Phoenix went ahead in the 10 th minute, through an own goal by Marcus Ramkhalawan, before Shaquille Ferrier responded for the hosts in the 66th.

Carlon Hughes gave Guaya a 2-1 advantage when he netted in the 75th, and he put the game beyond doubt when he struck in the 90th.

National striker Keron Clarke scored a second half treble to guide FC Santa Rosa to a 4-0 drubbing of Police at the St James Barracks.

Rashad Griffith broke the deadlock in the 72nd before Clarke got his name on the scoresheet, in the 74th, 81st and 90th.

Cunupia were also in winners’ row last Sunday, as they blanked Bethel FC 2-0 at the Mt Gomery Recreation Ground. Stevon Stoute scored both goals, in the 21st and 77th.

And Theon James found the back of the net, in the 22nd, as the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT ) pipped hosts Queen’s Park 1-0 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium’s Training Ground, Mucurapo.

Siparia Spurs and WASA played to a goalless draw at the Palo Seco Recreation Ground while the game between Defence Force and Club Sando Moruga, at the Defence Force Sports Ground in Chaguaramas, was abandoned.

In League Two action last Saturday, Prisons remained atop the standings after a narrow 2-1 win over Marabella FCC at the Youth Training Centre (YTC) Ground, Arouca.

Levi Garcia (own goal – seventh) and Barry Carrington (eighth) were on target for Prisons while Marabella pulled one back from Russel Orie (14th).

Jamal Lucas netted in the 72nd as Perseverance Ball Runners edged Central 500 Spartans 1-0 at the New Settlement Recreation Ground while Harlem Strikers defeated Youth Stars 2-1 at the Frederick Settlement Recreation Ground.

Corie Dhandoolal (seventh and 13th) got both items for Harlem, with Kevin Woodley getting the consolation for Youth Stars, from the penalty spot, in the 35th.

Weekend Fixtures – TO DAY (League Two): Youth Stars vs Petit Valley/Diego Martin United, Roxborough Complex, 5 pm; Marabella Family CC vs Harlem Strikers, Guaracara Park, 6 pm; Central 500 Spartans vs Prisons, Edinburgh 500 Recreation Ground, 7 pm; (League One): UTT vs FC Santa Rosa, O’Meara Campus, Arima, 7 pm.

TO M ORRO W (League One): Club Sando Moruga vs Bethel United, Grand Chemin Recreation Ground, Moruga; Defence Force vs Guaya United, Defence Force Sports Field, Chaguaramas; Cunupia FC vs Queen’s Park, Larry Gomes Stadium, Arima, 4 pm; WASA vs Police, WASA Ground, St Joseph, 4.30 pm; 1976 Phoenix FC vs Siparia Spurs, Canaan/ Bon Accord Recreation Ground, 5 pm.

On May 1, the commissioner was granted his tenth extension by the Police Service Commission (PSC) and that six-month extension will end on October 31.

Sources revealed that although a firm had been appointed to oversee the selection of a new Commissioner of Police, the process, which was expected to take at least four months, might not be completed by that time, therefore, paving a way for the commissioner to receive his 11th extension.

Yesterday, chairman of the PSC Dr Maria Therese Gomes could not say if an 11th extension would be granted.

She added that the firm overseeing the recruitment for new CoP is working closely with the PSC and that the vacancy should be advertised shortly.

Last Friday, it was announced that auditing firm KPMG was awarded the contract to assist the PSC in the recruitment and selection of a new police commissioner and deputies.

The press release noted that the PSC took the decision on July 20 as the body met to discuss the implementation of the project.

“The recruitment phase of the project is expected to take four months to complete with the firm providing support to the commission in designing and managing the advertising, application and assessment processes so as to ensure that the TT Police Service has the leadership it requires to meet the needs of the organisation and to satisfy the requirements of safety and security for all of TT now and into the future,” the release said.

The appointment comes two months after Acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams was given a tenth six-month extension in his post, which he acquired after the resignation of Canadian Dwayne Gibbs in 2013.

In 2015, the Government introduced the Police (Selection Process) Order of 2015 in an effort to assist the PSC in hiring another firm to address the issue of the long-standing vacancies.

The order contained a provision requiring the Minister of National Security to initiate the recruitment procedure and another compelling the PSC to utilise State-owned procurement company, Nipdec, to select a local recruitment agency that would then be contracted to assist in the selection process.

However, the order was challenged by the Opposition, who claimed that it was unconstitutional as it infringed on the powers of the PSC, which has the exclusive remit of recruiting prospective candidates for the positions.

Newsday understands that the Acting CoP is expected to apply for the post of commissioner when it is advertised.

Former minister of National Security Gary Griffith has already stated publicly that he may consider applying for the post.

Urged on by the partisan home crowd, TT ’s first win on Day 1 came from Leon Cassie in the Men’s U-17 Singles competition, as he rolled over his Bajan opponent 21-16, 21-10 in 19 minutes.

Cassie recently returned from the Pan Am Junior Badminton Championships in Canada, and has been making steady progress on the national scene.

The unseeded Cassie, however, later succumbed to the No.

7 ranked Peruvian, Diego Subauste Tokumura, 21 -17, 21-13 in his following match.

His cousin Sandhya Cassie was also in the winning column as she defeated her Bajan counterpart Krystal Clark 21- 11, 21-11.

But Sandhya also did not have an answer, in her following round, for the guile and power of the more experienced player in Paula La Torre Regal from Peru.

The Peruvians, who came with a strong contingent at this year’s CAREBACO, again proved the nemesis as Cassie lost out to Regal 21-5, 21-6.

The four top seeds in the Women’s Singles competition all advanced to the third round, which included Nairobi Abigail Jimenez and Bermary Polanco, both of the Dominican Republic, and Peruvians Fernanda Saponara Rivva and Paula La Torre Regal.

In the Men’s U-19 Singles, Diego Mini also representing Peru, advanced to the quarter- finals along with Cesar Adonis Brito of the Dominican Republic and Italian Giovanni Toti.

Renaldo Sinanan started his campaign with a competitive Men’s U-19 match when he took on Suriname’s Jascha Admodikromo 21-16 21-17.

In the Men’s Doubles, Sinanan and his partner Stefano Bedasie were taken to three sets but they eventually defeated the Barbadian pair of Kody King and Gavin Robinson.

The pair seemed determined to keep TT ’s flag flying high as they recovered from a dropped first set to win a hard 19-21, 21- 16, 21-17.

TT ’s Aleem Ali and Mikael Joachim were also taken to three sets, before eliminating their Bajan rivals in Aaron Godding and Nicholas Sobers, fighting hard in the three setter 21-12 8-21 21-18.

Sinanan did not fare as well in the Mixed Doubles as both him and his partner, Nelida Bedasie, lost in a close three set match to cousins Leon Cassie and Sandhya Cassie 21-19 17- 21 21-18. Nathaniel Khillawan and Ralitsa Wong had an easier passage to the next round, getting past the duo of Nicholas Sobers and Robyn Sobers, representing Barbados 21-10 21-12.

Last evening Team TTO was in action up until, battling in the Men’s and Women’s Singles as well as the Men’s, Women’s and Mixed Doubles events.

Play resumes today 5 pm at the NRC where Team TTO will be seeking more wins during the CAREBACO U-19 International.

Calling for export growth, the TTMA in a statement urged the creation of an enabling environment to create a much-needed expansion of the manufacturing sector, plus greater production, employment, export and foreign exchange earnings.

The statement said Government and business sector have similar interests.

“Both the Government and the manufacturing community agree wholly that the industry needs to take the lead in the diversification drive, and the urgent acceleration of this drive is crucial.

“However, for this objective to be realised, certain measures need to be implemented to serve as a catalyst for investment in plant, machinery and operations, allowing for greater productivity and output from factory floors across the country.” The TTMA said it has proposed a priority list of items for the Government to mull for the 2017/18 fiscal package, to collaboratively help build the non-energy sector and drive diversification.

“The TTMA would like to see as many of our manufacturers competing on the global market as possible, but without the right conditions locally, it would not be possible to effectively compete with some of the most efficient world market leaders.” The TTMA’s priority list of items includes export incentives to manufacturers to help create new streams of foreign exchange revenue for our national economy.

“The TTMA emphasises that these proposed measures would serve to promote manufacturing, exporting, job creation, crime reduction and ultimately aid in the much required diversification process.

“The initiatives are not burdensome on the Government coffers (but) are cost-effective, and the benefits will undoubtedly have far reaching consequences in stimulating sustainable growth and economic activity across the country.”

This year’s 49th edition seemed uncertain for the past few weeks as Carib, which has been the title sponsor for the past 16 years, pulled their sponsorship, while numerous other hurdles threatened to sink the annual inter island power boat competition.

An intervention by the Minister of National Security Edmund Dillon earlier this week, ordered the Strategic Services Agency (SSA) to provide helicopters to oversee the safety of the event.

Initially, the Trinidad and Tobago Powerboat Association (TTP BA) did not receive any confirmation from the company that they will grant their services for the event.

Roger Bell, a director on the TTP BA, confirmed yesterday that divers will be on coastguard boats during the race along with patrol boats. However, he said there was no confirmation from SSA that divers will be available for the helicopters.

A new winner will be crowned and a new course will also be used this year. Last year’s champion Paramount will not compete in this year’s edition having failed to compete in any of the TTP – BA qualifying regattas this year, while the race will end in Store Bay as opposed to Scarborough which has been the finish point the past few years.

Bell, despite the setbacks, said he was always confident the race would take place this year.

“I was just asked a question if we had hurdles because of sponsorship and safety. But quite frankly our only hurdle for the race this year was the divers.

Sponsorship is business, the negotiations broke down and Carib decided to walk away from it.

We’ve moved on, it is the Trinidad and Tobago Great Race, it is a national event and it is a race for the people,” he said.

Bell said the racers know that a lot of people look forward to the Great Race – especially the people of Tobago. “The racers are excited and they don’t want to disappoint the fans. The hoteliers were very, very concerned and that is one of the reasons the racers decided they wanted the race to go on. They (hoteliers) were calling us saying they was going to be cancellations. There are five boats from Tobago in tomorrow’s (today’s) event that are already in Trinidad and they have a massive fan base in Tobago.” A-Class (130 miles per hour) boats Ironman and Cat Killer are among the favourites to take the title this year.

Driver of Cat Killer, Donald Webster, who was Paramount’s throttleman last year, said, “I don’t think there really have any boats that will prevent us from winning. The boat is super fast and it is set up for the rough,” he said. Webster said a concern for the boats is the equipment performing at a high standard throughout the race.

Guy Costa of Ironman is confident ahead of the race, declaring “Ironman is ready to go. We really confident that this year we stand a good chance, so they might have to be watching out for us.” Other boats will line up in the B Class (120 mph), C Class (110 mph), D Class (95 mph), E Class (80 mph), F Class (70 mph) and the G Class (60 mph).

If “eating ah food” (being paid for doing nothing) is nation building, we got a long way to go.

What has been happening is that those given the job to guide our youths are grandstanding, using terms like “I prepared a paper on that.” Paper on shelves and not implemented is a waste of time. It becomes garbage.

Our education system is a complete failure as most of our children go to school but do not participate in schooling. Teachers must take some responsibility for this as absenteeism is the name of the game.

And they can be at that school for a year and not know the children or the culture of the community.

How sad.

For our country to progress we must be committed, be true Trinis to the bone.

ATHELSTON CLINTON Arima

Ramcharan Ramlokan, 49, of Ramkalliah Trace, Kanhai Road South, Barrackpore told Newsday the prosthetic leg he was using is broken and worn out and was causing him great discomfort in his leg and spine. “The crack in the false leg cut my foot and it got infected,” he said. “The doctor put me on antibiotics.” Ramlokan was born with spina bifida occulta.

According to the National Health Services in the United Kingdom, spina bifida is when a baby’s spine and spinal cord does not develop properly in the womb, causing a gap in the spine. Spina bifida occulta is the most common and mildest type of spina bifida.

Symptoms may include weakness or total paralysis of the legs, bowel incontinence and urinary incontinence. He was born with a severe form of club foot and required a right below the knee amputation.

Club foot is a condition where the affected foot and calf are often smaller than usual and the skin and soft tissues are short and underdeveloped.

The cost of the right prosthetic limb is $21,000 and one left short leg calliper boots is $6,000. Ramlokan has to wear a certain type of boots as he develops ulcers in his left from regular shoes. Further to these complications his bladder was removed in 1999 and he has one kidney. He uses urostomy bags (external bags for urine) which cost $1000 per month.

He said tearfully, “I cannot do anything as I want. It gets to me sometimes. This is a hard life.” He has been seeking assistance since 2014 through the Ministry of Social Development.

Ramlokan said, “I get a run around from the Ministry of Social Development.

Every time I go they keep telling me they waiting on approval.” He said since 2015 the funding he has received from the State to pay for his urostomy bags has been cut. Ramlokhan lives alone and has no children. He receives public assistance and a disability grant which totals approximately $2210 a month. Ramlokhan has a bicycle which uses to move around.

He said he has a kitchen garden to help him cut down on his food bill. When asked if he has planned any way to raise funds he said, “I have donation sheets and I am planning on doing a curry que.” He is hoping people would support the venture. Ramlokhan is pleading with citizens to give whatever assistance they can. He has a message to those who are in some sort of difficulty. “Do not give up in life because you have a problem.

Always try to motivate yourself and move forward. Don’t let a problem keep you down.” He can be contacted at 292- 1809 or 784-9495.

He said he will be asking the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Crime Irwin Hackshaw to update the media on the status of the matters so the public will be sensitised on how far some of them have reached. Williams was out of the country and was expected back last night.

In his absence, Deputy Commissioner of Police Harold Phillip was placed at the helm of the Police Service.

Well-placed sources said with respect to emailgate, the team assigned to investigate allegations levelled against former government ministers have already prepared the final report in which they found no evidence of criminal conduct. They said this report is now with Deputy DPP Joan Honore-Paul who is yet to give her final directions in the matter.

Sources revealed that with the marijuana find at Persad-Bissessar’s home, recommendations were made by the investigators for disciplinary action to be taken internally against some officers. It was also revealed that with respect to the Life Sport investigation, an auditing firm was hired and work is still being done.

Other high-profile investigations which include allegations against former attorney general Anand Ramlogan in the matter involving Director of the Police Complaints Authority, David West, are ongoing.

“I have seen on Facebook lovely letters from him,” she said. “On the UTT library’s behalf, I am asking you to share them and to put them into the permanent collection.” Manning spoke with the media on Thursday at the viewing of the collection, “The Life and Times of Patrick Augustus Mervyn Manning” mounted by the University of Trinidad and Tobago at the Adult Library of the National Library in Port of Spain.

Manning, her son David, other relatives and friends viewed the collection of some 3,000 exhibits on the occasion of the late prime minister’s 71st birth anniversary.

The pieces date back to 1971 when Manning first entered Parliament as MP for San Fernando East.

Among the exhibits was a video documentary of Manning’s life. It was viewed against the background music of Frank Sinatra’s My Way, a favourite of Patrick Manning.

Asked how she felt viewing the exhibits on the occasion of his birthday, Mrs Manning said, “I feel sad, very sad. Lots of memories.” Earlier she was explaining stories behind the pictures. “A lot of the stories are not known.

We will have to sit with them and go through as much as we know.” On the exhibits in the collection, she said, “The exhibition gives the essence of Patrick, who he was, how hard he worked.” Asked what stood out, she said, the document, Vision 20/20, “It was his dream and his vision that we could do much more because we have the resources. We have the talent.” She said he believed citizens “could do so much more. He believed that the natural resources would be depleted at some point in time and that human resources would have to take over for the sustainable development of the country.

Based on that he was very much active in getting Vision 20/20 to do that.” Meanwhile, she said, the commemorative committee established to honour her husband’s memory and which she heads, is putting together a programme that includes the publication of a book about his legacy and good governance.

The book will look at the system of good and sustainable governance, integrity, and the potential which could be realised.

“So that at the end of the day, we could do very, very well and be an example to the world, as small as we are.

That was his dream.

That was his thinking,” she said.

The committee also held a church service to mark Patrick Manning’s death anniversary. It is working on a lecture series.

Asked how one could pay homage to Manning in the absence of a site to him, Mrs Manning said, “Just go to church.

Go to church and say a prayer for him.” Of the exhibition, the Mannings’ son David said, “I am forced to compare Patrick Manning, the man, to the vision he had for his country. The country needs to remember what he did, who he was, and the plans he had for the country.” UTT chief librarian Martha Preddie said UTT was proud to be selected to house the collection.

When Manning demitted office, she said, he handed over his collection which included photographs, plaques, some personal artefacts and books that showed not only his political work and international visits but the personal side to him.

The collection is to be housed at the UTT Signature Campus at Tamana which is nearing completion. Plans are also in train to have a roving exhibition periodically before it becomes a standing collection.

The odds will be highly stacked against them to pull off a victory against the high-flying Nationals. In another encounter at 5:30 pm at the Guaracas grounds, sixth placed St Augustine FC will face off against Petrotrin. Petrotrin have found their feet of late, crushing Club Sando on Tuesday 4-0 to find themselves sitting comfortable in third place and will be hoping to do the same against a St Augustine FC side coming off a 5-1 thumping on Tuesday by an aggressive Trincity Nationals outfit. In the first Division, third placed Defence Force will play second placed Jewels FC. With a win, Defence Force can leapfrog Jewels FC and put themselves only one point behind St Augustine Juniors at the top. This game kicks off at 4pm.

STANDINGS: Super League Division – 1.

Flow Sports Real Dimension 24 pts; 2. Trincity Nationals 18 pts; 3. Petrotrin 15 pts; 4. Mic-it- St Ann’s Rangers 11 pts; 5. QPCC 10 pts; 6. St Augustine FC 8 pts; 7. Tobago Chicas 7 pts; 8. Club Sando 6 pts.

First Division – 1. St Augustine FC 11 pts ; 2. Jewels FC 9 pts; 3. Defence Foce 7 pts; 4.

Sweaters Women 7 pts; 5. Malvern 3 pts.