For the year ended March 31, the JMMB Group’s net profit and operating revenue increased by 8.1 per cent to J$3.6 billion and J$15.84 billion over the prior year, while earnings per share stood at J$2.18.

Group Chairman Archibald Campbell said the performance of JMMB and its subsidiaries reflected strong fundamentals and steady core growth.

“Our carefully developed mix of business lines across Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and the Dominican Republic, remains a key competitive advantage. It provides balance and diversification across geographies, and a variety of risks, helping us deliver effective solutions to our clients, and distinctive value to our shareholders,” he said in the Group’s annual report which was posted on the T&T Stock Exchange yesterday.

“Overall, the core businesses of the Group continued to show steady growth as we continue to put the capabilities in place to build out other areas of the business model.”

Campbell said key achieves over the financial year included the build-out of the Group’s integrated financial services business model, with the launch of commercial banking operations in Jamaica, as JMMB transitioned its merchant banking services into commercial banking services.

He said: “With the addition of JMMB Bank ( Jamaica) Limited, we have increased the financial solutions offerings to our clients, who remain committed to the JMMB brand, regionally.”

The Group’s Dominican Republic operation introduced its pensions fund management business– JMMB Administradora de Fondos de Pensiones (JMMB AFP).

JMMB Investments (T&T) Limited posted 50 per cent growth in funds under management, increased market share and presence in the equities trading market moving from 10 per cent to 15 per cent. In addition, the company and began servicing Tobago.

“We are very proud of these expanded and diversified business lines which are in line with our regional integrated financial services business model, that will further position the JMMB Group to achieve its long term strategic objectives,” Campbell said.

“We continue to put a high priority on capital generation and return to shareholders, while investing in our business and maintaining a strong balance sheet.”

During the4 financial year, JMMB successfully raised J$9.13 billion with the issuance of four tranches of Cumulative Redeemable Preference Shares, with US dollar and Jamaican dollar options.

Proceeds from this issue will be used to increase the Group’s capital base and provide strength and flexibility for pursuit of new opportunities in line with JMMB’s regional expansion activities.

Campbell added: “We are confident that the quality of our businesses and consistency in execution will enable us to continue producing distinctive returns, while also investing in our businesses for future growth.

We are excited about the longer term investments we are making, including those that will enable us to connect with our clients with greater agility and accelerate our growth rate over time.”

Overall market activity resulted from trading in 13 securities of which two advanced, six declined and five traded firm.

Trading activity on the First Tier Market registered a volume of 691,660 shares crossing the floor of the Exchange valued at $4,069,791.62. NCB Financial Group Limited was the volume leader with 523,853 shares changing hands for a value of $2,828,806.20, followed by Trinidad Cement Limited with a volume of 50,000 shares being traded for $145,000.00. LJ Williams Limited B contributed 49,318 shares with a value of $34,029.42, while One Caribbean Media Limited added 44,000 shares valued at $532,400.

T&T NGL Limited registered the day’s largest gain, increasing $0.02 to end the day at $29.59. Conversely, NCB Financial Group Limited registered the day’s largest decline, falling $0.10 to close at $5.40.

Clico Investment Fund was the only active security on the Mutual Fund Market, posting a volume of 12,582 shares valued at $254,901.62. It declined by $0.05 to end at $20.26.

In Tuesday’s trading session the following reflect the movement of the TTSE Indices:

• The Composite Index declined by 2.77 points (0.23 per cent) to close at 1,223.80.

• The All T&T Index declined by 0.01 points to close at 1,719.97.

• The Cross Listed Index declined by 0.77 points (0.78 per cent) to close at 97.70.

The aim should be simply to establish an efficient system of sea transport between Trinidad and Tobago with vessels and other infrastructure of a standard that provides safety for the movement of people and goods. However, these objectives are being overshadowed by the political tit-for-tat that has been taking place for more than a year over the seabridge.

The sabre rattling by the Government and Opposition serves to do little more than blur the facts and build an atmosphere of confusion over the chronically problematic inter-island transport system.

The reality is, however, that for this twin-island state, efficient air and sea transport is a right that any political administration should ensure that T&T’s citizens enjoy given the social and economic benefits that result. Having a proper sea and air connection between the two islands is not some special privilege bestowed as a gift to the nation. Elected officials, placed in positions of responsibility to manage resources and maintain key operating systems across the country, are simply doing their jobs when they get things right.

Acquiring the right vessels for the service and ensuring they operate regularly and on time should be the goal and achieving that sooner, not later, is also important.

The Opposition should also demonstrate an interest in T&T’s development and progress, resisting the urge to oppose for opposing’s sake and making timely interventions and observations for the good of all.

The inter-island service should not degenerate into a political football, as have so many systems and services in this country.

The quest for developed country status demands more maturity and professionalism from those elected to serve.

Saving the environment

A greener, cleaner Tobago was at the heart of a recent competition among staff of the Tobago House of Assembly’s Division of Infrastructure, Quarries and the Environment.

Recyclemania, the Ultimate Plastic Recycling Competition, has so far resulted in the collection of more than 2,100 pounds of plastic bottles and has also raised awareness among participants about proper waste management.

Efforts like these make a positive difference and it would be good to see similar activities taking place in other workplaces across the country.

New status for national bird

Tomorrow, a major step will be made in wildlife preservation when laws to protect T&T’s national bird, the Scarlet Ibis, come into force. This initiative, undertaken by the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) at the request of Agriculture Minister Clarence Rambharat, confers the status of Environmentally Sensitive Species (ESS) on one of the country’s natural treasures. Hats off to all who have made this development possible.

Okay, hear this. We still have time. What if some of us got together and composed a “people’s manifesto” that raises some of the issues that remain largely out of sight at election time and which later emerge to cause irritation, pain and anger? If we do so, when the next election campaign comes around we can make sure we are clear on the positions of the parties and their candidates on key matters.

But first, let me get the “we” part of the equation right from the very start. The word “we” does not include anybody who believes that any holy book should be converted into official public policy or any “party ‘X’ till I dead” types.

It also does not include anyone who believes that in T&T we have a failed race in need of critical rescue by another, nor does it consist of bigots who use the “N’ or “C” words or the semi-literates who have taken to using “de 1%”, “de Venees” and “de Chinee and dem” as hateful, thinly-veiled racist code.

That way, we immediately get rid of a sizeable chunk of the population who might also want to propose the construction of concentration camps for immigrant children and a wall that blocks out all but the best beaches from our coastline.

Let’s see. There are also those who believe that Chavismo has rescued the population of Venezuela and that the humanitarian crisis there is a “western media” myth and others who think that Jamaicans, Vincentians, Grenadians and Guyanese people are in T&T occupying all the jobs the unemployed should be filling. Sorry, you’re not invited to participate. We need people who can get their facts right.

Item number one—Capital Punishment. How come only when criminal defence attorneys get in high political office they suddenly start believing that because capital punishment “is the law of the land” it should be promptly carried out since there is no other solution?

I want my next proposed MP to tell me what he or she thinks about state executions, which successive studies in other jurisdictions have shown not to have the deterrent effect many people claim. The “hang-dem-high” bunch must instead tell me in clear and unambiguous language what they plan to do about this country’s appallingly low rate of criminal detection long before punishment is countenanced.

Item number two—Human Rights (not including those breached by capital punishment). The next candidates in my constituency must also tell me, or say from a public platform, what they think about the fact that human rights are meant to be inalienable, indivisible and universal. The candidates should be allowed to Google the first two attributes, but they must be able to explain the third on the spot and without prompting. What, indeed, does “universal” mean?=

This is important, for it would mean that candidates would have a ready answer to item number three—Gender Equity and LGBT Rights. Clearly, we have not had legislators in the past who got past item number two, the “universal” part in particular, because we have an Equal Opportunity Act which establishes rights that apply to some people and not to others.

Our People’s Manifesto will also require strong answers to questions about social justice beyond the cosmetics of public relations labelling. These answers should focus on a commitment to address prevailing inequities in accessing all resources under the ownership and control of the state, including the justice system. These people with their eyes on the Treasury must also be able to explain the principal differences between civil and political rights and economic, social and cultural rights.

Which leads to item number four – Prohibition. Including this agenda item would certainly reduce the People’s Manifesto Committee to only a handful since it requires that critical minds consider whether legal prohibition is effective as a way of regulating private human conduct.

The Marijuana Commission Report makes the point as an important aside. No candidate should come before us without having read this report, since it addresses not only the prohibition question but also social justice and broader human rights as they specifically relate to criminalising the possession and use of marijuana.

Garfield and Steve, my fellow committee members, did advise that this introduction to the People’s Manifesto would require much more space than the T&T Guardian editors permit. So, let’s take this up again next week. Send me your ideas.

Last year I remember sitting down to lecture Jess about the way in which she had completed her chores and she said to me, “At least I did….”

I don’t think she got to finish her sentence because she started it with a pet peeve of mine, the infamous “At least I did (insert whatever lame comforting statement you can make up here). Now don’t get me wrong, I think every milestone must be celebrated and having been a mom of an overly tall, which means not naturally gifted, gymnast, I get the do your best and still not be up to mark. This is not what I’m talking about here.

I am talking about the settling for mediocrity because the excellent effort isn’t there. Have you turned every brick, have you knocked on every door, have you done the task to the very best of your ability? Have you invested in growing? Do you have a mentor? Do you have someone in your life to whom you are accountable?

These are signs of excellence. If you have answered no, then maybe you aren’t hitting the mark because there isn’t anyone guiding you or you haven’t chosen the right one to guide you. Stop telling your vision to blind people. And parents, stop holding back your kids’ vision because you haven’t had your eyesight fixed.

I listen to parents complain. We complain about the education system, we complain about the teachers, we complain about the Government, we complain about our jobs, the price of food, our bosses, we complain about everything OTHER THAN our attitudes of mediocrity.

How many times do you comfort yourself using the “At least” phrase? How much time is dedicated to personal development? Are you really doing the best you can or are you simply settling for the best you know how? In the world of technology, it is no longer acceptable to say I did not know.

Create a dream board, do a dream ambassador course, join a network marketing team – that’s an excellent place to start developing your excellence mindset.

Mediocre parents have a higher chance of raising mediocre children and mediocre citizens cannot demand excellence from their Government. This week let’s all commit to picking one thing that we aren’t giving our all to and do it with a spirit of excellence.

Your kids are watching, what are they seeing?

For daily inspiration, follow me on IG and FB @MarshaLoraine. Catch my speeches and past episodes of CARE on YouTube @Marsha Loraine Parenting is hard, let’s smash it together!!!

T&T swimmer Dylan Carter made it three gold medals from as many finals when he scorched his rivals in the men’s 50 metres backstroke A-final at the 23rd Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games continued in Barranquilla, Colombia, last night.

In addition to Carter, David Mc Leod also got bronze in the same event with the USA-based T&T swimmer, while women’s cyclist, Teneil Campbell doubled her bronze medal account.

T&T now has ten medals, four gold, three of which belongs to Carter, one silver and five bronze medals.

The 22-year-old USA-based Carter, who had previously won gold in the 50m butterfly and 100m freestyle touched the wall in 24.83 seconds to lower his own record of 25.01 he sat in the second of three morning heats to better the 2014 mark of 25.72 by Venezuela’s Albert Subirats.

Taking silver was Venezuelan Robinson Molina in 25.25 while T&T’s David Mc Leod got a satisfying bronze medal in 25.55.

In the morning heats, Mc Leod was third in heat one in 25.85 behind Molina (25.21) a new games record then, while Cuban Armando Barrera was second in 25.68.

In men’s 100m butterfly A-final, Kael Yorke placed seventh in 54.27

Later, the Carter-led freestyle 4x100m relay team also went in search of more precious metal, after press time.

Campbell gets second bronze

The 22-year-old Campbell was third overall in the women’s Omnium. This after she was second in the Scratch Race, fourth in the Tempo Race, second in the Elimination and fifth in the Points Race to add to her bronze medal in the women’s Scratch Race on Sunday.

Mexican Lisbeth Salazar won gold with Cuban, Yudelmis Domingez getting silver.

Today, cyclists Nicholas Paul and Njisane Phillip will continue their quest for more gold when they compete in the men’s Sprint semifinals from 11 am with the final carded for 4.30 pm.

This after Paul (9.720 seconds) and Phillip (9.886) were the fastest two qualifiers in the morning Sprint Qualifiers from the field of 16 to advance straight to the quarterfinals.

In the last-eight match-ups, the 19-year-old Paul defeated Venezuela’s Cesar Marcano in two straight rides in 10.137 and 10.048, respectively while Olympian Phillip, 27, swept aside Guatemalan Brandon Pineda, also in two rides in 10.491 and 10.594, respectively.

In today’s semifinals, Paul comes up against Colombian Kevin Quintero who defeated Suriname’s Jair Tjon 2-0 as well, 10.342 and 10.256, while Phillip battles with Colombian Fabian Puerta, who got past Venezuelan Hersony Canelon in three rides, 2-1.

n the men’s Individual Pursuit, T&T’s Adam Alexander (4:46.058) and Jovian Gomez (4:49.466) were 11th and 13th and failed to get to the medal ride.

Calypso Stickwomen pip Jamaica for semis spot

Shaniah De Freitas scored the lone goal to lead T&T senior women’s hockey team to a hard-fought 1-0 win over Jamaica in the final Pool B match at the Unidad Deportivo Pibe Valderrama. De Freitas, who netted both goals in a 2-1 win over Barbados, got the decisive item from the penalty spot in the 34th minute to earn T&T, a two-time gold medal winner in the competition, a third win from as many matches and maximum nine points.

In the semifinals from 5 pm tomorrow, T&T which also swept past Guatemala 12-0 will face Pool A runner-up Cuba, which ended with six points, after losing 0-3 to Mexico followed by wins against Guyana, 2-0, and the Dominican Republic, 3-2.

Mexico which won Pool A will meet Pool B runner-up Barbados in the first semifinal from 2.45 pm tomorrow.

Today, the senior men’s hockey team will go into their final pool match against Jamaica from 1 pm needing a lopsided win to be certain of a semifinal spot

T&T sits third on the table with three points, the same as Cuba, while Barbados leads with a maximum six points. Barbados meet Cuba in the late match from 5 pm.

Calypso Spikers get historic win over Cuba

T&T women’s volleyball team pulled off a first-ever win over former powerhouse Cuba 25-19, 25-16, 25-22 in its fifth to eighth place semifinal. Sinead Jack led the way with 14 points for the Renele Forde captained “Calypso Spikers” while Channon Thompson added 13 and Krystle Esdelle, 12 in the victory.

T&T moves on to meet Venezuela, which defeated Costa Rica, 25-15, 25-12, 25-13, for fifth place. The Costa Ricans will play 11-time champion Cuba for the seventh spot.

Women Warriors need Mexican favour

T&T senior women footballers needed Mexico to defeat Nicaragua by four clear goals to have a chance at advancing to the semifinals. This after T&T was officially awarded a 3-0 default win over Haiti to end with four points from three matches, after losing to Mexico 5-1 and squandering a 2-0 lead in a 2-2 draw with the Nicaraguans.

Last night, the national Under-20 men’s football team, beaten in their first two matches faced Colombia in their final pool match.
 

Squash teams come up empty-handed

T&T’s national women’s squash team proved no match for Mexico in their Pool A round-robin opener, losing 3-0.

For Mexico, Diana Garcia swept past T&T’s Alexandria Yearwood 11-0, 11-3, 11-1, Samantha Teran overcame Charlotte Knaggs 11-5, 11-9, 9-11, 11-4, and Dina Aguiano humbled Marie-Claire Barcant 11-2, 11-1, 11-6.

It was the same result in their second Pool A match with the Cayman Islands, a 3-0 defeat.

Eilidh Bridgemen beat Yearwood 12-10, 9-11, 11-7, 5-11, 12-10, Marlene West outplayed Knaggs 11-5, 11-8, 11-7 and Jade Pitcarn humbled Barcant.

The men’s squad team were also blanked 3-0 in their Pool C opener by Cayman Islands.

Jacob Kelly rallied past T&T’s Nku Patrick 15-13, 3-11, 11-8, 0-11, 11-5, Cameron Stafford defeated Kale Alexander 11-5, 12-10, 11-6 and Julian Jervis whipped Chayse Mc Quan 11-4, 11-5, 11-8.

Arrindell sits in eighth spot

In the women’s laser radial, sailor Kelly-Ann Arrindell had finishes of ninth and sixth in races seven and eight, respectively for a net total points tally of 51 and eight spot overall ahead of today’s final race.

A return to the West Indies ODI team is a distinct possibility for the Bravo brothers, Dwayne and Darren, Sunil Narine and Kieron Pollard, following discussions between the players and Cricket West Indies (CWI). The development could potentially pave the way for the players to be involved in the 2019 World Cup.

The development has been aided by a board decision to move their next domestic 50-over competition to October this year, instead of February 2019 - a switch that means there will be minimal clash between the Super50 and the various domestic Twenty20 leagues Caribbean stars are such an integral part of.

The players have been asked to play in the Super50, perform and push for a recall.

“The overall message to Pollard, the Bravo brothers and Narine was ‘come and play in the Super50 Cup’, so that Courtney [Browne, chairman of selectors] and his selection panel will have all the players in system playing,” Johnny Grave, board CEO, said.

“This will not only increase the standard and hopefully give the panel a headache but will help our selectors better gauge and assess our young players if they’re scoring runs against Dwayne Bravo or Sunil in the final overs or getting Darren [Bravo] and Pollard out.”

Browne said he was looking forward to seeing the players in action. “It’s a very important tournament for us in preparation for the World Cup. People that want to put their names in the hat for consideration would need to play Super50 and perform.”

Although far from resolved, this would represent a distinct thaw in the relationship between the board and players in what has been a difficult year. It began with Narine, Pollard and Darren Bravo choosing the PSL over helping West Indies in their World Cup Qualifiers, a decision that left Grave and CWI “hugely disappointed”.

Matters escalated in April when the Bravo brothers, Pollard and Narine claimed they were denied an opportunity to help the Caribbean after being ignored for a Hurricane Relief charity game between West Indies and a World XI side.

Even then, however, Grave had spoken of meeting with the players after the IPL to discuss futures, meetings which have now taken place. This breakthrough of sorts continues Graves’ policy of building bridges with disaffected players. Last year’s amnesty resulted in Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels returning to the team, Andre Russell’s recent selection into a West Indies squad, improved player contracts and now this olive branch.

“Jimmy Adams [director cricket operations] and I met with Dwayne, Darren, Pollard and Narine’s agent in Trinidad,” Grave said. “We met with them individually because they all have different circumstances. I would describe the meetings as positive, as everyone was looking to the future rather than the past.

“We talked through our entire schedule, not just now and to the 2019 World Cup, but also through all the matches and tours scheduled up to the World T20 in Australia 2020.

“We asked the players individually to take time to consider the requirements of Cricket West Indies, where we are going with the teams and how we are looking for prepare for international series.

The scheduling switch of the Super50, Grave said, wasn’t aimed at getting the quartet to play but the result of a holistic reviw of the domestic system.

“We changed the contractual year to start July 1st, so that the off-season would be April-June when we would do new contracts, appraisals and renewals, while players in the system can do their core conditioning work, as well as obviously have a break”, Grave explained.

“So now we start contracts in July and go almost straight into CPL. Hence in the review it just made sense to continue with white-ball cricket by having the Super50 in November with October to prepare for the change in format.

“Only because we are hosting the ICC Women’s World T20 in the Caribbean it meant moving the Super50 to October for this year.”

That switch has coincided with the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) moving to January, instead of its November slot.

Grave said CWI had discussions with BCB on the matter, as West Indies are due to tour Bangladesh in November.

Former national netball players and coaches Peggy Castanada and Jennifer Frank are among a group of coaches that will bring their expertise to young players through the “Back 2 Basic” Netball Programme, the brainchild of the Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation.

Castanada and Frank, who were part of the historic national team that emerged joint champion at the 1979 World Netball Championships, will impart their knowledge to the youngsters in their own communities.

In a release recently, the corporation, expressed its commitment to revamping the sport of netball nationwide and using netball as a conduit to strengthen communities.

Castanada will operate at the Damarie Hill Recreation Ground while Frank will be at the Maloney Netball Court. The other coaches include Margaret Francis (Manzanilla Recreation Ground), Jacqueline Morris (Arima Netball Court), Antoinette Gaskin (Bon Air Netball Court), Grace Parkinson-Griffith (Maracas St Joseph Netball Court), Veronica Mc Donald-Nicholl (Mt Hope Netball Court), Anne Marie Dickson-Lewis (Chinapoo Government) and Nikeisha Felix-Lewis (La Fillette Netball Court), current nationa player Kielle Connelly (Manzanilla) and Daniella Hall (Damarie Hill).

At a “Meet and Greet” function last month at the Arima Town Hall which included representatives from the participating corporations, coaches and participants in the programme, Councillor Michael Castellano welcomed the gathering to the Borough of Arima and congratulated the Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation Chair and his team for spearheading the initiative and including the neighbouring corporations.

Alderman Onika Haynes brought greetings from the Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation and expressed gratitude for all the support thus far. She lamented the importance of programmes for our youth. She added that this is an opportunity to teach them strong values in discipline, teamwork, sense of community all while developing their netball skills so that we can take netball back to the days of Jean Pierre when netball was one of the top teams in the world.

The intended programme will utilise netball as a channel to contribute to the holistic development of the young girls within the communities. The participants will be taught by certified coaches, past national players, past national coaches who reside in the communities in which they will be coaching.

The programme will introduce girls between the ages of seven and 13 to the fundamentals of the game at an early age to unearth young talent in the communities to contribute to rebuilding netball as the premier women’s sport in T&T.

It is becoming even more important to re-establish the foundations of culture and sport across the nation, in a concerted effort to foster the involvement in positive activities within the communities and promote the importance of living healthy lifestyles.

The programme will be conducted in three phases with Phase I which has already started and runs until September.

The three-month programme will be conducted in the following regional corporations, Tunapuna/Piarco, Arima, San Juan/Laventille and the Sangre Grande.

In Phase II, January to March 2019, the three-month programme will be open to include all Regional Corporations and in Phase III, from May to October 2019, the programme will be run for six months throughout all the corporations and culminate in National Regional Youth Netball Competition.

New champions were crowned in almost every category at this year’s BCQS Queen’s Park Cricket Club’s (QPCC) Squash Masters Tournament at the QPCC Racquet Centre, Port of Spain last week.

Suriname’s 2017 champion Joao Wong A Foe made his presence felt by claiming the titles in both the Master In Training (MIT) 25-34B/35-44 B Divisions. In a hotly contested final Wong showed his class by defeating T&T’s Tang Nian in straight sets 11-5, 11-3, 11-8.

The 35-44A Division provided a stiffer contest, featuring some of the tournament’s top players, as the 2016/2017 runner-up from QPCC Marc Pontifex, Bahamian Ryan Reid- the 2015 runner-up, Petrotrin ace Peter Pirtheesingh and champion Paul De Verteuil who entered the tournament late but progressed to the final after a series of impressive displays.

De Verteuil eventually defeated Pontifex in the final following a marathon five matches 11-10, 11-8, 6-11, 10-11, 11-9 to retained the crown he won last year.

Meanwhile, the 55-64 division was without the two pre-tournament favourites as John Holley, the tournament’s defending champion was out of the country and Richard Hart opted to contest in the 45-54 division instead.

However, the battle was not without quality as Gerard Edghill, Roger Galt, David Scott and Rudy Wong A Foe emerged from the group stage and into the semi-final, where Edghill got the better of Galt for the right to be in the final 11-9, 11-7, 9-11, 11-10, and Wong clinched the other final spot by virtue of whipping Scott in three sets 11-2, 11-4, 11-6.

In the final, however, Wong A Foe took the title in straight sets 11-4, 2-11, 6-11, 11-9, 11-2. There were also titles for Brandon de Montrichard, claiming the 25-34 A age group/round-robin playoffs, with Luc Davis and Zachary Loquan taking second and third positions respectively, David Lanser also whipped Julien Henry in three games 11-9, 11-9, 11-9 for the 45-54 division and Beverly Wilson coming back from two games down to edge out Cathy De Gannes-Martin in five games 10-11, 3-11, 11-10, 11-8, 11-2 for the women’s title.

In the 5+ division, Winston Findlay of the British Virgin Islands emerged victorious over squash stalwart Neal Ramasra in the final.

The tournament featured 56 competitors from Barbados, Bahamas, Suriname, British Virgin Islands, Curacao, Germany and T&T.

WALTER ALIBEY
 

GEORGETOWN – West Indies captain Jason Holder has backed young batting star Shimron Hetmyer to start notching big scores soon, and has encouraged him to spend more time at the crease in order to achieve this.

The 21-year-old top-scored with 52 in Sunday’s first One-Day International against Bangladesh as West Indies failed to overhaul 279 and plunged to a 48-run defeat at the National Stadium at Providence.

“It’s something he and I have been talking about for a little while. He’s been probably one of the better players of spin in our dressing room and he is also one of the few left-handers we have in the middle order,” explained Holder.

“I’ve just encouraged him to go deep. I spoke to him [on Saturday night] before the game and one of the things we spoke about is him batting down to at least the 35th over before he starts to expand.

“Probably the situation in [yesterday’s] game would have maybe dictated he go a bit deeper than the 35th, down to probably the 40th and giving the hitters at the end enough leeway to come in and execute their game.”

Hetmyer was playing only his 10th ODI after making his debut last December on the tour of New Zealand. He smashed his maiden hundred -127 against United Arab Emirates – in the World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe last March.

He has managed a number of starts in his other innings without carrying on but Holder believes his ability to convert will come with increased experienced.

“He’s a young talented player and I think he will learn as time goes on, and I think we just have to invest some time in him,” said the all-rounder.

West Indies were looking dangerous when Hetmyer was involved in a 40-run third wicket stand with superstar opener Chris Gayle who made 40 from 60 balls, with a four and a pair of sixes.

However, tragedy struck in the 22nd over when Hetmyer turned down a quick single to shirt third man with Gayle past the point of no return, leaving the Windies’ most experienced batsman stranded.

While Gayle was not his usual explosive self, Holder said there was no cause for concern.

“Everybody expects Gayle to be his normal dominant self. We just want him to impose himself on the power-play – he’s been one to do that,” Holder pointed out.

“Maybe the surface isn’t one that you can blast through the power-play as such but he adjusted his game really well and picked up a few singles for us up front. He obviously got his odd boundary here and there and I thought he was looking pretty good.

“It’s just unfortunate with the run out. Obviously we just need to tighten up on that area as well.”

The second ODI is set for today at the same venue. CMC

Emancipation Day has tremendous significance for the country in general and the horse racing industry in T&T in particular.

August 1 promises to be no different with a very competitive card of racing in store. By the time this article is being read, the entries for Emancipation Day would already be known but the main feature events, the Presidents Cup and the T&T Breeders Classic had their final nominations paid some weeks earlier and so we are able to take a look at the main protagonists in these two important events on the racing calendar.

The Classic is a relatively young race on the racing calendar but has quickly grown in popularity amongst racing fans and owners alike.

Usually contested before the Derby, last year it was switched to after the Derby, but it is satisfying to know that it has now reverted to its prior position as a prep race for the locally bred horses for the Derby but also an important race in its own right.

This edition is probably one of the most competitive in its recent history with not only no outstanding runner on show but also no obvious stayer among the leading contenders.

Twenty (20) horses paid their final subscriptions for the race of which, only ten of them are previous winners including Affirmative, Blazing Gem, Fake News, Khal Drogo, No Man’s Land, Princess Sophia, Santa Cruz Lady, So Be It, Strategic Patience and Streaking Far.

Of the maidens, Lois Lane, Man of Tomorrow, Smarty Jon and Usain have all shown ability but might not be ready to win a race of this nature.

The leading contenders for this race are undoubtedly the first three in the Royal Colours Classic – Princess Sophia, Streaking Far and Affirmative.

Princess Sophia is a beautifully bred filly who was brought into this country in utero. After winning two of her first three starts including the Classic, she somewhat lost her way after a minor injury but returned to winning ways in a, 1200 metres sprint on her last start. She has not won beyond 1,300m and that must be the major question mark over her in this 1,800m race.

Streaking Far has been a model of consistency and followed up her second in the Classic with wins over 1,750m, a runner-up finish in the Guineas and a fourth-place finish in the Midsummer Classic. The latter was a very disappointing performance because she was strongly fancied to be at least second. If she is able to return to the form of her Guineas second, she should take all of the beating.

Affirmative was third in the RC Classic but returned to devastate a maiden field over 1,100m before finishing an excellent third in Midsummer Classic, ahead of Streaking Far. He is quite fast and does not appear to be a stayer but he may not need to be a stout stayer to figure prominently in this race.

Of the other winners, none have displayed the level of ability to be a serious contender and it may be two of the maidens, Smarty Jon and Usain who could finish on the leaderboard. Smarty Jon only made his debut on Saturday gone and while he ran a pleasing race, he was soundly beaten by So Be It.

Usain was off the track for a long time before returning to be a beaten favourite (albeit in second) in a handicap. Both should run well, but the finish should be fought out by the three who fought out the Royal Colours Classic. A fascinatingly competitive race is in prospect.

The President’s Cup over 1,900m for the top class horses also promises to be a fascinating event. Last year’s surprise winner, Whisper Light returns and along with Stockyard stand out among the field. Also paying final subscriptions were Stockyard’s stable companions, Errazuriz, Commanding Fashion and Nuclear Power; as well as Princess Suri (who paid a penalty), Wots to Report and Rock in Peace.

These are likely to be the main contenders though it is likely to be a tall order for Commanding Fashion who has only shown his best form on the turf; Nuclear Power has only returned from an injury on July 21 when second to Desert Dancer and Errazuriz has not been seen in many months.

Princess Suri for whom a penalty was paid has only raced over distances under 1,300m but connections must believe that she has the ability to stay this extended distance.

The top two, however, are clearly the game Whisper Light and Stockyard. Whisper Light has been toting extremely heavy weights in his recent starts and is likely to get some weight relief with his younger rivals on this occasion. Additionally, in the recent past, his best form has been shown at distances in excess of 1,300m so he is likely to be more at home over this extended distance as long as he does not get into an early speed duel with any of his rivals.

Stockyard is the likely favourite and won the Independence Cup last year and was also placed in the Gold Cup. He has also been very consistent this year but his best form has been on wet fast track. Once again a very competitive race can be expected and this is what punters want to see.

These two feature races are competitive enough to bring out the crowds and it is hoped that punters respond accordingly.

The Trainers Association will be celebrating the achievements of trainers John O’Brien and Glenn Mendez and we would like to also extend our congratulations to both men who have provided yeoman service to the racing industry in this country in more ways than one, with their competitive spirit and flair constantly enhancing the sport.

May they continue to dignify the sport with their involvement and conduct. Well done gentlemen!

Defending champion Defence Force will be back seeking to retain its title in the Men’s Premier Division of the Barry Stewart Invitational League.

The second edition of the league opens on Sunday from 12 noon at the Central Regional Indoor Sports Arena in Chaguanas. Following the opening ceremony at 3 pm, two matches will take place with Straker Nets meeting newcomers Stories of Success (SOS) Academy at 3.30 pm and a battle of the servicemen at 5 pm when Police come up against the reigning champion Defence Force.

Teams will compete in four divisions including Men’s Premier, Women, Under-19 and U-15.

Ten teams will challenge for the crown and $50,000 in the top division. The other team are Detour Shak Attack, Prisons, Petro Jazz, Brian Chase Academy, Maloney Pacers and another newcomer, UWI.

Second place finishers will take home $20,000 and third, $10,000. The participating women teams are Straker Nets, Enterprise, Brian Chase and UWI while the U-19 will play in two groups. Group A will see Grande Young Stars, New Age Lyons, Brian Chase Academy, Straker Nets, Togetherness and SOS Academy battle while Group B will have Mathew Pierre Academy, Petro Jazz, Spartans, 500 Hawks, Maloney Pacers and Trailblazers. The U-15 will comprise of Spartans, Grande Young Stars, Brian Chase Academy, 500 Hawks and Maloney Pacers.

This year the tournament will be held in honour of Vibert “Passay” Dean, a long-standing player whom the basketball fraternity lost in May.

Dean started playing basketball at St Barbs basketball court with Celtics second division team and then moved to North Western League First Division before joining National Flour Mills (NFM) where he played in North Zone and Super 10 and his later years he played with Veterans. Dean could be seen at every match last year cheering on his teams and just enjoying the sport of basketball. His presence will be missed.

Log on to Facebook at Barry Stewart Basketball or on Instagram at Barrystewartbaskeballleague to follow the league or contact Barry Stewart at 310-0324 or Nadine Khan at 684-3294 for further information.

Given the amount of bacchanal, controversy and court matters with some of our respective associations that govern sport in this country, it sadly can make one feel that our athletes have very little chance of competing at international level. These associations are so hell-bent on protecting their own little piece of tuft, that little time is spent on looking after those who really count in the playing arena. That being said, it is truly a great feeling for the people of our twin-island republic when our sportsmen and sportswomen are doing well and winning medals at an international meeting.

Our last major outing was arguably the 2016 Olympics and it was not what we expected. Many of the athletes came in for some severe criticism which in my view was a bit unfair, as it has always been my opinion that more can be done for them in terms of preparation. They are sent on the international scene by just doing the qualifying times and then we expect miracles from these athletes; who no doubt give 100%, but really and truly, some have little chance of capturing a medal. So when we produce a Hasely Crawford or a Keshorn Walcott, they are indeed special people.

At the time of writing, T&T had won four gold, one silver and six bronze medals at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) games being held in Barranquilla, Colombia. A total of 470 events are being contested by 37 nations with 5,854 athletes. By and large, our athletes have done well thus far.

Pride and place has to go to young swimmer Dylan Carter who broke two games records in the 100m freestyle and the 50m butterfly events, and also broke his own record in the 50m backstroke. It appears that we have yet another world class swimmer on our hands, and it is here where our officials come into the picture. Carter now has to step up to the next level but he needs help to do this. He will no doubt have the support of his family and his respective trainers, but they can only do so much.

I am sincerely hopeful that the Amateur Swimming Association of T&T (ASATT) can help Carter with the necessary funding and training that is needed so that he can step up to that next level. He is ranked 4th in the world in the butterfly so he has some way to go to the top but let us rally behind him and let us share in his joy; but please, help him to get to the top. He is already an inspiration to all the young swimmers in T&T, and once again the ASATT needs to capitalise on his success and every young swimmer should just ‘wanna’ be like Dylan. Congrats to Dylan, to our gold cycling team of Njisane Phillip, Nicholas Paul and Kwesi Browne and the rest of the T&T contingent.

On the subject of congratulations, I want to wish Magnolia Hockey Club continued success after celebrating their 50th anniversary at a function held at the Queen’s Park Ballroom last Saturday night. I was pleased to receive an invitation to the function, which I gladly accepted and it was truly a wonderful evening. The feature address was delivered by former Miss Universe Wendy Fitzwilliam.

The club was formed in 1968 and was able to field two teams in the B and C divisions of the T&T Women’s Hockey Association (TTWHA) competitions. By 1971, they fielded three teams and four by 1985. From its conception, the club started with family and friends coming together to share their love for hockey. What is even more impressive with ‘Mags’ is their discipline, values, support base and their obvious passion for the game.

Up to 1986, they had never won the women’s championship but finished second on numerous occasions. At the time I was employed at Carib Brewery, we had just launched Shandy Carib and it was tagged as a refreshing beverage, especially after some sort of energy intensive activity. Their colours were brown and gold - similar to the Shandy Ginger label - and I thought voilà, why not give it a try and use the club and their 100 odd members to promote the Shandy Carib brand. My one provision was that they had to win the League as I said my Company will not support non-champions. Perhaps that did the trick as they have won the title on numerous occasions since then.

Shandy Carib was their first ever sponsor 32 years ago. How the Club survived without a sponsor in the early years is a testament to your organisational skills, your ability to rise when the chips are down, your dedication, your hard work and your overall commitment.

Once again, congratulations on your 50th anniversary; you should be extremely proud of your past as you eagerly look to the future.

Colin Murray

The pair of Jordell Chapman and Messiah Permell have been crowned Under-10 Mixed Doubles champions as action in the RBC Tobago Junior Tennis Championship continued at Shaw Park Tobago, yesterday.

On court six, Isabel Abraham prevailed over Maria Honore to capture the Girls U-16 title in comfortable fashion 6-2, 6-0.

Playing on court one the combined forces of the number one seed Permell and his partner made light work of the brother and sister duo of Brian and Brianna Harricharan, whipping them in straight sets, 6-2, 6-4.

But on court two, Jace Quashie took three sets to advance to the final of the Boys U-12 Division by beating Kale Dalla Costa 4-2, 1-4, 4-2.

In the battle for silverware, he will meet number two seed NathenMartin, who cruised to a 4-2, 4-1 victory over Luca Denoon in the other semi-final.

In the Boys U-14 division, Sebastian Sylvester was also in winning ways for a final berth over Nicholas Ready 6-1, 7-6 (4) in the tie-break, where a juicy contest awaits him against Shae Millington. The latter had an easier 6-0, 6-2 triumph over Johnny Su in the other semi-final encounter.

Number two seed Jaylon Chapman had to settle for the consolation win in the U-14s when he defeated Syam Manchikanti 4-0, 5-3 on court three.

Meanwhile, Kyle Kerry got another win in the boys U-16 round-robin playoffs when he got the better of Charles Devaux 6-1, 6-1, and then he looked on as Saqiv Williams prevailed over Sebastian Sylvester in another game, 6-4, 4-6, 6-4.

WALTER ALIBEY
 

In a ground-breaking move, the T&T Defence Force (TTDF) has partnered with Junior Achievement T&T (JATT) to provide 34 teenaged males a motivational camping experience of a lifetime.

“Let today be the first day of the rest of your lifetime,” camp co-ordinator Major David Benjamin, exhorted the youths, aged 13 to 17, as he welcomed them to an orientation exercise at the Holiness Revival Ministries auditorium, Woodbrook, on Friday.

Appropriately named, “Youth Empowerment Camp,” the two-week session is the first ever youth camp of its kind to be facilitated by the TTDF. It offers a unique live-in experience at Teteron for the lucky youths who are drawn from communities throughout Trinidad. Projects will include camping activities, competitive, sporting events, nature hikes, a talent show, kayaking, mountain biking to culminate in an awards ceremony on the final day, August 1.

Major Benjamin told the boys what to expect at the camp: “This is not a boot camp. This camp is about making you a man. Apart from the camping activities, you will learn about etiquette, personal life skills, how to dress, how to present yourself, how you build self-confidence. There will be no corporal punishment but if you don’t behave yourself, your parents will hear about it. We want you to walk in with an empty toolbox and walk out with a box full of tools you will use for your entire life.”

Part of the TTDF mandate, Major Benjamin pointed out, was to offer support to the national community, with the youth camp designed to offer a wholesome and far-reaching experience for the youths to develop into exemplary young citizens.

Junior Achievement executive director, J Errol Lewis, hailed the partnership between JATT and the TTDF as “ground-breaking,” noting that it was the opportunity-of-a-lifetime for the teenagers. “We at Junior Achievement are thrilled that the senior officers at the Defence Force decided to collaborate with us on this exercise and provide exceptional support for the entire duration of the camp. It will be very intense and they will be devoting the services of experienced tutors trained in counselling and extend quality time to these boys,” said a grateful Lewis.

The participants, Lewis said, were selected through consultation with their schools.

The campers and their parents were also addressed by Col Ronald Jeffrey, chief staff officer, Defence Force Headquarters, who appealed to the teenagers to make full use of the “golden opportunity” offered to them through the camp. He urged the parents to use the time away from their sons as a time for reflection, adding that they should reinforce and build on what their children would learn at the camp. Col Jeffrey said the TTDF was proud to partner with Junior Achievement to offer the teenagers a great experience that should serve to mould them into upstanding young men.

On their arrival at Teteron base later in the day, the boys were given a pep talk by Chief of Defence Staff, Commodore Hayden Pritchard.

The packed itinerary for the camp also caters for visits to Coast Guard headquarters at Staubles Bay with a ride on one of its vessels, exploring Chacachacare and historic Nelson Island, Macqueripe Bay, the Fire Services Training base at Savonetta, Couva, and the Youth Training Centre (YTC).

A similar camp, catering exclusively for teenaged females, will start on Monday, August 13. Parents wishing to register their daughters for the experience can contact Junior Achievement at 471-6946 (Nesta) or 756-1399 (Shaunika).

Holistic Music School will continue to develop the creative, intellectual, social, spiritual, emotional and physical skills of primary (five to 12 years) students through Atelier (arts workshop) scheduled for Monday, August 6 to Friday, August 17.

In keeping with the introduction of the new Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA), participants will explore Mathematics and English Language Arts through the systems and interactions of a holistic market.

The workshop will encourage students to apply both critical thinking and creativity to mental mathematics, problem solving, story/report writing and comprehension.

Activities will be scheduled from 8:30 am to 3 pm daily at Holistic Primary School. Supervision will be provided at no extra cost from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm. The cost of the workshop is $600 per week plus a registration fee of $150. Students will be enrolled on a first come, first served basis. Enrolment is limited.

Secondary school students

Holistic Music School is also inviting secondary school students (12 to 19 years) interested in exploring jazz performance and improvisation. Students should have at least one year of practical experience on trumpet, trombone, saxophone, clarinet, flute or guitar.

This year’s cadre of professional jazz musicians will include Rellon Brown (trumpet); Daniel Ryan (saxophone, clarinet, flute); Joshua Pasqual (trombone); and, Seth Escalante (guitar).

Jazz atelier sessions will be scheduled Tuesday and Thursdays from 4 pm to 6 pm, on August 6-17, at Holistic Music School. The introductory cost of the workshop is $240 (four sessions).

For August Atelier 2018 registration information e-mail atelier.holistic.edu @gmail.com anytime or phone 621-0428 on Friday, August 3

MORE INFO

Atelier (the French word for workshop) was established by Dr Patricia Dardaine-Ragguet in 1997 as a means by which to engage students in positive, holistic and character building exercises in the context of creativity and artistic development.

During the past 21 years, themes have included Holistic Jazz, Rainforests, Birds, Under the Sea, Developing Healthy Communities, Olympic Games, Beethoven to Boogsie and Christmas Around the World.

Dardaine-Ragguet, an administrator, holistic educator and musician, has designed the 2018 Atelier curriculum to excite and inspire current and future entrepreneurs and musicians. Age appropriate concepts will be introduced in a relaxed and interdisciplinary workshop setting. A cadre of experienced teachers, consultants and trained apprentices will instruct students.

Holistic Market Atelier (Arts Workshop) for August school vacation:

SEA primary school students (2019 - 2023): Mathematics & English Language Arts Curriculum through Fashion, Film, Stilt Walking, Agri-Science & Business Development

Secondary school students: Jazz Performance & Improvisation; Commercial Music — Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute & Guitar

New Birth Church of God, of Vega de Oropouche, celebrated its 15th anniversary yesterday with the unveiling of its church billboard on the Toco Main Road. The unveiling was followed by procession to the church, of clergy, parishioners and villagers, singing and chanting.

Bishop Allan Merryshow said his mission and objective is to “empty hell and fill heaven,” and this was demonstrated by a church filled to capacity. There were also people filling an outdoor tent.

Many speakers brought greetings for the upliftment and growth of New Birth Church of God.

Merryshow urged parents to have their children know God and teach them the morals that will make their children disciplined, respectable and obedient so parents can be proud of them. He added that crime is plaguing the country and the church must play its role in addressing this worrying problem otherwise there will be regrets.

Merryshow gave the assurance to all present that his wife, Pastor Marie Merryshow, and his elders, are interested in assisting those who need spiritual guidance, an ingredient that is missing in the daily lives of citizens. He invites all to attend his church as a warm welcome awaits all so desirous of attending. (Ralph Banwarie)

After work on Thursdays, North Trinidad has gotten something new with the instalment of Thrive International’s #ThriveINLime networking event. This event, which has been happening every Thursday at The Chancellor Hotel, St Ann’s, since July 5, was created to allow people in the creative fields to connect, collaborate and create. Thrive allows others to showcase their talents, be inspired by industry talks and be discovered. The event brings a different focus each week which keeps it fresh with an element of fashion, art, media and entertainment happening at least once a month. Started first in Dubai five years ago, this industry concept is gradually building momentum in the north, with interest already to bring it to south Trinidad soon.

Founder Ethan Auguste who is based now in Geneva after living in Dubai for eight years, is here in Trinidad working on developing the concept, brand and the fourth annual #ThriveINTNT event to be held in October.

Said Auguste: “I’m very pleased with the growth so far and see a lot of potential with this event here in Trinidad. It takes a few months to build a night so we are in it for the long haul. The event is free for all to enjoy after work from 6 pm – 11.30 pm and can only be possible due to the support of our sponsors Chancellor Hotel, MK Entertainment, Native Caribbean Foundation and Hiero Graphics.”

So far, ThriveINLime featured talks in fashion with Darcel De Vlugt, Claudia Pegus and Kyle Matas, Film with Danielle Dieffenthaller, Lisa Wickham and Michael Mooleedhar, followed by Art with Israel Silva, Nadya Shah and Japan-based Trinidadian Dexta Mega. Today, ThriveINLime will focus on music with industry talks from Carl “Beaver” Henderson, Kit Israel and Maarten Manmohan and will be hosted by Mark Wallace.

Also, for the first time, live bands will grace the Thrive stage.

To get involved in Thrive, or showcase your talent or brands, email ethan@ethanent.com for details and visit www.thriveintnt.com

Patrons who took time to sample the fare at this year’s edition of the popular food festival, BessFest, held at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain, recently, got the treat of a lifetime when they savoured the offerings of Carenage-based Chill It Frozen Desserts.

Young and old made a beeline to the Chill It booth to enjoy the unique range of frozen desserts on sale, including popsicles, poptails, ice-creams and cocktails. Jaysen Francis, a Chill It Frozen Desserts director, said the company utilises mainly local ingredients in their finished products, such as mango, avocado, pawpaw, guava and pineapple.

“We always use fresh fruits of the best quality for our products,” said Francis. “We started operations about a year ago and most of our business is handled through catering services for now, for events such as food festivals, weddings, birthdays, etc. You don’t have to have a ‘sweet tooth’ to enjoy our products.

Francis added that the company is working toward expanding operations with a presence in specialty outlets. While the young can savour the usual frozen desserts, Chill It has concocted alcoholbased products for adults, such as Carib Cocktail which takes its name from the famous beer, and Avocado Hennessy among others.

Chill It Frozen Desserts employs five employees at present, but as Francis explained, they hope to generate more employment as the business grows.