He had no idea that he and a companion would soon be flying first class to Barcelona to see Huawei’s Brand ambassador, and “the best player on the planet”, Lionel Messi, in action. It’s an all expenses paid trip, including air fare, hotel and expenses. In addition to taking in a Barca game, the couple will enjoy a tour of the Camp Nou Museum and the Stadium, home of FC Barcelona. With a seating capacity of 99,354, Camp Nou Stadium is the largest stadium in Spain. It is also the largest stadium in Europe and the third largest association football stadium in the world.

When the surprise winner was announced, Andre was initially speechless, and then he never stopped smiling.

He explained that he had no sooner purchased his Huawei phone at the bmobile store in Westmall in December than his daughter took it over. Fortunately for him–and for those seeking to upgrade connectivity, and both enhance and simplify one’s companion smartphone–the groundbreaking Mate 9 will be widely available in TT in the coming weeks.

Bravo has not played competitive cricket since he was sent home from the tour of Zimbabwe for a controversial tweet which was critical of WICB president, Dave Cameron, and has been left out of the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force squad for the Regional Super50 pending a resolution of the matter. “Darren is one of our better players and very talented young man,” Browne told Line and Length Network.

“Obviously it was sad to to lose him but at times these things happen.

You just need to deal with it, get it over with and get him back out on the field playing cricket.” The 27-year-old Bravo is the West Indies’ premier batsman who has been a trump card for Red Force in previous Super50 tournaments. In fact, it was his brilliant 97 in last year’s final against Barbados Pride which carried Red Force to the title at Queen’s Park Oval in Port-of- Spain.

Bravo found himself in trouble last November when he labelled Cameron a “big idiot” in a Twitter outburst, in response to the Jamaican administrator stating that Bravo had been offered only a Grade C retainer contract because of his “poor performance” and declining averages.

The WICB slammed Bravo’s behaviour as “inappropriate and unacceptable” and cancelled his match/tour contract.

Browne said he did not expect Bravo to become available until the matter was resolved.

“I know there are supposed to be some discussions with Darren’s team and also the West Indies Cricket Board and until that is settled, I don’t think we’ll have much going on in terms of Darren playing cricket.

With his double, the 20-year-old Roach moved to the top of Digicel Pro League 2016-17 scorers’ list with 10 goals—one more than Dimitrie Apai (W Connection), Jerrel Britto (Ma Pau Stars) and Devorn Jorsling (Defence Force).

While his team, Sando, moved up a spot into fifth with 21 points, sitting ahead of, in descending order, Defence Force (20 points) and Police (16 points) with two games left.Defence Force, however, will meet second-positioned Central FC in a rescheduled clash from 6pm at the Ato Boldon Stadium today.

Central, the two-time defending champions, picked up three vital points on Saturday without kicking a ball after bottom-placed Point Fortin Civic arrived half hour after kick-off time at the Larry Gomes Stadium. Civic, who lost by default, cited traffic problems as the reason.

Central (38 points) now two points adrift of leaders W Connection (40 points) will look to a topof- the-table return today in chase of becoming the first team in the history of the Pro League to win the league title three times in a row.

Meanwhile for Sando, coached by Angus Eve, a mid-table finish this term will be an improvement from last season’s seventh-placed debut finish under previous coach Anthony Streete.

Roach has shouldered the role of centre-forward for Sando in this shortened season, following stints at Defence Force and Morvant Caledonia United in the position of winger and attacking midfielder, respectively.

The 20-year-old received much criticism during his debut call-up to the Trinidad and Tobago senior team for two friendlies against Nicaragua and the Gold Cup qualifiers against Suriname and Haiti under previous coach Tom Saintfiet.

But his performance up front for Sando earned him applauds as he was substituted in the 85th minute.

Roach’s willingness to constantly run at defences makes him a nightmare for his opponents, and Eve, an ex-TT international and mostcapped player, surely believes the player has what it takes to remain part of the national set-up.

Roach equalised twice in the first half before setting up Kevon Piper to seal the 4-2 win against Police by the 65th-minute.

Roach netted past Police goalkeeper Adrian Foncette in the 19th and 31st minutes during a keenly contested first half which saw the Lawmen took the lead twice through Jameel Perry (16th minute) and Jibri Mc David (26th minute), who was denied a second by ‘keeper Stefan Berkeley late in the second half.

Coach Richard Hood’s Police were unlucky not go in at the break with the lead after a cracker from distance by substitute Kurdell Brathwaite cannoned off Berkeley’s cross-bar in the 42nd-minute.

But the match took a sour turn for the Lawmen when Kemuel Rivers converted a penalty for Sando in the 61st-minute after defender Dexter Alleyne was adjudged to have brought down Keron Cornwall in the area.

Then four minutes later Roach squared a pass to Piper, who hit past Foncette for what turned out the final item.

Defending champions Fatima will open the season against Carapichaima East at Fatima Ground in Mucurapo. Fatima lost seven of its players from last year’s championship team, but Paty is optimistic the young players can step up to the challenge.

Paty said, “We will soon find out (if they can step up to the plate). I have a good crop of young players with some of the experienced ones still there. We have to take it one game at a time.” Paty, who said winning the 50- over title is a priority, knows his team will be competitive. “We have a strong team. We should be competent, very competitive in the league. We going to try and defend the title as best as we could this year. If we can, that will be great, if not, I believe the boys will give a good account of themselves either way.” The Fatima coach said he is uncertain how strong the other teams are this season. “You only find out on the day what schools have players from last year, and who brought in new players. Nevertheless, we playing at home first which is a benefit to us, so we are looking to make a good start at home.” In the other matches today, Barrackpore West Secondary will face Naparima College at Gilbert Park in Couva, while Hillview College will tackle Trinity College East at Squadron Ground in Arouca. In the last match of the first round, Shiva Boys Hindu play Presentation College, Chaguanas at Congo Village Recreation Ground in Debe.

Following the 50-over competition, an Intercol T20 tournament will be contested.

TODAY’S FIXTURES (Start time 10 am) Barrackpore West Secondary vs Naparima College, Gilbert Park, Couva.

Carapichaima East Secondary vs Fatima College, Fatima Grounds, Mucurapo.

Hillview College vs Trinity College East, Squadron Ground, Arouca.

Shiva Boys Hindu vs Presentation College (Chaguanas), Congo Village Recreation Ground, Debe.

While Joel Davis, Connector, has been on the local music scene for 14 years, visibility has been difficult to receive, due to what he has termed a calypso clique.

The TT-born Canadian King of Calypso is offering three songs for this season “D Dress,” “Mother Calypso” and “In The Mood.” Last year, Connector dethroned Eulith Tara Woods aka “Macomere Fifi” at the Organisation of Calypso Performing Artists’ Monarch. During an interview with Newsday, Connector said, “If Bunji or Fay Ann drop [their music] they will play all the time.” The artistes who are all from Point Fortin shared similar takes on the local music industry, saying that little- known artistes either had to contribute financially to be recognised or be aligned to certain groups.

Connector’s fellow performers are offering “Fetting” (Septi-Septimus Toussaint), “All Night” (Tremendous Tree-Nicholas Stephens Callender) and “Lovely Body” (Reno-Reno Aberdeen) for Carnival.

Particularly for Connector, it is hard for a foreign artiste to break into the local market since many hold that the artiste is simply here to take from them and go.

“There is a lot of negative vibes.

People think that you are a not a Trini anymore,” he said. Connector added that the songs done by calypsonians like him were done mainly for the love of the culture and not for any form of return. For all four calypsonians, a central priority would be to receive airplay.

Septi comes from a family of singers and decided two years ago that since he was blessed with a God-given talent he would utilise it, but putting the talent out into the world has been difficult and so when presented with a chance, he joined Quality Promotions International Vibes to promote his growing music career.

For promoter Williams, having returned to TT four years ago, she assisted her children with an honorary show for legendary musician Roy Cape. After that she began managing young artistes in Toronto due to her growing love of music management.

After retiring from a marketing job in Canada, she decided to enter the field of artist management. Admittedly, it has been difficult, she said, getting the business started but it is a decision she does regret.

The company which began in November 2016 is aiming to create greater synergies with local artistes and those within the diaspora.

Williams said she is working on getting the artistes to perform in Canada.

While her team at the moment consists of the four men, she hopes to pull a woman on board soon. However, working with the men, “has been the best,” she said.

All four artistes have entered competitions among them soca and calypso monarch. Both Aberdeen and Davis will be in tents (Aberdeen in Rainbow Stars Tent in Chaguanas and Davis in Calypso Showcase, OWTU Palms Club, San Fernando).

While Toussaint and Callender aren’t attached to any tents, a YouTube search would yield a sample of their music.

The evergreen Lyttle who is serious about lyrics, says he keeps it smart and simple. He tends to stay away from going too deep with too much lyrics.

He says music is in his DNA as he comes from a family of singers and dancers but writing and composing were always his favourite.

While “Slow Motion” is soaring up the music charts there has been a little controversy around the song.

Lyttle said he was sent a beat in March 2016 and he composed a melody and wrote lyrics to it.

He went ahead and produced and released the song. While performing the song, the owner of the beat told him Universal Records were interested in the beat and he has to pull the song.

Lyttle said that was impossible as he had already released the song in Japan, Germany, Italy and other places.

Added to which, he had invested heavily to produce it.

The out come is still to be determined.

Born Lescott Kevin Lyttle Coombs in St Vincent, he was a customs officer before he decided to move full-time into music.

He now has his own record label Tarakon Records out of Miami, Florida, where his wife, Dr Jacqueline James-Lyttle is the CEO.

In 2007 Lyttle saw the need to represent himself in terms of putting his music out there and so Tarakon was formed with a tagline “One People, Many Genres Effective Representation” and the label caters for all Caribbean music and is now expanding to include other genres.

Lyttle’s ability to fuse soca with R&B, reggae and dance music is one of the keys to his lasting success, he has performed all over the world including places like India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Sweden, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, England, USA and many more.

He recently finished a 25-concert tour of Australia in December.

Lyttle moved into a different market last year when he recorded “Midnight” with Puerto Rican Reggaeton artiste Nengo Flow and the song reached number one on the Billboard Tropical Chart in October.

Another key to his success is he surrounds himself with people who care about him and not his money.

Looking to the future Lyttle and his wife will launch EME Distribution this year where they hope to make the game of music easier for Caribbean.

He says soca is a billion-dollar industry but the artistes are not making the money, Caribbean music has great potential but too much money is lost in the process. “It is time we come together and help each other, he said.

Lyttle was in Trinidad earlier this month to promote his single “Slow Motion” and linked up with CarylJae (Trini Jacobs) who is signed to Tarakon Records and is in the process of making an album.

Lyttle said he likes the “vibes” in Trinidad. He was seen at the popular “Soka in Moka” all-inclusive in Maraval on January 9 and interacted with several artistes backstage.

In 2003 CarylJae and Lyttle recorded “Sexy Ways” together, she also recorded “Ah Cyah Wait” at Tarakon Studios in Florida recently

IDENTIFYING your personal power can be an insurmountable task if one is not focused and/or does not understand the importance of who they are.

Being able to stand firm in any given social space and make suitable demands for social goods and services would only be possible if you are confident that you can acquire those goods and services despite your particular set of circumstances.

Personality structures also influence an individual’s behaviour and approach to maximising his/ her personal power….

note that personal power in this feature has to do only with the positive aspects of personal power required for one’s self-empowerment and self-confidence and not to be abusive towards others either in domestic and/or corporate environments.

Understanding the depth of your personal power, helps in deciding what kind of person you are going to be, as well as the levels of resilience that are needed to navigate this life successfully.

As human beings, we have been wired to think that life is hard when confronted with serious challenges, when in most of those circumstances, it’s really that those individuals have not identified their purpose and ultimately the level of their personal power to treat with those issues. Distractions and other trivial issues continue to cause many to miss the mark of seizing their power which is right before their very eyes.

The regional conference titled “The Power Within: Love Your Body, Love You”, scheduled for Thursday provides a unique opportunity for people seeking their purpose and power, those who are deemed to be different through psychological and/ or physical impairment, Bullying and those with low levels of self-esteem and self-confidence to share their problems/ struggles/challenges either publicly or privately and receive the relevant assistance and support necessary for their renewal as a wholesome human being.

Keynote presenter Harnaam Kaur, a British national who is different through a medical condition – polycystic ovarian syndrome leads the team of presenters who are among the region’s leading professionals including Dr Jacqueline Huggins, Dr Gabrielle Hosein, Prof Gerard Hutchinson, Margaret Rose, Gregory Sloane- Seale, Gail Merhair, Pauline Haynes and Danaja Garland and this writer. The closing panel discussion would be chaired by Prof Rhoda Reddock, deputy principal, UWI (St Augustine).

This conference is the beginning of a regional conversation aimed at putting to rest issues of discrimination and social exclusion. A major outcome of the conference would be the preparation of a working document containing critical issues discussed and possible solutions to be submitted to all regional heads for their review/input prior to finalisation and circulation throughout the region.

For more info: 638- 1083, 268-6078 and 684-6982.

Sandrine Rattan is a communications/ branding consultant, author and president of the International Women’s Resource Network (IWRN) Contact: thecorporatesuitett@ gmail.com or intlwomensresourcenetwork@ gmail.com

This is just a simple mental picture of how hair loss progresses for people with frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA).

From the term itself, you can already deduce that this condition mainly affects the frontal part of your head that may extend to your forehead down to your brows and lashes.

FFA is actually a form of lichen planopilaris (LPP).

From what I have explained in the previous article, this hair and scalp problem is triggered by your immune system.

There are also studies that hormonal imbalance can predispose a person to develop FFA.

FFA is more common among post menopausal women.

It is because of this targeted demographic that a link has been drawn to hormonal changes. There are also medical reports that support hereditary causes of this condition.

The hair loss pattern in FFA is that it usually starts from both sides of the ears going upward towards the hairline, and the progression shows symmetrical hair shedding as if you’re wearing a headband, and every hair on the front starts to fall.

In some cases, scarring may also occur, and what’s worse is that it can affect the hair growth of your eyebrows and lashes.

As with the nature of hair loss in cicatrical alopecia, FFA damages the hair follicles because of scar tissue formations, blocking the scalp pores that will inhibit hair growth. Gradually, if left untreated – this will cause permanent balding.

But the manifestation that is classic in FFA includes having a shiny and pale appearance of the affected area even if it’s mildly scarred.

As with the other types of alopecia, the most definitive diagnostic tool for FFA is skin or scalp biopsy. You may also be subjected to blood chemistry examinations to determine the real cause.

As for the cure and management, there is no exact treatment yet, but the main medication is still anti-inflammatory.

Your physician may also prescribe you with medications that will block the male hormone 5-alpha reductase.

I have already linked the role of male hormones to hair loss, and it is only appropriate that your treatment regimen will include keeping your testosterone levels in check.

For your treatment to be successful, you have to strictly follow the instructions of your physician, especially during the active hair loss stage.

It is important that you do not stop the treatment midway to avoid worsening of your condition.

If you really want to totally help yourself out in this kind of situation, contact a trichologist, who will examine your hair and scalp, and start you on a regime parallel to your prescribed medication.

Your trichologist will also show you how to continually boost your immune system.

Since FFA has something to do with existing autoimmune disorder and hormonal imbalance, then you should know how to keep yourself healthy at all times.

Remember, diseases only have a chance to attack your body if your immune system is down. So, toughen up your defences by eating a balanced diet, maintain proper hydration, adequate rest and exercise.

Germaine Williams-Beckles is a doctor of trichology (DT) and nutrition consultant (NC), https://www.germainewilliamsbeckles.

com 627-4659. Email us your questions to info@drgees.com

While Kaiso House held its south opening at the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts (SAPA) last Sunday night, the formal opening of the Klassic Ruso Calypso Tent is at City Hall Port-of-Spain on Thursday, at 8 pm.

Among the cast are Crazy, All Rounder, Brian London, Bro Ebony and Lady Wonder.

The tent continues at the same venue on Friday and Saturday, then on January 29 goes to Central Diego Martin Community Centre with show time at 6 pm.

As is tradition, Kalypso Revue opens its doors in Arima.

The tradition continues this Friday at the Arima Velodrome, then at SWWTU Hall, Port-of- Spain on Saturday, before it goes to the SAPA in the southland. All shows begin at 8 pm.

That tent is headed by four National Calypso Monarchs Chalkdust, Sugar Aloes, Pink Panther and the reigning monarch Devon Seale, and also include Skatie, Baron and Kizzy Ruiz.

On Saturday Kaiso Karavan opens at the La Joya Complex in St Joseph. The cast boasts the likes of Johnny King, De Fosto, Singing Francine, Cardinal and Stinger.

On February 2, Kaiso House opens at its new residence The Globe Cinema, St Vincent Street in Port-of- Spain and among the cast are Bro Mudada, Bro Valentino, Explainer, Gypsy, Singing Sandra, Bro Resistance and Mr Chuck.

Also opening on that night is the southbased Kaiso Showkase at Palm’s Club, San Fernando at 8 pm.

The playbill includes Ras Kommanda, Impulse, Abbi Blackman, Protector and Lady Adanna.

On February 3, Rainbow Stars opens at 8 pm at Coco Shed, La Brea with Kinte and Devica, and on February 7, the Icons will open at Ambassador Hotel on Long Circular Road, St James.

Among the headliners are Cro Cro, Sean Daniell, Bodyguard, Heather Mc Intosh, Lingo and Terri Lyons.

Date ………………..Tent …………………..Time ……………………………………………………….Venue
January 26……….. Klassic Ruso……….8 pm….. City Hall………………………………………..Port-of-Spain
January 27……….. Kalypso Revue……8 pm….. .Arima Velodrome, …………………………Arima
January 28……….. Kalypso Revue……8 pm….. SWWTU HallWrightson Road, ………..Port-of-Spain
January 28……….. Kaiso Karavan…….8 pm….. La Joya Complex……………………………St Joseph
January 29……….. Kalypso Revue……8 pm….. Southern Academy for the Performing Arts (SAPA), …….
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..San Fernando
February 2……….. Kaiso House……….8 pm….. The Globe, Corner Park and St Vincent Street, …………..
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………Port-of-Spain
February 2……….. Kaiso Showkase….8 pm….. Palm’s Club, …………………………………..San Fernando
February 3……….. Rainbow Stars…….8 pm….. Coco Shed, …………………………………….La Brea
February 7……….. Icons………………….8 pm….. Ambassador Hotel, Long Circular Road, ….St James

The very young executive committee chaired by Shonda Moore assures that “this year Bishop’s fete will be the ultimate all-inclusive, providing premium everything” with superb food, exceptional drink service and music to complete a vibrant experience.

“We don’t just do this for the fun of it.

The fete is our way of giving back to the school which made us the Old Hilarians that we are…Over the years, the fete has assisted in the cost of construction of new school buildings, renovations, ongoing maintenance, resources for the students and much more,” Moore said.

“We also enjoy hosting an experience where our alumnae can meet up, reminisce and support their alma mater while having a good time.” She said the experience comes at a reduced price from last year’s event, at $800.

The entertainment line-up includes Roy Cape All Stars with Blaxx, Ricardo Drue, and Tizzy; Ultimate Rejects featuring MX Prime, Kes The Band, special guest artistes, Alicia D Duchess and more.

Premium drinks, a wine bar, vodka bar, pond bar along with menu selections that range from creole, Chinese and Italian to culinary innovations, will top off the evening.

For more info and tickets: 344-2334, 681-2531, 478-5145 or 776-4203, 268- 9556, email: bishopsfete@ gmail.com or oldhilarians@gmail.

com.