Carib Queen Jennifer Cassar of the Santa Rosa First Peoples Community has died.
Cassar, 66, died on Thursday.
Arima mayor Lisa Morris-Julian extended condolences on behalf of the Arima Borough Corporation.
Morris-Julian said the loss of Cassar was a blow to Arima’s foundation which is rooted on the contributions of the First Peoples. 
She said the council laments the loss of a phenomenal woman who was of Carib descent.
“The council is thankful that she assisted in extensive work to keep persons of First Peoples lineage untied and thriving in the Santa Rosa First Peoples Community. It recognises her decades of labour which assisted to create a space in the Borough where the first Peoples are acknowledged and respected” she said.
Last year, the Government allowed for a one-off public holiday for the First Peoples Community, where Morris-Julian said the late Carib Queen was instrumental in her contributions to the festivities held during the Arima Fest celebrations, the Santa Rosa Festival and the First People’s Heritage Week.
In April 2009, Cassar represented the Santa Rosa First Peoples Carib Community at the 3rd Indigenous Leaders’ Summit of the Americas in Panama City, Panama in April of 2009.
​Education Minister and Arima Member of Parliament Anthony Garcia also extended condolences on the passing of Cassar.
In a statement, Garcia referred to Cassar as a symbol of strength, will and power within the community.
He said Cassar’s career was vast as she worked in the public service for over forty years.
“She contributed to the development of her country through work in Education, Community Development, Culture, Sport, Health and the Judiciary. Today I take the opportunity to again express my humblest gratitude to Mrs. Jennifer Cassar for her yeoman service to the First Peoples Community, to the Borough of Arima and to Trinidad and Tobago. May her life be an example to those in and outside of the Carib community and may her legacy be carried with love, light and positivity. May she rest in peace,” he said.

Canadian actor Dalmar Abuzeid will make history as the first black character from Trinidad and Tobago in the iconic Anne of Green Gables series, 'Anne with an E'.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, Abuzeid will play Sebastian, an Afro-Caribbean steamship worker from Trinidad and Tobago who befriends Gilbert Blythe, one of the story's main characters and Anne's romantic interest in the Netflix series. 
The move was described as a 'watershed moment' for the well-loved story which is based on Canadian writer Lucy Maud Montgomery's 1908 novel about a young red-headed orphan in rural Prince Edward Island. 
"It's incredible the way I'm being introduced into a story that already has this history and this audience, and that means so much because I get to be part of that story with the new perspective of an Afro-Caribbean in the world of Anne," Abuzeid said.
His character, Sebastian Lacroix, is originally from Trinidad and arrives in fictional Avonlea as a manual laborer who stokes coal in the engine room of a steamship.
Moira Walley-Becket, creator of Anne with an E, said she deliberately chose a multicultural direction for the show's second season.
"When I was first conceiving Anne With an E, I was troubled by the lack of diversity in the book, especially since Canada is such a diverse nation, both then and now," she said.
The series is available on Netflix.
Source: The Loop, July 12, 2018

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YOUNG artist Sarah Ali recently held a private art exhibition at Palm Foundation in Woodbrook, at which she put up for sale 15 pieces of art and six silk scarves to help pay for her tertiary education.
All the pieces, silks included, were sold-out on the night, with the exception of the largest.
The outgoing head girl at Bishop Anstey High School, Ali said, “I cannot even begin to describe my surprise at finding out that so many people wanted to buy my pieces. When I saw those orange ‘sold’ stickers going up next to the pieces I was in awe. I felt so blessed to know that my gift from God was being admired by so many people. I also felt incredibly empowered, as if a young artist as myself could host such a successful first exhibition, then I could do anything, and I could encourage young people like myself to take that leap of faith and share their talents with the world.
“The biggest thing this exhibition taught me was that if you just have faith God will make all things happen.”
Ali got a partial scholarship to attend the Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) to do biomedical engineering. But the fees are high and though the $20,000 raised so far from the sale of her art pieces will help, she is hoping that her biggest piece, Imperium Chroma de Musical, will be sold before she leaves on August 2.
Asked if she hopes for an additional scholarship from the government, Ali said, “I have given my all in my CAPE exams, so yes, I am praying for a government scholarship. It would make things a lot easier for my family. I come from a single-parent family so a scholarship would take a huge load off my mom’s shoulders. I am just hoping that the work that I put in would be enough to allow me to receive such an honour.”
Ali got the international scholarship on the basis of her SAT scores: she did the SATs right before her Unit 1 exams for CAPE in 2017.
The scholarship is only awarded to top-performing international students. The engineering programme for which she got the scholarship is for four years, but can be reduced depending on how well she performs in her CAPE exams. Those results are expected to be released next month, and Ali says she is anxiously awaiting them with fingers crossed.
Noting that what she is going to study at tertiary level is so different from her art, Ali explained, “Art is my way of relaxing and stepping away from the chaos that is the world we live in.
“I am studying biomedical engineering, however, because science is my passion. My goal is to enter the field of cancer care, treatment and research. My eyes are set on improving the care of cancer patients, specifically in TT.”
Ali said both her grandfather and godmother recently died because they could not access top-notch care and said she wants to help people like them and their families.
But as far as her art is concerned, she said, “I can never stop painting and sculpting. I have always done art alongside my STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects; art was my extra subject for both CSEC and CAPE. I had to balance all of my science classes during school hours, then paint when I got home and whenever I found free time. I made time for it because it helped me to de-stress and relax. So no fear, this will not be my only art show. There is more in store.
“Also, my artistic talent will allow me to add a creative spin on new ideas to treat cancer.”
Ali placed fourth on the CSEC Visual Arts Regional Merit List in 2016, seventh on the CAPE Visual Arts Regional Merit List in 2016 for Unit 1, was named Women in Art’s Artist of the Year for 2017, was Bishop Anstey head girl 2017-2018 and an altar server for seven years at St Michael and All Angels’ Anglican Parish in Diamond Vale.
Source: Newsday, July 12, 2018

Former National Security Minister, Gary Griffith, has thanked all those who offered him words of encouragement on his nomination to the post of Commissioner of Police, by the government.
A total of 19 government MPs voted in favour of Griffith during the motion which was brought in the Parliament on Monday. 13 Opposition MPs who were present abstained while no one voted against.
In a statement issued less than an hour after the vote, Griffith said he needed no “honeymoon period” as he intended to work hard to gain the trust of the public and work alongside the police to ensure the safety of citizens.
“To those law-abiding citizens who have been sceptical of this decision made, it is my intention to win over your trust and support in the very near future. To those within the Service who may also share concerns, I assure you, I am well aware that I can never do this on my own, and I am certain, despite what is reported in the mainstream media, those who took the oath to protect and serve, will do so with pride. We are all aware that a team is as strong as its weakest link, and part of my role is to ensure all links are bolstered.”
Griffith said he is aware that the post of Commissioner of Police comes with great responsibility, a challenge he is willing to meet.
He also outlined some of his plans to do all that is required to achieve this feat.
“I am intent on utilizing Leadership, Management, Accountability and Measurement of Performance as standards of practice, whilst implementing methodologies that will advance a strategic, future-oriented, targeted approach to crime control, focusing upon the identification, analysis & management of persisting and developing problems or risks, also known as Intelligence Led Policing.”
He said, however, that he will not give further details as he awaits the official transition and handover period from current acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams of whom he praised for his service to country.

Port-of-Spain has quite a compelling history, with nuances and facets that we see every day without actually knowing their origins.
Before the Twin Towers, there was Freetown. Before the International Waterfront, there was Puerto d’España, a port kept under wraps from pirates and enemies of the Spanish. 
The city of Port-of-Spain is 104 years old and for the month of June, the Port-of-Spain City Corporation will be hosting a number of events to celebrate this anniversary. 
To help commemorate, we dug up some pretty interesting facts about the nation's capital. Here are 10 facts about the city you probably didn't know.
1. Belmont was previously called Freetown
The British abolished the slave trade in 1807 but the British Royal Navy were ordered to patrol the African West Coast and prevent the illegal transportation of slaves by British ships. As a result, a number of Africans were freed and some of them were brought to Trinidad.
Coming from tribes including Yoruba, Rada, Mandingo, Ibo, and Krumen, they were brought here, not as slaves, but as free men and given land in Belmont. Belmont became known as Freetown for a while, extending from the East Dry River at the north end of Circular Road, and up into the Belmont Valley Road.
2. Before there was St. Ann’s, there was Belmont Asylum
The Belmont Asylum was founded in 1851 and was located on Circular Road, opposite to where the secondary school is today. It was eventually moved to St. Ann’s and became known as the ‘Mental Hospital’.
3. The capital was intentionally kept uninhabited at one point
Under Spanish rule in the mid-16th century, Trinidad was a strategic outpost to the Orinoco delta. In an attempt to avoid drawing the attention of pirates and other Spanish enemies, the Spaniards kept Trinidad unpopulated, keeping the island as just a port to keep Spanish ships safe in the Gulf of Paria. They spread rumours that Trinidad was dangerous and was a catchment for diseases like yellow fever and malaria. The main anchoring place didn’t even receive a proper name but was just called a ‘Harbour of Spain’  or Puerto d’España. 
4. The 'jamette society' originated in Port in Spain
At one point, the streets of east Port-of-Spain were known as the ‘French Shores’, and those who inhabited them were known as jamettes (from French ‘diamètre’). The term referred to those outside the circle (the ‘diameter’) of polite society. In the eyes of the colonial government, the jamette society was outrageous, vulgar and obscene.
5. Everyone and everything was thrown in prison
The Royal Gaol on upper Frederick Street was completed in 1812 where criminals, along with debtors, the insane, and even animals were thrown into it.  
6. Governor Woodfood passed an interesting law to protect the streets of Port-of-Spain
After he became Governor in 1813, Sir Ralph Woodford was keen on modernising the face of Port-of-Spain. Sidewalks were constructed and paved with gravel. To preserve the new (and expensive) streets, a law was passed in 1824 forbidding the keeping of pigs in the city. Additionally, cows, goats, horses, and mules had to be kept in compounds and were not allowed to roam the streets anymore.
7. The first boys' school opened in 1823
The first primary school for boys was opened in Port-of-Spain in April 1823 followed by a primary school for girls in 1826. 
8. Queen's Park Savannah was initially intended for cattle 
Governor Woodford purchased Paradise estate in 1819 from the Peschier family. The area, originally called 'The Savannah' was cleared ‘for the recreation of the townsfolk and for the pasturage of cattle’. It was later officially changed to 'The Queen's Park Savannah' in 1845. 
9. The Botanic Gardens had Far East influences
The Governor bought additional land from the Peschier estate at St. Anns, which was constructed for the new Government House and the Botanic Gardens. Botanist David Lockhart was hired to design the Botanic gardens; he introduced many trees from the Far East into Trinidad, the most notable being samaan tree. 
10. The Queen's Park Savannah was used for many sporting events
In addition to being an open pasture, the Savannah provided the residents of the town with their first golf course and the game was played with the grazing cows and running horses. 
Horse-racing was also introduced in 1828; by 1854, after the erection of the Grand Stand, horse racing was held annually. The Savannah was quite the multipurpose venue, with cricket, polo, football and other sports taking place in the open space. 
Source:  The Loop

ZOE Anthony added yet another gold medal to her impressive haul when she won the Girls 3K open water swim on the penultimate day of races at the CCCAN Swimming Championships in Aruba, yesterday.
Anthony, who won the most individual medals in the girls 11-12 age division, completely dominated the open water to win in 46 minutes, 16 seconds, well ahead of her teammates Savannah Chee-Wah (49:07) and Gabrielle Vickles (51:19), who rounded off the top three spots.
On the boys’ side, Nikoli Blackman also added to his heavy load of medals with the 3K gold. He finished in 45:14, with Daniel Mair of Jamaica coming second in 48:08.
The 5K was staged soon after, but no TT swimmer placed in the top three. Today, the final day of competition will see the Boys and Girls 10K open water events.
Even before yesterday’s stunning performance from the TT swimmers, the team was in line to finish with the overall team prize, which takes into account scores from the CCCAN’s various water sports, including diving and synchronised swimming.
Along with Anthony and Blackman, Zarek Wilson’s performances have been exceptional. Wilson has the most medals in the TT camp, most of which are gold including the 50m and 100m backstroke double; 200m and 400m freestyle; 50m backstroke; 200m IM; and the 400m freestyle and 400m medley relays.
The event will finish today with the boys and girls Open Water 10K.
Source:  TT Newsday, July 5, 2018