The Ministry of Community Development, along with all other Government Ministries have been invited by the Secretary of the National Awards Committee to nominate persons and organizations, who have served with distinction in any area of activity over the past year. The committee, located in the Office of the Prime Minister, is currently preparing for this year’s National Awards to be held on Independence Day, August 31, 2010.

In nominating an individual or organization, brief details should be provided of activities in the area in which the nominee has made an outstanding contribution. Information required on the nomination forms include:

• Specific achievements which qualify the nominee for a national award
• The length of time that the nominee has been involved in the area of activity
• How the nominee’s achievements stand out from others in the field
• To what extent has the nominee been influential in the area of activity

A list of persons who can attest to the contributions/achievements of the nominee must then be provided, along with their contact information. The country’s highest honour is The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Other awards handed out include: the Chaconia Medal, Humming Bird Medal and Medal of Merit.

The Meteorological Service has advised through its 10:00 am Severe Weather Bulletin that over the next (3) hours, the foreleg of the active Tropical Wave will continue to affect Trinidad and Tobago. This Tropical Wave will produce heavy showers and thundershowers over both islands but may have more of an impact on the island of Tobago.

As a consequence of this wave, street/flash flooding with accompanying gusty winds (40 km/h and above) can be expected in areas of the heavy showers / thundershowers. There is also the possibility that small rivers may become quickly inundated and landslides/landslips may occur in areas so prone. In light of the foregoing, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) advises citizens to review their preparedness measures such as storing and protecting valuables, to relocate to areas that are not normally affected by flash flooding and / or landslides and to be vigilant and extra cautious.

A reminder of the safety tips for landslides:-

• Be cautious when walking or driving near slopes

• Look for changes to your surroundings that may signal the likelihood of any landslide activity

After a landslide:-

• Remember that flooding may occur

• Stay away from the slide area; there may be danger of additional slides

• Remember to help your neighbours or those who may have been affected.

The ODPM has already alerted the first responder agencies and other critical agencies have also been notified should there be a need to render immediate assistance.

The ODPM continues to reiterate that Trinidad and Tobago is now actively in the period of heightened hydro-meteorological activity and situations like these can occur frequently.

Trinidad and Tobago is NOT under any Tropical Storm threat, Watch or Warning.

The Meteorological Service has advised through its 6:00 am Severe Weather Bulletin that over the last three (3) hours, there has been an increase in cloudiness and rainfall due to an active Tropical Wave. This Tropical Wave has produced heavy showers and thundershowers which will cover Trinidad and Tobago for the next two (2) to three (3) hours.

As a consequence of these showers, street / flash flooding with accompanying gusty winds can be expected in areas of the heavy showers / thundershowers. There is also the chance that small rivers may become quickly inundated. In this vein, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) is advising citizens to review their preparedness measures such as storing and protecting valuables, to relocate to areas that are not normally affected by flash flooding and to follow the usual safety procedures.

The ODPM has already alerted the first responder agencies and other critical agencies have also been notified should there be a need to render immediate assistance.

The ODPM continues to reiterate that Trinidad and Tobago is now actively in the period of heightened hydro-meteorological activity and situations like these can occur frequently. Therefore, persons are to remain vigilant and exercise extra caution.

Trinidad and Tobago is NOT under any Tropical Storm threat, Watch or Warning.

In response to the onset of the rainy season the Ministry of Health
has intensified its Insect Vector Control activities throughout the country and advises the population to join in its efforts to reduce mosquito breeding sites.

The Ministry of Health’s Insect Vector Control Division conducted inspection exercises in all counties within Trinidad and Tobago, including identified flooded areas. The following activities are being undertaken and will continue until the flooding situation is alleviated:

- Inspection of affected premises

- Treatment of premises with a BIOCIDE - antibacterial, antifungal

- Oiling of stagnant water bodies

- Dengue health education via loud speakers and flyers to residents of the affected areas

- Notices were sent to Regional Corporations and Works Departments for the clearing of drains and

- Continued collaboration and coordination with County Medical Officers of Health and Public Health

- The Ministry of Health is ramping up its Dengue Prevention Programme. This programme is annual, commences in January of each year and undertakes a multi-prong approach to the eradication of the Dengue-spreading Aedes Aegypti mosquito.

Some of the core activities of this programme are:

- Inspection of premises, government buildings, drains and high risk areas nationwide in 6-8 week

- Spraying of homes where there are probable cases of Dengue Fever. This involves the use of insecticides on the walls and fogging around the buildings, as well as the use of spraying from the road via the ultra low volume (ULV) machine

- Applying a larvicidal to kill mosquito larvae in water stored in barrels for drinking

- Collaboration with the Regional Corporations for clean up orders and notices, as well as clean up campaigns for the removal of all discarded materials and containers that are liable to hold water

- Increased surveillance of ports of entry for imported cases of dengue

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) wishes to reiterate that the 2010 Hurricane Season has begun and will continue until November 2010. Meteorologists have indicated that this season will be an above average one. Protecting oneself and one’s property from a hurricane means protecting against very strong winds and heavy rainfall. To ensure that all citizens are prepared for the possible onslaught of tropical storms and / or hurricanes, the ODPM advises the following.

Before the Hurricane

· Check your home:

o Make sure your roof is secure. Hurricane straps are an affordable way to do this

o Repair leaking roofs, broken windows and / or broken doors

o Clean gutters, downspouts and drains

o Tie down or properly store items around the yard that could be picked up by strong winds such as galvanized metal sheets or pieces of wood

o Check trees in the yard and trim loose or dying branches

· It’s a good habit to always have your emergency supplies accessible:

o Medical / First Aid supplies

o Working flashlight, radio and batteries

o Bottled water, canned foods and can opener

N.B. Important documents must be protected in a sealed plastic bag

· Determine which friends or relatives can provide alternative accommodation. Additionally, check the ODPM website or your Regional or Municipal Corporation for the list of official shelters and take note of the ones nearest to you.

During the Hurricane:

· Stay indoors and away from windows and doors.

· Listen to your radio for notification of when it is safe to leave your home. If the winds and rains stop, this does not indicate that it is entirely safe. Continue to be alert.

After the Hurricane:

· Continue to listen to your radio to know if it is safe to go outside and what areas you should avoid

· Beware of outdoor dangers such as downed power lines, weakened bridges, damaged roads, scattered debris and contaminated flood waters

· If you are injured, seek medical attention at First Aid stations, hospitals or clinics

· Boil your drinking water

· Discard all spoilt food

· Help members of your community who may have been injured or affected by the storm impact.

The National Trust of Trinidad and Tobago, under the auspices of the Ministry of Arts and Multiculturalism, hosted a tour of and lecture at Nelson Island on Saturday, May 29, 2010 to commemorate the 165th Anniversary of Indian Arrival Day in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Lecture entitled: “Jahajin’s Journey” took place at the Assembly Area on Nelson Island and was delivered by Dr Radica Mahase (in photo at right), a graduate of UWI and a teacher at Naparima Girls High School. The lecture highlighted, among other things, the experience of Indian women during the Indentureship period (1845 – 1920); which accounts for much of the rich legacy of East Indian culture in Trinidad and Tobago today.

In her discourse, Dr Mahase gave an overview of Nelson Island and its role in the Indian Indentureship System. She indicated that the labour scheme of the island’s history comprised female East Indian labourers and cited three females Sughagi, Maharaji and Partabia’s journeys to Trinidad to work at the Calcutta Depot in the Indentureship (contract) system. On May 30, 1845 the first groups of labourers arrived on the Fath al Razack and were taken to work in cocoa and coffee plantations.

Their contract conditions consisted of an obligation to work for the first five years after which a certificate of completion was given to them. In order to qualify for return to India, a further five years of labour was required. They earned 25 cents per day and were housed in barracks. They had to ration for food which was deducted from their salaries. The labour force comprised Hindu women in the majority (77%) while the Muslim and Christian women totalled 15% and 8% respectively. Forty one percent were from low castes. Bhrahmins, agricultural and artesan castes came.

Newly appointed Minister of Community Development, the Honourable Nizam Baksh (right) today received a warm welcome from staff at the head office of the former Ministry of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs in Belmont.

As he arrived for his first official day in office, he was greeted by Permanent Secretary Angella Jack, Deputy Permanent Secretaries Hermia Tyson-Cuffie, DPS Vel Lewis and other Ministry officials.

In his first brief address, Baksh pointed out that he had a background in Community Development as a former Community Development Officer and said he was looking forward to working at this Ministry again.

Minister of the Arts and Multiculturalism, the Honourable Winston Peters and his Parliamentary Secretary, the Honourable Nela Khan were also introduced to staff at the Ministry. Minister Peters said he too had served briefly in the Ministry and promised to move arts and culture forward for all the peoples of Trinidad and Tobago.

The Ministers and Parliamentary Secretary assumed their official duties today, after being sworn in by President George Maxwell Richards at Knowsley Building last Friday as part of Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar’s Cabinet.