Both Bateau and Garcia joined the team on Tuesday and engaged in their first training session with the squad later that evening at the Mucurapo facility.

Before the training session got underway, the 25-year-old Bateau, who plays for Krylia Sovetov in the Russian Premier League, said in an interview, “I’m happy to be here as always. This time, (a) different task, different opponents.

I’m excited and ready to work.” With the Final Round qualifiers set to begin tomorrow, Bateau admitted, “we know it’s going to be difficult. It will be my first time playing against Costa Rica but I know what to expect. Mentally, I know the kind of work that I’ll need to do defensively. I’ll try to speak to the players about being disciplined and being ready physically.

We’re ready for the challenge.” On the topic of defending, Bateau was aware of the struggles of Trinidad and Tobago to keep clean sheets this year. But he stressed, “we want to get back to defending as a team and not basically defending four defenders alone. We need to start defending from up front and as an XI. We’re going to be working on the way we defend from the front. We have a few days left still and we’re really going to be working on that.” Since the 2-0 defeat away to Martinique last month, which dented TT ’s hopes of qualifying for the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup, Bateau stated, “I’ve been playing defensive midfield with my team (Krylia Sovetov). I’ve been playing pretty well so my confidence is high, my energy is also high because I have a good level of match fitness. I’m just ready to do a job for the (TT ) team and contribute.” Garcia has also been a regular member of the team since making his debut against St Vincent/ Grenadines in March. “It feels great because it’s always a pleasure being with the national team at the highest level,” said the 18-year-old.

“It feels good to be back.” He is also bracing for the tough road ahead in the Final Round qualifiers. “It’s much stronger (mentality) where you want to go into the game and know that it’s all heart and soul,” he said.

As far as his recent form with Dutch Eredivisie team AZ Alkmaar is concerned, the teenager noted, “it has been good playing a few games since I (went) back, learning something new everyday.” However, he is keeping his feet on the ground, as far as the public’s expectations of him are concerned.

“I take things as they come, no pressure to perform because I know performance will come once you (are) focused. So no pressure, I just do what I have to do.” If selected for tomorrow’s match, Garcia said, “I just want to do as much as it takes for a win. So whatever I have to do on Friday, I will do.”

At Mahaica Oval in Point Fortin, Lee netted a hat-trick to guide Naparima to a 7-1 win over Moruga in the second match of a double header.

Lee, who was the top goalscorer in the Premier Division League competition, found the back of the net in the sixth, 26th and 67th minute.

Scoring one goal apiece were Justin Sadoo (31st), Ronaldo Francois (38th), Judah St Louis (51st) and Jeremiah Kesar (76th).

In the opening match of the double header Fyzabad defeated Pleasantville 3-1.

In the other match yesterday, national Under-17 player Che Benny scored a brace to guide St Anthony’s to a 5-0 victory over Fatima at St Mary’s Ground in St Clair.

Also finding their names on the scoresheet were Nkosi Salandy, Kathon St Hillaire and Krishon Alexander.

In the lone match today Presentation College San Fernando will play Princes Town West at 3.30 pm at Lewis Street in San Fernando.

They are about the size of a pigeon but they stand erect on relatively long legs.

The southern lapwing falls into the category of “waders”, referring to those species of long-legged shore birds, usually associated with freshwater wetlands and/or coastal type environments. In Trinidad, while lapwings tend to favour river plains, mud flats and boggy areas, they have also adapted to terrestrial savannas and agriculture pastures, particularly low-lying open wet grasslands.

The birds may even be found on ploughed land close to human habitation, and small flocks are common on golf courses. Some popular locations in Trinidad where one can catch glimpses of these birds include Wallerfield, Pointe-a-Pierre lakes, Caroni Rice Fields, Kernahan Village at Manzanilla, Aripo Savannas Scientific Reserve, and the Orange Valley wetlands.

The southern lapwing is indigenous to South America but it has expanded its range significantly in recent years, taking advantage of the expansion of agriculture and forest clearance. Amazingly, this species is a recent arrival to Trinidad and was first documented in 1961. In 1974, it spread to Tobago, and has rapidly cemented its status in both islands. Its current range continues to increase with deforestation and human disturbances of the natural environment.

It might seem odd that such a charismatic bird would not have a local name in Trinidad and Tobago but this can be attributed to the relatively short period of time which it has been on the islands (no doubt the victims of lapwing assaults have a few choice names for them). It is strikingly marked with a trailing long black crest on the head, being the only ‘wader” in South America with this distinct and easily identifiable characteristic.

The throat and upper breast is black, with the remainder of its underparts white. Whilst the wings are folded, the outer parts are bronze with a tinge of green.

Black flight feathers with contrasting white coverts (a covert is defined as a feather covering the base of a main flight feather) make this species particularly spectacular during flight.

It has long, reddish- brown legs, which allow the birds to stand and anchor in deeper flooded areas, with unstable muddy grounds.

The eyes are large and piercingly red, with a red eye-ring. The pink and black-tipped beak is fairly small compared to other wading birds whose beaks tend to be thin, long and curved.

The southern lapwing is a patient hunter, standing motionless for long periods of time and allowing potential prey, which includes insects, worms and other invertebrates, to come within reach. Its steps are slow and deliberate.

These savanna sentinels are even active at night and it is not unusual to hear a flock calling loudly as they fly about in the dark.

But of course, perhaps the most notable aspect of the southern lapwing is its attitude.

This species lacks the gentle manners of most waders and its behaviour can be likened to that of a guard dog.

This is one of the first species that reacts to perceived danger, and therefore can act as an indicator for the presence of potential predators, to other nearby birds.

Very loud, harsh and raucous repetitive keek-ow-keek-ow-keek-ow-keek-ow notes are characteristic, especially when mobbing intruders and during flight whilst fleeing a potential threat.

This behaviour is similar to that of carib grackles (aka blackbirds) which also divebomb passers-by. Lapwings, however, are better armed. Notably, the bird has red bony spurs under the wings, used in fighting and defence.

The aggressive behaviour of the southern lapwing is most pronounced during the breeding season in the latter half of the year, whilst guarding their nests. The nests can be found in shallow depressions on the ground, amongst grasses. Adults defend the nests, unhatched eggs, and chicks using threat displays, distinct calls, low-flights, with a noisy and mobbing attitude. Birders of the Trinidad and Tobago Field Naturalists’ Club have reported many interesting (and humorous) encounters.

One birder reported stumbling into a nesting zone unknowingly, to witness the birds hunched over as if developing some master plan, and then suddenly launch an attack on his position. Another story as told by a birder from a couple of years ago, noted that a football match had to be cancelled on the spot as the players and referee were consistently being attacked by the birds.

Their pugnacious behaviour has attracted attention in other countries as well. The southern lapwing is the national bird of Uruguay and, due to their boldness and aggressive nature, the lapwing is also the mascot for the Uruguay national rugby union team, Los Teros.

So the next time you share a savanna with these birds, take a moment to observe them.

Give them their space and don’t threaten their offspring. Enjoy their unique feeding behaviour and social nature. They are just one more piece of the wonderful biodiversity on show in our islands.

For more information on our natural environment, you can contact the Trinidad and Tobago Field Naturalists’ Club at admin@ttfnc.org or visit our website at www.ttfnc.org and our Facebook or YouTube pages. The club’s next monthly meeting will be held on November 10 at St Mary’s College, Port-of-Spain. Lecture: “Fish of the Caroni Swamp” by Guy Marley.

Of the 33 countries examined in the report, Trinidad and Tobago is noted for the Santa Cruz Green Market’s example of private sector and community- based entrepreneurship, and its potential for sustainable growth.

The UNEP report was launched in response to the adoption of a 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by the UN General Assembly in 2015. Close to 200 nations agreed to this agenda with a pledge to advance world security and inclusivity by ending poverty and protecting natural resources.

Featured projects and initiatives in the report demonstrated several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Santa Cruz Green Market was presented under the heading “The Green Market and the Future of Farming” for reflecting five SDGs, including zero hunger; quality education; gender equality; decent work and economic growth; and responsible consumption and production.

The Santa Cruz Green Market was conceived and launched in 2012 as a social enterprise to foster community-based development, and aims to generate income and revenue for its beneficiary farmers while promoting healthier and more sustainable local consumption.

Vicki Assevero, founder of the Green Market, remarked on what the enterprise’s inclusion in the seminal report signified for TT . “Having the Green Market recognised in a United Nations report of the most promising sustainable initiatives in the Caribbean and Latin America is a huge validation of the work we do as a community,” she stated in a media release. “It certainly shows that Trinidad and Tobago is serious about taking the lead in the global drive to advance sustainable development and economic diversification.

“The Santa Cruz Green Market was formed to change existing patterns of production and consumption by creating direct links between farmers, producers and consumers, and fostering land-based entrepreneurship all in an effort towards strengthening community based sustainability,” Assevero added. “We are bolstered by this recognition and look forward to advancing our efforts, including interactive learning experiences and our own sustainability standard for agriculture that can one day be used on a national and regional level.” Richard Blewitt, United Nations resident co-ordinator and resident representative in TT said in the release: “The UN believes that the private sector and in particular social enterprises are fundamental stakeholders in delivering the sustainable development goals, linking social, environmental and economic action. The Green Market in Trinidad and Tobago is a fantastic model of such a social enterprise in action.” The Green Market was intentionally created using low-impact historical architecture that blends into the natural landscape so that visitors, shoppers and patrons can amble through the landscape and observe plants and fruits growing.

The Green Market is committed to promoting healthy food through farmer and consumer education.

Farmers are driven to reduce and ultimately eliminate the use of synthetic chemical pesticides and fertilizers and genetically modified seeds.

Designed to start dealing proactively with greenhouse gases, emissions mitigation, adaptation and finance beginning in 2020, the agreement was negotiated by representatives of 195 countries and adopted by consensus in December 2015.

As of November 2016, 193 UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) members have signed the treaty, 102 have ratified it and after the European Union ratified the agreement in October 2016, there were enough countries on board for the agreement to enter into force. Finally, the agreement went into effect on November 4 and this event was held on November 3 to commemorate the occasion.

The first part of the walk is through the Luengo Village to the Wasa pump intersection at the top of the hill at the end of the Maracas St Joseph Royal Road where the pitch road ends.

The shortest route is the one on the left turnoff which ascends the steep Loango Mountain then down to Maracas Bay. The estimated hiking time to Maracas Bay is one to one-anda- half-hours or depending on one’s fitness.

Looking majestically over the landscape are the twin peaks of El Tucuche.

On arrival one can spend the time relaxing at the beach and sample the bake and shark. The return to Maracas, St Joseph, is via the same route, however, the climb over the Loango Mountain requires determination since the hills are steep and challenging. An excellent training hike to test one’s fitness and the estimated distance to Maracas Bay is 5 km.

The highest elevation is 1685 feet or 513 metres.

On the return to Luengo Village there is the option to take the path of the river and stop at the Morang Pools for a quick swim.

On Saturday, Fitness Walkers treks over the St Joseph Ridges to Maracas Bay.

Assembly: 7 am at the corner of Abercromby Street and Eastern Main Road (next to St Joseph Mosque) Rating: 6 challenging For more info: www.

islandhikers.com

And while he and his opponent Hillary Clinton both quite remarkably had high unfavourable ratings, Trump crucially outscored Clinton in areas of honesty and trustworthiness.

Where Clinton appeared distant and opaque, Trump had a “what you see is what you get” demeanour and in the 2016 US election, the people voted for what they could see.

The post-mortem of the US election will show that Clinton failed to connect to the American people, most of whom were the minority African-American and Hispanic voters but also, and quite critically, a demographic which Clinton perhaps overlooked — rural and working class workers who felt left behind by a failing political establishment.

Trump’s victory was owed to this key vote of dissatisfied blue-collar citizens.

In spite of his lack of qualifications, poor temperament, and divisive rhetoric, Trump rode the wave of populism that ultimately propelled him to being declared President-elect of the US.

On the global level, Trump’s victory has implications for the future of politics.

As first seen with the Brexit vote, Trumpism has again shown that what matters most to people may not necessarily be experience, qualifications, or policy.

Trump defied what the typical politician should symbolise and while this will be reason for concern when he officially assumes office, he will nevertheless go down in history as embodying a new, radical type of politician.

The ability to connect with voters, understand the source of their dissatisfaction and present oneself as being for the people seems to be the future of global politics. Let this be a lesson to our current and future leaders of TT .

JARREL DE MATAS

Because we already have a country where every creed and race have an equal place. What we had was the tyranny of selfish greed.

As a private commentator who has had the opportunity of living in a First World setting, we have the privilege of righting our own wrongs without having to resort to further selfish behaviour.

The caring of 1.4 million citizens is so much easier than tens of millions.

We must approach the local government election fully cognisant that you cannot fool people with empty rhetoric. No political victory is ever easy. Each vote, to each political party, is even more precious than in 2015.

So what does a Trump presidency mean for TT in a setting that sees many of our fellow citizens possibly made unwelcome in the US based on their outward appearance? We can casually pass a fatigue on each other based on race but we do not hate each other because in TT we have shared slave/ indentured worker experiences.

In England, after 9/11, I saw friends from India and Pakistan lose businesses because they all looked “Eastern”. Their restaurants and small businesses were boycotted out of fear. Who in TT would ever be afraid of our favourite doubles man? I would have preferred a Hillary Clinton victory but, like it or not, Trump offered hope to a majority of people. TT and the world will be vastly affected by what happens in America. We have to ensure that we do not go back down the road of poor governance and “gimmee, gimmee” politics.

One does not attempt to get into power just to prove a point. The reason must be much higher than that. Each citizen must be of equal importance. In the spirit of goodwill we must still congratulate the President-elect of the US.

LYNETTE JOSEPH Diego Martin

But I see this win as evidence that the world is fed up with traditional politics, with career politicians, all with dirty hands and questionable reputations suggesting they are better than the next.

Elections are now more than before an argument over why one should not vote for a candidate and much less about why one should vote for a candidate.

People want change and are past tired of the status quo. That promise of change may come, as Trump’s message of “Let’s Make America Great Again” is not very different from Obama’s “Yes We Can” or the Brexit referendum and its call to make “Great Britain great again”.

That emotional appeal speaks to so many people that struggle day to day. Hope is a predictable human desire that often drives our behaviour.

So, in the words of America’s 32nd President, Franklyn D Roosevelt, “We have always held to the hope, the belief, the conviction that there is a better life, a better world beyond the horizon.” Maybe for the majority of Americans President-elect Trump gives hope.

NEAL DE MILLS Barataria

The US electorate has spoken and as with all other democratic operations, the decision must be respected.

While many may have wanted Hillary Clinton to win the election, let us wait and see how this plays out. The world goes on.

I hear people saying the Caribbean can suffer because of Trump’s victory. However, it is wise to wait. Campaigning and running a country are very different.

Trump is now the President of all Americans, not just those who voted for him. Mindsets will have to be adjusted.

The Caribbean has been through many storms and came out on top. That shows what we are made of. So, all those who think Trump’s victory spells the end of the world, I have good news for you: we will continue to live and move forward. I repeat, it is not the end of the world.

ARNOLD GOPEESINGH via email