Mark John, known in the calypso arena as Contender, celebrated his 67th birthday in fine style on April 26 with a concert staged at the Murchison Brown Auditorium of Port-of- Spain City Hall.

The show, hosted by Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (Tuco) official Shirlaine Hendrickson, featured a mix of artistes and genres and was attended by a number of well known calypso aficionados.

The stage was also beautifully designed by calypsonian/artist William “Dr Will B” Bannister.

Seen at Let It Happen @ 67 were NLCB official Michael Jogie, former Culture Minister Joan Yuille Williams, Tuco president Lutalo “Bro Resistance” Masimba, Tuco South Region head Steve “Ras Kommanda” Pascall and Brig Gen (ret) Carl Alfonso.

Contender was honoured by Tuco with a birthday plaque for his continued contribution to the calypso genre.

The show began promptly at its advertised 8 pm start with the singing of the national anthem and a prayer by Hendrickson.

Performing in the first half were rapso artiste Benny J, Dr Will B, Comrade Deen, Twiggy, Funny, Kaiso Mac, Gypsy, Lady Wonder, Hendrickson, All Rounder and birthday boy Contender.

Kaiso Mac offered a Tribute to Black Stalin, a serious piece remembering the icon while Funny’s Dey Shakin It kept the crowd belly full of laughter while addressing the serious issue that is public urination.

All Rounder, backed by his daughters (Shirlane and Diane “Lady Wonder” Hendrickson), delivered the crowd’s engaging piece, Garlic Sauce, having fun all the while reminding the crowd why “All Rounder is a boss.

Spread it.”

Contender, not to be out done by friends, made it happen when he also performed a few of his pieces including Quiz and Young & Restless.

He also took a moment to give thanks to the Most High as an incident on Easter Sunday— which he didn’t elaborate much on—but stated events surrounding it could of almost made him not reach 67.

Following a brief intermission during which patrons availed themselves to goodies on sale, inclusive of cow heel souse, BBQ and fried chicken, geera pork and other delights, Pie Man resumed proceedings.

What began as a five-way extempo clash between Gypsy, Myron B, Black Sage and Contender quickly dissolved to a seemingly re-battle between newly appointed National Carnival Commission (NCC) chairman and current reigning Extempo Monarch Myron B. The show culminated with performances by Cro Cro who’s Hello kept the crowd engaged singing the chorus and Crazy with his classic Nani Wine, which had patrons wining out of City Hall just after midnight.

Enhancing Laventille steelband parade Expect a few changes to the 2018 edition of the Laventille Emancipation Steelband Parade, now in its 20th year and staged by the Laventille Steelband Festival Foundation (LSFF), headed by Michael Cooper.

One of the changes in this year’s event is the moving of the Emancipation ceremony and formal opening, originally outside The House of Angostura, to the corner of the start of the parade at the corner of Mc Allister Street and Eastern Main Road.

With the build-up to the event will in progress, the committee is currently processing requests from ten steelbands outside the catchment area who wish to participate.

Also expected to parade along the route are best of the regions, based on this year’s National Panorama final results. So, in addition to national champion bpTT Renegades, expect to see runners-up CAL Skiffle (South/ Central) and Republic Bank Exodus (East).

In its 20-year staging of the steelband parade, the LSFF has attracted tens of thousands to the event, including the President of the Republic, prime ministers, government ministers, members of the diplomatic corps and other dignitaries. In stark contrast to the negative reputation attached to Laventille as “a hot spot” for crime, the Laventille Emancipation Steelband Parade has been one of the safest outdoor events in the nation for 19 years.

Aside from the August steelband parade, the LSFF has a number of initiatives on its drawing board to implement this year, in spite of being short on funds. However, its committee remains upbeat that its parliamentary representatives Fitzgerald Hinds and Adrian Leonce, as well as the Community Development, Culture and the Arts, and corporate entities in the community will step up to the plate and assist.

Among these initiatives are a Youth Pan Camp during the August school vacation; a Forum (The Way Forward), formatted to stimulate empowerment and participation by the steelbands of the catchment area, scheduled for Saturday, July 28 at the Laventille Community Complex; and, a Camboulay flambeaux procession through Laventille (Call of the Drums), scheduled for the evening of Friday, August 3. As usual, the Laventille Emancipation Steelband Parade will be held along the Eastern Main Road, corner of Mc Allister Street to Leon Street, in Success Village.

Past students helping school

One of the most active and progressive past students organisations—the members of St James Secondary Alumni (SJSA) are on a fund-raising drive. One fun event this year is its Annual Get-Together/Reunion, on Saturday, May 19, as a Cooler Fete at the school’s premises, on Panka Street, St James, from 6 pm. The SJSA hopes to realise between approximately $50,000 for the projects this year, including the Scholarship Fund (Bertram Arlette and Van Stewart Awards); restoration of the storeroom in the home economic lab; completion of electrical work in the home economic room; lending a hand towards the work to be done in the computer lab/music rooms. Members were unable to work on any project last year because of a shortage of funds, therefore, a clarion call has been sent out to all past students to step up to the plate and participate in this year’s celebration.

“We are determined to improve the facilities needed by our present and future students in an environment that is worthy of producing excellence,” said SJSA member Salma Hosein-Constance this week. “Our theme continues to be ‘Building on a Strong Foundation’, which drives our efforts to maintain our school’s motto ‘Set Standards High’.”

This year’s fund-raiser is being held in memory of alumnae Earl Crosby and music will be provided by popular band Brass 2 D’World and a disc jockey. Tickets for the May 19 event are available at Crosby’s, Western Main Road, St James; Singh’s Liquor Mart, Bournes Road, St James; How’zat Sports Bar, Tragarete Road, Woodbrook; St James Secondary School; and committee members. Members of the committee include, Salma Hosein :Constance (374-2485); Carol Brown (724 - 5714); Nicholas Howard (686-6252); Robert Wiltshire (313-1443); Abigail Small (390-0580); Peter Riley (290-7847); Angelee Barkarr (683-3434); Marlon Murray (744-8883); and, Andy Cummings (750-2273)

European Film Festival premieres on May 10

Following close on the heels of the just concluded Bocas Lit Fest, the 22nd annual European Film Festival (EFF) opened with a cocktail reception on Tuesday hosted by the EU Member States with diplomatic missions in T&T and the Delegation of the European Union.

The opening, held at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (Napa), Port-of-Spain, was held under the patronage of the German Embassy Ambassador Holger Wilfried Michael.

Directly after the cocktail reception/launch a special screening of the German film Who Am I? was held.

This year, The European Film Festival will feature 29 films of various genres from the 14 EU member countries.

The full slate of movies will begin on May 10.

Deadline approaching for Caribbean films

The deadline for filmmakers wishing to submit a film for screening at the 13th edition of the trinidad+tobago film festival (ttff )—to be held from 18-30 September, is fast approaching. Those wishing to submit a film must do so by the May 14. A rough cut will be considered.

The Festival accepts submissions from Caribbean filmmakers, Caribbean filmmakers in the diaspora, and international filmmakers with films from or about the Caribbean or its diaspora. Submissions must have been produced after January 1, 2016.

All submissions must be made online, via the ttff Visitor Page at https://filmfreeway.com/ trinidadtobagofilmfestival There is no submission fee.

For queries, contact us directly at submit@ ttfilmfestival.com, or visit the FAQ page on our website at http://ttfilmfestival.com/call-forsubmissions The trinidad+tobago film festival (ttff ) celebrates films from and about the Caribbean and its diaspora, as well as from world cinema, through an annual festival and year-round screenings.

In addition, the ttff seeks to facilitate the growth of Caribbean cinema by offering a wide-ranging industry programme and networking opportunities.

The ttff is given leading sponsorship by bpTT.

The Ladies of the District Grand Lodge of T&T and Grenada hosted an Evening of Tea, Fashion and Entertainment on April 29.

The event was held at the ballroom of the Radisson Hotel, Wrightson Road, Port-of-Spain.

Guests were treated to tasty hors d’oeuvres, tea and a fashion show by top names in the industry, including the House of Jaipur and designer Heather Jones.

There were also performances by vocalists Maria and Graeme Gillezeau, dancer Shreya Maraj and pannists Jessie Gajadhar and Sabrina Motie.

The event was hosted to raise funds for a few children’s homes which included the Couva Children’s Home and Crisis Centre, Izekiel Home in Preysal and Goodwill Industries of the West Indies.

Proceeds from the evening will also be donated to some deserving families in need.

PICTURES DARREN RAMPERSAD

Guests attending an Evening of Tea, Fashion and Entertainment hosted by The Ladies of the District Grand Lodge of T&T and Grenada were treated to a display of fashion by top names in the industry, including The House of Jaipur and designer Heather Jones.

The event was hosted on April 28 at the Radisson Hotel, Wrightson Road, Port-of-Spain.

Models turned the aisles of the hotel’s ballroom into their catwalk as guests were given the opportunity to view the pieces up close.

Marc Dwighth Aimes formerly of Couva departed this life on Friday 27th April, 2018 at the age of 38. He will be lovingly remembered as the: Beloved Son of Oliverre Aimes-Leggerton and Gilbert Mc Donald Brother of Natalie, Decklan, Kemba, Cindy, Marcus, Sparkle and the late Matthew, Anthony and Nigel Brother-In-Law of Adrian, Al-listair and Camille Loving Uncle of Kareem, Jayden, Jaheim, Aaron, Amelia, Jacine, Samantha, Joshua, Annabelle and Jasher Cousin of Terry, Leno, Susan, Lenore, Vanessa, Nicklaus, Annique, Kerron, Paulette, Gregory, Joanna and Julianna Friend of Paul Weekes, Jerome and many others The tribute service for the late Marc Dwighth Aimes will take place on Monday 7th May, 2018 at Jennifer Street, Lisa’s Gar-dens, Couva at 2:00 p.m. followed by a burial at California Public Cemetery. Enquires can be made at Belgroves Funeral Home & Crematorium at 223-2178. To extend condolences to the family Marc Dwighth Aimes please logon to www.belgroves.com

GEOFFREY FRERE PILGRIM passed away peacefully on Sun-day 29th April 2018 at his home, surrounded by his family. He was born at Welches Plantation, Bar-bados on 3rd June 1932 to Frank and Alice Pilgrim and lived with siblings Vernon and Gwen until he married and moved to start his new life in Trinidad. He spent 40 happy years amongst cousins and made many very close life friends. He is survived by his loving wife, Patricia Anne Pilgrim. Left to honour and remember his love are his 5 daughters, Rachel Pilgrim, Pennie Maclean, Kate Coombs, Angela Patterson and Peta Kyle and 9 grandchildren : Elle, Emma, James, Darcey, Zoe, Adam, Jacqueline, Duncan and Amelia. Family, friends and others whose lives were touched by Geoffrey may attend his Funeral Service to be held at 2pm on Thursday 10th May at St. David’s Church, Christ Church. Donations in lieu of flowers to The Barbados Hospice (Please make cheques payable to Association for Cancer Advocacy) A private cremation will follow

Once more this season, Central FC have proven Shaquem Bleasdell’s easiest of opponents to breach after the midfielder scored twice on Sunday to help his Defence Force FC Under-18s dispatch the Couva Sharks with a 3-0 score in the Flow Youth Pro League Cup 2018 qualifiers to book a quarter-final match-up against San Juan Jabloteh on Sunday.

Bleasdell, the FYPL U18 league top scorer, struck in the 29th and 40th minute at Larry Gomes Stadium. Malabar after team-mate Emmanuel Cumberbatch had put Defence Force U18s ahead after just two minutes against the Couva Sharks.

Bleasdell, who finished with six goals this season in the just concluded league campaign, scored all four goals in his team’s 4-2 league win over Central seven weeks ago before snatching his sixth league goal on March 25 in a 3-3 draw against Club Sando.

Perhaps Bleasdell’s most recent exploits against Central will spur him on in the inaugural FYPL Cup or will his quarter-final opponents, Jabloteh, prove a tougher nut to crack.

Defence Force FC Under-16 outfit also progressed to the quarter-final stage where they must tackle an unbeaten Club Sando side after needing a penalty shootout to dispatch North East Stars 5-4 following a goalless draw at Larry Gomes Stadium.

As for Central, the 3-0 Under-18 defeat was the final goodbye for the Couva Sharks – bringing a premature end to their FYPL season – after their Under-14 and Under-16 sides also failed to progress into the quarter-finals, losing 3-2 against St. Ann’s Rangers and by default to Morvant Caledonia United respectively, earlier on Sunday.

Rangers Under-14s and Morvant Caledonia Under-16s now advance to meet Jabloteh’s Under-14 and Under-16, the reigning league champions respectively in the quarter-finals on May 6.

Deigo Ramkissoon (57th & 59th) celebrated his first FYPL goals with a quick-fire double for Central Under-14s but it wasn’t enough to claw the Couva Sharks back after a double from Fitzdarrell Seales (8th & 32nd) and a second-half Christon Calder (50th) strike had done just enough for Rangers.

Point Fortin Civic Under-14s, courtesy a first-half stoppage-time strike from Austin Joseph (35th), also edged their way into the quarter-finals where they will face Under-14 FYPL league runners-up Morvant Caledonia United.

SUNDAY’S QUALIFYING ROUND RESULTS

UNDER-14 DIVISION
Point Fortin Civic 1 (Austin Joseph 35’) vs North East Stars 0
St. Ann’s Rangers 3 (Fitzdarrell Seales 8’, 32’, Christon Calder 50’) vs Central FC 2 (Deigo Ramkissoon 57’, 59’)
UNDER-16 DIVISION
Defence Force FC 0 vs North East Stars 0 - Defence Force won 5-4 on penalties
Central FC 0 vs Morvant Caledonia United 3 - Morvant Caledonia won by default
Under-18 Division
Defence Force FC 3 (Emmanuel Cumberbatch 2’, Shaquem Bleasdell 29’, 40’) vs Central FC 0

SUNDAY’S QUARTERFINAL ROUND MATCHES

UNDER-14 DIVISION
• San Juan Jabloteh vs St. Ann’s Rangers, 10 am, Larry Gomes Stadium;
• Morvant Caledonia United vs Point Fortin Civic, 10 am, Mannie Ramjohn Stadium training field 1;
• W Connection vs Club Sando, 10 am, Mannie Ramjohn Stadium training field 2;
• Police FC vs Defence Force FC, 10 am Mannie Ramjohn main field.
UNDER-16 DIVISION
• San Juan Jabloteh vs Morvant Caledonia United, 2 pm, Larry Gomes Stadium;
• Club Sando vs Defence Force FC, 2 pm, Mannie Ramjohn Stadium training field 2;
• W Connection vs Police FC, 2 pm, Mannie Ramjohn Stadium main field;
• Point Fortin Civic vs St. Ann’s Rangers, 2 pm, Mannie Ramjohn Stadium training field 1.
UNDER-18 DIVISION
• San Juan Jabloteh vs Defence Force FC, 4pm, Larry Gomes Stadium;
• Point Fortin Civic vs Police FC, 4 pm, Mannie Ramjohn Stadium training field 1;
• W Connection vs Club Sando, 4 pm, Mannie Ramjohn Stadium main field;
• St. Ann’s Rangers vs North East Stars, 4 pm, Mannie Ramjohn Stadium training field 2.

T&T’s international sprinting sensation Jereem ‘The Dream” Richards recorded a season’s best 19.99 seconds to finish second in the men’s 200 metres run on debut at the 2018 edition of the IAAF Diamond League meeting which fired off in Doha, Qatar, yesterday.

The race was won by American Noah Lyles, the 20-year-old waited until the field entered the top of the stretch before deciding to pounce, forging ahead to finish unthreatened in 19.83 seconds, another meeting record. It was also a lifetime best, eclipsing the 19.90 he ran in Shanghai one year ago.

Richards, the reigning Commonwealth Games champion over the same distance produced a good finish to hold off world champion Ramil Guliyev of Turkey came in third in 20.11 seconds.

Speaking to Guardian Media Sports after the race Richards said, “I felt really good, I’m not that satisfied with the results, but I’m definitely proud and glad to go under twenty seconds. This is the second time that I have done it legally. I know that there are some things that I need to work on like getting out on the turn because the 100 metres guys are not making it easy for me. I definitely have a lot of work to do coming home, but it’s a really good start. I think I am ahead of where I was at this time last year, and I finished healthy. All praise to God because he gave me the talent to go out there and perform, so I’m definitely thankful for this first experience on the Diamond League circuit.”

New NR, MR as Gardiner wins in style

Meanwhile, World Championship silver medallist Steven Gardiner opened the 2018 Diamond League season in style, resetting the Bahamas national record and posting a new record, to win the men’s 400 metres.

The 22-year-old clocked a world-leading 43.87 seconds to win the event, with Qatar’s Abdalleleh Haroun trailing in second in 44.50 and Botswana’s Isaac Makwala third in 44.92.

Gardiner’s time also represented a personal best and it shaved 200th of a second off his own national record set last year at the London World Championships when he was second to South African wonder kid Wayde van Niekerk.

With van Niekerk missing, the stage was set for Gardiner to dominate and he obliged. Running out of lane five, he tracked Haroun and Makwala for perhaps the first 300 metres before bursting through the final turn to dismiss his challengers in the stretch.

Reigning Olympic champion, Elaine Thompson, meanwhile also failed to make an impact in the women’s 100 metres, coming home third in 10.93 seconds as Marie-Josée Ta Lou of Côte d’Ivoire took the win in 10.95 seconds.

Nigeria’s Blessing Okagbare was second in 10.90. (CMC)

Barrackpore East Secondary School Girls team was crowned champions of the PowerGen Intercol T20 cricket series yesterday when it defeated St. Stephen’s College by 16 runs in the final at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba.

In front of a good crowd, Barrackpore won the toss and decided to take the first strike and totalled what was considered an under-par 95 for five wickets off its 20 overs. Jenalia Guppy top-scored with 16. She got good support from Shalini Samaroo who scored 10. These two were the backbone of the Barrackpore batting and while they were at the crease, their teammates could be heard loud and clear cheering them on.

Leah Mohammed kept them in check with a fine bowling spell of two for 12 from her four overs.

During the break, Barrackpore would have been concerned but the team’s bowling attack which has been its strength in this tournament so far came up trumps once again and restricted St. Stephen’s College out of Princes Town to 79 for four in their 20 overs.

Angelina Sookraj at one point looked as if she was going to take her school over the line but when she departed for 16, the run rate was too much for the others to bring home the win. Juppy was good with the ball and took one wicket for 11 runs off her four overs. She was named the player of the match for her efforts.

GIRLS INTERCOL SCORES

Barrackpore East 95/5 (20) (Jenalia Juppy 16, Shalini Samaroo 10, Leah Mohammed 2/12) vs St Stephen’s College 79/4 (20) (Angelina Sookraj 16, Jenalia Juppy 1/11) - Barrackpore East won by 16 runs. Player of the match—Janalia Juppy.

Former champion jockey Ricky Jadoo gave another superb performance in winning yesterday’s feature event aboard the aptly named Lord Silver at Santa Rosa Park, Arima.

Sent off at as a 4-1 shot in the betting, the John Leotaud trained colt was given a peach of a ride by Jadoo in the race for Imported Three-Year-Olds and Over Maidens and West Indian Bred Three- Year-Olds and Over Horses Rated 75-50 over a distance of 1,100 metres on the turf track.

From the off, Ri Hernandez sent the Harold Chadee trained Mafia Man into the lead with Lord Silver close up. These were followed by Treasure Queen, War Brigade and the favourite Madiba, Crown The King and Shangri La.

At the far turn, Mafia Man and Lord Silver opened a three-length gap on the field as War Brigade moved into third as Crown The King began to feel the pinch.

Coming to the corner Lord Silver and Jadoo struck the front from Mafia Man as Madiba began to make his challenge on the outside, along with Shangri La, as Sunset Cloud began to improve his position from the rear.

With 200 metres to race, Jadoo pushed the Dennis Fakoory owned Lord Silver into a threelength lead and stole the race. Despite Madiba’s finishing kick, he was outgunned by a fast finishing Shangri La for second but neither could get to grips with the winner Lord Silver which had stolen the event at the 200 metres marker.

At the line, Lord Silver had halfa- length to spare Shangri La with Madiba short-head away in third, while Mafia Man was two lengths further back in fourth. Lord Silver registered the good time of 1:04.13 for the trip.

Training honours for the day fell to Glenn Mendez who saddled two winners. Riding honours were shared between apprentice Andrew Poon and the in-form Wilbert Leon who both rode two winners apiece.

The leading crop of Under-19 cricketers in T&T will be on show this weekend as they battle for places on the national team for the upcoming Cricket West Indies Regional Tournament in Barbados.

Following the victory of East Zone in the Shell Under-19 Inter-Zone competition last weekend, the top performers in the zonal tournament will be engaged in a two-day trial match today and tomorrow at the National Cricket Centre ground in Balmain, Couva.

Team “A” will be captained by Cephas Cooper of the South Zone, while Team “B” will have Navin Bisdaisee of the South East Zone at the helm. The managers are David Furlonge and Gregory Davis respectively.

The CWI tournament is scheduled for July 31 and August 30 and is a key indicator of who will be the next generation of stars in future West Indies teams.

Players selected for the trial match are requested to be at the venue by 9 am and should have their Shell caps in their possession.

UNDER-19 SHELL TRIAL SQUADS
Team “A”
Cephas Cooper (captain) - South Zone
Leon Bassano (North)
Mbeki Joseph (South Zone)
Justin Gangoo (South East)
Leonardo Julien (East)
Rivaldo Ramlogan (East)
Avinash Mahabirsingh (South East)
Ronaldo Forester (East)
Jaydon Seales (Central)
Kareem Muradali (East)
Sameer Ali (Central)
Amit Gopaul (South West)
Michael Lambard (North)
David Furlonge (manager)
Team “B”
Navin Bidaisee (captain) - South East
Leonardo Francis (East)
Crystian Thurton (Central)
Antonio Gomez (South)
Daniel O’Souna (North)
Emmanuel Garcia (North East)
Joshua James (Tobago)
Nathaniel McDavid (East)
Sachin Dookie (North)
Tishawn Alleyne (East)
Tevon Jadoo (East)
Sachin Soodeen (North East)
Giovanni Letran (North)
Gregory Davis (manager)

Mucurapo Ex-Pupils and Malta Carib Senators were both in winners row when Second Division matches in the 79th Lystra Lewis Port-of-Spain Netball League at the Jean Pierre Complex, Mucurapo, continued on Thursday.

Led by goal shooter Chelsea Delecia’s 35 goals from 46 attempts Ex-pupils defeated Transcend 42-37.

The winners who opened a 24-20 half-time lead after a 10-all first quarter, maintained their narrow lead at the end of the third period with Sukurah Morgan and Kamara Joseph adding four and three goals from ten and six attempts respectively.

For Transcend, Reeka Seerattan had a team-high 29 goals from 36 attempts, and Nicola Solomon eight from 11. Senators also held off a strong challenge from Horizon X to come away with a 31-23 victory thanks to Zakinya Mc Kenna’s 19 goals from 30 attempts and Christine Snahhs with 12 from 25.

At the other end of the court, Horizon, which trailed 6-7, 12-15 and 17-25 at the end of the first three quarters, got a team-best 13 from 27 attempts by Abigail Boswell.

Results 

On Wednesday
Second Division Y:
SWWTU Malvern 31 (Aaliyah Mulrain 19/25, Patrice Ashby 10/21, Stacey Joseph 2/4) bt Horizon Y 28 (Shania Williams 13/19, Sherry Thomas 10/22, Crystal Jones 5/5).
Quarter scores: 1st. 8-6 Malvern; 2nd. 20-10 Malvern; 3rd. 25-19 Malvern.
T&T Defence Force 32 (Williams-Peters 19/26, Sherika Thomas 13/21) bt Royal Eagles 15 (Shereese Richards 10/24, Aaliyah King 3/8, Ashley Wickham 1/ 4, Mariah Rodriguez ?)
Quarter scores: 1st. 10-2 Defence Force; 2nd. 21-4 Defence Force; 3rd.27-13 Defence Force.
San Juan Jabloteh 37 (Shian Beharry 34/47, Okeisha Mayers 3/6) bt Hill Girls 31 (Keonna Noel 19/27, Shenice Sebro 7/15, Katisha Noel 5/10)
Quarter scores: 1st. 10-7 Hill Girls; 2nd. 16-15 Hill Girls; 3rd. 25-25 all
On Thursday
Third Division Y:
Ebony 28 (Tyeka Marquis 16/23, Kafa Horsford 12/24) bt Chips 9 (Anaya Joseph 8/14, Paige Bowman 1/2 )
Quarter scores: 8-2 Ebony; 2nd.13-4 Ebony; 3rd. 19-7 Ebony.
Marvellites 19 (Renicia Goodridge 8/16, Shanice Lewis 8/16, Jenicia Goodridge 3/9) bt Horizon Y 14 (Kareena Lewis 13/15, Anesa Harrigan 1/3)
Quarter scores: 1st.3-1 Malvelittes; 2nd. 8-7 Marvellites; 3rd. 15-9 Marvelittes.
Second Division Y:
Mucurapo Ex 42 (Chelsea Delecia 35/46, Sukurah Morgan 4/10, Kamara Joseph 3/6) vs Transcend 37 (Reeka Seerattan 29/36, Nicola Solomon 8/11)
Quarter sores: 1st.10-10; 2nd. 24-20 Mucurapo Ex; 3rd. 33-29 Mucurapo Ex.
Malta Carib Senators 31 (Zakinya Mc Kenna 19/30, Christinne Snaggs12/25) bt Horizon X 23 (Abigail Boswell 13/27, Jodee Thomas 6/11, Karen Julien 4/6)
Quarter scores: 1st. 7-6 Senators; 2nd. 15-12 Senators; 3rd. 25-17 Senators

Some of the nation’s top cricketers will turn out today for the start of the T&T Cricket Board Senior Interzone tournament, which bowls off at four venues across T&T.

On Friday, at the official launch of the new competition, at the National Cricket Centre in Balmain, Couva, Patrick Rampersad, chairman of the Organising Committee, expressed his pleasure that several outstanding current national players have made themselves available for the almost month-long competition that will involve the T&T Cricket Board (TTCB) seven zonal affiliates, and Tobago.

The experienced cricket administrator, a third vice-president of the TTCB and president of Merryboys Cricket Club of Diego Martin said that after a lack of funding which severely crippled the ability to organise top-class competition, the National League competitions were re-aligned this season, and the traditional 50-Overs club tournament was sacrificed in an adjustment to the economic realities currently being experienced.

However, the TTCB made a decision to revamp the popular competition, but in an inter-zone format because it was felt that this form of the game has been one of the TTCB’s strengths, with the Red Force winning the regional competition 12 times while emerging as runner-up on at least four occasions.

Rampersad said that quite apart from placing this exciting version of the game back on the front burner, other great advantages include reviving inter-zone rivalry and most importantly giving at least 120 cricketers an opportunity to impress the national selectors and represent the Red Force at the Cricket West Indies Super 50-Overs tournament in October.

He said that four talent scouts have been appointed to take a close look at the overall performances in the competition and make recommendations to the senior selection panel. The talent scouts are national coaches Kelvin Williams, and David Williams; CWI Territorial Development Officer Kumar Rampat and national senior team manager Roland Sampath.

In giving an outline of the competition format, Rampersad said that the eight zones are divided into two groups with Group “A” comprising Tobago, North, South East and South; Group “A” includes South West, East, Central and North East. The first ball bowls off on Sunday, with two other rounds of preliminary action on Saturday, May 12 and Sunday, May 13.

Semi-finals, involving the two top teams in each group will be staged on Saturday, May 19 and Sunday, May 20, both at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, with the grand final set for May 26 at the National Cricket Centre Ground in Balmain, Couva.

Rampersad said that the Senior Inter-Zone competition will be embellished with the inclusion on the roster of registered players many West Indies, national and top club players including Daren Bravo, on his way back to regional Test selection, who is joined on the North Zone line-up by ICC Under-19 World Cup winner Amir Jangoo, spinner Kharry Pierre and Tion Webster.

The experienced all-rounder Riyad Emrit headlines the East Zone squad along with hard-hitting shot-maker Lendl Simmons and the talented Isaiah Rajah; while South West has retained the services of batsman Adrian Ali, a councillor in the Chaguanas Borough Corporation and a T20 Festival winner with Central Sports, and leading spinner Kavesh Kantasingh. Central will have the services of Kjorn Ottley, outstanding all-rounder Imran Khan and young Ricky Jaipaul.

East Zone will not be lacking star power with Yannic Cariah and former national captain Marlon Richards in their ranks while South East will bring out their top cricketer in West Indies player Jason Mohammed, along with Test fast bowler Shannon Gabriel, and fellow pacer Daniel St Clair.

Not to be left out is Tobago Zone which will have at their disposal several cricketers who play with Premiership clubs in Trinidad, and they are confident of making an impression. In their squad are Jahron Alfred, Dejourn Charles, Ancil Nedd (captain), Alden Daniel and Marcus Daniel.

TODAY’S FIXTURES

Group “A”
Tobago vs North (Roxborough)
South East vs South (Sancho Branch Road)
Group “B”
South West vs East (Brian Lara Stadium)
Central vs North East (Gilbert Park)
Saturday, May 12
Group “A”
South vs Tobago (Preysal)
North vs South East (NCC, Balmain)
Group “B”
East vs North East (Monroe Road)
Central vs South West (Brian Lara Stadium)
Sunday, May 13
Group “A”
Tobago vs South East (NCC, Balmain)
North vs South (Brian Lara Stadium)
Group “B”
North East vs South West
East Central (Gilbert Park)
Saturday, May 19
Semifinals
Winner of Group “A” vs Runner-up of Group “B” (Brian Lara Stadium)
Sunday, May 20
Winner of Group “B” vs Runner-up of Group “A” (Brian Lara Stadium)
Saturday, May 26
Final
Winner No 1 vs Winner No 2 (NCC, Balmain)

It may be a cliché, but there is a whole lot of truth behind the saying “Patience is a virtue”. We can remember this line from way back as it’s one of those that has stuck with us but maybe not always been a favourite. Patience is a key aspect of running any kind of business. In this column we talk sport of course, and the figures are there to prove exactly how big a business is sport. The estimates on how massive the sports industry is, varies by source, but it’s commonly considered to be more than US$500 billion, with some estimates running up to $1.3 trillion! One thing though, those figures did not skyrocket overnight or over six months.

Sport in T&T is forever going through a transitional period. It has become common over the years, almost every year, to hear the heads of sporting organisations on record as saying, “We are going through a transitional period now. We are in a rebuilding process.” Just do a google search and you can see how many different press statements will pop up from over less than a three-year period.” So the question we must ask is exactly how often must we review and enter transition. Perhaps, we do it too often here? And why? Could it be that we run out of patience because success doesn’t come sooner than later and by the time we fail after one year, we’re ready to make changes without properly assessing what is in front of us? We tend to prefer the quick fix approach. I do note as well that we also have organisations which stick with what’s in place no matter how bleak things appear to the wider public.

It takes time to build a successful business. As is always the case, it starts with being patient and committed to everything we do to achieve excellence. Let’s take a look at the Germans in football. Classic example! The reigning World champions were not happy with their results fourteen years ago. “In 2004, German football was down. We took decisive steps,” Joachim Löw said after taking his country to the summit of world football two years ago in Brazil.”We said, ‘We have to invest more in the education so we are technically better.’ This is the result of that work.

A combined task force decided Bundesliga clubs must invest in a youth academy or be refused a top-flight licence as of 2001.

The German approach was simple: you need to spend time in the classroom if you’re to get time on the pitch. Better education in academic terms not only sets up those who don’t make the grade for a life after football but also gives those who do greater skills and opportunities. Understanding tactics and advice offered by coaches and backroom staff, processing information quickly and — crucially — decision-making are all enhanced by using the brain in the classroom. “We give players the best chance to be a footballer but we give them two educations here,”Freiburg coach Christian Streich told The Guardian in 2013.

The Germans also emphasised more on coaching development during that period. This took close to ten years before success was realised.

An organisation that is growing and hopes to sustain that growth, like we all want T&T, needs a set of strategies to guide its programme development, build a solid financial foundation, and prepare for challenges that lie ahead. In other words, it needs a strategic plan. Simply put, a strategic plan is a vision of your organization’s future and the basic steps required to achieve that future. A good plan should include goals and objectives, desired outcomes, metrics for measuring your progress, timelines, and budgets. We’ve heard it many times but the execution and yes, patience, is the key.

How far out should we plan? Not too many years ago, the typical strategic plan looked out five years or more. Today, many consultants caution against planning more than two years out. I would encourage one to do what makes sense for them. It is important to always note that truly effective strategic planning requires equal measures of leadership, commitment, patience, trust, and the participation of many stakeholders. Beyond that, if you can remember to be rigorously honest about your organization’s strengths and weaknesses; include a sufficient amount of implementation detail; and strike a balance between ambition and realism, your chances of success are excellent. Take time T&T but remember time is precious and the clock is running.

EDITOR’S NOTE:

Shaun Fuentes is a media trainer, coaching athletes how to present themselves before cameras and how to handle the microphone. He was a FIFA Media Officer at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. He also serves as a CONCACAF Events Media operations officer.

NOTTINGHAM, England – Fidel Edwards’s four-wicket haul proved key as Hampshire did well to restrict Nottinghamshire on the opening day of their Division One County Championship match on Friday.

Opting to bat first at Trent Bridge, Notts managed to get up to 302 in their first innings before reducing Hants to 70 for three at the close – still ahead by 232 runs heading into day two.

Former Test all-rounder Samit Patel top-scored with an enterprising 73 off 92 balls with 12 fours while veteran Riki Wessels chipped in with 54 and New Zealand Test batsman Ross Taylor, 47.

Edwards, the ex-West Indies speedster, helped trigger an early slide, however, picking up two wickets as Notts stumbled to 27 for three in the day’s seventh over.

Patel and Taylor then came together to repair the damage in a 95-run fourth wicket stand before Patel added a further 54 for the fifth wicket with Wessels.

Edwards returned to prise out Patel, caught at deep square hooking and came back at the end to strike again as Notts lost their last four wickets for 37 runs.

In reply, Hampshire slumped to 23 for three with Test seamer Stuart Broad striking twice but South Africa batting stars Hashim Amla (27 not out) and Rilee Roussouw (24 not out) resisted in a 47-run, unbroken fourth wicket stand. (CMC)

Entrepreneur Sahadeo Ramsaroop Dass is on a mission to satisfy local demand for apples, grapes, nectarines and other foreign fruits without using up scarce foreign exchange,

Nine years ago, he began experimenting with growing apples in T&T simply as a hobby. He now has a flourishing business with temperate climate crops that have adapted to this country’s sweltering tropical conditions.

At the very end of Church Street in La Romaine, Dass operates a mini orchard with green, red and black grapes, including seedless varieties, Mediterranean figs, four types of apples, peaches, apricots, nectarines, California cherries, plums, pomegranates, dates and rambutans.

Mainly self taught, Dass believes these fruit trees flourish in T&T because he sources seeds from locations with climates similar to this country.

“When I first began I did my own research and gathered as much information as possible from my relatives abroad,” he explained.

“If plants or seeds are sourced from colder parts like Canada there will be difficulty in growing them but if they come from a warmer climate, like Texas, Florida, California and New Orleans, the seeds will germinate in Trinidad.”
Initially, Dass bought apples from supermarket shelves and planted the seeds. Those that did sprout grew to a certain height then withered and died.

Convinced that he needed to get a first-hand perspective of techniques used in growing the fruit, Dass visited a farm in California and found out that the best way to start growing apples is first to graft the plant. When he returned to T&T he put that method into practice.

“I did a cutting from an apple tree and stuck it in a potato and from there it grew because the potato fed the apple cutting which enabled it to grow healthy.

“The cutting was then transplanted in a soil mixture and from there it flourished into a tree and bore fruit a lot faster than the plants which sprouted from seeds,” he said.

An apple tree takes approximately seven to eight years to mature and produce fruit if planted from seeds. Trees from cuttings mature within four years and produce a higher yield of a better quality.

Pointing to rows of apple trees, Dass said: “These are about six or seven feet tall and they are about a year and a half.

“What is also recommended that the top be cut off and the tree pruned regularly so by the time it’s around three and a half years it will start flowering and bearing soon after.”

For the apricots and nectarines, Dass travels to the United States to purchase seeds from specific farms, or relatives ship them to him. However, with these fruits it’s not as simple as sticking seeds into soil.

Dass explained: “Nectarines, apricots and plums have hard outer coverings. I make an incision on each one before planting. The growing process is made much easier and the tree will grow properly. What I have observed is if that outer cut is not made the seed rots.”

The 74-year-old, who once operated a small store selling an array of merchandise, said customers come from far and wide, including Tobago, to purchase plants and seedlings.

He attributes the increased sales to growing demand for “something different” and a greater appreciation for agriculture.

“Plants and trees are a fast growing industry in this country. There are those who still buy plants for ornamental purposes but more people are investing in fruit trees and not the ordinary kinds,” he said.

“The rarer it is, the more sought after. As soon as the apples trees start to flower they are sold very quickly.”

His latest addition is kiwi which he sows up to 50 in a tray.

“Instead of buying one or two plants, many people instead by an entire tray because of the cheaper wholesale price. A fully grown kiwi plant is about $100 but the smaller ones range from $20 to $25,” he said.

Dass sells grape at $100 for a large plant. These are then resold for as much as $195.

To be successful in this business, time is of the essence, he said.

“Water the plants properly and prune them carefully. It’s also important to look for any fungus under the leaves. This can be easily remedied by an effective insecticide. It’s not a high maintenance business but it’s very time consuming. If you don’t have the time don’t go into the business,” he advised.

Another secret for healthy crops is the soil, which ought to be a mixture of sand and ordinary pro mix.

“Many people also like to use rotted wood and coconut husk when planting but not for these type of plants because this will attract insects such as bachac which will eat away at the plants,” he said.

Dass said one of his dreams is for his business be established in Tobago, especially as that island is more tourist oriented. He said it will be an attraction for foreigners who will be amazed to discover temperate fruits growing in the tropics.

And if this comes to fruition it will means new opportunities for T&T’s agri sector.

She is a zoologist, as well as a busy wife and mother but Misty Hamid wife and mother but Misty Hamid is also an entrepreneur.

Recalling her first forays into what she admitted was initially a frightening experience, Hamid said: “I didn’t know anything about writing books, I am a mother of two boys, working in a different field. I am not an author, this is not my background.”

Searching for inspiration, she browsed Facebook to find out what was available and came up with the idea for an alphabet book featuring tropical fruits. That came about when the older of her sons was two years old.

“I kept seeing books which had “A” for apple, I went to the book stores, I checked online, but I didn’t see anything local and that is when the idea came about. That’s when I started thinking about what do I look for in a book on fruits for our children,” she said.

“I started to do some sketches, writing down my ideas and started formulating the layout I was looking for. That’s when it started to grow.

“I am not really artistic, but I really wanted to do illustrations because I find children are very attracted to colourful, vivid illustrations. One of my friends introduced me to an illustrator and then I started to work with him on those sketches.”

Hamid, who has a double major in Zoology and Botany, and a masters in environmental management, wanted the book to be interactive and attractive, so she chose fruits of different shapes was careful not to have two consecutive pages of the same colour.

“I chose fruits which people thought were vegetables. There were misconceptions I tried to clear up. I chose ochro and eggplant.”

Hamid said there was a point where she did not know the next step to take. Eventually, she joined Cariri’s Idea Advisory Services (IAS) where she was given guidance on intellectual property and other requirements.

“They told me about trademark and copyright. Cariri also connected me to other entrepreneurs, so I was able to liaise with them and hear from them how they developed their products and got them to market.

“Cariri also linked me to various ministries that provided the feedback needed to ensure the information was sound. That’s how I began to grow and develop,” she said.

The result was a book that helps children recognise local fruits and vegetables.

“Fruits are a seasonal thing, so you don’t see fruits across the board. When you go to the market you recognise fruits such as a caimate. So much fruits we have here, but we are running to the foreign stuff and its here. So many health benefits we have out of it too,” she said

Hamid signed a non-disclosure agreement with Cariri are private and not to be discussed at any forum, as well as a copyright assignment agreement for all rights to the illustrations to be assigned to her.

However, getting all the legal paperwork in place was not sufficient. The next step was to register her business, Kidavo Creations and trademark the logo. The trademark was officially registered in March.

BOOK IN STORES AND ONLINE

Hamid has sent a copy of the book to the chief education officer in the Ministry of Education and it has been assigned to curriculum officers for review.
“We were guided always by the ministry in developing this book,” she said.
The book is available at Mohammed’s Bookstore and will soon be available at other book stores. It is also on Cariri’s online platform, BHCommerceTT.
There are plans to expand into colouring books and alphabet charts and Hamid hopes to do tours of primary schools and pre-schools and deepen the company’s footprint throughout the region.
 

SUPPORT FROM CARIRI

The Ideas Advisory Service (IAS) offers the following support:
• Helps entrepreneur develop their value proposition
• Tests the idea before further investment is made by the entrepreneur
• Defines the business, customers and segments
• Assesses and validates the entrepreneur’s business model
• Co-ordinates innovation
Services from the Intellectual Property Clinic:
• Once a month consultations
• Information on protection of intellectual property