Sometimes it’s hard to understand why certain decisions are made by public officials.

This boat was already 21 years old and sourced from Asia to be brought to the Caribbean.

That is halfway around the world.

And why select a service provider with only two years experience in the business? This is not rocket science.

Is it so hard to source a fast ferry that is less than ten years old, in good condition and from a country located closer to Trinidad and Tobago? I have been a frequent user of the ferry service for the past ten years and was always satisfied with the service and performance of the fast ferries while they were maintained by the Bay Ferries company of Canada with their Canadian crew stationed in TT .

Could the Port authorities not utilise this relationship to help in sourcing another fast ferry? After all the accusations that were levelled against the former government in relation to the super fast Galicia, it is mind boggling that the present government could make such bad decisions now in their attempts to acquire a suitable vessel for the sea bridge.

C Rodriguez Petit Valley

The women’s scratch had a promising field of young females making their debut, however, the experienced Campbell held off her competitors to claim gold in the Women’s 10Km Scratch Race (40 laps).

Heat Wave Cycling Club’s Costa sisters, Jessica and Alexi, secured the silver and bronze, respectively, in the event.

In the Men’s 15Km Scratch (60 laps), Alexander opened a lead, in lap 30, over the rest of the field and never looked back as he pedaled to gold.

PSL riders Jovian Gomez and Akiel Campbell took silver and bronze in the category, respectively, where Campbell copped the U-23 Gold medal in the event.

Junior cyclist, Tyler Cole (Team DPS), was unable to claim a medal due to being a junior cyclist at the event, however, that did not stop the young rider from leaping out of the bunch and linking up with Gomez where they worked together to lap the main field and applied some pressure on Alexander. PSL’s Campbell and Varun Maharajh tried valiantly throughout to also take a lap on the field but Alexander ensured that the two remained in no man’s land and a half a lap down.

The Women’s Team Sprint also pedaled off on Thursday night where Kollyn St. George and Dominique Lovell of Breakaway Cycling Club rode away with the gold medal in a time of 38.21 seconds.

They were closely followed by Team DPS cyclist Tamiko Butler and her partner Alexandra Bovell (Unattached) with their time of 39.38 seconds.

Jessica and Alexi joined forces for the team sprint as the Costa sisters copped the bronze medal in a time of 42.29 seconds.

They also took part in TT ’s first ever Women’s Team Pursuit at a national event as they were accompanied by Christiane Farah and Bovell, setting a new national record with a time of 5:24.93 seconds.

Last night, the Men and Women Keirin events were contested along with the Points race events.

Cycling action continues today, starting at 11am and 5pm.

Admission is free to the public during the morning session and costs TT $20 for the evening session.

Imagine for a moment, a multi-billion dollar company changing its successful key personnel every five years for no other reason but to give someone else a job. Whether that new person is as competent as his or her predecessor, does not matter.

That kind of development may seem insane to many.

In TT , after almost every general election many of our senior managers, directors and executives in major institutions like the Central Bank, Unit Trust Corporation, Petrotrin, the National Gas Company and other State enterprises are replaced.

Would it not make sense to ensure these institutions are operated by non-political professionals whose only interest is the longterm development and sustainability of these enterprises? Many may agree that Tobago is largely dependent on tourism for its sustainability. If that is so, isn’t it strange some people in Tobago are saying no to a hotel chain that can transform that sector in Tobago for the better? Sandals has an international reputation for high quality, one that attracts many foreigners to its resorts.

Wouldn’t Tobago benefit from increased tourists to its shores? What is the logic behind saying no to Sandals? Our labour unions traditionally get funds from its members, who get their funds from wages.

One can safely assume that unions will be very happy to see increased employment opportunities as it indirectly leads to increased membership and funding.

If there is any truth to a suggestion that one percent of our population controls our wealth and consequent employment opportunities, what is the wisdom in calling for a boycott of that one percent? Is there a change in the objectives of unions from seeking the best employment package and gainful employment for its members to having them retrenched? Shouldn’t unions be encouraging investors and supporting business growth as it ultimately means increased income for them as well? Perhaps in TT ’s economy, like most things, is not subject to the fundamentals of economics and common sense. After all, for $5 million, one can build a five-bedroom luxury house with a swimming pool and all the modern appliances. But if one were to attempt to build a concrete bridge, eight feet wide across our roadway for pedestrian crossing, suddenly $5 million cannot pay for the foundation.

If we were to dream of building a few concrete structures on Maracas beach then one automatically enters the realm of tens or hundreds of millions.

Why invest in buying our own boat for Tobago when we can rent one for millions and enrich others? In this land, money and common sense seems to be worlds apart. God Bless Our Nation.

Steve Alvarez Via email

Founded in 1977 by Sat Balkaransingh and Mondira Balkaransingh, it was incorporated as a non-profit organisation in 1994.

Since its creation, the theatre’s main objective has been to promote, develop and maintain public education in and appreciation of Indian Classical dance, drama, song and music in all its aspects.

Forty years later, Nrityanjali is still true to its original vision — teaching classical dance based on a prescribed syllabus, inviting and presenting international artistes and staging annual ballets/ dance dramas.Today the theatre is famous mainly for its Odissi dance performances and ballets, and has presented over 40 stage productions, dance performances and dance dramas over the years in Trinidad and the wider Caribbean, South America, the US, the UK and India.

Over the years, The Nrityanjali Theatre has made a name for itself mainly because of the high standards it sets for its classes and performances, and its extensive use of original choreography in full-length ballets. Its consistent commitment to excellence has been formally recognised over the years by numerous accolades and awards, such as award of National Cultural Icons to Sat Balkaransingh and Mondira Balkaransingh (1992); the Humming Bird Medal (Gold) for Culture (1993); the Coco Vanguard Award (2015) and the award for Outstanding Contribution to the Preservation and Promotion of Indian Culture in TT and other Caribbean Countries (2016).

The 40th Anniversary celebrations begin with a Dinner and Fashion Show tomorrow, at El Dorado Secondary West, El Dorado. The ballet that follows later in the year will honour the theatre’s rich heritage with selected items from past performances and will be held at two venues: at the National Academy for the Performing Arts in San Fernando on September 17 and at Queen’s Hall on November 4 and 5. For more information see Facebook at Nrityanjali Theatre, Trinidad.

The John O’Brientrained filly is one of eight to duck the blue riband event following the fourth nomination stage.

After the fourth stage, 13 horses had nomination fees paid for the 2000 metres race.

Heading the list is Midsummer Classic winner Leading Lady from the John O’Brien barn. The filly will be re-opposed by Jake O’Brien-trained Valorous, winner of the Carib Brewery Guineas and runner-up in the Midsummer.

In the 13-horse field, O’Brien (John) will saddle five – Leading Lady, Lord Silver, Maha Raja, Battle Cry and Rocket Wheels. Current champion trainer Glenn Mendez will send two to post – Golden Choice and Caesar Country, The field is dominated by horses bred in Jamaica with 10. Only three locally bred have been nominated for the blue riband event. A final nomination fee of $2,100 becomes due and payable on date of entry.

Here are the horses for which fourth nomination fees were paid: TRINIDAD DERBY STAKES (GRADE 1) – W.I. BRED 3 Y.O. – 2000 METRES BATT LE CRY; CAESAR COUNTRY; DISCOULDRUN; DIVINE INSP IRATION; GOLDEN CHOICE; HELLO; LEADING LADY; LOR D SILVER; MAHA RAJA; PEACEONEART H; RO CKET WHEELS; RO YAL MOO N; VALORO US.

The Congress of the People achieved that in 2007, regardless of the end result, as the 147,000 of us felt satisfied voting that day without having to hold our nose to choose between the lesser of two evils, as we were forced to do in 2015.

Now the COP is as significant as NJAC, NAR and the other promised and proposed political groups popping up at every corner.

However, those 140,000-odd are still hoping for a change and as much as those in leadership virtually sold out the party to remain in Government and keep lofty positions, including Ministerial posts, it is hoped this time around, those who seek leadership in the COP would not be vying for such a post.

Especially based on doing what they did previously, which was to remain silent or be so obnoxious and not understand that a window must always be opened for possible discussion with other parties whilst ensuring that we maintain our principles.

Thankfully, the three options (for COP leadership) are all excellent choices. However, based on what I mentioned above, the best choice would be the one who said “enough is enough” and walked, as the majority of us also did, either before, during or after her departure.

Taking nothing from the few hundreds who remained, the fact is that the 140,000-odd did what Nicole Dyer Griffith did, and the only way the party can become relevant is for one of those to lead, as we would know that she would defend the values of the party, while being mature and open minded in modern day politics.

That is the kind of character we need to have a proper third option and it is hoped the registered COP members use this opportunity to give the nation a proper third choice.

This may be our last chance to do so.

A Sean Jerome Tunapuna

Both sides are desperate for points with Defence Force (eight points) and Police FC (six) currently occupy sixth and eight positions respectively on the 2017 standings and separated by Morvant Caledonia (seven points), who face second-placed Club Sando in one of four north-vssouth clashes over a five-day period.

Gordon’s side edged Police 1-0 on June 12 when both sides last met at the start of the current season to lead the head-to-head dating back to December 2015 with four wins, while Police have three wins—none of the seven clashes ending in a draw.

“This is a rivalry that goes way back,” continued Gordon. “(…) and has always been in football.

So we are just continuing in the tradition. We take games against Police very personal because the tradition is that we don’t want to lose against Police, and likewise, Police don’t want to lose against us.” “A rivalry will always exist between Police and Defence Force,” echoed Police coach Richard Hood. “It’s a tradition I try to maintain, although I’d say it’s a friendly rivalry. Army nor Police wants to lose to each other.

“I am unaware of the [recent] statistics and it don’t matter too much. But most definitely we want to win the game (today).

We have been dropping too many points in games we were supposed to win this season, and dropping points in games were good enough to draw.”

ttproleague.com

“I think there is more to wanting just a win against Caledonia,” said Eve. “Traditionally I have always gotten the better of (Morvant Caledonia coach) Jamaal Shabazz anywhere I have coached.” Morvant Caledonia, one of only two teams to defeat Sando this season, snapped an all-time 100 percent win-less run of six games against the southerners with a 2-1 win league on June 9—the start of the current season.

“Angus is a little upstart that I like,” Shabazz told www.ttproleague.

com. “And because of that it’s always interesting to come up against the teams he has coached. They (Sando) were our first and only win of the season thus far, and we want to go all out to add another three points to our tally.” Sando went on to lose against W Connection 3-1 in their second game but have since then recorded a six-game undefeated run and currently occupy second position with 14 points, two adrift of leaders North East Stars but only ahead of third-place Connection by goal-difference.

Shabazz’s squad, led by ex-national goalkeeper Glenroy Samuel, have been undefeated in four of their last six outings, and are on a three-game undefeated run.

Ex-Morvant Caledonia captain Akim Armstrong will again be among a feisty Sando bunch, which includes no-nonsense defenders Nicholas Thomas and Trevin Latapy and attacking midfielder Keron Cornwall.

Armstrong joined Sando in pre-season after seven years attached to Morvant Caledonia, barring a lengthy spell on the side-lined through injury and a stint in Finland.

Nical Stephens, Keyon Edwards, Tyrone Charles and Jamal Gay are also former Morvant Caledonia players with the latter three joining Sando via San Juan Jabloteh in pre-season.

“We look forward to meeting these sons of Caledonia,” Shabazz said. “…because it’s important for them to know who their daddy is.”

ttproleague.com

The tournament served off yesterday at the National Racquet Centre in Tacarigua, and the local athletes looked very comfortable on their home courts.

In the Boys Singles Under-11 category, Nadav Singh was the first to book his quarter-final spot, defeating his fellow countryman Jamahl Mason 21-11, 21-19. This morning, he will face Jamaican Jelanie Nelson, who was on a first round bye. TT’s Aditya Maharaj got past Amir McBean of Jamaica 21-12, 21-17 setting up a quarter- final match-up with another local athlete in Hassan Khan. Bajan Nathan King strolled past TT’s Kiran Rampersad 21-15, 21-10 in their first round match and will square off against TT’s Jace Smith in the third quarter-final of the age group.

Jorie McBean, representing Jamaica, managed to defeat TT’s Yohan Manohar 21-10, 21-17 and will face another member of TT’s contingent in Andrew Babwah, in the fourth quarter-final.

In the Boys Singles Under-13, Travis Sinanan rallied to victory, defeating Bajan Harrison Griffith 21-19, 21-17. Sinanan squares off against Andre Stewart of Jamaica in the quarter-final after the Jamaican got past TT’s Jashaun Auguste 21-8, 21-10. Suriname’s Rivano Bisphan also booked his spot in the quarter-final against TT’s Kye Isaac. Bisphan defeated TT’s Seth Mollah 21-15, 21-9 while Isaac trounced Guyanese Vikash Mootoo 21-10, 21-8 to cruise into the quarter-final.

Local athletes Narisa Singh and Cathline Ramroop will battle each other in the Girls U-15 category.

Ramroop strolled past Jamaican Cemba Griffiths 21-5, 21-6 claiming her spot in the quarter-finals, while Singh was on a first round bye.

The Boys Under-17 saw TT’s Leon Cassie battling Malik Hamilton representing Barbados 21- 16, 21-4, setting up a quarter-final match against Tyrese Jeffrey of Suriname. Jeffrey defeated TT’s Aidan Mootoosingh 21-8, 21-7 in their first round match.

In the same category, TT’s Vance Juteram trounced Suriname’s Geordan Tjon Kon Joen 21-13, 21-10 where he will face Dominican Daniel Acosta in the quarter-final. TT’s Josef Gonzales defeated Bajan James Aaron Godding 21-17, 21-14 to book his spot in the quarter-finals against Jamaican Mikhael Williams.

Williams got the better of TT’s Hezekiah Boodoo 21-9, 21-13.

In the Girls equivalent, TT’s Eban Sandy and Sandhya Cassie will face off in their quarter-final match after both defeated their opponents in round one. Also making the quarter-final rounds in the category for the hosts was Chequeda De Boulet. De Boulet romped past her counterpart Waynetta Thomas 21-9, 21-13 and is set to face Priyanna Ramdhani of Suriname.

CAREBACO continues today, from 9 am, with the quarter-final action across all age groups.

Twenty-three year old Richards of New Village, Point Fortin, captured TT ’s first medal (bronze) at the IAAF World Championships in London, England when he placed third in the 200 metres yesterday afternoon.

The family members all gathered at the home of his aunt Joy Wilson in Fanny Village, Point Fortin to view the much anticipated race. Before the race, they all joined hands in prayer, making intercession for the success of their “boy” at the Games.

Moments before the start of the race, everyone rushed for a seat on the sofas in front of the television, eager to see their “baby boy” shine at the Championships.

At 4.52 pm, the pistol sounded and the race was on. Family members were off their seats and in front of the television screen, jumping and screaming, cheering Richards on as he sprinted to the finish line.

Jereem was seen pushing himself, getting the extra edge to secure a place in the final three.

Mommy, granny, sister, aunties, cousins and other relatives crowded the living room jumping, screaming and pumping their Trinidad and Tobago flag as Jereem shot across the finish line.

Out of excitement and pure happiness, one of Jereem’s relatives burst her lip as she fell to the ground screaming for joy.

Jereem’s family gave a heartfelt thanks to God for his success.

“Jereem I am so proud of you, mommy loves you!” were the words uttered out of Yvette’s lips as she nearly wept for joy over her son’s success and then drinks were served as the celebrations continued.

Richards’ time was 20.11(.107) seconds, placing him third, while second place went to Wayde Van Niekerk of Jamaica with 20.11(.106) seconds and first place went to Ramil Guliyev of Turkey with 20.09 seconds.

Proud mother Yvette, speaking afterwards, said her son qualifying for the IAAF World Championships was no surprise for her since his interest in running piqued from the age of seven.

She recalls his first athletic club was Point Fortin Civic Center Jets but, due to financial difficulties, he was forced to quit; but he never gave up hope. He joined Quantum Athletics before its closure then proceeded to do his SAT’s examination at Abilene Wildcats where he won a scholarship to study at South Plane College Texas.

Once again Richards excelled during his study there as he studied sports media alongside his sports career through which he attained the most valuable athlete with a time of 19.9.

Jereem’s older sister Brittney Richards said his perseverance finally paid off .

Commenting on Jereem’s placing, one Point Fortin resident said, “I did not know the athlete, but he could have done better.

However, I am proud of Jereem, he made Point Fortin proud and it is better to try and fail than to fail to try.” Resident Micah Edwards said, “I didn’t know the man but I am happy for him.” When asked for views on Richards success, Ramsajan Lalchan said, “I felt good, I am proud of him however I never heard of the athlete before today.” Family, friends and well wishers in his community await his arrival home with bated breath.