CASANDRA THOMPSON

A 15-year-old female national footballer was found dead yesterday morning with her throat slit in Courland, Tobago.

Dead is Abiela Adams, a student of the Signal Hill Secondary School, who lived at Mary's Hill.

She was reported missing after being seen alive on Friday around 7.30 pm.

Police said her throat was slit and she was partially nude when her body was found on the roadway, near a pile of garbage, at Solenn Lane, Fedilis Heights (North), Courland, around 4.30 am yesterday.

Adams, who represented the country on the under-15 T&T National Team, is Tobago's fourth murder for 2017, equalling the total number of murders recorded last year.

The Sunday Guardian was told that the girl left home in the company of a 19-year-old male friend, but never returned. He told relatives he dropped her off at a shop near her home around 8 pm. Adams' male friend is in custody and is assisting police with investigations.

They are yet to ascertain the motive for the killing. It is believed a relative who was searching for the missing teen stumbled on the body.

A friend of the family, who preferred to remain anonymous, said the girl did not deserve to die that way. The friend said she had a bright future ahead of her.

"The person who do she that...she didn't deserve that. She was too nice, too pretty, too lovely, she was friendly. They shouldn't have done that at all. Her mother, Katherine, is so broken."

The relative said Adams liked to take photos, loved her sports, especially football.

He said, "She was really good and even went away and represented Trinidad and Tobago on the national team. I was so glad for her. My mother died and I felt it, but Abiela's death rock me more. Oh gosh! She was a little child and they still do that, boy?

He sad Adams did not start to live her life in the right way yet and called for the perpetrator to be caught "today self".

An autopsy is scheduled to be performed on the body soon. The Tobago Homicide Bureau is continuing investigations.

Chief Secretary to discuss security on the island

Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Kelvin Charles is scheduled to meet with the T&T Police Service (TTPS), Tobago executive tomorrow to discuss the way forward with security on the island.

The move comes on the heels of Adams' murder.

In a release, Charles expressed condolences to the family of the slain teen.

"All loss of any life is painful to society and loved ones. We all have a role to play in resolving this growing problem," he said.

The release added that the THA was committed to working with the TTPS and relevant civil society agencies to find solutions to the challenges of crime on the island. He said the issue was a top priority.

"The Chief Secretary assures the public that security of citizens is a top priority and that the THA is prepared to do what it has to in order to protect Tobagonians. With this in mind, the THA has been strategising and developing initiatives to deal with the challenges and the public will be informed," the release stated.

It added that the recent murders on the island, as well as crime in general, demand the attention and co-operation of all members of the public, leaders and protectors. Charles urged citizens to come forward and utilise all avenues to report any information related to crime. (See Pages A10, A36)

Sea Dweller really should go one better and make it third time lucky in an 'aged' Maiden Fillies' Stakes over an extended mile of Wolverhampton tapeta today; trainer/jockey combination of Anthony and William Carson have done their job by finding an excelllent opportunity and it's just a question of this High Chaparral four-year-old 'doing the biz!'

It's imperative Sea Dweller wins a race because she is out of a well-bred Australian mare Languistine; many options will be available if and when she hits the line in front.

Frustratingly such a moment nearly happened fifty-three days ago when Sea Dweller, despite a valiant effort, just failed by half a length to peg back odds-on favourite, Vogueatti, with the rest eight lengths and upwards in arrears.

Beckett will doubtless view this with relish, especially with a 'weight-for-age' difference of 21lbs, but I'm cool about its effects over middle-distances and have been proved right sufficient times over several decades; experience is also a 'built-in factor and this will be fascinating.

Half an hour later Beckett-trained Hafaka, mount of one-time 'computer champ' Richard Kingscote, makes strong appeal having achieved a 'career-best' when a beaten favourite only eighteen days ago; best time of year for fillies, is now!

There are four eight-runner races on this programme, it will be interesting to see how many non-runners bookmakers manage to get out; punters will be out in force with each-way doubles, trebles and accumulators.

Sizing Seizes Irish Gold Cup

Sizing John proved his stamina with an impressive victory in a thrilling renewal of the Stan James Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown, yesterday.

Placed behind the mighty Douvan on no fewer than seven previous occasions, the seven-year-old, formerly trained by Henry de Bromhead, claimed his first win since joining Jessica Harrington in last month's Kinloch Brae Chase at Thurles.

None of the remainder could be ruled out turning for home and More Of That, a stablemate of Minella Rocco, and Empire Of Dirt both appeared to be travelling strongly on the heels of the principals.

Sizing John was also travelling ominously well and he hit the front with a huge leap at the final fence before his stamina was given a thorough examination as Don Poli and stable companion Empire Of Dirt attempted to bridge the gap, but Sizing John galloped all the way to the line to prevail by three-quarters of a length.

Mullins Stars On Bacardys

Patrick Mullins produced a never-say-die ride to win the Deloitte Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown aboard Bacardys (12/1).

Last season's Aintree bumper winner had made a relatively slow start to his hurdling career, opening his account at the third attempt but improved from his maiden win to land the two-and-a-quarter-mile Grade One in determined fashion.

The six-year-old was one of six runners in the race for Willie Mullins who was seeking to win the race for the fifth time but his heavily backed market leader Saturnas, the Future Champions Novice Hurdle winner, was the first beaten.

Camille Lopez penalties in the final 10 minutes proved the difference as Scotland failed to build on a lightning start to the second half of their RBS 6 Nations clash against France, yesterday.

Lopez kicked 17 points in all to add to Gael Fickou's try as France ran out 22-16 victors in Paris.

The Scots had moved ahead in the 43rd minute when substitute Tim Swinson added to Stuart Hogg's first-half try, but Finn Russell somehow missed the easiest of conversions which would have put Scotland five points in front.

Instead, Lopez kicked France level and the hosts proved too strong in the final 20 minutes.

Scotland gave everything but a series of injuries-including a worrying one for captain Greig Laidlaw-appeared to tell as they failed to build on their opening victory over Ireland.

Both sides showed their attacking intent from kick-off, and space opened up for Sean Maitland on the left wing after Allan Dell's interception but he was stopped as he came inside.

France opened the scoring in the seventh minute through Lopez after Josh Strauss paid the price for not releasing in the tackle.

The hosts began to dominate in the scrum and there were warning signs for Scotland when they lost their lineout near the halfway line, but a kick from Russell helped get France on the backfoot and the stand-off further opened things up with some clever footwork.

Yesterday's Rugby Union Matches

16 Scotland

35 Wasps

The Finance Ministry is currently studying whether the law should be changed to allow the Central Bank to regulate all fees charged by commercial banks.

Dianne Joseph-That would be an excellent move, pretty soon the banks would charge for stepping into their buildings.

Dilliam Ganness-That's a really, really bad idea. What is needed is regulation and action to prevent collusion amongst banks in determining products, prices etc. Similarly to the anti trust laws to make price fixing a criminal jailable offence like in the US. BA, American Airlines, Delta Airlines executives have all faced the threat of jail time in the US because of price fixing. I suspect through the ABA banking cartel in Trinidad, that banks collude on everyday business in a largely unregulated environment. That needs to stop. And you don't just need regulation, you need an authority to actually haul them before the courts and see the law through to conviction.

Kirwin Weston-Alyuh studying bank fees when food prices unregulated and wild like bush fire?

Ronald G Sukhbir-Won't happen.

Fudgie Lisette Abraham-I think government needs to offer citizens other options for salary/pension collection. Maybe if people could be paid through their credit union accounts, for instance, the "need" for a bank account would no longer be there. As such, no one would be forced to own an account and pay these exorbitant costs.

Fudgie Lisette Abraham-Really? Computers for automated transfers are THAT expensive that fees must be raised every Monday morning? Steups.

Glen Leanza-Excellent move, banks make a great profit annually. They want to rob its customers. Without customers there is no bank.

Tobago teen murdered

The body of a Tobago teenager was found, throat slit, this morning along the island's west coast.

John Smith-No more this is the straw that broke the camel's back. No more.

Betty Ann Kawal Roberts-Oh gosh Tobago....nooo! Hope the killers get caught...sad. Sry for family! Plz don't let Tobago get crime and murder infested!

John Smith-Stop Carnival, you have to stop Carnival, it's the only way to wake Trinidadians from their stupor. They have to change the failing government and stop the crime from happening. That has to be the focus, not fun and get drunk and dancing, that's not gonna work anymore.

Shamilla Ali John-I also find they should stop Carnival too.

Dianne Maughn-Oh lord it reach Tobago shores now. What is dis.

Geeta Bharry-The things I want to say eh....but my heart paining meh too much over this right now.. RIP child-May the Lord comfort your family at this time.

Jamilia Wallace-This place has got too bloody. We're losing our children. It's not just death, souls are being lost. This is horrific.

Aaron Love-This brings tears to my eyes and pain to my heart. God bless her soul and please bring the person or persons to justice, amen.

Wendell Pierre-This is making me sick, please, please stop the killings of the innocent children. Take control lord. R.I.P little one, so, so sad.

Sandra Alashkar-Senseless killing going on in Trinidad and Tobago. What is happening in these two little islands.

Simi Ramadhar-I wonder how much die before the crime situation in this country is curbed.

Crime, unemployment

rampant in Marabella

The community of Bayshore balances at the edge of the waterside in West Marabella...dozens of residents interviewed said the one problem they wanted to see change in the country was high crime.

Kirk Hosein-Go and upgrade your skills. Stop depending on Govt handouts to survive. If you have NO skills who will employ you?

Nicholas Ramasir-There's a lot of good people that live there.

6,000 deportees worry citizens

Concerns are being raised about the monitoring of deportees to this country with potentially dangerous skills. There is the fear among citizens that these deportees may be corrupted to turn their training towards criminal activities such as robberies and murders.

Visesh Lal-Why are we not deporting all the illegals in this country?

Masheica Anella Thomas-Not because they are not being deported doesn't mean it's not happening, almost every day people are being deported from Trinidad.

Visesh Lal-Not enough and not fast enough ... everywhere I turn I am hearing a different accent ... pull up on them,check their papers, and if they not legal, put them out ...

Jae Jae They are deported because of wrong doings committed in other countries. If they are from Trinidad then that's where they return.

Stefan Malloo so we hating Trump about his anti illegal immigrants, now we worry about those same said illegal immigrants when they are in Trinidad and Tobago. If we feel compassion for them in USA then we should feel the same when they are in T&T.

Jessie Lauren Dirpaul They need to do what Guyana did. Guyana turned back the deportees telling the US in particular to keep the people that their society created.

Avian Lezama We need to start deporting all illegals in TNT to make room for our deportees.

Rosemarie Sant

The Opposition United National Congress intends to meet in caucus to take a final decision on its position on the Foreign Accounts Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) ahead to today's meeting of the Lower House of Parliament to discuss the report of the Joint Select Committee on FATCA.

Political leader of the United National Congress, Opposition leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar told the T&T Guardian that the party had taken no final decision on what its position would be regarding the Tax Information Exchange Agreements (TIEA) Bill.

The UNC had lobbied the Government for the establishment of a Joint Select Committee on the legislation and had indicated that once the work of the JSC was completed it would support the legislation which needs Opposition support for passage.

The JSC asked for public comment on the legislation.

The public had until Friday afternoon to submit comments, concerns and recommendations.

But even as the JSC was meeting, the Opposition Leader wrote to the US President Donald Trump seeking clarification on whether his Republican-led government would repeal the law which had been passed by the Democratic-led Barack Obama administration.

Persad-Bissessar told the T&T Guardian that she had as yet received no response to her January 13, letter to Trump.

The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act-FATCA was enacted in March 2010 by the US Government.

It requires foreign financial institutions to report directly to the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) all clients who are US citizens, green card holders living in the US or abroad or foreign entities in which US taxpayers have financial assets outside of the US exceeding US$500,000 to report these assets to the IRS.

SHARLENE RAMPERSAD

Veteran chutney artiste Omardath Maharaj captured his first Chutney Soca Monarch (CSM) title, tying with three-time winner Ravi B to dethrone defending champion Kris Persad (KI).

The 22nd CSM competition was held on Saturday night at Skinner Park, San Fernando, with 20 performances by various artistes in two categories-the World Ultimate Chutney Challenge and the Chutney Soca Monarch.

Another veteran artiste, Chris Garcia took the Ultimate crown with his 1996 hit Chutney Bacchanal, walking away with the $100,000 first prize.

Maharaj and Ravi B will share the $500,000 first prize in their category.

Maharaj's hit Ramsingh has been a popular tune at Carnival fetes and Ravi B's 2017 song, Budget, has also been getting good audience approval on the Carnival circuit.

KI placed third with his song Make me do it as his elaborate performance which included building a mini-stage on the CSM stage and zip lining over the crowd.

Maharaj, who is no stranger to the CSM stage having performed in seven previous competitions, was ecstatic to capture the crown. He spoke to the T&T Guardian minutes after the results were announced early yesterday morning.

"I've been fighting right through with my other songs and I've lead the platform for people to love me my music is being loved all over and the people came out and showed their support for originality and for true chutney," he said.

His performance sparked the audience into a frenzy as it featured a bare chested man with horns on his head being pulled between two women.

He said he was still shocked by the win although he recognised the power of his song. Maharaj's 2016 Chutney Soca Balkissoon has also earned him high praise from chutney lovers.

Maharaj, who founded the band Spread Pal Crew 14 years ago said: "Ramsingh was launched about 30 or 31 days now and we have nearly 500,000 views on YouTube right now. We were in Ladies Night Out on Friday and the whole crowd was chanting that Ramsingh."

Asked to comment on statements made by Ravi B during his performance about songs in the competition disrespecting women, Maharaj said: "This is not disrespecting women, every village had a ram We create characters like Balkissoon and Ramsingh and when people hear the music they smile."

Big things seem to be in the cards for Maharaj as he said he had already been booked for several international tours.

For Ravi B, this win took him to four CSM titles under his belt and he said he knew from the onset the competition would be between Maharaj and himself.

"The people called for me to come back so I did, I knew coming in it would be between me and Ramsingh."

Ravi B went all out for his performance, with his team throwing travel-sized bottles of rum into the audience and a canon spewing dollar bills into the crowd when he was finished.

The T&T Guardian also caught up with Garcia who described the win as "the ripe fruit" of his efforts.

Southex Promotions chief executive officer George Singh said the winner of the Ultimate Challenge title cannot re-enter the competition and each song in the category must be older than seven years to qualify.

RADHICA DE SILVA

Still basking in the glory of having won the World Music Album of the Year award in France, T&T's first lady of calypso Linda McArtha Sandy-Lewis (Calypso Rose) yesterday urged young calypsonians to infuse positive values in their songs.

Speaking from France in an exclusive telephone interview with the T&T Guardian, Rose, 76, said she planned to return home at 7.30 pm on Wednesday.

Admitting to feeling unwell because of the cold French climate, Rose said she was proud of her accomplishments which included multiple local and international awards.

She said achieving the Best World Music Album award at the 32nd Victories de la Musique, considered in the music industry as the French Grammys, for her platinum album titled Far From Home was not unexpected as she always aspired to win big on the international stage ever since she started writing songs at the age of 13.

"I sang at a calypso tent for the first time when I was 15 and this was my motivation all these years, to make Calypso great," Rose said.

She said people often told her she had no place in the Calypso world but she never bowed to her detractors.

Calypso Rose was the first woman to win the Road March and Calypso Monarch titles.

"I have been telling people that whatever your heart tells you to do you should do it. Don't let anything daunt you because if I had listed to all those enemies who told me that calypso did not belong to a woman, I would not have been where I am today. Pick up your dreams and follow your dreams. Do not let anything daunt your spirit," she said.

She also disputed reports that there was a sexist and misogynistic side of T&T's Carnival which perpetuated violence against women.

"Do not be so negative about our Carnival. Carnival belongs to we, the people of T&T.

"Carnival is about freedom. You can let yourself go at Carnival. All your problems you have, all through the years, you just let go.

"It is a time to get out there and enjoy yourself. You are free. You have the freedom to enhance and enjoy yourself whether with the steelpan or the calypso, just enjoy yourself," Rose said.

Admitting that some men may want to take advantage of women particularly around this time, Rose suggested, "Those men should be locked up in jail. They should not be on the streets because you cannot treat a woman like an animal or a dog. You came from the bowels of a woman and you cannot treat a woman like a dog. You should be in bondage, locked up in jail."

The distinguished queen of calypso also said she was not in favour of some changes made to the Dimanche Gras show, including the one song by each competitor.

"Years ago we used to sing two calypsoes for the Dimanche Gras and I have heard that has been changed now to one calypso and I am not in favour of that at all. I believe in singing two calypso songs, because you can do a serious song and a party song. The party song is for the Road March and the other song is to give to the crowds," she said.

Saying there should be more serious songs being sung around Carnival time, Rose said this was the only way that T&T could document its history and progress as a nation through song.

She noted that calypso was T&T's form of expression and this legacy should be preserved in a positive way.

The time for discussion on the Tax Information Exchange Agreement (TIEA) Bill, 2016 is over.

That's the statement to the Opposition from bankers in T&T, as the bill is scheduled to be debated later today in the Lower House.

The bill needs a three-fifths majority to be passed in the Parliament because it infringes on the rights of the individual under sections four and five of T&T's Constitution.

The Opposition had requested that the bill be put to a Joint Select Committee of Parliament because it infringed on the rights of the citizen.

After consideration by the JSC, the bill subsequently was put out for public comments and now returns to the Parliament to be debated today.

T&T has until February to pass the bill, and until September 30, to have the infrastructure for reporting information to the US-based Inland Revenue Service (IRS).

In a statement yesterday, BATT said now that all the issues surrounding the TIEA had been vented the time for discussion had now come to an end adding that, "the TIEA must be implemented to allow the Board of Inland Revenue (BIR) time to begin the implementation process for the FATCA reporting requirements which are due by September 2017."

The group reminded the Opposition that the consequences for non-compliance with T&T's international obligations have been reported on extensively by the local media and therefore, "T&T cannot run the risk of damage to the reputation of our country."

Specifically, BATT stated that the reporting standards would impact US persons only, who already have an obligation to report to the IRS about their revenue. BATT said this means, "This requirement is therefore not new and does not impose any new requirement on US persons. No other information other than what is explicitly stated in the FATCA requirements will be reported by Banks to the BIR.

Praising the legendary Calypso Rose for always delivering high quality music, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley yesterday offered heartfelt congratulations to the Calypso Queen for winning the French 'Grammy' award.

In a statement sent on behalf of the citizens of T&T, Rowley congratulated Rose on her historic achievement of winning the "Album de Musique de Monde", World Music Album of the Year Award at the Victoires de la Musique Award ceremony held last Friday in France.

"Calypso Rose's winning album Far From Home was released last year and continues to enjoy phenomenal success both in Trinidad and Tobago and abroad," Rowley said.

Acknowledging Rose's remarkable achievement of being the first soca artiste to attain the prestigious award, Rowley said, "Calypso Rose has consistently delivered high quality music and entertaining performances to a wide variety of audiences during her long career. "

He said T&T was justifiably proud of her latest accomplishment.

Rowley also said the single, Leave Me Alone, from the winning album, was one of the most popular songs circulating on the airwaves and was being played at Carnival fetes this year.

I am not telling tales out of school when I say that the image of West Indies cricket over the years had deteriorated rapidly, leaving the Caribbean without the joy of thousands of cricket lovers bemoaning the absence of witnessing excellence in every department of the game.

The pain is so real that one should be happy to know that the general elections of the WICB was due to take place in a month's time, which offers an opportunity for the Countries in the region to take the major step forward by searching for quality administrative personnel to conduct the affairs of every area of West Indies Cricket.

However, when the announcement struck the airwaves that the incumbent President of the WICB Dave Cameron is expected to regain his position unchallenged, it's clear now that the fans throughout the Caribbean have lost interest in the game and could not care less as to the further decay of the sport which has brought to this region global respect in the sporting world.

Have we all forgotten the number of issues which were occurring regularly in almost each department of the game, the confusing state of our teams selection, and the indecisiveness in knowing how to utilize the services of some of our outstanding cricketing legends. Have we not realized that thanks to the directorate of the past six years, we are not even considered in the top five of Test cricket, because of the ridiculous forms of poor communication between the board and the players which have demonstrated the deficiencies which have brought the most confused organizational management the game has ever experienced?

Are the members of the local cricket boards not interested enough to move for change of the guards and strive for intelligent, capable and professional persons to bring some stability and good management skills back into our Cricket?

This predicament which is currently facing our local Board, is clearly incapable of finding some competent personnel who will allow for the progress of the game in T&T, and I rather suspect that the dirty game of senseless politics, when added to insularity among the stakeholders, may prefer to give up their positions, search for strong leaders, and sacrifice their own egos for the betterment of the game in the region.

In recent times, the situation has reached deplorable state by the previously arranged tournaments which included the West Indies teams are being abandoned, leaving our young players without the opportunity to express themselves in their effort to bring stability to their profession and joy to the fraternities which had loved the sport passionately can decide to return to the stadiums to meet friends and hero worship our super stars.

Is it too late to search the corridors of the Universities, business organizations, places where success reigns because of good management?

The silence coming from the stakeholders is deafening, despite the absolute mess which had replaced the brilliance of our great game. The blame now falls upon the various boards across the region, whose responsibility is to be the guardian of the game in the region. To ignore the issue and allow the poor management to continue is a definite signal regarding the boards themselves which are perpetrating and indirectly encouraging the further decay of the game.

What a horrible experience and a sad period in the lives of the fans who travelled throughout the Caribbean and even certain parts of the world to see their legends on the Cricket field, now have to lose touch with the joys which they had experienced over the decades.

bmobile Endorsee West Indies all-rounder, Dwayne Bravo, has a message to deliver; it's that we should not be blind to the challenges faced by those members of society who may be differently abled.

In partnership with bmobile, Bravo donated part proceeds from his annual birthday party -'47'-to the National Blind Cricket Team, which is the current Regional T20 and 40-over champions.

No stranger to philanthropy, Bravo also earlier contributed towards the bmobile Foundation's Book Buddies initiative which sees employees from the company fulfilling the booklists of hundreds of underprivileged students in T&T.

The Red Steel skipper decided to go one step further though.

To show that he genuinely supported their cause, Bravo visited the team during one of their practice sessions at the Edinburgh Ground in Chaguanas, where he got to experience what it was like to play cricket without the ability of sight.

It's no simple task as he discovered, but the visit was a fulfilling one, that brought greater appreciation for the team.

"First of all, it's great for me to be here along with my partner bmobile to do something special for the team," said Bravo.

"For me, putting on the black out glasses which blocks your vision, took a while for me to adjust, I faced about 14 deliveries and was only able to hit about 3 or 4, so it's very challenging," he said on the experience of batting blind.

"I have read about them (the team) and seen some clippings in the newspaper or on TV but I have never really experienced them play first hand like I did this morning, so hats off to them and the coaching staff, the people who sacrifice their time and talent to be with them."

The bmobile Foundation has also supported the team for over five years by assisting them with their annual training requirements.

TSTT's VP Marketing, Camille Campbell, emphasised the company's commitment to supporting Bravo on such initiatives.

"Dwayne has always shown a keen and genuine interest in giving back to those less privileged in our society and we are here to support him on that fully," said Campbell.

"The goal of the bmobile Foundation is to help empower the citizens of T&T through youth, sport, education and health and we see such partnerships and initiatives as key to achieving that goal.

"We sincerely appreciate his desire to give back and willingness to partner with us as we also work towards achieving the Foundation's goals."

The players clearly enjoyed the visit, sizing Bravo up, giving him a few 'talks', making requests for other players and of course, finishing up the encounter by singing Bravo's famous hit song, 'Champion', even showing off their dance moves.

Bravo assured the team that he would be back with a few more friends, having thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and encouraged the players to support each other.

"I assure you I will come some other time, just to play and just to have fun. I enjoyed it. It was very challenging and sometimes people take certain things for granted.

"But it's the simple things in life that matter the most. So I just want to encourage you to keep supporting each other as a unit. Unity is key," said Bravo. Also appreciative of Bravo's presence was team coach, Harilal Kissoon.

Kissoon thanked Bravo and bmobile for their presence. He also noted that it has been bmobile's support, which has been forthcoming for over five years now, that has ensured the team's dominance at the regional level.

"The assistance we receive is very inspiring. We appreciate when companies like bmobile and persons such as Bravo recognise the hard work we are doing, and their contribution and visits provide us with much needed moral support, it's a great initiative," said Kissoon.

"Bmobile has been supporting us for quite a few years.

"It has impacted us positively because right now we are the T20 and 40 over champions in the Caribbean and we have been defending that since 2013."

MADRI-

Substitute Joaquin Correa scored an 80th-minute winner at Gran Canaria Stadium for Jorge Sampaoli's team, which was coming off defeat at Espanyol and a draw against Villarreal.

Sevilla is third with 46 points, two behind Barcelona and three behind Madrid, which has two games in hand. Madrid won 3-1 at last-placed Osasuna on Saturday with one of the goals scored by Cristiano Ronaldo, while Barcelona routed Alaves 6-0 in the Basque Country with Neymar and Lionel Messi scoring a goal each and Luis Suarez adding a brace.

The Argentine midfielder netted Sevilla's winner three minutes after coming off the bench, entering the area free from markers and easily finding the net.

Las Palmas hadn't lost at home in the league since a game against Madrid in March last year. It had lost at its stadium in a Copa del Rey match against Atletico Madrid earlier this year. Real Madrid is the only team still to lose at home this season in the league.

Sitting 11th in the standings, Las Palmas had plenty of chances throughout Sunday's match but couldn't capitalize on them, with a great performance by Sevilla goalkeeper Sergio Rico.

VILLARREAL 1,

Villarreal's struggles in the Spanish league continued with a 1-1 home draw against Malaga, a result that left it further behind in the fight for a Champions League spot next season.

Villarreal remained sixth as the gap to fourth-placed Real Sociedad increased to five points after 22 matches. It is 10 points behind third-placed Sevilla.

The top three teams automatically advance to the group stage of Europe's top club competition. The fourth-placed club has to go through a playoff.

Villarreal has won only one of its last six league matches.

Striker Charles opened the scoring for Malaga in the 14th minute, and midfielder Bruno Soriano equalized for the hosts by converting a 62nd-minute penalty kick.

Malaga had unsuccessfully appealed for a penalty of its own in the 54th, when Charles was pulled down inside the area while going for a header.

Villarreal played a man down from the 71st after midfielder Roberto Soriano was sent off with a straight red card for a foul away from the ball.

The result extended Malaga's winless streak to nine league matches. It remains 14th with 23 points.

LEGANES 0,

Sporting Gijon scored twice in the second half to defeat Leganes 2-0 and snap its seven-game winless streak.

It hadn't won in the league since a 3-1 victory over last-placed Osasuna in December.

The result left Sporting two points behind Leganes, the first team outside the relegation zone.

Leganes' winless streak is now at 10 games.

Sporting reserve goalkeeper Diego Marino was sent off while on the bench for protesting in the 70th minute.

Leicester is 7/4 for relegation after becoming the first English champions since 1956 to lose five consecutive league games after yesterday's play.

The Foxes were cut again for the drop after yesterday's 2-0 defeat at Swansea - their sixth straight league game in which they've failed to score.

That result leaves them just one place and one point above the relegation zone and 7/4 with our betting partners Sky Bet.

The good news for Leicester fans is that the market says there are still four teams more likely to go down to the Championship.

The current bottom three of Sunderland (1/4), Crystal Palace (4/6) and Hull (4/5) are all odds-on for the drop after all losing on Saturday.

Middlesbrough, who held Everton to a goalless draw on the same day, are 6/5 shots, despite being a point better off than the champions.

Leicester were as big as 40/1 for the drop with the Leeds-based firm in June before being backed into 14/1 in pre-season. They were still on offer at 25/1 less than a month ago.

Were they to be relegated they would become only the second English champions to go down the season after winning the title. Manchester City were the first in 1937/38.

Sky Bet's Sandro Di Michele said: "Leicester cost us a fortune last year and could hurt us again if they go down.

"However, despite how poor the Foxes have been of late, we're still confident of avoiding that with Sunderland, Palace and Hull all odds-on for relegation."

Swansea were moved out to 100/30 in the same market as a result of their win.

They have now won four of their seven games since the appointment of Paul Clement.

If he did not have the credit of last season in the bank, Claudio Ranieri may well have already been replaced as Leicester boss.

He remains in position, although he's even money in the Premier League 'sack race' market following Sunday's game.

At the other end of the table, leaders Chelsea were held to a 1-1 draw by Burnley but still increased the gap at the top to 10 points over Spurs and Arsenal.

Antonio Conte's men were tipped up by our very own Matt Brocklebank in pre-season at 13/2.

(SOURCE: SPORTING LIFE)

RADHICA DE SILVA

Penal mechanic Deodath Ramjag escaped death yesterday when a truck transporting an oil rig ripped down high tension wires and a caused a concrete electricity pole to crash on top his car during a routine drive to a poultry depot.

The impact sunk the hood of the Nissan B-13 and broke the windscreen on the front passenger side.

The 53-year-old father of three was on his way to buy chicken for his wife Sandra to cook their Sunday lunch around 8 am, when the incident occured.

In an interview, Ramjag, of Sunrees Road, said he was driving along Ramjohn Trace when upon reaching near the Dayanand Memorial APS. (Vedic) School, he pulled over to allow the truck to pass.

"When I thought it was safe to go because the back was clear, I pulled off. Then suddenly there was fire and sparks and a loud bradang. Then the hood came down on top of me," Ramjag said.

Shaken from the ordeal, Ramjag was taken to the Siparia Health facility where he was given medication to calm down. He suffered injuries to his head, hand and left side.

After being discharged from the facility Ramjag said, he took his pills and slept for several hours.

His wife, who usually went with him to buy chicken on a Sundays, did not accompany him yesterday.

"She told me she was not felling well and that was how I went alone, else if she was with me, she would be dead," Ramjag said.

He called on the authorities to ensure that companies adhered to road rules, noting there was no police escort for the rig.

"Normally, they should not have a vehicle of that size passing on Ramjohn Trace. It should be on the main road," Ramjag said.

He said that the rig became entangled in the high tension lines which caused the concrete electricity pole to tumble.

"I am happy that I survived this. I have to give thanks," Ramjag said.

His son, Dion, said he could also have been dead if he had gone with his father to run errands yesterday.

"We are Hindus. We have to plan a prayers because we are really fortunate that my father survived this," Dion said.

The incident caused a blackout for several hours as T&TEC crews repaired the fallen lines.

Meanwhile, chairman of the Penal/Debe Regional Corporation Dr Allen Sammy has launched an investigation to determine on whose authority the truck and the rig were allowed to travel on Ramjohn Trace.

He said usually a health and safety officer was present, along with police escort, depending on the size of the rig.

"I will ask Insp Lalla to do an investigation because Ramjohn Trace is a minor road and heavy vehicles are not allowed in there," Sammy said.

Former chairman Premchand Sookoo also confirmed that no vehicle over five tonnes was allowed on minor roads.

He also said once a heavy vehicle was on the road, there must be written permission from the Transport Commissioner as well as police escort. Police investigators said they are unclear who owned the rig.

Senior Supt of the South Western Division Inraj Balram could not say whether the police was contacted to provide escort to the truck.

He said an enquiry was underway to determine who was the owner of the rig.

Tobago police have released the persons of interest who were held for questioning in relation to the murder of teenager Abiela Adams.

In a telephone interview yesterday, head of the Tobago Division Senior Supt Joanne Archie confirmed that detectives had interviewed several people after Adams' body was found on Saturday and that they had since been released pending further investigations.

"Investigations are continuing and we do not have any more updates at this time," Archie said.

According to reports, Adams, 15, of Mary's Hill, a student of the Signal Hill Secondary School left home around 7.30 pm on Friday night.

She allegedly went to meet a 19-year-old friend, who told her parents and later the police, that he dropped her off near her home around 8 pm.

Adams, a member of the T&T National Under-15 Football team, was found in a pile of rubble at Solenn Lane, Courland, on Saturday. Her throat had been slit.

Meanwhile, homicide detectives are expected to charge the 24-year-old suspect in the murder of restaurant worker Jamilia DeRevenaux early this week.

Investigators are expected to consult with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions later today.

Last Sunday, DeRevenaux, an employee of Mandieros Grill, MovieTowne, Invaders Bay, was working when she went outside to speak to a man.

She was later found with her throat slit in the basement car park.

The 24-year-old suspect, from Morvant, surrendered to police near Crew's Inn in Chaguaramas on Friday.

SHALIZA↔HASSANALI

Pan lovers were at the mercy of scalpers at the Queen's Park Savannah yesterday after there was a temporary shortage of tickets at the venue.

In addition to tickets not being available, the semi-final judging of the Panorama steel band competitions which was scheduled to start at 9 am, kicked off 35 minutes late, because a police officer refused to allow the judges to enter the event.

Chairman of the National Carnival Commission Kenny De Silva said yesterday that there were no tickets available at the savannah's booths before the show started due to "a bit of misunderstanding among all parties."

This led to a group of scalpers selling tickets at black market prices.

Grand Stand tickets which the NCC sold for $200 were sold by scalpers for $300, while North Stand which was priced at $350 went for $400.

Last week, Pan Trinbago took the NCC to court over its decision to collect gate receipts for the competition.

On Thursday, Pan Trinbago and the NCC agreed to a compromise for collection of revenue from ticket sales in this year's Panorama competition.

This decision was during a hearing of Pan Trinbago's judicial review lawsuit challenging Community Development, Culture and the Arts Minister Nyan Gadsby-Dolly's to allow NCC to collect the gate receipts from the competition.

In turn, NCC agreed to continue to collect revenues through its ticketing agent and to place all proceeds in escrow until the substantive lawsuit is determined.

Yesterday, De Silva admitted NCC was faced with a temporary ticket problem while he condemned the scalpers' illegal operations.

"We will leave the protective services to deal with those scalpers. We can't legislate the law. It has to be the relevant agencies," De Silva said.

Although the scalpers have been making a killing on jacked up ticket prices for years, De Silva said they can't seem to get rid of them.

"They are becoming more and more difficult," De Silva said.

By 5 pm, De Silva said North Stand was 90 per cent filled, which translated to 7,000 patrons.

The Grand Stand, he said, was "sparse" which was not unusual.

De Silva said NCC was expected to collect "a couple millions dollars" from the event.

"This is one of the biggest crowds I have been seen in years. As the night progresses it would get bigger as people are waiting for the large band category. We have done very well. It is a good Panorama semi-finals," De Silva said.

Yesterday, acting president of Pan Trinbago Richard Forteau refused to comment on the unavailability of tickets, saying that their organisation had neither printed nor controlled the sale of tickets.

"That is NCC's role. I don't know what went wrong. That is a question you should ask the NCC. That is out of our hands,"

Questioned about the 35-minute delay, Forteau complained that this was caused by a police officer who did not want to move a barrier inside the savannah to allow the adjudicators in.

"So this kept the competition back for a half an hour or so," he said.

While the judges were debarred from gaining entry, Fascinators Pan Symphony the first small band to play waited patiently on stage in the blistering sun until the matter was sorted out.

"Even though we got off to a late start we will make up for it. We will ensure that the 58 small, medium and large bands flow smoothly today. We don't anticipate any issues going forward."

Forteau said he expected the competition to conclude by 1.30 this morning, while many felt that this time would not be achieved since it took four small bands one hour to cross the stage.

At 3 pm only 20 bands had played for the judges. The medium bands were took the stage shortly after 5 pm.

At 6.30 pm the North Stand was filled to capacity and patrons were advised to move to the Grand Stand to ensure the safety of all.

The North Stand at the Queen's Park Savannah was packed to capacity with pan enthusiasts and tourists by 6 pm yesterday and patrons were being advised to head over to the Grand Stand.

Thousands came out came hear the melodic sounds of 58 small, medium and large steel bands competing in the Panorama semifinals.

There was no pan party on the Greens this year.

Toting a cooler of alcoholic drinks on his shoulder, American national Jeff Baldwin, who is no stranger to our shores, said what drew him to Trinidad was Panorama.

"I came here in 2007 after hearing about your greatest show on earth. I played mas that year, but what attracted my attention was your pan...your national instrument. It has an infectious beat," Baldwin said, while listening to small band Laventille Serenaders on stage.

Since then, Baldwin has been a regular visitor to the North Stand, which he described as a big party with rhythm sections competing against one another and people having a good time.

"I just love the vibes. You can't get this no where else in the world," Baldwin said with conviction, while guzzling a Carib beer to quench his thirst.

Baldwin comes to T&T for the semifinals and finals of the pan competition. He was able to inveigle one of his friends Bob Gobart, a German, to join him this year.

"He's (Gobart) is a newcomer, but he is already smitten by what he is hearing on stage. I have no doubt he will come back next year," Baldwin said.

First-time visitor Gail Ford, of Barbados, who was liming near Pan Posse 2017 sponsored by Carib Brewery said she was not expecting so much noise from the pan.

"I got a rude awakening when I came here. I know I will get a headache with the noise and drinks...but I going to continue jamming still," Ford said.

Trinidadian Devon Butler who was surrounded by friends near the NLCB Posse said despite the downturn in the economy he was amazed at the crowd turn out.

"I thought less people would have been here today but this shows that Trinis love their Carnival. Nothing could stop them. Trinis just love to fete. You can't stop that. It in their blood," Butler said.

Butler's friend Dave Seepersad, of Marabella, shook his head in agreement, saying that he came to free up himself.

"I don't usually go to the all inclusive fetes for Carnival. This is where I does spend my money. If I can't get a North Stand ticket I not going Grand Stand."

Jennifer Patter, of San Juan, who described herself as pan lover said even though the Government had urged citizens to tighten the belts, it was evident that no one was taking heed of that advice.

"Recession or not people going Panorama. I already put aside my money to buy my ticket for the finals," Patter said. -SH

Dear Janelle,

My girlfriend who is now my wife played mas with me every year for the last ten years. She is the best! She knows how to have a good time and for the entire Carnival season is fete after fete non- stop. Now that 'Miss' has turned to 'Mrs' though I think that she should stay at home more but she is having serious problems doing so.

I brought up the fact that she should not be partying as much now that we are married and she started to curse and carry on and asked me if I mad. As far as I am concerned when she was my girlfriend it was O.K but now I really don't want my wife going to all those fetes in any short clothes for people to watch.

I loved how other men looked at her and I felt good to show her off before we were married but the day I put a ring on that finger something inside me changed. I don't want her at those crazy fetes and I certainly don't want anybody looking at her.

She accused me of being controlling and called me a whole bunch of names that I cannot repeat. Do you think that I am being unreasonable? Why can't she see it from my point of view? How do we proceed? I have been sleeping on the couch and the house is very tense. She said I changed but I am the same man. What should I do?

Crazy in Love

Dear Crazy in Love,

While I can appreciate the fact that you take your role as protector of your family quite seriously and applaud you for same I cannot fully understand why you would want to change a decade long practice overnight simply because your marital status has changed.

Aren't you the same two people who love the same things now that you did then? If you think the parties you frequented were somewhat rough and would prefer your wife in a different environment based on the fact that you fear for her safety then you need to communicate this fact clearly and lovingly. Simply telling your wife that she is married now and should stay at home will not earn you any points.

Explain to her the depth of your love and your need to make sure she is safe and perhaps discuss the events you would both attend this year instead of the countless parties you attended previously. Instead of six Carnival 'limes' by the corner take her to a high-end all-inclusive fete of her choice and show her a good time.

Since you are now married your priorities may more than likely change to things such as property acquisition and starting a family. Therefore, staying away from some of the Carnival fetes may be best for both of you as your focus has changed to bigger and better things.

Don't ask your wife to give up going to parties if you are unwilling to do so yourself. A happy wife would ensure that you have a happy life.

Janelle