Although my duties at Concacaf and Fifa have been in the area of technical and football oriented issues, it would have been remiss of me if I did not seek to learn from the management style of the most popular international Sports federation in the world.

Admittedly, it was not difficult to recognise the efficiency of Fifa if one wished to judge them on the basis of their competence in running World Cup activities in countries which are not first world in every aspect of the word. So when the president of the TTFA delightfully mentioned to the country that Concacaf has given strict instructions to all the Caribbean countries to demand from their affiliated clubs, the level of management which will provide evidence of club structure, and annual financial statements, I was encouraged to see the revival and reinforcement of this requirement.

There is even a deadline date for clubs in the country to provide these details to the TTFA and failure to do same, these clubs will not be able to participate in the national competitions.

Strangely enough, this principle has always been the policy of Fifa, simply because their desire was to have well run management in each country. They granted some huge financial subventions to each country in order to raise the quality of good administrative practices.

However, there seemed to be much of a secret for the administrators who were mandated to streamline the organisational function of the country’s football.

The only problem with that structure was that the instructions from Fifa which should have come from the members of the hierarchy from the CFU and Concacaf, hardly ever reached the ears of the ordinary clubs.

Even the countries themselves were not adhering to the instructions of Fifa, even though the funding was being handed over as regular as was promised.

The stagnancy of the Caribbean countries as far as the quality of the game and the management teams, appeared to be non-functional and the leaders in Switzerland made efforts to enquire about the reasons for the failure of their financial aid to reap the benefits for the region. It is well known that the majority of the Caribbean countries were never presenting audited financial statements to Concacaf and Fifa for many years.

Surely, the new regime may have done similar surveys and came up with the new pattern whereby, the demand was made through Concacaf, that all clubs in the region must provide these details to their associations in order to retain their membership.

Excellent! This important step will be the ideal recipe for competence in the future, especially when we are all aware that there are a number of “teams” playing football than “organised Clubs,” which means that audited statements are like speaking broken Dutch to many of the management committees. Having said that, should there be a successful attempt to get these requests from the clubs, the stability of our football will rise rapidly, but in the offices and on the football fields.

Poor management and insular behaviour from a few over ambitious people, created the dismantling of the major leagues across the country through the use of numerous extraordinary, and sometimes unorthodox administrative adjustments. Having learned much from some of the finest experts in Sports Administration such as deceased Eric James, Ken Galt, Ernil Paul, St Elmo Gopaul, Oscar Harvey, and a few others in the era of the fifties to the seventies, it was easy to understand why the club structure which was as solid as Malvern, Maple, Casuals, Shamrock, Colts, Dynamos, Juniors, Lantern Giants, Sporting club, Naiads, Corinthians, Ebonites, and all the well-managed clubs in the East, Central, South, have deteriorated totally in a short space of time.

Each of these clubs had regular meetings, communicated with their members, demanded monthly fees from each member, player or not, and best of all, they had club houses, they enjoyed social activity among their members and friends. In other words, there was the creation of bringing together members in our societies to live, laugh, play harmoniously, and still compete against each other among thousands of fans.

The sport then, never depended upon Fifa or any other international organisation and are not known to be in debt after their successful seasons.

So the challenge has been thrown at the current “clubs” to put together their financial statements before a particular date, otherwise they will not be able to re-join the arms of the TTFA.

I believe that it is fair, it is a step forward, and should be pursued. However, the example must come from the top of the table, and our friends at the head of the association must be prepared to assist these clubs while they are taking care of their own audited financial statements at year end.

The foundation seem to have started with the expansion of having their own stadium, land space for two training fields, a hotel and the funds to do same.

If the request from Concacaf to the TTFA regarding these new concepts is implemented, maybe we shall see a better future for the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association.

Yohan Jones captured the Clinton Sammy Classic Champion title at the 26th annual Clinton Sammy Classic bodybuilding competition that took place at the Thick Village Community Centre in Thick Village, Siparia, on Saturday night.

Speaking to Guardian Media Sports after his victory, Jones said, “It is a great feeling to be the champion. I competed for my first time last year and placed fifth, so I told myself, if I am going to compete again, I have to win, and I did. I am proud of myself and the hard work I put in to get here.”

Jones, who placed first in the men’s heavyweight category, took home the honour following an impressive overall showing at the event.

Shiva Ramsubhag and Isiah Garcia also had remarkable performances at the show case event.

Ramsubhag finished first in the men’s novice and men’s middleweight categories, and Garcia finished first in the men’s lightweight and men’s physique (short class) categories.

Anderson Beharry took first place in the gym show category, Wesley Graham won the men’s physique (tall class) category, and female bodybuilders Annalisa Ali and Afeya Aneisha Jeffrey won the women’s body fitness, and bikini fitness categories respectively.

Originator of the competition, Clinton Sammy, who is now 53 years old, also made an appearance at his event, captivating the crowd with his signature moves of yesteryear.

He spoke to Guardian Media Sports stating, “It is a show where athletes get their first taste of bodybuilding and then crave the hunger of this sport. All together the main goal of the show is the promotion and continuation of the sport in Trinidad and Tobago with a new vision for bodybuilding.”

Overall winner, Jones, and his fellow competitors will be bodybuilding hopefuls to keep track of, as the event has become a breeding ground for up and coming bodybuilders each year.

Results

Gym Show:
1-Anderson Beharry
2-Fareed Haniff
3-Saadiq Gaafar.
Men’s novice:
1-Shiva Ramsubhag
2-Narindra Joseph
3-Fareed Haniff
Men’s lightweight:
1-Isaiah Garcia
2-Shemar Biggart
3-Anderson Beharry
Men’s middleweight:
1-Shiva Ramsubhag
2-Andy Manswell
3-Laurence John
Men’s heavyweight:
1-Yohan Jones
2-Rakheem Roberts
3-Juan Claude De gannes
Women’s body fitness:
1-Annalisa Ali
2-Heidi Mahadeo
3-Andrea Mohess
Bikini fitness:
1-Afeya Aneisha Jeffrey
2-Cheryl Ann Ragoonanan
3-Kellee Jackee
Men’s physique (Short class)
1-Isaiah Garcia
2-Rondell Paul
3-Taariq Mohammed
Men’s physique (Tall class)
1-Wesley Graham
2-Kelroy Hospedales
3-Edimer Ordaz

A near packed Lord Kitchener Auditorium of the National Academy for the Performing Arts (Napa) in Port-of-Spain witnessed Classical Jewels XI staged last weekend by Massy Trinidad All Stars Steel Orchestra.

Prime Minister Keith Rowley headed a number of politicians and members of the diplomatic corps and corporate T&T in attending the event.

Seen in attendance were House Speaker Bridgid Annisette-George, Minister of Community Development, Culture and the Arts Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, former government minister Eddie Hart, HDC chairman Newman George, Massy president and group CEO Gervase Warner and Shell VP Derek Hudson.

All Stars’ musical director Deryk Nurse was joined by guest conductors Kygel Benjamin, June Nathaniel, Jessel Murray, Sule Sampson and Dr Mia Gormandy.

Beside a riveting and enthralling performance by All Stars, guest appearances were also made by Sheldon Reid, Eleanor Ryan, Rahel Moore, UWI Arts Chorale and Dane Gulston.

Founded 11 years ago by a group of young vibrant people the Miss India T&T Talent and Beauty competition is the only East Indian event of its kind in T&T according to its organisers.

Executive producer Erica Caton tells the T&T Guardian the main purpose of the pageant is to provide young East Indian women the opportunity to showcase their talent and beauty with pride and dignity.

She said one lucky girl wins the crown and title of Miss India T&T, carrying her duties out for one year.

Within that year she becomes an ambassador of T&T and represents her country internationally at the Miss India Worldwide held in the US.

Through this pageant, T&T has been represented in several countries including Dubai, Mumbai India, Malaysia and New York.

Caton explained the pageant is funded The Miss India T&T Talent and Beauty Competition receives funding from mainly the private sector.

And it has been seeking to gain support from the public sector and the Government for as long as it has existed.

“Miss India Trinidad and Tobago organisation works very hard to represent Trinidad and Tobago internationally every year.

“The organisation still awaits some strong support from the Government.

“We are one people, one nation and we need to support each other.” Caton communicated.

The girls are selected through casting call auditions set up by the pageant organisers. To become a finalist Caton says, “an individual must possess several key qualities including a passion and understanding of T&T’s diverse culture, love for their country, dedication, and the desire to represent T&T internationally.

“This year, among the delegates, backgrounds in careers range from bio-chemical technology, international humanitarian affairs and cosmetology to name a few.”

Caton boasted come November 25, the date of the event, patrons will experience quite “an interesting and exquisite event” that will showcase beauty, talent, fashion and much entertainment.

Asked her views on the recent controversy surrounding Miss T&T/Universe representative Yvonne Clarke who is currently in Las Vegas where the show will be held on November 26 at The AXIS, Planet Hollywood, Caton said: “Each pageant in Trinidad and Tobago is different in its respective right with unique objectives and visions. I would strongly say each pageant is viewed differently.”

She added: “In my view pageants are a platform where young ladies are given the opportunity to showcase and display their talent and independent personalities.

“The Miss India Trinidad and Tobago organisation maintains our purpose each year; therefore the essence is still present.”

Caton said the Miss India T&T Pageant has assisted all finalists and winners over the years to become stronger individuals with greater and more prominent personalities and outgoing self-development.

“I must say for those who support the Miss India Trinidad and Tobago Pageant, they really do support us well and show that they do care and value the work and output each year,” Caton concluded.

The 2017 pageant will be held at the Couva Chamber Auditorium from 8 pm.

ST JOHN’S—Batsman Emmanuel Stewart will captain a predictable 15-man West Indies Under-19 squad announced yesterday for next January’s ICC Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand.

The core of the side has been kept together over the last year with the likes of Kirstan Kallicharan, Keagan Simmons and Bhaskar Yadram all included for the January 13 to February 3 campaign.

Stewart and Kallicharan were part of the successful side, led by Shimron Hetmyer, which won the last tournament in Bangladesh in 2016.

“It’s an exciting time for these guys now that they’ve discovered they’re going to be going to a World Cup,” said head coach Graeme West.

“It’s a bit of a younger side than the last one we took to Bangladesh. However, we have a very established, experienced batting group, with the likes of Kirstan Kallicharan and Emmanuel Stewart who went to the last World Cup.”

West Indies will contest Group A of the preliminary round, alongside the likes of Kenya, South Africa and hosts New Zealand.

They will raise the curtain on the tournament when they take on the Kiwis at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.

West, who oversaw Under-19 tours of South Africa and Zimbabwe earlier this year, said it was crucial the Caribbean side made a strong start to the upcoming tournament.

“[There will be a] lot more attention on the West Indies in this tournament, after the last tournament and title in Bangladesh,” the Englishman pointed out.

“In the group stage, we’re in a very tough group as the number one seeds, so we’re going to have to hit the ground running, just to succeed in the group stage.”

The squad will leave the region on December 28 and undergo a one-week camp in New Zealand prior to the start of the World Cup.

Three players—batsman Brad Barnes, left-arm spinner Joshua Bishop and left-arm seamer Javier Spencer—have been named as reserves.

Squad

Emmanuel Stewart (captain), Kirstan Kallicharan, Ronaldo Alimohammed, Alick Athanaze, Cephas Cooper, Jarion Hoyte, Kimani Melius, Ashmead Nedd, Kian Pemberton, Raymond Perez, Joshua Persaud, Jeavor Royal, Keagan Simmons, Bhaskar Yadram, Nyeem Young.

KINGSTON—Dr Akshai Mansingh has quit as Cricket West Indies’ (CWI) chief medical officer, citing an “untenable” relationship between the medical panel and the board.

The Jamaica Observer newspaper reported yesterday that while a frayed relationship had existed for some while, the recent last-minute scrapping of a conference for West Indies cricket medical personnel, scheduled for Trinidad and Tobago, had become the tipping point for Mansingh.

“More and more obstructions were being put in the way of its [medical panel’s] functioning, so I felt the prudent thing to do was to resign,” the respected orthopaedic surgeon told the Observer.

“It was becoming untenable to work, and calling off this conference was probably the last straw.

Mansingh, whose involvement with the CWI medical panel spanned nearly 15 years, said the situation reflected a need for more direct engagement with medical personnel.

“I don’t think they got sufficient information from the experts to make decisions and come to conclusions and, instead of directly engaging people, it seems that they were relying more on third-party information,” he pointed out.

“In a scenario like that I don’t think things can continue. West Indies cricket has a medical structure that could be considered world-class, that was in keeping with the top boards in the world.”

The medical panel is chaired by Dr Donovan Bennett and also comprises Dr Anyyl Goopesingh, Dr Renee Best, West Indies team physio CJ Clark, strength and fitness coordinator, Ronald Rogers, along with CWI chief executive, Johnny Grave, COO Verlyn Faustin, and Director of Cricket, Jimmy Adams .

Bennett did not rule out further resignations.

“We have lost a very important person from the panel, and I suspect more resignations are on the way,” he said.

CWI president, Dave Cameron, shied away from comment.

LINCOLN—West Indies captain Jason Holder believes the three-day tour match against New Zealand A starting today, will be enough to complement his side’s preparation for the upcoming Test series.

The fixture at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval is the only tour match before the Caribbean side clash with the Black Caps in two Tests – at the Basin Reserve in Wellington from December 1-5 and at Seddon Park in Hamilton from December 9-13.

“We’ve been on the road for a little while. We just came from Zimbabwe. We didn’t go home so we went straight to Australia [and] we just kept our cricket going and kept topping up,” Holder told reporters here ahead of the match.

“I think we’re in good stead. We had a two-day game in Australia as well and we’re coming here having a three-day game before the first Test match. Based on the amount of cricket we’ve played in the last three months, I think we’re ready to go.”

West Indies arrived from Australia last Tuesday and have quickly moved to get acclimatised to the cool conditions in the southwestern Pacific, with daily training sessions.

Holder confirmed that every member of the 15-man squad was fit and available for selection for the tour game, and would take part in some capacity.

West Indies are coming off a 1-0 victory over Zimbabwe in a two-Test series in Bulawayo earlier this month, and Holder said the New Zealand tour would be an opportunity to continue that progression.

“I think over the last few months the guys have really put their names out there,” the all-rounder noted.

“Guys like Kraigg Brathwaite have done well for us over a number of years, Shai Hope is just coming to the forefront of his potential to be honest, and we’ve got guys like Roston Chase who will probably lead our batting.

“We’ve got inexperience in our bowling but still one or two experienced heads like Kemar Roach and Shannon Gabriel. I think it is a good mixture that we have. The beauty about our side is that we’ve been together for the last year-and-a-half and I think we’ve been going quite well.

“I expect really good things from us based on what we’ve been doing over the last year and hopefully we can continue going on.” (CMC)

Squad

Jason Holder (captain), Kraigg Brathwaite (vice-captain), Sunil Ambris, Devendra Bishoo, Jermaine Blackwood, Roston Chase, Miguel Cummins, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Kieran Powell, Raymon Reifer, Kemar Roach.

CHITTAGONG—Andre Fletcher’s second half-century of the Bangladesh Premier League was not enough to prevent Sylhet Sixers from their fifth defeat, as they went down by 40 runs to Chittagong Vikings yesterday.

Chasing an imposing 212 for victory at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Sixers made a fist of it before eventually coming up short at 171 for eight off their 20 overs, with West Indies batsman Fletcher top-scoring with a whirlwind 71 off 48 deliveries.

Pakistan star Babar Azam chipped in with 41 from 32 balls while wicketkeeper Nurul Hasan got 28 but Taskin Ahmed (3-31) and fellow seamers Stiaan van Zyl (2-14) and Soumya Sarkar (2-17) all hurt the innings with incisive spells.

Requiring a hasty start, Sixers got exactly that as Fletcher put on 43 for the first wicket with Sri Lankan Danushka Gunathilaka (10) before adding a further 80 for the second wicket with Babar Azam.

Fletcher blasted eight fours and four sixes while Babar struck two fours and a six in a partnership that threatened to steal the game.

However, once Fletcher holed out in the deep on the off-side off Taskin, the run chase dissipated as wickets fell steadily.

Vikings had earlier gotten a top score of 95 off 45 deliveries from Zimbabwean Sikandar Raza as the home side rattled up 211 for five off their 20 overs, after they were sent in.

New Zealander Luke Ronchi made 41 from 25 balls at the top of the order while van Zyl punched 40 from 26 deliveries.

In the opening game, superstar opener Chris Gayle failed to fire and Rangpur Riders followed suit, slumping to a nine-run defeat to Carlos Brathwaite’s Khulna Titans.

Set a target of 159, Riders ended on a 149 for six off their 20 overs, with the left-handed Gayle managing only 16.

There was enough time for him to belt two fours and a six before edging a booming drive at a wide ball from fast bowler Abu Jayed, and fall to a catch at the wicket by West Indies player Nicholas Pooran.

England’s Ravi Bopara top-scored with 59 in a 100-run, fifth wicket stand with Nahidul Islam (58) which pulled their side around from 45 for four in the eighth over, and nearly secured victory.

Both Brathwaite and fellow Barbadian seamer Jofra Archer finished wicket-less from their four overs.

Titans had earlier posted 158 for eight off their 20 overs after being sent in, with captain Mahmudullah gathering 59 from 36 balls.

Pooran (16), Brathwaite (11) and Archer (10 not out) all failed to make any impression with the bat.
(CMC)

The criticisms were harsh, and they were sometimes many, but for close to two decades former T&T striker Kenwyne Jones didn’t let it faze him. At the start of the week, he called time on his career, midweek he returned home, and yesterday morning he gave his first interview since retiring.

What appeared to be a surprise retirement wasn’t a surprise at all. Speaking on the Morning Shot, Jones said an injury he sustained prior to the Costa Rica match setback his hopes of a fully fit comeback in the sport. He said, “The decision I came to didn’t happen overnight. It’s been in my memory for three to four months. In looking into the injury, the type of injury it is, I will have to do a three in one surgery if I am to continue playing professionally. The recovery time is 14 months. By that time, I’ll be close to 35, so there’s no point trying to come back to tussle up with the young ones.”

Instead, Jones said he will be willing to help any young T&T footballer who seeks guidance. Head coach Dennis Lawrence opened the door earlier this week to the former T&T captain if he is willing to contribute to the road to Qatar 2022.

However, in his first few days in post professional football, Jones says he’s been enjoying the simpler things in life, like taking his son to school and picking him up.

It is, however, hard to have a conversation with the striker and not talk about the constant criticism he’s faced throughout his career, especially playing for T&T. As he closed the chapter on this part of his life, his words weren’t politically correct anymore. They don’t need to be. He said, “When you come out of the bubble that is T&T, you get to experience real fanaticism, I would say. I don’t think we’re real fanatics of any sport. Outside of this, any country I go to, based on the career I’ve had, and I’m very thankful for it, I have the respect of everybody else. I don’t look at my career as being a failure.”

For the people who did stand by him though, Jones is grateful, and thanked them once more for being a positive voice in his journey.

Axe Cap ticks enough boxes for a serious each-way punt in the eight-runner Nursery Handicap over six furlongs of Wolverhampton tapeta tonight; eighteen days ago this Zebedee filly achieved a significent ‘career-best’ effort over the minimum trip on this unique track when beaten only a length by Towelrads Boy with odds-on favourite, Militia, a neck away.

Also significant was the heavy support for Axe Cap, trained by ‘rookie’ Archie Watson, who also runs Arden Pearl!

Judged on that time-handicap mark Axe Cap is ‘best-in’ but will be tackling this trip for the first time; it’s one of only two concerns, the other is progressive Phil McEntee-trained Image, mount of Rossa Ryan, who claims the full 7lbs apprenticeship allowance. That could weigh heavily against us!

From way back one was told not to ‘build in’ allowances but, when an apprentice is above average, such advice has to be balanced in context; I’ll be surprised if Image, close third at Chelmsford last time, isn’t a pest to Axe Cap.

Realistically both should make the frame but course experience is a major factor, along with booking of all-weather champion jockey, Luke Morris!

Earlier Richard Hannon-trained Drakefell, nap winner over course distance last week, is one of eight ‘decs’ for a Novice Stakes over five furlongs of Lingfield polytrack, mount of Rossa!

Drakefield has a penalty, 7lbs!

Don’t oppose without good reasons even though both once-raced Hit The Beat and Zouch are obvious TH dangers.

Another ‘eighter’* will be an opening 2-y-o Selling Stakes over a mile, ideal for a punt on muti-raced, but improving, Hurricane Lil.

An interesting, competitive seller, obviously a few owners are now needing to ‘get rid’ having paid at least £60 a day for racehorses which haven’t managed to win!

Ownership, though stimulating, can be extremely costly for the majority, a reason why I’m out!

Today all selections are ‘each-way’ in eight-horse races; pray there are no withdrawals and don’t venture forth until you are satisfied there aren’t any.

Bookmakers will go to low depths to thwart so-called ‘each-way thieves!’

T&T men’s rugby team will face British Virgin Islands (BVI) while the local women’s unit meets Bermuda in their opening matches in the Rugby Americas North (RAN) Sevens Championships which begin today in Mexico. The event returns to Mexico City for the first time since 2014.

One men’s and one women’s team will qualify for next year’s Rugby World Cup Sevens and the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series qualifier in Hong Kong, while places at the Commonwealth Games and Central American and Caribbean Sports Organisation (CACSO) Games are also on the line.

Based at the picturesque Campo Marte, a military and equestrian venue in the heart of Mexico City, the RAN Sevens features ten men’s teams, split into three pools, and a seven-team, round-robin women’s tournament.

Hosts Mexico and Curacao join T&T and BVI in Pool C while Jamaica, Bermuda and the Dominican Republic are in Pool B and in Pool A, Guyana find themselves in Pool A alongside Barbados and the Cayman Islands.

The Caymans were beaten by Barbados in the play-off for seventh place at last year’s RAN Sevens in T&T, but Justin Wight is determined to set the record straight.

As six-time men’s champions, Guyana will start as one of the favourites to claim the coveted title and a ticket to San Francisco for RWC Sevens 2018.

The top four teams in the men’s competition and the top three in the women’s will qualify for the CASCO Games.

Twelve months ago, Jamaica’s women finished as runners-up to Canada who are not taking part this year. Mexico ended up with the bronze medal. T&T are the next highest seeds at this year’s event, followed by Guyana, Bermuda, Dominican Republic and French Guyana.

The winner of the RAN Women’s Sevens will complete the 16-team line-up at RWC Sevens 2018, as all the other regional qualifiers have already taken place.

President of the T&T Cricket Board (TTCB), Azim Bassarath says that Scotiabank Kiddy Cricket is on the right path to developing youth across the region.

He made the comment at the Scotiabank Kiddy Cricket prize-giving ceremony yesterday at the Kampo Restaurant in Chaguanas. The TTCB, in collaboration with Scotiabank held the prize-giving for the academic component of the competition and S. Francique Hindu came out on top for the third year running.

Bassarath in his address said: “The Scotiabank Kiddy Cricket Programme has for 17 long years been one of our most cherished programmes. The mutual trust and confidence generated among the partners of both teams have endured and persisted in such a deep and rooting manner, that we can readily predict another 17 years of unmitigated continuance.

“Kiddy cricket is more than what meets the eye. To the casual lay observer, this programme is about play. To the initiated, it is about learning and the skill acquisition through play.

“Through play, higher intellectual processes are always at work. The brain is constantly comparing and contrasting, discriminating, selecting and applying, analysing and synthesising, evaluating and strategising, critical thinking and problem solving—all qualities necessary for success in life.”

Also present at the function was Cricket West Indies (CWI) Territorial Development Officer, Kumar Rampath, who was closely involved and gave an overview of the entire tournament. He said the kids involved went way ahead of what was expected and the programme was a real success.

Peter Ghany director of Scotiabank Foundation said he was very happy with the output from the TTCB and is looking forward to even better years ahead.

“We recognise the hard work and dedication of the CWI and TTCB in ensuring the advancement and continuation of the sport locally. This partnership is making great strides in growing the sport of cricket and developing our young people. Of course, the TTCB really works diligently with us on this programme year after year, so Azim, your team, in particular Kumar and Anna—well done and thank you.”

SCOTIABANK HONOUR ROLL

Poem
1st - Kaelynn Dipchand
2nd - Arya Lal
3rd - Saleem Ali
Creating Writing
1st - Kavir Jogie
2nd - Aryana Nanan
3rd - Dhanish Carpen
Art
1st - Riyadh Mohammed
2nd - Aryana Nanan
3rd - Dhanish Carpen
Craft
1st - Mathias Ramhit
2nd Danish Carpen
3rd - Ariana Tapal
Song
1st - San Francique Pres
2nd - San Francique Hindu
3rd - Montevideo Gov’t
Skit
1st - Bamboo Settlement
2nd - Montrose Vedic
3rd - San Francique Pres
Teachers awards
1st - Brendon Ramlal - San Francique Pres
2nd - Sharon Jainarine - Bamboo Settlement
3rd - Brenda Soodeen - Cunaripo Pres
Quiz
1st - Gandhi Memorial Vedic
2nd - Specialist Learning Centre

While members of the Beetham community have repeatedly blamed neglect and lack of jobs for protests, which have included blocking roads and the highway, a brief look at the community's history shows that the majority of protests have been due to some type of conflict with police.

The protests have mostly stemmed from incidents where police shot or killed members of the community, or police arrested a member of the community.

Last week, residents of Beetham Gardens spilled onto the highway, dragging debris and throwing items at oncoming vehicles as they raged against what they claimed to view as neglect and a lack of jobs.

The residents called for those in authority to agree to give contracts to residents to clean the drains in and around their community. That same morning, two residents of the community, well-known to police, were detained for questioning, but residents said their action had nothing to do with this.

On Friday, the Prime Minister addressed the nation and said he had instructed Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams and the Minister of National Security Edmund Dillon to do what was necessary to enforce the law.

In Parliament, also on Friday, Dillon said the plan to treat with such incidents was more community outreach.

He was replying to Opposition questions in Parliament on the protest.

Dillon, in a written statement, later detailed measures the ministry intends to implement in order to improve trust between the TTPS and citizens.

He said, “The TTPS has indicated that the organization will continue its efforts to increase the level of trust and confidence between the police and citizens.

"This will be achieved through the continuation of the following initiatives of the TTPS: Prosecute and discipline errant officers, engage directly with community members through town meetings, Station Action Councils, neighbourhood watch groups. It also involves the continuation of Community Policing initiatives and increased participation in Police Youth Clubs."

Police intend to remove kid gloves

While Dr Rowley and Dillon provide policy and instructions, the person in charge of the Port-of-Spain Division of the T&T Police Service, Senior Superintendent Floris Hodge-Griffith, yesterday said her officers were prepared to remove the kid gloves they used to treat the community.

"As the commander in charge of the division I am telling you, I am not prepared to treat with that situation lightly, I was disappointed in the residents.

"We spend time, resources and energy to uplift the community with youth programmes and homework programmes. What people would have seen over the years was a police service not trying to aggravate a delicate situation.

"We've done a lot of community work there and we have programmes and officers dedicated to those areas, but I believe the time has come that we will no longer treat them with kid gloves."

The police are still reviewing footage in order to identify people who would have broken the law on Thursday.

Charges can range from offences such as throwing missiles, loitering or being a public nuisance.

She said the Police Service was aware that there were law-abiding citizens in the community and the police wanted to help them.

The Sunday Guardian attempted to speak to Laventille West MP Fitzgerald Hinds about plans for the community.

Residents said they had not heard from or seen Hinds since the incident. While Hinds was present in Parliament on Friday, he did not answer calls from this reporter or respond to a text message sent to his phone.

—reporting by Gail Alexander

Doma: Efforts must be made to guarantee there is no repeat

In response to questions about how such protests affected the capital city, President of the Downtown Owners and Merchants Association Gregory Aboud said the situation needed both short-term and long-term solutions.

"In the short term, the episode creates a tremendous apprehension among the public on all strata of the society. Without the highway access to the city is reduced to a trickle on the Eastern Main Road side and that would have an immediate impact on access to the city and people's willingness to access. It does not take much imagination to understand it has a negative impact on the future of the capital of our country," Aboud said.

He said the long-term issue was one of alternate access and the need for variable points of access to and from the capital, which he said was an issue which had attracted action from none of the successive regimes.

"It is not just the commercial point of view of the highway being critical to the capital city but the entire western peninsula not only for commerce but in case of national disasters. It is untenable that there should be one major artery that connects West to East and South."

He said another long-term issue which arose was the future of the people at the Beetham Gardens

"The society at large is being questioned about its tolerance of lawlessness in other areas of national life including in the disbursement of lucrative contracts and disbursement of public funds on the one hand, while on the other hand speaking to other classes in this society about the need for lawful behaviour.

"In the short-term, every effort must be made to guarantee no repeat of this episode of chaos but in the medium term action must begin at once to create a more just society in which everyone understands that law and order are being maintained across all boundaries and strata of the society."

Look back at protests by Beetham residents:

November 23, 2017—Beetham residents protested on the Priority Bus Route and Beetham Highway in what residents have described as a demand for jobs, though conflicting reports suggested the protest was in response to the detention of two men in the community.

August 28, 2017—Beetham Gardens residents staged a heated protest during which they threatened the police and threw debris onto the Beetham Highway. The residents claimed the police were unfairly targeting people in the area.

May 1, 2017—Beetham residents protest after a community leader was taken into police custody for the possession of marijuana. While the community claims police victimisation and abuse of power, police labelled the exercise a success.

Jan 17 2017—Beetham Gardens residents protested along the Priority Bus Route in January, claiming that rum manufacturer Angostura Ltd has been pouring industrial effluent into the drains alongside their homes for years and they would not take it any more.

Jan 24, 2014—Beetham Gardens attempted to block a portion of the Beetham Highway and then the Priority Bus Route in the vicinity of Pashley Street, Laventille, in protest, after Randy Williams, 25, a father of three, of Phase Five, was shot during an encounter with the police outside the Beetham Landfill.

Sept, 1, 2013—Beetham Gardens residents protested over the police shooting of Christopher Greaves. Residents of the area began fiery protests after Greaves, 23, was shot dead by police. The protests were staged along the Eastern Main Road, Priority Bus Route and Beetham Highway, with residents blocking the roadways with debris, confronting police and even throwing rocks and other pieces of debris at vehicles along the PBR and the highway.

May 24, 2012—Beetham Gardens residents burned tyres, old fridges and furniture blocking the east-bound lane of the Beetham Highway to protest a lack of jobs and complain of government neglect.

July 1, 2011—Angry residents of Beethem Gardens lit large piles of debris on fire on both the bus route and the east-bound lane of the Beetham Highway. According to police, the protest was in retaliation over the arrest of a well-known gang leader who was arrested at his Beethem Gardens residence. Residents alleged they faced police brutality during the arrest.

Jan 29 2011—Beetham Gardens residents blocked the Priority Bus Route and the east-bound lane of the Beetham Highway to highlight "police oppression and brutality" in their area, following a police exercise in the area which saw the arrest of a known "community leader" who was wanted for shooting at the police. Another 27 men, with the eldest being 60 and the youngest 19, were detained for outstanding warrants, possession of firearms and ammunition, shooting with intent, robbery, common assault and possession of narcotics, according to police.

Oct 10, 2009—Beetham residents blocked the highway and part of the Priority Bus Route after police killed two men.

Prime Minister of Dominica Roosevelt Skerrit was all smiles yesterday after receiving thousands of seeds from T&T to help his country rebuild its agricultural sector in the aftermath of the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria. The PM praised T&T for its efforts in helping to rebuild the island and support its people.

Skerrit, in an unofficial visit, was at the Santa Cruz Green Market where the presentation of the seeds were made by Gregg Rawlins, T&T representative and coordinator, Regional Integration Caribbean Region of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture. Jonathan Barcant of the Global Shapers Community, who was also involved in the food and seed drive for Dominica, was present for the brief ceremony.

Expressing his heartfelt gratitude to T&T for its continued support in rebuilding the island, Skerrit said the seeds for the short-term crops will be given to every Dominican farmer.

"The seeds will all be planted on very fertile soil...this is going to make a lasting impact on the way of life in our country in terms of employment and income for our people."

He said since the hurricane, Dominica only recently started back exporting agricultural produce to islands north of the island. Dominica has been one of the major suppliers of fresh agriculture produce to islands in the Caribbean, including T&T.

Skerrit said they are facing a huge task but would not be daunted, "because we know we have the support and solidarity of not only the Caribbean but the world...we have the opportunity to build back better and with greater resilience".

He added, "The T&T population has been exceptional in its support...every section in society has responded. If I had to remove the contribution of T&T it would have been difficult for us. The T&T Defence Force has been so helpful, the first helicopter to land after the hurricane came from Trinidad."

On September 18, Dominica had 90 per cent of homes and public buildings, including its main hospital in Roseau completely destroyed by the 160 mph winds from the hurricane. There were 15 confirmed deaths on the island.

Executive Director and Founder of the Santa Cruz Green Market Vicki Assevero said she was extra proud to have Skerrit at the venue when they were celebrating their 5th anniversary. "We could not have had a better birthday where we were able to be a part of this seed drive to help Dominica grow again."

Minister of National Security Edmund Dillon says a Counter-terrorism strategy for T&T was approved by the National Security Council on November 1. Implementation is underway.

It focuses on deterring people from participating/supporting terrorism, enhancing national counter-terrorism operational capabilities and building national resilience in event of attack.

Dillon said, "It involves reinforcement of existing legislation; design/implementation of vibrant public sensitisation campaigns and other social programmes; and the disruption of further development of radical extremist entities and their ideologies that lead to terrorism."

A Terrorism Interdiction Unit has been established under the Police Service’s Special Branch to gather and process intelligence and do threat assessments. Police officers are also being trained to deal with active “shooter” incidents. This follows global attacks by solo culprits.

Apart from stronger intelligence sharing with international partners—including Northern Ireland, Government has partnered with Hedayah, an International Centre of Excellence for Countering Violent Extremism to train national stakeholders. Similar partnership exists with the Commonwealth Countering Violent Extremism Unit and World Bank collaboration on money laundering/terrorist financing mitigation.

All ports were audited this year to ensure greater compliance with international security codes which includes detecting security threats. Defence Force participation in national youth programmes is being increased to address at-risk youth and promote community outreach and alternatives to crime and radicalism

Government's plans to deal with returning Foreign Terrorist Fighters (FTFs) include strengthening programmes to address perceived economic and social inequalities in T&T, job creation and overall rehabilitation and reintegration of radicalised people into society.

National Security Minister Edmund Dillon revealed this and other latest anti-terrorism initiatives in Parliament last Friday, replying to Opposition question on plans to address terrorism and crime.

“The Government is cognisant that as a country, T&T isn’t immune to terrorist attacks and has strengthened collaboration with international partners to combat this and ensure protection of citizens and foreign nationals,” Dillon added,

He said Government was committed to addressing and reversing the process of radicalization of FTFs who return to T&T from conflict countries.

“Focus is being given to conducting targeted research on this group and the implementation of innovative social campaigns and initiatives geared toward rebuilding national allegiance as well as support for national counter terrorism efforts.

“Government has also begun a process of deepening partnerships with key non-governmental, faith-based and community-based organisations to harness their extensive social networks, inherent dynamism, innovation and energies to counter the terrorist ideologies.

"Priority focus has also been given to strengthening programmes aimed at addressing perceived economic and social inequalities, employment creation and overall rehabilitation and reintegration of radicalised persons into society.”

In March, Dillon said 130 people from T&T—58 fighters and approximately 72 family members—were involved with terrorist activity overseas.

Last month in the 2018 Budget debate, Fitzgerald Hinds (Minister in the Attorney General’s Ministry) said international partners have confirmed that the figure is 180 men, women and children.

A 2013-2015 intelligence list shows 105 people—including 26 women, 14 girls 30 boys and men—left for the Middle East. At least ten were later reported to be dead.

T&T working with international partners

Speaking to the Guardian yesterday, Dillon said T&T was working with international partners—including the US's Southern Command and UK security heads who recently visited T&T—to assess exactly how many FTFs and families may seek to return to T&T.

This includes how many may be "adrift" or be at Middle East camps following Isis' deterioration over the last year when ranks began crumbling.

Last Friday, however, attackers bearing Isis banners killed 300 in an attack on an Egyptian Sufi mosque.

In September, the Human Rights watch found a T&T family—including women, children—at an Iraqi detention centre among hundreds including Isis members who surrendered to Iraqi forces.

Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi said yesterday the family was still there and "we're dealing with them."

In March, he announced proposed amendments to anti-terrorism law adding that further proposals would deal with returning FTFs/families. He said yesterday the thrust was based on identification, verification, prosecution (if recommended) and prevention.

Proposals concerning returning FTF families, including four safe houses for those in need of safety, operating within a Justice Protection programme, will come to Parliament soon.