JTUM president Ancel Roget, in a statement last evening, hit out at Imbert for making “disrespectful and dangerous comments” and should apologise to the National Tripartite Advisory Council (NTAC), the trade union movement, workers, the dispossessed and poverty stricken citizens.

“In addition, we demand that the minister should make absolutely no more comments that can further threaten this important tripartite process, Roget said, declaring Imbert had shown “reckless disregard” for the process, JTUM, he said, believes with no action taken against Imbert, the body took it as a sign of “the government’s direct intention to impose IMF conditionalities and austerity measures on citizens”.

“We stoutly condemn and will resist any attempt by the government to impose any form of austerity measures on the population.” Members of the Tripartite Committee met with Imbert, Labour Minister Jennifer Baptiste-Primus and Planning and Development Minister Camille Robinson- Regis, on Friday.

Earlier yesterday JTUM representative Christopher Henry described the meeting as “interesting”, saying that members of the National Trade Union Centre (NATUC) and JTUM, disagreed with Imbert’s statement which he in made at the 2016 High Level Caribbean Forum at the Hyatt Regency in Port-of-Spain last Wednesday.

That forum was attended by members of the IMF (International Monetary Fund).

Henry said, “You had NATUC, JTUM and all of us were saying the same thing, that it was discourteous and in poor taste for the Minister of Finance to make a statement like that to the public.” Henry said Imbert has since informed the tripartite committee that he had been misquoted and “that wasn’t what he meant and he needed to retract what he said.” Henry added, “However, the tripartite process agreed that it should go forward even though he individually made that statement.

“It was not a statement that came out from the Government and as the Prime Minister said he (Imbert) was speaking in a vacuum.

“But the bargaining process does not start at a forum in which the IMF is on the programme.” Henry said there is a facility which ensures the bargaining process starts in a certain way “and that is not the way.” Asked whether Imbert had apologised for his statements, Henry said, “No, he did not apologise for it, but he said the papers misquoted him and he would think about what he is saying.

“But we also said we understand what is taking place in the country right now, we understand the challenges that the Government is facing that is why we give the process, the tripartite process, an opportunity for us to be able to work together.

“But statements like what the minister would have made, does not auger well for the future of that whole process, but we still willing to give it a chance.” Roget, in last night’s statement, said JTUM did not believe Imbert was misquoted.

Imagine that one minister will try to use a pun and think that the entire population of TT is illiterate to such an extent that one day he makes a statement which we are accustomed to and later that day he tries to change the statement by using an alternative word.

To clarify this point, let us look at the two words in contention (freeze and restrain) as explained in the Oxford English Reference Dictionary (2003).

“Freeze” means make or become motionless of powerless through fear, surprise etc; fix or stabilise prices, wages etc; react or cause to react with sudden aloofness or detachment.

“Restrain” means stop/check, control; agency of influence, bondage, shackles; action seeking to interfere with free-market conditions.

It seems as though the minister has indeed put his foot in the proverbial mouth. It also seems apparent that a “restraint” is worse than a “freeze”.

It seems the Prime Minister is on the correct path when he distances himself from statements made by the Minister of Finance and he says that he is “speaking from a vacuum.” Are these words in a vacuum or is the person who made these utterances a vacuum? People cannot show such disdain and disrespect to an intelligent population.

Are we to believe the Minister of Finance holds the population in very low esteem? This comes easily to mind with the wisecrack (with a chuckle), “I have raised the price of fuel three times in one year and there has been no riot.

Maybe I will make another increase by April 2017.” I don’t think that an intelligent population like ours deserves a decision-maker like that.

No government can continue to get the trust and respect of the people when the PM has to continually distance himself from irresponsible statements by irresponsible people.

WKS HOSEIN Chaguanas

A fortnight ago, an estimated 2,000-plus fans turned up to see the club’s 4-2 defeat to San Juan Jabloteh. However, Shabazz remains upbeat. “The results on the field would come,” said the ex-national women’s team coach. “It will take time for the community to be integrated into the team and, when the club and community gel, they will become the 12th man.

“After that we will see what home advantage really means and the real concept of a club driven by the community,” added Shabazz.

“In football terms who ain’t dead badly wounded ….so let everyone talk they talk,” waxed Shabazz lyrically.

“Today’s game, which kicks off at 3.45pm, can be considered almost a Morvant Affair since a number of the Defence Force team personnel (including coach Marvin Gordon and striker Devorn Jorsling) either resides or attended school in the Morvant/Laventille area.

“The community is very familiar with the Army players and they (Army) are very familiar with this territory,” stated Shabazz.

Admitting that he has always been critical of the political leadership because of the “neglect places like Morvant and Laventille has undergone over the years”, the efforts to upgrade the field so that professional football can come to Morvant, in his opinion, is a plus.

“The (current Government) can take a bow they have now started the process of looking out for ‘Eric Williams children’,” Shabazz noted. “It has been long in coming. We have had to line up until (certain areas) get theirs but it seems like we will be getting ours.” The man who has the distinction of coaching the national teams of Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago feels that community fields are the future of professional football in the country.

“Credit to the club owners and the administration of the TT Pro League,” he acknowledged.

“It is so difficult to finance a pro team but with facilities within the communities clubs in both the Pro and Super League can achieve self sufficiency.”

But, in an interview conducted on Friday night, the easy-going 22-year-old W Connection defender acknowledged that he was pleased that his hard work has been rewarded by TT coach Stephen Hart.

“I had an idea I was going to be selected but, the call, I was surprised,” admitted Peters. “It was just hard work. It was a good feeling.” Asked when exactly he found out about his selection, he replied, “(on Wednesday 26) I got the call from the (Trinidad and Tobago Football Association) office. They told me I was selected for the team. I didn’t know it was the 23-man squad.

“I thought it was for the Gold Cup playoffs. And when I saw it was the World Cup squad, I was (happy). All the hard work paid off,” he added.

Looking back at his time at Connection thus far, he noted, “I finished off the season with them last year because I joined in January, during the transfer window. I started the (2016-2017) season, I played the four CONCACAF games. I’m glad for the experience too.” During Friday’s media conference at the TTFA office, Hart stated that Peters can be effective as both a central defender and left-back.

“I started off as a left back,” said Peters. “It’s only last year for Rangers (that coach) Angus (Eve) put me to play stopper. From (then) I keep playing stopper.” Concerning his personal preference, Peters stated, “I believe its equal. I believe its balanced. I can play both stopper and left-back, with the same ability, (but) I prefer the stopper.” Ironically, he revealed, “I didn’t play youth football for Trinidad.

Actually I used to play cricket and my brother Jesse was always pushing me to come and take ‘a little sweat’. That was about age 10. After I got involved in football, and from that I keep playing.” The Diego Martin resident, a former student of Diego Martin Boys RC and Tranquility Secondary School, is one of the few TT footballers currently who never had a taste of Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) Intercol competition.

But, following his days with Tranquility, “I used to play Under- 18 for Rangers and then I went (to San Juan) Jabloteh to play Reserve (League). I took a rest for about a year and then I came back (to) Rangers’ reserve team. That’s when I signed my first professional contract with Rangers in 2013.

I played nearly three seasons with Rangers and then I came across to Connection in March.” About his long-term aspirations, Peters said, “my dream is to go outside and play in Europe. But if I get the break in the MLS, I’ll take it.

Europe is my main focus.” How did his parents (Franklyn and Vanessa) take the news of his TT selection? “They were not surprised at all,” he replied. “They know I’m dedicated to football. I was working hard. I’m committed to the sport. They rejoiced, they were happy.”

Former national footballers Edward “Eddie” Aleong, Ron La Forest and Paul Regis were among those receiving the Season Passes, joining a long list of “Legends” including Brian Lara (cricket), Hasely Crawford (athletics), Ato Boldon (athletics), Dwight Yorke, Larry Gomes (Cricket), Russell Latapy, Stern John, Alvin Corneal, Everald Cummings, Cleopatra Borel (athletics), Dr Iva Gloudon (administration and women’s football), Leroy De Leon, Steve David, Keshorn Walcott (athletics), Bobby Sookram and Sedley Joseph.

The 79-year-old Aleong both played football and cricket for this country, representing teams such as Maple and Notra Dame in football.

“I’m grateful for this presentation made by the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association. It’s an honour and it’s good to know the old boys have not been forgotten.

Thanks to the Football Association,” Aleong said.

“There is a lot of skill around.

The game is a lot faster now. There will always be good footballers in every era but I don’t get too involved in comparing football now with my era.

“I think we have a good chance (in the qualifiers). The talent is there. Commitment and playing the players in their right positions is a major key for us,” he added.

La Forest, who was also the national Under-17 team coach, was equally grateful.

“This is a big honour for me. I’m happy about it and I will definitely be at all of our upcoming matches supporting my country’s national team,” La Forest said.

Regis too was also all smiles on receiving his Season Pass. Regis is a former Maple player and coach and also represented the national team, also coaching at that level.

“I am thankful for this. Football is always close to my heart and I will support anytime the opportunity comes up,” Regis said.

The Academy would be conducted over 12 weekends and is set to provide its inductees, aged between 17-22 years, with technical and theoretical coaching along with lecture sessions of the game to enhance the development of their professional career.

Inductees are identified through the TTCB’s competitions and the ‘chosen ones’ are those who showed great potential and displayed exemplary performances for their respective clubs, schools and zones throughout the cricket season.

The Cricket Academy concept began in 2002 and it played a pivotal role in the development of young cricketers into professional sportsmen by honouring their natural talent for the game. Over the years the academy had success in producing some of the nation’s, and by extension regions, finest cricketers such as Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard, Denesh Ramdin and Samuel Badree along with the progression of youth players including Derone Davis, Philton Williams, Yannic Cariah and Ottley brothers (Kjorn and Yannick).

Over the 12-week period, the young cricketers would have 270 contact hours where they would endure 40 plus hours of physical fitness and training along with higher learning of historical and cultural heritage.

Speaking at the ceremony, TTCB president Azim Bassarath indicated, “by partnering with the Zaheer Ali Foundation the players would be well schooled in the mental aspects of the game, on topics such as sport nutrition, sport psychology, money management, communications and addressing the media.” NGC’s Vice President of Finance and Information Management, Narinejit Pariag, elaborated on the company’s pleasantries to stand as corporate partners with the TTCB for youth development as they launched the NGC TTCB Cricket Academy 2016.

In his address to the guests at the National Cricket Center, Pariag stated, “this is an investment in youth. Trinidad and Tobago is losing too many young people to crime and delinquency.

As a country, we need to make opportunities available to our youth for productive engagement in their free time. The NGC TTCB Cricket Academy is one of several supported initiatives advancing that cause.” Pariag also said that participation in sport is a proven delinquency- deterrent strategy which also helps to shape character as it requires discipline, builds fraternities and encourages ambition and aspiration.

The Class of 2016 Academy administrator is Naushad Mohammed and the attendees include Avinash Mahabirsingh, Crystian Thurton, Daniel Williams, David Williams Jr, Emilio Gopaul, Iqwe Craig Jabari Mills, James Duncan, Jayden Seales, Keagan Simmons, Kelon Lynch, Leonardo Julien, Navin Bidaise, Negus Smith, Shaaron Anthony Lewis, Shatrughan Rambaran and Te-Shawn Alleyne

Speaking in a recent interview, Lewis expressed his gratification with being elected by his colleagues to spearhead the organisation until the CANOC Extraordinary General Meeting scheduled for Barranquilla, Colombia, in February 2017.

“It is my privilege and I would approach it as an honour because there was a level of trust and responsibility given to me and therefore it is my obligation to leave the organisation in a better position in February,” stated Lewis.

Elaborating on the many stresses which he expects to face, Lewis believes in the unity of purpose as a tool in assessing these challenges and issues.

“Hardwork, teamwork and dedication is needed by all members and also partnering organisations working together collectively, is of utmost importance,” Lewis expressed, as he intends to enhance on the positive image and credibility of the Caribbean in terms of sport and its anti- doping reputation.

Sport leadership, along with proper governing standards and informed, important contributions, must be implemented for guaranteed success in the foreseeable future.

Lewis noted that serving as the interim president would be an interesting task especially after the leadership and legacy which was left behind by the former president Steve Stoute.

He also relayed that there were challenging issues and a hectic agenda moving forward as he gave an insight as to what he would be facing over the next four months in charge.

However, according to Lewis, “Stoute’s legacy was defined by his passion and filling the shoes of an iconic leader would be a difficult task but one in which I would try to operate at the same level of dignity and integrity in which he did.”

Unfortunately the game didn’t live up to the expectations as Mahabir was too strong for the Barbadian Farley as he easily defeated him 3-0 (11-8, 11-9, 13-11).

Despite Farley`s loss D`Abadie Youths took a 3-1 lead in quick succession as Tyrese Knight won against Lionel Darceuil 3-0 (11- 4, 11-8, 11-9), Edwin Humphreys crushed Anil Ramlakhan 3-0 (11- 3, 12-10, 11-7) and Sherdon Pierre defeated Vinoo Maraj 3-0 (12-10, 11-7, 11-4).

But, the Tough Guys fought back to tie the matches 3-3 after victories from Mark Dowell and Wesley Dookhoo as they bought won their matches 3-1 against Haadiy Brooker (11-2, 13-11, 6-11, 11-6) and Carlisle Cleveland (11-6, 6-11, 11-7, 11-8) respectively.

In the tie-breaker doubles match Dowell and Dookhoo came from two sets down to defeat Farley and Pierre 3-2 (8-11, 9-11, 11-2, 11-9, 11-8). In the other match Carenage Blasters won comfortably against WASA Table Tennis Club 4-2.

Getting the victories for Carenage Blasters, all in 3-0 margins were: Aaron Wilson, Alaric Humphreys, Joshua Maxwell, Zeke Huggins.

And, for WASA TTC were Curtis Humphreys and Riad Abasali.

Later in the evening D`Abadie Youths rebounded from their earlier defeat to overpower Gladiators 5-1. Winning for D’Abadie Youths were Tyrese Knight, Trevor Farley, Edwin Humphreys, Sherdon Pierre and Ronald Williams, while the lone victory for Gladiators came from Aaron Edwards.

The schedule for today is as follows: Carenage Blasters vs Baggoo Himalaya, 1pm; D`Aabdie Youths vs WASA, 2.30 pm; Baggoo Himalaya vs Gladiators, 4 pm; Carenage Blasters vs D`Abadie Youths, 5.30 pm; WASA vs Gladiators, 7 pm.

David was employed at Deportivo Saprissa earlier this year before joining Dallas FC on loan.

He played 10 games for the Costa Rican powerhouse and among his teammates were Costa Rican national team left back Francisco Calvo and midfielder David Guzman.

Calvo admires David and made it known that “Los Ticos” will not take TT lightly.

“Aubrey is a very good person.

He is a really good player and he brings a lot to the game. He is offensive and he knows how to defend,” Calvo said.

And about facing TT, Calvo was cautious, noting, “it will be a tough game. They have important players and Trinidad and Tobago have been doing well. Costa Rica wants to go to the World Cup and so does Trinidad and Tobago. TT have a lot of good players, good experience and good quality but they have to be positive and have confidence in the team and believe more in themselves.” David himself sees this as TT’s biggest test of the campaign so far.

“Every game is difficult in its own way. Some felt maybe the away game to Guatemala was challenging but I think this one on Friday will be our strongest test. Costa Rica are very serious and passionate about their football and the players will be coming here feeding off that passion and vibes of their entire country,” David noted.

“When I was at Saprissa, they were already talking about what it would be like when they have to play Trinidad and Tobago and of course there was always a lot of banter because of my involvement in the Trinidad and Tobago side.

They are great people but when it comes to football, they want to win and everyone gets taken over by this kind of passion that is hard to describe. I am sure there will be a quite a few fans from Costa Rica coming for the game and they will back their team right down to the end of the match,” David said.

And he’s right, so far there have been tickets purchased for at least 200 Costa Rican fans who will be arriving this week for the match.

“I think it is important that we concentrate for the entire match and focus on our positives, focus on our best features and of course we will have to give it our best when it comes to preventing them from playing their best game,” David said.

“They will maybe try to get on top of us early but they have such quality players that they could be prepared to wait for the mistakes and punish us or try to take the game to us from early. But our boys are fully focused and ready for the task at hand, and to achieve the goal, which is to get the three points at home,” David added.

The TT team live-in camp begins today and the team’s first training session will take place on tomorrow morning. The Costa Rican squad arrives in Trinidad on Thursday evening.

Simultaneously, second- placed Defence Force will be facing hosts 1976 FC Phoenix at the Canaan Recreation Ground while Siparia Spurs will tackle Marabella Family Crisis Centre at Irwin Park, Siparia.

Two matches will begin at 3.30 pm __ Guaya United against Club Sando Moruga at the New Lands Ground in Guayaguayare and Matura Re United versus WASA at the Arima Velodrome.

Also on today’s agenda will be Bethel United against Queen’s Park at the Mt Gomery Recreation Ground and Petrotrin Palo Seco versus Real Maracas at the Palo Seco Velodrome.

Both games will kick off at 6 pm.