et de l’US Open, Casper Ruud (4e), 4-6, 6-4, 6-4.

La surprise du chef

“Tactiquement, je sais ce que je dois faire, mais je ne vais pas en parler, venez demain pour voir”, a lancé Djokovic.

Privé de tournée américaine estivale par sa décision de ne pas se faire vacciner contre le Covid-19, et ainsi de compétition pendant plus de deux mois après son titre à Wimbledon en juillet, le Serbe de 35 ans est sur une série de onze matches gagnés depuis qu’il est revenu sur le circuit fin septembre.

L’ex-N.1 mondial, actuellement 7e, a successivement remporté les tournois de Tel Aviv et d’Astana avant de venir à Paris.

L’actuel N.1, le très jeune Carlos Alcaraz (19 ans), s’est lui aussi qualifié pour les quarts en se montrant expéditif face au Bulgare Grigor Dimitrov (28e), balayé 6-1, 6-3 en 71 minutes. Il ne lui avait déjà fallu que 75 minutes pour avaler son premier adversaire. 

“Ce n’était pas son jour, il n’a pas joué à son meilleur niveau. Mais moi, j’ai joué mon jeu”, a résumé Alcaraz qui n’a commis que six fautes directes pour seize coups gagnants, quand son adversaire a affiché un bilan de 24 fautes directes pour seize points gagnants.

Mauvais signe pour ses prochains adversaires, le bulldozer espagnol s’est aussi débarrassé durant la partie des bandes adhésives protégeant son genou gauche.

Outre la perspective d’un nouveau prestigieux trophée (en plus de l’US Open et des Masters 1000 de Miami et Madrid, déjà raflés cette année), une victoire finale à Paris assurerait à Alcaraz de terminer l’année au sommet de la hiérarchie mondiale.

Tsitsipas dans le coup

Pour y parvenir, il faudra commencer par dominer le Danois Holger Rune (18e à 19 ans) qui a fait forte impression en sortant le cogneur russe Andrey Rublev (9e) 6-4, 7-5.

Le vainqueur de ce duel sera opposé en demies au vainqueur de celui qui opposera vendredi l’Américain Frances Tiafoe (21e) à l’homme en forme du moment, le Canadien Felix Auger-Aliassime (8e).

Ce dernier a mis un terme jeudi à la carrière de l’un des plus grands joueurs français de ces dernières années, Gilles Simon (ex-N.6 qui jouait en tant que 188e), qu’il a battu 6-1, 6-3.

A 22 ans, FAA vise à Bercy un quatrième titre en quatre semaines après s’être imposé à Florence, Anvers et Bâle.

Quant à Tiafoe, demi-finaliste du dernier US Open, il s’est débarrassé de l’Australien Alex de Minaur (25e) 6-3, 7-6 (7/5).

Dans le bas du tableau, Stefanos Tsitsipas (5e) s’est qualifié pour les quarts en dominant le Français Corentin Moutet (64e et issu des qualifications) 6-3, 7-6 (7/3).

“Je ne m’attendais pas à un match facile, il a des super coups, il joue des coups imprévisibles sortis de nulle part”, a affirmé Tsitsipas, qui affrontera l’inattendu Américain Tommy Paul (31e), tombeur de l’Espagnol Pablo Carreno (14e) sur un double 6-4, pour tenter de se hisser dans le dernier carré.

es-ig/chc

Novak Djokovic au cours de son quart de finale contre Karen Khachanov au Masters 1000 de Paris le 3 novembre 2022
• Christophe ARCHAMBAULT

Carlos Alcaraz pendant son huitième de finale contre Grigor Dimitrov au Masters 1000 de Paris le 3 novembre 2022
• Christophe ARCHAMBAULT

Stefanos Tsitsipas pendant son huitième de finale contre Corentin Moutet au Masters 1000 de Paris le 3 novembre 2022
• Christophe ARCHAMBAULT

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François Gabart, présent cette année

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Guadeloupe FranceAntilles

François Gabart et son ULTIM SVR-LAZARTIGUE sur la transat Jacques Vabre. • ©TH.MARTINEZ

En 2018, il termine second avec son maxi-trimaran Macif à quelques minutes de Francis Joyon. François Gabart revient cette année sur un nouveau bateau, un trimaran SVR Nazartique.

« Il s’agit de ma 3e participation à cette
compétition. J’ai participé en 2014 en Imoca, en 2018 en Ultim sur
le Trimaran Macif » explique le skipper. Cette année, il
démarre un nouveau projet avec son nouveau bateau, « la Route
du Rhum reste toujours un moment incroyable dans la vie d’un
marin », ajoute-t-il.

François Gabart affect

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