Duran Felician was the goal-getter for Organs, in the lone match on the day.

On August 15, Young Guns had too much ammunition for Top Strikers to deal with, as they romped to a 4-0 win. Brent Sam and Rennie Britto, both former San Juan Jabloteh players, scored two goals apiece in the one-sided meeting.

Limited Edition brushed aside Huvan FC 3-0 with Darnell Sookoo, Gabriel Ragout and Kevin Hill getting their names on the scoresheet.

Also on August 15, We Side inflicted a 3-1 beating on Barcelona Squad. Shakeem Patrick scored twice while Raygan Jawater got the other for We Side. The lone goal-getter for Barcelona Squad was Stephon Carryl.

Other Results: Open Division – July 29 – OR G (1) – Daniel Bascombe vs OR GANS (1) – Dejuan Roper.

July 31 – MASSIVE AND CREW (2) – Kevon Banmali, Ricardo Lake vs HUVAN FC (1) – Aldine Blake; FEARLESS (2) – Theo Lewis, Khareem Charles vs LAW BREAKERS (0); TOP STR IKERS (0) vs OLD SCHOO L (0).

August 2 – SWEATERS (2) – Hector Sam, Richard Villafana vs OR G (0); TOR NADOES (3) – Nkosi Quashie, Rhasaan Quashie, Daryl Findley vs OR GANS (1) – Stephon Blake; YOUNG GUNS vs SAN JUAN YOUTHS; Young Guns won 3-0 by default.

August 3 – FUTURE (3) – Isaiah James 2, Darlon Guppy vs HUVAN FC (0); LOCAL YOUTHS (2) – Nicholas Delandro, Keno Archibald vs WE SIDE (1) – David Coltes; MASSIVE AND CREW FC (0) vs BARCELONA SQUAD (0).

August 5 – OLD SCHOO L (1) – Monty Carmona vs DESTRO YERS (0).

August 7 – SAN JUAN YOUTHS (1) – Japhia Ellis vs TOP STR IKERS (0); LIMITED EDITION (1) – Kevin Hill vs SKHY FC (0).

August 8 – YOUNG GUNS (2) – Randy Britto, Brent Sam vs TOR – NADOES (1) – Everton Weekes; FEARLESS (1) – Keyon Wilson vs WE SIDE (0).

August 9 – FUTURE (2) – Ronaldo Jaggasar, Isaiah James vs MASSIVE AND CREW (0); UNRULY (3) – Terrance Doyle 2, Israel Grimes vs OR G (1) – Jabari Sam; HUVAN FC (2) – Aldine Blake 2 vs BARCELONA SQUAD (0).

August 10 – LOCAL YOUTHS (1) vs LAW BREAKERS (0).

August 12 – OLD SCHOO L (4) – Monty Carmona 2, Hayden Jones, Richard de Couteau vs TOR NADOES (1) – Nkosi Noel; OR GANS (2) – Duran Felician 2 vs UNRULY (1) – Jesse LaCroix.

August 14 – SAN JUAN YOUTHS (2) – Daniel Sutherland 2 vs UNRULY (1) – Rondell Richardson; SWEATERS (3) – Dillon Jagessar 2, Joshua St Rose vs DESTRO YERS (2) – Hakim Skinner, Lukeman Brooks.

40-and-Over Division – July 29 – OR GANS (0) vs ONE IS ONE (0); CENTRAL OLD BOYS (1) – John Preito vs ST FRANCOIS NATIONALS (1) – Andre Lynch; MASSIVE AND CREW FC vs OLD RO AD UNITED, Massive and Crew FC won 3-0 by default.

July 31 – MADRID (1) – Kacy King vs SAN JUAN SAN JUAN (0).

August 5 – CENTRAL OLD BOYS (6) – John Preito 3, Victor Lee Tang, Ryan Patterson, Trevor Gore vs ONE IS ONE (0); OR – GANS vs TOR NADOES, Organs won 3-0 by default.

August 7 – SAN JUAN SAN JUAN (2) – Frederick Joseph, Richard Gibson vs FRIENDS (0).

August 8 – MADRID (0) vs MASSIVE AND CREW FC (0).

August 10 – FRIENDS (0) vs ONE IS ONE (0); SO SP ECIAL vs LIVERPOO L, So Special won 3-0 by default.

August 12 – OLD RO AD UNITED (1) – Jason Noray vs ST FRANCOIS NATIONALS (1) – Marvin Joseph.

August 14 – ST FRANCOIS NATIONALS (4) – Marc Borde 2, Marvin Oliver, Marlon Morris vs SO SP ECIAL (0).

August 16 – OLD RO AD UNITED (7) – Marvin Harper 2, own goals 2, Gabriel Burke, Anthony Jackson, Trevor Robert vs SO SP ECIAL (0); MASSIVE AND CREW FC (1) – Kestor Lendor vs CENTRAL OLD BOYS (1) – John Preyton.

August 17 – ST FRANCOIS NATIONALS (2) – Andre Lynch, Marvin Oliver vs OR GANS (0); ONE IS ONE (3) – Errol Stafford 2, Ian Garcia vs TOR NADOES (1) – Larry Noel.

There have been conflicting reports on what may have transpired last Saturday. But the fact remains that every hike poses specific risks, all of which must be catered for. People contemplating going on hikes should be aware of these risks and should be cautioned about them.

In the first place, a hike is potentially a strenuous physical activity.

People with various medical conditions should be mindful. If you have asthma, diabetes, a heart condition, knee or back problems, or any other health or medical issue, you must limit both your exertion and your exposure. Stay within your training, physical limitations, and abilities.

Hikers must also be aware of their environment. This means keeping track of one another and not getting left behind. Questions have been raised about how Baird fell behind the group.

One relative has even gone so far as to suggest all hikes should adopt a simple system to ensure none is left behind. This system would see key personnel man the group at the start, middle and end. Such a system, if executed by people with experience and competence, can be useful. But the environment also poses certain risks. Hikers have to be aware of the weather conditions, the terrain, the nature of the surrounding flora and fauna. Knowledge of the biota present should also be a basic requirement for operators.

During a hike, fellow hikers should also look out for each other. Always remain in a group and communicate any difficulties or deviations. It is also important for there to be adequate breaks built into the hike and for hikers to remember the need to conserve energy and supplies for the return segment of the expedition.

Hiking is a popular activity. In addition to being a good form of exercise, it is also part of our tourism package.

If we are serious about developing the eco-tourism niche market, then we must ensure that best practices prevail across the board when it comes to hike operators. We do not comment on any particular party or entity but note there have long been concerns about the degree of organisation of local hiking companies.

Some have questioned the professionalism of these entities, which are normally family-owned, informal or small businesses.

While every person going on a hike has a duty to be adequately prepared for any eventuality, because of the nature of the risks involved, and the fact that hiking can be a vital part of our tourism package, there may need to be greater involvement by the State in the regulation of hikes. Hike operators – whether incorporated companies or groups and private clubs – should be made to seek permits to conduct hikes along specified routes.

The conditions for granting these permits should be tied to the resources and competencies of the operators as well as any other relevant factor, such as the nature of the terrain or likelihood of bad weather.

Operators should be made to conform to a requisite level of sophistication in operations and should pass all health and safety requirements.

The Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of National Security and the ODPM should collaborate on devising robust systems. Hiking should not be deadly. It should be a fun and income- earning part of our tourism package. Let’s make it so.

Sources yesterday revealed that the secretary of the JSC would be sending out requests to the three ministers to appear before the committee.

The JSC will also be summoning former chairmen of the board of the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago Christine Sahadeo and Nyree Alfonso, and former member Ferdie Ferreira.

Former transport minister Stephen Cadiz will be requested to attend.

Sources said that Michael Annisette, president general of the Seamen and Waterfront Workers Union will also be invited to share information with the JSC.

The JSC, chaired by Independent Senator Stephen Crease, will also travel to Tobago to hold a similar inquiry.

At that meeting, former head of the Public Service Reginald Dumas will be given an opportunity to have his say on the ferry fiasco.

Sources also said that Andrew Purdey, vice chairman of Bridgeman’s Services Group, would be given a special invitation to tell his side of the story at the JSC inquiry when it is convenient to him.

Purdey has indicated publicly that he is willing to tell all to clear his company’s name.

When contacted, Sinanan, the Works and Transport minister, said he was willing to appear before the JSC if requested but would have to be guided on if he could attend and what he could divulge.

He said he would also be guided on if his appearance before the JSC could be a conflict of interest.

At the end of the JSC meetings, he said, the recommendations of the committee would have to be sent to him for action within a 60- day period.

Duke told the media during a press conference yesterday at Scarborough Fishing Depot, that his plans were not for fame but for equality for Tobago. “By whatever means is necessary, we will take that means and commence by swimming,” Duke said. “We will be doing that understanding the perils out at sea, understanding that the water is mixed and the currents are heavy.

“Understanding there are dangerous fish out there but we are doing it with all the safety precautions like we would have the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard, rescue team, a doctor and a nurse on a vessel alongside the swimmers.

We are doing this for Tobago.” When asked his about those who called his idea absurd, Duke responded, “Silence. Actions speak louder than words.

“There is a time to talk and there is a time for action, our actions will speak. The time for talking is long gone.

“If nothing else matters we are going to the ultimate. Like Christ going to the cross, we will put our life and take the strain and every stroke we make and water we swallow out there it is done with Tobagonians in mind.” Duke will start the 246 km swimming protest with assistance from other members of the THA Opposition and fishermen from the All Tobago Fisherfolk Association (ATFA). Duke said the event would be historic and would give Tobagonians the courage to speak up. He added it would also become a catalyst for affected stakeholders to demand fair treatment from Central Government.

Duke slammed Prime Minister Keith Rowley’s recent efforts to address the current air and sea bridge issue. He said, “We want him to have a real meeting to have a conversation with Tobagonians.

He has been having conversations with people in North, South Trinidad but he hasn’t had any in Tobago.

The only meetings he held in Tobago was closed door.” Last month, Duke along with members of the public and minority opposition marched 25 kilometres from Argyle to Scarborough for seven hours demanding an end to nepotism and equity in the Tobago House of Assembly.

He then recalled times where the Opposition attempted to warn the THA and the Government about issues with the recently procured Cabo Star and Ocean flower 2.

“We have tried every single thing to raise this issue with the sea bridge on the national agenda,” Duke said. “We have tried but unsuccessfully.

We have gotten a lot of talk and no action.

“What we need is for this issue to be placed on the national agenda and keep it there until something happens. What affects Tobago should affect Trinidad and Tobago.” Opposition member and representative for Parlatuvier/Lanse Fourmi/ Speyside constituency Farley Augustine said the effort would show that Tobagonians wanted to play a significant role in the decision making for the next procurement process.

A statement yesterday from the Office of the Prime Minister said Rowley had advised President Anthony Carmona to revoke his assignment as minister with responsibility for the Ministry of Public Utilities and appoint Le Hunte as a senator and Minister of Public Utilities.

Le Hunte’s retirement from HFC Bank (Ghana) Limited was announced on August 15 and 16, 2017 on the website Modern Ghana, which stated that he was leaving the managing director’s post, which he has held since 2015, to take up a ministerial appointment in the Trinidad and Tobago government.

Le Hunte is a graduate of Economics of the University of Western Ontario, Canada; he holds an MBA from the University of Manchester, UK and an MSc in Accounting from the University of the West Indies.

He has been an executive director at HFC Bank Ghana Limited since April 2013 and its executive director of risk management until April 2015. He is also a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Trinidad and Tobago.

The statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said Le Hunte is a former general manager of Special Projects of Republic Bank Limited and chief executive officer and managing director of Barbados National Bank Inc. He has held the position of chief executive officer of Barbados National Bank and served as director at Barbados National Bank Inc & its subsidiaries. He also functioned as a director of National Enterprises Limited from June 1, 2012 to November 2013.

A new and more spectator friendly course has been adopted where swimmers will have to navigate a one-lap one kilometre circuit. This will ensure that spectators can get a better view of the race with more action closer to the shoreline.

The Amateur Swimming Association of Trinidad and Tobago (ASATT ) has been hosting open water events annually since 1962 and according to the World Open Water Swimming Association, the event is one of the longest running in the Americas.

There will be four races featured this year and some changes in the course distances. The day will start with a 5,000m race at 8 am. The 750m course for 12-and-under has now been increased to 1,000m, while a new 13-and-over 1,000m race has been introduced to encourage more participation by seniors who may not favour the longer distance.

The 1,000m races start at 10 am.

The last race will be the 3,000m which replaces the 2,750m swim.

This race gets underway at 11 am. The races continue to attract a wide demographic from recreational to competitive swimmers, and from as young as six years to senior athletes over 70 years of age. There are many special age group trophies catering for the wide spectrum of competitors.

In 2016, the junior 750m race was won by Nikoli Blackman of Marlins Swim Club.

Blackman won the inaugural 12-13 age group 3K event at CCCAN Championships at Turtle Beach in June this year.

World Juniors-bound Kael Yorke won the 2,650m course on the male side, while multiple regional medallist Jada Chatoor won the female division. In the 5K, Graham Chatoor was the male victor, while Chisara Santana topped the female athletes.

Registration is now open and can be accessed via ASATT ’s website www.swimtt.com.

The deadline to register is 6 pm on September 13.

A release from the PATT said it noted recent media reports that she had been suspended.

“The Port Authority wishes to place on record that Ms Lewis has not been suspended and continues to hold her position as General Manager/Chief Executive Officer at the Port Authority.” The PATT said it viewed the statements as irresponsible and reckless as no verification of Lewis’ status as an employee was sought from the PATT.

The PATT called on members of the media to apologise to Lewis and to formally retract the untrue statements.

The review has been mandated by the SPORTT board, which has prioritized the protection of those who use SPORTT ’s facilities as well as the publicly- owned property under its management.

Pending completion of the review, open and unsecured access to SPORTT ’s facilities at Balmain Village, Couva, including the National Cycling Velodrome and the National Aquatic Centre, has been suspended.

The new regime of restricted access will not affect athletes, employees, contractors and other individuals or groups associated with scheduled events.

SPORTT stated it is aware that members of the public have been using the space for private recreation but believes that it must act urgently to strengthen its capacity for ensuring the safety and security of the spaces for which it is responsible.

The current review is the first phase of a process leading to the development of a package of protocols for ensuring that SPORTT ’s facilities maintain the security and safety ratings required for hosting national, regional and international events.

The SPORTT has thanked stakeholders for their co-operation and support in this matter as they work towards ensuring a safe, secure and enjoyable experience for all citizens as well as visiting athletes and sports fans from around the world.

However checks yesterday on the Parliament’s website showed, this JSC is yet to confirm September 4 as its date to hold its hearing. As of yesterday, the Gambling (Gaming and Betting) Control Bill, 2016 JSC is the first committee that will hold any kind of meeting in September.

This JSC will meet in camera at Tower D on September 5 from 10 am. After that, the Human Rights, Equality and Diversity JSC meets in camera on September 8 at Tower D from 10 am.

Both teams lost the penultimate round-robin matches.

Last Sunday, UTT went down against Defence Force in a close encounter 74-71. The latter placed its unbeaten record on the line and took control of the match-up from the jump, leading 19-10 after the first quarter, and extended its lead to 36-20 at half-time.

However, in the third quarter UTT made a 27-14 run which reduced the deficit to just four, despite the energetic pointguard Derrick Boxill being on the floor for the Defence Force for his first game this season.

The third quarter ended 51-47 in favour of Defence Force.

In the final quarter, the teams then traded baskets until the final three seconds with forward Steven “Lighter” Lewis netting the final two points from the free-throw line, for his match production of 14, to secure the win. Boxill finished with 17 which included four three-pointers and forward Kyeon Joseph added 10 to keep their team unbeaten going into the big-four play-offs.

For UTT, Jeffrey Harris led all scorers with 20 points and Lazard Campbell sank 18 points which left their team with a 2-2 record after four matches.

Meanwhile, Caledonia Clippers lost for the first time in its four matches to date.

WEEKEND RESULTS: Saturday Boys 21 and Under Division – Brian Chase Basketball Academy def Potential 70-54; Hawks Basketball Academy def Straker Nets 99-31.

Men’s First Division – Straker Nets def Off Limits 71-57.

Sunday Boys 16 & Under Division – Spartans BA def Brian Chase BA 51-43.

Boys 21 & Under Division – Trailblazers BA def Togetherness BA 66-48.

Men’s First Division – Defence Force def UTT 74-71.