Lalo Goordial, an RBC Royal Bank client of 25 years, described his experience: “I used to go to Carlton Centre, but this (High Street) is a convenient location and if anything, the customer service and ambiance are even better here. It is good to see friendly faces as well, because I know that they merged staff from both branches. I look forward to seeing what improvements they make as they continue to deliver quality service.” Prior to the 8 am opening, the High Street staff began their day with a team breakfast, which was an opportunity for the employees, a combination of High Street and former Carlton Centre branches, to interact and prepare for their new experience. RBC Managing Director Darryl White, who was at the branch on opening day, said the merger was an opportunity for the Bank to deliver on its commitment to its clients in the San Fernando community and environs.

“We have brought together two strong and experienced teams to serve our clients and the community of San Fernando. It’s in keeping with our strategy to get closer to our clients so we can more effectively and efficiently address their financial needs and life goals.

We are able to achieve this on multiple fronts that include our digital innovations such our mobile banking app and Internet banking, which now complement our established channels such as ATMs, teller phone banking and our client contact centre. Our branch network remains an important feature of this outreach to clients as the branches are a trusted place where our clients can come for service and advice,” White said.

White and High Street’s Branch Manager, Devanand Birju, spent the morning alongside their staff, greeting clients and assisting them with their transactions. “This has been quite an experience for us,” Birju said. “Our employees have been highly engaged throughout the process and we could not have been successful without them.” Retail Assistant, Chanelle Ramsingh, who had worked at the Carlton Centre branch, said she was looking forward to the changes.

“I worked at that branch for five years and because of the open communication and shared vision, I am excited by this new opportunity to grow and improve with an expanded team and new customers. We are adapting well and are bonding as a unit because we are all dedicated to serving the needs of our customers. They didn’t just open the doors to this branch today, they opened doors to new opportunities for everyone involved.” Birju said clients, too, shared their feedback and were anticipating the expanded and upgraded facility.

“At every stage of this process, we got feedback from our customers and spoke to staff, and everyone understood the need for change and improvement. At the end of the day, this was a very successful merger of both branches,” Birju added. White also noted: “We have a clear strategic vision at RBC and at the heart of it all is the benefit of our customers and the communities in which we operate.” According to educator and maths master, Dr. Fayad Ali, “I’ve banked with RBC for 15 years and they’ve always been competitive in terms of providing better products and service to clients. I enjoy the fact that they are always in contact and communicate offers that benefit me. Although technology is changing banking, I appreciate that they still provide old-fashioned one-on-one customer service and they are never to busy to discuss any matter.

They took a very positive approach with regard to this merger of branches and showed that it is really all about us, the customers.”

The Couva Sharks returned to the top of the 2016-17 standings with one game day left and are a point ahead of rivals W Connection after showing all teeth and bite in a 6-0 romp against 10-man St Ann’s Rangers.

Kishun Seecharan scored on either side of the break and Darren Mitchell twice in the second half while Jason Marcano and Mickaeel Jem Gordon had a goal each in a display of domination by coach Dale Saunders’ side.

But it can turn into a sour end for Central (44 points) if they lose against third-positioned San Juan Jabloteh (29 points) in their final league game of the truncated season and Connection (43 points) win against Ma Pau Stars.

However, judging from their biggest win this term at this stage of the league competition and against a side that had not suffered such a heavy defeat all season, the Sharks seem equipped for the task ahead.

The 20-year-old Seecharan, who started in place of suspended winger Rundell Winchester, handed the Sharks the lead on 12 minutes with a fine left-footed strike beyond Rangers goalie Cleon John from 18 yards out. It was from a perfectly calibrated pass over the top from Marcano that allowed Seecharan to break the offside trap and enter the area with John at his mercy.

Rangers, although being without teenagers Rushawn Murphy, Kathon St. Hillaire, Micah Lansiquot and most notably Josh Toussaint who are all currently in a training camp in Columbia with the Trinidad and Tobago Under-20 squad, managed to head into the break with the narrow deficit thanks to some fine goalkeeping by John. Seecharan made it 2-0, completing his double in the 63rd-minute with a thunderous left-footed strike into the top corner of John’s net. “Block the left foot! Block the left foot!” John barked at his defenders as Seecharan made his way across the top of the box from the right. But a quick exchange and Seecharan was free to fire beyond the Rangers goalie.

Seecharan was offered a chance to complete his first professional hat-trick five minutes later, but skied his attempt from the penalty spot after former Central attacker Samuel Delice was ruled guilty of dragging down Mitchell inside the area.

It was the second penalty miss by Central on the afternoon after Marcano’s attempt from the spot on 20 minutes was kept out by John following defender Richard Williams’ foul on Kevon Villaroel.

Delice, who Rangers coach Anthony Streete had heavily depended on up front, had flared up at referee Crystal Sobers’ decision to point to the spot in the latter instance and a yellow card quickly turned into the red after he angrily kicked away the ball which flew in her direction.

Central, from then onwards, took control and added four more goals to Rangers’ miseries.

Marcano redeemed himself with a perfectly executed finish into the far bottom corner of John’s net fifteen minutes from time, before solo goals by Tobagonians Gordon and Mitchell from close up in the 79th and 80th minutes, respectively.

Mitchell, the Central captain, fittingly completed the rout in stoppage-time with a cool finish from just inside the six-yard area.

Also Saturday, Police defeated Defence Force 3-1.

Finishing joint third were Sarajudeen Mohammed and Milind Ogale.

Solangel Guzman once again showed that she is a class above the rest as she wrapped up yet another title with a comprehensive 21-6 21-5 victory over Nekeisha Blake in the women’s final. It was Guzman’s fifth Senior National title since she started playing in the Championships in 2012. As a player she captured one silver and two bronze medals at the 2016 Caribbean Regional Badminton Championship (CAREBACO) and has undoubtedly added to the depth of women’s badminton in Trinidad and Tobago. Blake’s return to the game has also contributed to the pool of talent in local badminton and much more can be expected in the coming months.

Rounding out the medals were Leanna Castanada and Avril Plaza Marcelle who copped bronze.

In pursuit of the triple crown, Espinoza added a second title for the night in the Men’s Doubles alongside Will Lee. The pair defeated Naim Mohammed and Sheraz Nabbie 21-15 21-10. Joint third place was taken by Jason Ramjass/ Matthaus Wilford and Alviero Alvada/Shiva Persad, both pairs representing Cristars. Solangel Guzman and her partner Jada Renales had little trouble getting past Reba Fleary and Arielle Gomez in the Women’s Doubles championship match 21-6 21-5. Finishing joint third place in this category were Nekeisha Blake/Kerian Ramcharan and Chequeda Deboulet/Anita Mahadeo.

The match of the night was undoubtedly the Mixed Doubles as spectators were riveted to the play on the court. Jada Renales and Lee handled blistering shots that were delivered by both seasoned veterans, Guzman and Espinoza The crowd applauded as long rallies showcased the range of shots and tactical play. Lee and Renales did not back down but could not stop Espinoza and Guzman prevailing 22-20 21-15. Copping the third place medals in the Mixed Doubles were the pairs of Renaldo Sinanan/Latoya Walrond and Naim Mohammed/Avril Plaza Marcelle.

Blyden, the former Rahamut’s Evergreen captain, reminded his new club why they recruited him, lashing 103 to help steer UWI to 315 for six at the close of play. The right-hander, who played for the tertiary instutition in their T20 tournament, had 14 boundaries in his knock as he marshalled UWI to a commanding total. Opener Keron Thomas chipped in with an attractive 63 which featured 10 fours while Jasbour Findly struck 38. At the crease still are Akim Chandler with a quick-fire 47 not out (7 fours, 1 six) and Christanja Carey (24 not out).

The pick of the bowlers for Dreadnoughts was Jewan Ramroop with figures of two for 56. Andell Ruiz (1/23) and Keron Joseph (1/74) were also among the wickets.

Play resumes next Saturday with UWI keen on extending their first innings score against their Sangre Grande-based rivals.

Summarised Scores: UWI 315/6 – Travis Blyden 103, Keron Thomas 63, Akim Chandler 47 not out, Jasbour Findly 38, Christanja Carey 24 not out; Jewan Ramroop 2/56, Andell Ruiz 1/23, Keron Joseph 1/74 vs DREADNOUGHTS CC.

The main bout saw homeboy Lawrence dominating the early rounds. He was in full control by the fourth round and tactically executed his punches and in flicted damage on his rival from Cocorite. The contest lasted two minutes and 58 seconds into the eighth round, when the crowd erupted to Lawrence landing a right hook flush on Lawrence’s jaw which was swiftly followed by left uppercut as he stunned his already wounded opponent who he dubbed a “pensioner” prior to the fight due to him being 37 years old.

Speaking to Newsday after claiming the title, Lawrence, 31, declared, “I cannot explain the joy I feel in my heart to get this victory and make my home town proud. I would first like to thank God for making this possible and my family for supporting me on this journey.” Lawrence’s manager Boxu Potts commented on the victory which came two rounds longer than he predicted.

“Sport is about dedication. It is about nutrition along with the technical, tactical, physical, mental and emotional discipline it takes to prevail, and tonight I am happy because Sheldon did just that,” he said.

He added: “However, we know there is a lot of work to be done both in the gym and on the drawing board to develop his techniques as he is a young fighter on the circuit.” The boxing promoter said he has already mapped out a strategic course for the boxer to continue his career which now stands at nine wins and one defeat.

The night featured the WBC Amateur and Youth programme on the undercard where all fights had a total of three rounds each.

The highly anticipated female bout between Venezuelan compatriots, Jetzaly Cedeno and Josmary Gomez lived up to its expectations as both fighters left it all in the ring. The 17-year-old Cedeno extended her record to 61 wins after 73 matches with a unanimous decision 40-36, 40- 36, 40-37.

Other WBC Boxing Results:
1. Eldric Sella (Ven) beat Reynold Belcon (TT ) (knockout 2:34 round one)
2. Armando Suarez (Ven) draw Nicholas Francis (TT )
3. Ronald Ron Rimarez (Ven) beat Sean Anthony Joseph (TT ) (Unanimous decision 29-27, 29-26, 29-27)
4 Nickell Joseph (TT ) beat Eduardo Medina (Ven) (Unanimous Decision 30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
5 Ja’ Paul Cooper (TT ) beat Lance Garcia (TT ) (Unanimous Decision 30-26, 30-26, 30-26)

Forbes, named as one of the top CONCACAF Women goalkeepers by the Confederation for 2016, tied up the one-year deal last week.

Independente will be taking part in the first Professional Women’s League in Colombia with the season running from February to June.

“It feels great to secure a second contract in South America particularly with this being a new league in Colombia,” Forbes told TT FA Media on Saturday.

“I have a lot to offer the team and hopefully I can help them with my winning mentality and commitment to the game. I am really anxious for the new season ahead. The experience I gained at Limpeno has helped me a great deal and I’m just thankful for everything right now and hopefully I can continue to perform at a high level and take that form to the national team when the time comes” Forbes added.

The 26-year-old Forbes comes from Plymouth, Tobago and has made 30 appearances for the TT women’s team. She also attended the University of Maine in the United States. She became the first Caribbean player to be part of a Copa Libertadores women’s team , after helping Sportivo Limpe?o of Paraguay defeat Estudiantes de Guarico of Venezuela 3-2 in the final in December.

Independiente Santa Fe is based in Bogot?, and is one of the three most successful clubs in Colombia, winning fifteen titles, which includes nine national championships in the men’s game including the 2016 title.

A TTIM official explained that Akor, who won the race in 2013 but was stripped of the title for a doping offence, was wearing a bib with a number not attributed to her. The official noted that Akor had previously not registered properly for the race.

Trinidadian Tonya Nero was the female runner-up in 2:56:33 while 54 year old Christine Regis, also of TT, was third in a personal best time of three hours, 26 minutes and 10 seconds.

Nero, who ran over 10 minutes slower than her personal best, wasn’t pleased at the end of the race as she was aiming to qualify for the World Championships.

A determined Nero promised though to “take another shot” at running under two hours, 45 minutes in another marathon in order to qualify.

In the men’s category, there was no stopping 30 year old Venezuelan Jose Alejandro Varela Velazco who obliterated the field in two hours, 37 minutes and 51 seconds.

Trailing in second place and representing for the host nation was TT’s Curtis Cox (2:41:43) while Kenyan Peter Kemboi (2:46:16) followed in third.

After his victory, Velazco said he was just happy to have won.

Cox, however, admitted to have ran the race with a niggling Achilles tendon injury. He said he was surprised to have been leading the marathon in the first half but began losing pace which cost him the lead. Cox, 49, who ran in his 29th TTIM continued: “Unfortunately I was hoping to end my last TTIM with a victory, because I have hopes of competing in the Boston (and) New York marathon in the near future.” Cox left a disclaimer, though, noting that if he secures adequate sponsorship in the future he will consider competing in his 30th TTIM next year.

In the relay leg of the marathon, Richard Jones Racing Team #1 edged Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force for first place, followed by Coast Guard’s “Bravo” finishing in third place.

In the school’s relay category it was the young men of Youth Training Centre (YTC) crossing the line first followed by Couva Secondary School and St Joseph’s Convent Port of Spain respectively.

President of the Trinidad and Tobago’s Olympic Committee (TTOC), Brian Lewis, who ran in his third TTIM, was in high spirits about participating in the race alongside media personalities Sunny Bling, Andre Errol Baptiste, Nigel Baptiste, Tony Lee etc. Lewis, who is seeking to raise funds for the TTOC athlete welfare and preparation fund, was pleased with the addition of the relay leg in this year’s marathon.

“I will encourage anyone to participate in marathons as it is an excellent addition to one’s resume and more importantly it encourages health and wellness and can be used as a major form of tourism as a mass participation event.”. Accompanying the TTOC was renowned flag bearer Joey “Posh” Richardson who was stern in saying “youths put down the gun and pick up a flag”.

In a race that was designed to accommodate the amateurs as well as the professionals with two different start times, amateurs were granted the opportunity to start at 3.30am while the more competitive runners took off at 5am. The athletes made their way from St Mary’s junction in Freeport start and went along the Eastern Main Road into the capital city of Port of Spain, with the finish line at the Queen’s Park Savannah.

At around 7am, hundreds gathered in the “marathon village” to witness this momentous race and to cheer on their fellow clubmates and countrymen. Most notably was President Anthony Carmona who was at the finish line to congratulate his wife Reema Carmona who competed and completed the marathon. The marathon featured approximately 300 local, regional and international athletes both male and female, who all had to endure and overcome extremely hot and humid weather conditions on the day.

Batting first, the Red Force were led by Bajan imports Roson Primus (60) and Kyle Hope (43) but had little production from the TT contingent. Nicholas Alexis’s knock of 28 was the only other contribution of note.

Ivan Thomas was the best Kent bowler with four wickets for 51 runs. Kent Spitfires made light work of the modest TT total, racing to victory in 36.1 overs. The Spitfires closed on 194 for five with Sean Dickson (56), Darren Stevens (43) and Daniel Bell-Drummond (35) making the run chase a formality. The TT Red Force, captained by Denesh Ramdin, will be looking to rebound when they face the West Indies Under-19s on Tuesday as the jostling for the top two spots in Group A continues.

SUMMARISED SCORES: RED FORCE 193 off 48.3 overs (Roshon Primus 60, Kyle Hope 43, Nicholas Alexis 28; Ivan Thomas 4-51) vs KENT SPITFIRES 194 for five off 36.1 overs (Sean Dickson 56, Darren Stevens 43, Daniel Bell-Drummond 35).

At 6.30 pm the action begins in the East with preliminary judging of small conventional bands, and half hour later, there will be judging of medium bands in Tobago, and at the same time, judges will visit large bands in the South/Central region.

The following day at 6.30 pm, small East bands will face the judges, and at 7 pm, it will be the turn of the South/Central medium bands. Also at 7 pm, judges will visit the large bands in the North, where it expected, like last year, that pan aficionados with follow the judges in their large numbers.

For the purpose of the competition, entrants may select and perform any calypso/ soca or chutney song providing that the selection has not been played by said steelband at a previous Panorama competition.

In 2017, bands shall be permitted to play with a minimum of 40 players in the various categories. Following is a listing of how bands will play, their selections, composers and arrangers. Judging in the small, medium and large conventional band categories will continue over the next couple of days at various locations and tomorrow we will publish the rest of the judging schedule.

Monday January 30
East – Small Conventional – 6.30 pm:
Tamana Pioneers…………………… Dollar Wine……………. Colin Lucas………………………… Richard Gittens
Tremolandos…………………………..We Burn It Down…….. Michael Antoine………………….. Michael Antoine
Jay Notes……………………………… Unforgettable…………. Dubois/St Louis/Hart/Hart…….. Akil Brown
Trinidad Pan Jewels……………….. People…………………… Kes & Full Blown Enter………… Gary Raymond
Simple Song………………………….. In De Minor……………. Scarborough………………………. Kendell Brown
Nu Tones (No info)

Tobago – Medium Conventional – 7 pm
West Side Symphony……………… Max It Up………………. Destra Garcia……………………… Mickieal Gabriel
Carib Dixieland………………………. Sing In She Party……. Owen Reyes Johnson…………. Carlton Alexander
NLCB Buccooneers………………… Rhythm Run Tings….. Mark Loquan/Seion Gomez….. Seion Gomez
NGC Steel Xplosion………………..Wet Meh Down………. Johnson King……………………… Arddin Herbert
Petrotrin Katzenjammers…………. Good Morning………… James……………………………….. Terrence BJ Marcelle
South/Central – Large Conventional – 7 pm
La Brea Nightingales……………….We Are Conquerors… Alvin Daniell/Barnett Henry…… Tyrell Marcelle
Skiffle Steel Orchestra…………….. Good Morning………… Jovan James………………………. Kendall Williams/Mark
Brooks/Odie Frankin
NLCB Fonclaire……………………… Panorama Soldiers…. Ken Philmore/Keith Prescot….. Ken Philmore
T&TEC Tropical Angel Harps…… Single……………………. Orlando Octave…………………… Clarence Morris
Tuesday January 31
East – Small Conventional – 6.30 pm
La Horquetta Pan Groove……….. In De Minor……………. Winston Scarborough………….. Kion Robinson
Arima Golden Symphony………… Champions…………….. Winston Scarborough………….. Terrence BJ Marcelle
Bon Air Rhythm Rockers…………. Soca Baptist…………… Austin Lyons
Five Rivers Modern Symphony… Stranger………………… Winston Bailey……………………. E Louie/ C Coward
Fascinators……………………………. Unforgettable…………. K Dubois/A St Louis…………….. Yohan Popwell
Tunapuna Tipica…………………….. Pan Magic……………… Don Clarke…………………………. Harold &
Denzel Headley

South/Central – Medium Conventional – 7 pm
Trinidad Valley Harps……………… Good Morning………… Jovan James………………………. Stefon Thomas
Petrotrin Hatters…………………….. Engine Room…………. David Rudder……………………… Kevin Mc Cleod
San City………………………………… Good Morning………… Jovan James………………………. Damien St Clair
A Arrindell
Pan Elders…………………………….. Roti & Talkarie………… Michael Osouna/M. Paltoo…… Duvonne Stewart
Southern Marines…………………… Big People Party…….. Darryl Henry……………………….. Malomo Joseph
Junior Hinds
NGC Couva Joylanders………….. Band of the Year…….. Kernel Roberts……………………. Kareen Brown

North – Large Conventional – 7 pm
PCS Nitrogen Silver Stars………..We are Conquerors… Alvin Daniell/A. Douglas………. Liam Teague
MHTL Starlift………………………….. Good Morning………… Peter Ram………………………….. Robert Greenidge
Petrotrin Phase 11 Pan Groove… Red, White and Black.Boogsie/Chris Morris…………… Len “Boogsie” Sharpe
CAL Invaders…………………………. Full Extreme…………… Maximus Dan……………………… Arddin Herbert
Desperadoes…………………………. Good Morning………… Peter Ram………………………….. Carlton Alexander
Massy All Stars ……………………… Full Extreme…………… Maximus Dan……………………… Leon Edwards
bp Renegades ………………………. Good Morning………… Peter Ram………………………….. Duvonne Stewart

POETRY is an earthshaking tool used to convey love and hope. It bemoans injustice and rallies for change. But seldom is it used as a medium for a historicity that is profound, instructive and arguably prophetic.

Reverend Canon Horatio Nelson Huggins has accomplished this rare feat with Hiroona a narrative that details the epic struggle between the Black Caribs (also known as Garifuna) of St Vincent and the British.

In this fictionalised but ironically accurate account of the Second Carib War of 1795- 97 we are teleported to the birth of the so-called New World where Social Darwinism lay waste to many an innocent people.

It is revelatory work of qualitative existential value, a work that mirrors some of the lethal confrontations between expeditionary forces and indigenes throughout the world.

Hiroona proves that warfare is but a matrix of multiple forces jockeying for mastery of people and resources. What defines this literary monument is the medium it uses to tell this tragic tale, a medium characterised by a rich poetic style that is colourful, nuanced and equally bold.

Equally impressive is the editor’s ability to recapture the originality of the manuscript.

We are enraptured by the subtly of expressions and the varied play on words. While contemporary, standard literature may advocate different constructs we cannot help but be mesmerised by Huggins’ linguistic adaptations.

His is an offering that explores just about every human experience – romance, politics, enculturation, and miscegenation (between black Africans and Caribs that changed the phenotypic characteristics of the later).

The author who died in 1895 relies on oral tradition that is hardly remote and uncorroborated.

He injects tales told by those who were directly involved in the deadly fray, a fray that saw the Black Caribs expelled and culturally gutted. We end up with an incisive look at their culture – social and political hierarchy, rituals, and the intriguing role of the Carib woman.

And there is romance, passion and sensibility.

But it is the insurgency that excites the imagination.

We relive the ferocious resistance of the indigenous people.

Huggins writes of one raid in this vividly captivating verse, “Around and scattered abroad, The Homestead’s desecrated sward, The charred and littered fragments lay of household furniture and store; And grimmed with smoke and smeared with gore, The severed limb and mangled corpse, Of negro slave, and mule and horse. And yonder, midst the fire and smoke, Whose volume for a moment broke; The hideous forms of Carib glide, Ghoullike, and hugely magnified!” Later, he gets more impressively graphic, “Secure; the prowling Caribs crept, with neither moon to guide nor star, The bloody foot-steps of their war – So settlers old traditions say, they crept like midnight beasts of prey, And sprang, as savage and as wild, on helpless woman, maid, and child; they sprang ferocious in attack. Alike in white man and in black; they spared no life that night, but gave to death the master and the slave.” Indeed, the Black Caribs fought back valiantly but succumbed and were expelled; many were sent to Honduras under insufferable conditions.

Decades later others moved to Trinidad, Guatemala and New York.

Today, Black Caribs are seeking redress for past wrongs. And we are ever moved by Dr Ralph Gonsalves, the Prime Minister of St Vincent, who, oftentimes addresses this tragedy. In 2015 at the annual Wreath-Laying ceremony in Dorsetshire to commemorate national hero Joseph Chatoyer, he expressed his outrage at the demise of the island’s indigenous people.

“If the International Criminal Court existed back then”, he averred, “the British would have been “hauled” before it for genocide.” He detailed the whole scale massacre of men, women and children.

“Many rather than being killed jumped off from cliffs and went to their watery graves; even to the last that was their resistance.” He then asked rhetorically, “They took all the lands and you tell me I must not get reparations?” As the legal battle continues unabated Hiroona assumes new importance.

Without question, Huggins’ signature work is must read for anyone roused by injustice of any kind.

Book: Hiroona: An Historical Romance in Poetic Form by Reverend Reverend Canon Horatio Nelson Huggins Publisher: The University of the West Indies Press, Jamaica ISBN: 978-976-640- 553-3 Available at Amazon Ratings: Recommended