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).

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

Chlorine is a rapid and persistent sanitizer used in pools to kill microorganisms that can cause infections and disease. It is heavily used in pools that have many bathers to ensure everyone’s health and safety. Unfortunately, in addition to its benefits, chlorine strips the hair of its natural oils leaving the hair dry and brittle.

The salt in seawater has an osmotic effect on hair strands. It causes water to be pulled out of the hair shaft, drastically reducing the elasticity and moisture levels of the hair.

The sun’s UV rays can age and damage the hair just like it does to our skin. The cumulative effects of prolonged exposure are what cause hair to become bleached. UV damage causes protein loss, dryness and loss of elasticity in the hair.

Overall, exposure to sun, salt and chlorine can leave your hair dry, brittle and prone to breakage.

You can help your hair bounce back with a few easy DIY hair masks that will target your specific needs.

Intense Hydration Mask

2 tbsp Honey
½ Ripe Avocado
¼ cup Coconut Milk

Mix the three ingredients into a smooth paste.

Cleanse the hair and blot out the excess water.

Apply the mask ensuring all the hair is coated in the mixture. Cover with a cap and apply some heat with a blow dryer or hood dryer for about 10 minutes, or longer. Rinse thoroughly with cool water.

The avocado and coconut milk in this recipe are rich in vitamins and nutrients and will nourish not only your hair strands but your follicle as well. They are also rich in natural oils that help smooth and seal rough cuticles. The honey is also nutrient rich and acts as a humectant and drawing moisture into the hair. Your hair will be left soft and well moisturized after this mask.

Cuticle Repair Treatment

1 ripe Banana
3 tbsp Coconut oil
2 tbsp Olive oil

Mix the ingredients thoroughly.

Apply to cleansed hair, cover with a cap and leave it in for up to one hour. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

This treatment acts like a nourishing hot oil treatment. The banana is nutrient rich and conditions the hair, while the oils repairs, smoothes and seals the cuticles. This treatment leaves your hair frizz free and adds a beautiful luster.

Note: some hair types respond better to heavier oils while other can be weighed down easily and prefer lighter oil. You can substitute your favourite oils for the ones listed in this recipe.

Strengthening Hair Gloss

1 Egg
3 tbsp Plain yogurt
2 tbsp Honey

Mix the ingredients and apply to clean hair.

Cover with a plastic cap and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and follow with a moisturizing conditioner. This gloss provides much needed protein both from the egg and the yogurt.

Since protein treatments can be a bit drying, the honey is used to draw some moisture into the gloss.

Following the gloss with a moisturizer also helps to further condition and eliminate the dryness that can follow protein treatments.

I thought that by retaining my authentic sing-song Trini accent and loving Carnival, roti and soca music as much as I do, my Trini status could never be revoked, but I was sorely mistaken.

After carefully observing the other citizens of this country, it is clear that I honestly have no clue as to what it means to be Trini. Which is why, to this day, I struggle with assimilating back into the culture that raised me for the first 15 years of my life.

So now that I have admitted my flaws, the rest of this column discusses the list of things all fake Trinis need to do in order to become real Trinis.

The first criterion for being “ah Trini” is not giving a damn about Trinidad and Tobago.

This trait of a Trini involves corruption, importing drugs and guns, and above all things, littering every and anywhere.

Americans wave flags, and the Brits love their trademark tea; true Trinis represent the red, white and black by throwing a KFC box of the same colour out of a moving car on the highway.

A true Trini will never consume a meal or drink and properly dispose of garbage, so if someone chooses to return home with that silly idea of putting trash in bins, they should have their passports revoked and be deported to whence they came, forthwith.

The second criterion is being docile and willing to accept, as the Gospel truth, everything and anything that is said by someone who is supposedly in a powerful position in society; a “Trini to de bone” would never question authority.

For example, Sandals all-inclusive hotel in Tobago is a good economic decision says the Prime Minister; real Trinis wouldn’t dare challenge that asininity.

Police station in Enterprise to suppress crime – Trini politicians and police think it’s the best idea of the century.

Thirdly, every real Trini must have low expectations, so they don’t complain about anything; fake Trinis like myself need plenty patience for dealing with nonsense. It starts at the airport because as soon as you touch down, you will be greeted by airport staff, and Immigration and Customs officers who seem to lack basic manners and people skills. And trust me, the last thing you want to do is flash your foreign passport for them because you’ll be there all night answering ridiculously irrelevant questions.

And if you’re a fake Trini like me and you leave the airport to grab a bite, patience is also essential for dealing with the rudeness that passes as customer service in Trinidad. In other countries, you might expect that at fast food establishments only, but here, you get it at every government agency, ministry and all those “high end” restaurants you’ve heard so much about.

Low expectations prepare you for stuff like “yuh geh-in troo?” when you enter a business place; it’s apparently the standard greeting now; “Hi, can I help you?” is now an ancient relic. Don’t forget to tip! Fourthly, no real Trini bothers with road rules, laws and regulations. Breaking laws is intrinsically Trini but you don’t deserve a TT passport if you haven’t driven in the wrong lane under the speed limit, driven on the shoulder, high-beamed the entire oncoming traffic at night, and stopped abruptly to turn or switch lanes without indicating.

Fifthly, and very importantly, if you’re a young professional or returning student with a wealth of knowledge and ideas, no one wants to hear about that crap. You see that critical and independent thinking that fostered a contumacious mentality while studying at your foreign university; leave it over there.

True Trinis don’t try to change anything; they don’t upend the cart or challenge the status quo.

Trinidad is not the place for innovative ideas, modern thinking and advanced learning. No sah! Lastly, the sixth criterion for being a real Trini is speech.

Standard English only appears on exams. Only the fake Trinis try speaking it; all the other real Trinis speak Trinidad English Creole… apparently.

I am sure my sarcasm was not lost on anyone and it is quite sad that this is how Trinis actually express their love for our country (Tobagonians are a bit different).

Celebrating the day we gained independence while at the same time losing control of our country is a wonderful time for me because the national colours and flags cover ing b u i l d – ings everywhere mask the filth and fake pat r iot i sm for at least a couple weeks.

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

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.

I am told CXC examiners will not review the students’ papers but rather just retally the existing scores to ensure the final marks were added correctly. For this we pay a princely sum.

How unfair is that? Further, I was advised that only about 15 per cent of queries ever result in a change of grade. Well obviously.

I hope the Minister of Education looks into this cavalier approach to our students’ future and represents the views of parents like myself who consider such a situation untenable.

Over to you, Minister Anthony Garcia.

ARLENE STEPHEN Diego Martin

Let’s take a look at one of these companies.

A well-known company manufactures tomato ketchup, tomato paste and tomato sauces.

This company buys tomato sauce in drums and plastic squeeze bottles, pre-labelled, from abroad. The drum is dumped in a vat and squeezed into the bottles. That’s manufacturing? That same company has many foreign fast food franchises. Franchise fees have to be remitted monthly in US dollars. That same company also imports and distributes wines and other exotics. So the minister gives it preference as a manufacturer.

Who is to say that those US dollars are not remitted for wine imports and franchise fees. Meanwhile I have to beg.

I distribute machinery not made in Trinidad.

DAVID SALINGER Maraval

And Jones, bound for Germany in January, is ready to shoulder the responsibility, adding that he sees the importance of delivering the goods and meeting the expectations.

The Seattle Sounders left back took part in yesterday morning’s training session at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Couva and immediately began to take aim at the Hondurans.

“It’s a massively important game for us. I think everybody is clear about that,” Jones said.

“The last time we played them it was not a pretty experience for us.

We conceded early and we couldn’t get ourselves back into the match and this time we need to make them know how that experience feels. We are at home and I think we can get it together and pull off a performance that will bring us three points,” he continued.

“I think I owe the country in the hex now. In the past few games, I had what I would say not awful but bad performances .This is like a final to us. We need three points to stay alive. I had a good week of preparation between ball work and fitness. I am looking forward to the game and very excited about it,” Jones added.

He mentioned that there has been constant dialogue between himself and fellow midfielder Kevin Molino about the forthcoming fixtures.

“Everyday, myself and Kevin have been talking about these games. And about how making it to a World Cup can change our lives.

I think that is in the back of our minds but first we need to take care of business on the pitch and that is the main focus now for Friday and then onto Panama,” Jones said.

“Looking back at the last match with Honduras (in November 2016), it’s not much we want to remember but I wasn’t pleased with the way I performed and now it’s a chance to step up. Hopefully by God’s grace and with the right approach we can get it down right on the day and give the fans something to be happy about and keep our chances alive,” the former W Connection man added.

In related news, Honduras have recalled veteran striker Carlo Costly for Friday’s match. The Olimpia player has returned to the national team after an 18-month absence, coach Jorge Luis Pinto has said.

The 35-year-old quit international football in March 2016 after publicly falling out with Pinto, but the pair have settled their differences, the former Colombia and Costa Rica manager told a media conference on Friday.

“Carlo is playing his best football in years. We hope that he can carry on that form for the national team,” Pinto said. “As the coach, I know what I should do, and he knows what he needs to do on the pitch.

We’ve brought him in to the team at an opportune time.” Honduras are currently fifth in the CONCACAF standings with five points, nine points behind leaders Mexico. TT are rooted at the bottom with three points.

Honduras squad (clubs in brackets) GOALKEEPERS: Donis Escober (Olimpia), Luis Lopez (Real Espana), Ricardo Canales (Vida).

DEFENDERS: Bryan Beckeles (Necaxa), Maynor Figueroa (Dallas), Henry Figueroa and Felix Crisanto (Motagua), Carlos Sanchez (Honduras Progreso), Jhonny Palacios (Olimpia), Ever Alvarado (Olimpia), Emilio Izaguirre (Al-Fayha, Arabia), Jhonny Leveron (Marathon).

MIDFIELDERS: Bryan Acosta (Tenerife, Espana), Jorge Claros (Real Espana), Alexander Lopez (Olimpia), Alfredo Mejia (Xanthi, China), Oliver Morazan, (Juticalpa), Esdras Padilla (Juticalpa), Sergio Pena (Real Sociedad), Carlos Discua (Motagua), Boniek García (Houston), Juan Delgado (Honduras Progreso).

FORWARDS: Anthony Lozano (Barcelona B), Rony Martinez (Baoding Yingli Yitong), Alberth Elis (Houston), Romnell Quioto (Houston), Carlo Costly (Olimpia), Ovidio Lanza (Juticalpa), Eddie Hernandez (Motagua).

It is one of eight pairings that includes Pro League clubs against lower league sides, while Central FC are against Morvant Caledonia United in the only all-Pro League clash of the Round of 64.

All this, along with huge cash incentives totally $415,000, were revealed on Tuesday afternoon during the preliminary round draw at the Media Room of the Ato Boldon Stadium in Balmain, Couva.

Venues and times are not yet determined although all participating clubs were to indicate their home venue prior to the draw.

The 2017 FA Trophy will involve all 10 Pro League clubs, 19 Super League sides, six each from the Northern FA, Eastern FA, Central FC, Southern FA and Tobago FA, and five from the Eastern Counties Football Union (ECFU) — all hoping to advance to the $100,000 final.

The overall champions will, in fact, walk away with a total purse of $135,000 due to — for the first time in the tournament which have gone without prize money in its last few editions — a prize structure that will see winning teams of the Round of 64, Round of 32, Round of 16, Quarter finals, and Semi Finals earn $3,000, $5,000, $7,000, $9,000 and $11,000 respectively.

“It’s a great motivator for all the clubs involved, knowing the current situation clubs are in for financial support,” said North East Stars coach Derek King.

Ewing Davis, vice president of the tournament organisers — the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA), said the competition currently stands without a sponsor and, at present, the prize monies would have to come from the FA.

Teams will also benefit from gate receipts through to the quarter- final round before the FA takes control for the semi-final and final stages. North East Stars are third on the Pro League standings but inactive till September 8 due to a break in the Pro League to facilitate the Trinidad and Tobago men’s team preparations for crucial FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifying.

“It’s tough trying to keep players motivated at the moment by just training and playing practice matches,” said King, who took charge of North East Stars last May.

“But we will try our best to be ready when the FA Trophy comes around.

We are the defending champions.

“We also know that the FA Trophy is tough; it’s a knockout tournament and you have to be on top your game not taking anyone for granted. Some teams in the Super League are good challenges for Pro League opponents.” Since the debut of the professional teams into the FA Trophy competition in 1999, clubs from the former Professional Football League (PFL) and the current Pro League have won the trophy in all but 2006 when WASA became surprise winners.

FA TROPHY 2017 Full Round of 64 match-ups (Home teams are listed first. Venue and times still to be determined.) September 16 – Central FC (Pro League) vs Morvant Caledonia United (Pro League); San Juan Jabloteh (Pro League) vs La Horquetta XF (EFA); Siparia Spurs (SL) vs North East Stars (Pro League); Eagles FC (CFA) vs Matura All Stars (ECFU); D’Marie Hill Youths (ECFU) vs Guaya United (Super League); Malta Carib Alcons (NFA) vs UTT (SL); Fire Service FC (CFA) vs Black Rock FC (TFA); Manzan United (ECFU) vs Prisons FC (SL); 1976 FC Phoenix (SL) vs Goal City FC (TFA); Perseverance Ball Runners (CFA) Erin FC (SFA); Biche United (ECFU) vs Trinity Rangers (EFA); Queen’s Park (SL) vs FC FC Santa Rosa (SL); Petit Valley United (SL) vs Cunupia FC (SL); Central Soccer World (CFA) vs Harlem Strikers (CFA); Calder Hall FC (TFA) vs Bethel FC (SL); Serial Strikers (SFA) vs Pitchmen FC (SFA).

September 17 – W Connection (Pro League) vs Tamana United (ECFU); St Ann’s Rangers (Pro League) vs Perseverance Ball Runners (CFA); Cultural Roots (NFA) vs Club Sando (Pro League); Red Hill FC (EFA) vs Point Fortin Civic (Pro League); Belmont FC (NFA) vs Defence Force (Pro League); WASA FC (SL) vs Police FC (Pro League); Santa Flora FC (SFA) vs Harlem Strikers (SL); RSSR (NFA) vs Signal Hill United (THA); San Fernando Giants (SFA) vs St Francois Nationals (NFA); Club Sando Moruga (SL) vs Perseverance United (CFA); Leeds FC (TFA) vs Creek SCC (EFA); Step by Step Maple (NFA) vs Stokely Vale FC (SL); Central 500 Spartans (SL) vs Marabella Family Crisis Centre (SL); Defence Force FC (SL) vs Youth Stars (SL); Pele Pele (SFA) vs Police FC (SL); WASA FC (EFA) vs FC Maloney (EFA).