NIEVES: MARK passed away peacefully on Friday 6th February, 2015. Loving son of George and Kay (neé Pollonais) Nieves. Loving brother of Kathrine Nieves-Young Pow (Peter), Sean and Natalie. Uncle of Kristoff, Brandon, Jamie and Shauna. Nephew of Jeanne and Patricia Pollonais, Pamela Steel, Jean Mouttet, Anthony (Heather), Roland (Margaret), David (dec.) (Elitha), Richard (Carol), Mary (Michael), Annie (Michael), Angela (Patrick) and Christopher (Susan). Cousin and friend of many. The funeral of the late Mark Nieves takes place at 10:30 am on Friday 13th February, 2015 at St. Finbar's RC Church, Diego Martin. Private interment. No flowers by request. A collection will be taken up for the Just Because Foundation. Mark has requested that bright colors be worn. For enquiries, please contact R. M. de Souza Memorial Chapel Limited, 223-2007/637-2009.

Simon: Esther Naomi. Sunrise 22nd May 1927 Sunset 11th February 2015. Daughter of: Annetta Roach (deceased) and Luther Roach (deceased). Wife of: Ronald Simon (deceased) Brother of: Sunny (deceased). Sister of: Anna (deceased), Jeannette (deceased), Dulcie (deceased) and Lynette (deceased). Mother of: Camlyn, Myrnel (deceased), Peggy, Ronald, Dexter and Derrick. Grandmother of: Kandis, Inga, Simone, Brent, Roland, Ronald, Cherise, Crystal, Daniel, Jahron, Aidan and Amaia. Great-grandmother of: Six (6). Mother in law of: Claudia Relatives of Simon, Scott, Llanos, Roach, Ferdinand. Friends of: Norma and Sill. Funeral service Friday 13th February 2015, 8:30am Diego Martin Seventh Day Adventist Church, Chow Quan Avenue. Private Interment. For enquiries please contact Clark and Battoo at 625-1170.

MARIE ANTOINETTE (TONY) NOTHNAGEL nee de Gannes, died peacefully at her home on February 12th aged 97. Daughter of Victor and Lucy (deceased). Widow of Neils Nothnagel (deceased). Mother of Nicholas, Hans, Fritz, Veilchen and Christian (Sam). Sister of Robert, Jenny Mc Clean, Madeleine Leotaud, Goldie, Jacqueline Blanc, Margot Camp and Quita Mac Clean (all deceased). Mother in law of Christian Gurley. Grandmother of Wolfram, Wilhelm, Kate and Nikola. Great Grandmother of Amelie, Thomas, Elin and Noah. Funeral service will be held at 8.45 a.m. on Thursday 19th February 2015 at St. Anthony R.C. Church, Petit Valley followed by burial at the Woodbrook Cemetery. For enquiries please contact Clark and Battoo at 625-1170.

FERGUS-GARCIA: ELVERLEE aka Miss Gordon of Church street, Mayaro died on 12th February 2015. Former principal of the Mayaro St. Thomas R.C. School. Daughter of Stella Bouville and Cecil Fergus Mother of Bevianne, Dexter and Darrell. Sister of Joe, Emmanuel, Jean, Andrew, Claudius, Lennox (dec) and Bertin (dec). Grandmother of Shakira, Curissa, Ne Jean, Sherrone and Triston. Aunt of many. Funeral will take place on Sunday 15th February 2015 at 12 noon at Church Street, Mayaro and thence to the Radix Cemetery. For enquiries contact Clark & Battoo Chaguanas @665-5266.

WRIGHT: Patrick Cleve died on 10th February, 2015. Son of Lynette Frederick and the late Mervyn Frederick. Husband of Semoy George. Husband of Semoy George. Father of Hannah, Kiyanna, Aaliyah, Khadijah, Kayla, Alyssa, jenicia and Mosiah. Brother of Merlynda Francis. Uncle of Chelsea Marie Nephew of Irvin, Valarie, Willie, Wilson, Bernice and Ellis. Cousin of many. Funeral at 10.00 ON SATURDAY 14TH FEBRUARY, 2015 at Clark and Battoo?s Chapel, 11 Tragarete Road, Port of Spain thence to the Cameron Road Cemetery, Petit Valley. For enquiries, call C&B 625-1170

FRANCOIS: MARJORIE passed away on 12th February, 2015. Daughter of Hilda Boucaud and Egbert Paul (both deceased). Wife of Felix Francois (deceased). Mother of Marsha, Marylin, Odette, Michelle (deceased) and Marva. Grandmother of Norris, Ginger, Japaul, Jemac, Joy, Faith, Akeem, Shaquille and Dr. Chiome Quamie. Sister of Hendren Boucaud (deceased), Veronica Dixon, Wallace Boucaud, John Boucaud (deceased) and Joyce Frederick (deceased). Aunt of many. Funeral arrangements in a subsequent announcement.

Carnival in 2015 might best be described by the four growth poles that are its popular vectors. 

In common discussion (and at least one advertisement), we are variously identified as being in the fete, on the stage, in the pan, and on the road.

Long gone are conversations about in the tent, grooving to brass and chipping along with a steelband.

These are liabilities, along with artifacts like intelligent old mas, theatre driven costuming and, apparently, engaging calypso, of a Carnival that’s being pulled between spotty efforts at entrepreneurship and an official effort to engage with the festival that’s equal parts politically driven State subsidy and blind enthusiasm for embalming the shambling traditions that remain.

The tenure of Alison Demas was most notable for its extended stakeholder consultations, research and evaluation projects and a serious effort to understand, through scientific observation and deep discussion with subject matter experts, exactly what’s actually happening in Carnival. 

Those sessions were recorded as well as in reports. Some of those documents have been made available to seminar participants, but the wider Carnival community would certainly benefit from access to the recordings of those deliberations and the strategic plans that followed. 

Taxpayers, after all, did pay for their creation. 

Divining the difference between the pervasive and persuasive old talk about what everyone thinks is happening, and the reality on the ground will be critical to both understanding and planning the future of Carnival. 

A blinkered approach fuels the idea, for instance, that the Greens and the North Stand have anything at all to do with the rather severely circumscribed world of the average panman. 

The myth of a functioning, viable calypso tent culture also still seems to linger on, despite that the disastrous evidence that the Calypso Monarch Semi-finals offered to anyone with the stomach to listen to the entire debacle of dirges. 

The real successes of Carnival remain firmly in the private sector, where ideas like return on investment and accountability to investors still hold sway. 

That business focus has galvanised opportunities for soca performers, all-inclusive fete promoters and the bandleaders who manage street party bands. 

A surprising level of fuss seems to accompany efforts by these entrepreneurs to operate without access to the public purse. 

Machel Monday in its earliest incarnations earned the type of reflexive accusations of elitism and general uppityness that the Socadrome concept has been earning since it was introduced.

It’s time to acknowledge that the aggressive state sponsored subventions that represent the Government’s involvement in the festival have only served to create, support and entrench a Carnival welfare state that has effectively killed any lingering indications of the pride, ownership and accomplishment that characterised the event’s early development.

Competitiveness is not the same as competition and by putting money behind prizes instead of properly monitored and supported grants, the billions of dollars that have been poured into Carnival over the last decade have created a festival designed for sprints, not marathons.

The rush is to win the big pots of gold in the Road March, the Soca Monarch, the Calypso Monarch and the King and Queen of Carnival—what happens to all this work after that moment of triumph is never discussed or planned for.

It’s as if a business planned their success measurements and goals, those delightfully named KPI’s, around winning business of the year instead of designing an enterprise engineered to maximise shareholder value.

Business continuity, the riding of the peaks and valleys inherent in any commercial enterprise, is crucial to planning any serious project that intends to turn a profit, but for Carnival, we pile the money to the Everest peak that’s achieved today, followed by a slide into a Marianas Trench of disinterest by tomorrow afternoon.

Within 24 hours, we go from “The Party Start” to “Party Done.” Did Beck’s career depend on winning a Grammy? Where in the world is this a business plan?

West Indies all rounder Darren Sammy says the West Indies team needs to find inspiration and find it quickly. 

He made the comments after the West Indies went down to Ireland by four wickets in their opening match of the 2015 ICC Cricket World at Nelson in New Zealand.

Batting first the West Indies made 303 for seven with Sammy getting 89 and Lendl Simmons 102. Ireland then got 92 from Paul Stirling, 84 from Ed Joyce and 79 not out from Niall O’Brien to record a most famous win.

Sammy the former captain said :” We have not been playing the brand of cricket that allows us to win matches. To recover from 80 for five to that score, we did well and should have won. Our bowlers have been going for stick over the last few games and it was no difference today.

“The Irish team is an experienced one and we didn’t bowl well against them at all. The partnership between Simmons and I should have been motivation for the bowlers to want to run into the Irish. We were lackadaisical, we told ourselves we made 300 runs and that should have won us the match.

“We took them for granted and we paid the price. If we continue to play like that we won’t be here for long that is for sure. As a group we need to find some motivation somewhere and find it quickly. When things are going wrong it is hard to motivate but we can’t give up.”

Sammy said he thinks the West Indies can still make it into the knockout stages of the tournament. “You win four out of five or four out of six and you can still get into quarters. We still believe we can make it into the top four of this group, we just have to put a full game of cricket together.”

Although batting became easier as the day wore on, the St Lucian said that was no excuse for the West Indies loss. “The pitch was better to bat on later, when we batted it was a bit spongy. I guess the heavy roller would have assisted in flattening out the pitch which led to no sideways movement and better batting conditions. However, this is not an excuse and we need to look at ourselves and turn around quickly.”

BRIDGETOWN–Barbados Pride defeated Trinidad and Tobago Red Force by 222 runs on the final day of their sixth round match in the WICB Professional Cricket League at Kensington Oval yesterday.

Chasing 336 runs for victory the visitors resumed on 17 without loss and seeking a further 319 folded for a disappointing 113 with Evin Lewis following up his first innings 43 with 38 more as the visitors crashed.

On Sunday, rookie Shai Hope finally delivered on his immense promise, stroking his maiden regional first class hundred to put Barbados Pride in a strong position to beat Trinidad and Tobago Red Force in their sixth round WICB Professional Cricket League contest.

The right-handed Hope finished unbeaten on 111, an innings that propelled the hosts to 278 for five declared, on the third day at Kensington Oval here Sunday.

Carlos Brathwaite smashed an entertaining unbeaten 59, Roston Chase got 46 while Kirk Edwards scored 24.

Leg-spinner Imran Khan picked up two for 64.

Scores:

BARBADOS PRIDE 275 (Shane Dowrich 92, Roston Chase 85, Kraigg Brathwaite 40; Imran Khan 4-65, Shannon Gabriel 3-40 ) and 278 for five declared (Shai Hope 111 not out, Carlos Brathwaite 59 not out, Roston Chase 46, Kirk Edwards 24; Imran Khan 2-64) 

T&T RED FORCE 218 (Evin Lewis 43, Jason Mohammed 32, Jeremy Solozano 30; Carlos Brathwaite 4-50, Roston Chase 3-14) and 113 (Evin Lewis 38, Imran Khan 22, Marlon Richards 22; Carlos Brathwaite 3-17, Tino Best 3-19, Ashley Nurse 2-34) (CMC)

West Indies all rounder Darren Sammy was fined 30 per cent of his match fee for using unforbidden language that was broadcasted on television during the West Indies losing effort against Ireland in the opening match of the ICC 2015 Cricket World Cup at Nelson in New Zealand.

Sammy let out an expletive when he was dismissed for 89 during the West Indies innings of 303 for seven off 50 overs. Sammy was heard on television screens using inappropriate language after playing a shot in the 34th over. Sammy and Lendl Simmons (102) rescued the West Indies from a precarious 87 for five to their eventual competitive today. The West Indies bowlers did not respond well and Ireland scored a famous victory against the men from the Caribbean.

At the post match press conference Sammy started off by apologising. “I want to apologise for the remark I made after getting out. I understand that it was heard by the listeners and I have been fined for it. I want to say that I am sorry for the comment, especially to the children who would have been tuned in to the cricket.”

Sammy’s fine just summoned up a bad day for West Indies cricket as they lost to Associate team Ireland and now faces a distinct possibility of not making the quarter-finals of the world event. The West Indies next travel to Christchurch where they play Pakistan on February 23 in their second match of the event. The West Indies are grouped in Pool B and they have six matches to play in the preliminary round. 

Ireland’s bowler John Mooney was also fined 30 per cent of their match fees as part of the International Cricket Council’s crackdown on on-field behaviour. Mooney swore several times when a fielder dropped a catch in the 45th over.

Both players admitted to the offences under the ICC Code of Conduct and accepted the sanction proposed by match referee Chris Broad, meaning there was no need for a formal hearing.

The nephew Lendl Simmons scored a hundred but at the end of the day, the uncle Phil Simmons was smiling as his team Ireland created an upset by defeating the West Indies in their ICC 2015 World Cup opener at Saxton Oval in Nelson, New Zealand yesterday.

Lendl Simmons scored 102 and together with Darren Sammy took the West Indies to 304 for seven off their 50 overs, after they were tottering at 87 for five. Paul Sterling (92), Ed Joyce (84) and Niall O’Brien (79 not out) aided by pathetic bowling, then took Ireland home at 307 for six off 45.5 overs.

Set a hefty target off 303 runs for victory, Ireland was quick off the blocks and never looked back. The West Indies bowlers adopted bad lines and lengths and were just waiting for something to happen but it never did. Openers William Porterfield and Stirling knocked 61 off the 10-over powerplay and although Chris Gayle sent back the former for 23, this was only a temporary reprieve.

Joyce, the best of the Irish batsmen came to the fore and played some classy shots along the way. Stirling was served a number of sumptuous offerings that he sent to boundary, as his countrymen who were gulping down Guiness, were all too happy to hurl back. While he and Joyce were at the crease it was hard to see where a wicket would come from.

With Sterling approaching a century Marlon Samuels was summoned into the attack and induced an edge to Denesh Ramdin. His 92 was made off 84 balls with nine fours and three sixes.

Joyce motored on and found an able ally in O’Brien and they took their team close to victory before Joyce fell. The left hander made 84 off just 67 balls with 10 fours and two sixes. O’Brien stayed to the end when the upset came - getting 79 not out off 60 balls with 11 fours.

Earlier, Ireland won the toss much to the delight of their fans here, who were cheering everything. They enjoyed the first hour and a half play, as the men in green were up for the fight and crippled the West Indies top order.

Dwayne Smith playing his 100th ODI would have loved to have scored a century but instead all be did was matched his average making 18. Darren Bravo was then run out without facing a ball to make matters worst. Chris Gayle played himself in but the urge to go over the top on a slow pitch was too inviting and led to his downfall. On facing his 65th ball, he tried to clear the long boundary was caught for 37. He struck three fours and a customary six.

The man creating the havoc was George Dockrell who was actually dropped by English County Somerset last season. The left arm spinner followed with the wickets of Marlon Samuels (21) and Denesh Ramdin (1), within the space of nine runs and West Indies slipped to 87 for five.

The embattled Simmons was joined by the former captain Sammy and the two buckled down to play cricket. They showed an appetite for the contest and slowly West Indies cricket started to look good under the rolling hills of Richmond Range.

The West Indies 100 came up off 27 overs and with still 23 overs to go Simmons and Sammy settled in nicely to play proper cricket. Sammy, as is his style struck some meaty blows, while Simmons was clinical in his strike rotation. The cold blustery morning gave way to a warm embrace by afternoon and the pitch flattened out nicely. Batting became easier the runs started to flow.

Sammy was first to fifty and Simmons followed soon after. On reaching thelandmark,Simmons slammed 22 runs in one over from Red Steel player Kevin O’Brien to break the shackles. Sammy on the other end was blazing guns and raced to his highest ODI score of 89, before throwing his hand away with a century looming.

He and Simmons equalled the highest sixth wicket stand by the West Indies in ODI cricket. The 154 they added, matched the efforts of current manager Richie Richardson and Jeff Dujon against Pakistan at Sharjah in 1991.

Sammy’s 89 came off 67 balls with nine hits to the fence and four into the ground on the wonderful grass embankment. With Sammy came in cylinder which served as the pavilion, Andre Russell had the perfect situation to walk out to. He had five overs and licensed to hit and he did, scoring a rapid 27 not out.

During his innings, he witnessed Simmons leaping in the air to celebrate his first World Cup and second ODI century. His milestone came up off 83 balls nine fours and five sixes. Simmons left in the last over but the work was done and West Indies closed on 304 for seven off their 50 overs. The last 10 overs was really productive for the Caribbean men as they counted 124 runs.

The West Indies now licks their wounds and travel to Christchurch where they play Pakistan on Monday.

SCOREBOARD

WI vs Ireland

WI inns
D Smith c Mooney b K O’Brien    18
C Gayle c K O’Brien b Dockrell    37
D Bravo  run out    0
M Samuels  lbw Dockrell    21
D Ramdin  lbw Dockrell    1
L Simmons  c Dockrell  b Sorensen    102
D Sammy   c Dockrell b Mooney    89
A Russell    not out    27
J Holder    not out    0
Extras   1lb, 9w    10
Total  for 7 wkts    304
Fall of wkts: 30, 31, 78, 78, 87, 241, 302.
Bowling: J Mooney 7-1-59-1, M Sorensen 8-0-64-1, A McBrine 10-1-26-0, K O’Brien 9-0-71-1, G Dockrell 10-0-50-3, P Stirling 6-0-33-0.

Ireland inns
W Portfield  c Ramdin b Gayle    23
P Sterling   c Ramdin b Samuels    92
Ed Joyce     c Bravo b Taylor    84
N O’Brien   not out    79
A Balbirnie c Bravo b Taylor    9
G Wilson   c Gayle b Taylor    1
K O’Brien   run out    0
J Mooney   not out    6
Extras       b4, w9    13
Total      for 6 wkts(45.5)    307
Fall of wkts: 71, 177, 273, 285, 290, 291.
Bowling: 9-1-44-0, K Roach 6-0-52-0, J Taylor 8.5-0-71-3, A Russell 6-0-33-0, C Gayle 8-0-41-1, D Sammy 3-0-25-0, M Samuels 4-0-25-1, L Simmons 1-0-12-0.
Result: Ireland won by 6 wkts.
Man-of-match: Paul Sterling.
Points: Ireland 2, West Indies 0.
 

Jarrin Solomon, Ayodele Taffe and Ohdel James recorded victories in the United States over the weekend. 

Solomon, the reigning Olympic and World Relays bronze medallist, won the men’s indoor 400m race at the Don Kirby Open in Albuquerque, New Mexico on Saturday. Solomon was the fastest in the field in 47.06 seconds to win heat one. Americans Cole Lambourne (47.14) and Pete Lauderdale (47.24) were second and third. The victory was the second for Solomon following his triumph in 2013. Solomon also won the Don Kirby Outdoor crowns in 2012 and 2013. Taffe took the men’s 200m at the Battle of the Regions Meet in Bakersfield, California on Friday. The 2013 World Championships sprint relay finalist stopped the clock in 21.52 ahead of Sequoias school-mate and compatriot Cabrara Holand who clocked 21.57. Yet another T&T athlete and school-mate Ohdel James secured the mens 400m honors in 48.89. James later returned to help his school to gold in the 4x400m in 3:17.66 ahead of another Sequious team which clocked 3:18.25. Ashron Sobers and Theon Lewis were members of the second place team. All T&T athletes are first year students.

Last year’s World Junior 110m hurdles finalist Reubin Walters missed on a victory in the men’s 60m hurdles finals at the Don Kirby Open. The Central Arizona freshman finished second in 7.88 behind American Lorenzo Johnson (Western Texas) 7.79 and ahead of another US athlete Harold Lathan 111 (WAS) 7.92. Walters’ time was an improvement on his 7.95 clocking in the prelims earlier in the day, the third quickest. The 2012 CAC Junior champion also helped Central Arizona to eighth in the men’s 4x400m in a time of three minutes 14.88 seconds (3:14.88). John Mark Constantine (Western Texas) took third spot in the men’s 60m finals in 6.74. 

In the prelims the 2014 World Junior sprint relay finalist was 0.02 seconds slower, clocking 6.76 to finish fourth fastest. 

Walters’ school-mate Hezekiel Romeo was ninth in the men’s shot put with a 17.33m effort. Romeo, the 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games bronze medallist, was hoping to improve on his second place finish at the Pima Aztec Indoor in Arizona on Feb 7 when he got the iron ball out to 17.61m. 

Romeo was also fifth at the weight throw in Arizona with a mark of 13.36m. Reigning Carifta girls under 20 200m gold medallist Kayelle Clarke (New Mexico Junior College) was 11th in the women’s 60m in 7.75. 

Clarke won heat ten of the women’s 200m in 24.45 but her time left her 21st overall. Marissa Gayle (Western Texas) finished 10th overall in the 400m (56.85) and was part of her school’s 4x400m team which finished fourth (3:41.49).

Micah Ballantyne (Adam State) was second in the men’s 200m at the ASU NCAA Qualifier in Alamosa Colorado on Friday (13 Feb). The World Junior sprint relay finalist got the line in 22.46. Kadisha Francois (Missouri State) was 20th in the 200m at the Fred Wilt Invitational in Illionois in 25.58.

RESULTS

Don Kirby Open & Elite, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Feb 13-14

Men

60m finals-1st Justyn Warner (CAN) 6.59, 2nd Anaso Jobodwana (RSA) 6.60, 3rd John Mark Constantine (Western Texas/TTO) 6.74

400m-1st (1h1)Jarrin Solomon (TTO) 47.06, 2nd Cole Lambourne (USA) 47.14, 3rd Pete Lauderdale (USA) 47.24

60m Hurdles finals-1st Lorenzo Johnson (West Texas A&M) 7.79, 2nd Reubin Walters (Central Arizona) 7.88, 3rd Harold Lathan 111 (WAS) 7.92

4x400m-8th (4h2) Central Arizona (Reubin Walters) 3:14.88

Shot put-9th Hezekeil Romeo (Central Arizona) 17.33

Women

60m-11th (3h2) Kayelle Clarke (New Mexico JC) 7.75

200m-21st (1h10)Kayelle Clarke (New Mexico JC) 24.45

400m-10th (4h2) Marissa Gayle (Western Texas) 56.85

4x400m-4th Western Texas (Marissa Gale) 3:41.49

Fred Wilt Invitational, West Lafayette, Ilionois, Feb 13-14

Women 200m-11th (1h6) Kadisha Francois (Missouri State) 25.58

ASU NCAA Qualifier, Alamosa, CO, Feb 14

Men

200m- (2h5) 2nd Micah Ballantyne (Adams State) 22.46

Pima Aztec Indoor Invitational, Tucson, Arizona, Feb 7

Men shot put-2nd Hezekiel Romeo (Central Arizona) 17.61

Weight throw-5th Romeo 13.36

Battle of the Regions, Bakersfield, California, Feb 13

Men

200m-1st (1h1) Ayodele Taffe (Sequoias) 21.52, 2nd (2h1) Holland Cabara (Sequoias) 21.57

400m-1st (1h1) Ohdel James (Sequoias) 48.89

4x400m-1st ((1h2) Sequoias (James) 3:17.66, 2nd (1h1) Sequois (Theon Lewis, Ashron Sobers) 3:18.27 (sportscoretobago)

We as Trinbagonians don’t understand and appreciate the power of Carnival, and sport. Our Carnival history, traditions and heritage make Trinidad and Tobago Carnival unique and authentic. 

The longtime brass melody that Machel Montano used in his runaway smash hit Like Ah Boss marries the old and the new in an infectious Carnival 2015 soca smash hit. 

It is a powerful example of the positive results that can occur with the marriage between the traditional and contemporary. The old need not be discarded and can be relevant to contemporary Trinidad and Tobago society.

Trinidad and Tobago Carnival as I understood it growing up in Belmont—or Freetown—for those with a historical reference point has deep historical and cultural significance. 

Prior to emancipation slaves were forbidden from participating in carnival celebrations. When slavery came to an end, the liberated slaves took their mas to the streets to celebrate their freedom. Carnival was used to make subtle and not so subtle statements. So there was an element of cultural and artistic tension between the bourgeoisie—the word now used in the contemporary Trinidad and Tobago is stoosh—and the grassroots.

Carnival is in danger of becoming a means to an end and the divide grows between the traditional and pretty mas, the cultural entrepreneurs and the profit seekers.

The challenge we face is embracing the tension between tradition and contemporary. In the sport space the country is facing the very same issues and challenges.

That we don’t seem to be able to harness the diverse energies is part of our learning and evolution as a people, nation and society.

People get defensive and take things personal when you ask the questions that need to be asked.

One such question is why must our elite athletes leave home during Carnival so as not to negatively impact their training programme?

Today I will walk around Port-of-Spain and take in the celebrations. Last year I was out of the country at the Michael Johnson Performance Centre to finalise aspects of their high performance partnership with the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee. It was my intention this year to make up and play mas. 

But that was before the 10 Olympic or more Olympic gold medals by 2024 #10golds24 campaign got going in earnest.

The opportunity to promote #10golds24 during carnival is one that I will embrace. Trinidad and Tobago is a world class centre for Carnival. #10golds24 mission is for Trinidad and Tobago to become a world class centre for Olympic sports.

Like Carnival and the respective Carnival monarch winners. The athletes may be on the front line but achieving Olympic success is very much a team effort.

Each athlete or team is supported by a multi-disciplinary team.

Preparing takes many years and planning and it’s the attention to detail that produces the excellence and puts our athletes and teams in a position to compete for Olympic medals.

Olympic sports are a people business and the relationships are important. In a fraction of second results are determined. Everyone is under pressure. 

There is a lot of adrenalin flowing. Keeping a cool head is vital when the heat is on.

There is an army of people who work behind the scenes to produce the moment when our athletes and teams mount the podium.

Sport is no different to Trinidad and Tobago Carnival. We have world class talent and potential. Like Carnival sport can put Trinidad and Tobago on the world map in a positive way.

Support the Olympic dream. Make your donations to the #10golds24 Athlete Welfare and Preparation Fund at any branch of Scotia Bank Ac# 171188.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Brian Lewis is the President of the T&T Olympic Committee (TTOC) and the views expressed are not those of the organisation.

A 27-year-old Tobago man was kept under police guard at Scarborough Hospital after he was shot by police during Monday Night Mas. Damion Robinson also known as Ratty, of Mary’s Hill, reportedly got into a fight with Miguel Pascal, 28, of Rockley Vale around 11.45 pm near the Scarborough port, when he took out a loaded firearm and shot Pascal in the right toe. A police officer heard the loud explosion and held Robinson, who reportedly tried to escape on foot. 

According to the police report, Robinson drew the firearm and discharged it in the direction of the officer, who returned fire hitting him in both legs. Robinson and Pascal were taken to the hospital for treatment. Police recovered a loaded .38 revolver and three rounds of ammunition from the scene. ASP Jeffery George is continuing investigations.

Meanwhile, a 34-year-old man of Bethel, Tobago, appeared in the Scarborough Magistrates court on Monday, charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition. Jamoke Duncan appeared before Magistrate Michael Brooms. He was not called upon to plead since the charges were laid indicatably. The court heard that on February 13, around 3.30 pm, officers were conducting an exercise in the Darrel Spring area when the .38 revolver and seven rounds of ammunition were recovered.

Duncan was given bail in the sum of $40,000. PC Carrington of Divisional Task Force laid the charges.

Apologies had to be extended to Italian national and visiting television journalist Maurizo Mervar Monday, after the trial involving his alleged perpetrator was unable to proceed because the police complainant was said to be on Carnival duty. Scheduled to depart T&T at 8.30 am today, Mervar spent most of yesterday anxiously awaiting the outcome of the matter at the Port-of-Spain Magistrates Court. He was later disappointed after Sgt Azad Ali told the court that the complainant could not be contacted.

Insp Gail Charles later explained that on Carnival Monday and Tuesday, all police officers were exempt from attending court. Although the matter was initially called by Chief Magistrate Marcia Ayers-Caesar in the Eighth Court around 11 am, it was later stood down because officers had not completed the criminal tracing of the defendant.

Reynold Logan, 52, a mason of Jacaranda Boulevard, Phase Four, La Horquetta, was charged with robbing Mervar of $700  and US$250, during which he used personal violence. The incident is alleged to have occurred near Hyatt Hotel, Wrightson Road, Port-of-Spain, on February 14.

Mervar, 55, came to T&T earlier this month to cover Carnival. Ali later informed Ayers-Caesar that in the absence of the complainant along with Mervar’s scheduled departure this morning - officers would only be able to record Mervar’s statement and have it authenticated. The police were unable to provide Logan’s attorney David Francis with any items of disclosure. With no objection to bail from Ali, Ayers-Caesar granted Logan $50,000 bail with a surety to be approved by a Clerk of the Peace.

The matter was later adjourned to March 16. Other magistrates who attended court Monday included Andrew Stroude and Brambhanan Dubay, who presided in the Fourth and Tenth Courts respectively. 

Appearing before Stroude, Menilel Mc Leod, 20, of Eastern Main Road, Laventille, was charged with possession of a offensive weapon. Mc Leod pleaded guilty to possession of a knife, after he was held by officers during an exercise preceding yesterday’s J’ouvert celebrations in the capital city. Claiming it was his first time before the courts, Mc Leod was granted $35,000 bail to be approved by a Clerk of the Peace. He will reappear tomorrow for facts, tracing and sentencing.

A 30-year-old resident of Smith Hill, Carenage also appeared before Stroude charged with possession of a Glock pistol and 13 rounds of ammunition. Clive Martin, who was represented by attorney Patrick Godson-Phillips, was not called upon to plead to the charges. He was arrested on February 14. Insp Charles objected to bail based on the seriousness of the offences. Martin was remanded in custody and will reappear on February 19.

Meanwhile, single mother Dawnisha Romero, 20, of Laventille, was charged with possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking after she was held within 500 metres of the Success Laventille Secondary School, with the illegal drug. Soft-spoken when she stood in the prisoner dock before Stroude, the unemployed Romero later broke down crying after she admitted that her family were unaware she had been arrested as she had left home to attend the J’ouvert celebrations.

Romero was later granted her own bond in the sum of $20,000, and ordered to report to the Besson Street Police Station every Friday. She will reappear tomorrow. Five people appeared before Dubay, charged with driving under the influence and were ordered to reappear on Thursday before the Sixth Court Magistrate. 

Up to 2 pm Monday, 40 prisoners were brought to the court, some of whom were held since Friday night, for offences ranging from marijuana and weapons possession, to driving under the influence and robbery.

San Juan—The Puerto Rico Tourism Company  has announced that ETI –Expo de Turismo Internacional, the first international tourism expo in the Caribbean, will take place at the Puerto Rico Convention Center, May 13-16. The inaugural event is designed to showcase the beauty, sports, nature, adventure, and gastronomy experiences available throughout the Caribbean and beyond, bringing together members of the tourism industry from across the globe. 

“In planning for this event and with input from local and regional organisations such as the Caribbean Tourism Organization, the Puerto Rico Hotel & Tourism Association and most importantly ASTA and APAV,” said Ingrid I Rivera Rocafort, executive director of the Puerto Rico Tourism company, organisers of ETI, “we are confident that this event has the potential to be a mainstay on the international calendar of tourism events.” 

The four-day event will include group meetings, social and cultural events, field trips, workshops, destination trainings, keynote addresses and more, while the exhibit hall will be open two days to travel trade and one day to consumers. 

The Federation of Independent Trade Unions and NGOs (Fitun) is calling on Finance Minister Larry Howai to explain why two labour representatives have been removed as directors of the National Insurance Board (NIB). President of the labour group, Joseph Remy, has written a letter to the minister expressing grave concern over this development.

Remy said in response to request from the ministry on January 20, Fitun had submitted the names of Ann Chan Chow and John Boiselle as it nominees to the NIB board of directors. Clyde Elder and Chanrasain Ramsingh were nominated as their alternates. He said Chan Chow and Boiselle subsequently advised Fitun’s executive that they had been reappointed to the board of directors effective February 1 for a period of two years and forwarded copies of letters to that effect signed by Howai.

However, on February 11, Chan Chow was invited to a special board meeting at NIB’s head office, Cipriani Boulevard, Port-of-Spain, where the process for appointing directors to the board of Nipdec was discussed, as well as the formalising of the position that a labour representative was to assume deputy chairmanship of the board of the NIB for the term.

Remy told the minister: “Mr Howai, to our consternation and in a most unprofessional manner, both representatives of Fitun were called by the chairman of the board on February 13 advising that he needed to speak to them urgently. “Ms Chan Chow reported that in a meeting she held with the chairman on the said morning she was advised that she would either have to resign from the board, or have her appointment revoked since there was a mistake made with her appointment.”

Remy said the NIB chairman contacted Boiselle by phone and told his appointment to the board would be revoked since a mistake had been made. The Fitun president described this as “most distasteful developments” which reeked of “naked political victimisation and nepotism.” 

He said: “If it really is a mistake, then it is a pathetic display of gross incompetence on the part of the ministry since both appointment letters were duly signed by your good self. If in turn it is not a mistake, then you and your ministry can be accused of engaging in nepotism and naked victimisation against the Federation.”

Remy wants Howai to state whether the revocations had to do with the fact that a labour representation was due to be made deputy chairman and the preferred candidate was a Fitun representative. “The NIB was created to provide a social security net for the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago and as such, as defenders of citizens’ rights, we feel compelled to ensure that the board carries out its mandate in the best interest of the said citizens,” he said.

Remy wants the minister to clear the air on the revocations and to make an unconditional apology. “Anything short of this will be construed as complicity on your part to victimise a legitimate working class institution from making fair and transparent representation for an on behalf of citizens of Trinidad and Tobago,” he said.

Bridgetown, BARBADOS—The Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) recently facilitated the planning session for the 2015 work programme and annual general meeting of the Caribbean Network of Service Coalitions at the Marriot Hotel, Barbados.

The meeting, which gathered representatives from the 15 Cariforum states, spent four days developing the work programme for Year 2 of the tenth European Development Fund (EDF) Services Fiche; a programme with a total value of €3.2 million.

Participants focused on developing actions both at the national level as well as the regional level. At the end of the exercise a draft work programme was developed which is anticipated to be finalized within two weeks after further consultations at the respective national levels. 

The services sector incorporates industries such as financial services, creative industries, health and wellness, professional services, Information Communication and Technology (ICT), education and also tourism. Chargé d’affaires of the European Commission to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Silvia Koffler noted at the closing ceremony that “the services sector in most Cariforum countries is a significant contributor to GDP, accounting for more than 50 per cent of GDP in most cases.”

She further indicated that the Commission was always pleased to work with Caribbean Export in the development and strengthening of the Services Sector in the region so that mutual benefits under the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) can be realised. 

Caribbean Export is reported to have awarded over €1.6 million in grant funding to firms operating within the region’s services sector during the implementation of the 10th EDF Regional Private Sector Development Programme (RPSDP) accounting for 28 per cent of all grant contracts. 

The significance of the contributions made by services sector to the region’s economies is apparent and Caribbean Export Agency with the support of the European Union is committed to developing the sector further. “The EPA provides a platform for Cariforum firms to expand into the EU market…this increased access under the EPA will facilitate successful transition in the EU market,” stressed Koffler. 

Services specialist at Caribbean Export, Allyson Francis, underscored that, “it is only through effective implementation that we can really provide the support for our private sector to take advantage of the opportunities available under the EPA.” She also urged her regional colleagues to return to their respective institutions to pursue what was agreed following the discussions during the meetings.

That brought an end to long standing issues between Ms Ali and the Public Service Association president, Watson Duke, who had promised “total war” if she did not resign before February 17. Mr Duke’s issues with the ERHA CEO have continued for a year and are best summarised as a deep polarisation of interests between the two parties on how the business of the authority should be run.

From Ms Ali’s perspective, there were deep inefficiencies at the state health agency and she set about correcting these matters. Among the issues she sought to resolve were high wage bills and an overtime bill for the authority that ran close to a quarter of a million dollars a month. In this, she had the endorsement of the Minister of Health, Dr Fuad Khan.

Ms Ali was fired a month after taking up the job, and despite that incident and other shakiness between the CEO and the board of directors and staff, she continued on the job until last week. In March, six senior managers were reported to have resigned from the ERHA, including the general manager of legal and corporate affairs.

Matters came to a head last week when workers, accusing Ms Ali of poor management, hostility to employees and tardiness in addressing risky safety conditions staged protests that threatened the stablility of the hospital. The ERHA is not the only battleground for Mr Duke, as South West Regional Health Authority workers have also been staging protests against unsatisfactory work conditions.

The most troubling aspect of this resolution of the ERHA protests is the clear implication that Ms Ali was bullied into resigning her job by protesting workers. What Mr Duke may see as a triumph is, after a year of such concerns, also a failure of proper human resource practices within the public sector.

A manager having difficulties with her staff should, after an appropriate evaluation, either be assessed as capable of doing the job with proper training, be supported by mediation or invited to resign, if the incompatibilities between candidate and assignment are too great. There is no shame in such matters when they are properly and confidentially handled, and both employer and employee can go their separate ways with a far better understanding of the demands of the job.

Instead, it seems that the matter was left to linger until it became untenable. That simply isn’t good enough. ERHA workers were left to express their concerns via public protest and Ms Ali has mentioned no coaching support during her tenure that might point to an official effort to reconcile the perspectives of the staff and CEO.

Mr Duke’s intervention, in the apparent absence of official management of the situation, became the deciding factor in a situation that should, rightly, have been managed to the satisfaction of all concerned a year ago by internal Government HR professionals. If this unfortunate and messy situation signals anything at all, it’s the need for the public sector’s human resources services to be more proactive in addressing problems that arise between employees and managers.

There is no reason why this matter was played out and resolved in headlines and news broadcasts, but to the shame of those with responsibility for managing such matters, that’s exactly what happened.