​More than 100 cows, sheep and goats ar­rived in the South­west­ern penin­su­la late yes­ter­day, in what res­i­dents be­lieve to be an il­le­gal car­go.
The an­i­mals were seen sit­ting on the South­ern Main Road near Ica­cos up to dusk.
Most of the cows ap­peared to be high bred Ze­bu and Hol­stein and most like­ly came from the South Amer­i­can main­land. Res­i­dents who re­quest­ed anonymi­ty said the an­i­mals were pos­ing a health haz­ard in
Ica­cos. The herd first be­gan show­ing up ear­li­er this year.
"One morn­ing we woke up and saw these big breed an­i­mals sit­ting on the road in front our hous­es," the source said.
The an­i­mals are be­ing brought in on pirogues up a de­sert­ed riv­er in Gran Chemin.
"We are con­cerned be­cause this pos­es health risks. We have had in­stances of Hand, Foot and Mouth dis­ease. These an­i­mals are not quar­an­tined," the source added.

The an­i­mals are al­so pos­ing a traf­fic haz­ard to mo­torists and school chil­dren.
Usu­al­ly by morn­ing butch­er trucks would show up in the penin­su­la and the an­i­mals would dis­ap­pear with­in hours, the source added.
Since the clo­sure of the Ce­dros Breed­ing Unit there is no place to im­pound the an­i­mals so the po­lice are turn­ing a blind eye be­cause there is no place to put the cows.

​And then....
Donkeys have virtually disappeared across Trinidad over the past decade but thanks to smugglers, the animals have now reappeared in the southwestern peninsula.
On Monday around dusk, a grey donkey and a horse, believed to have been smuggled in from the South American mainland arrived in Icacos, much to the delight of residents.
The animals were seen walking side by side along the Southern Main Road. 
Unlike previous animal cargo which is brought up through a deserted river in the peninsula, residents expressed pleasure at seeing the donkey.
The last donkey of San Souci died several years ago and it has been years since a donkey has been seen in Trinidad.A resident from Icacos said the smuggled animals are usually cows, sheep, and goats.
The cows are usually high bred Zebus and Holstein.
"It was in March that we first noticed a surplus of stray animals in Icacos. The animals are brought in illegally and they sit in front of people's homes, on the roads.
Sometimes we have to wait until they get up so we can get into our garages. We had an accident a few months ago where a car ran off the road trying to avoid a stray animal," the resident said.
Unwilling to give their identities because of the repercussions from the smugglers, the residents called on the Ministry of Agriculture to reopen the pound at the Cedros Breeding Unit so the stray animals can be impounded.
"Most times when the animals show up on evenings, the butcher trucks come in by morning and the animals disappear. We are hoping that the donkey stays," a resident added.
Since the closure of the Cedros Breeding Unit, there is no place to impound the animals so the police are turning a blind eye because there is no place to put the cows, a resident said.
Councillor for Cedros Shankar Teelucksingh said the matter has been brought to the attention of the police during a recent police Town Meeting.
"Residents raised the concerns of illegal animals coming in. At present they are seeing cattle, sheep, horse and now a donkey.
They are concerned about he4health and safety issues which are not being addressed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of National Security.
Contacted for comment Minister of Agriculture Clarence Rambharat said the issue has been brought to the attention of the Chief Veterinary Officer Animal Production and Health Division.
Rambharat denied that the Breeding Unit was closed. 
Source:  CNC3, September 2018

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has today recognised Fitzherbert Glen Niles, representing Trinidad and Tobago, as the 69th Commonwealth Point of Light in honour of his exceptional voluntary service to people with Down Syndrome and their families through the ‘Down Syndrome Family Network’.
Fitzherbert Glen Niles, is drawing on his own experience as a father of a child with Down Syndrome to transform the support available for other families.
When Fitzherbert’s son was born with Down Syndrome he felt isolated and taken aback by most people’s lack of knowledge about the condition.
He created the ‘Down Syndrome Family Network’ to advocate for the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down Syndrome, and equip families with the access to resources, support and information they needed to help their children to live full and active lives.
In six years he has grown the project into a flourishing network, with free quarterly workshops and skills training sessions, including occupational and speech therapy.
Every year Fitzherbert hosts an annual conference to coincide with the UN’s World Down’s Syndrome Day, inviting international speakers and government representatives to discuss inclusion and human rights, and providing a forum for parents to meet, share experiences and support each other.
As part of the legacy of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London 2018, Her Majesty The Queen - as Head of the Commonwealth - is thanking inspirational volunteers across the 53 Commonwealth nations for the difference they are making in their communities and beyond, by recognising one volunteer from each Commonwealth country each week in the two years following the summit. 
By sharing these stories of service, the Commonwealth Points of Light awards celebrate inspirational acts of volunteering across the Commonwealth and help inspire others to make their own contribution to tackling some of the greatest social challenges of our time.
Each Commonwealth Point of Light will receive a personalised certificate signed by Her Majesty The Queen as Head of the Commonwealth. The award for Fitzherbert Glen Niles will be presented on Saturday 15th September from 2:30pm at the Down Syndrome Family Network Family Workshop by British High Commissioner, Tim Stew MBE.
The presentation will take place at the University of Trinidad and Tobago, Valsayn Campus.
Fitzherbert Glen Niles said:
“I am honoured to receive this award in recognition of my work as Chairman and Founder of the Down Syndrome Family Network. We advocate for the human rights of persons with Down Syndrome and other disabilities, not expecting any awards, but to bring about change in how society perceives persons with intellectual and other disabilities. I thank Her Majesty and the British High Commission in Trinidad and Tobago for recognising our efforts and I further commit to working towards an inclusive society. Opportunities truly reveal potential.”
Tim Stew MBE, UK High Commissioner in Trinidad and Tobago said:
“I am delighted to present Glen Niles with this honour on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen. Since he launched the Down Syndrome Families Network six years ago, Glen has created a world of new possibilities for people with Down Syndrome in Trinidad and Tobago. His investment in promoting their rights in Trinidad & Tobago has supported a welcome message of equality which I hope this Points of Light Award will help him spread further. There are many people who will be very proud of Glen and pleased to see him recognised through this award. I wish him all strength as he continues his good work.”
The Commonwealth is a diverse community of 53 nations that work together to promote prosperity, democracy and peace. The Heads of Government meeting brought together leaders from all the 53 Member countries to reaffirm common values, address shared global challenges and agree how to work to create a better future for all citizens, especially young people.
Voluntary service is a vital part of this agenda, which is why Her Majesty The Queen has chosen to recognise outstanding volunteers across the Commonwealth in this special way.

FOR the love music!
Growing up in Success Laventille, WPC Kensa Thomas-James saw the struggles of her parents to provide for the family and vowed to use all that she knew, music, to elevate herself.
Fast forward to August 31, when Thomas-James was one of the women chosen from the Police Service band to serenade President Paula-Mae Weekes as she entered the Police Administration Building for the Independence Day celebrations.


The 32-year-old said she joined the service just to be part of the police band.
Playing the trombone is no easy task, said Thomas-James, and her title of being the only professional woman trombonist in the English-speaking Caribbean came through dedication and sacrifice.
Apart from having to feel and hear the musical notes rather than play them, the one time she sought assistance in learning the instrument she was denied after a man said, “women want to do too much”.
“My parents sacrificed and bought me a second-hand trombone, a gold painted Bundy that used to fall apart.
“But I saw how they were sacrificing for me, they could not afford to pay for two children to get music lessons. I saw what music could have done for me so I took it seriously.


“When they brought it home I had no idea what to do or where to start, but very soon I realised that music and this trombone was my only way out. I started to pay attention to music videos and tutorials and got a hang of it. I later joined the TT Cadets and spent two years in the band. Then I joined a youth band called Vizion,” she said.
Growing up watching her family and relatives play instruments and hearing of how her grandfather played his standing bass while chipping through the city, before laptop armed DJs boarded music trucks, made Thomas-James love music more.
In 2007, she auditioned and was successful in becoming a member of Divine Echoes.
From there she studied and earned her Bachelor’s degree in music from the University of the West Indies, St Augustine campus, where she graduated with honours in 2010.


She went on to arrange music for the band, as well as becoming the brass section leader and part time conductor.
“When I went for the audition I knew if I played well enough, I would get them bazodee and they would have to hire me. So said so done. I couldn’t read or write music then and I played Rene’s Song by Arturo Sandoval. There was a guy there, Mr Villafana, who told the others that if I could play that on trombone then I could learn to play anything and told them to give me a chance.”
After getting such a chance she bettered herself by copying the music sheets, taking them home with her to practice.
She watched and listened to videos and took tutorials wherever they came, because she knew from childhood that music was the key to improving life for herself and her family. The mother of one said she has motivated and mentored others to pursue their passion for music.
Asked about her first real paid gig, Thomas-James said, “Oh my God I was so happy. That went to the purchase of my car. It wasn’t about the money you know but to see my dream come through, you know. I knew that this was my way to give back to my parents and say they don’t have to worry about me any more. Trombone is my life, it pays for my clothes, my home.”


Thomas-James has played throughout the Caribbean and Africa, playing for David Rudder, Kes The Band, Errol Ince, and Caribbean In Excess. She credits her success to her dedication to her craft. She is at practice from as early as 6.30 am daily, and arrives for her performances ahead of time. The same goes for rehearsals.
“The passion I have and the love I possess for music gets me hired and has me where I am. I didn’t even know I was the only professional trombone player in the Caribbean. I was surprised when I learnt this and I did my research and I realise it is true. To be honest, I feel normal with that title, I just love music and my trombone.”
Source: Newsday, Sept. 2018

PAN PIONEER Elliot “Ellie” Mannette died yesterday at a West Virginia hospital, where he was being treated for kidney failure. He was 91.
A post by his family on Facebook yesterday said: “He was surrounded by people that loved him up until the very end. We would like to thank everyone for all the thoughts and prayers for Ellie. He was truly touched to see how much he is loved around the world. Ellie dedicated his entire life for the development of the steel pan. His biggest goal was to create and leave a legacy for his students to follow and continue his work. Thankfully, this legacy is in good hands and will be continued in his honour. Ellie’s tireless work over the past 75 years has touched the lives of so many people around the world. His family at Mannette Instruments will cherish his memory and continue his hard work.”
Members of the pan fraternity also reacted to Mannette’s death.
Michael Din Chong, manager of Shell Invaders, the band Mannette founded, said: “Our condolences go out to the Mannette family on behalf of the management of Invaders and the players. It is a great loss.
“When we celebrated our 75th anniversary in 2015 he was unable to be with us, so we went to him in West Virginia in 2016 and made a presentation to him for his contribution to the formation of the band, and his subsequent innovations of the steelpan. No doubt he is the greatest contributor to our band.
“We have just decided that we are going to dedicate our Republic Day J’Ouvert in honour of him.”
Master pannist, steelpan tuner and Mannette’s personal friend Emanuel “Cobo Jack” Riley said from New York: “Ellie was the best steelband captain and steelpan maker in the world. He was responsible for all the advancement of the steelband. He was the man that invented everything. I was in Invaders panyard working with him when he discovered the octaves and the fifths.
“He was also a man who, after practice in the panyard, will go home and listen to classical music.
“He was a very decent guy. I really can’t describe the loss that I feel right now because the way I look up to him I just don’t know what to say.”
Richard Forteau, secretary of Pan Trinbago, said:“We at Pan Trinbago send condolences to his family, Invaders and the entire pan fraternity. Indeed we have lost a great one.
“He went to West Virginia and carved a name for himself. His contribution was a great one. He was one of the few surviving members of TASPO (Trinidad All-Steel Percussion Orchestra). Now we only have Sterling Betancourt and Tony Williams.”
Ace pannist and arranger Ken “Professor” Philmore said: “Ellie Mannette was a true, true ambassador of TT.
“I had the opportunity when he was in West Virginia to do a couple workshops with him and Andy Narrell.
“I am very saddened to hear about his death. He was a great inventor. As a matter of fact the ‘thirds’ tenor pan that I play was invented by him. I believe the only two people that play that pan are Narrell and myself.
“My prayers and thoughts go out to Invaders and by extension to the entire pan fraternity. We have truly lost a great pioneer. May he rest in peace.”
Von Martin, CEO and founder of Caribbeana Communications Inc, Washington, DC, said: “I spoke with Ellie just two weeks ago to see what was his opinion of the book Voices of Pan Pioneers of Trinidad & Tobago. He was delighted as there was a whole chapter on his story in the book. He exclaimed, ‘You did a lot of work in it, man.’ I am satisfied that he was satisfied.
“Recently I took the boys and girls of Pan Lara steelband to meet the icon in Morgantown, West Virginia. It was a treat to see Ellie engage with the youths. It was as though he was satisfied that pan is in the right hands. Mannette’s work at West Virginia State University, Mannette Instruments and the scores of steel pan projects were tremendous accomplishments.
“I plan to do a three-hour tribute on my Saturday’s show of pan music in honour of this global icon.”
Source:  Newsday TT

The Machel Montano Foundation for Greatness in collaboration with WHYFARM is training Siparia youth in the art of chocolate making.
A release from the Foundation said the initiative is being conducted in conjunction with WHYFARM, a nonprofit organisation established to counter the challenges relating to food security in communities around the world. Alpha Sennon, founder of WHYFARM, plans to grow the world‟s future feeders by turning agriculture into "agricoolture‟ with the help of his new superhero, Agriman.
Over the course of three days, the Machel Montano Foundation for Greatness conducted training with the aim of providing tools and support for the production of a Siparia Community chocolate bar.
Under the guidance of the Alliance of Rural Communities of Trinidad and Tobago (ARCTT) led by Gillian Goddard and Kelly Fitzjames, this group of young people from Siparia and environs learned to make chocolate with cocoa grown in their area. The participants were elated at being able to produce chocolates in just three days and enjoyed making different varieties of chocolate samples.
Training was carried out by another successful community chocolate group, that now operates a successful business known as Brasso Seco Chocolate Company. The facilitators of the training sessions were Kelly, Yvonne and Mikel from Brasso Seco. Gillian will continue with additional training.
The trainees comprise a  group from WHYFARM, the Siparia Police Youth Club and the La Brea Straight Path Youths. Soca star Machel Montano attended the inaugural session and made a presentation on behalf of the foundation to the chocolate making trainees. He presented them with equipment and fittings to commence the activities.
Montano expressed his excitement to work with the Sipraria community.
Moving forward, members of the Siparia chocolate company will be equipped to successfully contribute to their community by creating employment, positive examples for others and making their own community chocolate and chocolate byproducts. The setting up and registration of Siparia Chocolate Company is now the group’s next move.

​THE Devil's Woodyard mud volcano erupted this afternoon almost at the same time a 6.9 magnitude earthquake shook TT, Venezuela, Grenada, St Lucia, St Vincent and Guyana.
Councillor from the Princes Town Regional Corporation for Hindustan/St Mary's, Michelle Benjamin, told Newsday that residents reported hearing a loud sound coming from the volcano at the same time the first tremors from the earthquake began.
Benjamin said residents fled their homes, seeking open ground, and saw the volcano spewing mud several feet in the air.
She said no one had reported any structural damage to their homes and there were no reports of further cracking of the earth around the volcano.
In a 47-second clip posted to social media, residents are heard exclaiming over the sound the volcano made while erupting. In the video, gas can be seen shooting up.
Source:  Newsday, Aug 2018

Trinidad and Tobago experienced a 5.9 aftershock Wednesday morning, just 24 hours after a 7.3 earthquake rocked the area, the University of the West Indies (UWI) Seismic Research Centre confirmed.
The UWI Seismic Research Centre confirmed on Wednesday that the aftershock occurred at 9:27 a.m. local time at a depth of 80 kilometers (49 miles). The quake was felt in areas like Carúpano, Venezuela; Maturín, Venezuela and Porlamar, Venezuela, according to the center. Areas in Trinidad also felt the aftershock.
There is no tsunami watch in effect following the aftershock. The center is asking anyone who felt the shock to report it to the research center.
The Trinidad Express reported on Wednesday that electricity, water and communication systems were all working following the aftershock.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed on Tuesday that a 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck near Venezuela. The quake hit around 5:31 EDT and was 30 miles away from Guiria, Sucre, Venezuela. There were reports of people feeling the quake in Trinidad and Tobago, as well as Grenada, according to the USGS.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) announced there was no tsunami threat from the earthquake at 6 p.m. The center had sent out a preliminary report following the quake that “hazardous tsunami waves are possible for coasts located within 300 km of the earthquake epicenter.”
“Minor sea level fluctuations up to 30 cm above and below the normal tide may occur in coastal areas near the earthquake over the next few hours and continuing for up to several hours,” the PTWC said.
Buildings in Caracas were evacuated during the quake, the Associated Press reported. The Trinidad Express reported on Tuesday that people had left their homes while buildings shook. The last strongest earthquake to hit the country was in 1968, according to the research center.
The interior minister of Venezuela, Nestor Luis Reverol, wrote on Twitter on Tuesday authorities were ready to help in case of an emergency. 
"We call all the people of #Venezuela to remain calm," Reverol wrote. 
Source: MSN Aug 2018

Naomi Chin Wing from the twin island of Trinidad and Tobago has taken the modeling world by storm. Her debut fashion show was Yves St Laurent, which created a domino effect opening doors to the catwalks of some of the most prestigious shows in the fashion industry where she walked in shows that featured Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner.
Born in Trinidad, Naomi hails from Malick. Life at high school was a challenge, as she was bullied because she was tall and towered over her fellow students. That said, close friends and family turned the situation around by seeing her height as a positive and told her that she was the right height and build for modeling and she should consider it. Thus the seed was planted and she envisioned a career in modeling.
In 2015, in pursuit of that career at just fifteen years old she at attended a fashion workshop in Port of Spain. It was here that she was discovered by the host – Christopher Nathan the CEO of by Coco Velvet International’s (CVI). As soon as he saw her he knew her height, build and ethnicity were perfect for a career in modeling. She was 5ft 11, with a diverse mixture of African, Chinese and East Indian heritage.
Two years later Naomi at the age of 17 years old she was fashion show ready. Many of us think that two years sounds like a long time to become a model, but modeling consists of so many factors. It takes a lot of character building, especially learning things from within like self-confidence and strength. Confidence is key to modeling; something Naomi initially lacked being a shy individual. She also had to learn how to command a presence while exuding style, elegance and grace with a perfect posture.
She signed a global modeling contract with IMG Models which is a widely recognized agency with offices in London, Los Angeles, Milan, New York, Paris and Sydney. Once signed, IMG Models manages and maximizes Naomi’s career.
Life in Trinidad came to a close and together with her mother, they moved from the community of Malick to the big city of London in the United Kingdom. Then in September 2017, at the age of just 17 years old, Naomi made her runway debut for Yves Saint Laurent during the Paris Fashion Week. In fact, she was hand-picked by Anthony Vaccarello the creative director for Yves Saint Laurent’s spring/ summer 2018 show in Paris with the Eiffel Tower as a backdrop!
One of the highlights of her career is to have already met her model idol. After a show for the British fashion designer Alexander McQueen, Naomi got the shock of her life when her idol Naomi Campbell came back stage to meet her.  Campbell even offered a few words of advice by telling her to be the good Naomi.
And the good Naomi Chin Wing is, having a good time on the runways for international designers Rochas Paris, Altuzarra, Giambattista Valli, John Galliano, Alexander McQueen, Christian Dior, Givenchy, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Maison Valentino. She has already been a part of the New York Fashion Week 2018, the London Fashion Week for 2018 and the Paris Autumn/Winter 2018 Fashion Week!


While many first time models dream and aspire to make it into top fashion magazines. Naomi has gone on to grace the pages of Elle, Harpers Bazaar India, Germany’s Material Magazine and Britain’s Vogue, POP Magazine, Vogue Spain, Heroine Magazine and Vogue Italia to name but a few.
The future holds a place for her on the runway of Victoria Beckham, Givenchy Haute Couture, Valentino Couture, Carolina Herrera, Givenchy Haute Couture, Calvin Klein and the list goes on.
InStyle, recently recognized her as one of fourteen models who were categorized as ‘a new class of high fashion runway model’ because of their humility and simple beginnings. Instyle noted that Naomi is unlike the handful of models that make it in the industry because of famous parents. They went on to say she is a diverse and empowered woman who is definitely one to watch. Christopher Nathan had this to say, “I am extremely satisfied with her high performance standard, her commitment to give her very best effort at modeling assignments and I look forward to her rising to the top of the modeling industry.”
But for all that she has achieved, in such a short space of time Naomi is the first to admit that she didn’t come from much and wants to make her family’s life better in Trinidad. She also intends to continue her education while pursing modeling. When asked which runway is the one she’d like to grace in the future, she says ‘Victoria’s Secret’ because it reminds her of the flamboyant Trinidad and Tobago Carnival.
In an incredibly fast paced, highly competitive industry, we here at Caribbean POSH wish Naomi all the best, may you be confident and keep up the energy levels, have courage and stamina and impress with your behavior, style, and lifestyle.
Source:  Caribbean Posh, August 2018