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.

About 30 residents from the corporations are expected to be trained to make houses safer. On Tuesday, the groups and Member of Parliament for Couva South, Rudranath Indarsingh, launched the initiative at Windsor Park, California.

The chamber’s president Liaquat Ali said his organisation is not only business oriented but also cater to the interest of citizens.

“We are not only here to take, we give back. We do not only represent the interest of business, we represent the interest of citizens. In recent times, and with the passing of Tropical Storm Bret, it was only fitting to educate the people how they can secure their homes at minimal cost,” Ali added.

The training sessions are expected to take place at the chamber’s building at Couva. It is his hoped that such an initiative can be extended “to the length and breath of T&T” with on-site demonstrations.

Indarsingh commended the corporation for being part of the initiative saying the disaster management unit (DMU) of the corporation has been very proactive in dealing with weather patterns which have affected people in their area.

Chairman Henry Awong beamed that the corporation was first to set up its emergency operation centre under the guidance of Dr Ravi Ramnath.

“We do what we have to do at the DMU and we continue to do it on a professional basis,” Awong said.

Manager (business development and marketing) of Sagicor Lisa Mahabir said the company was pleased to be part of the initiative.

It was a proactive approach in increasing awareness in our community, Mahabir said.

On Saturday, Denoon’s hat-trick led Morvant Elements to a 5-1 win over Harvard. Denoon is the son of former national stand-out Nevick Denoon and nephew of Morvant Elements manager/coach Clyde Denoon, who also played for the national team. Akius Joseph and Brian Wallace also scored for Morvant Elements, while Nikyiel Dublin got a consolation goal for Harvard.

New clubs Cantaro United played a pulsating match against Paramin Scholars in a 4-4 thriller in the championship division, while Miscellaneous Laventille United and Cultural Roots both won their matches playing for the first time in the premier division. Laventille beat Queens Park 5-3, while Cultural Roots defeated Carenage United 2-1.

The NFA league season continues this weekend with nine matches at the Queen’s Park Savannah.

ROUND ONE RESULTS: CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION St Ann’s All Stars 4 (Keith Williams 9th, 41st, Matthaeus Granger 63rd, 67th) vs BHB8 Police Youth Club 2 (Akim James 27th, Isaiah Primus 38th); Trendsetter Hawks 3 vs Barataria Warriors 2; Patna/River Estate FC 5 (Asim James 14th, Daniel Gibbs 45th, Nicholas Alexander 55th, Akel Laborde 75th, Akeel Superville 88th) vs Malvern FC 1 (Matthew Cox 82nd); Morvant Elements 5 (Michael Denoon 8th, 57th, 85th, Akius Joseph 40th, Brian Wallace 60th) vs Harvard 1 (Nikyiel Dublin 65th); Paramin Scholars 4 (Tevin Alexander 6th, Negus Alleyne own goal 39th, Mackesi Quashie 59th, Kevon Rigault 63rd) vs Cantaro United FC 4 (Darrel John 1st, 18th, Joshua Isaac 21st, Hakeem Phillip 50th).

PREMIER DIVISION RSSR 2 (Tyrick Simon 29th, Hakeen Wilson 64th) vs Belmont FC 1 (Kareem Davidson 61st); Cultural Roots 2 (Christon Freitas 13th, Kendall Garcia 72nd) vs Carenage Utd 1 (Dorian Rullow 55th own goal); Step by Step Maple 1 (Lekion Elie 85th) vs St Francois Nationals 1 (Jared Harry 12th); Miscellaneous Laventille Utd 5 (Lyndon Ferguson 3rd, 35th, Qualanson Archibald 20th, 90th, Nickomi Griffith 84th) vs QPCC 3 (Vladimar Henderson-Suite 74th, Ashim Pierre 79th, 81st).

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.

Celebrating its 19th year, the league has been supported by energy company BPTT from inception.

It is managed by Illusions International Sports and Cultural Club and features teams from across the south-eastern region competing in various age divisions.

Rachael Caines, Corporate Social Responsibility Advisor, BPTT , underscored the company’s investment in the development of Mayaro football. “The success of Mayaro’s football league is as legendary as the success that Mayaro as a community has experienced in supplying world class football players to our national football team. BPTT believes in the power of sport.

All over the world sport has been a unifying force, helping to build communities and nations in ways no other social intervention can,” Caines said.

The league opening was highlighted by a double header featuring the national Under- 15 and Under-17 teams squaring off against the local Mayaro stars representing MaGuaya Chivas and Guaya United, respectively.

MaGuaya Chivas defeated the national Under-15 outfit 2-1 in what was a closely fought game. In the second encounter, Guaya United were no less competitive but were edged by the national Under-17 team with a 3-2 final scoreline.

On hand to guide his young charges and observe firsthand the talent of the BPTT Mayaro Football League was Russell Latapy, head coach of the national Under-15 team. “This league is definitely a great investment for the people of Mayaro and sport is one of the best means of closing the gaps and bridging the boundaries in society.

I’m happy to be here today and I’m really proud of Mayaro and everyone responsible for this league which gives the youths the opportunity to fulfill their potential,” said the former national stand-out.

Also present at the launch were Member of Parliament for Mayaro, Rushton Paray, and Clarence Rambharat, Minister of Agriculture, Lands and Fisheries.

They also had the honour of formally commissioning the floodlights that were installed by T&TEC, represented by the company’s Deputy Chairman, Glenford Cyrille.

“A large number of children will be on their own for the first time,” Rodriguez said.

“These children are vulnerable and can be easily influenced.

Predators use this period to target our children.” She encouraged parents to know their children’s friends and to check their school bags regularly to ensure there are no prohibited items there. She emphasised role of parents and guardians teaching their children safety practices and said children should be taught to distance themselves from strangers who attempt to make contact with them. If such an incident occurs, they should report the matter immediately to an authority figure such as a parent or teacher.

Rodriguez said children should be discouraged from entering vehicles, even if familiar, without their parents’ permission and urged that when travelling, the make, colour, number plate and driver’s description be noted before entry.

Internet security was also a key topic at the briefing. Rodriguez expressed the need for parental supervision of children’s internet activity and the need for time limits on their children’s internet use. “Computers, cellular phones, tablets and such, should always be placed in a common area of the house. They should never be placed in a child’s bedroom.

The placement in a living room or dining room will allow you to monitor them and their activity occasionally.” Rodriguez said children should be educated on the dangers of the internet and the predators that use it to gain access to their victims and thus should be discouraged from revealing personal information online. She said predators often pose as minors with the intent of befriending children.

Human trafficking is defined as modern day slavery, and it affects millions of adults and children around the world who are held for the purpose of sex trafficking, child sex trafficking, forced labour, bonded labour/ debt bondage, domestic servitude, forced child labour and unlawful recruitment and use as child soldiers.

The US Department of State recently published the 2017 Trafficking In Persons (TIP) Report which detailed some of the concerns regarding trafficking across the Caribbean. The report shows there has been an improvement across the region as the majority of countries have improved their Tier placements, which is based on the extent of government action to combat trafficking than on the size of the country’s problem.

There are no countries currently classified in the lowest rank, Tier 3, on account that their government does not fully meet the TVPA’s (Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000) minimum standards and is not making significant eff orts to do so.

The Bahamas and Saint Marti n were the only Caribbean countries appraised as Tier 1 as their governments are deemed as fully complying with the TVPA’s minimum standards. However, no tier ranking is permanent. Every country, including other Tier 1 ranked nations across the world like the US, UK and Germany, can do more to maintain and continually increase eff orts to combat human trafficking.

Human trafficking remains one of the fastest growing illegal enterprises in the world. The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates human trafficking earns traffickers around $150 billion a year – a staggering amount that showcases how human trafficking translates into money laundering. But where and how can accountants counter this illegal activity? What part do they play? Well, ACCA accountants across the Caribbean – indeed the world – play an important role in deterring human trafficking throughout the region.

After all, professional accountants have a responsibility to support anti -money laundering initiatives, which firmly puts the finance profession on the front line in tackling this crime. We are the first line of defence in such instances.

In the case of ACCA members, they are obliged to report suspicions of money laundering and terrorist financing (including overseas terrorism, and carry out and maintain records of the compulsory internal staff training on money laundering.

These professionals also have to appoint a money laundering reporting officer to take responsibility for all the procedures, documentation and training; and, have appropriate preventative policies and procedures in place.

They are also advised on the signs to look out for. These could include a sudden and unexplained drop in income of a cash business after a change in ownership, clients using a number of bank accounts, an increase of cash deposits or unexplained third party payments. There are strict penalties for accountants who don’t report their concerns as they cannot wilfully or naively ignore obvious signs of human trafficking.

The fight against human trafficking is a war, especially because the number of prosecutions of human traffickers is alarmingly low. According to the 2015 TIP report, there were only 10,051 prosecutions and 4,443 convictions for trafficking globally in 2014. Finance professionals must use their experiences, in addition to talking to law enforcement agencies to make the connection between the act of money laundering and the source of the income.

There are three aspects to money laundering, known as placement, layering and integration.

‘Placement’ is the transfer of the actual criminal proceeds into the financial system.

That could be through the purchase of a single premium life policy or a work of art.

‘Layering’ is where a smokescreen is created to distance the illicit funds from their source through layers of real or imagined transactions and/or organisations which is designed to hide the trail and provide anonymity.

‘Integration’ is where the funds come back into the financial system as if from normal business transactions or as investment funds to purchase legitimate assets, e.g. the work of art is sold and the proceeds reinvested in a business, which may or may not be legitimate.

Even if a business appears to only operate in one country, its supply chains will cross borders. And selling products or services that rely on human trafficking has financial implications as well as legal and moral ones.

Building a culture where everyone knows what to look out for, and how to report it, is key to good governance in this area Human trafficking destroys the lives of the people exploited in this crime, and as long as finance professionals come together to look out for these signs and uphold their ethics, they can help to reduce and eventually put an end to human trafficking.

Coa’s attorney, Criston J Williams filed the form yesterday citing irregularities in the testimony of witnesses and inconsistencies in evidence submitted. However, Acting Chief Magistrate Maria Busby Earle-Caddle overruled the no case submission and ruled that based on the testimonies together with evidence gathered that there was sufficient evidence for Coa to stand trial at the Port of Spain High Court. After consulting Williams, Coa said while he was willing to call a witness to the trial to testify in his defence, he would exercise his right to remain silent for the remainder of the proceedings. Coa was arrested and charged in 2015 for the murder of his neighbour and prison superintendent David Millette outside his home in First Caledonia, Morvant.

In response to a Guardian reporter’s question, Roget replied, “ Yes, we consider them to be anti- worker.” He said it was possible that GML could be “first among the list” of one percent businesses to be boycotted.

He claimed the Trinidad Guardian, “is listed among those who are leading an onslaught against workers and trade unions in this country.” Roget further alleged, “The newspaper itself through its editorial is condemning us for making statements for which we have a right to make.” However he countered, “We have a right to speak as they have a right to write and we will speak as long as we choose to exercise that right.” Roget said GML has been sending home workers “as a means of reprisal” to the efforts of the Banking and Insurance General Workers Union, in defence of those workers. Describing the Guardian as, “