Army fete event co-ordinator Major Keston Charles highlighted this as he met with promoter Cliff Harris and Sun Tixx Caribbean, owner and managing director, Jean- Marc Aimey to sign contracts for a new deal for the event.

“This Carnival event has grown from strength to strength and this association will make the availability of tickets for the event almost unlimited to our patrons,” Charles said.

“We consider this innovative use of technology and enterprise to be extremely beneficial to our successful management of this event – which is not only a main staple on the Carnival calendar and a source of enjoyment to members of the public, but also represents the main source of funds for our annual Children’s Christmas Party.” The contracts, which were signed by Aimey and Charles, will now allow the fete tickets to be purchased and sold at any and all certified NLCB/ G-TECH/VIA outlets around the nation.

“Sun Tixx is extremely pleased to partner with G-Tech, VIA and Army Fete in order to provide convenient and almost unlimited access to tickets for this event,” Aimey said.

The fete is scheduled for February 17 at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain and will feature Machel Montano and his band and Roy Cape All Stars with Dexter “Blaxx” Stewart, Ricardo Drue and Tanzania “Tizzy” Sebastian. Special guest acts are Soca Monarch Voice, “Ricky-T” Joseph from St Lucia, MX Prime and The Ultimate Rejects, Stevenson “Shal” Marshall, Iwer George and Orlando Octave.

Several hundred ticket- holders at the fete will receive special complimentary NLCB “Going For Gold” Scratch cards, which will give them a chance to win $200,000.

Francis was in a fiery mood in the final as he scored 21 of his 23 points from behind the three point line. The 26 year old shooting guard said after the game, “I went into the final with the mentality of leaving everything on the court because Defence Force brings the intensity to you. I know that I was going to have a good game after my first shot but it was a total team effort especially from our experienced players and our coach.” Also, assisting Pacers but on the defensive end was Moriba De Freitas who recorded 6 points 11 rebounds and 6 blocks. De Freiatas measuring six and nine inches was awarded the best rebounder and blocker of the tournament.

The top scorer for Defence Force was Kyeon Joseph as he finished with 17 points.

Tournament`s MVP Lazaro Campbell top scored with 23 points to give UTT the bronze medal over Ministry of Sport Schoolaz 57-36. Other notable scores in the game were Czarek Nagir (UTT ) with 10 points, Triston Benjamin and Kiev Chesny (MOS Schoolaz) with 12 and 11 points respectively.

Lawrence James of Pythons emerged champion of the Skills Challenge with a time of 21 seconds with Andrew Dookoo (UTT ) winning the silver medal in 23 seconds and Christian Arthur (Defence Force) placed third in 24 seconds. This event tested dribbling, shooting, passing and finishing skills while adding the element of speed and the player with the fastest time was adjudged the winner.

The most entertaining matchup in the two day tournament was the All-Star Celebrity Game featuring The Honourable Minister of Sport Mr. Darryl Smith, Honourable Brigadier General Ancil Antoine MP D`Abadie/ Omeara, Honourable Dr. Lovell Francis MP Moruga/ Tableand, Daren Ganga, Garvin Warwick (Former NBFTT President and currently the Advisor to Minister Smith) Kerron ‘Sunny Bling’ Sealy, Clayton Morris, National Senior Women National Netball players Rhonda John-Davis, Joelisa Cooper and Kielle Connelly.

Head Coach of the UTT Men`s Basketball Team and Tournament Organiser Stefan Dillon said “We looked at it from the standpoint of capturing youth involvement, promoting women and sport and engaging a community while providing a platform for local club basketball which has been dormant for an extensive period of time.”

Special awards: · Finals MVP – Maurice Francis (Maloney Pacers) ·
Tournament MVP – Lazaro Campbell (UTT) ·
All-Star Celebrity MVP – Rhonda John-Davis ·
Skills Challenge Champion – Lawrence James (Pythons) ·
Most Assists Award – Kevon Khan (Maloney Pacers) ·
Most Steals Award – Jeffery Harris (UTT) ·
Most Rebounds Award – Moriba De Freitas (Maloney Pacers) ·
Most Blocks Award – Moriba De Freitas (Maloney Pacers

At Fatima Grounds in Mucurapo, the home team dismissed Carapichaima East for 114 in 38.4 overs with leg break bowler Phillip snatching five for 15 in six overs. Wendell George grabbed 2/14, while Jean-Paul Rocke took 2/15.

In reply, Fatima stumbled to the target getting to 116/9 in 33.3 overs. Rocke top scored with 22, while Nicholas scored an unbeaten 16 to get Fatima over the line.

Travis Heerah was the best bowler for Carapichaima East taking 5/18 in 10 overs, while Brandon Ali took 2/26.

In other matches, Barrackpore West defeated Naparima by three wickets, Hillview got past Trinity College East by eight wickets and Presentation College Chaguanas eased to a 57-run victory over Shiva Boys.

SUMMARISED SCOR ES At Fatima Grounds: Carapichaima East 114 (38.4 overs) (Tyrone Phillip 5/15, Wendell George 2/14, Jean-Paul Rocke 2/15) vs Fatima 116/9 (33.3 overs) (Rocke 22, Andel Nicholas 16 not out, Travis Heerah 5/18, Brandon Ali 2/26) Fatima won by one wicket At Gilbert Park: Naparima 135/9 (Cephas Cooper 39, J.

George 37, Brandon Singh 2/14, Renee Jangeesingh 4/13) vs Barrackpore West 136/7 (44th over) (Vikash Ramsawack 45, Singh 31, Enrique Singh 2/23, Avinash Mahabirsingh 2/23) Barrackpore West won by three wickets At Squadron Ground: Trinity College East 56 (24.3 overs) (Jean-Phillipe Barrie 3/15, Kareem Muradali 2/5) vs Hillview 57/2 (8 overs) (Sachin Seecharan 46 not out) Hillview won by eight wickets At Congo Village Recreation Ground: Presentation College Chaguanas 138 (40.5 overs) (Emilo Gopaul 41, Darius Gopaul 27, Rajiv Gosein 4/28) vs Shiva Boys 81 (38 overs) (Joel Sutherland 3/24) Presentation won by 57 runs

On Monday when Lee Wing appeared before senior San Fernando Magistrate Nanette Forde-John charged with malicious damage of property, he pleaded guilty. PC Boodram of the Gasparillo Police Station laid the charge.

Only a few months ago, Lee Wing appeared in the said courthouse charged for the malicious damage of another business place located near Khanico Limited.

Perusing his criminal records tracing in the First Court, Magistrate Forde-John asked Lee Wing: “Is glass you love to ‘buss’?” He responded: “Is stones I love to throw. When they throw stones at me, I throw back stones at them. Is trump and follow suit (sic).” Magistrate Forde- John remanded him into custody at St Ann’s Psychiatric Hospital for an evaluation. Lee Wing, of no fixed place of abode, is to reappear in court on February 6.

Sgt Chanardath Jhilmit prosecuted. On Friday last, Lee Wing threw a stone and smashed the showcase glass of Khanico and walked away. PC Boodram and other officers of the Gasparillo Police visited the scene where they retrieved the stone. They also arrested Lee Wing along the street

The TT squad will depart Piarco for Cali on Saturday for the camp, during which time they are expected to play up to five training matches against local professional clubs and possibly a match against the Colombia National Under-20 team.

Williams spoke about the squad which will be trimmed to a 20-man final selection for the CONCACAF Finals next month, during the upcoming camp.

“These 26 players came from the previous 10-day training camp we had, and also comprises players we had been monitoring earlier in the season,” Williams told the TT Football Association media.

“We believe this is the best 26- man squad at this time with the level of experince necessary to complete at the international level and in such a tournament as the CONCACAF championship.” On the training camp, he added: “This leg of the preparations in Colombia is about getting the final chemistry in relation to the starting 11 and the final 20. Our main objective over the past few weeks was to get the team physically and mentally in the best shape possible and now we will focus on everything game related with emphasis on how we will want to play against the teams we are scheduled to face,” Williams stated.

“We have at least five games carded for Colombia including one against their Under-20 national team, a couple against full pro teams and another couple against reserve teams, which I think will serve us well during the camp and fall nicely into what we are looking to achieve during this period,” Williams added.

Keston Julien and Nicholas Dillon are currently on trial in Europe, and will join the team in Costa Rica, while Williams remains optimistic about Dutch-based senior team winger Levi Garcia also joining the squad.

“Keston and Nicholas are both on trials and will join the team in Costa Rica, and we will still be very hopeful of getting Levi to join us in time for the competition. Noah Powder, Morgan Bruce and Jadel Poon-Lewis will join the squad in Colombia,” Williams said.The TT team will play a final training match on home soil against St Ann’s Rangers at 6 pm at the Hasely Crawford Stadium tomorrow and will depart for Colombia on Saturday.

TT faces Bermuda in its opening CONCACAF qualifier at the Ricardo Saprissa Stadium on February 19, bking on hosts Costa Rica at the National Stadium on February 22, and El Salvador at the same venue on February 25.

TT SQUAD PLAYERS Denzil Smith/Goalkeeper/W Connection, Montel Joseph/Goalkeeper/ Borehamwood FC, Dejourn Charles/Goalkeeper/Carapichaima East, Jadel Poon Lewis/Goalkeeper/ Franklin, Pierce University, Taryk Sampson/Defender/Ma Pau Stars, Kori Cupid/Defender/Presentation College San Fernando, Kierron Mason/ Defender/Marabella Crisis, Isaiah Garcia/Defender/W Connection, Simeon Bailey/Defender/Barataria South, Coby McGregor/Defender/ Cedar Star Academy, Kyle Thomas/ Defender/San Juan Jabloteh, Noah Powder/Defender/New York Red Bulls, Shane Sandy/Midfielder/Ma Pau Stars, Jabari Mitchell/Midfielder/ W Connection, Marc Gangia/ Midfielder/Odense BK, Morgan Bruce De Rouche/Midfielder/unattached, Micah Lansiquot/Midfielder/ St Ann’s Rangers, Joshua Sitney/ Midfielder/Malta Carib Alcons, Justin Sadoo/Midfielder/Point Fortin Civic Centre, Stephan Marcano/ Midfielder/ Fatima College, Jesse Joseph/ Midfielder/San Juan Jabloteh, Kathon St. Hillaire/Forward/St Ann’s Rangers, Joshua Leach/Forward/ Police FC, Taofik Lucas Walker/ Forward/DC United, Rushawn Murphy/ Forward/ St Ann’s Rangers, Josh Toussaint/Forward/St Ann’s Rangers STAFF Brian Williams – Head Coach, Dunstan Williams – Manager, Kerry Jamerson – Assistant Coach, Ross Russell – Goalkeeper Coach, Michael Taylor – Physio, Esmond O’Brien – Equipment Manager

The Public Services Association (PSA) president and political leader of the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday said he intends to “stir it up” when he takes his seat in the Assembly as Minority Leader after he won the Roxborough/ Delaford seat in Monday’s THA election. The PDP, a fledgling political organisation, defied the odds and the ruling People’s National Movement (PNM) election machinery to win two of the 12 seats on offer in the election. Farley Augustine, was the other victorious PDP candidate, winning the Parlatuvier/L’anse Fourmi/Speyside seat.

Still basking in his victory at the polls, Duke yesterday held a press conference at PDP headquarters saying his party has prevailed. “We are winners, we would have triumphed.

Basic mathematics will let you know if someone has twelve and you would take two from them, then that person would have lost two. There’s no way could you could win if two is ‘minused’ from you. The PNM has lost the election, they have won the THA executive but they have lost the election! A party just six months old was able to wrest away two seats the PNM.” He said the PDP’s success was tremendous taking into consideration the number of candidates contesting and the superior resources available to the PNM election machinery. “The Prime Minister came to Tobago to present the PNM’s case. Based on the fire power that was used by the PNM hierarchy, based on the fire power they used against Watson Duke; Watson Duke should not be a feature in this race. Historical evidence and statistics show that Watson Duke received the second highest votes in the entire election. This says something to me…that my credibility is unquestioned when it comes to leadership.” Duke said that when one looks at the persons who came out at the PDP’s rally after the election and the mood of supporters, it was clear that in the minds of the PDP this was a victory for the party.

“We did a rough check and there were 3,000 persons at the Sid Gray stadium. They stood there without the inducements of food and drinks like in the PNM. They stood there until after 12 midnight.

That to me is historic and a revolution has taken place in Tobago,” Duke said. Duke said his victory validates him and gives him the authority to ensure development and contribute towards increased productivity on the sister island.

It said it would no longer being ‘PNM business as usual’.

“We now have legitimacy to stand up to and challenge the current PNM Tobago House of Assembly and ensure good governance takes place. We will not sit back and sit down and keep our mouth on mute. We are going to stir things up and we are going to give them (the PNM) the hardest time and we will remain honest.

More so, we have gotten a political voice and we will use it to the benefit of the people of Tobago. I tell you it’s going to be a level of power that has never been seen within the governance structure of Trinidad and Tobago!” Questioned about his ability to stand as a representative in the Tobago House of Assembly while being PSA president at the same time, Duke saw no impediments.

“Most certainly I will remain the PSA president as long as my members give me the opportunity to do so. I serve well and I will continue to serve. Remember, both as president of the PSA my roles are supervisor, chief spokesperson, chief negotiator.

“And I don’t think that on any one of those issues, the day to day grievance cannot be handled by me and the other person employed to deal with everyday grievances.

I’m responsible for the direction of the PSA and I think the union is on good footing right now.” Duke grabbed the Roxborough/Delaford seat with 1,261 votes while PDP candidate Augustine won L’anse Fourmi/ Parlatuvier/Speyside after polling 954 votes.

A recount of votes for the Goodwood/ Belle Garden seat, held yesterday at the Election and Boundaries Commission (EBC) Tobago office was completed after 6 pm with the original result – a victory for the PNM’s candidate over the PDP candidate by a slim five vote margin – standing. Swearing in of the newly elected THA executive takes place tomorrow at the THA Chamber.

THA RESULTS Bacolet/Mt St George (PNM); Scarborough/Calder Hall (PNM); Roxborough/Delaford (PDP); Providence/Mason Hall/Plymouth (PNM); Belle Garden/Goodwood (PNM); Bethel/Mt Irvine (PNM); Parlatuvier/L’anse Fourmi/Speyside (PDP); Lambeau/Signal Hill (PNM); Canaan/Bon Accord (PNM); Black Rock/Whim/Spring Garden (PNM) and Buccoo/Mt Pleasant (PNM); Plymouth/Golden Lane (PNM)

Jamaican Khaliq ‘Demar’ Blake, 33, originally from Kingston, was found stabbed and barely alive at a guest house in Woodbrook on Monday night.

According to a police report, at about 11 pm, Blake who lived in Norman Drive, Kingston was found in a pool of blood in a room at a guest house on Alberto Street in Woodbrook.

He was stabbed in the chest and arms. The foreign national was taken to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital where he succumbed while undergoing emergency surgery. A report was made to police and officers are searching for a man in connection with this murder.

Blake’s body was taken to the Forensic Science Centre in St James for an autopsy. News of his murder sent shockwaves among his social media friends who yesterday took to Facebook to offer condolences and prayers.

“Omg I’m lost of words can’t believe this news surely weakened me i got a instant migrane he was a very good person from the day we met this is hard to digest he been like a big brother… R.I.P Khaliq Blake gone to soon… much love jigga,” wrote Ribbit Riot.

“I have no clue how to react right now … to see my best friend breathless on a hospital bed not knowing my last words to you was ‘we will chat later’ … #Walkgood Khaliq Blake you are now in a better place,” another Facebook user, Delli Harris, wrote.

Police sources said that a motive has not been established for this murder. It is not known how long Blake was in this country but Newsday was told that he was staying in San Fernando.

2 MEN SHOT In an unrelated incident, two men remain hospitalised following a shooting in St James yesterday. The men remain warded in stable condition while police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

A man has been detained in connection with the gun attack.

According to police sources, Clint Parris and another man only identified as Akil, were cleaning the yard of an abandoned house on Belle Vue Road in St James. At about 2.45 pm, the men were approached by gunmen, who shot them several times. The sound of gunshots alerted police officers who were on patrol and they arrived on the scene. Parris, who was shot in the chest, l eg and hip, was taken to the Port-of- Spain General Hospital while Akil was sent to the St James Medical Complex.

COPS KILL MAN Meanwhile, a man who up to press time yesterday was unidentified, was shot and killed by police Monday night during a shootout in Carapo. According to reports, the incident occurred at about 7.30 pm when officers of the Central Division responded to a report of a man seen brandishing a gun on the roadway.

When police officers investigated, they found a man matching the received description and called out to him. Without warning, police claimed, the man pointed his gun at them and opened fire.

Officers took cover and returned fire. The man fled to a nearby house with police in hot pursuit.

When officers attempted to enter the house, they were again fired upon and returned fire, hitting the man several times.

He was rushed to the Chaguanas Health Centre and died later while undergoing treatment.

A firearm was recovered inside the house.

His fingerprints were taken by investigators who hope they can make a match with prints in their data base in order to establish an identity. Investigations into these three incidents are ongoing.

The two-seat gain signals not just a change of fortune from the past THA election four years ago – when the PNM steam rolled the Tobago Organisation of the People (TOP) 12 to 0 – and also brings to the political fore, the person of PDP head Watson Duke.

As Public Services Association (PSA) head, Duke will likely bring a labour slant to Tobago politics, Ghany predicted. He said the fall in the PNM’s tally of THA seats from 12 to 10 is significant, as it stems the past grim outlook of the Opposition in the Tobago political landscape previously signalled by the TOP’s decline in both the last THA and General Elections. Saying the PDP won two seats and lost a third by a mere five votes, Ghany surmised, “Something is happening on the ground in Tobago.” Ghany said Duke has both the perch of the PSA and the perch of THA Minority Leader to use to build a political movement in the sister island. “Duke will bring a labour slant into Tobago politics.

Not since United National Congress founder, Basdeo Panday, has there been such a labour leader engaged in politics.” Ghany remarked that Duke had contested the Tobago East seat in the last General Election and “remarkably” retained his deposit, unlike the TOP candidate.

“It is very, very significant. Not surprisingly he has built up his momentum to now have two THA seats and nearly win a third.” While Tobago has a solid block of voters who do not support the PNM, they have also not supported the TOP, and on Monday opted for Duke.

Asked what the result meant for the PNM, Ghany said the party will need to reassess the situation at ground level, in the areas that will make up both the Tobago East and Tobago West constituencies in the next General Election.

Asked if the PNM’s loss of two seats was due to complacency from its 12-0 THA monopoly, Ghany said the factor is more likely leadership.

He said not only had the Tobago PNM changed its leader from Orville London to Kelvin Charles but the latter had won office in a difficult leadership contest where he won just 50 percent of votes cast in the first round. He noted that another leadership contender former THA deputy, Tracy Davidson-Celestine, was not even a candidate in this election, quite possibly leading to disappointment with the result that the PNM lost two seats.

Regarding the PNM’s traditional advantage gained by vote-splitting among its rivals, Ghany said the Tobago Forwards – which won no seats – is now in a difficult place and will have to reassess its position.

“The forces opposed to the PNM may now want to talk to Watson Duke,” Ghany said. “Politics will become very exciting,” he said.

National Security Minister Edmund Dillon made this announcement in the Senate yesterday, as he responded to a question from Opposition Senator Wayne Sturge. Following a death threat made against Carmona, Dillon said, “The agencies of national security have taken the necessary and appropriate action to ensure the safety and security of the Head of State, Prime Minister, Chief Justice and the Leader of the Opposition.” He added, “I am not at liberty to go into the details of the arrangements.

By so doing, it could compromise the security of the office holders.” Sturge then asked, “What precautionary measures do you intend to put in place for us, the ordinary citizen.” Senate President Christine Kangaloo told Sturge, “I will not allow that question.

It does not arise.” Later in the sitting, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) Stuart Young said Cabinet decided last April that the Defence Force and the Police Service, “should provide security services for the OPM, the Official residence of the Prime Minister and the Diplomatic Centre at La Fantasie Road in St Ann’s.” Young explained, “This led to the restructuring and eventual disbanding of the Security Unit at the OPM.” He said all officers of that unit, “ were separated in accordance with their contractual provisions and in accordance with good industrial relations practice.” Young added that the Labour Ministry, Rural Development and Local Government Ministry and the National Maintenance Training and Security Company were approached to provide assistance with respect to the identification of alternative employment for those former officers.

(See Page 18A)

Though the results must be duly confirmed and reported on by the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) it would appear that the ruling PNM has retained its dominance in the island, though it lost ground somewhat. Two seats went to Watson Duke and his fledgling People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Such a result was not unforeseeable.

It was predicted by a Newsday- commissioned HHB and Associates poll. But it stood to reason that the PNM’s 12-0 whitewash could not be maintained three years later. It is the nature of politics that the popularity of the ruling party dips.

What might concern PNM officials however is the choice of the Tobago people to back the PDP, a relatively untested entity. Other options were available. The people rejected some experienced hands, including people who have already served at the national ministerial level and at the THA level as well.

Clearly there is appetite in Tobago for something new, which itself speaks volumes.

The PDP’s claiming of two districts could reflect a deeper malaise with the established politics.

There will no doubt be much analysis of why the PDP fared better than the Ashworth Jack-led Tobago Organisation of the People (TOP) in 2013, considering the TOP had once enjoyed substantial support in the island. Duke is considered something of a renegade figure. But clearly he has been embraced to an extent, assuming the vote in the two districts was not motivated by merely pique over the PNM’s stewardship.

For Duke, the result caps a roller- coaster series of events for his personal fortunes. His trade union credentials were questioned by some over settlements with the People’s Partnership coalition in relation to public service salary negotiations.

Then came a highly-publicised court matter, the timing of which has also raised eyebrows – though it will be for the court to determine guilt or innocence.

Even on election day questions were raised about the nature of an apparent police accompaniment provided to Duke.

Still, what cannot be denied is that Duke now becomes one trade unionist to succeed in winning votes in an election. In recent times, many others have failed.

There will be some examination of the causes of the mixed fortunes of trade unionists when they go to the polls.

Both the Christlyn Moore-led Tobago Forwards and the Movement For Transformation, headed by former PNM Tobago East MP Eudine Job-Davis, did not win any of the 12 seats, although there were some close calls in some electoral districts. No doubt much will depend on confirmed results. Whatever the outcome, lessons have to be learned in terms of how these campaigns were administered.

While opinion polls predicting results are of great interest, it would also be useful in future for diagnostics analysing how campaigns went. The business of electioneering is quite arbitrary and it is sometimes felt that certain issues or moves have certain effects on voting. Yet, without some form of investigation, this is speculative.

Finally, disturbing questions were raised by the fact that Parliament had to convene a last-minute sitting of the House of Representatives in order to validate the election.

What incompetence! It does not bode well for our democracy, which deserves far better. While some insist that even the validating law is defective, we do not see a judge frustrating the will of the Parliament and the people by voiding the result.

The lesson here is that the State cannot afford to fall asleep at the wheel – whether it is Christmas, New Year’s or Carnival.