THE EDITOR: Now that Christmas day is over, I think that I had better get in my views on the upcoming Carnival season and at least try to influence the advertising blitz that will soon hit us.

Last Carnival I wrote to the newspapers, after speaking with the offending company, expressing my disgust at the lewd banners that were being flown from lampposts all over the city and environs, urging people to drink a certain rum.

To no avail, of course, as the advertising dollars had already been spent and no company was going to take on opposing views as that stage. I want to reiterate that we need to pay careful attention to what we expose our children to as they follow what they see and hear, and the state of things in our country attests to that.

So, let's approach Carnival with positives. Firstly, to TIDCO, NCC, Ministry of Culture, whoever, each year, our Carnival should have a theme and everything should feed into that positive theme, for example, names of the various shows as well as advertising campaigns, not only by those agencies but by all companies advertising their goods publicly.

At the end of the season, visitors and locals alike should all remember a catch phrase or tag line that immediately conjures up the magic and fun of the carnival just ended. And that tag line should do something positive for the soul of the people.

This Carnival is easy, as I would suggest that we use the opportunity to truly celebrate the Soca Warriors and our adventure into the "big yard" of world football.

Imagine every lamppost and every street banner (those that run the whole way up and down - Tragarete Road and Ariapita Avenue ) dedicated to the Soca Warriors - the advertisers can identify their product's logo appropriately on the banners without saying a single word about drinking alcohol.

What else can people do at carnival time? The best part of these dollars spent is that the banners etc can stay up until July when the World Cup ends. There should be a competition for the most creative and innovative campaign with the prize being a trip with the Soca Warriors to Germany for the creative team.

In fact, Carnival 2006 should be the dress rehearsal for the promotion planned for T&T in Germany. I understand that a number of Germans are planning on coming to Trinidad for carnival to try and understand what our country and Soca Warriors are all about. Let's show them!

In all of this, the emphasis would be removed from touting which brand of alcohol to buy with the use of the female body and instead would be on a positive message saluting our Soca Warriors, our individuals of the year 2005!

S Dore, Maraval

Dear Editor: Please allow us to share our sentiments and pay tribute to our dear friend Mark Rattan.

Words cannot express what we've been through the past few days. Deep rivers of emotions filled with pain, suffering, hopelessness, an intense sense of loss, anger, sorrow and even fear run underneath surfaces of despair.

Mark, you've been a great friend to all of us, and a leader with so much wisdom beyond our years. Your strong spirit and determination always helped us when we were lost, alone or battling one of those unforeseen obstacles that life throws at us.

We thank God for giving you to us, if even for a short while: for all the time we spent together and all the memories we made.

They say life is a journey and although you have moved on to the next step, we are so honoured to have been on the same road with you. You've made it worthwhile with your love, understanding, wisdom, your easy-going nature and so many TREMENDOUS TALENTS.

We seek solace in the legacy you've left behind, as we must continue our journey, sadly without you. We've lost one of our greatest treasures, one that we'd give anything to get back. However, that's not part of the Master's Great plan.

Knowing that you're in Heaven smiling down on us gives us comfort because we know that you'd do anything to stop the heartache and prevent another tear from falling. You were the TRULY GREAT MARK ANTHONY RATTAN.

You stood bravely for what you believed was right and died fighting like a real hero. We may have lost a great friend but Heaven has gained a GREATER ANGEL.

The following is a song written and dedicated to Mark by Splinter, the rock band in which Mark was the lead guitarist.

" If every tear I shed could bring back one of your smiles,

I'd flood a million lifetimes full of you.

Suddenly I can't see your face anymore next to me

At times when I need you

A thousand words can never explain

The joy I traded for this pain I feel for you my friend

All that we have had and all we ever dreamed,

We'll meet again, yes meet again.

Just run away another day to save yourself from unwanted sorrow

Talk to me, sing for me just one last time

I'll never stop listening

The places that you held in my heart

Only you can dwell there

The moments that we've shared together

Will always comfort me ."

Our deepest sympathies to the Rattan family. Uncle Dipchand, Aunty Vidya and Mickey, we've all been left in the dark since they took Mark's light away.

Can't believe we won't hear another word or see another smile from you. Mark, you'll forever be in our hearts. May God give us the strength to deal with our tragic loss.

Splinter and all your loving friends