But the questions need discussion, and in the United States the discussion is becoming heated.

And there is nothing wrong with this, indeed, for one man’s heroism, one tribe’s legacy, one nation’s glory, is often gained at the expense of another man, a different tribe or a conquered nation and its peoples.

History is and has always been written by the victors, the conquerors, with the atrocities inflicted upon the conquered being described in epic poems and legends.

We in the English-speaking Caribbean and indeed across the Americas were raised and educated– indoctrinated actually–to sing praises to the explorers, admirals and conquerors of our islands.

Even the children of slavery were taught to accept without question the atrocities committed in the name of Glorious Empire.

Worse yet, the children of slavery, as teachers in our schools, taught us how noble and even just was the Empire of “Great Britain.” And we all accepted this and recited the poems of conquests.

And we still maintain the sites and icons of those days when the native Caribbean Peoples were slaughtered by Europe’s navies and soldiers, mostly in God’s name.

Indeed, Europe sent their young men out here to make war and slaughter each other for the riches they were discovering here.

But not content with killing off native peoples and each other on these sandy shores, Europe also conquered Africa, and enslaved millions of Africans whom they sent to these idyllic islands to work and die in total anonymity for Europe’s wealth.

But then mankind, supposedly the most advanced species on Earth, is almost the only specie which slaughters and destroys its own for no valid reason other than the glory of conquest and the spreading of the conquerors’ genes and gods. Significantly, the lion, the “king of beasts,” so “emblemic” in many cultures, also does this.

So much of history is set and recorded in monuments everywhere, with monuments preceding the European conquests and the American statues now under review. The surviving ruins of ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, all revered for their historic significance, would have been built by the enslaved of those times, as were probably, the ruins of Aztec, Inca and other civilizations.

And more built realms of ancient times are being unearthed as man has learned to probe beneath the jungles and the very earth. Most, if not all, of these ancient civilizations would likely have had their cities built and their deities carved in stone by slaves. Might not slaves have built the early Roman Catholic and Anglican cathedrals here in the Caribbean? So what do we destroy because of the evils surrounding the edifices and statues, and what do we retain in the name of art and history? And who decides? I am writing this from St Kitts & Nevis, where I have visited the old British Fort at Brimstone Hill.

It is, like so many of these places, a World Heritage Site, although its construction and history is cruel and bloody.

It is well maintained, beautiful, and an income earner for St Kitts, as hundreds of tourists visit it daily.

But essentially, it commemorates the atrocities of European wars, fought on these tiny islands, and most of the labour, hauling huge stones and cannons up that hill, would have be done by slaves.

Most of America’s early heritage buildings, including their White House, would have been built by slave labour. Should Barrack Obama and his family have refused to live there? Concentration death camps like Belsen and Buchenwald have been preserved in Germany, for people to visit and see plaques stating “Here lie buried 10,000 Souls.” These are not memorials to gallantry but rather to the dread of man’s inhumanity. Should these too be destroyed? If they were preserved to glorify Hitler’s madness, then we might say they should be bulldozed. But seen as a reminder and condemnation of that madness in time, we leave them there.

Would America build an oil pipeline through Arlington National Cemetery? Americans would never allow it. But Americans by “arrival” will build a pipeline through the burial grounds of the only peoples there who have a valid claim to the land. How just is this? I would not want my children to attend a school named after a tyrant or oppressor but I think I could accept a statue of one in my town, provided the tyrant’s history was correctly stated on a plaque.

A n d w h e r e do we go from there….?

The nuclear scientist who resides in Kingston, Ontario, with her husband, Canadian Ted Bailey and their four children ages two to eight, had been appointed for one term, until December 31, to the inaugural board of directors of the Tourism Kingston (Ontario) Board made up of representatives from the community and city council.

The board sets the strategic direction for the Tourism Kingston Organisation, the destination marketing organisation for the city.

It undertakes tourism marketing and development initiatives to ensure that Kingston remains a destination of choice for visitors from all over the world.

Tourism marketing activities are directed towards promoting the competitive advantages the city holds in areas of leisure, travel trade, meetings and conventions and sport tourism.

As a young university undergraduate, Bowles-Mortley volunteered with an organisation called Youth Diversion Programme and continues as an active member.

One of Youth Diversion’s mandates is to help at-risk youth and give them a restorative approach to be better people.

In June, Bowles-Mortley received the Distinction of Service Award from the Province of Ontario, Canada, for ten years of volunteerism in its Youth Diversion programme.

Accolades already bestowed on this “nuclear” woman in this programme include the Andrea Van Blaricom Volunteer of the Year Award, Youth Division, Kingston, Ontario in 2006, Volunteer Service Awards for five-year service and dedication as a volunteer in Ontario in 2010, and member of the Youth Justice Committee designated by the Ministry of the Attorney General in 2011.

It is an alternative to formal proceedings under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

A police officer or crown attorney can request that a youth participate in the programme instead of going through court.

The committee is selected out of a panel of volunteers who are interested in working with young people and who support the programme’s philosophy.

The aim is to include people who reflect the diverse composition of the community.

As a director of The Herbarium Limited, founded by her mother Cheryl Bowles, which manufacturers Cher Mere natural personal products in TT, Bowles-Mortley is responsible for the introduction of the Cher Mere INatural line specifically created for natural hair grooming.

In 2013 this “millennial” woman opened Cher Mere Canada and runs spas in Kingston, Ontario. More than half of organic shoppers are millennials with children. Parents 18 to 34 represent the largest group of organic consumers in the United States.

It was on Bowles-Mortley’s recommendation that Cher Mere enhanced its organic line to cater for this trend.

“I am now carrying the flame and my goal is to internationalise the brand,” Bowles-Mortley said.

The first four products recently launched in Bowles-Mortley’s new line of products using Trinidad cocoa, moringa and charcoal, called Spa Naturals, are a cuticle crème and three masks all 100 per cent natural with no chemicals.

“We will roll out other products, such as, body oil, massage oil and advanced skin treatments in this line,” Bowles-Mortley said. “The men have not been left out as a treatment for beards is in the pipeline.” Without difficulty, the nuclear scientist swings into explanation of her use of, “Trinidad cocoa which is the best quality in the world for the chocolate mask… It is rich in antioxidants which is beneficial as an anti-aging product for rejuvenating the skin and reducing the wrinkle bandwidth.

“All parts of the moringa plant are beneficial for the moringa mask, which purifies the skin and is also rich in antioxidants, natural vitamins, minerals and amino acids.

It’s a gorgeous skin mask for all types of skin.” Bowles-Mor t l ey continued, “And finally, the charcoal mask detoxifies the skin, reduces impurities so pores look smaller and is great for oily to combination skin which may have blemishes and dark marks.” B ow l e s – M o r t – ley wears numerous hats, yet enjoys being healthy and staying fit through running, boxing and astanga yoga.

She is a firm believer that “all work and no play makes one a dull person” having participated in the ING Ottawa Half-Marathon; Beat Beethoven run and the Wolfe Island 10K Classic Run.

All this and Bowles-Mortley still finds time to be a hands-on mom and is about to take her children on a Canadian vacation road trip.

What next is in store for this nuclear Trini millennial?

It seems that the more exposed we are to sexual content, the less fulfilled we are personally, with our sex lives and relationships.

Can you relate to any of this? Does any of this sound like you, or someone you know? If so, and if you would like to know how to detox, repair, revive or rebuild a dead or dying sex life? First, you need to stop having sex, that is, if you haven’t already. And yes, you read that right.

Sometimes, when we are so far off course, or deeply trapped in an unhealthy place, the only thing or the best thing to do, is to stop, let go and start from scratch. You need to decide to be disciplined and to be ready to reset your sexual life.

A delay in sexual gratification (ie intercourse), while exploring, learning and becoming curious again about intimacy and/or your partner, will actually intensify your longing for sex and make it even more satisfying when you do start having intercourse again. What I am inviting you to do, is to focus on love or caring, touching and pleasing your partner, so that you eventually get the sex you want. Focus on sensuality, or sexuality. Think of sex as a spiritual experience if you can or at least as an activity that is meant to sustain and renew you and your partner.

So, if you’re not having sex, what will you be doing? Well, this is a good time to explain that when I said no sex, what I really meant was sex without intercourse. Sometimes called “outercourse” (and called “sensate focus therapy” when used in a therapeutic context), the technique includes activities to focus on everything else except penetrative sex. Another key feature to note, is that you must release yourself from the expectation of having an orgasm. Said another way, do not lock yourself down or burden yourself with believing you need to or must achieve or experience an orgasm. With this pressure gone, you can now focus on being and enjoying pleasure of the body and the companionship of your partner and if orgasm happens, great. If not, also great.

The practice of outercourse or sensate focus, is meant to take place over 30 days. During this period, you start with simple touch and kissing, then massage, oral sex and then eventually work your way to penetrative sex. Sessions take at least half an hour, and you will get as much out of it as you put into it. I said this to highlight the fact that this not a quick fix, or magic act. You need to remain focused and committed to applying the principles and doing the work.

At this point, I’m sure you might still be wondering how and why outercourse or sensate focus works.

Well, let me share in a more explicit way, the benefits: Engaging in touch, minus the pressure to perform, reduces performance anxiety (which is particularly helpful for men who deal with erectile dysfunction).

It also relaxes the couple.

You learn to be more in tune with your body’s responses, as well as that of your partner Communication and negotiation around sexual matters becomes easier and more productive You accept your bodies as they are and recognise that they can receive and give pleasure in ways you did not know before You unlearn bad habits or techniques and mentally reframe how you think about sex and sexuality You discover your unique sexual personality or your “love map” (a term coined by Dr John Money), which refers to your individual erotic fantasies, needs and practices.

In addition to the methods mentioned in this article, couples also need to engage in getting to know themselves and each other again, through dating, breathe work, self-evaluation exercises and playing games. If this seems a bit much to do on your own, do seek out the help of a sexual health professional. Healthy sex and relationships is something you can achieve.

Onika Henry is a Tobago-based, trained Sex Educator (M.Ed. Human Sexuality) and a Certified Sex Coach. She designs and implements workshops, training, and psycho-educational counselling, to address sexual health concerns for individuals, couples, religious and secular groups.

Website: www.onikahenry.com_ Email: ohenrybusiness@gmail.com Contact: 381-3049

Who decides what is a good book as opposed to an inferior book on any particular topic? Can all the local school books pass muster in an international book fair? Or am I asking foolish questions? Why do pupils have to cart around all their books at the same time? Is this necessary or just a “Trini to the bone” kind of behaviour?

LYNETTE JOSEPH Diego Martin

But it is possible to stay on track with your workout routine and resist temptation at home.

Consider the advice of some people who work out at home – people with real lives, real jobs, and really busy schedules, just like you. The insights they shared are invaluable and can motivate you to work out at home, even if you don’t feel like it.

Love your routine The most important motivating factor is to find a routine you’re actually going to enjoy doing at home. All of us have different things we love to do – dancing, aerobics, weight lifting – find yours.

Technology makes it easier. There are now various types of exercise equipment including home gyms, DVDs and phone apps that bring the best fitness trainers into your home, often at little to no cost. Go ahead, turn your living room into a fitness studio.

Schedule it! Having a scheduled workout plan helps you prioritise exercise by carving out time on your calendar and then planning your days and weeks around your scheduled workout. This assists you in ending the cycle of procrastination that you may be locked into. Remember to place your schedule in a highly visible location if you are still into paper.

If not, enter it on your smart phone for the muchneeded reminder.

Arrange the floor plan for your workout plan The complex part about an at-home workout is that your home is not a gym. You have to carve out a workout space keeping in mind that different types of workouts require varying amounts of space. Do not wait until the day of your scheduled workout, this will use up time, a commodity few of us have to waste. Therefore, you may require setting up a mini gym in your guest bedroom or simply moving the coffee table over three inches to fit a yoga mat. Whatever you have to move/set up/dismantle, do it well before your scheduled workout, so there are no barriers or excuses.

Looking the part Today gym wear is more attractive than ever, people even wear them as casual clothing.

Studies have shown that wearing workout gear can systematically influence a person to exercise.

When you put on well-fitting fitness apparel you can see your body and the progress you have made after weeks of exercise. This gives a boost to your self-image and in turn motivates you to exercise more frequently to maintain or attain your ultimate body image goals.

Go public with it Going public should be done after you have completed a challenging workout. Sharing your progress and achievement with your peers can be motivating. Having positive affirmations and encouragement from your loved ones often provides the motivation needed to continue your fitness journey.

Reward yourself Reward yourself for your victories. You may have completed your workout for the entire week and decided to treat yourself to a girls’ night out at your favourite eatery. That is ok. Everything must be done with balance in mind. While the ideal treat may be health food, our bodies have cravings and giving in to the craving is not a bad thing, once balance or moderation is applied.

Note, however, that cravings can gets out of control causing you slide back into bad habits, so be careful. If food is not your thing, treat yourself to a new pair of sneakers or something like that if you completed all your workouts for a month.

Following a training session yesterday at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo, Lawrence disclosed his squad which will enter a residential training camp, from tomorrow until Friday’s clash against Honduras.

Eleven players who were part of the squad for Thursday’s international friendly against Jamaica, at the aforementioned Mucurapo venue, have been retained – Marvin Phillip (who wore the captain’s armband during the 2-1 loss to Jamaica), Adrian Foncette, Alvin Jones, Kevon Villaroel, Curtis Gonzales, Triston Hodge, Hughtun Hector, Aubrey David, Cordell Cato, Nathan Lewis and Tyrone Charles.

Foncette was an unused goalkeeper during Thursday’s match (with Phillip playing the full 90 minutes of regulation time) while defensive midfielder Jared London and striker Marcus Joseph, who both played the entire game, and second half substitutes – midfielders Hashim Arcia and Neil Benjamin, were dropped.

The rest of the squad includes overseas-based professionals Jan Michael Williams, Daneil Cyrus, Sheldon Bateau, Radanfah Abu Bakr, Kevin Molino, Kevan George, Mekeil Williams, Joevin Jones, Trevin Caesar, Willis Plaza, Carlyle Mitchell, Jomal Williams, Khaleem Hyland, Jamille Boatswain and Leston Paul.

“After a proper assessment of the players who have been with us and also those have been involved with their clubs overseas, we’ve selected a squad that we believed is the best one at the moment that can get us the result we are working towards,” Lawrence said.

“The week ahead will be crucial with regards to the build up to the match. We have a couple of the overseas boys already here with us along with the home-based players and the others will start coming in this weekend. We will put in the work with the boys over the next few days to try to ensure that we are prepared as best as possible for what is ahead of us coming Friday against Honduras,” Lawrence added.

Veteran captain and centre forward Kenwyne Jones was left out due to his long-standing knee injury, which he suffered moments before the June 13 World Cup qualifier against Costa Rica, while regular members Levi Garcia and Andre Boucaud were also omitted.

In related news, tickets for Friday’s encounter are on sale at all NLCB Lotto Outlets priced at $350 (covered) and $200 (Covered).

There are three party group sections with Fantasy/Entice, Illusions Family and Warriors Posse by Winerboy Entertainment all proving the option for drinks inclusive match experiences. Details on these party sections can be found on the TTFA’s Facebook Page as well as the respective social media platforms for the groups.

Trinidad and Tobago team – GOALKEEPERS: Jan Michael Williams (Juticalpa FC), Adrian Foncette (Police FC), Marvin Phillip (Point Fortin Civic Centre).

DEFENDERS: Mekeil Williams (Colorado Rapids), Aubrey David (PS Khemi), Alvin Jones (W Connection), Carlyle Mitchell (East Bengal), Triston Hodge (W Connection),Curtis Gonzales (Defence Force), Kevon Villaroel (North East Stars), Radanfah Abu Bakr (Suduva Marijampole), Sheldon Bateau (FC Kairat), Daneil Cyrus (Juticalpa FC).

MIDFIELDERS: Hughtun Hector (W Connection), Leston Paul (CD Pasaquina), Khaleem Hyland (Al-Faisaly Harmah), Joevin Jones (Seattle Sounders), Kevin Molino (Minnesota United), Cordell Cato (San Jose Earthquakes), Kevan George (Jacksonville Armada) Jomal Williams (Murciélagos FC), Nathan Lewis (San Juan Jabloteh), Tyrone Charles (Club Sando).

STRIKERS: Jamille Boatswain (Alajuelense), Willis Plaza (East Bengal), Trevin Caesar (Orange County).

One only has to recall her ground-breaking exercise segments on the morning magazine programme, Dateline, and her subsequent advocacy in the field, to conclude that fitness has played an intrinsic role in her life .

“I have always loved fitness,” Alcantara tells Sunday Newsday .

“It falls among my passions of literature, theatre and communications .

Fitness keeps me strong, focussed, motivated and positive. It is my lifeline to living life in balance.” And while she is satisfied with her years as an enthusiast and campaigner, Alcantara feels the time has come to take things up a notch given the prevalence of chronic lifestyle diseases in the society .

She gave staggering statistics which showed there were an estimated 140,300 cases of diabetes diagnosed in Trinidad and Tobago in 2015 and noted that obesity continued to pose a major challenge for health care practitioners .

“Today, obesity is crushing our country’s health and services sectors and is a problem that ought to be viewed as a national issue,” she said .

“In focusing on obesity and physical inactivity, and all the diseases downstream from that, there is an urgent need to instil the importance of health and fitness in our nation.” Through a new and exciting project which she calls the Fitness Revolution, Alcantara is hoping to, at the very least, begin the process of reversing such trends .

She said the project, set to debut on television in mid-September, will focus on communities, targeting not just the exercise buffs but children and those who generally desire to lead healthy lives. “The Fitness Revolution will target the kids, our most vulnerable. We have to teach them the importance of nutrition and exercise in fun ways so that they avoid the pitfalls of obesity and diabetes which are so rampant today. So, there will be lots of competitions and opportunities for us to work together for the benefit of all.” But The Fitness Revolution, she said, would not be a one-man show as experts in various disciplines – nutrition, weight-training, pilates, capoeira, zumba and other areas – have graciously consented to be a part of the project .

They include top national body-builder/gym owner Dexter Simon; registered yoga teacher Abdullah Mohammed; pilates instructor Madeleine Miller and technical director of Hip Hop International Ian Levia .

Simon, who has won numerous awards, told Spotlight his focus would be on abdominal exercises as well as shoulders, bicep and tricep workouts .

The fitness trainer, who has acquired a huge local and foreign-based clientele over the years, said he would also provide tips on dieting and the approach to training so that people could get optimal results from their workout .

“During the segments, I will provide words of inspiration to the people, not only focusing on training,” said Simon, who has been involved in sport and fitness for about two decades .

“It is not just about what we do but what we could inspire others to do from seeing our efforts and our commitment.” Simon said his goal would be to promote holistic living .

More than a television programme, Alcantara said the health and fitness outreach initiative would pivot social media platforms, events and workshops where the experienced professionals could interact directly with the public .

“The Revolution will educate and inform children and adults of all ages. We want to reach the nation so that together we all learn more about living and enjoying healthy lives.” Observing that much has happened in terms of technology and fitness over the years, Alcantara said the Fitness Revolution would build on the Fit For Life series but would move in a more dynamic and technology-driven direction .

Alcantara, the Fitness Revolution’s producer, was confident that the project would fulfil its mandate .

“There are so many health and wellness programmes, websites and shows around nowadays, a virtual plethora of resources that anyone can access,” Alcantara said. “Yet, I continue to receive feedback from so many people on a daily basis about how hard it is to find the programme that works best for them, how to incorporate a fitness regimen into their busy lives and the overall motivation to keep going and maintain a healthy lifestyle.” She added: “I feel what has been missing is that thread that pulls all of the disjointed elements of wellness together and ties it to the actual day to day reality of a person .

“This is what we are all seeking, a way to become better, healthier, more productive and happier without sacrificing and compromising on the essential components of our lives .

“And we all know, it is almost impossible to experience that happiness and peace if the body is unwell.” The managing director of Media Methods Limited, Alcantara became a household name in the 1970s and 80s as the mild-mannered co-host of the television programme, Dateline, which aired on Trinidad & Tobago Television (TTT) .

During her latter years on the set, she introduced a fitness segment to the show, a rarity on local television at that time .

Later, when she started her own production company, Alcantara created Fit For Life, which dealt, in a more specific way, on exercise and elements of health and fitness .

“The Fit For Life programme was an amazing life experience,” Alcantara said. “It allowed me to interact with fitness professionals across the country and to find ways through which to educate and motivate viewers with respect to living healthy lives.” “It was a journey of evolution and learning and it allowed the brand to build credibility .

For that, I am truly grateful.” Coincidentally, TTT, which was closed in January 2005 because of financial difficulties, is set to return with a focus on exclusively local programming and Government information .

Communications Minister Maxie Cuffie announced on Thursday that State-owned Caribbean New Media Group (CNMG) would be shut down to pave the way for the return of a new and improved TTT .

Alcantara, who welcomed the move, said although TTT had been shut down and replaced by CNMG, its legacy remained etched in the minds of a wide cross-section of the citizenry .

“A brand is a brand and CNMG never really took off, perhaps because of the newness of the name and its struggle to compete. It eventually went the same way as the other stations.” Asked if she would consider offering the Fitness Revolution to TTT when it comes on stream, Alcantara is maintaining a wait-andsee approach .

“I can’t see that it will be a bad thing. TTT had always been a known station and I think it will be a lovely platform for people involved in film and local culture to put their work out there,” she said .

“But, I can’t say what their plan will be. In any event, a focus on local culture is always good.” Unlike the Fit For Life series she pioneered, Alcantara said the the Fitness Revolution has gone a step further by providing resources, information and guidance to address the critical components of daily life with a view to creating balance, improved health and happiness .

Alcantara said while exercise routines and physical fitness were a focal point of the Revolution, the programme would also address mental health, stress management, self-esteem, daily inspiration and time management .

“The Revolution looks at the whole person, the whole being, the balance within the self and outside of the self in our daily lives.” Alcantara hopes the project will receive support from the relevant ministries “so that we can reach communities in meaningful ways.” “I am confident that the Fitness Revolution will inspire and motivate us to live healthier lives and I look forward to bringing it on stream.”

Once again another major project, the Curepe overpass, is scheduled to start and the wastage of taxpayers’ dollars continues.

The reality is that the CRH is a roadway with businesses, playground, malls, factories and residences on both sides of the road. There are over ten major intersections along the roadway and many small streets entering or exiting the highway.

That sector of our nation’s highway grid can never be a major highway regardless of how much money is spent on improvement and overpasses. No amount of money spend on that highway will ever bring the much-needed relief from traffic congestion that is experienced daily by commuters along the east-west corridor.

The sensible solution to the east-west traffic congestion is a new highway just south of the existing CRH. There is an expanse of almost virgin land that stretches from the Caroni Swamp in the west to Matura Bay on the east coast. That area should be the location of a new east-west freeway.

Such a project will minimise the inconvenience associated with building overpasses in builtup areas, reduce the cost of land acquisition and provide fast and efficient access to all that traverse from along the east-west corridor.

Additionally, the bus route that is used by the privileged few need to be reverted to a light rail system that will allow passengers to travel along the corridor without the congestion that has now made the bus route another one of our severely congested roadways.

There is no alternative to common sense and proper planning.

In the meantime, one continues to be bemused and bewildered as our limited foreign exchange and taxpayers’ dollars are squandered on projects that make little sense.

STEVE ALVAREZ via email

The two-day championship paired past winners with novices across all four divisions (A, B, C and D).

Whilst this was a gross competition, there were also net prizes awarded.

The overall club champion was national player Arjoon Samlal, who copped the A Class.

Dubay took the top spot in the B Class, Awong was crowned the winner in the C Class and Sagram won the D Class.

RESULTS A Class

1 Arjoon Samlal
2 Dave Rajkumar
3 Suresh Jagessar

Best Net: Deryck Chanardip

B Class

1 Franklyn Dubay
2 Kumar Ramcharan
3 Amir Ali

Best Net: Amral Ali

C Class

1 Curtis Awong
2 Stephon Singh
3 Pooran Singh

Best Net: Ishanand Lalbirsingh

D Class

1 Eddison Sagram
2 Rahmzan Ali
3 Rol Seecharan

Best Net: Selwyn Henry

Kiefer, who was seeded sixth, overcame an early setback to get the better of third seed Mann Shah of India. Kiefer, from the United States, prevailed 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (5).

Another third-seeded player, Lucia De Santa Ana of Uruguay, also had to rally from a set down to defeat second seed Remika Ohashi of Japan 0-6, 6-4, 6-4 to clinch the girls’ Under-18 singles title.

Milledge Cossu of the United States and Jose Dominquez Collado of Guatemala lived up to their number one ranking, in the boys’ Under-18 doubles, with a 6-4, 7-6(6) win over Kiefer and fellow American Jericho Grollman – the number two seeded duo.

And, in the girls’ Under-18 doubles final, Jackeline Lopez of the US and Ariana Salgueiro- Estela of Puerto Rico held off the challenge of Valaine Clarke of Jamaica and Amritalakshmi Shanmugam of India to triumph 7-5, 6-2.