An important aspect about the determinants of suicide is the much-researched role of media impact on the suicide rate. As I discussed the subject, I noted opposing views to commenting in the media on suicide, a few suggesting that such headlines were thought to increase incidence.

The thing I have learned in the last year of academia, and more specifically in my investigations in medical science, is that you can find research to prove or disprove any point or opinion on any issue.

Media effects theory have been studied for decades. For many researchers, the interest had been especially that of television and its impact on behaviour. More so, the idea of television and its impact on children has been documented from any angle you wish to consider. There is possible proof for any theory you wish to support.

In recent years, the advent of the Internet and its impact on behaviour and norms have engaged the discourse. More so, and reasonably too, the discussion has leaned to that of social media and how it influences the action and conduct of the more vulnerable among us.

With the coming into being of Facebook in 2004, many changes were realised in the way we use media. As well, many well-founded theories emerged again or were refuelled by the perceived power of this medium to move the minds of those consuming what it offers.

In the past decade, cyberbullying has evolved as a serious issue—a crime, no less—and the adverse effects of this have been well documented.

Do I believe that there are groups of people who are susceptible to suicide as a result of media effect? Of course I do. As a proponent of media and a practised media researcher, I cannot deny the scientific evidence of what we call the media contagion.

What I also do well is balance my information from views on both sides of the debate. It’s important to appreciate all sides of an argument. In the instance of suicide, I argue for open dialogue, especially because there is no better way to get the message of population health to the population than mass media and now, more so, new/social media.

And so as a public health communicator—the other hat, or the same hat with a different slant —it is imperative that this forum clarifies the ongoing discourse about suicide in the media. The research shows there are specific areas of media reporting that impact on the increase of suicide, but to clear it up, it is not that media headlines or reporting on suicide “promote suicide” as some have suggested.

My deeper concern though, is that while we are talking about the issue in traditional and social media, little is being instituted in the appropriate arenas. Just last week someone responded to my column asking me to direct them to counselling services for their in-school teen and I was seriously challenged to locate such a facility.

Acting on my concern for youth mental wellbeing, last October, my partner in advocacy, international disability and mental health specialist, UK-based Dr Yansie Rolston and I met with the minister in the Ministry of Education, Dr Lovell Franci, and signalled our interest in working with education to affect the process of reaching our youth population with the right messages.

The reality is that whatever is written or said in the media is insufficient where an holistic approach to saving the lives of our young people is needed. Moreover, since the majority choose to live, then it has to be that we are teaching them to care for their wellbeing and supporting them in times of distress.

In its document titled Public Health Action For The Prevention Of Suicide, the World Health Organization says, “Achieving political commitment that is sustainable and which transcends changes in the government is, inevitably, a long and arduous process, but one with considerable potential benefits, particularly in the long-term.”

There are some actions that require more than civil society participation, however; some that demand the State’s intervention. I believe suicide is definitely one of those.

The WHO/UN document list these activities and approaches to attain the goals of national suicide strategies:-

• Promote early identification, assessment, treatment, and referral of persons at risk of suicidal behaviours for professional care

• Increase public and professional access to information about all aspects of preventing suicidal behaviour

• Support the establishment of an integrated data collection system, which serves to identify at-risk groups, individuals, and situations

• Promote public awareness with regard to issues of mental well-being, suicidal behaviours, the consequences of stress and effective crisis management

• Maintain a comprehensive training programme for identified gatekeepers (such as police, educators, mental health professionals)

• Adopt culturally appropriate protocols for the public reporting of suicidal events

• Promote increased access to comprehensive services for those at risk

• Provide supportive and rehabilitative services to people affected by suicide/suicidal behaviours

• Establish institutions or agencies to promote and coordinate research, training and service delivery with respect to suicidal behaviours.

Caroline C Ravello is a strategic communications and media practitioner with over 30 years of proficiency. She holds an MA in Mass Communications and is pursuing the MSc in Public Health (MPH) from the UWI. 

Anya Akili of Bishops’ High School Tobago showed her all-round ability after she finished second in this year’s CXC’s examinations in the Physical Education and Sport discipline.

Akili obtained a grade one with A s in Paper One and Two to finish joint second with Jamie Colquhoun of Spot Valley High of Jamaica. Sidney John of Portmouth Secondary of Dominica was the top performer. Akili was the lone T&T student to finish in the top 10 in the subject.

The Mason Hall resident was successful in all eight subjects at this year’s CXC exams. She obtained grade ones in Physical Education and Sport, Biology, English Language, Mathematics, English Literature, Spanish and a Grade Two in Geography and Grade Three in Chemistry and is currently a sixth form student pursuing studies in Biology, Chemistry and Physical Education.

Akili was the top female athlete at this year’s T&T Secondary Schools’ Track and Field Championships in April. She won gold in the girls Under-18 100 metres hurdles, 400m hurdles, high jump and long jump. At last year’s championships she won three gold medals.

The 17 year old also captured bronze in the girls’ open heptathlon at the Carifta Games in Grenada in March. In addition, she won gold in the Girls U-18 heptathlon at the Pan American Combined Cup in Toronto, Canada in June in national junior record score. A days before leaving for Canada she secured four gold medals at the National Junior Championships.

“It is challenging but you have to know your priorities. Some days you focus on your school work more and other days track and field. You have to know when to stop and when to rest,” said Akili on how she has been able to balance academics and track and field.

“I cut back on my training, not a lot to impact but I know that exams are really important. Even with a good track and field career I would still need my subjects.”

Despite focusing on preparing for exams, Akili is rating this year as her most successful.

She credits her background in sports and the support of her parents Nalini and Kamau, sister Aliyah, friends and coach Arlon Morrison for her success.

“Because of the backbone (of support), it makes everything easier,” said the young star, who also participated in netball, cricket, football, basketball and ballroom dancing.

Looking ahead to next year, she is seeking to establish new records in the girls U-20 100m hurdles and heptathlon events.

Akili’s younger sister Aliyah plays football for Bishops’ High. Akili helps her sister with balancing sports and studies.

Discarded T&T international Jason Marcano scored with seven minutes left as two-time defending Digicel T&T Pro League champions Central FC twice came from behind before earning a hard-fought 3-2 win against St Ann’s Rangers at Larry Gomes Stadium, Malabar on Tuesday.

Central, although equipped with former English Premier League forward and under-fire current T&T captain Kenwyne Jones, now lead the table with 22 points from eight matches, three points clear of bitter Couva rivals W Connection, who had temporarily hurdled Couva Sharks on goal-difference after beating third placed San Juan Jabloteh 3-0 on Friday.

St Ann’s Rangers, led by ex-Club Sando coach Anthony “Prowler” Streete, took a 1-0 lead in the tenth minute through forward Josh Toussaint, after he broke the offside trap and fired past goalkeeper Javon Sample’s into the far corner of the goal.

But that lead was wiped out a minute later when Rangers defender Lester Durham launched the ball into his own net to make it 1-1 after a desperate clearance ahead of Central forward Marcus Joseph during a quick attack by the “Couva Sharks” on the restart.

Deservingly the St Ann’s club regained the lead again through a wonderful solo goal by Jomoul Francois in the 25th, with his third league goal of the season, for a 2-1 scoreline.

St Ann’s Rangers was denied another just over the hour mark by Sample who put over a Micah Lansiquot attempt.

However defender Jameel Antoine’s arm in the way of a powerful Joseph attempt provided Central another helping hand, and referee Keilon Bacchus pointed to the penalty spot.

Joseph shouldered the responsibility and levelled the scores at 2-2 five minutes before the break with a thunderous left-footed strike to beat a fully-sprawled Christopher Biggette in goal for Rangers.

Biggette then came up big for his team to deny Keron Cummings from putting Central FC ahead in the 53rd minute while Jones had an excellent scoring chance just over the hour mark on a perfectly-placed Mickaeel Jem Gordon cross, but he failed to put his effort on target.

Coach Dale Saunders’ side finally got the break-through in the 83rd minute thanks to the combined effort of substitutes Kishun Seecharan and Marcano.

Seecharan weaved himself into the right of the area before passing to Marcano, and the veteran attacker lifted his strike beyond Biggette and into the far netting to earn Central the 3-2 victory.

Seecharan then had a chance to make it 4-2 but Biggette, was equal to the task.

Club Sando win Point

Elsewhere, on Tuesday, a double from Akeem Roach gave Club Sando a much-needed 2-0 win over winless Pt Fortin Civic at Mahaica Oval.

Roach netted in the 41st and 64th minutes against the bottom-placed Pt Fortin Civic to lead all scorers with six goals, but more importantly moved the Angus Eve-coached club one spot up into sixth on ten points, one behind fifth-positioned Rangers, with only their third league win after eight games.

Tomorrow (Friday), Central FC returns to league play against Jabloteh at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo from 6pm. This match will be followed by the First Citizens Cup final at the same venue between Defence Force and Ma Pau Stars, from 8pm

TUESDAY’S RESULTS

• Central FC 3 (Lester Durham 12th o.g, Marcus Joseph 40th pen., Jason Marcano 83rd) vs St Ann’s Rangers 2 (Josh Toussaint 11th, Jomoul Francois 25th)

• Club Sando 2 (Akeem Roach 41st’ 64th’) vs Pt Fortin Civic 0

Latest T&T Pro League Standings

Teams P W D L F A Pts

1. Central FC 8 7 1 0 19 8 22

2. W Connection 8 6 1 1 24 6 19

3. Jabloteh 8 5 1 2 16 11 16

4. Ma Pau 8 4 1 3 12 10 13

5. Rangers 8 3 2 3 12 12 11

6. Club Sando 8 3 1 4 15 16 10

7. Police 8 2 2 4 15 14 8

8. Defence Force 8 2 1 5 7 15 7

9. M/C United 8 1 3 4 12 16 6

10. Pt Fortin Civic 8 0 1 7 5 29 1

It's said that in Cuba, people sing while talking, dance while walking and woo with the lyrics of a song. It's probably still true that Cuban music is the artistic expression which has most influenced the Cuban personality.

But whether it's music, visual arts, literature, film, or the performing arts of modern dance or theatre, Cuba has an undeniably rich culture and range of artistic expression, often respected far outside its Caribbean borders. From a heritage of Spanish and African roots, with some Chinese and French Haitian influences, Cuban culture is known for its diversity and quality.

In music alone, Cuba is the musical birthplace of musical forms including the son, the habanera, the guaracha, the danzon, the rumba and the punto, not to mention the original basis of salsa. And Cuba has contributed not only to the development of jazz, but also to Argentinian tango, Ghanaian high-life, West African Afrobeat and Spanish nuevo flamenco.

Meanwhile, in the visual arts, Cubans have embraced many genres and influences, including surrealism, cubism, Soviet-influenced propaganda art posters, Afro-Cuban art forms, expressionistic art, conceptual and performance art, street and graffiti art, nalve art, and photography.

“Cuban artists are creating some of the most exciting and innovative contemporary art in the world,” wrote entertainment attorney/writer Miles Mogulescu last year in the Huffington Post (July 2015), after attending the 12th Havana Art Biennial in June 2015 and being blown away by its offerings. He continued: “The best Cuban art can stack up against the best contemporary art being created in New York, Los Angeles, Paris, London or other world art centers, while still maintaining an essential Cuban spirit.”

Blogger Melissa Leclezio wrote (in her article at https://theculturetrip.com) that there are currently about 14 art schools, a University of Fine Arts, as well as 13,000 registered artists in Cuba, despite an American embargo and a lack of internet access which she feels has severely constrained artistic development. As a result, many Cuban artists either emigrate or take another job on the side to survive in Cuba, she wrote.

The Cuban state has long played an important role in the arts. Leclezio noted that in 1983, the Revolutionary Government of Cuba established the Centro Wilfredo Lam, whose aim was to research and promote the richness of artistic creation from South America, Africa and Asia—the idea was to be universalist as well as devoted to third world culture, and also very nationalist in outlook.

Through this arts centre, the very first Havana Biennial — a visual/performing arts festival—happened in 1984. The Biennial has since “radically redefined the state’s relation to art and has also provided an opportunity for local artists to obtain international recognition,” says Leclezio, adding: “Cuban art is constantly reinventing itself through radical experimentation and visually arresting paintings and performances.”

The legacy of Fidel Castro in helping to shape all of these artistic expressions is interesting. On the one hand, the Cuban State has nurtured many artists and cultural workers with an excellent arts education.

For example, in visual art, the Cuban State founded the National School of Plastic Arts in 1962. In film, it founded the Instituto Cubano de Arte e Industria Cinematográficos (Cuban Institute of Film Art and Industry) as early as 1959.

And Cuban music schools are world renowned for producing some of the world’s greatest musicians—a disproportionally high number considering the nation’s population of 11 million.

Indeed, Blogger Isabella Creatura wrote in an article called Evaluating Music Education in Cuba and the US (posted April 25, 2015, on the site www.brownpoliticalreview.org) that: “In Cuba all children are afforded the opportunity to play the flute—or the piano, or the guitar, or any instrument in the orchestra—and play it well. Opened in 1961 as one of Castro’s early education reforms, la ENA (the Escuela Nacional de Artes) in Havana offers a nationalised music programme for children ages eight to 18.”

On the other hand, however, some critics note that much of this arts education can be skewed to nationalistic or propagandistic aims, and that some artists feel the need to leave Cuba in order to be free enough to express themselves without censorship.

The Guardian asked some T&T cultural workers who have either been to Cuba, or worked with Cuban artists or cultural organisations of different kinds, to comment on Castro's arts legacy. Here's what they said.

Nigel Campbell

Music businessman; concert producer; music blogger & reviewer; director of Production One Ltd, a company that produces the annual concert Jazz Artists on the Greens.

For some Cubans, Castro's Cuba was a fertile ground for learning and having a protected career, but in the wider world (and even here in Trinidad), we see what isolation and political constraints have caused by the loss of the possibility of a real world context for industry and commerce in music.

Someone wrote on a blog, “Cuba’s music was largely uncorrupted by commercialism.” For better or worse?

I am part of the team that presents Jazz Artists on the Greens annually, and since 2008, we have featured Cuban artists, via the Cuban Institute of Music, at our shows.

One of the things that was apparent was the lack of commercial experience highlighted by the poor marketing material, including CDs.

Yet these musicians are top-notch. Since Castro, those who stayed (in Cuba) benefited from a well-established musical conservatory education that served them well, superseding musicians from all the other islands. Their arts were world class in quality. All styles (batá, son, nueva trova, salsa) on all instruments, including violin, xylophone, saxophone, have been features of our shows.

We know a whole lot of musicians left or never returned to Cuba—Gloria Estefan, Paquito D'Rivera, Celia Cruz, famously—and they benefited from engaging in the commerce of music and the influence of synergies. A generation in Cuba played without awareness of their value.

Since Raul took over from Fidel, and some relaxation of restrictions on musicians' travel exists, we still had to deal with chaperones accompanying the musicians. They weren't managers. One musician told me that all he got from what we paid, was a stipend.

I've dealt with Cuban musicians now resident in Toronto, Canada, and they are better prepared for the world of music business.

Simply put, Castro's Cuba maintained and supported traditional Cuban music, but at the expense of a wider global preparation for after he was gone.

Bruce Paddington

Filmmaker; co-designer of the BA Film Programme at UWI; film lecturer; founder of the T&T Film Festival and the New World Film Centre; founder of the production company Banyan Productions; co-editor, with Luis Notario, of the book Exploring Caribbean Cinema, launched at the Havana International Book Fair in 2012.

Fidel Castro used to enjoy watching all types of films, but he was very aware of the power of film and its ability to help shape attitudes and behaviours. Thus he was concerned about the predominance and influence of Hollywood films and their ability to spread American culture in Cuba and internationally. So one of the first cultural institutes to be established after the Cuban revolution in 1959 was the film institute ICAIC. Within months, film production had started, and Cuba is now recognized as being one of the leaders of Latin America and world cinema.

The annual film festival in Havana starts in a few weeks and Cuba has demonstrated its regional commitment by screening Caribbean films and working closely with the trinidad+tobago film festival, while Cuban films prove to be some of the best appreciated at ttff. Fidel had the vision to support local film production, recognizing how important it is to a nation's independence and development.

Chris Cozier

Visual and mutimedia contemporary artist, arts writer, arts editorial advisor for magazines; one of the administrators of Alice Yard, a TT arts collective

The Havana Biennial is one of the major platforms for artists in this hemisphere and is a starting point for many. This is now a major global art event.

Trinidad remains oblivious and is still locked into little local picture sales as art events, and exhibitions in little air-conditioned spaces, with no broader ambition.

In fact, the work that got me into the Havana Biennial in 1994 was ridiculed by some big-name local artists, but was seen/respected by the Cuban curator who was doing research. So it was an engagement or investment in my potential—what my work could become, rather than a dismissal. So that was my first exposure, after art school in the US, to the real art game.

As a professional participant, I never really looked back. At the Havana Biennial, I met artists, curators and critics from India, Africa, Mexico and Latin America... even some US and British professionals searching for global conversations. Being invited there launched my career in a way that Trinidad was not interested in or capable of, and this was during Cuba's "Special Period" when things were tough there— they still had the commitment (it seemed ironic).

Their artists and curators are now major world players because they invested in these kinds of events, dialogues and institutions. There are now so many major artists from Cuba on the world stage.

This does not mean that Cuban artists are not challenged by the State, (when the artists) push their critique too far, as the recent events surrounding Tania Bruguera illustrated. 

Allison Guerra-Seepaul

Dancer, teacher

I attended an international workshop some years ago at the Danza Contemporanea de Cuba, in Cuban modern dance. This dance style, known as Cubadanza, is a hybrid of ballet, modern dance, Afro-Cuban folklore and social dancing.

The classes were rigorous and physically demanding and conducted in a very disciplined manner. Drumming accompaniment was an integral part of most classes and reverence was always paid to the presence of the elders, who were the drummers.

Apart from another foreigner, the classes were made up of Cubans who were extremely proficient with this style and whose manner and approach to the training was passionate. Due to limitations with language, conversations with classmates were limited. I was, however, assigned an interpreter, who was present at every class.

A couple years later, I was privileged to see Sulkari, the work of the famous Cuban choreographer, the late Eduardo Rivera, performed at a dance festival in Grenada. Dancers from Grenada and Jamaica have forged strong links with Cuba and avail themselves of the training there on a regular basis.

It is said that after the Cuban Revolution, the development of Cuban artistes was one of the goals of the Fidel Castro-led government. In the case of dance, an indigenous form was created, to embody all the styles of dance practiced in Cuba, displaying the forces of cross-pollination.

Government support was given for this endeavor. This is very evident in the ability of the dancers, trained in this style, who develop the strength, flexibility, precision and dexterity of modern dance and ballet, but also the fluidity of the spine and the earthiness that is characteristic of many folk forms. Dance is central to Cuban life, both as a form of worship and entertainment.

During her short stay back home to launch her album, Kelshall-Bynoe said: “This is actually my first solo album. It’s been an amazing process from beginning to end, and a huge learning curve as well. I’ve done everything...with no luck on the sponsorship side, I mean everything.

“I didn’t want to ask family to pitch in as this is all me. I’m making the money to fund it as I go, with my artwork and performances. It gets expensive with hidden costs for licences and marketing etc...hidden to me.”

Kelshall has been singing since childhood and is still fondly remembered as the first female vocalist in Second Imij, now Imij & Co. Leaving the band in 1994, Kelshall-Bynoe embarked on her own musical voyage and spiced it up with a bit of acting. Her first movie, Flight of the Ibis, was an action thriller filmed in Los Angeles, USA and Trinidad and was screened on several US movie channels. She also married Ralph Bynoe and had a daughter, Chloe Rose, who she describes as “an angel from heaven.”

Reflecting on her career, Kelshall-Bynoe said: “I don’t expect to be everyone’s cup of tea but, if you happen to like my flavour, I am genuinely grateful. Locally, I have also worked with some of our top artistes like David Rudder, Denyse Plummer, Shurwayne Winchester; actually too many to mention them all. I also used to do a TV show on TV6 with Machel Montano and Ronnie Mc Intosh. Mine has been an long career of amazing moments.”

For Kelshall-Bynoe, having her own solo album is a dream come true. She said: “I thought it was like magic before with record companies behind me over the years. This was one of the things on my bucket list to achieve; an album with my writing to do well.

Quite proud of her first solo album, Kelshall-Bynoe said: “My Christmas album is close to my heart because I am a Christmas person.

“This is as authentic Tricia Lee as it gets. It’s all well and good to have a major hit with someone else’s writing but I wanted to achieve a hit with my writing. So, I went after it.

“I have an amazing team in my corner making sure I stay on the right path. The team includes Walt Lovelace, Martin “Mice” Raymond, Lee Alyoung, Gary Jordan, Simon Baptiste and my family.”

She continued: “I produced Heart be Light at Studio J Recordings with Jason Dasent, a long-time friend.

“I included Kevon Carter on the first single—Call me Baby —as he was a great fit for my concept and talented as well as a vocalist and writer. I am so very happy to give something to my fans who are still there supporting me. It’s wonderful to have that kind of fuel in your engine.

“It forces you to live up to your potential. I am in Trinidad for the season and busy with corporate functions as well as supporting the single and the album. I can be easily found on FB,” she said.

Despite living in the UK and parts of the US for many years, the affable Kelshall-Bynoe remains “Trini to the bone,” still holding on to many of her childhood peeves and likes. For instance, she thinks ice cream should come in just two flavours—strawberry and coconut.

“I go into art shops just to smell the grey and white erasers,” she adds. “Again, it reminds me of my first new pencil box for ‘big school’. The smell of preserved pepper mango and preserved pepper plums makes me weak. I actually prefer to smell it than eat it.”

Kelshall continued: “Although I am based in the US I am always in Trinidad for performances. I actually think I live in Trinidad more than Florida. It’s a short ride home and airfare is inexpensive, which makes working constantly in Trinidad an option. I am in Trinidad for the entire Christmas season and will be there for Carnival as well. We are deep into the season and my performance schedule is heavy.”

Faced with the challenge of marketing and promoting her album, Kelshall-Bynoe keeps faith that her beautiful voice will take her over all obstacles in her career.

“I was telling daddy that this is where all the hard work falls through the cracks as I just don’t have that money to put an ad in the papers every day,” said Kelshall-Bynoe. “I love that he respects my need to do this on my own. He has always forced us to stand on our own feet. Next time, I will seek funding first and then attempt.

“However, I can’t complain. My song is doing well so I am grateful.”

For Caribbean readers, the most important chapter will be on the one on Cuba, titled An Old Love is Neither Forgotten nor Abandoned. The authors do a masterful job of dismantling the many myths of Fidel Castro’s revolution, showing how Cuba had not made as much progress as left-wing propagandists claim.

“In 1953...countries such as Holland, France, the UK and Finland had proportionately fewer doctors and dentists than Cuba...,” write the authors. They also easily rebut the oft-repeated claim that all Cuba’s economic woes are due to the USs’ embargo (often misleadingly called a “blockade” by Castro apologists).

“There is virtually no product that Cuba needs that it can’t buy from Japan, Europe, Korea, China or Latin America...” they point out. “The problem simply is that Cuba produces very little because its government is extremely inefficient and therefore the country lacks products to sell or foreign currency to buy them...”

In respect to history, they note that the American government distanced itself from Cuba several months before the fall of Fulgencio Batista, declared an embargo on the sale of arms, and asked the dictator to find a political solution to the civil war that was tearing the country apart.” In terms of finance, the authors point out that the 40,000 companies created by Cubans in the United States today have value several times greater than the sum of all US investments made in Cuba before 1959.

Of course, none of their arguments will convince Castro admirers because, they write, “Being a perfect idiot, he will find plausible explanations for the worst disasters created by Castro. If there is hunger on the island, the cruel US embargo is to blame; if there are exiles, it’s because they are traitors incapable of understanding the revolutionary process; if there are prostitutes, it isn’t due to poverty but rather because Cubans now have the freedom to use their bodies as they wish.”

The introduction to the book is written by the 2010 winner of the Nobel Literature Prize, Peruvian novelist Mario Vargas Llosa, who writes: “No one is immune from succumbing to this type of idiocy at some time in life”, pointing to a 1967 quote by himself in the book where he praises Cuba for emancipating itself. But Vargas Llosa changed his views; the same can’t be said for Castro admirers here.

Guide to the Perfect Latin American Idiot

Plinio Apuleyo Mendoza, Carlos Alberto Montaner, Alvaro Vargas Llosa.

Madison Books, 1996.

Review by Kevin Baldeosingh

This week we will look at the external links we developed over the past year and our plans for 2017. One of the first links we developed this year was with our fellow NGOs.

This was facilitated by Microsoft Trinidad who partnered with Alta to deliver its Technology for Good Day for non-profit organisations. The event aimed to provide non-profits with the technological tools and know-how needed to augment their social impact. At the event it was announced that non-profits with charitable status would receive access to Microsoft Office 365. As Alta was the first NGO in T&T to benefit from this offer and uses O365 daily, we were a fitting partner. For Alta it was great exposure and an opportunity to network and assist NGOs around the country.

Alta also benefitted from our link with the Citizen Security Programme. While the Programme ended this year, through it we were able to produce two different Anti-Stigma campaigns and start a new Alta class in Enterprise, Chaguanas.

Being a part of the CSP fold involves membership in the Civil Society Working Group, which meets to discuss triumphs and challenges, and to network and brainstorm on projects.

This membership has afforded Alta opportunities to increase capacity through training, notably in the areas of monitoring and evaluation and communications.

In 2016, Alta was also able to support the revival of the Alta programme in Grenada. The Alta class there has been given new life by a group of 5 new Alta trained tutors.

The group has formed a non-profit organisation, Adult Literacy Initiative of Grenada (ALIG). ALIG has since signed a MOU with Alta, and will provide free literacy classes by Alta trained personnel, governed by Alta principles, methods and guidelines. Expectation for this programme is high and Alta welcomes this initiative to keep our Grenada link going.

Our big idea to dramatically widen the reach of Alta is Alta Online and a team of tutors and staff have been working on this for three years.

Like all new ideas, especially ones that involve computer programming, Alta Online has had some stops and starts but in January this year we teamed up with Leonardo Pierre and his company Dacion who are developing a user-friendly design that puts Alta fully in control of all content.

The team is really pleased with the new product and excited.

Next year, in October 2017, Alta turns 25. We plan to mark this achievement with the launch of Alta Online, to take us into the next 25 years with online teaching side by side with classroom teaching.

Volunteer, donate or sponsor-a-student. Call 624-2582 or email altapos.tt@gmail.com for more info. Keep up to date with Alta on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: Alta TT

Ravi Suryadevara, president of the American Chamber of Commerce of T&T, is expecting energy, trade and immigration to be some of the top issues that Donald Trump’s administration will be exploring in relation to T&T and the Caribbean when he takes office in January.

“There is change but there are also opportunities in that change that we need to be pre-determined to—and perhaps should be working towards—presenting a position both bilaterally and as a region. That is why we are monitoring and watching developments between now and January 20. Energy, immigration and trade will be the areas with immediate effect,” he told the Business Guardian last week at the Chaguanas office.

He congratulated the United States and President-elect Trump on free and fair elections.

He added that AmCham T&T would continue to monitor developments in Washington and its impact on T&T and the region.

Suryadevara spoke about President-elect Trump’s future energy policy and its impact on T&T and the Caribbean.

T&T is the largest producer of LNG in the hemisphere in which several Caribbean countries are looking to switch to LNG.

However, Jamaica is set to be a new LNG player in the energy matrix and an American company, New Fortress LLC has invested in a regasification plant on the island’s north coastal second city of Montego Bay.

“Jamaica’s MoBay plant has completed its natural gas upgrade so it is now open to receive liquefied natural gas (LNG) and they have designs to become a supplier of LNG within the region. Their main power stations are now going to be powered by LNG with supplies from the US. That is probably going to be mimicked in other areas in the Caribbean as this becomes a testament of successful operationalisation. This is a 190-megawatt power plant in Jamaica so clearly there are US energy exports entering the region. Small-scale energy cargoes were supposedly a challenge for companies interested in supplying the region, but now we are seeing the cargoes finding their space within and it is not coming from T&T.”

He believes that based on what Trump said on his election campaign, he wants the United States to be energy self-sufficient.

This comes at a time of declining natural gas production in T&T.

Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness, while in T&T in mid-November, had said the LNG terminal in Montego could be a game changer and that Jamaica is poised to become the LNG hub of the region.

New Fortress Energy invested US $175 million to construct the Jamaican regasification plant.

Suryadevara said given this scenario, T&T has to determine where it will competitively land its energy product output.

“Trump wants to unlock the potential of shale. In doing so, not only is there going to be a self sufficiency within the US, but it affords a displaced consumption back into the marketplace that the US would have consumed. So there is now this energy re-balancing on a global scale with muted consumption effects.”

He also referred to global oil giant, Saudi Arabia whose government has made it clear of the need to “pivot away from oil and gas” into a new economy. He added that T&T needs to do the same.

Trump has made his intentions clear to deport illegal migrants back to their countries of origin.

Suryadevara said the United States’ immigration policy must be looked at within the context of its economy and where it is headed, which is similar to T&T’s situation.

“You would have noticed during the campaign there was no focus on Caribbean trade on either political side. Similarly, there is the issue of immigration and it is an issue the Americans have to treat with no different than T&T has to deal with its own immigration issue.

”How do you balance the requirements of a growing economy and the segmentation of a labour force to fuel the growth of that economy?”

Suryadevara asked about what size of population would T&T need to have with a labour force that could produce goods and services that would be internationally competitive.

“Does the population need to increase?

“So while there is postulation among some that T&T’s population needs to increased, we also have large portions that are not formally engaged in the economy. It is no different in the United States as there are jobs that are filled by different segments of the labour market and immigration fuels that,” he said.

Suryadevara is hopeful that the new US Government would place more emphasis on a “pre-clearance” agreement.

“In preclearance, it means if you clear custom, excise and immigration in T&T before you even land in the US. So when you go through your screening checks you would be clearing as if you are clearing in a port in the US. The benefit of becoming a pre-clearance site is that you can access domestic US airports from Piarco. You can have a business traveler from the US come to T&T with a driver’s permit so we can access huge markets that presently have to go through international airports. Imagine what it would mean for trade and business investment.”

He said AmChamT&T will continue to discuss the issue with the T&T Government and other stakeholders.

“Barbados has already had their airport audited for pre-clearance consideration and that was a push by AmCham Barbados and the private sector. While we may not have the market size for preclearance, there are other factors in T&T which gives us an advantage,” he said.

Trade legislation

Suryadevara spoke about the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI) which derives from the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act of 1983, was amended and became the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Agreement in 2000.

He said it is up for re-negotiation in September 2020 which would be at the end of Trump’s presidential term.

He also spoke about a new piece of legislation that would shape US and Caribbean relations.

“You also have the Caribbean Strategic Engagement Act of 2016 which is a significant piece of legislation that we can look towards. This was brought by House Committee on Foreign Affairs Eliot Engel out of New York and it has already been passed in the US House of Representatives. It is now before the Senate and it is being pushed and co-sponsored by two Republicans and and seven Democrats. In principle, it also builds upon the CBI and what they call the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, which is an add on to the CBI,” he said.

A media release from the US House of Representative on June 13, 2016 said the legislation requires the State Department and administrator of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) to submit to Congress a multi-year strategy focused on enhancing engagement with the countries of the Caribbean and enhancing outreach to diaspora communities in the United States. The legislation puts particular emphasis on energy security, countering violence, expanded diplomacy, and other priority areas.

The media release also quoted from Eliot who spoke on the House Floor during the debate: “That is the aim of this bill, which would prioritise US-Caribbean relations for years to come.”

Suryadevara said the CBI has been “hugely beneficial” to T&T.

“Energy exports from T&T dominate almost 70 per cent of CBI concessions historically. In the 2013 report presented by the International Trade Commission which assesses the trade arrangements of the US with partners, CBO provides market access for our merchandise like LNG, petrochemical products into the US.”

Economic outlook

Suryadevara also spoke about T&T’s economic outlook for 2017 given the international climate and local developments.

The Central Bank’s November Monetary Policy Report (MPR) said T&T’s GDP declined by 6.7 per cent in the first half of 2016.

He said this comes as no surprise toAmCham T&T nor was it to the rest of the business community in the country.

“Businesses are experiencing this on a daily basis. Not to be a bearer of bad news but we at AmCham T&T believe that the second half of 2016 if it is not equivalent to the first-half decline, may be slightly worse. The conditions will be similar. If you look at the outages on the Point Lisas Industrial Estate for maintenance, the downtime of Atlantic and compounded with gas curtailment, it is hard to have an expectation that the second half of the year will be better.”

He said 2017 is shaping up to be a challenging year.

The MPR forecast that T&T would achieve 1.6 per cent GDP growth in 2017.

“The Central Bank is privy to a lot more data than we are but we do see 2017 as being challenging. We as operators are feeling the economic decline in revenue contraction, labour challenges, foreign exchange shortages, so we live it. This is a confirmation of what we have been going through.”

Despite the economic problems, he said T&T still has a lot going for it.

“We are going into 2017 with a very healthy import cover, the Heritage Stabilisation Fund (HSF) is still of great consequence. But we no longer can simply bank on that. The rate of transformation has to be more deliberate in 2017 and we will work with the Government in achieving positions for the new economy.”

AmCham T&T membership

AmCham T&T has 300 members and 25 per cent of its membership are US-based companies. That 25 per cent represents a little over 50 per cent of the US companies in T&T that are members of AmCham. This means not every US-based company belongs to AmCham.

He estimated that there are 90 to 95 US-based companies in T&T.

Members of the business community say the Cuban market remains a lucrative one for them; both for import and export. This comes after the largest delegation to visit that country returned from the 2016 Havana Fair. This took place between October 31 and November 4.

The Cuban market also became attractive when outgoing US President Barack Obama had announced in December 2014 that the US would be lifting the trade embargo with Cuba.

But even though much is happening in that country—stemming from the death of former President Fidel Castro last week—members of T&T business community say they are still very interested in that market comprising a population of 11 million people.

Describing the trip as very success, Manufacturers Association president Dr Rolph Balgobin said close to 100 people comprise the delegation. He said leaders of businesses attended and not just their representatives.

In high praise of the attendance of the Trade Minister Paula Gopee-Scoon as the head of the delegation, Balgobin said the T&T businesses were able to have ministerial consultation with the Cuban authorities.

“That opened all sorts of opportunities in terms of doing reciprocal trade. We saw things that Cuba is doing that we are not doing, particularly, in pharmacology and bio-technology. There are a lot of opportunities for reciprocal trade arrangements.”

Balgobin said many local companies were interested in doing business with Cuba. The external environment in Cuba is different, he said, when it comes to the legal, social and economic aspects.

“You (businesses) will have to go through a process of unravelling and getting your products into the two major state enterprises that do procurement,” advised Balgobin.

The current push by local companies into Cuba is taking place at a time when the north Caribbean island is changing and opening up. “That means we have to get the state enterprises (in Cuba) to purchase more of our products, which I think they have committed to do.”

The level of engagement which the delegation had with Cuba’s Trade Minister was “very serious” as that country’s trade minister reports directly to Raoul Castro.

“We don’t anticipate any problems with the passing of Fidel Castro. We think the changes taking place in Cuba have to take place and are a necessary feature of the irreversible evolution of the Cuban economy.”

Sacha Cosmetics Ltd

Kama Maharaj, managing director and founder of Sacha Cosmetics Ltd, said the entire delegation including Gopee-Scoon was very well received in Cuba and a “huge” impact was made in finding opportunities for T&T’s business community.

Specifically, he said, having the minister as part of the delegation meant that dialogue with Cuban ministers was easy.

“We’re (Sacha Cosmetics) the largest plant in the Caribbean so going to Cuba was just to reinforce ourselves in the market,” said Maharaj.

Asked about competition, Maharaj said now that T&T has entered the Cuban market, the US-brands would not be able to withstand the competitiveness of our brands. American brands would not come in. They would get frustrated. T&T has a huge opportunity in Cuba because it has only three duty-free agreements: Venezuela, Bolivia and Caricom.”

Maharaj said all that’s left to be put in place is the system by which businesses would be paid and that is being arranged with Eximbank and the Cuban authorities. He added that Minister Gopee-Scoon has to return to Cuba to ensure that this is in place.

“That (payment arrangement with Eximbank) would open the market and put in place duty-free agreements.”

Recounting other meetings and activities, Maharaj said, “The minister had a very interesting meeting with a supplier of medical drugs, which I thought was very forward thinking. Cuba produces all the cancer and diabetes drugs that they use in the hospitals. This means T&T can purchase medical drugs from Cuba at a cheaper rate.”

Maharaj is hopeful the payment agreement would be in place soon since manufacturers and the business community are “well-poised to dominate that market.”

Vemco Ltd

Vemco chief executive Christopher Alcazar also described the trip to Cuba as “successful.”

He said having the Trade Minister form part of the delegation meant there was a higher level of interest and response from the Cubans.

“This could lead to cutting through some of the red tape into entering the market.”

Although entering the market would not happen immediately for Vemco, he is satisfied with the results.

“While there has already been success for some companies, Vemco doesn’t expect exports to Cuba to materialise before a year, as we follow a process of registration.”

In addition to the Cuban market, Alcazar said Vemco met with several companies from other markets, “who were very interested in our products. Some were distributors in Belize, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic and we anticipate exports to one or more of these leads within a 12-month period.”

The ruling People’s National Movement suffered an overall 8 per cent fall in support in Monday’s Local Government election compared with its position in the 2013 election, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley said yesterday.

Rowley gave the figure during the post-Cabinet media briefing as he slammed the media for “misinformation” in its coverage of Monday’s election.

The PNM won seven corporations to the Opposition United National Congress’ six, with a tie for the Sangre Grande corporation.

Rowely said misinformation was fed to the media to distract from what was clearly a defeat of the Opposition.

“The entire coverage on Monday was based on misinformation fed to the media...people who didn’t want to face a defeat organised to do this - I must say they did a brilliant job of feeding misinformation,” he said.

Taking issue with reports of preliminary, estimated (unconfirmed ) voter turnout of 17 per cent, Rowley said data available to the PNM was that the voter turnout was 34 per cent. He said their information was also that the turnout figure was as high as 40 per cent.

Most areas were around 30 per cent, with the lowest turnout of 22 per cent and 23 per cent in Port-of -Spain and Diego Martin “where PNM won all seats,” he said.

“That being the case, it was a little aggravating to see the entire media corps accepting wrong information,” he said, noting the PNM was awaiting final results by the Election and Boundaries Commission, which are due to be released today.

The 34 per cent turnout figure PNM has data on, Rowley said, was “relatively normal” for a local government election.

“But it was put across on Monday, that this (election) was the lowest ever turnout — that’s plain not true; it’s an average turnout,” he said.

“In 2013 Local Government election the (turnout of 41 per cent) was unusual as we had a very unpopular government, and we had an exercised PNM anticipating general election - so we had a good turnout then.”

“There were times before when the LG turnout was in the 20s. ...I’m not trying to tell you how to do your scrutiny and analysis. All I’m saying is let it be done on the basis of the data.”

He added, “What happened Monday was an embarrassment. I saw people on national television, not a scrap of paper in front of them, not a line of data — yet pontificating on data which was plainly wrong and attempting to hold the PNM to analysis on wrong data.”

Rowley said it wasn’t for him to tell the media how to run their business, “but if you’re going to comment about us, it’s not unreasonable for you to put to us correct information.”

Rowley said the PNM went into the election with 85 seats and won 82.

“But those who won 55 seats managed to get the media to say they won — I find that conversation a little convoluted...It’s not true the Opposition took 12 PNM seats.”

He added the PNM lost one seat and won new seats, including in south, which hadn’t been won in 24 years.

...APOLOGISES TO REPORTER

Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley yesterday indicated he had apologised to Newsday reporter Sean Douglas.

This following reports that Rowley had “steupsed” on Monday night when asked a question by Douglas at a press conference at PNM’s Balisier House headquarters after Local Government election results.

Rowley alluded to the apology while responding to questions at yesterday’s post-Cabinet media briefing.

He said, “I apologised to my friend Sean Douglas...who was being a little (am)... anyway...”

The PM had come in for criticism of his behaviour on Monday.

Yesterday, when asked if he regretted the “steups,” Rowley said he’d been “amazed” on Monday at what “became an exercise for the media” and he wasn’t sure the media had known what he was referring to.

He said his reaction had been to “misinformation” being peddled and it was aggravating to him.

Officials of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) have taken a decision to reconcile their differences with T&T and West Indies batsman Darren Bravo. However, it will depend on the left-hander and if he’s willing to play his part.

A well-placed source close to the latest developments at the WICB has indicated to the Trinidad Guardian that the board’s officials are willing to provide counselling and career guidance for the player, who hails from Santa Cruz, in order to get his career back on track as quickly as possible.

According to the source: “The board has recognised that Bravo is a young man with immense cricketing talent but it believes he’s not dealing with issues in the right way at the moment. The source continued he (Bravo) has exhibited actions that are not in his best interests of his well-being and the sport. Imagine being sent home for disciplinary reasons and going ahead to post a tweet ‘home sweet home’.

The source added: “The WICB is willing to provide the counselling for him, but this must take place through his local club Queen’s Park CC, which shares a close relationship with him and the Board believes he will be more than comfortable in such environment.

“He is too much of a talent to be lost to West Indies cricket and the board is not saying that they are done with him.”

Bravo, 27, has sent a legal letter to the WICB, questioning the manner in which he was sent home from the regional team’s tour of Zimbabwe on November 9. The board, it is understood, has not met on the matter concerning his claim and as such no official response has come from them. They are expected to meet soon and formulate an official response.

Since returning home, Bravo has met with Queen’s Park officials and their “cricket captain” Colin Murray has been taking a lead role in trying to get the issues resolved in an amicable fashion.

Bravo was sent home from Zimbabwe after he allegedly tweeted against president of the WICB, Dave Cameron. He called him a “big idiot” in the tweet and was asked to apologise, which he has not up until now.

What ignited the situation is the fact that Bravo, as one of the premier batsmen in the West Indies, set up was offered a ‘C’ contract by the regional body for next year.

The board’s director Conde Riley explained later that they used a formula to come up with the grade which determined the contract level each player would get, but the left-hander was unhappy with the WICB offer. This was further aggravated by comments made by the WICB president Dave Cameron on SportsMax about Bravo’s performance.

When Bishop Anstey Junior School (BAJS) hosts its 50th Anniversary Recognition celebration on Saturday, December 17, Sharon Rowley, wife of Prime Minister Keith Rowley, will be the patron of the event.

She graduated from the school at Monte Cristo, St Ann’s in 1970, and says she owes much of her successes in life to the tutelage she received at the Monte Cristo institution in St Ann’s. Rowley entered BAJS in its second enrollment of students in 1967.

Esther Best, chair of the BAJS Board of Management, expressed pride in honouring the accumulation of over 363 years of service to BAJS by the people to be recognised. Rowley, as well as her sisters, children, nieces and nephew, all attended BAJS.

In an interview with the T&T Guardian this week, reflecting on her stint at BAJS, Rowley said: “I can readily say it was perhaps one of the best periods of my educational experience. Moving from Tranquility Primary to Bishop’s Junior, at the age of eight, was to me, at the time, a transition into bliss. I moved from a school where corporal punishment was the order of the day to one where discipline took the form of order marks or detentions.

“Rulers, straps and canes were unheard of, but we were all remarkably disciplined. Learning was no longer just English and Arithmetic but included Geography, History, French, Scripture, Dance, Physical Education and General Science. I was like a sponge at that age and, to this day, I remember fondly the books that I used, the teachers who made an impression, some of whom, like Angela Massiah (now Nicholls), I speak with regularly. I remember the hikes to the forest, catching fish in the river and treks to the games field which, at the time, seemed to be as large as the (Queen’s Park) Savannah.”

Rowley continued: “It was the perfect foundation for what an education should be. We were taught to be all-round students and, where you had the ability to excel, you were encouraged to do so. Without knowing it, you were being taught to reach for the stars in your endeavours.

“The moral training which you received was generally an extension of what you were taught at home. Ingrained in you were good moral values and spirituality (I was a Roman Catholic in an Anglican school but I never felt different). I had a thirst for knowledge, and punctuality and discipline were important. There was always beneficial competitiveness and I thrived on it.”

Alumni of BAJS contend that the school is the ideal crucible for forging positive family values and virtues. About the influence BAJS had on her and her family, Rowley said: “I come from a family of three girls, and once my elder sister attended the school, it was a natural progression that I should attend, as well as my younger sister. At the time it was an all girls’ school and I don’t think we have suffered as a result. We all proudly fly the BAJS flag.

“The experience was so positive and we were all so satisfied with the end-product that my younger sister and I have sent all our children to Bishop’s Junior and they have all done well. To do otherwise we would have been traitors (smile). In fact, I can safely say there was never a day when my girls did not want to go to school. They enjoyed the school immensely. I see the Junior School as part of our family legacy; a tradition which I see that my elder daughter, Tonya, intends to abide by since I hear her speaking of sending her 21-month-old son to BAJS.”

BAJS has produced many of the nation's exemplars and public figures. Ingrid Lashley is now the managing director, chief executive officer of TTMF, and Etienne Charles, who recently hosted the San Jose Suite concert at Queen's Hall, is an internationally recognised musician, recording artiste, composer, arranger, and assistant professor of Jazz Studies at Michigan State University, USA. UK-based French Caribbean composer Dominique Le Gendre is also a BAJS alumna and has written extensively for theatre, BBC radio drama, film, television and dance over the 25 years that she has been living in London.

“And there are so many others who have become lawyers, doctors, teachers, psychologists, environmental scientists, bankers, marketing specialists, managers, architects, song writers, radio show hosts, models,” added Rowley. “You name it, a former student of BAJS has excelled in the field.”

Rowley is elated at being invited to be the patron of the 50th anniversary event and hopes that the school will have another successful 50 years.

“As the patron, and as an alumni of the school, I hope that during this 50th year we are able to increase the visibility of the school as we highlight its successes and challenges, and as we endorse its vision. Through this vision we must encourage the students, the parents and the teachers to reach for that common goal, as is set out in the school’s mission statement, to develop confident, ethical and well-rounded individuals who successfully shape an ever-changing environment.

“There must be a common understanding of that destination which allows all stakeholders to align their efforts in the same direction as we prepare the children of BAJS for the journey of life.”

Bishop Anstey Junior School was a creation of Arthur Henry Anstey. In 1966 the school moved from Chancery Lane to Monte Cristo. The 50th Anniversary Celebrations will be held at the Auditorium of Bishop Anstey/Trinity College East, Trincity.

ST JOHN’S—Legendary captain, Sir Vivian Richards, believes the recent sending home of Darren Bravo from the Tri-Nations Series is another indicator of the lack of progress in West Indies cricket.

Speaking to the Observer newspaper here, the former master batsman said whenever there were positive strides made, there were always being undermined by controversy and this was a culture which needed to change.

“I think it’s about time that we just leave these things alone at this stage. I guess there are a lot of issues going on there,” Sir Viv said.

“All that I can say on the whole matter is that rather than moving on, we just keep moving back every time. Every time there is some grounds gained, we move yards back after that.”

Bravo was sent home ahead of the tournament in Zimbabwe after the West Indies Cricket Board cancelled his match/tour contract over a controversial tweet.

Responding to WICB president Dave Cameron’s criticism of his form which led to him earning only a Grade C retainer contract, Bravo tweeted: “You have been failing 4 d last 4yrs. Y don’t u resign and FYI I’ve neva been given an A contract. Big idiot @davec51.”

@davec51 is Cameron’s twitter handle.

The board subsequently informed Bravo that he had contravened the terms of his match/tour contract and that he would be withdrawn from the tour. He was also given a deadline to remove the offending tweet but failed to do so.

Sir Viv, who never lost a series as captain, said it was possible Bravo’s incident could be stemming from his older brother Dwayne’s wrangles with the board.

“I just believe that maybe, young Darren Bravo himself could be in that persecuting sort of a lane because of maybe, other stuff that was done with his brother (Dwayne) so it’s a long story,” he surmised.

West Indies failed to make the final of the Tri-Nations Series which was won by Sri Lanka.

DHAKA—T&T’s all-rounder Kevon Cooper has found himself in trouble over his action again, after being reported for a suspect bowling action during the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League.

The 27-year-old, who bowls right-arm seam, has a history of issues with his action and was also reported during the Pakistan Super League earlier this year and in the Indian Premier League two years ago.

In 2011, Cooper was also reported while playing in the Caribbean Twenty20.

Cooper joins left-arm spinner Arafat Sunny who was also reported for having a suspect action and the BPL technical committee chairman, Jalal Yunus, said the cases of both players were being dealt with.

All-rounder Kevon Cooper … reported for suspect action.

“Sunny was reported once, in their (Rangpur Riders) last game [on November 28],” Yunus said.

“The next step would be for the BCB’s bowling action review committee to analyse video footage of the delivery, which we will do soon after the end of the tournament. We have sent Cooper’s footage to the WICB.”

Cooper, who has played just two first class games for Trinidad and Tobago, has mainly plied his trade on the global T20 circuit.

He has played seven of Titans’ 10 games but has had little success with bat or ball.

Overall, he has taken 175 wickets in 148 T20s and scored just over 600 runs.

Yunus said in the future the BPL would be taking a closer look at foreign players who had a history of suspect actions.

“In the next BPL, we hope to do the video analysis of suspected bowling action during the tournament itself,” he noted.

“We will also have to be aware of foreign players who have been reported previously, so that we can inform our franchises beforehand. We don’t want to have such bowlers in future tournaments.”

Cooper is one of a plethora of West Indian players currently plying their trade in the BPL.

CMC

CASTRIES—Caribbean Premier League organisers announced yesterday that the Twenty20 showpiece had once again exceeded global viewership figures for the just concluded season, with a nearly 44 per cent increase over the previous year.

According to figures, this year’s tournament enjoyed an audience of 134 million, a significant rise over the 93 million viewers that tuned in for the 2015 edition.

Viewing numbers have steadily risen from 36 million in the inaugural year in 2013 and the 66 million recorded for the 2014 event.

“Today is a proud day and further evidence of the rising international stature of the Hero CPL not just in the Americas, but across the UK, India, Middle East and beyond,” said CPL’s chief executive, Damien O’Donohoe.

Record numbers tuned in to the 2016 Caribbean Premier League.

“The release of these global viewership figures are a tremendous boost, not just for the game of cricket in the Caribbean, but for each of the local tourism boards and our loyal sponsors who invest so much in the development and marketing of the game.”

Several broadcast markets also enjoyed a significant boost in viewing numbers. In India, there was a doubling of viewership from 44 million to 82 million while in the United Kingdom, numbers grew from 548 000 in 2015 to 2.5 million.

In the United States where matches were played for the first time in Florida, there was an increase from 694 000 to 743 000.

O’Donohoe pointed out that the figures were also a reflection of a successful year for West Indies cricket and said organisers would continue to build on the quality product for 2017.

“The profile of West Indies cricket has never been higher and 2016 was a memorable year with the men’s senior and Under-19 sides, as well as the women’s team, enjoying international success in the first half of the year,” he noted.

“From the tournament’s inception back in 2013, we were determined to showcase the very best of what the Caribbean has to offer, both on and off the field, and we believe that the growth of the biggest party in sport in 2016 has further enhanced this reputation.

“We are immensely proud of the huge steps that the tournament has made in just four short years. Furthermore, we believe that there is even more to come in 2017 as we continue to attract the biggest names to the Caribbean and shine a spotlight on the incredible and unique culture that continues to thrive across the region.”

Jamaica Tallawahs are the reigning CPL champions after defeating Guyana Amazon Warriors by nine wickets in the August final in St Kitts. (CMC)

Using the sport of cycling as a pillar of nation-building is one of the main things on incumbent president Robert Farrier’s mind as he makes another bid to be re-elected at the helm of the T&T Cycling Federation at tomorrow’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Election of Officers at the National Cycling Centre, Balmain, Couva.

Farrier will be challenged for the top spot by Rowena Williams, an ex president under whose leadership the construction of the National Cycling Centre took place.

But yesterday Farrier in a comprehensive manifesto, outlined his intentions for the sport and the country if he were to be returned as president. It included assisting athletes in achieve their goals of performing at the highest level locally and internationally and promote health and fitness to its members and thereby foster a healthier nation. The local cycling boss is also advocating the use of bikes as a preferred means of transport.

He believes the country is equipped with the potential to qualify more than one sprinter to the 2020 Olympic Games, saying the country has a great history of sprinters and currently the talent pool is extremely high. “The goal is to develop a pool of sprinters, both males and females, for the Olympics. Additionally, a provision should be made for athletes with the potential to get into the first tier.”

According to Farrier, the country is also filled with men and women track endurance cyclists who are just outside the top 10 at the Pan American level and gave the assurance that a pool of riders will be developed and development strategies will be implemented to achieve podium finishes in the future. Farrier pointed out that due to his good relationship with the COPACI as well as the UCI, that the country has the opportunity to host the 2017 Elite Pan Am Track Cycling Championship.

He also promised to pay particular attention to the junior enhancement programme, as he noted the country’s junior riders have been very competitive in the sprints at the Pan Am but said a gap existed in their endurance programme. He believes to close this gap their young riders must be exposed to more international competition. His team comprises Joseph Roberts (vice president, Racing), Ian Cole (vice president, Finance), Joseph Baptiste (vice president, Discipline), Jacqui Corbin (general secretary), Betty Daniel (assistant general secretary), Janelle Celestine (treasurer), Gary Acosta (Racing secretary), David Francis (assistant Racing secretary) and Rixanne Ramnath (PRO).

Two-time winners Defence Force and two-time beaten finalist Ma Pau Stars, face off in the $130,000 2016 edition of the First Citizens Cup final at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo, from 8 pm this evening.

Prior to the match, Digicel T&T Pro League two-time reigning champions Central FC and San Juan Jabloteh meet in a league encounter from 6 pm.

But all eyes will be focus on the feature match of the night’s double-header where Defence Force, which has reached the final seven times in all, will be hoping to be come the second-winning club in the competition behind seven-time champions W Connection (2001, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 & 2015).

As it stands, San Juan Jabloteh (2000 & 2003), Defence Force (2002 & 2009), Morvant Caledonia United (2011 & 2012) and Central FC (2013 & 2014) a have all won the First Citizens Cup twice with the now defunct Joe Public (2010), the only other winner.

Speaking ahead of the final, Defence Force striker who netted a hat-trick in his team’s 3-0 semifinal defeat of Morvant Caledonia United after scoring a beaver-trick in the 4-2 quarterfinal win against St Ann’s Rangers said he envisions lifting the title from a team effort for the third time in team history, but first under coach Marvin Gordon.

Last season, Gordon celebrated his first title in charge of the team by winning the season-ending Digicel Pro Bowl title, a title it also won in 2012 under now Ma Pau Stars coach and former Defence Force coach as well Ross Russell, who also guided the Army/Coast Guard combination to the Digicel Pro League crown in 2010-11 and 2012-13.

On his goal-scoring exploits, Jorsling said he is always confident in his goal-scoring ability.

The 32-year-old former T&T international must now face in-form goalkeeper Glenroy Samuel, who has been brilliant throughout the 2016 First Citizens Cup for Ma Pau Stars, leading his team to three penalty-kicks win.

Both men squared off once before this season with Jorsling’s second half strike earning Defence Force a 1-0 win a in the league on November, 19.

But Samuel, a former T&T Under-17 and Under-20 Youth World Cup has been in impressive in the First Citizens Cup helping the Sangre Grande-based club overcome San Juan Jabloteh, W Connection and Police FC, all on kicks from the penalty mark to reach the final.

Ma Pau Stars has never won the First Citizens Cup, although reaching the final in 2006 and 2014 under past coaches and their previous name, North East Stars.

But in Russell, who ended Defence Force’s eight-year drought by leading the Teteron Men to the 2009 First Citizens Cup in his debut season as coach Stars has an experienced man at the helm and with former Soca Warriors and 2006 World Cup members Carlos Edwards and Jason Scotland, both for Defence Force employees in their line-up, another upset win could well be on the cards. The winners of tonight’s final will collect $110,00 while the runner-up gets $20,000.

DHAKA, Bangladesh—Set 142 for victory at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, Victorians chased down their target to beat Khulna Titans by five wickets, with the right-handed Samuels spearheading the effort with an unbeaten 69 from 57 deliveries.

The West Indies batsman, who stroked eight fours, put on 49 for the second wicket with Imrul Kayes (20) and a further 42 in an unbroken sixth wicket stand with Liton Das, who made an 11-ball 24 not out.

Samuels now has 304 runs at an average of 76.

Earlier, Titans tallied 141 for six after being sent in, with captain Mahmudullah stroking an unbeaten 40 from 38 balls.

In the night cap game, superstar Chris Gayle failed but his West Indies teammates Andre Russell and Dwayne Bravo both shone, as Dhaka Dynamites whipped Chittagong Vikings by six wickets.

Sent in, Vikings could only muster 134 for six off 20 overs, with opener and captain Tamim Iqbal top-scoring with 74 off 59 deliveries.

His partner Gayle made just one before he was knocked over by fellow Jamaican Russell, caught at cover in the fourth over. Russell was brilliant, taking one for 24 from his four overs.

It was Man-of-the-Match Bravo who took the bowling honours, however, grabbing three for 27 off four overs to hurt the innings.

In reply, Dynamites motored to victory in the penultimate over, with Russell arriving late to blast an unbeaten 31 from just 18 deliveries.

The right-hander struck a four and three sixes as he put on a match-winning 52 for the fifth wicket with Alauddin Babu who made 33 not out. Dynamites lead the standings with 16 points, four clear of Vikings in second. (CMC)