This year Simeon “Sanch” Sandiford plans to release several special CDs dedicated to spirituality and introspection, including a new CD by inimitable pianist Felix “Sugar Fingers” Roach, called Felix Roach Plays the Spirituals, as well as Freedom Sounds of Africa, performed by the Signal Hill Choir in the Little Carib Theatre.

The Felix Roach CD will be part of several releases designed to showcase the more meditative, spiritual stream of T&T music, as an antidote to the current brutalities which all too often dominate our newspaper headlines. For there is certainly another side to T&T which is positive, beautiful, and spiritually affirming, and through the medium of music, Sanch and his partners, friends and musical collaborators aim to spread that message of hope.

Among those collaborators is a most humble and interesting small group of people who first met each other as part of their church’s Men’s Group, which formed as the initiative of their former parish priest, Fr Dr Arnold Francis, in 2005 in the Roman Catholic Parish of Bourg Mulatresse. Called the Sons of God Chorus, they are all men in their mature years: their average age is 50. They came together just three years ago for informal spiritual singing in their Catholic tradition. 

The group comprises six to eight men from the Roman Catholic parish of Bourg Mulatresse. They belong to the Mary Immaculate Queen of the Universe Roman Catholic Church in Sun Valley, lower Santa Cruz. With collaborations from other choirs in their parish, they aim to release a CD of Marian songs later this year, called I’ll Sing a Hymn to Mary.

“Marian hymns are hymns in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus Christ, in our tradition,” explained Walker. “It’s a beautiful collection of music.” The music is a gentle, healing kind of singing designed to ease people’s hurts, as well as celebrate the peaceful power of the old Roman Catholic hymns to and about Mary, said Walker. 

“Felix Roach comes to us every Tuesday, and trains and helps us in our singing and harmonising. We want to do a very nice tribute to Mary, the patron saint of the parish church, and hopefully, we can do a recording for our planned CD by August. Mr Simeon Sandiford has undertaken to do the recording,” said Andre Walker, the Sons of God Chorus co-ordinator. Meanwhile, the singing group will make a guest appearance this Saturday afternoon at an Easter Tea and Fashion show event organised by the Barbados Association (One Caribbean Love), at City Hall in Port-of-Spain from 3 pm. Felix Roach will play some excerpts from his Playing the Spirituals CD at the event.

Felix “Sugar Fingers” Roach has been helping the chorus as their pianist and musical director for some time now. He unwittingly helped give the group its name, when some years ago, he observed: “The Son of God became Son of Man, so that sons of men could become sons of God.” One of the singers, Andre Walker, was struck by the saying, and asked: “Felix: speak that again for me.” And so the group of singers found its name.

Felix Roach is a Berklee-trained T&T musician who played piano and collaborated in many musical performances at the Hilton hotel for three decades; he was the hotel’s music director. He received the Hummingbird Gold medal in 2004, and has been steadfastly contributing his musical talents to spiritual enterprises since then. Roach has worked musically with several religious groups, including the Church of the Incarnation in Maloney and the choir at St Jude’s in Arima. He delights in sharing his music for “God’s work”, so this most recent collaboration with the Sons of God Chorus is an extension of his spiritual musical outreach.

The Guardian spoke to one of the Sons of God Chorus members, Andre Walker, last Friday at Sanch Electronix in St Joseph. Walker, who taught himself to play the harmonica and who says he “plays around” with pan and keyboards, is a retired customs officer; the Catholic Church has always been close to his heart. He was previously a member of the Sacred Heart Church Traditional Choir for more than 40 years, with whom he sang Latin church songs; many may recall that choir’s unexpectedly successful 2004 CD Resurrexit, which was a hit in local RC circles. 

What first drew Walker into singing religious songs? 

“That came directly from home. My mother and my father liked to sing. My father performed in a number of concerts, as a policeman. My mother performed in her school, in dramas and singing. I went to St Mary’s College and I was recruited into the boys’ choir at age 11 or 12. I was the lead treble singer. The musical director was an Irishman who found something worthwhile in my voice, and he used to have me demonstrate to his new recruits how he would like them to sing!” smiled Walker, reminiscing. 

“And that’s how my church singing began.”

“I do feel a kind of personal joy when we sing. Singing these songs written by poets is elevating; it has helped my spirituality,” said Walker: “You’re combining the words with the music, and trying to make that live, from the dead letter, through you, as the living being.” It’s like a musical prayer – a celebration of peaceful spirituality through the power of music, a goal which musician Felix Roach also deeply shares.

Walker says Felix Roach hopes to do a piano recital at their newly renovated Bourg Mulatresse church soon, playing excerpts from his CD Spirituals, to help the Sons of God Chorus raise funds for their own CD project. The network of helping hands for these different but related musical projects is born of genuine community feeling.
Simeon Sandiford is the producer, director and recorder for Felix Roach Plays the Spirituals. He recently gave the CD to a colleague of his, Tim Crable, who is a retired distribution manager for the high-end US audio and video electronics firm Esoteric Audio. The CD of religious music struck a chord with Crable, who commented:
“I have played it at least three times, completely through and have enjoyed it more than you might expect. You see, my mother was a pianist and organist for over 50 years. She played accompaniment for college voice classes and a few choral groups around Los Angeles as well as (being an) organist and choir director for the small Episcopal Church in my home town of El Segundo. My father was a self-professed baritone and was a soloist for a different church. They met when she filled in as the accompanist for an all-male chorale group that he had joined just prior to World War II. Throughout my childhood, I heard many of these cuts being sung by my father and played by my mother. Thank you so much ...” (Tim Crable, March 26, 2016)
Roach was among the very first artists to record with Sanch Electronix when it began in the 1990s. He collaborated with several artistes in genres from the spiritual to the secular, including pan-jazz improvisations. But audiophile Sandiford had always dreamed of hearing Felix Roach play as a soloist on a truly outstanding instrument capable of producing “surreal, ethereal, palpable sound”: the 97-key Bosendorfer Imperial Concert Grand Piano. The CD Felix Roach Plays the Spirituals captures Sandiford’s recording of this music on just such an instrument on April 19, 2011 at the National Academy for the Performing Arts in Port-of-Spain.
Sandiford comments:
“The indefatigable Felix ‘Sugar Fingers’ Roach continues to be one of my role models. He is the epitome of fundamental virtues and values that are vanishing at an exponentially alarming rate in today’s modern society – tolerance, modesty, patience, love, respect, dignity, discipline, perseverance, humility and integrity – but most of all, deep appreciation for soothing acoustic music.” 

MORE INFO: 
Sanch Electronix Ltd Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Sanch.Electronix/
YouTube Amazing Grace excerpt from Felix Roach Plays the Spirituals: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RAEuUSE2PQ&feature=youtu.be

It was an emotionally-heightened recollection of events for national sailor and Atlantic Sports Ambassador, Andrew Lewis at the premiere of his short video documentary, Believe, as he recounted his arduous journey of overcoming the physical and mental trauma of what could only be described as a “freak accident” last December. 

The Olympic-bound T&T sailor was preparing for the Copa Brasil Championships in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and while climbing over the wall of his apartment, in an attempt to retrieve the keys, he was crushed by the heavy decorative cap which fell from the top of the wall. 

Lewis suffered debilitating injuries including trauma to his lung, jaw and leg, with less than nine months until his expectant participation at the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil. A contender at the 2012 Olympic Games, the gifted sailor represented T&T in the Men’s Laser Class, which also marked this country’s first participation in sailing in 48 years. 

Despite Lewis’ vast challenges following the accident, the self-narrated documentary was a message of persistence and hope, as the film recounts his experience of returning to sailing since his injuries and his aspirations of moving forward in his career. 

In the six-minute film, Lewis takes viewers through the incident by including actual security footage, as well as images which showed the extent of his injuries. Lewis recalled his inability to properly breathe with a bruised lung, as well as the challenging transition from a wheelchair to a walker, before being able to walk and sail again. 

A visibly-emotional Lewis gave special thanks to his family, friends, doctors, mentors and Atlantic for their support, and reiterated his desire to proudly represent T&T at this year’s Olympic Games, a release said.

Atlantic’s vice president of Corporate Operations, Toni Sirju-Ramnarine reflected on Lewis’ story of perseverance, challenge and endurance, while reassuring him of the support he has not only from Atlantic, but also the entire nation.

“The wonderful thing about his life’s plan is that it is not only about Andrew Lewis, but about others. His vision has always included helping others, giving of himself to make the lives of others better. Having Andrew as one of our Atlantic Sports Ambassadors has given us a bird’s eye view to his deep and genuine connection with people—no matter their age, gender, race or social background”, Sirju-Ramnarine remarked. 

Lewis has partnered with the LNG producer as an Atlantic Sports Ambassador since 2012, which he highlighted as an integral part of his development as a sporting professional. 

Specially-invited guests included family, friends, corporate sponsors, sporting organisations and children from the Vessigny Vikings Sailing School, who were all present to show their support at the Digicel IMAX Theatre at One Woodbrook Place.

Also in attendance was Sport and Youth Affairs minister Darryl Smith, who was commended by Lewis for expressing a genuine interest in athletes and understanding various sporting disciplines. 

The event was also partly in support of the Andrew Lewis Foundation, which supports at-risk children by providing them the opportunity to learn to sail.

MORE INFO

​Monetary contributions to the 

foundation can be made to www.gofundme.com/andrewlewissailing.

The name Clifford Learmond has been a household name over decades and is synonymous with T&T theatre, comedy, advertisements and outright laughter. 

However, for the past month, this has been reversed, as Learmond fell seriously ill on completing a performance in Tobago, sending the country into a state of shock and panic. 

As a result and because of his situation, the theatre fraternity has launched into a spirited and purposeful fund-raising drive, in order to change his current status of ill health and inevitable death back to what it had been before. 

The veteran actor, who has been in the business for over 30 years and has worked with some of the industry’s best—such as Raymond Choo-Kong, Richard Ragoobarsingh, Debra Boucaud-Mason, Errol Fabien, Nicki Crosby, Penelope Spencer, Christine Johnson, Randy Glasgow Productions, and Spektakula Promotions to name a few, suffered a heart attack late February. 

Upon checks to his vital health, it was realised that along with his heart attack, Learmond was suffering from high blood pressure and clogged arteries. 

After doing several tests including an Angiogram (an X-ray of the heart’s blood vessels), Learmond was advised that an immediate bypass surgical procedure, at a cost of $110,000, was needed in order for him to live. 

In the meantime several drugs are being administered to him that can/may only last up until his surgery which is due within the next month or two. 

“The surgery has to be done soon, else I won’t live for too long,” explained Learmond. “One doctor explained to me that the medication I am taking now, coupled with a special diet, is what is keeping me alive until the surgery.

“In the meantime I still have bills and responsibilities and I haven’t worked since it happened,” he added. 

Even though Learmond is unsure of where this funding will come from, he is hopeful that this hurdle is God’s plan and everything will work out. 

However, in the interim and in order to have a full, 360 degree turnaround of this situation, the theatre fraternity along with other members of the country are in the process of putting together different events in order to raise funds for his surgery. 

Already, Funny Farm Factory Productions and Ha Ha Ha Productions have devoted one night’s part proceeds of their play Ridiculous 6 1/2 to this cause. 

Also in the making, there are a series of upcoming fund-raisers by Necessary Arts and 3 Canal, just to name a few, all geared towards Learmond having a full recovery. 

At the moment, there is an active discussion between Learmond and the Ministry of Health for part assistance, which also seems positive. 

Nonetheless, more is needed and a request is being made for the public’s assistance in garnering monetary support (the amount doesn’t matter) to assist Learmond in his time of need. It will just be unimaginable to lose one of our country’s valuable comedic icons by not rendering help.

More info

​For more information contact 334-4787, or donate to #2226912 (First Citizens Bank) on behalf of Learmond.

Kevin Baldeosingh

There are hundreds of thousands of business books, so everybody is always looking for a new angle to get their book on the bestseller lists.

Neuroscience is the newest selling point, used not only for business books but every other topic that has even a tangential relationship to psychology. But pretty much every such book is bogus, in the sense that scientists don’t yet know enough about the brain to extrapolate from brain scans to behaviour in the real world.

Jacobs’ book is no exception. Although he claims that “neuroscience also teaches us to be more effective in the world we live and work in”, he also admits that “networks are organised hierarchically” and that “high level networks, such as values and deeply held beliefs, will drive both ideas and behaviour at lower levels”. Translated, this means that behaviour is dependent on social environment.

Despite this false hook, Jacobs’ book is useful for managers because most of his data are based on actual surveys of organisations, with the neuroscience coming as an after-the-fact explanation. His real thesis, which has nothing to do with brain scans, is: “Given the overwhelming evidence that the managerial relationship as it’s usually configured is self-defeating, managers should stop doing most of what they’re doing today.

In this context, he lists standard managerial practices such as rewarding good performance as often as possible; punishing poor performance; giving timely feedback on performance problems and prescribing corrective action; setting measurable objectives; supervising employees closely.

“Each of these strike us as logically the right thing for managers to do, but they all fail in practice,” Jacobs asserts.

He explains that rewards are only effective if valued and well-timed. A manager may see a five percent salary increase as significant, whereas an employee may see it as insulting. “Rather than being a motivating reward, it becomes a demotivating punishment,” Jacobs writes. Punishment itself doesn’t work when it removes intrinsic motivation, meaning the desire to do something for its own sake or for our own reasons.

Employees, he notes, don’t look forward to feedback as a means to improve, but as a criticism. “If the feedback we receive conflicts with the self-image that we have spent a lifetime honing [we will] keep our self-image intact by rationalising away the feedback, and either attributing the cause of the performance failure to external factors out of our control or discounting the source of the feedback,” he writes.

When the manager lays down a mandate to the employee on what corrective action they should take to improve performance and what goals must be met, “the employee does not have to take responsibility and has no motivation to make it work.” Jacobs adds that close supervision often leads to the employee spending a lot of energy devising ways to avoid same, since most people don’t like being monitored—especially managers.

So what are the alternatives? “Turn the tables and put as much responsibility on the employee as possible,” says Jacobs. Employees should set their own objectives, critique their own performance, figure out remedies when they fall short. Employees need to understand the real position of their company and the industry they work in. Managers need to explain strategy and how the employee’s performance contributes to success or failure.

The manager guides this process in a Socratic way—ie asking leading questions. Jacobs recommends a feedback system or process which will be considered objective by the employees, with a similar system used to give rewards and punishment. 

“This is, of course, counter-intuitive, for it turns the relationship upside down. As the prime mover of the organisation, the employee now calls the shots and the manager is in a support role,” he says.

On this basis it is not surprising that, although much of the research in this book was done over 20 years ago, most companies haven’t yet started applying these strategies. 

Since its inception, the Anthony N Sabga Caribbean Awards for Excellence has selected eight Trinidadians as laureates in all areas of endeavour: science, art and public work. These are Yao Ramesar (Arts & Letters, 2008); Kim Johnson, Paul Teelucksingh (Arts & Letters and Science & Technology, 2011); Paula Lucie-Smith, 2012 (Public & Civic work); Prof Dave Chadee and Rhonda Maingot (Science & Technology and Public and Civic work, 2013); Prof Liam Teague (Arts & Letters, 2014); and Prof Patrick Hosein (Science & Technology, 2015).

This is quite a remarkable mix of social science, public work, hard science (from entomology to computer science), and shows definitively that Trinis have talent, and not just in entertainment and sports, a release said. The next ANSA Caribbean Awards is in 2017, and nominations are being sought for people of similar achievement. In addition to these areas a new category, of entrepreneurship, has been added as of 2015. Nominations for the 2017 Awards close today.

The ANSA Awards have been in existence since 2005. The institution is dedicated to finding the best Caribbean scientists, artists, public activists and advocates, and as of 2015, entrepreneurs. Each territory of the region (Barbados, Guyana, OECS, Jamaica and T&T) has a nominating committee, which is mandated to bring forward nominees of merit for consideration. However, individuals may also be nominated by members of the public using the forms and following the instructions from the website www.ansacaribbeanawards.com.

The ANSA Caribbean Awards is the only enterprise in the region which has taken forward the quest for Caribbean unity. In the last decade, the awards have sought and found 27 exceptional Caribbean men and women. The laureates have, for the first time, included recognition of members of the Caribbean Indigenous Peoples of Guyana. The prize includes a medal, citation, and $500,000. 

To commemorate its tenth anniversary, the awards published a book, The Excellent Decade, which was distributed to Nalis, UWI, UTT, and secondary school libraries. The book features autobiographies of the 27 laureates, and historical details of the awards.

Over the past three weeks we have looked at social and economic consequences of the low level of literacy in T&T. We learned that almost a quarter of our adults struggle with reading and writing (Alta National Survey, 1994) and that this contributes to our high unemployment and crime, the low standard of living experienced by many in our country and has the potential to affect more than one generation in each household. 

For the past 24 years, Alta has provided free community classes to adults (16+) in T&T. Today, we have over 50 venues across the country and we have helped countless adults develop their reading and writing skills. This has ensured that they can gain stable incomes through steady employment, enjoy a higher standard of living and teach their children to read and write. Alta has helped our country tackle literacy ̶and so can you, even if you don’t have the time to be a volunteer Alta tutor or reading guide.

Here’s what you can do. Firstly, do your part in reducing the stigma associated with not being able to read and write. Reading is a skill - much like learning to drive or cook. It takes a lot of practice and commitment. Many Trinidadians and Tobagonians were unable to master this skill. It may have been due to unstable family life or undiagnosed learning difficulties such as dyslexia. Start by changing your own thinking to acknowledge that the ability to read does not say anything about a person’s intelligence, character or values. 

When you find out an adult does not read fluently, don’t express surprise as this makes the person feel that they are at fault or something is wrong with them. Maybe note that as with other life skills, some of us need more instruction than others. 

If you know the person, point out a talent or aptitude they have. They may have an aptitude for cooking, whereas others need repeated training to produce something edible! So just as some adults need to have cooking lessons, they need some lessons to improve their reading skills. 

Let them know that it is never too late. Avoid using the word illiterate in talking to or about non-readers as it is widely used as a synonym for unintelligent in local parlance. 

Our responsibility as fellow citizens is to encourage them to learn to read and write now. There are Alta students at many different levels of the literacy spectrum. Some may be able to identify some words and write basic biographical information, but struggle to read articles in the newspapers. 

Others may be able to read but have difficulty with spelling and grammar, while others may have never been able to develop the skill of reading. There is a class at Alta for anyone over the age of 16 who needs to work on this skill. 

If you cannot think of anyone who may need Alta classes, tell someone you know about Alta—they may know someone who can benefit from classes. 

If you have nothing good to say, say nothing at all; words have power. Too many adults stay away from Alta classes out of fear of social scorn. We the readers are the only ones who can change this. 

• Volunteer, Donate, Sponsor-a-student. Call 624-2582 or email altapos.tt@gmail.com for more info. Like us on Facebook or check out our YouTube Channel: Adult Literacy Tutors Association 

The Supernormal Band is carded to perform live along with 19 other local rock bands at the Skyy Rock Festival on April 2 at Skyy View Lounge, San Fernando. This is the second edition of the Festival which featured ten bands last year. 

In the line up for 2016 are Five Miles to Midnight, Orange Sky, Sidekick Envy, Spectral Vibes, Black Rose, Cornerstone, Goodnight Parliament, Absence of I, Tie Dye Kitty, Far Away Fate, Bound to Oblivion, Prime 3, Fly By Night, Devin Harrypaul The Band, Cosmic Rebels, Alter Rootz, and Zynergy. 

A release said the aim of the Festival is to build local talent in T&T, especially in the rock fraternity which is often stereotyped as underground, in an effort to become more recognised and break barriers.

The band was founded in 2008 and have battled on in their evolving journey of music. Fast forwarding to 2015, they copped a number of virtual awards on the local front such as Album of the Year – the Fire Inside, Music Video of the Year – Anchor’s Away and Best Performing Act of 2015. These ground breaking awards were all nominated, voted on and results published via the Facebook community group called Trinidad Local Rock Community, which is described as “a one stop music shop for local rock.”

Not only is The Supernormal Band in touch with their fans through technology, but the band’s brainchild, singer/songwriter singer/songwriter Andy Rambharat stated that “what is unique about us is that we’re just not a regular Rock band, we fuse styles such as soca, dancehall, rapso and chutney — music that is synonymous with T&T. Our band represents a melting pot of cultures, maintaining the rock identity.”

Members of the fusion rock band are lead vocalist Andy Rambharat, rhythm guitarist Johnathon Agostini, lead guitarist, Anthony Borde – Bass / Back Vocals and drummer Mitch Ramberan.

The Supernormal Band emerged from Malick east of Port-of-Spain, which is sometimes referred to as the “ghetto”. 

Rambharat’s musical talent is a prime example of positivity emerging from the ghetto. He has played on the local rock scene of Trinidad for 20 years, rising to iconic status with his previous bands Alexes Machine and D Boomslang then cementing his place in rock n’ roll history on the island with Supernormal’s tenacious hit; Fishnin, the first single from The Supernormal Band that has amassed over 60,000 views on YouTube, a seemingly impossible achievement for a rock band from T&T. 

At the 2016 Skyy Rock Festival, The Supernormal Band intends to rock their fans with hits from their first full album The Fire Inside. Songs from the 2015 album will include Rocktopus, Fishnin’, Swaha (which was recently remixed to feature Chromatics, Yellows and King David) and many others. Following this, the band’s next step is the musical battle WOA Metal Battle Caribbean in Suriname on April 30.

More info:

For further information, please contact band leader, Andy Rambharat at 493-4877 or thesupernoormalbandlive@gmail.com or publicist, Carol Jaggernauth at 389-8988 or caroljaggernauth@gmail.com

LOUISE B. BROWNE CLARKE (IFAKOLADE OSUNYEMI) age 81, the ALASE of ILE ORISA OSUN OBATALA, spiritual daughter of Oluwo Olatunji Muyiwa SOMORIN of Eposo Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria, that occurred on Monday March 28th, 2016.

She was the IYAWO of late Colin Clarke. Mother of Denise Tull (USA) & Brian Robertson (Toronto)Grandmother of Nneka Tull (USA), Samuel, Nathaniel & Hannah Robertson (Toronto)Great Grandmother of Malachi Tull (USA). Sister of William Browne, Courtney W.T. Browne (Oduneye), Daniel Browne (USA) & Lorna M.E. Browne- Simpson (Yeye Iyewa Ifayemi).

The funeral service for the late Louise B. Browne- Clarke (Ifakolade Osunyemi) will be held on Saturday 2nd April, 2016 at 12:30pm at Belgroves Prayer Room #107-109 Coffee Street, San Fernando followed by interment at Paradise Cemetery. Please, it is kindly requested that NO BLACK or RED clothing to be worn. Enquires can be made at Belgroves Funeral Home & Crematorium at 223-2178. To extend condolences to the family of late Louise B. Browne- Clarke (Ifakolade Osunyemi), please logon to www.belgroves.com 

SIMONETTE: BEVILLE, CRISPIN, DOMINIC also known as Ogundekun of Tacarigua, passed away on Monday 28th March, 2016 at the Port Of - Spain General Hospital at the age of 60. He was the loving:- Husband of: Jennifer Simonette. Father of: Ghenet, Jameela, Fayola, Candice & Serge Grandfather of: Jeremiah, Ariella, Desirae, Serin, Lilly Son of: Former Senator Nicholas Simonette and Irma Simonette Father-In- Law of: Leo Powlette. Brother of: Helene, Hazel, Russel, Garvin & Nicole Simonette.

Brother-In-Law of: The Campbells, Anthony Lewis, Sidney Herndon & Allison Demas. Uncle of: Jerome Yohance Hashim, Hadya & Aisha. Cousin of: Michael & Peter, Rogers, Kwesi & Kwema Wilson Glynnis, Bonnie, Michael Wilshire Asha & Brent Wilson, Rhea & Jude Edwards & Zwena & Keissy Walters. Relative of: The Elmo Wilsons, the Annette Wiltshires, the Selby Wilsons & Brenda Walters. Friend of: Michelle Mills, Judith, Sonya & Janice & many others.

The Funeral service for the late Beville Crispin Dominic Ogundekun Simonette takes place on Saturday 02nd April, 2016 at The Church of the Nativity, Crystal Stream Avenue, Diego Martin Road- Petit Valley at 10:30 am. Interment at Crown Street Cemetery in Tacarigua .Enquires can be made at 223-2178 Ext. 556. To offer condolences to the family please go to www.belgroves. com  

RAMCHAND, DOLORES VIVIEN Yuk Sin nee Low Foon died peacefully on Monday 21st March 2016 in Toronto, Canada. Widow of the late Leo Philip Ramchand. Daughter of James and Irene Low Foon ( both dec.) Loving mother of Richard (Audrey), Robert (Olive), Kathleen (Brian) and Rawle (Shoba). Devoted grandmother to Kristina, Zahra, Rana, Simon, Richie, Sarah, Rachael and Renee.

Great grandmother to Amelie and Thomas. Sister to Alwyn (dec.) (Gloria dec.), Arthur (Elma), Cynthia (dec.) (Bing), Audrey (dec.), Ralph, Linda (dec.) (Victor dec.), Tyrone (dec.) (Enid). Sister in Law to George (dec.) (Muriel dec.), Grace (Mano dec.), Vivian (dec.) (Dianne), Frank (dec.) (Sheila), Kenneth (Avril), Margo (Knolly), Reno, and Oswald (dec.)(Vilma dec.). Friend of Gilda, Norma and Jean. Beloved by many; missed by all who knew her.

Cremation services for the late Dolores Vivien Ramchand to take place on 31 March, 2015 in Toronto, Canada.  

ORTEGA: RUPERT of Eight Street East, Cazabon Avenue, Trincity died on 28th March, 2016. Son of Claude and Augustina Ortega (both deceased). Husband of Annette Ortega. Father of Margaret and Damian. Brother of Bernadine, Lennox, Cynthia, Herman, Mary, Hillary (deceased) and Christina (deceased). Cousin of the Ortega, Luces, Taitt, Rodriguez and Le Gendre families. In law of Noreen Ortega, and the Car- G rera, Gower, Villabrera, Hackshaw and Pamponette families. Relative of the Gervais, Cedeno, Cabrera and Perriera families. Friend of many.

Funeral service for the late Rupert Ortega takes place at 2:00 pm on Friday 1 April, 2016 at the Sacred Heart RC Church, Richmond Street, Port of Spain thence to the Lapeyrouse Cemetery. Enquiries, Lee s Funeral Directors, 663- 1010.  

MARQUEZ: MERVYN ALEXANDER died on 27th March 2016. Son of Cyril (dec) and Myra Marquez Anderson (dec). Husband of Emily (nee Rousseau). Father of Yvette Down ( Allan), Jennifer Hussain (Jerry), Richard (Kamena), Robert (Francine), Jacqueline (Robert), Neil (Anne-Marie), David (dec) and Christian (Alicia).

Grandfather of 18. Greatgrandfather of 8. B th f M j i J di Brother of Majorie Jardine (Everard dec.), Michael (Molly), Marilyn (Lisle dec.), Maureen Sankerali, Mac Arthur (Karen), Montgomery (Yolanda), Margaret (dec.), Patrick and Patricia. Brother-in-law of Margery Newallo and Particia Rousseau.

Funeral Mass for the late Mervyn Alexander Marquez will take place on Friday 1st April, 2016 at 10am at St. Theresa's RC Church, de Verteuil Street, Woodbrook. Private Cremation to folloe at the Crematorium at 12 noon. No flowers by request. Enquires: Lee's Funeral Directors, 50 Eastern Main Road, St. Augustine, 663- 1010  

SERRETTE: LOUVINIA better known as Lou age 107 years died on 28th March, 2016. Wife of the late Leonard Serrette. Sister of the late Rudolph Gabriel and Julie Phillip. Aunt of 15. Great aunt of many.

Funeral service for the late Louvinia Serrette takes place at 10:00am on Friday 1st April, 2016 at the Tunapuna Methodist Church, Balthazar Street, Tunapuna thence to the Tunapuna Public Cemetery. Enquiries, Lee's Funeral Directors, 663-1010.  

ANTON: BERYL KATHLEEN (NEE HAYDOCK) Granny B age 89, formally of Carriacou / Grenada departed this life on March 29th 2016. Wife of: Neville (deceased), Sister of: Gordon (deceased) Jean (deceased) and Bob Haydock (St. Vincent). Loving Mother of: Karen Shah (Fayyaz), Ingrid Knox (Richard), Christine Richardson (Paul) and Lisa Lewis (Jeffrey). Beloved Grandmother of Natasha, Ismael, Soraya, Maria, Jonathan, Kathy and Josh. Great Grandmother of Alessandra, Isabella, Isaac, Nico and Conrad.

The funeral service of the late Beryl Kathleen Anton takes place at 9.30 am on Monday 4th April at All Saints s Church, 13 Queen s Park West, Port of Spain followed by a private cremation. In lieu of flowers a donation will be collected for The Gentle Women s Home, Santa Cruz. To send condolences please visit www.clarkandbattoo. com. For enquiries; call C&B: 625-1170.  
 

A MEMORIAL Mass for the late Anthony Tony Gittens of Railway Road, Arouca will be held at Arouca RC Church on Monday 4th April at 7PM. Died on March 26th 2016. He was the son of Lisle & Elva Gittens (deceased); father of Jason, Michael, Tonya & Stephen; grandfather of six; brother of Margaret, Theresa, Phillip, Andy, George, Avril & Jason. Cousin of the Arjoon, Abrams, Forde, Garcia and Reyes families & many others.  

CAMPBELL: KEITH of #301 Serbian Avenue Pinehaven Garden D'Abadie died on Friday 25th March, 2016 at the Port of Spain of General Hospital at the age of 54. He was h Bl d H b d f the: Beloved Husband of Hazel Duprey-Campbell, Loving Father of Kevon Aaron Campbell Son of Kenneth and Delores Campbell (Deceased) Brother of Kathleen Howell and Kenrick Campbell Son-In- Law of Cynthia Duprey Uncle of La Donna, Chelsea and Thais Relative of The Campbell, Bankroft, Williams, Cadogan and Howell Families. Friend of John Radgeman, Courtney Parks, Carlton Roberts, Anthony Piper, Keith Jaggernauth and The Staff at The Forestry Division (Long Circular).

The funeral service for the late Keith Campbell takes place on Friday 01st April, 2016 at 3:00pm St. Charles Roman Catholic Church Eastern Main Road, Tunapuna. Followed by a Private Cremation. Enquires can be made at Belgroves Memorial Centre and Crematorium O G R d #10 Orange Grove Road, Trincity. 223-2178 Ext. 556. To offer condolences to the family please go to www.belgroves. com

Religion and sports share the ethos of commitment to hard work, personal sacrifice, fairness and achievement. They both incorporate rituals and customs and it is not uncommon for the invocation of God to be part of training, team meetings and in victory and defeat. Therefore, if they can be properly negotiated they have the potential to work together for the common good of human expression and satisfaction regardless of religious differences.

In the US, Woods (2007) argues that religion has been used as a means to justify American preoccupation with sports. Not only is sports seen as having an appeal to God, it has also been a means through which religious bodies have used sports to reinforce its membership. For instance, Woods (2007) cites the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), secondary schools such as Christ the King and universities such as Oral Roberts University use sports through the provision of sporting facilities and excellent sporting programmes to attract new members, students and even donors. 

Amara (2008) cites that sports have been able to mobilize nationalist support throughout the Muslim world cutting across class, gender and sectarian differences. He argues that modern sports and Islam can coexist in the same world. However, he claims that sports have to be seen as a site for the negotiation of differences which can enhance cross cultural experiences. This approach has the potential to minimize the clash of western and traditional value systems which has been the source of some of the controversies in sports participation as it relates to the athletes from the Muslim world.

In an in-depth study of eight schools in West Midlands, England, to gain an understanding as to why Muslim girls were withdrawing from physical education, Dagakasa et al. (2011) concluded that religious concerns of the girls needed to be incorporated into the schools’ policies as well as in its physical education programmes. Some of the specific problems that were identified by the students and their parents were the lack of flexible dress codes especially as it related to the wearing of the hijab and the use of public swimming pools. Dagakasa et al. (2011) argued that a more embracing sport policy would allow for the inclusion of Muslim girls. 

As the research elsewhere has indicated, females are more likely than males to be restricted from participating in sports and physical activities as they are expected to be the prime bearers of religious values and practices. Outside of engaging in sports and physical activities for recreational and fun reasons, many talented persons may be discouraged from taking part in sports seriously because of insensitivities to religious diversity in existing sporting programmes.  

As such in formal settings such as schools, once a proper understanding of how religious beliefs and practices impact upon how students view and engage sports, proper intervention strategies can be undertaken. These strategies can be helpful to physical education teachers, parents and most importantly the students. 

Local religious organizations must also look to put greater effort at encouraging their followers young and old to participate in sports and physical activities. Not only would such activities benefit the individuals personally but collectively it can be a means through which religious groups can further connect with their members. As much as competition and winning is important, sports can also me a good means through which religious bodies can teach important life lessons to their members. 

At the end of the day it would not be surprising if some sport administrators claim that religion is not their business. However, many international governing bodies are adopting measures that reflect some degree of understanding of religious differences of sportswomen and men. FIFA now allows the wearing of religious head wear (specially designed) in their tournaments. Such a move not only recognizes the difference in religious beliefs but also paves the way for more persons to come forward to participate in football.

Religion when combined with other variables such as social class, family, school and community does impact on the level and extent of participation in sport and physical activities. As such the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, SporTT, National Sporting Organisations (NSOs) and researchers should embark upon gaining a deeper understanding of the connection between religion and sports to serve the overall good of the society.

Akeem Roach scored with a minute of regulation-time left, to earn Defence Force a hard fought 2-1 win over Pt Fortin Civic at the Mahaica Oval, Pt Fortin on Saturday night.

With the win, Defence Force climbed to second spot on the table with 42 points from 22 matches, four behind defending champions Central FC which has a match in hand while former champions, DirecTV W Connection and Play Whe San Juan Jabloteh are third and fourth with 40 and 39 points respectively.

Following shock defeats for Central FC and W Connection on Friday night at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva, both Defence Force and Jabloteh had chances to move into second spot and close in on the leaders.

Down at Mahaica Oval, forward Kellon Serrette fired Defence Force into a 1-0 lead in the 28th minute which it took into the half-time interval. However, lively Pt Fortin Civic winger Akeem Redhead got his team back on level terms at 1-1 in the 56th minutes and just when it looked as though both teams would have to settle for a share of the points, Roach conjured up the winner for the visitors with his first goal for coach Marvin Gordon, since rejoining the team in the January/February transfer window following a stint with Morvant Caledonia United.

At the Barataria Recreation Ground, host Jabloteh missed its chance to go above W Connection after it need a late goal as well to salvage a 1-1 draw by cellar-placed St Ann’s Rangers. Inform Nathan Lewis was the man coming to Jabloteh’s rescue with an 88th minute equaliser, with his 11th goal of the season after St Ann’s Rangers went ahead in the 38th minute thanks to a Trevin Latapy strike. The draw left Jabloteh fourth on the table with 39 points, five more than Japs North East Stars, while Police FC is a further point behind.

A further ten points back in seventh spot is Club Sando, who were held to a 2-2 draw with Morvant Caledonia United at the Guayaguayare Recreation Ground. Club Sando looked set for all three points when it led 2-0 at the break following a quick double by Devon Modeste netting in the 24th and 27th minutes against his ex-employers. 

But Morvant Caledonia rallied to a 2-2 draw through a goal each from Pernell Schultz and Kareem Joseph in the 47th and 83rd minutes, respectively.

On Friday night, Police FC t became only the third team this season, after San Juan Jabloteh and North East Stars, to defeat defending Digicel T&T Pro League champions Central FC this season, 1-0 courtesy an own goal from Kaydion Gabriel while Stars whipped W Connection 3-1 led by a Gorean Highley second-half brace.

RESULTS

Saturday’s Digicel T&T Pro League results: 

Club Sando 2 (Devon Modeste 24', 27') vs Morvant Caledonia United 2 (Pernell Schultz 47', Kareem Joseph 83'), at Guayaguayare Recreation Ground;

Defence Force 2 (Kellon Serrette 28', Akeem Roach 89') vs Pt Fortin Civic 1 (Akeem Redhead 56th), at Mahaica Oval;

Jabloteh 1 (Nathan Lewis 88') vs St. Ann's Rangers 1 (Trevin Latapy 38'), at Barataria Recreation Ground.

STANDINGS

Current T&T Pro League standings:

Teams    P    W    D    L    F    A    Pts

Central FC    21    14    4    3    48    15    46

Defence Force    22    12    6    4    48    16    42

W Connection    22    11    7    4    45    21    40

Jabloteh    22    12    3    7    39    31    39

N/East Stars    22    10    5    7    35    43    35

Police FC    22    10    4    8    47    42    34

Club Sando    21    7    3    11    24    38    24

Morvant/Caledonia    22    5    3    14    23    49    18

Pt Fortin Civic    22    4    4    14    19    46    16

St Ann’s Rangers    22    2    5    15    23    50    11