Over 630 students from 58 schools participated in this annual event, which this year was declared open by newly elected president of the Amateur Swimming Association of Trinidad and Tobago (ASATT) Wendell Lai Hing.

The boys in maroon known as the “Spartans” won the title of Top Male School, Best East School, Most Improved and Best Male team overall in the competitive and non-competitive division.

Hillview, which placed fifth in last year’s edition of the meet, graduated to first place in 2016 with 275 points, with Fatima College finishing as runners-up for the second consecutive year, and 2015 champs St Mary’s College slipping to third place.

In the female division, there was no change in the top three over the 2015 results as Holy Name Convent repeated as champions scoring 277 points, with St Joseph’s Convent Port of Spain and Bishop Anstey East again placing second and third respectively. Holy Name also copped the titles of Best North School and Best Non-Competitive Girls Team.

Vessigny Secondary School continued their recent successes as they won the coeducational category.

Three weeks ago, Vessigny won the Top Coed School at the Tidal Wave Interzone School meet at the same venue. On this occasion, Vessigny beat Scarborough Secondary into second place, with the International School of Port of Spain placing third.

Only one meet record fell on the day courtesy Zahra Gaskin of Bishop Anstey East.

Gaskin erased the 12 and Under girls 50-metre freestyle meet record previously held by multiple CARIFTA, CCCAN and CISC gold medallist Kimberlee John Williams who then swam for St Joseph’s Convent San Fernando. The 2007 record of John Williams was no more as Gaskin knocked one tenth of a second of the old mark, splashing to a new record of 28.58 seconds.

Next on the swimming calendar is the National Open Short Course Championships which will be held at the newly opened National Aquatic Centre in Couva from tomorrow until Sunday.

School Awards:

Best Male School- Hillview College

Best Female School-Holy Name Convent

Best Coed School-Vessigny Secondary

Best East School-Hillview College

Best North School-Holy Name Convent

Best Central School-Holy Faith Convent, Couva

Best South School-Naparima Girls High School

Best Tobago School-Scarborough Secondary

Best Competitive Male Team-Hillview College

Best Competitive Female Team-Bishop Anstey East

Best Non-Competitive Male Team-Hillview College

Best Non-Competitive Female Team-Holy Name Convent

Most Improved School-Hillview College

Individual Awards:

Best Competitive Male – Riquelio Joseph, Southern Academy of SDA

Best Competitive Female – Jaedra Douglas, Holy Name Convent

Best Non-Competitive Male – Adam Alexis, Fatima College

Best Non-Competitive Female – Zahra Gaskin, Bishop Anstey East

12 & Under Girls Non-Competitive Division: Douglas, Jaedra – Holy Name Convent

12 & Under Boys Non-Competitive Division: Benjamin, Zion – Trinity College East

13-14 Girls Non-Competitive Division: Arneaud, Nathania – Holy Name Convent

13-14 Boys Non-Competitive Division: Seepaul, Loic – Hillview College

15 & Over Girls Non-Competitive Division: Alexis, Ami – Holy Name Convent

15 & Over Boys Non-Competitive Division: Alexis, Adam – Fatima College

12 & Under Girls Competitive Division: Gaskin, Zahra – Bishop Anstey East

12 & Under Boys Competitive Division: Joseph, Riquelio – Southern Academy OF

Sda

13-14 Girls Competitive Division: Harley, Jahmia – Bishop Anstey East

13-14 Boys Competitive Division: Joseph, Aqeel – Holy Cross College

15 & Over Girls Competitive Division: Dickson, Marissa – Holy Name Convent Point

Fortin

15 & Over Boys Competitive Division: Yorke, Kael – Hillview College

Yesterday, St Augustine crushed Toco Secondary 8-0 in the East Zone while on Monday, Signal Hill showed their quality also recording a convincing 8-0 win over Roxborough Secondary in the Tobago Zone to advance to the semifinals.

Six players found their names on the scoresheet for Signal Hill as Ronaldo Samuel (12th, 34th) and Che Richards (51st, 88th) both scored twice, while Nathan Cadiz (1st), Nkosi Chance (49th), Tyreke Alfred (55th), and Jabari Mc- Milan (62nd). In another Tobago match yesterday, Speyside slammed Pentecostal Light and Life 8-0.

In the North Zone yesterday, Malick got past Maple Leaf 6-1, while Trinity East trounced Five Rivers 5-0. Today Fyzabad will play Pleasantville at Mahaica Oval from 3 pm, while Naparima will battle Moruga at 5 pm at the same venue.

In the North Zone today St Anthony’s plays Fatima at St Mary’s Ground from 3.30 pm.

Action was in Match Day 15 of the National Super League Championship Division.

Cunupia have 25 points from 13 games, with Central 500 Spartans next on 23 while both the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT ) and Saddle Hill Hotspur have 22 each.

At the Ato Boldon Stadium, Petit Valley/ Diego Martin broke the deadlock in the 39th minute through Eric Charles, while Anthony Joseph extended the lead in the 56th.

Taurean Sobers pulled one back for Cunupia in the 60th but the hosts were unable to notch the equaliser.

Meanwhile, Central 500 Spartans hammered Youth Stars 4-1 at the Hugo Francis Recreation Ground in Chaguanas.

Also on Saturday, Saddle Hill brushed aside TT Prisons FC 4-0 at the Pascal Recreation Ground in Maraval.

Kevon Durham got a pair, in the 23rd and 90th, while Andre Rampersad (28th) and Cyrano Glen (41st) chipped in with one apiece.

UTT and Barrackpore United played to a 1-1 draw at the UTT O’Meara campus in Arima.

Kevaughn Connell struck for UTT in the 19th but Akil Charles evened up the scores in the 53rd.

However, Trendsetter Hawks were unable to claim all four age groups at the event, as Jaric Titans emerged victorious in the Under-6 category.

In the Under-8 section, Trendsetter Hawks finished atop the standings after getting respective 1-0 victories over Jaric Titans and Cap Off Youths, coupled with a goalless draw against Crown Trace.

In the Under-10 group, Trendsetter retained their crown by virtue of three successive wins – 3-0 over Crown Trace, 2-0 over San Fernando Sports Academy and 1-0 over Malabar Young Stars.

And, for the fourth straight year, Trendsetter took home the Under- 12 trophy after defeating Marabella Fam ily Crisis Centre 1-0 in the semi-final and Cap Off Youths 1-0 in the final.

Jaric Titans, in the Under-6 section, hammered San Fernando Sports Academy 5-0 and Cap Off Youths 6-0 to claim the title.

In related news, Anthony Wickham of Trendsetter Hawks was adjudged as the Coach of the Tournament while Marabella Family Crisis Centre collected the Early Bird prize for being the first team to reach at the venue.

Re sult s / Honour Roll: Under-6 – 1. Jaric Titans; 2. San Fernando Sport; 3. Cap Off Youths.

Under-8 – 1. Trendsetter Hawks; 2. Cap Off Youths; 3. Jaric Titans.

Under-10 – 1. Trendsetter Hawks ‘A’; 2.

Trendsetter Hawks ‘B’.

Most Valuable Player: Antonio Sealey (Trendsetter Hawks).

Under-12 – 1. Trendsetter Hawks; 2. Cap Off Youths. Most Valuable Player: Luke Williams (Trendsetter Hawks).

Nicholas recorded a score of 417 to take the top spot ahead of Mohammed Ali (365) and Andy Lutchman (363).

The Trinidad Rifle Association member topped the field while recording a tally of 179 on his first target and then improved to 238 on the second.

Ali shot 147 on his first and 218 on his second while Lutchman returned marks of 151 and 212.

Nigel Marchand, 330 (148/182) and Christopher John 324 (136/188) rounded off the top five.

Winner of Saturday’s Production title, Kenrick Mohammed, was sixth with 310 (143/167) while Tobago’s Brian Armstrong, 306 (139/167) and Walt Reid, 293 (149/144) finishing seventh and eighth respectively.

In the Precision Masters competition, the participants shot at targets from fixed distances of 10m, 20m and 25m.

They also shot from standing and kneeling positions.

On Saturday, the shooters had to aim at targets from varying angles, distances and positions over five stages.

In the Standard Class, the overall winner was Anthony Bailey who achieved the top scores in Stage Three (What’s Your Angle), Stage Four (Over/Under/ Around) and Stage Five (Take Ah Seat) and was third in Stage Two (Standing/ Kneeling/Prone).

He was 15th in Stage One (Mind Games). Bailey was also the top Masters.

Mohammed Ali was the best in the A Class.

Peter Frederick took the honours among the B Class shooters while Jude Gordon beat the field in the C Class and Hamlyn Dipnarine took home the D Class honours.

Brian Armstrong was the top Senior while Joanna Baptiste walked away with the Women’s title. She was also third in the B Class.

Shooters competing at the Tobago Rifle Club Nationals earned points towards selection to compete in the Top Gun competition to the held on December 3 at the Tucker Valley Range.

The age groups included in the tournament ranged from Under- 5, 6-7 years, 8-9 years, 10-12 years and 13 Plus.

Discussing the hosting this year’s initiative was tournament organiser and Communications Officer of UTC, Shamine Chainani, “The IQ academy was selected because of their coaching structure and they also focus on skills on and off the field. This year we invited Rainbow Rescue Shelter to get them involved in the sport so it can aid in their growth and development, improve skills and meet new friends.” Continuing on the topic of associating with sport, Chainani said, “Sport is important to UTC because it is one of our corporate social responsibility pillars. It is a means of bringing people together, don’t matter where you from, your status and of course the joy it brings and exercise factor involved.” The venue was separated into approximately eight fields with all being specific to the age group of the footballers. Also, there were quite a number of parents and supporters braving the scorching sun to support the young footballers.

Honour Roll: Under 5 Best Defender – Djalminah Lewis Most Promising – Omar Henry Most Goals – Christopher Renwick & Riquelme Lewis Coach Award (exhibited the spirit of sport on the day) – Riquelme Lewis 6-7 years

Best Defender – Luke Ferreira Most Promising – Kymani Prieto Most Goals – Christian Aaron Best Goalkeeper – Israel Springer Coach Award (exhibited the spirit of sport on the day) – Nikhil Hector 8-9 Years Best Defender – Zahir Ash Most Promising – Tyler RomanoMost Goals – Jahmel Garcia

Best Goalkeeper – Aaron Christopher Coach Award (exhibited the spirit of sport on the day) – Elvaldo Garcia 10 -12

Best Defender – Janari Holder Most Promising – Roshaun Doobay Most Goals – Kristof St. Bernard

Best Goalkeeper – Sam Rudden Coach Award (exhibited the spirit of sport on the day) – Johann St. Bernard 13 Plus

Best Defender – Braeden Barry Most Promising – Agyei Dacon Most Goals – Jesus Delecia Best Goalkeeper – Tashawn Basheer Coach Award (exhibited the spirit of sport on the day) – Alexandria Douglas

Overall MVPs 10 -12 – Kristof St. Bernard 13 plus – Matthew De Souza

In a media release issued yesterday morning by the TT Football Association (TT FA), the 24-yearold notified TT coach Stephen Hart that he was unable to join the team last evening as initially planned.

“As many may know it has been a long process in receiving the clearance from FIFA,” Bostock was quoted as saying in the media release. “So understandably it is now with deep regret that, due to personal reasons that I’m unable to disclose, I cannot play for Trinidad and Tobago at this stage.

“I wish Hart and the boys all the best for the (forthcoming) games,” he added. “I will, of course, be following the matches closely and, God willing, I will be able to make my international bow in the nottoo- distant future.” Hart, in a response on the TT FA website, said, “I had a conversation with him where he was emotional in expressing his withdrawal due to a family situation which he did not want to disclose.

We have 23 players (left) in the squad and we will get on with the business of preparing for Friday’s match.” Bostock’s absence leaves the TT team short of attacking midfielders, with Kevin Molino suspended by Hart while Keron Cummings is slowly getting back into stride following a gunshot wound to his leg last December. However, Hart drafted in playmaker Ataullah Guerra into the team on Monday morning, his first call-up since the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup in the United States.

Following the squad’s training session on Monday evening at the Mucurapo venue, Hart was asked if there was any negative mood in the team following the Molino saga.

“I think it’s over,” replied the TT coach. “He’s not here, he’s not part of it and we have to get on with the business of playing Costa Rica.” Guerra, who plays for Charleston Battery in the United Soccer League, commented, “it’s always a pleasure to represent Trinidad and Tobago, likewise being among the guys. Basically I’ve come here to do what I have to do, and put my best foot forward and try to get three points (on Friday).” He has been with Charleston Battery since March and admitted, “for me it’s a very great experience.

I’ve learnt a lot, defensively my game has improved a lot. Basically I’ve just come to give back.

“I want to always represent my country,” Guerra added. “I’m here because the coach gave me the opportunity, he needed an extra midfielder. It was a last-minute call. I’m just happy to here.” As far as getting reacquainted with the team is concerned, the former San Juan Jabloteh and Central FC player noted, “I already know most of the guys.

They have been (on the team) for the past three years. We have a great understanding. It’s (just) to get back that form, that feel and that rhythm playing-wise with the national team. I’m looking forward to the game on Friday.” If selected for Friday’s game, Guerra is willing to bring “all my attacking, offensive (skills). I want to give everything, whatever it takes to win that game because it’s very important for our team and our country.”

On Thursday, the WICB issued a letter to Pollard stating that they are not granting him a NOC to compete at the 2016 CSA (Cricket South Africa) T20 Challenge (formerly Ram Slam) and the Big Bash T20 tournament in Australia.

The letter also stated that a charge would be implemented in granting a NOC, which would be 20% of the player fee.

Yesterday Pollard confirmed that he was granted the NOC to compete in South Africa and Australia.

Pollard, who will represent Cape Cobras in the South Africa T20 tournament, said, “Yes it was granted an hour ago, a couple hours ago.” Pollard said he will try to leave Trinidad today in an effort to arrive in South Africa in time for his team’s opening match on Saturday.

Pollard said the 20% player fee was not discussed when he was granted the NOC, saying the NOC he received yesterday was the same NOC he has received in the past.

“That (20% player fee) was not discussed, that was not brought to my attention. Again from my understanding the NOC and what I have received is the same that we have been receiving all along so it is a change in position as to what they (WICB) would have said in their previous letter. It has been granted and it’s all about me going out now and trying to put some performances together.” WIPA has come out in defence of the players, stating that the new NOC charge is unacceptable.

The WIPA media release stated, “The West Indies Players Association (WIPA) takes note of the position taken by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) on the condition for issuance of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to West Indian players.

“WIPA believes an imposition of a NOC levy by the WICB is not the answer to the lack of coherent global scheduling. A centrally regulated and coordinated international cricket programme for all three formats is necessary for the improvement of global cricket.

As such, the International Cricket Council (ICC) will need to spearhead the complete restructure of the international cricket calendar.

“WIPA is totally against any new market restrictions or regulations that may limit our West Indian players. The present NOC levy of the WICB promotes the restraint of trade and is open to be challenged legally.” The release closed by saying, “to ensure that this matter is addressed immediately, we are proposing that the WICB meets with all stakeholders regionally (WIPA) and internationally (ICC, FICA) forthwith.” The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has defended its decision to impose a 20 percent levy on the contract fees of its T20 stars playing in overseas domestic tournaments, saying revenue raised will be used to aid the development of players in the territories.

A statement from the WICB released yesterday morning, says some of the funds will be disbursed as an incentive for territories to “expose new cricket talent”.

“A portion of these funds derived from these release fees will also go back to the clubs and franchises/ territories in recognition of the role they played in developing the player and as an incentive for them to continuously expose new cricket talent,” the statement said.

“He is a demon,” said Ghanit Boatswain in describing his son’s killer. Sheldon and his close male relative were alone at home yesterday when they got into a fight that ended in his death. Nobody witnessed the killing, but Boatswain’s slit throat and a living room, kitchen, and backyard smeared with blood was evidence enough to tell the tale. “It still smelling fresh,” said one of his sisters as she mopped the kitchen floor for a second time with disinfectant.

A neighbour returning home from a funeral at about 12.45pm said she arrived soon after the police arrived on the scene. “When I came, it had plenty police cars, and I saw them asking him (the killer) to put his hands through the gate to arrest him,” she said. “I hear him say that ‘I was choking him (Sheldon) and all of a sudden blood start to flow out of his neck’.” While that was happening, the neighbour said she went around the house, scaled the fence, and saw Boatswain’s body burning on a galvanize pyre in the back of his home.

“He was already burning when I reach, and he was covered in gazette paper and two pieces of wood,” said the neighbour. According to Boatswain’s father, the killer, who is now in police custody, was mentally ill and always provoked his son. One of Boatswain’s sisters said that his killer had been warded at St Ann’s Psychiatric Hospital at least three times before and received medical documents which said that he suffered from a “chemical imbalance in the brain.” “He is a real demon. He was always troubling the next one for no reason. Just yesterday I buy three packs of kool-aid for him (Sheldon) and for the next one. And this is what happen today.” Sheldon and his killer were both unemployed and were being supported by Ghanit who works in the Port-of-Spain City Corporation.

“The two of them not working nowhere, so I supporting the two of them. But that one is a real demon.” Ghanit described his dead son as an angel because he was a “real church boy.” His grandmother, 89-year-old Christine Gould, said “he is a real quiet child and all he used to talk about is the Gospel of God.” The suspect was arrested by police officers from the Central Division. Investigations are continuing

Persad-Bissessar, during the UNC’s Monday Night Forum in Chaguanas claimed that Bolt (Trinidad Ltd), owned by Susan Williams-Imbert was paid more than the $7.5M as reported in the media. Persad-Bissessar also alleged cost overruns at the HDC.

The Corporation has since described the Sunday Express article as, “reckless, irresponsible and defamatory.” “I have the records and the cheques,” Persad-Bissessar told cheering supporters while displaying copies of documents which she said, could corroborate her findings. When contacted yesterday, HDC was firm in its response.

Head of Communications at HDC Maurisa Findlay told Newsday: “The statement issued by HDC is factual – the content is true and cannot be contested.

We are very comfortable with that statement.” Scores of jubilant supporters dressed in yellow, waving flags and tooting horns gathered on the busy Montrose Junction, Chaguanas causing traffic to snarl through the main street during the meeting that lasted just over two hours. Persad-Bissessar spoke about transactions between Bolt Trinidad Limited, a company incorporated in August 2003 and whose shareholders are Williams- Imbert and Allan Brammer and the HDC. She gave a paper trail starting in 2005, when she said the company was awarded the contract for project management services. “In this contract, it says ‘Contract between HDC and Bolt’,” Persad-Bissessar said.

“You hear lie? And they want to talk about waste, about mismanagement and corruption. So when they talking and telling you zero, zero, zero for you, that is zero for you but (sum mentioned) for Bolt!” Persad-Bissessar described a ‘wives club’ scenario in the ruling People’s National Movement (PNM) administration and added that an email was sent by the wife of a government minister enquiring about outstanding payments with senior HDC officials responding by saying ‘sorry’ and promising payment in a matter of days. “But what about the hundreds of contractors who have not been paid for work over the past 15 months? What about them,” she asked.

She advised supporters that when PNMites come to their homes seeking votes, remind them of monies paid to Imbert’s wife.

“When we were in government, we worked for you,” she told the crowd. “I worked for you and I am saying if your country ever needed you…now is the time! If your party ever needed you…now is the time! As your leader I say, I need you now to save Trinidad from the PNM!” Vowing to “fight every seat to the hilt”, to ensure that UNC brings home victory on November 28, in the Local Government Election (LGE.), she boasted: “NSA, MSJ, COP, PNM, I taking on every one and we will give them a licking on November 28!”