Former PNM Minister Wendell Mottley will receive the country’s highest award, the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago at the National Awards ceremony on Monday night.
President Paula Mae Weekes released the list of awardees on Sunday.
Veteran journalist Jones P. Madeira, Former Central Bank Governor Ewart Williams and former PNM Government Minister Joan Yuille Williams will receive the Chaconia Gold Medal. See the full list below.


The Order of Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (ORTT)
For Distinguished and Outstanding Service to Trinidad and Tobago in the Sphere of:


Wendell Mottley –National Development/Public Service
(Former Minister of Finance/Athlete)


The Chaconia Medal (GOLD)
For the Long and Meritorious Service to Trinidad and Tobago in the Sphere of:


Jones P. Madeira-Public Service/ Journalism
(Editorial Executive Consultant)


Dr. Romesh Mootoo-Medicine/Health
(Medical Practitioner)


Dr. Waveney Charles-Medicine
(Haemotologist)


Ewart Williams- Public Service
(Former Governor of Central Bank)
                                                  
Mrs. Joan Yuille Williams-Culture/Public Service
(Former Minister of Community Development and Gender Affairs)


The Chaconia Medal (SILVER)
For Long and Meritorious Service to Trinidad and Tobago in the Sphere of:


Dr. Clifford Alexis-Culture/Community Service
(Musical Instrument- Specialist/ Educator/Composer)
                                                                                   
Mr. Neville Jules-Culture/Community Service         
(Retired Pan Player, Tuner, Arranger of All Stars Steel Orchestra)                         


Mr. Roy Narinesingh-Education
(Publisher/ Author/ Editor)    


Pundit Seereeram Maharaj-Religion/Culture
(Pundit )                                  


Dr. Kern Tobias-Community Service
(President Caribbean Union Conference)      


Pundit Bhownath Maraj-Religion/Culture
(Pundit)                                              
​

The Hummingbird Medal (GOLD)
For Loyal and Devoted Service to Trinidad and Tobago in the Sphere of:


Kent Bede Bernard-Sport
(Court Case Worker-USA)


Hazel Thompson- Ahye-Public Service/Youth Development
(Attorney at Law)


Angela Murphy-Medicine/Health
(Physiotherapist)           


Breast feeding Association of Trinidad and Tobago-Community Service/Health                                                                                                                              
Dr. Helene Marceau- Crooks- Medicine/Psychiatrist/Public Service
(Medical Doctor)


Winston “Explainer” Henry-Culture/Education
(Culture/Education)


Dr. Ian Anthony Hypolite- Sport Coach
(Psychiatrist/ Athletic)


Dr. Varma Deyalsingh-Medicine/Health
(Family Doctor & Psychiatrist)                                             


Thomas E. Lawrence-Public Service
(Chairman Trinidad and Tobago Civil Aviation Authority and Retired Airline Captain, Check Airman)


The Hummingbird Medal-(SILVER)
For Loyal and devoted Service to Trinidad and Tobago in the Sphere:


Michael Paul- Sport/ Community Service
Retired Technician (TSTT)                                                    


Haji Mohammed Hosein- Sport/Education
(Retired School Principal)


Narrie Aproo-Culture/ Community Service
(Black Indian Masquerader)                          


Keith Thomas- Community Service/ Youth Development
(Swim Coach)                        
                                                                                               
Arnold Alpheus Ransome-Culture        
(Lead Baritone Singer of the Southernaires Choir of San Fernando)
                                                                                       
Ella Andall-Culture Minister
Calypsonian/Actress                                      
                                                                                                                                               
Willard “Relator” Harris-Culture
(Calypsonian)            


 Donric “Funny” Williamson-Culture
(Calypsonian)


Fred “Composer” Mitchell-Culture
(Calypsonian)


Teniel Campbell-Sport
(Cyclist)                                             


Dylan Carter-Sport                
(Swimmer)


Nicholas Paul-Sport
(Cyclist)


Kwesi Browne -Sport
(Cyclist)                                             


Njisane Phillip-Sport
(Cyclist)
           
The Hummingbird Medal (BRONZE)
For Loyal and Devoted Service to Trinidad and Tobago in the Sphere of:


Sariah Estrada
(Student of the University of the Southern Caribbean)


The Public Service Medal of Merit (GOLD)
For Outstanding and Meritorious Service to Trinidad and Tobago in the Sphere of:


Michael Scott-Arts/Community Service (Posthumously)
Retired Teacher                                              


Dr. Oswin Christian Rose-Public Service
Consumer Law Specialist


Beryl Irma Brewster-Public Service/Health
Senior Nursing Lecturer                                                        
                                   
Prem Premanand Nandlal-Medicine
Retired Industrial Chemist     


Dr. Rasheed Usman Adam- Public Service/Medicine
Medical Doctor/Neurosurgeon                                                                      
                                               
Ronald Richardson- Community Service/Education
(Retired Teacher II)   
Bronson Berry Merritt-Education/Public Service
Retired School Supervisor III                                               


Teddy Brathwaite-Public Service/Defence Force (Posthumously)
Retired Deputy Commissioner of Prisons


 Liaquat Ali Shah-Public Service
Chief Executive Officer/ Chemical Engineer


Camille Hosein- Education/ Public Service
Retired Principal                    


Mr. Francis Seupaul-Education/Community Service (Posthumously)
Retired Principal                    
                                                                                   
Mrs. Lynette Lalla-Chote- Education/Communication
Retired Principal                    


Dr. Lester Efebo Wilkinson-Public Service
Retired Ambassador/ Permanent Secretary/Consultant


Mr. Mahmud Sultan Dean Aziz-Public Service
(Retired Barrister)      


Medal for the Development of Women (GOLD)
For Outstanding Contribution to the Development of Women’s Rights and Issues in Trinidad and Tobago in the Sphere of:


Dr. Krishendaye Rampersad- Journalism/Development of Women
(Writer, Journalist, Multimedia of Multi-Cultural Heritage Sustainable Development Educator)

One of the Caribbean’s main universities has for the first time ever, entered the five percent bracket of the 2019 Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
The University of the West Indies (The UWI) made it into the ranking among the elite band of top institutions worldwide based on data showing that there are over 25,000 recognised universities, globally.
The UWI ranked 591 in the world for 2019 out of the 1,258 universities which made the list and is the only Caribbean institution on the worldwide list. It was also the only Caribbean university ranked earlier this year in THE’s 2018 Latin America University Rankings, in the region that is home to over 100 universities contributing to sustainable development. 
Regarded as the definitive list of the top universities, THE’s World University Rankings is the only global university performance table to judge research-intensive universities across their core missions of teaching (the learning environment); research (volume, income and reputation), international outlook (staff, students and research); citations (research influence); industry income (knowledge transfer). The 70-year-old regional university, which is relatively young among its counterparts in the World Rankings, scored in the top 10% of universities (#290) for its international outlook and in the top 30% (#370) for research influence.
Elated about the news, Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles said, “The excellence of The UWI has been a well-kept secret for far too long. Now, with these very impressive global ranking results, we can begin to share with the world the story of this academic enterprise in the West Indies that highlights the intellectual achievement and scholastic contributions of the Caribbean community.”
In 2015, Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles took over the reins and declared an intention to radically globalise the University and to prepare it for regional and global comparisons within the THE’s rankings. This required considerable mobilising of the evidence relevant to its academic legacy and current strategic agenda as a strategic project. Vice-Chancellor Beckles, in establishing an Office for Global Affairs, and giving a remit to the redesigned Office of Strategic Planning, recognised the need for The UWI to be competitive internationally within a global sector.  The Vice-Chancellor’s vision to have The UWI recognised within the top five% of the best universities in the world has now been realised. 
The UWI’s exceptional performance in the 2018 Latin America University Rankings and now the 2019 World University Rankings demonstrates a series of deliberate strategic initiatives advanced by the implementation of the University’s five-year strategic plan for 2017-2022. Themed the Triple A Strategy, the plan is centred around widening Access to quality tertiary education, greater Alignment of The UWI with academic-industry partnerships relevant to the region's needs and Agility and alertness in engaging global connections and possibilities.
The Loop: Sept 2018

The US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has designated and sanctioned two T&T nationals  - an Emraan Ali and one Eddie Aleong - as financiers of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terror network.
In a release, the US Department of the Treasury revealed, "As of January 2017, a Trinidadian ISIS supporter possibly planned to work with Eddie Aleong, to transfer funds to Emraan Ali, who would then provide the funds to Trinidadian ISIS fighters in Syria."
As a result of yesterday's action, all property and interests in property of the two men, subject to US jurisdiction are blocked and US persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with them."
OFAC's sanction action was pursuant to its executive orders which targets terrorists and those providing support to terrorists or acts of terrorism.
The department stated that while coalition efforts have led to the collapse of ISIS’s self-declared caliphate, the Treasury continues to aggressively target financiers supporting the terrorist group’s radical agenda. 
"We are sanctioning individuals involved in financial facilitation to obstruct and deter ISIS financial operations in regions across the world,” said Sigal Mandelker, Treasury Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence.
“Our actions coincide with the 10th meeting of the Counter-ISIS Finance Group (CIFG), which includes 52 countries and international organizations committed to disrupting critical sources of ISIS revenue to permanently prevent ISIS from accessing the international financial system.”
Today's designations of the two Trini nationals was part of Treasury and the broader US government’s ongoing and concerted efforts to disrupt ISIS-related financial activities around the globe, the department added.
Throughout this year, the Departments of the Treasury and State targeted ISIS branches, facilitators and networks in Bangladesh, Iraq, Somalia, the Philippines, and across West and North Africa, it added.

President Paula-Mae Weekes has appointed an Independent Senator to fill the vacancy created following the resignation of Dr. Dhanayshar Mahabir earlier this year.
A statement from the Office of the President on Saturday, indicated that contrary to certain media reports an Independent Senator was appointed last week.
“Her Excellency signed the Instrument of Appointment last Wednesday September 19 and it along with all other relevant documents were delivered to the Clerk of the Senate by Friday September 21. It is now for the appointee to be sworn-in at the Senate.”
It added that like former Senator Mahabir, the incoming Independent Senator is an economist. Dr. Mahabir, who was appointed by former President Anthony Carmona in August 2013, tendered his resignation in March.

Ken “Professor” Philmore - steelpan arranger, composer and ace pannist – died at the Intensive Care Unit of the San Fernando General Hospital on Sunday.
Philmore, 58, succumbed to severe internal injuries suffered in a crash on the Republic Day holiday.
He sustained broken ribs and his lungs had collapsed, police said.
Philmore was driving his Toyotal Hilux van north along the Solomon Hochoy Highway when he picked up a skid near Claxton Bay at around 8.45am.
The vehicle flipped several times and Philmore was thrown out of the cabin.
His wife, Sophia Philmore, had called on the nation to pray for her husband.
San Fernando Mayor Junia Regrello confirmed that Philmore died at around 9.30am.
Regrello said, “He was in the ICU. He suffered some internal injuries. Yes, his lungs had collapsed twice in that time and I understand he suffered a heart attack as well. His passing is a really, really big loss to the pan fraternity.”
Regrello said Philmore played with many south steelbands and made his mark in the artform.
“He represented San Fernando with pride. He was like a brother to me He had so much to offer. This is really, really sad. I want to express condolences to his family and say thank you for his contributions to the city of San Fernando,” he said.
Philmore began his steelpan career with Hatters and then moved to Fonclaire, where he settled in 1981. He also began a successful career in composing.
In 1988, he appeared with international artistes Tina Tuner and Lionel Hamptom in New York. He was honoured by Pan Trinbago as one of the most promising arrangers.
Philmore was described locally and internationally as a pannist of today and tomorrow.
Source:  Daily Express, Oct 2, 2018

​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.