The game will be the second match of a double-header with Grenada meeting Curacao from 5pm. After three days of matches, only the top team will advance to the Caribbean Finals in Haiti.

TT team coach Jamaal Shabazz noted, “We have prepared well with a few solid sessions and I think the players are all eager and ready for their first qualifying match. They have the experience of playing in a CONCACAF Championship in the past at the Under-15 level but this now is a different environment with a different cause.

“This is actually World Cup qualifying so they are aware of the importance and the meaning of these matches,” Shabazz added.

The ex-national men’s and women’s team coach continued, “Looking at our opponents, we see that former national player Izler Browne is the coach of US Virgin Islands and I expect they will come here with some kind of preparation and will be no pushovers and we have seen progress in women’s football made both in Grenada and Curacao.

“Neither of these teams will be run arounds and they will come here intent on causing an upset on the host team. But at the same time we believe in our ability and I expect our players will take each game on its merit and will put out the effort that is required to get us past this first hurdle,” Shabazz added.

The team comprises a few United States-born players including midfielder Sarah De Gannes who is based in Alberta; Kara Trotman of Seattle Reign – niece of the late national striker Mickey Trotman, and Annika Daniel of FC Bellevue.

Some of the home-based players include 12-year-old midfielder Kayla Baboolal of Biche FC in Biche, Aaliyah Prince of Success Laventille, defender Moines Mejias of Trinity Nationals and goalkeeper Chelsea Ramnauth of Fyzabad Secondary.

Apart from Haiti, which received a bye as hosts of the final round, the remaining 18 countries entered the first round, and were drawn into three groups of four teams and two groups of three teams.

The winners of each group advance to the final round to join Haiti, where they are divided into two groups of three teams, with the top three teams qualifying for the final tournament as the CFU representatives.

Trinidad and Tobago, Puerto Rico, St Lucia, Guyana, and St Vincent and the Grenadines were automatically seeded in Groups A–E respectively as hosts of each first round group, while the remaining 14 teams were seeded based on the results of the previous two editions of the qualifying competition.

Three teams from the Caribbean advance to the CONCACAF Final round next year towards the 2018 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup.

Tickets cost $20 (adults) and $10 (children) and will be available at the venue on each matchday.

Crawford of Enterprise, Chaguanas, shot to public prominence when he was featured in a photo of Trinidadian nationals fighting for Islamic State and in ISIS propaganda online in 2015.

He was a detainee in the former government’s state of emergency.

The statement said the UN Security Council has established the ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee under the council’s Resolutions 1267 (of 1999), 1989 (of 2011) and 2253 (of 2015).

“This Committee maintains a list of persons and entities against whom targeted financial sanctions are applied by the United Nations and member countries.” The statement said if Crawford wishes to be removed from the list, he or a representative may submit representations to the Attorney General.

In another statement, AG Faris Al-Rawi explained Crawford’s listing was done pursuant to a Government proposal to key international allies after his office obtained a High Court order on March 31 declaring Crawford a listed entity and ordering his funds be frozen under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

Meanwhile, principal of Presentation College in San Fernando Dexter Mitchell said he was still going through the results but was able to provide details of the students’ performance.

He said although the O’level students have performed well, the only issue of concern to him is the students’ performance in the English B examination since 78 per cent out of 100 per cent passed the exam whereas in the English language examination, 98 per cent of students passed.

Mitchell said there had been significant improvements in some subject areas and added that in subjects like principles of accounts, principles of business, information technology and physical education he got 100 per cent passes. Expressing his satisfaction with the consistent performance of students, he acknowledged the tremendous improvements made at CAPE level.

He said in subjects like Caribbean studies, the performance of students moved from less than 20 per cent grade ones to 95 per cent grade ones this year in comparison to last year. He highlighted Joel Kissoon who attained 14 passes.

“This undertaking would signal being given to the protection of this symbol of our national pride, a major tourist attraction and source of livelihoods for tour-operators,” the EMA said.

Last week, three men were held in the Caroni Bird Sanctuary with Scarlet Ibis parts by game wardens. They were charged under the Conservation of Wildlife Act for hunting a protected species.

The EMA said the fines they would face were “woefully inadequate”.

The current fines are $1,000 or, in default, are liable to be sent to jail for three months.

The penalty or offences committed against an ESS is a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for two years.

This is one hundred times the existing penalty which the EMA says is the punitive measure needed as part of enforcement measures to prevent the decimation of the Scarlet Ibis in the Caroni Swamp.

As an additional measure, the EMA is also examining the increased protection of the Caroni Swamp, habitat for the Scarlet Ibis, by designating it as an Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) under the Rules established in 2001. The EMA said although the Caroni Swamp is already protected through its designation as a Ramsar Site of International Importance (in 1993) and as a Prohibited Area under the Forests Act, the ESA designation would provide additional protection and benefits.

In a release, the Ministry of Agriculture Land & Fisheries said to combat the problem, Rambharat pursued interagency cooperation with various agencies including law enforcement and environmental management officials.

“Apart from jail time and increased fines, this agreement also opens the door to joint patrols of the Caroni Bird Sanctuary by the Ministry’s game wardens and the EMA’s environmental police unit,” Rambharat said.

The ministry said in the months ahead other initiatives will also likely help in the fight against poaching and slow the plunder of the prized Scarlet Ibis.

These include a partnership with the Zoological Society that would see an additional patrol vessel in the Caroni Bird Sanctuary, collaboration with the police, the Army and the Coast Guard to ramp up law enforcement in the area, and steps to have game warden vacancies filled by the Public Service Commission.

MAKE a statement without saying a word equates to your image.

The image depicted by you in professional and public spaces says quite a lot about who you are and what you represent.

Though image means different things to different people, the importance of its impact is not well understood.

According to Laura Morgan Roberts, professor at Harvard Business School, “professional image is the set of qualities and characteristics that represent perceptions of your competence and character as judged by your key constituents.” Image is a holistic package beyond external looks and encompasses your smile, body language, conversational techniques and your overall ability to interact with others both in the workplace as well as in social settings.

The levels of importance attached to image vary depending on circumstances. For example, when preparing for an interview as well as general deportment in the workplace, image, along with professionalism and proper deportment go hand in hand.

Maintaining a positive image outside of the workplace also lands some great opportunities.

I am aware of individuals who received job offers as a result of a winning and sustainable image.

Many women have also admitted that their poor image is as a result of self-neglect, but are now willing to start their journey of renewal.

Several people have failed at interviews because of inadequate preparation as well inappropriate attire and body language, the old adage — first impressions are lasting, is true to life as you are judged based on that very first encounter, hence the importance of always being fully prepared at all times.

Knowing the difference in the type of events and what is required is also critical in avoiding negativity and disappointment; there are ongoing instances where some of the most qualified candidates failed at different encounters including interviews, because they lacked in other important areas such eye contact, poor body language and/ or not addressing the interviewers appropriately.

A positive image includes these and many other components.

Image like your personality is always noticed by others, and based on what is seen, opinions and judgments are formed which may or may not be accurate. An extremely important element which complements your image is a high level of self-confidence which must be visible in your every move; in fact, strong self-confidence is the hallmark of a positive image, to the extent that others will be influenced into emulating you.

Because the concept of image is not well understood, there are some who believe that based on their profession, they are free to waiver; whilst this may feel democratic, it may not always work in your best interest as opportunities can be missed.

Improving your image should be a great privilege as that renewed package can redound to some excellent benefits including a new job, promotion in your existing job or even receiving an advertising offer that can yield a fortune for a lifetime.

Sandrine Rattan is a communications/ branding consultant/ author and president of the International Women’s Resource Network (IWRN) Contact: thecorporatesuitett@ gmail.com or intlwomensresourcenetwork@ gmail.com or contact 283-0318.

Vidawatee Ramballacksingh, 49, of Malgretoute Village, Princes Town, appeared with 48-yearold Brent Bruce, of Princes Town, who was charged with maliciously wounding her at Library Corner, San Fernando on Saturday.

Prosecutor PC Cleyon Seedan told Magistrate Alicia Chankar that the incident occurred at about 1 am.

Seedan told Chankar, Ramballacksingh and Bruce were arguing and things got heated. Bruce picked up a beer bottle and struck Ramballacksingh on the head.

Bruce’s attorney, Chantal Paul told the magistrate, however, that Bruce was dancing with another woman at the Las Vegas Recreation Club when Ramballacksingh approached him and began hitting him. “Your worship, my instructions are that everything started there. The argument continued onto the road by La Pique Plaza and the defendant (Bruce) was struck. In those circumstances he picked up a bottle.

Clearly, this relationship going nowhere.” “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned,” quipped Chankar.

Asked what led to the animosity between them, Ramballacksingh told Chankar she had been going through untold pains at the hands of Bruce, though she spent nights with him. “I’m trying very hard for this relationship, but he doing all kinds of things,” Ramballacksingh said.

Chankar ordered Bruce to pay a fine of $2,000 or serve two months in prison with hard labour. He was also ordered to pay Ramballacksingh $500 in compensation or serve six weeks simple imprisonment. Bruce was ordered to pay the fine immediately and he was granted one week to pay the compensation.

Next to appear was Seema Seenath, 28, of Diamond Village, San Fernando and Marcus Ramdhan, 27 who was also charged with malicious wounding. He first pleaded guilty and Seedan told the magistrate how Ramdhan struck the woman just above the right eye.

However, after Ramdhan explained how the incident happened on Sunday, the magistrate recorded a not guilty plea on his behalf.

He was granted bail in the sum of $10,000 and ordered to reappear on September 18.

WPC Praveen Rajkumar laid the charge.

This represented a 19 percent increase yearover- year.

The financial group, which started in 1992 as the first money market broker in Jamaica, now has operations in the Dominican Republic (DR), Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago (TT). In a statement issued from its operation in Kingston, Jamaica on August 14, JMMB said its “net profit totalled J $613.4 million, which reflected a marginal growth of three percent, compared to the corresponding prior period.” JMMB’s performance was driven by growth across its business lines – net gains on securities trading, net interest income and fees and commission income.

Net interest income for the reporting period stood at J $1.91 billion, reflecting growth of 24 percent or J $377.9 million.

“This resulted from strong growth in the earning portfolios, especially the loan portfolios across the Group. Additionally, the Group’s spread management strategy for the period was very effective. Furthermore, net gains on securities trading amounted to J $1.54 billion, which reflected a 36 percent increase, or J $407.1 million more than the previous year,” JMMB stated.

The portfolio trading strategies were profitable and benefitted from the maturities of Government of Jamaica (GOJ) debt instruments, redemption of GOJ certificate of deposits (CDs), as well as increased demand for GOJ Global Bonds, driven by lower treasury yields in the US.

While net foreign exchange trading declined by 46 percent or J $205.3 million, to J $237.5 million, having benefited from a oneoff market opportunity in the prior period.

In line with the JMMB’s strategy to provide customised financial solutions, its managed funds and collective investment schemes (CIS) was J$114.75 billion, compared to J$89.53 billion as at the comparative period. This contributed to the 22 percent growth in fees and commission income, when compared to the prior period, totalling J $363.8 million.

Group’s build-out contributed to operational expenses Over the three month period, ending in June, JMMB’s operating expenses amounted to J $3.11 billion, an increase of 21 percent over the corresponding prior period. This increase in operating expenses was driven mainly by the JMMB Group’s commercial banking transition plans in Jamaica, and the cost associated with the enhancement of its integrated Group sales and support framework.

Group CEO, Keith Duncan, explained that as a critical enabler of the JMMB’s integrated financial services model, the entity was focused on executing the final stage of its commercial banking transition in Jamaica; which saw the build-out of a full suite of products and services, implementation of an operational framework for the commercial bank and upgrading of its facilities.

The Group’s total assets totalled J $268.05 billion, up J $16.49 billion, or seven percent, compared to the end of March 2017.

This was mainly on account of higher cash holdings arising from timing difference for deployment into investment securities and loans. This growth in asset base was funded by clients’ deposit and repurchase agreements, which increased by J $1.79 billion and J $169.50 billion, respectively.

Additionally, JMMB said the entities across the group “remain adequately capitalised, exceeding regulatory capital requirements, as evidenced by the Group’s increase in its equity base, thereby ending the period at J $26.80 billion.”

They have been remanded into custody.

According to reports, Wilson, 21, of Gonzales, Port of Spain was pulled from his home in the wee hours of the morning on August 8 and taken to Thomas’ home where he was forced to lure him outside.

Gunmen then shot and killed them both before fleeing the scene.

McClean and the teen were charged by Sgt Roger Reyes of the Homicide Bureau Region 1 on Sunday after advice was received from Director of Public Prosecutions Roger Gaspard.

Dead is Fyzool Walters also called Roland of Lower Hilltop Road, off Mt Pleasant Road in Springvale.

Police said, shortly before 5 pm they went to Walters’ home in search of illegal weapons.

They said on arrival they saw Walters with a gun outside the house.

On seeing them, Walters allegedly ran to the back of the house and began shooting in their direction.

They returned fire and later found the teenager with gunshot wounds nearby in some bushes.

Police said they retrieved an automatic gun with ammunition nearby.

Walters was taken to the Couva District Health Facility where he died shortly after arrival.

ASP Smith, Insp Bhagwandeen, Sgt Ali and other officers from the Central Division met relatives after the shooting.

An autopsy was expected to be done yesterday at the Forensic Science Centre in St James.

Only hours earlier on Sunday, Moruga police shot and killed Kevin Stafford of Tarodale, St Madeleine who, they said, shot and wounded 29-yearold Kevon Charles of Bois Jean Jean, Moruga.

Police said Stafford and Charles had an altercation at Basseterre Village, Moruga at about 7 am during which Stafford shot Charles in his leg.

Police, who were nearby, responded and chased Stafford.

However, they said Stafford stopped and pointed a gun at them causing a policeman to shoot him dead.

The murdered man was identified as Curtis “Birdman” Smith Jr, from Riverside Drive, La Puerta.

Reports are he was approached at about 9 am by three men who alighted from a car and opened fire on him.

Crime scene investigators collected at least 40 spent shells.

A child received a graze from a stray bullet while a man sustained a broken arm while running during the shooting. Eyewitnesses told police Smith was involved in an altercation with another man hours shortly before he was shot.

He was captured on a video kicking a man in his head and his side.

The video was shared on social media platforms.

Police say Smith was a suspect in a murder.

However, family members say he was not a criminal but a businessman and a father of four.

Family members were so beside themselves with grief when they Smith’s body that one relative charged past the caution tape crying out for him.

The relative was held back by police. Another man was arrested for assaulting a police officer while at the murder scene.

Relatives said gunmen were after Smith for a while.

They said people were jealous of him because he had gotten several contracts in the area.

Newsday was told he was heading to one of these job sites when he was killed.

In April, Smith was chased by gunmen who shot him in the shoulder at Pregnancy Lane, off La Puerta Avenue.

Police have not yet ascertained a motive behind his murder.

The murder toll now stands at 303 for the year.