- 3 years ago
Category
🗞
NewsTranscript
00:00:00 [Music]
00:00:14 Come on, come on, studio. Give her some.
00:00:18 [Laughter]
00:00:21 I was just listening to this song, right?
00:00:24 And isn't this song param in its rawest form, but sweet?
00:00:31 Listen to the person's voice.
00:00:35 Lara Brothers, right?
00:00:38 Raw but sweet, boy.
00:00:44 Good morning, Trinidad and Tobago. I'm Marlon Hopkins, and welcome to The Morning Edition.
00:00:47 It's December 21st, 2023. Thank you very much for joining us.
00:00:51 It's all a part of the Christmas here, just a few more days for the big day.
00:00:56 Let me tell you something.
00:00:58 You really know it's Christmas when you get up very early this morning,
00:01:04 and the first scent you get in the house, it is the scent of cake.
00:01:12 So yesterday, some baking was done, and that scent is still locked up in the house.
00:01:18 So I got up to the smell of cake this morning, and just now when I look down at my shoes,
00:01:26 my shoes are covered in gold dust, sprinkles of gold dust from the Christmas tree.
00:01:35 Yeah, so you know it's Christmas. I don't know if you know, but I love Christmas,
00:01:40 so it's all a part of the Christmas.
00:01:42 I hope you're having a good Christmas just as I am, but I really do love it.
00:01:48 And you know, it's a rush now to the big day.
00:01:53 I see you all out there, and you're shopping and so on, but you know, not to rush too much.
00:01:59 Everything in moderation, all right, because we want you for the big day and beyond.
00:02:03 Let's check out what's happening in the Daily Express on the front page today.
00:02:07 Double murder rocks the bagel, 13 recorded to date on the island.
00:02:12 God kills God at Central School.
00:02:15 And the picture, entertaining Parang Queen Alicia Jagasar is serenaded on stage
00:02:21 by the Baron Timothy Watkins to sweet Parang music at Luz Alumnos de San Juan Christmas concert,
00:02:29 Cantando Gloria III at Estate 11 Maraval on Monday.
00:02:34 And food card fumbles, some of the stories in the Express today.
00:02:38 To the back page now, some sport, Under-17 tournament there, and that's Rory Gittins,
00:02:45 center, as she attempts to get through three Grenada defenders in yesterday's jewels
00:02:52 of the Caribbean Invitational Under-17 tournament third place playoff.
00:02:58 No seals down under, shoulder injury, sideline spacer, holder Myers opt out.
00:03:04 Jaden Seals will not be touring Australia with the West Indies squad for the two test series next month.
00:03:09 But Trinidad and Tobago Red Four spacer was left out of the 15-man squad announced yesterday
00:03:14 because of what Cricket West Indies released described as a shoulder injury.
00:03:20 So some of the stories today that we're following up on, all right.
00:03:24 So it's time to remind you of a Trinbago, your nice feature.
00:03:28 Let's give our viewers the numbers, and the numbers are 737-3778.
00:03:37 And this is how beautiful a country is.
00:03:40 Please don't spoil it.
00:03:43 And that comes from Santa Flora.
00:03:45 That picture was taken in Santa Flora, and I suspect a resident of Santa Flora.
00:03:51 So a very special good morning to you.
00:03:53 Thank you to all of our contributors to the program who continue to send in these beautiful photographs.
00:04:02 All right, so we do have a packed program for you today.
00:04:05 We have your coffee, tea, and something to eat.
00:04:07 We're coming back.
00:04:09 [Music]
00:04:21 Shop online at caterpro.tt for all your catering equipment needs.
00:04:24 Available now, stainless steel tables from $10.95, display warmers from $15.95, and chafing dishes for $2.95.
00:04:31 Call 318-COOK, caterpro.tt for your restaurant equipment and supplies.
00:04:36 It's the season to be jolly.
00:04:38 Make your guy merry by giving him a gift from Bradford.
00:04:42 Men's dress and casual shirts, polo jerseys and casual pants, the renowned Bradford brand dress fans,
00:04:49 a wide range of sleek and comfortable footwear, and an incredible variety of men's accessories and hip sets.
00:04:56 And of course, the latest styles in the exquisitely tailored suit by Bradford.
00:05:01 This Christmas, Bradford suits your budget best.
00:05:05 [Music]
00:05:34 It's the TV6 Viewer's Choice Sporting Personality of the Year, where you, the viewer, determines the winner.
00:05:41 Here are the nominees for 2023.
00:05:43 Levi Garcia, Nicholas Paul, Nikolai Blackman, Darren Bravo, and Nicholas Puran.
00:05:50 To vote for the sporting personality you believe has made the biggest impact in 2023,
00:05:55 visit tb6tnt.com/sportingpersonality to cast your vote.
00:05:59 And watch the morning edition on December 29th to see who is the 2023 TV6 Viewer's Choice Sporting Personality.
00:06:06 Catholic Charismatic Renewal presents its 25th Caribbean Conference from Friday, January 5th to Sunday, January 7th, 2024.
00:06:15 The theme of the conference is Evangelize, Spread the Good News.
00:06:19 The main celebrant and homilist will be His Excellency Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon.
00:06:24 Other speakers are Father Maurice Nutt from the USA, Father Kingsley Asphal from Jamaica,
00:06:29 Father Peter Wamutitu from Dominica, and from Trinidad and Tobago, Father Ian Taylor and Sister Deborah DeRosier.
00:06:36 Come join us at the Center of Excellence in McCoyer to be part of this spirit-filled weekend.
00:06:41 Cost $300 TT. For information, call 645-0525 or 645-2902.
00:06:49 [MUSIC]
00:06:58 All right. Welcome back, everyone.
00:07:01 So we are dealing now with a model to reduce criminality in developing countries,
00:07:07 and it's an exercise undertaken by Samuel Joseph, Professor, Transportation Engineer, Mobility Psychologist.
00:07:13 Professor, thank you very much for coming this morning.
00:07:16 Professor, how does a professor, a transportation engineer, mobility psychologist embark upon such a project?
00:07:24 Very interesting.
00:07:28 Because most of the crime, high percentage, probably even 80 percent of the crime, are motor vehicle related or transport related.
00:07:39 If you think about it, among the crime that the motor vehicle participate or contribute to,
00:07:51 you realize that my approach to criminality or to deal with this issue, again, I should tell you,
00:07:58 my PhD is transportation engineering, but my forte is the impact of transport on human health, the environment, and the social sector.
00:08:07 So that is why I don't know how to answer your question, but I need to tell you also that transportation contributes significantly to crime.
00:08:15 Yeah, it's a tool.
00:08:17 Definitely. It's one of the main tools.
00:08:19 Just as how the gun is being used, but the vehicle is also being used.
00:08:24 Definitely, yeah.
00:08:27 All right. Well, let's look at the model, because I know that you have focused on a number of topics here,
00:08:38 prison reform, institutional reform towards crime reduction, institutional effectiveness, private sector, commission.
00:08:46 Let's get into it, Professor.
00:08:48 Okay. Well, firstly, I must say that our model is based on institutional effectiveness.
00:08:58 Our argument is that institutional ineffectiveness is the main problem in our society.
00:09:09 We may call it, well, in the past we had things like anaconda.
00:09:13 We hear a whole lot of different names for solutions, but I know that we know for sure at this point that the solution lies with institutions.
00:09:24 If the institutions are decriminalized, the society will be decriminalized.
00:09:32 So is it then you're saying, because you would know, Professor, a number of studies would have been done concerning crime in Trinidad and Tobago,
00:09:41 but I think that there is an issue of putting those plans into action and having certain laws enforced?
00:09:53 These plans will not bear the desired results without reforming the institutions.
00:10:01 Let me also tell you this. Crime does not flow from the street to the institution. Crime flows from the institution to the street.
00:10:11 And if we should ensure that every institution, practicing institution, like the motor vehicle industry,
00:10:22 every participant within that industry should be registered with a lead body, with a surety bond or some irrevocable letter of credit,
00:10:35 and a code of conduct to follow. And if they fail to follow the code of conduct, they have something to lose.
00:10:43 The government must ensure that they give the lead body the teeth.
00:10:50 We have the Bar Association for lawyers. We have the Medical Board for doctors.
00:10:56 We should have lead bodies for every practicing institution in a country to be able to decriminalize that country.
00:11:04 Accountability is the problem. Today, a man will pull up four galvanized and four posts,
00:11:12 and next year, he'll put up a four-story building. We have a reason for it.
00:11:18 And if accountability is the watchword, you will have a significant reduction.
00:11:27 That is why we are claiming institution reform can produce a reduction in criminality.
00:11:36 Institutional effectiveness is another area of focus. You cannot have institutional effectiveness,
00:11:50 or you can't have crime reduction without institutional effectiveness.
00:11:57 So is it that the system is in a malaise? It's in a mess?
00:12:03 It is in a mess, yes, because no one has tried to address the main issue.
00:12:11 The issue is the freedom to do as you want, across the board, across the board,
00:12:20 from the fisherman to the airplane, right across the board.
00:12:26 And if you are situated, something is wrong because of the freedom to do it.
00:12:33 And if people are made accountable, and to ensure their practice is responsible,
00:12:39 they are responsible to a lead body who have a code of conduct to follow,
00:12:44 and they register so they're operating under a license, that will make a big difference in society today.
00:12:50 And any society that have any level of crime reduction have adopted a similar route.
00:12:59 Yeah, but of course there may be fallouts, Professor, from doing this,
00:13:06 because there may be political repercussions too.
00:13:10 How do you do that in a country such as Trinidad and Tobago?
00:13:13 Well, if the powers that be have the political will to do it, it will be done.
00:13:20 If the government have a vested interest in crime, as in the case of Trinidad, from my research,
00:13:29 I'm not saying government, I'm talking PNM, I'm talking about governments.
00:13:34 Governments generally have a vested interest in crime,
00:13:38 because you will find the criminal elements having a lot of money that they could put into campaign funds and so on.
00:13:47 So they contribute to the party, and the party get power, and the party, they are obligated then to the finance.
00:13:56 But if at some point somebody have the political will to do it, it will be done, and it could be done successfully.
00:14:06 Let's look at the issue of transportation.
00:14:09 What could be done, you think, in Trinidad and Tobago?
00:14:13 Re, the use of these vehicles.
00:14:16 How do we monitor these vehicles when it comes to the use of these vehicles involved in criminal activities?
00:14:27 Because I know that there was a plan or a recommendation some years ago,
00:14:32 where they were saying, well, we are going to put in every number plate this chip,
00:14:38 and we may be able to monitor vehicles on the nation's roads and so on.
00:14:42 But what can we do?
00:14:44 I was, I think, in the same station, Andy Johnson, many years ago, I did a study for the government,
00:14:54 entitled A Baseline Study on Quality Initiatives Within the Transportation Sector.
00:15:01 And that was one of our recommendations.
00:15:04 Yes.
00:15:05 But we cannot arrive at that without sanitizing number plates.
00:15:11 Country in that right now, every two-color or any two-color is a number.
00:15:16 We don't have number plate standards.
00:15:18 You must have number plate standards.
00:15:21 You must have a situation, you need a situation where the number plates have a chip, as you said.
00:15:31 So it must be a smart number plate.
00:15:33 And to control or to assist the police, you must have number plate readers.
00:15:45 Number plate reader could be a tool carried on hand by the police.
00:15:50 It could be something installed on the police vehicle.
00:15:53 It could be on a street light.
00:15:55 It could be on an alarm post.
00:15:56 It could be on a street corner.
00:15:58 It could be on a wall, as long as you have number plate readers out there and the technology is available.
00:16:05 The police will be alerted when something illegal or some illegal vehicle passes.
00:16:11 So if a vehicle doesn't have insurance, if it doesn't have what is required,
00:16:16 the police have no problem in finding that one because a red flag will appear on the police monitor.
00:16:26 High-speed chase is something of the past.
00:16:29 You don't need to chase nobody.
00:16:31 You tag the vehicle, start a light, and you go and you pick up the vehicle, wherever it reaches.
00:16:38 And that is the way enforcement should be.
00:16:41 No enforcement is impossible in Trinidad and Tobago.
00:16:46 And why is that?
00:16:47 Because we just don't have the filter of the tool to do the job.
00:16:52 I mean, a great level of sympathy goes to the police because they are really given a knife to cut on a tree.
00:17:03 They need a power saw.
00:17:06 You get me?
00:17:07 You give them a knife, they're just touching the sap of the tree.
00:17:10 They can't reach exactly that situation.
00:17:15 It's impossible.
00:17:16 Yeah.
00:17:17 Do you support at all, because there has been talk about this too,
00:17:23 that when one purchases a vehicle, they are given a particular number.
00:17:29 So that number on the number plate, that they have that number for life.
00:17:34 So it's also a way of tracing.
00:17:37 A personalized number plate.
00:17:38 Yes.
00:17:39 Something.
00:17:40 We went further.
00:17:42 When I was at UWE, together with Dr. Mutabazi and Professor Sweet and others, Raymond Charles,
00:17:49 we came up with a plan, a tool for the police.
00:17:56 We developed a tool for the police, which was based on using the Regional Cooperation Act of 1989,
00:18:03 where all the regions were created.
00:18:07 So if you are from Siparia, your number plate will be produced by the Siparia Regional Corporation.
00:18:15 Not anybody could open a business anywhere and make a number.
00:18:18 A number plate is a certified document.
00:18:22 There's significant responsibility behind a number plate, and anybody could make a number plate and train that.
00:18:29 So who is to be blamed?
00:18:34 We are failing to adopt the right principles, and we are failing to give the right tool to the enforcement agencies.
00:18:42 The most important thing here is the color of the number plate will be the color of the regional corporation,
00:18:53 or the borough, or whatsoever.
00:18:57 There will be a chip in the number plate, and the number plate will be accessed by the number plate reader.
00:19:07 So as you go around the country, your number plate will be red.
00:19:12 And you just cannot do anything wrong because the red flag will raise and the police will be on you.
00:19:19 Right now, the police are shooting in the air.
00:19:22 They cannot find a target because they are not given the tool.
00:19:26 But you know, Professor, one of the problems is that everybody knows everybody in Trinidad and Tobago.
00:19:33 So I may have a brother, I may have a cousin working at a corporation, and I say,
00:19:37 "Hey, boy, I want a number plate organized, you know?"
00:19:41 And it may be as simple as that, so you need to also police that.
00:19:44 No, that is no problem.
00:19:47 You send out an illegal number plate, the reader will take it up.
00:19:51 So then you are defeated.
00:19:55 Yeah. So this study, this was done how long, Professor?
00:20:00 1999.
00:20:04 Was there any attempt to implement the measures in this study?
00:20:11 I normally say bad things, you know.
00:20:13 Be careful.
00:20:17 When it was time to discuss some of the project profiles and so,
00:20:23 I was, we had a training component, and I was asked to meet a guy named Faisal Karim,
00:20:31 who was the Minister of Training and Tertiary Education.
00:20:34 Yes.
00:20:36 And my name is Samuel Joseph.
00:20:40 Mr. Karim, after going through everything, he was a member of the National Quality Council.
00:20:49 Archbishop Panton was part of that team.
00:20:54 And Vincent Cabrera and these type of people.
00:20:57 Trade unionists.
00:20:58 Right. It was a team set up, they called the National Quality Council.
00:21:02 And Faisal Karim told me, "It's an excellent project, but you see one problem."
00:21:08 I said, "What is the problem, Faisal?"
00:21:10 "You're right here and you're wrong name." And I pack up and walk out.
00:21:19 So that was the end of that study, the end of that discussion.
00:21:22 I can't change me. I can't do much changes to myself.
00:21:28 You understand? I can't do much changes to myself.
00:21:32 This is where I was born, you know.
00:21:36 The problem is hereism.
00:21:38 I went to England and I made a presentation at the City Hall.
00:21:43 A lecture on hereism after that.
00:21:46 It is a sensitive topic to me.
00:21:48 There is a problem out here.
00:21:50 But what we really need to go back to the issue.
00:21:54 The issue here is we need to adopt the smart city approach to crime fighting.
00:21:59 All right. Tell us a little bit about that.
00:22:01 The smart city approach is based on putting sensors throughout the city.
00:22:11 Monitors and sensors that will work together with the number plate system.
00:22:18 So the smart city is irrelevant or useless without the number plates.
00:22:24 And when we have these number plates, the smart number plate,
00:22:29 the police will have teeth, the cameras will pick it up,
00:22:33 the monitors will be, the information will go back to the police,
00:22:37 and crime will drop significantly.
00:22:42 So you feel it is something that can be put into operation because, you know,
00:22:47 when we speak about these things, Professor, we also speak about a cost.
00:22:51 What is the value of one life, brother?
00:22:55 And we will lose 600 lives by murder every year.
00:23:00 And you multiply that by the value of a life.
00:23:03 The value of life is priceless.
00:23:07 So I don't understand.
00:23:10 The budget for national security is very significant,
00:23:14 and I think we should always consider doing the project, not the cause.
00:23:21 Another thing, as we are on this, is shot spotter.
00:23:27 With these sensors and with the benefit of satellite, a gun go off.
00:23:35 We have a shot spotter.
00:23:37 We have shot spotter technology.
00:23:39 When installed, we'll pick up that vibration and be able to identify exactly where that gun go off.
00:23:46 So we get location.
00:23:48 The police could go and pick up that gun.
00:23:50 They could remove the gun.
00:23:52 We have something called tagging.
00:23:54 You could tag the gun and follow it.
00:23:58 We have to embrace technology to fight crime.
00:24:01 But I know that that was a recommendation being spoken about some years ago.
00:24:06 But if I remember well, there was some difficulty concerning that sort of initiative,
00:24:12 and it was stopped.
00:24:13 It was never pursued.
00:24:17 I was part of that at that time through the British High Commission.
00:24:21 A guy named Curtis Fleary, who was attached to the British High Commission.
00:24:29 The reason it did not go forward is because the government of the day said it was too expensive.
00:24:36 This is why I come back to the big question, what is the value of our life?
00:24:41 We're losing so many lives and something too expensive, I don't understand.
00:24:47 Yeah. So, Professor, is there a new thrust by you now to again lay all of these recommendations on the table
00:24:58 and maybe pass it on to this administration and ask them to pursue what is in this document?
00:25:06 I would like to, but there are significant difficulties.
00:25:12 I work in Brazil, South America, Sao Paulo to be exact, at the University of Rio Bonato.
00:25:20 And it's unfortunate when you visit Trinidad or you try to do something here, you just cannot find people to talk to.
00:25:33 Last week, a guy offered me to help me to get a meeting with Dr. Rowley, but it had a cost.
00:25:49 So you have to pay him to organize a meeting for you.
00:25:52 I do take part in this type of thing.
00:25:56 If I'm fighting crime, I'm fighting crime.
00:25:59 And what we are doing in Sao Paulo, what we are doing, and the beauty about it, I'm Trinidadian.
00:26:06 And Lula, President Lula, he wanted in the 27 cities and 27 states in Brazil because of the effectiveness.
00:26:18 And we in Trinidad, I did the study.
00:26:23 I feel terrible to know I can't help my own country, but that's the way I am.
00:26:30 Well, I suspect all I can say, Professor, is to try and try again, right?
00:26:35 Yeah, we'll keep trying.
00:26:36 But there are many areas of focus, many areas of focus.
00:26:40 Not only where we have the smart city aspect of it, where we could use shots, but we could have the number plate readers.
00:26:47 We could have all these technology available.
00:26:51 But there are other aspects of it, like as you may see, prison reform.
00:26:57 You take a man, lock him up, the police did their duty.
00:27:05 The magistrate or the judge did their duty.
00:27:09 Send him down.
00:27:11 But your prison system is based on retribution, not rehabilitation.
00:27:21 So where you go from there?
00:27:24 You treat a man like an animal for five years, you release him back into society, and expect him to be a human.
00:27:33 I don't see that being too practical.
00:27:36 I think a prisoner is the property of the state upon sentencing, and a prisoner should be treated as the property of the state.
00:27:44 He should be treated with dignity.
00:27:48 He should have some form of opportunity to be rehabilitated.
00:27:53 Well, I know it's happening at the nation's jails, but there is also a perception that we in Trinidad and Tobago have been too soft on the criminal.
00:28:01 No, because there's a misunderstanding.
00:28:05 If we treat the criminal good and we have them healthy, I will say something, it will sound like a joke, but this is serious.
00:28:12 If in Japan it is done, and when you have a healthy prisoner, and he can help you replenish your blood supply at the blood bank,
00:28:28 and if somebody dying can help with a kidney, we are treating them as a part shop, but we are ensuring that we benefit from our investment.
00:28:40 So we one-hand clap, as we say, right?
00:28:45 And at the end of the day, what will happen?
00:28:48 The prisons will become empty.
00:28:52 There are countries that have this type of policy. The prisons, they're shutting down the prisons. They have no inmates to put in.
00:28:59 I'm sure about that healthy prisoner, a professor.
00:29:03 We have a minute. Anything else you'd like to tell us before you leave us this morning?
00:29:07 Well, what I would like to say is that we are looking for the opportunity to share our research with Trinidad and Tobago.
00:29:19 We shared it with CARICOM. Within CARICOM, Guyana is considering.
00:29:28 Barbados is giving us some consideration.
00:29:31 And the beauty about it, everything I am doing is free.
00:29:36 It's free?
00:29:37 Free. My service is free.
00:29:40 So the aspect of course is in the technology, in implementation, but not my, I think I need to make a contribution.
00:29:52 That's what I'm making, a contribution.
00:29:55 And I hope it bears fruits at the end of the day.
00:29:59 As you say, you know, we live in a healthy prisoner, but I just share, as I say, it might be a joke. It's not a joke, but it is real.
00:30:06 Yeah, I hear you, Professor.
00:30:08 Professor, it's not too often people are giving away things free, you know, but thank you very much for that.
00:30:14 No, I get paid. I get paid otherwise.
00:30:18 Professor, don't talk too loud.
00:30:21 Professor Samuel Joseph, Professor of Transportation, Engineer and Mobility Psychologist.
00:30:28 It was a pleasure speaking with you this morning, sir. Thank you very much for being here.
00:30:31 Thank you.
00:30:32 All right. So it's time for a break. We are coming back.
00:30:35 [Music]
00:30:44 Are you diabetic, pre-diabetic or at risk for diabetes?
00:30:48 You need Berberine Plus by Aja Nutrition.
00:30:50 Two doses a day keeps the blood sugar at bay, cholesterol levels in check and your immune system strong.
00:30:56 Made with ancient Ayurvedic ingredients, berberine, bitter melon and benoboli,
00:31:01 berberine plus is clinically proven to improve glucose metabolism, enhance insulin sensitivity and slows glucose absorption in the gut.
00:31:10 Berberine Plus, providing a natural path to a healthier you. Pick up a bottle today.
00:31:15 This Christmas, share with Chimair. Natural herbal products for hair, skin and body.
00:31:20 You can treat yourself or someone you love to Chimair Spa with vouchers. Chimair.
00:31:26 Restore, renew, repair. Chimair.
00:31:30 [Music]
00:31:50 Win, win, win free groceries for a year at Extra Foods.
00:31:53 Twelve lucky shoppers will win. Check out Facebook, Instagram and TikTok for details.
00:31:57 Plus, Halal turkeys $1.99, Gala apples $10 for $20, grapefruits chicken hams $99, Swiss pasta cuts, four packs for $20, Imperial margarine, three for $20, Johnny Walker Black Label $2.49 and so much more.
00:32:11 Also, all Christmas hours, 7am to 12 midnight until December 23rd for your convenience.
00:32:16 Extra Foods, always extra for less. Contest approved by the NLCB.
00:32:20 Skill, online here with this weirdo named Larry. I'm getting rid of him now.
00:32:26 [Music]
00:32:29 Eh eh.
00:32:30 [Music]
00:32:33 [Laughter]
00:32:36 Let's take a selfie.
00:32:38 [Camera shutter]
00:32:40 It looking good boy. I'm putting it online.
00:32:43 [Music]
00:32:46 Hey, I thought you said you went to the beach with your parents.
00:32:50 Who's you?
00:32:51 It's me, Larry, from online.
00:32:56 [Music]
00:33:10 [Music]
00:33:33 And welcome back everyone. So we are continuing our discussion on crime and we are now joined by Professor Ramesh Deosuran.
00:33:38 Professor Deosuran, good morning.
00:33:40 Good morning, Marlon. Good morning to you and your team.
00:33:44 Yeah, always good to see you and speak with you, Professor Deosuran.
00:33:48 Professor, the Express is reporting this morning 555 murders for the year, down from the over 600 that occurred last year.
00:33:59 How have we done, Professor, this year, 2023?
00:34:04 Have we had any major success at all, you think?
00:34:10 Overall, I don't think so, you know, if you look at it.
00:34:16 Especially if you go back to 1990 around the way, we only had 100 murders.
00:34:21 And it rose rapidly up to where we are now.
00:34:27 I don't think we have found a convincing explanation as to why it has been a development on the worst side of crime.
00:34:37 People have their common sense understanding of the increase in the murder rate and the different kinds of crimes now.
00:34:45 Cyber crime in particular.
00:34:49 So it's a matter of the country has developed an industrialization.
00:34:57 It has developed in terms of increased traffic.
00:35:01 You have expanded housing.
00:35:03 So the opportunities for criminality, the opportunities have also increased.
00:35:10 That doesn't excuse the phenomenon of crimes.
00:35:13 But what it does implicitly is to put a tremendous burden on the police and security forces.
00:35:23 So that is the result we are experiencing now.
00:35:29 I think the government itself or the police service recognize that.
00:35:34 But politics being what it is, people in authority don't like to admit what the shortcomings are.
00:35:44 What they have not done, what they should have done and so on.
00:35:47 But the recent activity by the National Security Council, Marlon, headed by the Prime Minister,
00:35:56 and the decision to review the laws, the regulations and so on, on the operational side, I think that is a valuable intervention.
00:36:08 We have to note, however, that that invention has to be placed firmly in the hands of the police commissioner.
00:36:19 Because you do not want the allegation that the politicians are interfering too much with police, especially on the operational side.
00:36:31 So while I agree and I support the Prime Minister's initiative at the top, in the implementation of it,
00:36:41 you cannot only deal with the external aspects, the operational aspects of policing.
00:36:47 What is in dire need now, for a long time, and Commissioner Ola Christopher-Harewood knows this.
00:36:57 She was in charge of administration in the police service for a long time.
00:37:02 So her experience is, as you might say, well-rounded.
00:37:06 But the deficiencies in the human resource elements inside the police service,
00:37:11 if they are not corrected urgently and properly, they will have a negative effect on the operational aspects,
00:37:20 that is, arresting, investigations and so on.
00:37:24 I mean precisely the staff assessment situation in the police service is dangerously low and inefficient.
00:37:34 It creates unfairness, confusion. The record keeping is a nightmare.
00:37:41 The cabinet committee appointed to do the audit in the police service,
00:37:47 call the record keeping in the police service as a dark hole, an area of darkness.
00:37:55 So you have to do both, what I'm saying. If you want a proper approach to controlling and solving crime,
00:38:05 internally and externally.
00:38:08 What the Prime Minister has executed recently is touching on the operational side.
00:38:14 I am submitting with great respect, you look at inside the police service now,
00:38:19 because we had a bad result with the promotion recently, over 100 people, a lot of quarrels,
00:38:25 the matter going to court, why?
00:38:27 It appears as if the staff assessment and the promotion process were not done as efficiently and as fairly as they should.
00:38:37 That's the appearance of it.
00:38:39 However, there is hope and I think these things could be done,
00:38:45 but it has to be done fairly and properly.
00:38:50 Professor, you think that we do have, how do I say this?
00:38:55 We continue to see the police service as the panacea for dealing with crime in Trinidad and Tobago.
00:39:04 The police service also says that it continues to be judged on murders alone,
00:39:11 while there have been successes in other areas.
00:39:15 But Professor, isn't there a wider approach to this whole situation of crime and dealing with crime?
00:39:22 Because to me and my personal view is, the police service,
00:39:27 it's really a sort of a plaster on this worsening situation that is crime.
00:39:34 Well, Marlon, with due respect, I know you have a program on television with a good friend,
00:39:43 Senior Superintendent Alexander.
00:39:46 What we have, and if we don't do it, we will continue spitting up in mud.
00:39:52 I understand what you said.
00:39:54 I understand what your previous speaker, Samuel Joseph said.
00:39:59 I know Samuel a long time, very interesting fellow.
00:40:03 He has put outside some ideas for consideration.
00:40:07 Rehabilitation, so I'm coming to your concern just now.
00:40:14 Transportation and traffic on the roads.
00:40:18 Those are fertile grounds to detect crime, especially gang movement.
00:40:25 People steal something and they carry it on their vehicles and so on.
00:40:30 But you know a simple element to that?
00:40:33 Over the years, I have been making this point like others.
00:40:37 I think David Abdullah has been making the same thing.
00:40:40 A simple issue that is causing the whole chain to be broken, the weakest link.
00:40:51 You do not have a proper system of number plates.
00:40:59 The police hold a car, they realize the number plate was the wrong one when they continue the investigation.
00:41:06 Or it's somebody else's number plate being used.
00:41:10 The question I would ask, although you talk about all round approach and a plaster and so on,
00:41:15 why is that policy to remedy that situation, that gap?
00:41:20 Because it really affects, adversely, surveillance and intelligence.
00:41:25 When you think you have the car and the data properly in your hand, you really don't have it.
00:41:31 The number plates are false number plates.
00:41:33 I'm giving one example.
00:41:36 Coming to your issue now, whatever we talk about policing,
00:41:41 whether we say every citizen should support the police, I agree with that.
00:41:46 Many people agree with that.
00:41:49 I have been in total agreement with that in terms of community policing and the partnership required.
00:41:54 You know we have been facing this issue a long time.
00:41:58 But the point I want to make, in terms of responsibility, in terms of the Constitution,
00:42:06 in terms of accountability, which are some of the pillars of a democratic society,
00:42:13 and without any deflection about the responsibility and the need for accountability,
00:42:19 it starts with the police service.
00:42:22 That is the constitutional authority.
00:42:25 And they should set the example so the other people in the community would follow.
00:42:31 And if you want to put a plaster on the saw,
00:42:34 you will start to talk about where crime is everybody business,
00:42:37 and we need public support, and the police can't do it alone.
00:42:40 We don't want the police to do it alone.
00:42:43 We know that many, many years now.
00:42:46 But the question in a democratic society with the constitutional apparatus,
00:42:52 because you can't go really, really, everybody can't go really, really,
00:42:55 and say they support the police and local people who will then bust their head and so on,
00:42:59 and say you're dealing with crime.
00:43:01 The police must set the example, and I gave some overview just now about it,
00:43:07 saying about it internally, keeping your staff reports in place,
00:43:11 as well as external operational issues.
00:43:14 But we have to stick in our heads and require accountability from the institution
00:43:21 that is constitutionally empowered to deal with crime.
00:43:25 But do you think that they do have the resources to do that, Professor?
00:43:28 People begin to trust the police.
00:43:31 They will get more witness statements coming.
00:43:33 They will get further support.
00:43:35 But do not reverse the responsibility.
00:43:37 Not yet.
00:43:38 It's a partnership that must be led by the police and the authorities concerned.
00:43:43 But do they have enough resources, you think, to do that?
00:43:47 Well, you're now raising another question.
00:43:50 You're now raising another question because coming back to crime, for example,
00:43:53 murder rate, and you're right.
00:43:56 As the murder rate increases over the years, as I said from 1990 to now,
00:44:01 1990 you had about 100, now you have over 500.
00:44:06 Are you having the same human resource capacity and manpower to deal with those
00:44:13 different numbers?
00:44:16 So that is why I have said the police commissioner, the intelligence agencies,
00:44:22 and all the surveillance groups should meet and find out what do they need
00:44:28 and present that to the Prime Minister and his cabinet.
00:44:32 Because while the Constitution says quite forcefully,
00:44:39 and it's a remarkable provision in the Constitution,
00:44:44 that the police commissioner has complete powers,
00:44:49 complete powers to manage the human, physical,
00:44:55 and financial resources available to her in the police service.
00:45:01 She's also responsible for managing the human resource elements in the police
00:45:07 service.
00:45:09 She could transfer, appoint, promote, and even seek to dismiss.
00:45:14 So with all those powers, the question has to be asked,
00:45:18 which she didn't have that before, he or she didn't have that before.
00:45:23 Police commissioners previous to her, especially Mr. Filbert,
00:45:30 continuously told the Parliament, I was in Parliament at the time,
00:45:34 that we have responsibilities but we don't have powers.
00:45:37 So the Constitution was reformed and it gave what I just told you,
00:45:41 complete powers to the police commissioner.
00:45:44 Another question therefore arises, apart from the others I have raised just now,
00:45:49 what is missing that the police commissioner cannot do with all these
00:45:57 powers, as compared to the powers not being there before?
00:46:02 Why is it the same situation when the commissioner has the powers they have
00:46:07 been asking for all the time?
00:46:09 So we have to get into the belly of the beastness now.
00:46:12 And whilst I appreciate the nice sounding statements about crime is everybody,
00:46:17 business is an all-around approach and so on, I like that.
00:46:22 But you have to be realistic politically and in terms of governing the country,
00:46:31 public safety.
00:46:32 And we have to push to get that reality injected into the minds of the police
00:46:38 service, into the minds of the government and start making sure that the police
00:46:43 shows a kind of leadership inside and outside to justify public support.
00:46:49 So whilst I appreciate the prime minister's initiative, I think he also has to
00:46:54 look inside and make sure he doesn't appear to be too politically involved in
00:46:59 the operational aspects of the police.
00:47:02 And he knows that, you know, he knows that.
00:47:04 But professor, don't you think it has been a situation of really passing the
00:47:09 buck as it relates to crime in Trinidad and Tobago?
00:47:12 Because as you're saying, one organisation will say, well,
00:47:16 we look into the police to deal with crime.
00:47:18 Then another organisation will say, well, the judiciary has a role to play.
00:47:22 Religious leaders have a role to play.
00:47:24 Teachers and principals have a role to play.
00:47:27 So has it not been a situation like that?
00:47:31 - Mahalas, I don't want to keep hammering.
00:47:36 I agree with you, but it's a matter of, how should I put it?
00:47:42 It's a matter of sequence.
00:47:45 If the public, business, labour, whichever group or whichever citizen,
00:47:56 hearing that there's an off-duty policeman involved in a shooting,
00:48:01 you have bullets that are marked, have marked of defence force,
00:48:09 bullets that have police marks on them being used,
00:48:14 you have missing guns, the police service.
00:48:18 So you have a lot of things that the police complaints authority
00:48:21 has been pursuing.
00:48:24 So the public gets shaken.
00:48:27 That's what I'm saying.
00:48:29 The public will support, they should support,
00:48:34 but the leadership must come from the police in terms of integrity.
00:48:40 No corruption in the police service or controlled corruption.
00:48:44 It has to start at the top.
00:48:46 How can police still start from underneath?
00:48:48 It can't start from underneath.
00:48:51 It has to be supported from underneath by the leadership provided
00:48:56 by the police service.
00:48:58 So it's not been unfair to them.
00:49:00 I have known a lot of police officers.
00:49:02 They're bright, they're committed, they have a passion for their work,
00:49:06 but from what we have been hearing in terms of our expectations,
00:49:10 our expectations for the police service have sometimes been broken
00:49:15 by these incidents that we have been hearing over and over.
00:49:18 So the job of the commissioner now and the police complaints authority
00:49:23 is to dig more deep into the belly of the beast and see what they can
00:49:27 correct and give some accountability to the public so as to build
00:49:32 public confidence in the police, and then the people will follow.
00:49:36 That's the story of the world, all over the world.
00:49:39 With leadership, people follow.
00:49:42 With leadership, people follow.
00:49:44 They will follow inside the police service too with leadership,
00:49:47 and I think that is what the commissioner is aiming for.
00:49:51 But to have the people in the service, the officers,
00:49:54 the constables come up to follow the leadership in terms of integrity,
00:50:00 in terms of performance, and in terms of dealing with the public fairly
00:50:04 and squarely.
00:50:06 So we will wait to see what will happen to the prime minister's interventions.
00:50:10 I wish him well, but I think the public will have to wait
00:50:14 and see what is happening.
00:50:16 But at every opportunity, I believe citizens should make the proper reports.
00:50:22 They should stand as witnesses in matters affecting crime.
00:50:27 But at the same time, this collaboration would be inspired
00:50:31 by the leadership, Marlon, from inside the police service.
00:50:35 Professor, I know that you would have done a number of studies,
00:50:40 if I can put it that way, on the crime situation in Trinidad and Tobago.
00:50:44 Professor, as you know, I've been talking about years,
00:50:47 years now about the crime situation.
00:50:49 I don't know about you, Professor.
00:50:50 I'm a bit tired.
00:50:52 As we look into the future, Professor, what do we see, Professor?
00:50:57 Are we going to be--do I have to call you next year
00:51:00 and speak about the same thing over and over and over?
00:51:05 Are there bright skies ahead, Professor?
00:51:07 What do you see?
00:51:09 In the future, Professor, what--
00:51:11 In the coming years.
00:51:13 You see, Samuel Joseph made some interesting points,
00:51:19 along which he said that he does his work freely.
00:51:23 Yes.
00:51:24 I do this thing freely, too.
00:51:26 I have been doing this talking on TV and writing columns
00:51:29 and research rather freely.
00:51:33 I believe that is my duty as coming from the university.
00:51:37 I was trained abroad in University of Toronto.
00:51:40 I returned in my country to serve.
00:51:43 And most of my professional services have been given free.
00:51:47 So Samuel Joseph is right.
00:51:49 He's doing it out of passion and love for his country.
00:51:53 Now, in answer to your question, I am afraid I am very reserved
00:52:00 in being optimistic.
00:52:01 I'll tell you why, for example.
00:52:03 You have something heading into what you call a cashless society.
00:52:09 A cashless society, alongside with the increase in cybercrime,
00:52:15 poses great danger, not only for public safety,
00:52:19 but for people's private property and their banking accounts and so on.
00:52:24 But we're going ahead.
00:52:25 We're going ahead with cashless societies.
00:52:28 The Minister of Finance, Colm Embert, a very good performer.
00:52:33 He's one of the pillars in the PNM.
00:52:35 He promises a cashless society, very enthusiastically.
00:52:39 But alongside, on his right side, you have all these
00:52:43 cybercrimes developing.
00:52:46 So in terms of white-collar crime, apart from murder rates and so on,
00:52:50 I think we have to be careful we do not slide down the road too far.
00:52:57 We have to have a check right now, and that is why I say the Prime Minister
00:53:01 shouldn't stop with the first initiative that he has mentioned.
00:53:08 He should continue drilling further and further,
00:53:10 set timelines to improve the police capacity,
00:53:14 encourage the public to support, and all the agencies concerned,
00:53:19 police complaints authority, so we wouldn't get into the dark shadows
00:53:22 of crime further than we are.
00:53:25 Yeah.
00:53:26 Professor Dave Sarand, it's always a pleasure speaking with you.
00:53:29 I know we called on you many times this year,
00:53:32 and you acceded to the requests, but we always appreciate it,
00:53:36 and thank you very much for your contribution, sir.
00:53:39 Also have a very good Christmas.
00:53:41 For sure we are going to speak again in the new year.
00:53:44 Of course, and Merry Christmas to you and your staff.
00:53:47 I enjoy speaking with you as usual, and I like how you're always well-dressed.
00:53:52 I like your red shirt. You're looking like Christmas this morning.
00:53:55 Bye for now, Professor.
00:53:58 All right. Goodbye.
00:53:59 Yes. It's time for a quick break. We are coming back.
00:54:02 [Music]
00:54:09 [Music]
00:54:12 Back by popular demand, PRW10 sale has been extended until 23rd December.
00:54:17 Call us at 285-9779.
00:54:20 Also items, toys from $5, lighted Christmas trees, $600, perfumes, now $65,
00:54:26 chandelier from $600, Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 at low prices,
00:54:31 smart TVs from $16.88, check us out for printers, tablets, laptops, and much more.
00:54:37 PRW10 at 285-9779.
00:54:41 Beautiful color can be easy with Bi-Gen Easy Color for Women.
00:54:46 Bi-Gen has a gentle conditioning formula that leaves hair healthy and shiny.
00:54:51 It's easy to apply, no stains, no drips.
00:54:54 Bi-Gen Easy Color for Women.
00:54:57 [Music]
00:55:01 [Music]
00:55:05 [Music]
00:55:08 [Music]
00:55:14 [Music]
00:55:20 [Music]
00:55:32 Win, win, win free groceries for a year at Extra Foods.
00:55:35 12 lucky shoppers will win. Check our Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for details.
00:55:39 Plus, Halal Turkeys $199, Gala Apples $10 for $20, Grapefruits Chicken Hams $99,
00:55:46 Swiss Pasta Cuts, 4 packs for $20, Imperial Margarine, 3 for $20,
00:55:50 Johnny Walker Black Label $249, and so much more.
00:55:53 Also, our Christmas hours, 7am to 12 midnight until December 23rd for your convenience.
00:55:59 Extra Foods, always extra for less.
00:56:01 Contest approved by the NLCB.
00:56:03 The perfect gift for your child this Christmas.
00:56:07 ASEAN French Christmas Kit is the first of its kind in Trinidad.
00:56:11 A storybook that kids will love and beg to hear again and again.
00:56:16 An activity book that your kids can connect with, and a coloring book like no other.
00:56:23 Give your child the gift of education this Christmas.
00:56:26 ASEAN French Christmas Kit, available at Mohamed's Bookstores Nationwide.
00:56:31 Visit ASEANFrench.com for more.
00:56:34 [music]
00:56:38 [music]
00:56:41 [music]
00:56:46 [music]
00:56:51 [music]
00:56:56 [music]
00:57:01 [music]
00:57:06 [music]
00:57:09 [music]
00:57:14 [music]
00:57:20 Good morning, I am Anselm Gibbs with a news update.
00:57:24 TNTEC customers have no need to worry, according to the Public Utilities Minister.
00:57:31 He says the government is still reviewing the Regulated Industries Commission's proposed electricity rate increases.
00:57:38 If the government were to accept, I'm not saying that the government will accept,
00:57:43 but if the government were to accept or to authorize TNTEC to proceed to collect the rates as approved and recommended by the RIC,
00:57:53 Trinidad and Tobago will continue to maintain the lowest rates of electricity in the entire Caribbean.
00:58:00 In the entire Caribbean.
00:58:05 And perhaps among the lowest rates in the entire world.
00:58:15 The opposition is again calling on the Prime Minister to share the details of the report from the Commission of Inquiry into the Paria diving tragedy.
00:58:25 Now you see when a report on the Paria Commission has to be laid,
00:58:32 he's given the implications that some legal issues might arise that might defer the report from being laid in Parliament.
00:58:44 We are saying to the Prime Minister, please make that report public so that the families can get some closure.
00:58:52 We are saying, place it before the GSE or place it before a special select committee in Parliament where we can consider the findings.
00:59:03 And in the weather forecast, marine users are advised to exercise caution, especially in exposed near shore areas.
00:59:13 Yellow level hazardous seas alert is in effect and seas may become agitated due to long period swells across the islands.
00:59:22 Overall, we can expect hazy sunshine and breezy conditions with a few showery interruptions,
00:59:28 some of which may be heavy at times, especially across northeastern and central Tobago.
00:59:36 [Music]
00:59:42 The biggest Christmas sale is at Sea View Optical. Get an amazing 60% off designer frames.
00:59:47 Also, get 40% off prescription lenses. Plus, you get a free pair of Polaroid sunglasses on selected purchases.
00:59:53 See us today at Sea View Optical. Affordable eye care for everyone.
00:59:57 Tis the season and get great gifts this Christmas.
01:00:00 For those with poor posture, we have the Real Doctor Posture Support Brace.
01:00:03 It helps to align the spine and relieves pain caused by poor posture. It's great for the kids as well.
01:00:09 Another great gift is the Miracle Copper Compression Socks. It prevents swelling, improves circulation and varicose veins.
01:00:15 Remove your instantly with our Easy Clean Hairbrush. A great gift for anyone.
01:00:19 Available at all modern Caribbean enterprises nationwide, Pennywise stores and pharmacies.
01:00:24 Call 610-911 for more information. Merry Christmas!
01:00:27 [Music]
01:00:47 Win, win, win free groceries for a year at Extra Foods.
01:00:50 12 lucky shoppers will win. Check out Facebook, Instagram and TikTok for details.
01:00:55 Plus, Halal Turkeys $1.99, Gala Apples $10 for $20, Grapefruits Chicken Hams $99, Swiss Pasta Cuts 4 packs for $20, Imperial Margarine $3 for $20, Johnny Walker Black Label $2.49 and so much more.
01:01:09 Also, our Christmas hours 7am to 12 midnight until December 23rd for your convenience.
01:01:14 Extra Foods, always extra for less. Contest approved by the NLCB.
01:01:18 Slavery, a terrible time in our history. The kidnapping, buying and selling of people for profit. The exploitation of another human being. It still exists today. It has a new name. Human trafficking. Anyone can be a victim. There is forced labor, sexual exploitation and domestic servitude.
01:01:44 Human trafficking is a worldwide problem and an emerging concern for us here in Trinidad and Tobago.
01:01:51 If you know of or suspect human trafficking activity, call the counter-trafficking hotline at 800-4CTU or 800-4288.
01:02:02 Human trafficking is a crime. Identify it. Report it. Stop it.
01:02:08 A message from the Counter-Trafficking Unit of the Ministry of National Security.
01:02:14 This segment is brought to you by Panadol Ultra. Release starts here.
01:02:21 [Music]
01:02:50 And welcome back everyone. So the Ministry of Finance sent out a statement yesterday.
01:02:54 You know we were speaking yesterday about guns stolen from sheds.
01:02:58 So the transit sheds from where guns were stolen are not located at the Customs and Excise Division.
01:03:05 Now these transit sheds are owned and operated by private companies and are located at Piaco and in central Trinidad on totally private premises.
01:03:15 So that's according to the Finance Ministry.
01:03:19 Alright, so it's time to get into our health segment.
01:03:23 And we are now joined by Dr. Nicole Ramlachan, geneticist, GenX Diagnostics for our weekly health segment.
01:03:32 Doctor, thank you very much for joining us this morning.
01:03:35 Good morning. Good morning viewers. Lovely morning this morning.
01:03:38 Hope everyone's not overwhelmed with their Christmas preparations and all those kinds of things.
01:03:43 Glad to see you all.
01:03:45 But doctor, as we move into this, we're in the middle of the Christmas season here.
01:03:49 Christmas is just a few days away, Christmas Day.
01:03:53 So it's a time of plenty and overindulgence.
01:03:57 What's the message this morning, doctor?
01:03:59 Well, we need to be aware. You know, I just came back in from a breast cancer conference in San Antonio, which was very productive.
01:04:06 We need to be aware of, you know, the normal overindulgences and so on that we would do this time of year and realize that they may have longer term consequences that we might fear.
01:04:18 And we might know in the back of our mind, but think, you know, oh, it's Christmas time.
01:04:22 I could, you know, take the extra drink and eat the extra salty ham.
01:04:26 And yes, you know, everything in moderation.
01:04:29 However, we always have to take care to understand that these things are pivotal to our long term health.
01:04:36 You know, one of the things that we talked about at this conference was the diagnostics and the lack of diagnostics for early detection and things like that.
01:04:44 So we have a lot of genetic tests that we can actually determine your risk long before you even show any symptoms of anything.
01:04:50 So we could tell you, OK, look, you are at risk for cardiac, cardiac incident.
01:04:54 You are at risk for cancer. You're at risk for metabolic disease like diabetes.
01:04:57 And that will determine how you proceed in terms of your quality of life, in terms of how you you determine what you eat, what you how you you know, how you indulge in those kinds of things.
01:05:07 That's to an extent, because your environment and your genetics is really what comes together to kind of produce that phenotype that we see with individuals, especially that typical, you know, profile that we have a demographic.
01:05:19 We have in the Caribbean with high heart disease, high diabetes, higher cancer rates than other populations around the world.
01:05:26 Doctor, more and more people warming up to these genetic tests.
01:05:30 Yeah, I mean, as more and more information comes out, I mean, this conference we went to, I presented in front of twenty five thousand people.
01:05:37 It was great and it was fantastic to see the level of acceptance.
01:05:41 I mean, people from small islands like Mauritius and Fiji and stuff.
01:05:46 So it's not just the big boys in the game. Right.
01:05:48 You know, we always like to say that, oh, in Trinidad and, you know, we don't have access to those things.
01:05:52 You do have access to those things.
01:05:53 We can actually detect a single cell of tumour in your blood using a liquid biopsy.
01:06:00 And I mean, we're starting to look into research of this now.
01:06:03 I'm working with a couple of groups in Trinidad to try to establish programs where we can actually test the utility of this in our demographic as well.
01:06:12 But the thing is, it's there. It's available.
01:06:14 We can actually determine if you've already been diagnosed with cancer and you're in remission.
01:06:18 What are your chances of actually having a recurrence, whether or not your recurrence is there long before even a tumour forms.
01:06:25 Imagine we can detect one cell of a circulating metastasized tumour.
01:06:30 I mean, that's incredible. The technology is fantastic.
01:06:33 The FDA just approved over a week ago the first sickle cell gene therapy where we can actually cure sickle cell.
01:06:40 I mean, who would have thought, right, even 10 years ago that that would be possible.
01:06:43 And now it's actually part of the mainstream.
01:06:45 Yeah. Doctor, let's speak a little bit about the tests, which are very interesting.
01:06:52 So is it that someone comes to you, they say, look, I want to have one of these genetic tests done.
01:06:59 What is the process?
01:07:01 Well, we usually ask for a consult. I mean, a lot of people come in with doctor's referrals, which is fine.
01:07:07 But if you just want to walk in off the street, you give us a call at 777-GENE.
01:07:11 Ask for a consult with me. I'm a geneticist. We go through your family history, your personal history, determine what is the best panel for you.
01:07:20 So we've moved away from single gene. So back 15, 20 years ago, we had single gene BRCA1 and BRCA2.
01:07:27 Those are the big things. In Angelina Jolie's early days, where she had her double mastectomy as a prophylactic because she watched family members die from breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
01:07:37 And she decided to, since she was positive for the BRCA genes, to remove her breasts.
01:07:41 And that was the big thing at the time. We were doing single gene tests that cost upwards of $25,000.
01:07:47 That price has come down drastically because of the appearance of next generation sequencing and different technologies that allow us to use chips.
01:07:55 And those chips have thousands of genes in it. So we can actually do huge profiles for you.
01:08:00 We can do a metabolic profile. We can do a cardiac profile.
01:08:03 We could do an oncological profile, neurological, muscular, or even allergies, health and wellness.
01:08:10 People want to know, OK, well, how should I work out? How should I eat?
01:08:13 We could tell you whether or not you're vitamin D deficient, vitamin A deficient, vitamin C deficient, whether or not you need to take supplementation in addition to improving your diet.
01:08:23 All of those things can be told from one genetic panel. So it's fantastic. I mean, and it's liver based.
01:08:27 We don't use blood anymore, except for any exception of chromosomal analysis.
01:08:32 Some of them are non-invasive prenatal testing, which we can do as early as eight weeks of pregnancy.
01:08:37 You're saying it's saliva based?
01:08:40 Sorry?
01:08:41 It's saliva based, you said?
01:08:43 Yeah, yeah, yeah. Most of our tests now are completely based on saliva because blood has a lot of other constituents to get rid of.
01:08:54 And it becomes a little more complicated to try to get DNA extracted from blood.
01:08:58 Every single cell in your body has the exact same copy of DNA as every other cell, with the exception of red blood cells.
01:09:04 So we have to get rid of the red blood cells before we extract the DNA, which becomes a little dirty.
01:09:09 So most extraction kits are now all regulated to saliva samples.
01:09:15 So you spit in a tube and that's it. Very painless, very easy and very informative in terms of giving you, you know, you only really have to do that test once in your life.
01:09:23 Right? It's not something that you have to repeat, unless of course, you know, you have certain things that you want to follow up with.
01:09:30 So it's a once in a lifetime test. It's not like a CT. It's not like even a PET scan where you have to repeat.
01:09:37 And that's one of the things that we tell people.
01:09:39 Yeah. So is it that after or during the consultation, the client and the doctor will decide in what direction they should go and what tests should be done?
01:09:52 Yeah. Well, I mean, some people come in fixated with a particular thing they've read on the Internet.
01:09:56 And, you know, this MTHFR is very hot now, methylation.
01:10:01 And they're like, oh, I just want to do a methylation test. But that won't give you the information that you need.
01:10:05 So I keep telling them, you know, it's the same thing. Like you don't go to a cardiologist and say, give me an ECG.
01:10:09 I read on the Internet and ECG is what I need to know.
01:10:13 You need to take the consultation of the cardiologist and take their recommendation and do what it is they think is best for you.
01:10:19 And that's the same thing I suggest to people. Medical doctors, obviously, want to find out certain things based on their own investigations in somebody's personal health.
01:10:28 And that's fine. And that's where we take referrals.
01:10:31 However, if it is somebody who's just walking in and they're wondering about their genetic risk for cancer, you know, their genetic risk for cardiac heart disease, diabetes, you know, whether or not they should eat, you know, paleo, you know, how do they digest and utilize complex carbs, whether or not they have vitamin deficiencies.
01:10:48 What are their allergies? You know, we have a lot of people with respiratory diseases now.
01:10:52 And it's very important to know whether or not there's a trigger. Right.
01:10:56 And those things come from the environment. And that's where you do allergy testing based on your genes.
01:11:01 When you do the serological testing, that is kind of like a snapshot of that day, that period of time.
01:11:06 You do genetic testing and it gives you what you're born with. Right.
01:11:09 So it's very, very succinct and very to the point and very clear.
01:11:13 So you don't make mistakes with genetic testing because your genes don't change. Right.
01:11:17 It's not like a biochemical test where it depends on what standards you use.
01:11:20 It depends on the day that you come. If you get exposed to the thing or whatever it is, a genetic test is DNA and DNA is from every single cell of your body.
01:11:28 And you pretty much have that from the time you're born.
01:11:31 In the case of tumors, obviously, it's a little bit different because you would have had a mutation in your lifetime that caused that tumor to occur.
01:11:37 And that's also possible for us to test the tumor. And that's when a liquid biopsy comes into play,
01:11:42 where we can actually detect tumor cells long before a tumor even forms, which is fantastic.
01:11:47 Yeah. Doctor, two questions. At what age should genetic tests be done and how accurate are they?
01:11:55 Well, we do prenatal testing in utero. Oh, yeah.
01:11:59 Yeah. So we can actually do a chromosomal analysis in utero on a fetus.
01:12:04 Post 8 to 10 weeks is roughly the best time. So there's no there's no accuracy change.
01:12:09 Right. Once the fetus is formed, that you have that DNA till the day that that person, that individual dies.
01:12:16 So if there is no date or time that is, you know, recommended.
01:12:23 I have a daughter who's been tested, you know, from the time she was born.
01:12:28 So, I mean, actually, I should say prenatally. So and it gives us a lot of information.
01:12:34 For example, my husband and I are both lactose intolerant. She's not.
01:12:38 So I would have I would have aired any side of, you know, not given her lactose, not realizing that that she she's not.
01:12:44 She didn't inherit the gene from either of us. She's she's fine. So those are the kinds of things that, you know, that we we can help.
01:12:51 We also did a test where it determines whether or not she how she should exercise and those kinds of things.
01:12:57 And she she's very hyper flexed. So she overextends her ligaments. And I have it.
01:13:02 It's a genetic thing right now. I'm in a cast for my uncle. And that way she doesn't do sports that activities that do twisty and would stretch her ligaments and those kinds of things.
01:13:12 So we have a more in swimming and dance and those kinds of things and gymnastics, which are strengthening and not going to put pressure on her joints.
01:13:19 So, I mean, we can start. We have a lot of pediatric cases, of course, because there's a lot of pediatric illnesses as well.
01:13:24 We have newborn screening that where we look at the most, I think, is one hundred and twenty one of the most common diseases under age 12.
01:13:32 So, you know what you're looking for. The thing about it is if you are preventative, you can actually save yourself a lot of money, a lot of time.
01:13:39 You know, people who have socialized health care governments that have socialized health care like the UK, Canada, Australia.
01:13:45 They have implemented newborn screening, street, grocery board because they know waiting until somebody shows disease and trying to cure it in the future is a lot more costly than trying to do preventative treatment prior to showing symptoms.
01:13:58 Yeah, I get the impression, doctor, that this really provides you with a road map of the things that you should be doing and what you should not be doing.
01:14:09 I call it the life Bible. So we have a particular product called GenX Fit, where it looks at health markers.
01:14:16 It looks at wellness. It looks at nutritional. It looks at how you should work out.
01:14:21 It gives you plans, a five day plan, a seven day plan for meals, a five day plan for working out, even walking and how much you should walk, if you should add weights, if you should bike.
01:14:31 We had some people doing Ironman a few years ago who did it and said it was very helpful.
01:14:36 And those things are, you know, it's a big thick book like this and it's your Bible. So you use that.
01:14:41 I mean, just like how people, you know, a while ago, the blood type, eating a fair blood type was a big thing. Remember that? Right.
01:14:48 So this is actually true and this is actually real. Your genes are going to dictate how you process carbs, how you process protein, whether or not you are at risk for disease, allergies, whether or not you should buy that cat,
01:15:01 whether or not you should go in that hike, you know, where it's a highly pollinated area where, you know, you have a lot of allergies.
01:15:07 There's a lot of things where we can actually tell you prophylactically what to do to be able to prevent disease.
01:15:14 And that is really one of the main reasons why I designed this product, because a lot of people were coming with positive results for cancer, pathogenic mutations, cardiac disease.
01:15:24 And they said, you know, Doc, well, what now? And I said, listen, you know what? Let's move towards wellness and health for you.
01:15:29 So a lot of times we do that hand in hand for people now because they want to know, well, I know I have this potential risk.
01:15:35 So how can I circumvent it? How can I possibly prevent it? Now, it's a risk.
01:15:40 It doesn't mean that you're going to get it in the course of your lifetime. It means that compared to me or compared to the regular man in the street, you have a higher risk of having that particular disease.
01:15:48 If it's a neuromuscular disease, if it's something like Huntington's, if it's something like Alzheimer's, we have a lot of panels now for Alzheimer's, dementia and senility and those kinds of things.
01:15:57 A lot of people want to know because they're going through it with their parents and elderly members of their family.
01:16:01 And sometimes, you know, unfortunately, in some family members, it's early onset. Some people get it, you know, before 50.
01:16:08 And that's one of the things that, you know, Parkinson's, all of these things, they all have genetic risk attached to it.
01:16:14 And, you know, knowledge is power. You can't just sit in your little bubble and oxygenate your head and you stand and say, I don't want to know, because you can do something.
01:16:22 I mean, look at these people with sickle cell, how fantastic that they have a cure. I mean, who would have thought. Right.
01:16:27 And the FDA just approved it. And that's that's just you know, it's it's mind blowing to me.
01:16:33 Doctor, this the tests sound extensive.
01:16:41 And there may be an impression because of of these tests that are being done, are they expensive?
01:16:50 It is a range. Right. I mean, as with everything, as I said 12 years ago, when I started GenX Diagnostics Limited and started working in Trinidad again,
01:16:57 after being away for 25 years, one gene cost twenty five thousand TT.
01:17:01 Well, now we can do a panel of upwards of a few hundred genes for less than sixty five hundred dollars.
01:17:06 So it really just depends on what you want to do. Something like a non-invasive prenatal test starts as as low as forty five hundred, forty eight hundred, forty nine hundred.
01:17:16 Paternity tests, of course, start out lower. Ancestry tests are usually around three thousand, four thousand per test.
01:17:23 You know, if you want to trace your maternal line or paternal line, the health things are varied.
01:17:27 It really just depends on what we want to do. And that's where we have to have a dialogue.
01:17:31 And we have to decide, OK, well, what is your best plan? Do you need to have the full GenX fit, for example?
01:17:35 That is probably about sixty nine hundred, seventy nine hundred, depending on how much genes we add.
01:17:40 If you want to just do a smaller panel, it becomes a little cheaper.
01:17:43 If you want to just do the cancer genes, it becomes a little cheaper. If you want to do everything, it becomes a little more expensive.
01:17:48 So there are a lot of companies on the market now. I mean, the consumer direct to consumer, they call them genetic tests like the Ancestry.com, the 23andMe and so on.
01:17:57 There's a place for that. And then there's a place for actual health related diseases and concerns and diagnoses.
01:18:06 And that's that's we're in the middle. Right. So we do both. We do the Ancestry for the fun.
01:18:10 And, you know, those kinds of things. We do the opportunity for the legal stuff, but we also do the health and wellness as well as the diagnostics.
01:18:18 So we have people who depend on our our our tests and those tests become a little more expensive because, you know, we have to certify them.
01:18:26 We have to use clear, clear labs which are certified in the states of Canada.
01:18:31 And those are kind of the things that we have to put into place to be able to establish a proper diagnostic diagnostics.
01:18:37 This is not like a cholesterol test or a 1C test or even a blood sugar test where you could just, you know, stick your finger and just give a little sample.
01:18:45 And, you know, and it changes from day to day. This doesn't change.
01:18:48 So even though you pay something like seventy nine hundred or eighty nine hundred in bigger tests, you get that for life.
01:18:54 You never have to do this again. So that's one thing to consider.
01:18:57 I mean, if you do an MRI, it's seventy five hundred contrast depending on what parts of your body.
01:19:02 And you have to keep repeating that to see if the cancer has come back, see if the neurological condition has deteriorated.
01:19:07 Those are things that you have to repeat. A genetic test you do not repeat.
01:19:11 You have your Bible for life and that's it. Nice.
01:19:14 Doctor, as always, thank you very much for speaking with us this morning.
01:19:18 And doctor, this is not the first time that we have called you this year.
01:19:21 And as I said earlier, that every time we do call certain persons, they do accede to the request.
01:19:29 So, doctor, thank you very much for your contributions over this year and have a good Christmas.
01:19:35 And we'll see you right back in the new year. I'm sure.
01:19:38 Of course. And thanks very much. We have a lot of gift certificates, too.
01:19:41 If people want to give this as a gift, give us a call.
01:19:44 Seven, seven, seven. Gina, thanks for having me. It's been great talking to you.
01:19:47 It's been a fantastic year. Trinidad and Tobago in twenty, twenty three. Be healthy and be wise in twenty, twenty four.
01:19:53 All right, doctor. Bye for now. Bye bye. Bye.
01:19:55 So it's time for a quick break. We are coming back.
01:19:57 This segment was brought to you by Panadol Ultra. Release starts here.
01:20:15 When strong pain strikes, I take Panadol Ultra. That relieves fast five types of tough pain.
01:20:23 That's when I feel my pain starting to fade and I'm going back to myself. Panadol releases starts here.
01:20:30 Shop online at Kato Pro dot t for all your catering equipment needs available now.
01:20:34 Commercial regions from fourteen thousand nine hundred ninety five dollars.
01:20:37 Refrigerated prep stations from thirteen thousand nine hundred ninety five.
01:20:40 Countertop refrigerated displays from six thousand nine hundred ninety five.
01:20:43 Call three one eight cook Kato Pro dot t for your restaurant equipment and supplies.
01:20:48 The Trinidad Express e-paper is rated triple A, adaptable, accessible and available.
01:20:55 Download it for all your Android or iOS devices and enjoy bonus pictures and video with select stories.
01:21:01 Get news, sports, weather, lifestyle articles and more translated into eleven languages with a convenient voice reader function for when you're on the go.
01:21:11 Set up customized alerts for the content you want and never miss a story with access to past editions at any time.
01:21:18 Plus, it's affordable and easy to use.
01:21:21 So what are you waiting for? Subscribe through the Android or iOS app store or visit digital dot Trinidad Express dot com today.
01:21:30 I'm moving, moving forward every day.
01:21:34 I just let him lead the way.
01:21:38 With Jesus.
01:21:47 With Jesus.
01:21:48 With Jesus.
01:22:02 Jesus.
01:22:04 I.
01:22:06 I.
01:22:07 I.
01:22:27 I.
01:22:28 I would say because life is precious.
01:22:39 Plus, I can't afford to be another speeding ticket.
01:22:44 A message from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.
01:22:51 It's only.
01:22:52 A little bit.
01:22:55 I mean, there's a little something in your mouth.
01:23:00 You're only talking.
01:23:04 All right, so welcome back.
01:23:06 So it's time now to open up the phone lines to you.
01:23:09 You're calling us on six to three.
01:23:10 Seventeen.
01:23:11 Eleven.
01:23:11 The extension is nineteen ninety five.
01:23:13 Again, the numbers are six to three.
01:23:15 Seventeen.
01:23:16 Eleven.
01:23:16 The extension is nineteen ninety five.
01:23:19 All right.
01:23:20 As we look at some of the stories in the Daily Express today, Price Smart hacked again.
01:23:26 Ransomware Group gives company ultimatum.
01:23:29 Ransomware Group.
01:23:31 Alfie Black Cat says it has hacked and stolen five hundred gigabytes of data from the system of warehouse shopping giant Price Smart.
01:23:42 The company has been listed as a victim on Alfie Black Cat's dark web blog.
01:23:48 Again, and it was first listed on November 12th.
01:23:52 All right.
01:23:53 So you're calling us on six to three.
01:23:55 Seventeen.
01:23:55 Eleven.
01:23:55 I don't know what's happening with the voice.
01:23:57 There's a frog in his throat this morning.
01:23:58 Yeah, the extension is nineteen ninety five.
01:24:02 So please bear with me this morning.
01:24:04 But we are taking your calls.
01:24:06 We just have a few minutes for your call.
01:24:09 So if you do want to speak to me or you want to give your views on any issue, you can please do that now.
01:24:16 All right.
01:24:17 Another story.
01:24:18 Call for unity.
01:24:19 Businesses want government opposition action on crime.
01:24:22 The recent murders in their shopping zones in central Trinidad have businesses or have business groups again urging politicians to unite for urgent action.
01:24:34 Now, during a WhatsApp exchange with the Express on Tuesday, president of the Shogun Chamber of Industry and Commerce,
01:24:41 Baldaf Meraj said, We believe that the government and opposition should work together to put strategies in place to create a safe environment.
01:24:51 The politicians know what is necessary to bring this change, but they are both looking to score political points.
01:24:58 All right.
01:25:00 You're calling us on six to three.
01:25:01 Seventeen.
01:25:01 Eleven.
01:25:02 The extension is nineteen ninety five.
01:25:05 Well, nobody want to talk to me this morning.
01:25:07 What can I think is that?
01:25:08 All is Christmas boy.
01:25:11 Let's talk.
01:25:12 Let me.
01:25:13 There is an interesting story concerning Massey.
01:25:18 You know that story.
01:25:20 Well, Massey has launched a probe.
01:25:23 We do have a call.
01:25:25 Good morning, Carla.
01:25:27 Yes.
01:25:28 Hello.
01:25:29 Good morning.
01:25:30 Morning.
01:25:31 Good morning.
01:25:32 First time caller.
01:25:33 Thank you very much for calling.
01:25:35 I would like to take this opportunity to wish my daughter, Liesa Oliver, a happy 16th birthday today.
01:25:45 All right.
01:25:46 And myself and my husband, 15 years wedding anniversary.
01:25:53 All right.
01:25:54 Congratulations to you.
01:25:55 I hope I wish you 15 years more and the next 15 after the next 15 after.
01:26:03 He's gone.
01:26:04 All right.
01:26:05 You're calling us on six to three.
01:26:06 Seventeen.
01:26:07 Eleven.
01:26:08 The extension is nineteen ninety five.
01:26:09 As I said, we do have only a few minutes, so please call us now.
01:26:12 Training employees to communicate with dead self-heal claims not true.
01:26:17 Massey launches probe in an internal memorandum titled Stronger Together to staff yesterday.
01:26:24 Massey Holdings president and chief executive officer, Jervais Warner, maintained that statements made by executive Angelique
01:26:31 Parasot Potter about the company's bizarre training rituals were more than absurd.
01:26:38 And although the company has initiated an investigation into Parasot Potter's concerns, it has rubbished her very claims before the probe.
01:26:49 All right.
01:26:50 You're calling us on six to three.
01:26:51 Seventeen.
01:26:52 Eleven.
01:26:53 The extension is nineteen ninety five.
01:26:55 So the lines are free.
01:26:56 You can please call us now.
01:27:01 Annual rental fee.
01:27:02 Inbred clarifies concerns.
01:27:03 Why do valuation notices of the annual rental fee, which is causing so much angst, not also state what's the annual property tax?
01:27:13 That's a question.
01:27:14 We'll get back to this story.
01:27:15 We do have another call.
01:27:16 Good morning, caller.
01:27:17 Hi, good morning.
01:27:20 Yes, caller, go ahead.
01:27:22 We're listening.
01:27:23 I just want to wish my daughter a happy birthday.
01:27:28 I mean, I mean, I can see.
01:27:34 All right.
01:27:35 Well, thank you very much.
01:27:37 It's the Christmas season, so we're taking we're taking some greetings this morning.
01:27:41 OK, take that for your Christmas.
01:27:43 You're calling us on six to three.
01:27:45 Seventeen.
01:27:46 Eleven.
01:27:47 The extension is nineteen ninety five.
01:27:49 So the question was asked by independent senator Dr. Maria Dillon Remy in the Senate during debate on the finance bill on Tuesday in response.
01:27:58 Finance minister Columbo said that the notices of valuation were issued by the commission of valuation, which was a completely different legal entity to the chairman or commissioner of the board of inland revenue.
01:28:12 Yeah, we do have another call.
01:28:15 Good morning, caller.
01:28:17 Good morning. Yes.
01:28:20 Just something you know, you know, previous before the doctor was given some Thomas professor, professor, professor, professor.
01:28:30 Yes. Santa Claus and to see you.
01:28:35 Yeah. He said something about somebody.
01:28:39 He was told him that he had to get get the doctor.
01:28:43 We need some money. I find that down. Mind blowing.
01:28:48 And you seem to be a. What is a responsible gentleman?
01:28:54 So I think that should have won a lot sooner.
01:28:59 And I quote, should have been made.
01:29:01 Consider this person or take a bribe to get an appointment with Dr.
01:29:06 I don't think that's part of the policy.
01:29:09 All right.
01:29:10 Thank you very much. So you're calling us on six to three seventeen eleven.
01:29:13 The extension is nineteen ninety five.
01:29:16 The lines are free so you can please call us now.
01:29:20 So we touch on the issue of the guns stolen and they were not sheds belonging to customs.
01:29:27 They are private sheds. That's according to the finance minister.
01:29:33 All right. You remember yesterday I was speaking to you all and I told you all about these two murders that occurred in Tobago.
01:29:40 Yeah. Well, there's a gang link. So a double murder has rocked Tobago.
01:29:44 But it's seized. Akeem Frith of Rockley Vale, Scarborough and Lawrence Fritz,
01:29:50 Alain, who were both shot dead outside Sherwin Williams paints, born a chord yesterday morning.
01:29:58 The murders come on the heels of the body of Janelle Thomas Thomas,
01:30:04 two being found burnt in a drain on the Glen Eagles Drive, Mount Irvin on Tuesday.
01:30:11 As a result, the murder toll on the island for the year is 13, three more than twenty twenty two.
01:30:19 All right. So the lines are free. You're calling us on six to three seventeen eleven.
01:30:23 The extension is nineteen ninety five. Right.
01:30:29 And there are challenges concerning food cards, ministry working to fix with first citizens.
01:30:37 Christmas twenty twenty three has produced a food card fumble with the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services yesterday,
01:30:44 admitting to challenges that are now being handled by card provider, state bank, first citizens.
01:30:52 Now, the ministry's announcement followed claims yesterday by opposition Senator Khadija Amin,
01:30:57 that a number of people who received cards were being embarrassed at groceries as they shopped for the season,
01:31:04 with some cards being declined due to a lack of funding. All right.
01:31:10 So the lines are free. You're calling us on six to three seventeen eleven.
01:31:13 The extension is nineteen ninety five. Ministry warns of granola bar, applesauce recalls.
01:31:22 So Quaker Oats, granola bars and Wannabana applesauce pouches have been recalled because of salmonella contamination
01:31:33 in more than two dozen types of cereal bars and granola bars and elevated lead levels in the applesauce pouches.
01:31:44 Salmonella and lead. That's a good call. Good morning, caller.
01:31:49 That's a good morning to you, Mr. Huffington. How are you, sir? I'm good, sir.
01:31:52 Well, I'm just wishing the whole of Trinidad and Tobago bright and Merry Christmas.
01:31:57 And we hope that from now into the twenty twenty four, a prosperous new year for all citizens.
01:32:04 And is it OK I could wish my my as I call her my my sexy wife, Rita, as well as Natasha Loman Lafawn,
01:32:11 a Merry Christmas and a wonderful new year of God's rich blessings to her and myself going into twenty twenty four.
01:32:19 So. All right. Well, I enjoy the your program and even as well with the superintendent.
01:32:28 Thank you very much, sir. OK, bye for now. Have a good Christmas.
01:32:31 You're calling us a six to three seventeen eleven. The extension is nineteen ninety five.
01:32:38 The Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers Association is demanding back pay for active members who have not yet been paid.
01:32:44 And said yesterday it will be seeking answers from the Ministry of Education.
01:32:49 All right. So that's going to do it for our calls for today.
01:32:53 Thank you very much for your Christmas greetings. Right. We are going to very short break.
01:32:58 We're coming back. I think I saw a feeling for something in your mouth.
01:33:24 Ever your style by John's semi permanent hair color gives you oil rich conditioning formulas.
01:33:29 You can relax and color on the same day. So get rid of those rays or try on a little shade with Bajan semi permanent hair color.
01:33:37 It's all your style. It's the season to be jolly.
01:33:41 Make your guy marry by giving him a gift from Bradford men's dress and casual shirts, polo jeans and casual pants.
01:33:50 The renowned Bradford brand dress fans a wide range of sleek and comfortable footwear and an incredible variety of men's accessories and gift sets.
01:34:00 And of course the latest styles and exquisitely tailored suit by Bradford.
01:34:05 This Christmas Bradford suits your budget best.
01:34:21 All the time gives you the best football in the world.
01:34:36 Join Andrew Arrow Batiste on TV six for the 12th man season for you by Tiger Towns and Coca Cola.
01:34:49 Many parents say I get licks and I turn out fine. But did you really was that kind of discipline the most effective and helpful or did it instill fear and intimidation instead.
01:35:04 Discipline is important but it must be used in a constructive way with your children fit to be effective.
01:35:11 So instead of just punishing them also take the time to teach them what is appropriate behavior to help them learn what to do differently and to make better decisions.
01:35:22 Try to be in control of your emotions before disciplining them.
01:35:26 And discipline should be fair and consistent and most importantly it should be appropriate for your child's age.
01:35:35 Remember spare the rod it won't spoil the child.
01:35:40 At the end of the day keep trying your best. You and your children deserve it.
01:35:45 Share if you found this useful and like and follow our profile for more parenting tips.
01:35:51 The letter of the day is D for discipline.
01:35:56 [Music]
01:36:17 [Music]
01:36:38 All right everybody so we're going to take up the energy a little bit here.
01:36:42 We do have in studio this morning Christian Roberts also known as tension and he's a soca artist.
01:36:50 Yeah. Entertainer then. Right. And and look at that face. Does he look familiar to you.
01:36:58 Well he's one of the sons of the Lord Kitchener. Yeah. Christian it's it's good to have you here this morning.
01:37:04 It's an honor. Yeah. So tell us how long have you been involved in in the industry.
01:37:10 Yeah well to be honest with you I started this journey since I was about 14 years old.
01:37:16 Right. When I first write in my first little dance soul you know a song name do good do good in your works you know.
01:37:23 But I never really got a break to really put it out there you know.
01:37:26 I was young I didn't really have the experience. I just keep writing doing my thing doing my thing.
01:37:31 And until a few years ago when I did my first I did my first real dance or what I watch as real thing.
01:37:39 But I didn't actually put it out there yet. Right. I still had a day holding waiting for that time.
01:37:44 And the other day I went by a friend in Belmont and he had a nice rhythm I so carried him.
01:37:49 And he tell me listen it and listen it and I do a little chorus on it and he said that's all good.
01:37:55 He said go in the booth and put on that you know. And I went and put on the chorus and then he tell me go man write it.
01:38:00 And I went to him and write it and he and I put in a little few words on it you know.
01:38:04 And yeah we come out with a nice little so called groovy so called. Yeah.
01:38:08 And that's basically you know start this start my career you know.
01:38:11 Why do you name Tension Christian?
01:38:14 Tension well I choose that I choose that name Tension because musically I give tension and I receive tension as well.
01:38:23 Because you know from ever since growing up you know I was always a musical one way you know I will my music will influence people you know.
01:38:32 People always love my music you know. They say like I create a tension you know.
01:38:37 And then within the vibes to I receive tension to as well because it was tough to you know the music it's not easy in the music industry.
01:38:45 So it's like I give intention and I receive intention. So I tell myself Tension had to be the name you know.
01:38:49 Because people say I lash out with a tension you know.
01:38:53 Like a cable boy. Yeah yeah yeah.
01:38:55 Tension let's take in You Got The Wine. We don't have it yet?
01:39:01 Alright so alright so let me put it this way. What would have inspired this song You Got The Wine?
01:39:09 I think I know it but tell us.
01:39:11 Well to be honest with you when my producer put on the rhythm you know. I listened to the melody line.
01:39:18 And how the melody line was going. What came to my mind one time is just like You Got The Wine.
01:39:26 I tell myself I'll go along with the melody line. How the melody line going because you know you have different ways to write a song.
01:39:31 So I say I will go along just with the melody line. I would go in I would shadow the melody line.
01:39:35 So I say it like You Got The Wine. You Got The Wine. You Got The Wine Girl. You Got The You know.
01:39:41 And that is just basically you know.
01:39:43 And that's when I tell myself I'll do something for the carnival.
01:39:45 I'll do something nice and groovy for the women and them for the carnival.
01:39:47 Yeah yeah yeah. You know carnival is all for the women.
01:39:49 You know do something for the girls. All for the women. Women take over.
01:39:52 Let's hear the song.
01:39:55 Just wind back and push it on. You're the one we'll be talking about.
01:39:59 Roll your waist girl in a motion. You hear wine girl your course in commotion.
01:40:04 Full the place with innovation. I know you're proud cause you're love by the nation.
01:40:09 Just come front and take the lead. When the tracksha make we stop breathe.
01:40:14 Always real vibes guaranteed. You are the wine we the men them need.
01:40:19 Girl you got the wine. You got the wine. You got the wine girl. You got the wine.
01:40:24 When you bend up your spine. Bend up your spine. Bend up your spine.
01:40:28 When you bend up your spine girl. Just wind back and push it on.
01:40:32 You know your waistline. Run me roll. Just wind back and push it on.
01:40:37 You're the wine we'll be talking about.
01:40:39 Wine like a desk job. Wine like pot trees. Wine like a knife.
01:40:43 You all caught me.
01:40:44 You know your waistline. When you bend up your spine. Bend up your spine.
01:40:49 When you bend up your spine girl. Just wind back and push it on.
01:40:53 You're the wine we'll be talking about.
01:40:55 When you bend up your spine. Bend up your spine. Bend up your spine.
01:40:59 When you bend up your spine girl. Just wind back and push it on.
01:41:03 You're the wine we'll be talking about.
01:41:05 Wine like a desk job. Wine like a knife. When you bend up your spine.
01:41:09 When you bend up your spine girl. Just wind back and push it on.
01:41:13 You're the wine we'll be talking about.
01:41:15 Wine like a desk job. Wine like a knife. When you bend up your spine.
01:41:19 When you bend up your spine girl. Just wind back and push it on.
01:41:23 You're the wine we'll be talking about.
01:41:25 Wine like a desk job. Wine like a knife. When you bend up your spine girl.
01:41:29 Just wind back and push it on. You're the wine we'll be talking about.
01:41:33 Wine like a desk job. Wine like a knife. When you bend up your spine girl.
01:41:37 Just wind back and push it on. You're the wine we'll be talking about.
01:41:41 Wine like a desk job. Wine like a knife. When you bend up your spine girl.
01:41:45 Just wind back and push it on. You're the wine we'll be talking about.
01:41:49 Wine like a desk job. Wine like a knife. When you bend up your spine girl.
01:41:53 Just wind back and push it on. You're the wine we'll be talking about.
01:41:57 Wine like a desk job. Wine like a knife. When you bend up your spine girl.
01:42:01 Just wind back and push it on. You're the wine we'll be talking about.
01:42:05 Wine like a desk job. Wine like a knife. When you bend up your spine girl.
01:42:09 Just wind back and push it on. You're the wine we'll be talking about.
01:42:13 Wine like a desk job. Wine like a knife. When you bend up your spine girl.
01:42:17 Just wind back and push it on. You're the wine we'll be talking about.
01:42:21 Wine like a desk job. Wine like a knife. When you bend up your spine girl.
01:42:25 Just wind back and push it on. You're the wine we'll be talking about.
01:42:29 Wine like a desk job. Wine like a knife. When you bend up your spine girl.
01:42:33 Just wind back and push it on. You're the wine we'll be talking about.
01:42:37 Wine like a desk job. Wine like a knife. When you bend up your spine girl.
01:42:41 Just wind back and push it on. You're the wine we'll be talking about.
01:42:45 Wine like a desk job. Wine like a knife. When you bend up your spine girl.
01:42:49 Just wind back and push it on. You're the wine we'll be talking about.
01:42:53 Wine like a desk job. Wine like a knife. When you bend up your spine girl.
01:42:57 Just wind back and push it on. You're the wine we'll be talking about.
01:43:01 Wine like a desk job. Wine like a knife. When you bend up your spine girl.
01:43:05 Just wind back and push it on. You're the wine we'll be talking about.
01:43:09 Wine like a desk job. Wine like a knife. When you bend up your spine girl.
01:43:13 Just wind back and push it on. You're the wine we'll be talking about.
01:43:17 Wine like a desk job. Wine like a knife. When you bend up your spine girl.
01:43:21 Just wind back and push it on. You're the wine we'll be talking about.
01:43:25 Wine like a desk job. Wine like a knife. When you bend up your spine girl.
01:43:29 Yeah. But Christian, and I'm sure that people have raised this before,
01:43:35 but just people knowing that you're one of the sons of Lord Kitchener,
01:43:43 it's a weight that you have to bear.
01:43:47 Yeah, yeah, yeah. Because a lot of people, you know, it's positive and negative,
01:43:51 but a lot of people, you know, they're grateful for me. As they meet me,
01:43:55 they meet Kitchener's son. Then through it, other people, you know, they want to know,
01:43:59 "How are you? Not out there yet. What's going on?" A lot of times,
01:44:03 sometimes people want to know, "Well, you have so much talent and you're just like..."
01:44:07 They feel like I'm wasting my talent, but I'm letting them know, I'm just putting things in place.
01:44:09 Right now, I'm just preparing. They will hear me. I'm coming out soon, you know?
01:44:13 Yeah, it's a building process. A building process. I'm coming to take over.
01:44:17 I want you to know, it's a long journey, but it's a sweetness at the end of the journey.
01:44:21 When I come out there, I'm going to take over Trinidad. You know what I'm saying?
01:44:25 It's guaranteed. So, that's weight on tension.
01:44:29 Tension, of course, you know that your father,
01:44:35 he has been able to amass a number of road march titles.
01:44:41 That's something that you're interested into? That sort of...
01:44:45 Because, you know, road march songs, it's a different type of song.
01:44:49 You have an interest in that too?
01:44:53 Yes, of course. I would love to drop a road march.
01:44:57 The song, "Soca", the power that my family is pushing me with, they believe that's a road march as well.
01:45:01 As long as they catch the feeling, they believe it's a road march potential.
01:45:05 Because, as you know, in soca, it's a genre with other genres.
01:45:11 You have the groovy soca, you have the power, and you have even rather soca.
01:45:17 I want to drop both genres for the soca. I want to drop the groovy and the power.
01:45:21 Then I'll have both genres I can drop.
01:45:25 Well, let's take a little bit of tension again now.
01:45:29 You've got the wine. Let's see if tension could give us a live version of it.
01:45:35 No problem.
01:45:39 [Music]
01:45:43 [Music]
01:45:47 of the party. Pretty and cute. You're hot and you're naughty. Wine till the morning.
01:45:51 She got the men, them balleh. Girl you got the wine. You got the wine. You got the wine girl. You got it.
01:45:58 When you blend off your spine. Blend off your spine. Blend off your spine girl. Just wine back and push it out.
01:46:06 You know your waistline, run the row girl. Just wine back and push it out. You the wine movie girl.
01:46:14 You everybody talk. You love it Melody? I love it when you walk. Like you said he has a big system. Yeah. He has a big system. Yeah.
01:46:26 So, you would have written a part of it, the producer? Yeah, I write majority and he just put in a few. He put in all something. I must big him up. Yeah. Big up the PC. Shutterlings you know. Yeah. So, is it that this is not your first song as you would have said. Yeah. Yeah.
01:46:43 So, you are really hands on when it comes to writing your songs. Yes. Yeah. Yeah.
01:46:51 I had a next song I could have bring it you know but I didn't know if you all would have might have able to play because it's on CD. Yeah.
01:46:56 Nice little groovy song from back then too. I do you know. I did one or two little things but you know. The biggest one I was really watching as I had a dance all the other day that I had do. Yeah.
01:47:07 I should have said love me. You know, everybody was watching that as like that would have been one of my biggest projects but I just I just holding it back until the right time, you know. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.
01:47:17 Christian, I think that you have the the the right attitude that that things will happen. Sometimes, it it happens very quickly for certain people. Others, it takes a little more time but I think that you have the the the the right attitude.
01:47:35 So, we have already established this is something that you you want to do. You you you have said that you are you intend to take over. So, I think that we can gather from that that you want to be a mainstay in this industry.
01:47:53 Yes, of course. Yeah. And what about contributions during the year? Is that a possibility? As I say mainly, I want you all to remember I'm a mainly a dance all artists. Right. Not saying I will be leaving out the soca. You know, I'm still with the soca but I'm mainly a dance all artist. You know, I want a more focus on more dance all as well. You know, but I will be there with the soca. I know people love any soca too and they want to hear it but I'm mainly on the dance all. Yeah. To drop. Yeah. Yeah. Is it? Is it? Albums and stuff. Yeah.
01:48:23 So, is it? Is it? Is it dance hall with a local flavor or is it real as as as ninja man may say, real, real dance hall. Real dance hall. You want a little small taste? Give us a little taste. Alright. What's it? What's it? What's it? What's it Stevie appropriate? Go ahead. Yeah. As we say, we're ready. We're ready for you all. So, you know, we're ready for mash up. This one, I'm ready for mash up. So, it's like, we're ready for mash the place up. Run dance all. We're ready for splash the place up. Splash dance all. We're ready for mash the place down.
01:48:52 ♪ This them says a urgent call ♪
01:48:54 ♪ We ready fi match di place up ♪
01:48:56 ♪ Make di vibe stale, eh ♪
01:48:57 ♪ Could I hear you sing, could I hear you now ♪
01:49:00 ♪ This is style that I bring ♪
01:49:01 ♪ And this is style that you know ♪
01:49:02 ♪ Could I hear you sing, could I hear you now ♪
01:49:05 ♪ This is style that I bring ♪
01:49:06 ♪ And this is style, style ♪
01:49:07 ♪ When dance all really want di dance a feeling ♪
01:49:09 ♪ Me and di dance a vibe shall really ♪
01:49:11 ♪ Make you touch the ceiling ♪
01:49:12 ♪ If you has to play this one then all di dancers ♪
01:49:13 ♪ Here no killing ♪
01:49:14 ♪ Strictly nice is pleasure and enjoyment that's meaning ♪
01:49:16 ♪ We ready fi match di place up ♪
01:49:18 ♪ Run dance all ♪
01:49:19 - Yeah.
01:49:20 - So that's the celebrities.
01:49:21 - Yeah, of course, what has the response been
01:49:23 to your dancehall music?
01:49:25 - Well, people loving it.
01:49:27 What people telling me, well, you know,
01:49:28 it's not gonna be an easy journey because, you know,
01:49:31 I'm in Trinidad here and I'm not in Jamaica,
01:49:33 but you just keep pushing, just keep pushing,
01:49:36 and one day a door will open for me, you know?
01:49:38 - Yeah.
01:49:39 - So I just keep pushing, you know, people love me,
01:49:40 people backing me.
01:49:41 - Yeah, yeah.
01:49:42 - But they tell me it won't be easy, not an easy journey.
01:49:44 - All right, Christian, give us where people
01:49:47 can contact you again.
01:49:49 - Yes, it's official, Tension TT on Instagram.
01:49:52 - Yeah, Tension, also known, well,
01:49:55 Christian Roberts, also known as Tension.
01:49:57 Thank you very much for coming this morning
01:49:58 and sharing your music, and we wish you all the best
01:50:01 for this carnival season here and beyond, yeah?
01:50:04 And we hope to see you more and more in the future.
01:50:07 - Thanks for having me, you know?
01:50:09 - Yeah.
01:50:09 - Season's greetings to everybody, you know,
01:50:10 big up to Trinidad, all the artists, you know,
01:50:12 I always say respect to all artists,
01:50:14 you know, just keep pushing it, push positive music
01:50:16 for the youth and everybody, and love, bless up.
01:50:18 - Tension, I mention, keep us going.
01:50:20 - All right, all right, Tension.
01:50:22 So we are going to a very short break,
01:50:23 we're coming back, everybody.
01:50:24 (upbeat music)
01:50:27 (upbeat music)
01:50:29 - This Christmas, share with Shemare,
01:50:56 natural herbal products for hair, skin, and body.
01:50:59 You can treat yourself or someone you love
01:51:01 to Shemare's pocket vultures, Shemare.
01:51:04 ♪ Restore, renew, repair, Shemare ♪
01:51:08 - Win, win, win, free groceries for a year at Extra Foods.
01:51:11 12 lucky shoppers will win.
01:51:13 Check out Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for details.
01:51:16 Plus, Halal Turkeys, $1.99, Gala Apples, 10 for $20,
01:51:20 Grapefruits Chicken Hams, $99, Swiss Pasta Cuts,
01:51:23 four packs for $20, Imperial Margarine, three for $20,
01:51:27 Johnny Walker Black Label, $2.49, and so much more.
01:51:30 Also, our Christmas hours, 7 a.m. to 12 midnight
01:51:33 until December 23rd for your convenience.
01:51:35 Extra Foods, always extra for less.
01:51:38 Contest approved by the NLCB.
01:51:40 - Come on, come on, everyone can play, play football.
01:51:45 It's the miniature sport and community developments,
01:51:48 seven-a-side tournament, powered by Red 96.7 FM.
01:51:53 Stand and deliver, kick your way to success and glory.
01:51:58 Listen, listen now.
01:52:00 Become the footballer you dream of
01:52:02 by registering for a seven-a-side, one-of-a-kind tournament.
01:52:07 Represent your community, your area, your people,
01:52:11 and win prizes and fame as live TV comes your way.
01:52:16 Spots are limited, so don't delay.
01:52:18 For registration details,
01:52:19 visit Red 96.7 FM Facebook page,
01:52:22 or send your email to red96football@gmail.com.
01:52:26 The Ministry of Sport and Community Development
01:52:28 presents Seven-a-side Tournament,
01:52:31 powered by the Bigger 96,
01:52:34 brought to you from the love of sport.
01:52:37 - ScreenDot continues to deliver internet connectivity
01:52:42 to a wide range of communities in Trinidad.
01:52:44 With our combination fiber and wireless network,
01:52:47 you get the service you need wherever you live.
01:52:49 Stream your favorite shows, enjoy online tuition,
01:52:52 stay in touch with your work team,
01:52:54 and connect with friends and family
01:52:55 with internet service at a price you can afford.
01:52:57 As communities continue to grow, we continue to deliver.
01:53:01 Call 224-GDOT or visit gd.tt today.
01:53:04 ScreenDot, improving and simplifying lives.
01:53:07 (upbeat music)
01:53:10 (upbeat music)
01:53:12 - Maybe you could afford to pay up to $22,500 in fines
01:53:37 and lose your license permanently.
01:53:40 No?
01:53:41 Then don't drink and drive.
01:53:43 - A message from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.
01:53:48 ♪ Another day ♪
01:53:50 ♪ I can see the way ♪
01:53:54 ♪ 'Cause when I see the love in your eyes ♪
01:53:56 ♪ Oh, it is Christmas again ♪
01:53:59 - And that's gonna do it for our program for today,
01:54:02 but we leave you with this image.
01:54:04 It's of a fiery sunset in the West,
01:54:06 and it comes from Gregory Medina in Caranage.
01:54:10 Good morning, Gregory,
01:54:11 and thank you very much for your photograph.
01:54:12 See you tomorrow, everybody.
01:54:14 Bye for now.
01:54:14 ♪ These things they never seen ♪
01:54:17 ♪ Christmas that you and I don't find ♪
01:54:19 ♪ Oh, it's Christmas again ♪
01:54:23 ♪ Singin' ♪
01:54:24 ♪ Oh, it's Christmas again ♪
01:54:26 ♪ Come on, come let's ♪
01:54:29 ♪ Oh, it's Christmas again ♪
01:54:32 (upbeat music)
01:54:35 [BLANK_AUDIO]