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

Meanwhile, the TT Chamber of Commerce and Industry is urging Government and the PATT to immediately resolve the seabridge issue in the interest of the nation. The chamber is questioning the operations of the cargo vessel Cabo Star, which was also leased by Bridgemans.

On Wednesday, government announced the cancellation of the contract to Bridgemans to provide the passenger vessel Ocean Flower 2, for failure to deliver on time.

Responding yesterday to Leader of the Opposition Kamla Persad- Bissessar’s call for a police investigation into the procurement process, which she said was “a scandal of the highest order which reeks of mismanagement and corruption”, Sinanan opined, “It is strange that suddenly the former prime minister knows what is a scandal. From 2010 to 2015, she did not know what was a scandal. In this instance, she should say what is a scandal.” Any legal issue arising out of the cancellation of the vessel, he said, was being dealt with by the lawyers representing the PATT.

On whether there were any agents or middle person dealing with Bridgemans, Sinanan said, the port authority, as Government’s agent, was dealing with Bridgemans.

“What I know for sure,” he said, “is that the port authority paid nobody any commission, or finders’ fee or anything like that. As a matter of fact no money was paid on that vessel. So there is no money that the Port Authority would have had to recover.” Asked what will happen to Cabo Star’s contract if anything is found not right with the operations of Bridgemans, Sinanan said, “If there are investigations, and depending on the findings of the investigations, I am sure the port authority or the ministry will do what has to be done.” In a release issued yesterday, the chamber said, the Cabo Star “is yet to meet the projected service capabilities.” Agreeing there would be an initial three-week teething period, after some ten days in operation, the chamber said, “it is unacceptable that among other challenges, air conditioning units and wash room facilities are malfunctioning.

The cafeteria is not in operation. Cabins remain unavailable to truckers, and sailing time to Tobago is still six hours on average.” The chamber also commended PATT chairman Alison Lewis’ willingness to resign, if the PATT board is found to have failed to follow proper procurement procedures.

Calling for transparent procurement practices, the chamber called on Government, working in tandem with the PATT, to “preserve the highest principles in ensuring that our country is perceived in the best light globally by potential investors.”

On Wednesday evening, the League’s membership held its first official elections at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva.

And Look Loy, who is also the owner, president and coach of FC Santa Rosa, defeated his rival Ryan Ottley – manager of Defence Force – by 14 votes to eight, with one spoilt ballot.

And it was a clean sweep for Look Loy’s team, who will form the Board of Directors.

According to a media release issued yesterday, “Guaya United’s Jameson Rigues will serve as first vice-president after being unopposed while Eddison Dean defeated Marvin Wilson by claiming 15 of the 23 votes available on the night. Wilson garnered six votes while there were two absentees and one spoilt ballot.” And, in the three rounds of voting for the positions of ordinary board members, George Joseph (first round), Clayton Morris (second round) and Colin Murray (third round) were also elected by comfortable margins. “The election was conducted in compliance with the TT Super League by-laws and overseen by the TTS L electoral committee which was headed by Boris Punch,” the media release ended

Haleema is in urgent need of a bone marrow transplant to save her life.

She has been diagnosed with beta thalassaemia, a major blood disorder that reduces the production of iron, since she was 18 months old and requires blood transfusions every three weeks. The Fortis Medical Research Institute in India has offered to do the operation at a cost of TT$400,000 but the family is unable to raise the money.

The child’s father is a construction worker and her mother, Kristal, is a housewife. When contacted yesterday, Kristal said she had a busy morning answering her phone as people were calling to offer financial assistance as well as prayers for the family. She said people even called from abroad to pray with her and give her words of comfort. In addition, she said a medical company even agreed for the family to have certain tests done at a reduced price.

The family is awaiting a response from the Children’s Life Fund on whether Haleema’s case would be selected for assistance. According to National Health services in the United Kingdom, a bone marrow transplant replaces damaged blood cells with healthy ones. It could be used to treat conditions affecting the blood cells, such as leukaemia and lymphoma. Anyone wishing to assist the Mohammed family can make contributions to the First Citizens Bank, Penal, #2430155 and Haleema’s parents can be contacted at 331-4672 or 270-0707.

According to the charges, on January 6, Earl and Thomas shot and killed Ishmael Bailey and Derek “Warlord” Joseph. Both men agreed to have their matters heard together. The charges were laid indictably.

During the course of the proceedings several statements from the complainant Sergeant Bacchus, witnesses and attorneys were submitted before the court.

Attached to these statements, was a copy of a DVD recording of footage outside the apartment complex on Nelson street at the time of the incident and a post-mortem report from one of the deceased.

Acting Senior Pathologist Rita Bailey confirmed that she did produce reports on one of the deceased.

However, defence attorneys declined to carry out a cross examination. Attorney for the accused Criston J. Williams said he might be unable to return to court at the assigned date of August 14, as he has other matters before the High Courts.

Earle-Caddle scolded Williams saying he needs to be present at the proceedings. “Mr Williams I am sure you had some idea what was going on, surely you know how long this would take.

Why did you take that matter (in the High Court) when you also have this matter for next week? Make sure you are here for the 14,” the magistrate warned

Speaking about why it decided to host a curry festival, the Chaguaramas Development Authority (CDA) said on Wednesday, “Recognising our country’s love for food and culture and as part of our corporate social responsibility, (we) came together with the idea of hosting, for the first time, this event in Trinidad and Tobago.” “The festival presents a platform for our local food entrepreneurs, showcasing their talent in creative curry dishes.

There will also be great entertainment including D Mighty Trini, of course with his hot single Curry Tabanca as well as children’s entertainment.” The CDA also said that the event; admission to which is free, “is a celebration of all things curry”.

Dishes range from curry coconut ice cream to curried duck Alfredo, curried corn, curried ravioli and curried crab and dumpling.

These and other curried items will be sold in three village settings: the Asian Village; the Trinbago Village; and ‘D’ Creative Village. The latter is where you can try the curry coconut ice cream while you’ll have to visit the Trinbago Village to try food made by the winners of the 2017 Curry Duck, Caura Fest and Minister of Doubles competitions.

Over in the Asian Village, dishes available for sample or sale will include naan, chicken tikka and Pad Thai.

The CDA said “$25 plate sized meals will be on sale to patrons from across the three villages.

If, however, you wish to purchase a large amount, maybe to take home for the rest of the family or even for the next day’s lunch, the vendors will be able to accommodate that as well.” The CDA expressed thanks to everyone who partnered with it to make “Spices, the Curry Festival” a reality, including its board, management and staff, several CDA tenants, the Tourism Ministry and the Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC). Regarding concerns about the likelihood of traffic getting into and out of Chaguaramas, the CDA assured that it is “making every effort” to address this.

“The CDA’s Police Department has already teamed up with the TTPS and the TT Defence Force to manage the traffic situation.

There will be outriders patrolling the roadways and CDA Police will be manning major traffic points. Of course, once you have reached at the Boardwalk, you don’t have to worry about your vehicles since there will be secured parking at CDA’s car parks.” However the CDA cautioned patrons attending the festival that parking will not be allowed on the roads’ verges.

The money which was traced to Tortola, during the course of the joint police and Customs investigation, was found concealed between plywood inside the container, which was supposed to be cleared by a local businessman.

Up to yesterday, no charge was laid against the businessman for smuggling the cash into this country.

When the money was seized it was transported to the Customs and Excise building and placed in a vault. The money was transferred to a vault at the Central Bank following information that criminals were planning a heist on the Customs building.

In a release, the Customs and Excise Division revealed that Comptroller of Customs and Excise Glen Singh applied to the Magistrate’s Court for an order that the seized cash be forfeited to the State. Customs and Excise was represented by State Counsel Shirley Sheppard and on hearing evidence given by officers in the seizure, Couva Magistrate Siumongal Ramsaran granted the order after being satisfied that conditions of the forfeiture were fulfilled in accordance with the Proceeds of Crime Act.

This is clearly needed not only within the public sector but also the private sector. Unfortunately, our watershed legislation on anti- discrimination measures, the Equal Opportunity Act, does not provide adequate protection for persons with HIV/AIDS. It tracks a person’s status only in terms of sex, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, martial status and disability level.

There is nothing to protect an employer from mistreating an employee who is HIV positive. This is a considerable gap especially when we consider the extent of the protections offered by the legislation.

It bars discrimination not only in relation to employment, but also in education, the provision of goods and services, and even the provision of accommodation. In other words, it provides a profound shield against discrimination in all of the major facets of life.

The defects of this statute are well known. Outrageously, it has explicitly barred LGBT persons from protection by striking sexual orientation off the list. The message sent by this appalling law, therefore is this: such persons may be mistreated not only by employers, but also teachers, grocers, service- providers, and even landlords who provide accommodation.

Persons with HIV/AIDS have an even worse fate in the legislation.

Though not specifically barred from protection, they are not even mentioned. Effectively, the law regards the 11,000 persons with this condition as invisible. This new policy changes that. We await the National Monitoring and Evaluation Plan for HIV/AIDS, but in the meanwhile, we note the profound impact this policy can have in relation to the quality of life enjoyed by our daughters, sons, fathers, mothers, sisters, and brothers who are diagnosed with this disease.

True, it can be said the policy does not go far enough. And the lobby groups that are likely to make this argument would be justified in so doing. We need more than a policy, we need the strength of law and enforcement. And we need the State to overhaul the Equal Opportunity Act completely.

However, we note change in any society cannot be done in a heavy-handed manner. While there is clearly a long way to go in terms of changing attitudes in relation to HIV/AIDS, it is better that the State take a small step instead of none. Over time, this small step is likely to snowball into a bigger movement for change.

No one knows the remedy for prejudice. But when employers and employees see persons with HIV/AIDS working hard and achieving their fullest potential as human beings within the social setting, they will see first-hand what should be self-evident: We are all equal and all worthy of a space on this earth.

We hope the trade union movement will support this workplace policy measure and aggressively lobby for it to become entrenched in law. These trade unions must realise the gravity of their responsibility to ensure that all workers, no matter their status, have an equal chance to earn a living.

We praise Minister Baptiste-Primus and Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Ayanna Webster- Roy for boldly supporting this measure and urge the State – including the Parliament – to not let the people down. We must not merely treat the symptoms of illhealth.

Over time, we must eradicate the disease of discrimination completely.

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.

Government’s proposal to weigh household wealth in deciding eligibility for education subsidization is going to fail, since it cannot disclose private financial information to support decisions on qualifying or denying GATE applicants’ funding. Garcia said new students over 50, won’t be able to access GATE, but continuing students who reach age 50 will get funding to complete their programme. He said his ministry’s website contains details of the means testing.

Davidson pointed out that the means test only deals with income, unlike a previous eight-page means test used in 2004 to 2006, which included questions on family assets.

Garcia said that even with means-testing, student fees will be modest. Garcia says from the forthcoming academic year (20127-2018), GATE funding will depend on the income of the household. Students whose household income is under $10,000 a month will be eligible for 100 per cent gate funding. Where the household income is above $10,000, the student will be required to pay 25 per cent of tuition fees and where the household income is above $30,000 students will be required to pay 50 per cent.

Who will be held criminally liable where false financial information is given by a GATE applicant, the GATE applicant or the household? What arrangement will comprise a household income? Where will government source money to create jobs and pay for the ‘army of investigating officers’ Garcia says will go out into the field, in homes and on work sites to probe GATE fraud? Is it ethical for government to use education subsidisation to mine for private financial information? Where will government source funding to hire an army of investigators to weed out GATE fraud? How much forex will that army earn TT ?

B Joseph via email