TOBAGO has been showcased in two National Geographic features.
In a news release on November 14, Tobago Tourism Agency Ltd (TTAL) said, "We are pleased to share that the unspoilt island of Tobago has been featured in National Geographic’s newest documentary, Expedition Amazon.
"National Geographic also unveiled a special online photo essay titled The Plume, showcasing the island’s striking beauty beneath the surface through the captivating lens of noted National Geographic explorer and photographer Thomas Peschak."
TTAL said in a journey that "spanned the entire Amazon River Basin – from the icy 20,000-foot peaks of the Nevado Ausangate Mountain in the eastern Andes of Peru to its freshwater plume that reaches as far as the Caribbean islands, the unspoilt shores and vibrant reefs of Tobago present a stunning finale to National Geographic’s newest documentary, Expedition Amazon."
Expedition Amazon, it said, is the culmination of a two-year scientific exploration of the Amazon River Basin. Led by seven teams of National Geographic explorers under the Rolex and National Geographic Perpetual Planet Amazon Expedition, this new, ground-breaking documentary unearthed some of the region’s unique wonders, including its connection to the  reefs of Tobago.


“I’ve never seen blue sponges in my life,” said Angelo Bernardino, National Geographic explorer and ecologist, while exploring some of Tobago’s unique dive sites.
“A lot of marine life that we see here may be directly dependent on the food that is delivered by the Amazon River plume,” explained Bernardino during his exploration of the famous Japanese Gardens off the coast of Tobago’s Goat Island.
“And that translates into a completely different marine ecosystem…here, you have reefs that are dominated by sponges,” added Peschak.
Known by many as a diver’s paradise, Tobago boasts over 50 well-established dive sites, including the London Bridge Arch in Charlotteville, the Kelleston Drain off the coast of Little Tobago, Angel Reef in East Tobago and the Mount Irvine Wall and Kariwak Reef to the west of the island, thick with sponges, corals and the largest known brain coral in the western hemisphere. Divers can expect to find a vast array of marine life, including moray eels, lobsters, sea horses, barracudas, tarpons, rays and the leatherback turtle.
Director of marketing and communications at TTAL Jason Antoine said: “As one of the Caribbean’s hidden gems, Tobago remains a destination waiting to be discovered by many.
"With our reefs now featured in National Geographic, we hope to welcome more divers and travellers eager to experience their beauty first-hand. National Geographic's spotlight on Tobago’s mesmerising underwater landscape captures the essence of our natural allure, showcasing why Tobago should be on everyone’s travel list.”
"National Geographic’s recognition of Tobago further propels the island’s unique tourism offerings on the global stage, providing travellers, explorers and viewers around the world with a vibrant view of a rich dive experience that takes you beyond the ordinary," the TTAL release said.
Expedition Amazon is now streaming on Disney Plus, Hulu and NGTV: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCjFWTp2J_k.

The Plume online photo essay, "showcasing the island’s striking beauty beneath the surface through the captivating lens of Peschak," can be viewed at: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/into-the-amazon/the-plume.
(Source: Newsday, Nov 17, 2024)

NOT many can boast of placing in the top three in a global competition. But the members of Presentation College, Chaguanas’ robotics team sure can. The students placed third in a joint effort with three other countries at the First Global Challenge in Athens, Greece.
The seventh edition of the competition, held from September 26-29, featured students from over 190 countries. Its website says the idea behind the challenge was for one team from each country to “participate and focus the world on the amazing things that happen when kids from every country work together to solve problems through STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).”
This year’s theme was Feeding the Future, which focuses on sustainable food production.
“This year’s theme challenges teams to learn about and address the obstacles and opportunities to provide the global population with equitable, safe, nutritious, and environmentally responsible food,” the website adds.
Trinidad and Tobago’s team travelling included Xavier Blache, Kovid Capildeo, Xavier Edwards, Sameer Badree, Justin Basdeo and Sarmad Singh.
What they call the “ground team,” which also contributed to their efforts, included Vasudev Rampersad, Adam Baig, Naveen Singh, Avesh Ragoonath, Jamian Leopold, Vivek Bahadur Singh, and Aidan Singh.
Every year, the event provides teams with a kit in their home country, with parts such as steel rods, aluminium channels, motors, wheels, etc. The students then have to build a robot that meets specific criteria like size and ability to rise to a certain height.
There were 12 qualifying matches at the competition, from which 32 countries were selected for the semi-final rounds. For the finals, the qualifying teams were then split into alliances.
The challenge/game this year was a two-and-a-half-minute match in which one “alliance” battled another. An alliance in the challenge consisted of four different countries’ teams joining forces. Trinidad and Tobago teamed up with Estonia, Singapore and Guam, forming alliance eight.
The aim was to conserve water and energy and produce food. Then all six teams worked together as a “global alliance” to secure food and balance global resources to make a sustainable food system.
Coloured spheres were used to represent different elements – blue for water, green for energy, and orange for food. The robots, as well as selected human players, assisted in the process.
Blache, the team’s captain, told Newsday the experience was “a mix of excitement and education.”
“The excitement came from seeing so many different people around my age from different countries who have the same passion. And then for education, the event is not just about competing but learning about new technologies and hearing all the different ideas people have on solving a world challenge.”
The 18-year-old upper-six student is an aspiring software engineer. He said he got into robotics when he was in standard five after doing his first coding course. He currently studies pure and applied mathematics, physics, computer science and IT.
He recalled long days at nights at the school, even during vacation time, in preparation for the event. In fact, he said, practice began about a year ago.
“We entered the competition last year, too. So (afterwards) we started practising with the parts from that one.”
He said while he was part of the travelling team last year, his role was “more minor.
“Then a colleague of mine, Justin Basdeo, came to me and said, ‘Blache, let’s go and experiment with the parts.’ And throughout (last year), we experimented and got accustomed to the parts. So when the actual challenge was released this year in late June, we had a bit more familiarity.
“We created an Omni base that could drive in any direction.”
He said there were times they were still at school practising at 9 pm or even 11 pm.
Capildeo agreed, saying his teammates were “running on caffeine” during the final days of preparations.
“I didn’t stay as late as Blache did, but they really would be there until almost midnight until they were completely exhausted. Then, they would come back to school like normal the next morning.
“They were really giving it their all, physically and mentally, to make sure this robot could be built in time to ship.”
Capildeo, 18, studies maths, physics, chemistry and communication studies and has been on the robotics team for about three years.
He added that once they completed everything in time, it was on to the near 26-hour journey to Greece.
“I think there's a team picture we took when we finally landed in Greece where everybody was just looking really exhausted,” he said, laughing.
“And the competition itself started maybe two days after, and every day, we had to be out of the hotel before 7.30 am.”
Suffice it to say they continued running on caffeine. Capildeo was the human player for Trinidad and Tobago.
Trying his best to explain in layman’s terms what their robot did, Blache said, “It has to place one energy and one water ball within the goal to release a food ball, and once the food ball is released onto the playing field, the robot has to capture the food ball and bring it back to the human player.”
This, he said, was repeated throughout the game.
“...Because the purpose of the game is a physical representation that all countries must work together to combine water and energy to create food, and the food has to be brought back and stored and the stored food gives points to everyone (on the team).”
Capildeo praised Basdeo, the team’s head engineer, who “spent a lot of time going to help out other countries.
“A lot of the other Caribbean countries that came, their robots might have got partially damaged in transit. Justin actually used a lot of his free time helping countries like the US Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, Bermuda…And this would be from in the morning up until the night.
“Sometimes we'd reach the hotel at 10 pm and try to get as much sleep as we possibly could to go the next day again.”
He said he is certain there were nights they only got one or two hours of sleep.
Robotics is for everyone
Although he knew the team worked hard, Blache was shocked when he heard they had placed third.
“I didn't even know what to feel at that point.
“Because seeing that we, a team of boys who had little experience in robotics before joining, placed third in the world…Something like that is an amazing experience.”
He said this is why he encourages other students to join the team, as many doubt themselves.
“A lot of them feel that you have to be a top, top person in class to join robotics, or you have to have some sort of know-how in tech before you join robotics. But in the end, truly, it's not that. It's really just taking the step to try.”
Alliance number three (China, Moldova, Madagascar, Cook Islands) won the competition with 338 points, and alliance seven (Uzbekistan, Cambodia, Poland, Ethiopia) came second with 333 points.
Trinidad and Tobago’s alliance, eight, got 324 points.
Capildeo said similarly, he was “in disbelief and astonishment” on hearing the results.
“I knew how hard my team had worked, and I was happy that we kind of got rewarded for it all in the end…We showed the world that we are country that's capable of doing these kind of things.”
“I remember right after, we met we all hugged up each other because we just couldn't believe it,” he added.
They also placed first in the category of social media and got a blue ribbon for it. This was based on challenges the competition had from July.
Echoing his captain’s sentiments, Capildeo said, “Robotics is for everybody and everybody should give it a try.
“A lot of the people that came in and helped a lot of the students wouldn't have been as involved in robotics before, and they hadn't studied any of the theory…and they were still really, really good at it.
“Passion and love and genuine desire and drive to keep going and understand it all really helps.”
The students were accompanied by principal Dr Rene Wihby, and mentors Collin Samaru and Tricia Singh.
Singh recalled “not being able to breathe" (properly) during the semi-finals owing to her nervousness looking on.
“(After), the students told me they were also nervous, they were scared, they weren't sure if they could do it…But they said when they looked in the crowd and they saw the red, white and black, they were like, ‘We could definitely do it.’
“Most of the supporters were parents, siblings; we had the current principal and two past principals there from the school as well.”
She said she is very proud of the students and their work ethic. (Source:  Newsday. October 13, 2024)

JUSTICE Eleanor Joy Donaldson-Honeywell was on September 27 made the newest member of the Court of Appeal.
In a news release on September 27, President's House said Donaldson-Honeywell was sworn in as a member of the Court of Appeal of the Supreme Court of Trinidad and Tobago at a ceremony at the Office of President Christine Kangaloo.
It said, "In accordance with the advice of the Judicial and Legal Service Commission, Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo, ORTT, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, appointed Justice Eleanor Joy Donaldson-Honeywell as a Judge of the Court of Appeal today, Friday September 27, 2024 at a ceremony held at the Office of the President. The Honourable Chief Justice Mr Justice Ivor Archie ORTT, also attended the ceremony."
Prior to presenting Donaldson-Honeywell with her instrument of appointment, President Kangaloo made brief remarks about Donaldson-Honeywell's accomplishments.
Donaldson-Honeywell was admitted to practise at the Trinidad and Tobago Bar in 1989 and at the Jamaican Bar in the following year.
After a short stint at the National Commercial Bank Trust in Port of Spain, she became an associate attorney-at-law at Clinton Hart & Company in Jamaica, then the legal officer at the Fair-Trading Commission in that island before entering into private practice for a short period in 1995.
In that year, she became the director of legal services and enforcement at the Securities Commission in Jamaica before being appointed as the resident magistrate in the Kingston Corporate Area Criminal Division in 1999.
Justice Donaldson-Honeywell returned to Trinidad after four years and joined the Divestment Secretariat at the Ministry of Finance before being appointed as a member of the Industrial Court of Trinidad and Tobago.
In 2006, she became the chairman of the Essential Services Division of the Industrial Court and in 2010 was made solicitor general of Trinidad and Tobago.
Donaldson-Honeywell returned to private practice at the beginning of 2014 before being appointed a puisne judge in June 2015. Since 2019, she has also served as a part-time judge of the United Nations Dispute Tribunal.
She is a published author, winning the NALIS First Time Author prize in May 2015 for the biography of her father entitled Sailor Dance – John Stanley Donaldson- The Story.
She serves as a trained volunteer with the Adult Literacy Tutors Association.
On August 30, Justice Geoffrey Henderson was appointed to the Court of Appeal.
(Source: Newsday, Sept 29, 2024)

BELMOPAN: A one-day workshop aimed at equipping senior officials of the judiciary with the skills for efficiently resolving disputes, avoiding lengthy trials and reducing the backlog of civil cases gets under way here on Monday.
The senior courts of Belize Judicial Education Institute said that the Judicial Settlement Conferences is specifically tailored for judges, registrars, judicial assistants, and members of the Bar Association of Belize.
It said the event is one of two critical training seminars on Judicial Settlement Conferences and Criminal Mediation aimed at improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the judicial system.
These training seminars are aligned with the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) Academy for Law Needham’s Point Declaration, the Senior Courts of Belize Strategic Narrative, and the recommendations from the Criminal Justice Board.
Chief Justice Madame Louise Esther Blenman of the Senior Courts of Belize, and president of the Judicial Education Institute, said the judicial settlement conferences are facilitated by a settlement judge who acts as a mediator for matters assigned to another judge.
It will be facilitated by Justice of Appeal Vasheist Kokaram of the TT Judiciary, who is “renowned for his expertise and experience in mediation, and judicial settlement conferences, having provided extensive training across the Caribbean."
She said the Judicial Education Institute will hold a training seminar on criminal mediation from October 2-6, which is also judge-driven.
“In this case, judges will conduct the mediation of criminal cases. The criminal mediation training is sponsored by the European Union and the United Nations Programme Development PACE Justice Project.”
The five-day conference will be facilitated by Dr Christopher Malcolm and Burchell James of the St Augustine campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI).
“The participants will include the criminal division judges, magistrates, attorneys at law, and mediators. The training aims to introduce participants to mediation in criminal matters and the best practices as well as to tool participants with the skills for expediting case resolution and backlog reduction in the criminal-justice system in Belize. By incorporating mediation in the criminal-justice process, it will enhance access to justice, shorten legal proceedings and create a more responsive court system.”
The Chief Justice has sought to emphasise the significance of these training seminars in reducing case backlogs and empowering stakeholders of the senior courts of Belize with the latest knowledge and tools to ensure justice is delivered in a timely and effective manner. (Source: Newsday, Sept 29, 2024)

​Three people will today receive the nation’s highest national award—the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (ORTT). The Office of the President yesterday released the names of 65 citizens who will be honoured as they receive their national awards, as the country observes its 48th anniversary as a republic today.

• ​Mark Loquan, former president of the National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago (NGC), for National Service (Energy and Steelpan Innovation)
•  Prof Patrick Hosein for Technology, Innovation and Engineering
• Sydney Russell Martineau, SC, former president of the Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago (LATT), for Law.

The second highest award--the Chaconia Medal Gold—will be given to 11 awardees.
Among the awardees are a number of business people and experts in finance.
Executive chairman of Xtra Foods Supermarket Anon Naipaul will receive this award as well as Mohan Persad, director of Persad’s The Food King Supermarkets.
Eustace Nancis, founder of the Arima Door Centre Ltd. will also receive a Chaconia Medal Gold.

Chief executive officer of First Citizens Bank Karen Darbasie is an awardee in this category in the sphere of banking and finance.
Chaconia awards
There are seven recipients for the Chaconia Medal Silver, among them two former police commissioners and a former assistant police commissioner.
Former acting top cop Stephen Williams will receive an award in the sphere of National Security and Public Service.
Williams was commissioner from 2012 to 2020. He served as a police officer for over 35 years and has performed in all ranks, from constable to commissioner.
Former police commissioner James Anthony Philbert will receive the Chaconia Medal Silver. He has over 43 years in active policing and the Office of the President stated that he paid strong attention to the detection of transnational organised crimes, the management of illegal weapons and narcotics, human trafficking, and crime scene investigation.
Joanne James, retired assistant commissioner of police who has 40 years in law enforcement, will also receive the Chaconia Medal Silver. As a training specialist, James develops curricula and facilitate training for the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (induction and advanced levels). 
Hummingbird medals
The Hummingbird Medal is awarded for loyal and devoted service in any field of human endeavour, or for gallantry, or other humane action to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
A total of 18 recipients will be honoured with the Hummingbird Medal Gold.
Among them are six doctors, including dermatologist Dr Khamedaye Basdeo Maharaj. Basdeo-Maharaj is renowned for her seminal research in dermatology, particularly in the area of T-cell research, keloids, hair and nails.
President of Pan Trinbago Beverly Ramsey-Moore will receive the Hummingbird Medal Gold for contributions to Culture/Arts/Community Development.
There are 15 recipients of the Hummingbird Medal Silver and a number of awardees were recognised for their contribution to education. They include Zena Ramatali, first vice president of the National Parent Teachers Association (NPTA). Teachers, principals and a vice principal are also among the awardees.
The Public Service Medal of Merit is awarded for Outstanding and Meritorious Service to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
The Public Service Medal of Merit Gold went to eight people, including ombudsman Jacqueline Sampson Meiguel, who formerly worked as the clerk of the House. The Office of the President noted that Sampson Meiguel had been at the helm of the office of the Parliament as its accounting officer and head of department.
The Public Service Medal of Merit Silver went to former high commissioner Fitzgerald Mc Arthur Jeffrey (posthumous) who helped to strengthen ties between Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica, Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
The Medal for the Development of Women, Gold was awarded to Rowena Martineau Pitt, the director of Tabitha’s Home for Women and Children.
The Medal for the Development of Women, Bronze went to Giselle Granger, a farmer from St Mary’s village. (Souce: Sunday Express, Sept 24, 2024)

For just over seven months, the Eagle Eye project has been working to help deter and detect crime, and stakeholders are focusing on expanding the network nationally.
Although based primarily in North East and Eastern Trinidad, the joint project between the Greater Tunapuna Chamber of Industry and Commerce (GTCIC), the Tunapuna Police Station Community Council (TPSCC) and the police service has a network of some 400 cameras which feeds directly to the police command centre.
President of the TPSCC and director of the GTCIC Neil Boodoosingh said the project focuses on putting cameras in locations not typically covered by the national security services' network.
These, he said, are placed at businesses and in communities. The monthly cost for businesses is $199 for two cameras and for residential customers, $99 for one camera. He said it also comes with signage, which has been working as a deterrent for criminal elements.
With its heaviest concentration of cameras in Tunapuna, Boodoosingh said reports from police indicate a significant increase in crime detection and deterrence there since the project was launched in February.
"That speaks for itself."
Giving an example of the effectiveness of the system, which is not used for financial gain, TTPS liaison for the project Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Richard Smith said police were recently able to use it to identify a body.
"We found a body in the Arouca district and we found a receipt in the pocket of the deceased person. We were able to track back where the person went and purchased some stuff and get the footage. We got a still shot from it and we were able to place it on Beyond the Tape and other social media platforms and we found the relatives.
"That is just some of the successes. We also have it for robberies, larcenies and all these things. Even with vehicles that might be passing on the roadways that might be stolen. We have ways of identifying these vehicles as well and even tracking where they came from."
Boodoosingh believes one of the project's biggest advantages is that those who sign up help monitor the network, which allows for almost immediate reporting of faulty cameras.
"If they wake up in the morning and on their smartphone they not seeing the camera working, they can now highlight it to us and we'd have it back up and running in 48 hours.
"The government system, because it is almost impossible for somebody to look at all the cameras at the same time, it's only when they go to use the camera when an incident happens, then they realise it not working."
The latest entity to sign on is the Owner Dealers' Association. President-elect of the group, which represents the interests of gas station owners and the property they are built on, Reval Chattergoon told Newsday the group signed on to the project as crime poses a serious threat to their businesses. 
He said the association signed on as a proactive approach to combat the scourge. Gas stations have also fallen victim to criminal elements. Earlier in September police killed a bandit in a shootout after he robbed a 24-hour gas station in Charlieville.
"It's like almost having a police officer in your station all the time, 24 hours. The larger perspective is that should any crime occur in your street or community, it could give the TTPS an advantage to log on to see."
ODA was formed in August and currently represents 18 of 57 owner dealers in the country.
Chattergoon said seven dealers are expected to instal Eagle Eye cameras in the coming week and two gas stations, which don't qualify to be members, are also interested in it.
With gas stations often operating 24/7, Boodoosingh said having the association on board will bolster the project's strength.
"It is an asset to the Eagle Eye Project and a great encouragement when you have these associations coming onboard."
ACP Smith described gas stations as "watering holes" which would be crucial in tracking criminals through the network.
"You hunting in the forest, where is the most common place animals will stop? To drink water.
"If you use that analogy to vehicles, vehicles must go in gas stations, so it's a good area where we could have these cameras placed so we can capture vehicles."
Boodoosingh and Smith also encouraged people to come on board to help build a more robust security network.
"We look forward to what is happening in Tunapuna to take place throughout the country," Boodoosingh said.
"Eagle Eye has been working in Tunapuna. We have been getting the element out of Tunapuna. The problem is, Tunapuna has now become a hard-target city and the element is going to go into the more vulnerable areas and we intend to make every area in this country a hard target."
He said negotiations are ongoing with the Couva and Chaguanas chambers of commerce, East Gates Mall and Republic Bank Ltd. Greater San Fernando Area Chamber of Commerce head Kiran Singh told Newsday he met with the Southern Division's senior superintendent last week to discuss introducing the project among its members.
TT Chamber of Industry and Commerce president Kiran Maharaj said the chamber supports any initiative that would positively affect the reduction of crime, improve detection rates and result in convictions given the spiralling crime rate. While she said the chamber believes it's a good initiative, it is also critical that action is taken to take the perpetrators into custody and subject them to the law.
Boodoosingh said he hoped the government could also invest in the project. He said for $1 million a month, 5,000 cameras can be installed across the country and, unlike those under the Ministry of National Security, they would be monitored and maintained. (Source: Newsday, Sept 15, 2024)

by RIHANNA MCKENZIE
Soca stars and producers from Japan and Trinidad and Tobago have come together for an anthem celebrating the countries’ 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
The song is a collaborative effort between the Japan-TT Friendship 60th Anniversary Executive Committee (JT60) and the Embassy of Japan in TT.
Japanese soca singer Angella Giustini (Ann G) and TT soca star Lyrikal (Devonn Martin) are featured on the song, called Oideyo (The Island), which is produced by Ryan Alexander (DJ Private Ryan) and Keshav Chandradath Singh.
The song, which was released on August 30, will be the theme for the 60th-anniversary celebration and will be featured during a Japanese cultural event scheduled for September 20-23, at Queen’s Hall, St Ann’s, Port of Spain, a release said. It also said the song will be used to promote travel to TT and the wider Caribbean.
“Oideyo is the Japanese word for ‘come to’ or ‘come over.’ So we are saying to the people of Japan, come over and experience TT, meet its people, taste the food and share in the culture,” said Ann G.
Ann G has been visiting and performing at TT Carnival for ten years and has participated in the International Soca Monarch competition, placing in the semifinal and final rounds.
In the statement, Ann G said, “I always tell anyone that will listen in Japan that you must go and experience Trinidad Carnival at least once in your lifetime. It’s unlike anything they have seen before. Yes, we have Trinidad Carnival culture growing in Japan, but nothing beats having the original as a reference point.”
Speaking to Newsday about the song, she also said music breaks down barriers. “Being part of Carnival has shown me that soca music isn't just a genre. It's a way of life that…unites people from all over the world.”
Ann G revealed Lyrikal will not attend the Japan Soca Weekend (JSW) in Tokyo in September, but said, “Even though he can't be here, I can't wait to bring the energy of our collaboration to the stage.”
JSW is a five-day event in Tokyo at which patrons enjoy a range of events, including tours of the city and anime-themed soca parties that all end in Japan Caribbean Carnival (JCC) – a TT Carnival-style parade of the bands. 
Ann G said working with DJ Private Ryan and Lyrikal was a memorable experience.
“Lyrikal is a phenomenal artist and working with him has been incredible. It was amazing to see how (he) brings energy and creativity to the process. I’m excited to see where this song will take us and how it will help spread the love and joy of soca music to the world.”
Keshav also responded to Newsday via e-mail about the collaboration. The producer/songwriter said the song blends traditional instruments from Japan and TT, including the shakuhachi flute, koto harp (or zither), the
shamisen (a plucked stringed instrument) and
taiko drums from Japan alongside traditional TT rhythm-section instruments.
“It’s essential to use the traditional instruments of any culture when you create a communicative and collaborative piece of music. Those sounds are the calling cards of the nations they represent.”
He said, in addition to traditional instruments, the song also incorporates elements of Noh, a form of Japanese folk music.
“Of course, when we’re talking soca, we have iron, steelpan, brass, rhythm section and our inevitable sense of lavway, or call-and-response. (Using this) foundational approach…we can then bring the whole thing into the now and into the future."
Ann G added the merger of sounds was their way of paying homage to the musical roots of both cultures as well as to push the boundaries of what soca could be. 
Keshav said, “Working within new markets takes you out of the comfort zone of your pond, but to cross these oceans the brave work of immersion must take place. This happens through food, language, liming and observation. This is what I’m currently doing in Japan for just under a month.”
Keshav also talked about his personal connection to Japan through his father, Chandradath Singh, who served as TT's ambassador to Japan from 2011-2014. As a result, he said, he feels strongly about bringing the two cultures together.
“Steelpan and calypso have long been familiar art forms in Japan, but it is soca’s time now. For the last couple of years, I’ve been really happy to work with Japanese artists and my friend DJ Daiky (Daiki Shimozato), who I’ve co-produced a few records with. The goal with that material is to bring some tangibility to the already-existing exchange between our two cultures.
“I have noticed that soca, made with the right references, can have an impact on Japanese pop culture and we’re working on that bit by bit. I have also observed, within event spaces, there is a demand for our style of Carnival culture, which brings both a contrast and a familiarity to the already-popular Jamaican reggae scene. Japan Caribbean Carnival (in Tokyo Prefecture), the Japanese steelpan community and our presence in the traditional Yosakoi festival (in Kochi Prefecture) allow us to put contemporary roots down in Japan. The exchange is more visceral than ever before, so making records with both Japanese and Trinidadian artists makes sense for the expansion of soca globally.”
Keshav is currently touring in Japan ahead of the JCC at the end of September.
“I did the Soca Magic Riddim with DJ Daiky last year, which featured Japanese artists Mickey Rich, Ann G and Ayakohime. We also did a Jus Now collaboration with Daiky called Inna Circle.”
Singh is best known as half of the production and percussion duo Jus Now and has contributed to hits like Bunji Garlin’s Big Bad Soca and Machel Montano’s Junction.
Keshav said he met Ann G years ago in Trinidad and they have been in the studio a few times, but have not had the opportunity to put out music together until now. He said he has also been working in the Japanese advertising and corporate sectors alongside DJ Daiky for the past three years.
“My father…was in the foreign service for over 45 years and during his posting to Beijing, China, he was also accredited as the Ambassador to Japan. He even met and presented his credentials to Emperor Akihito, to officiate his role as overseer of all Japan-TT business and exchange. The picture of that meeting is amazing,” he said proudly. He added that having a father working in the foreign service allowed him a unique opportunity to be exposed to music from all over the world.
“My father is an incredible musician and my years growing up as the son of a diplomat allowed me to jam with musicians from literally everywhere from a very young age.”
In the release, Private Ryan said he worked remotely with Ann G and Lyrikal on the song.
“It was amazing working with this team. Bridging the gap in cultures is important to me as we seek to diversify soca and its impact worldwide. This is only the beginning.”
In the release, Lyrikal said the song is an opportunity to promote TT culture and elevate soca music.
“When I engage in these types of collaborations, it’s always about more than just me. I think about how many more people we can reach and introduce to our unique culture and sound.”
The JT60 committee and the Government of Japan have declared 2024 the Japan-Caricom Friendship Year. The statement said since establishing diplomatic relations in 1964, Japan and TT have collaborated in many economic and social endeavours, including education, culture and business.
“Co-operation has also extended to the multilateral sphere within an international framework, including the UN system, to address common issues such as disaster prevention, climate change, the environment and sanitation,” it said.
In May 2023, former Japanese minister of foreign affairs Hayashi Yoshimasa visited TT and met with Minister of Foreign and Caricom Affairs Dr Amery Browne. At the meeting, the two countries agreed to expand and deepen their relationship with each other and the wider Caricom region. (Source: Newsday, September 8, 2024)

GARY PETERS, acting Deputy Auditor General, swore the oath of office to act as auditor general before acting President Nigel de Freitas in a ceremony at the Office of the President on August 12.
The position has been held by Jaiwantie Ramdass.
A statement from the Office of the President said, "After graduating from Mc Gill University in Montreal, Mr Peters began in 1991 what was to be 33 years’ experience in the public sector.
"After five years as a labour relations officer in the Ministry of Labour, he joined the Auditor General’s Department and by 2013 had worked his way up to be Assistant Auditor General, a position he still holds.
"His Excellency congratulated Mr Peters and wished him every success in the new position," the statement concluded.
Newsday contacted former attorney general Anand Ramlogan to ask the whereabouts of his client, Ramdass.
He replied, "She is fine. She went on vacation. That's all."
Ramdass has been at loggerheads with Finance Minister Colm Imbert for refusing to accept further documents submitted late by the ministry for her audit of the 2023 Public Accounts.
The Government had asked her to consider its inadvertent $2.6 billion omission from the accounts, and got Parliament to grant her a time extension to submit the corrected accounts and her report on them.
Imbert initiated an investigation under retired Justice David Harris into the imbroglio, although critics fear it risked the Government's intruding on the independence of the constitutionally-protected office of Auditor General. (Source: Newsday, August 12, 2024)