Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley has also urged the trade union organisations to return to the NTAC even as they called for a meeting with him to discuss an MOU which he had signed with them prior to the 2015 general election. A statement issued by the Office of the Prime Minister last Friday said the tripartite approach was the “most meaningful forum to address the myriad challenges which all parties must face as we seek to overcome and survive the current economic crisis to which we have been exposed since 2015 and which is very likely to remain a factor in our circumstances well into the medium term.” In early March, the country’s umbrella trade union bodies suspended their participation in NTAC and cited government’s decision to dissolve the Tourism Development Company as “no consultation was held with the Communications Workers Union” on the decision to dissolve the company.

The labour organisations were the National Trade Union Centre; the Federation of Independent Trade Unions and NGO’s and the Joint Trade Union Movement.

The three-day basketball clinic was facilitated by NBA coaches, Troy Justice and Ed Pinckney along with current Utah Jazz player, Raul Neto. Over the three-day period, 40 male and 20 female local basketballers, between the ages of 14-16, benefitted from an intense clinic learning the skills, techniques and other tips of the sport of basketball.

Also attending the clinics were coaches from the National Basketball Federation of Trinidad and Tobago (NBFTT ) who profitted from the expertise of the NBA professionals.

Yesterday’s closing ceremony involved a five-on-five championships among the boys and girls, followed by some insightful tips from the hosts and finally an award ceremony for the players.

The major highlight of the ceremony was some of the tips shared by Neto who, when questioned by Ed Pinckney, commented on and demonstrated his various in-game shooting techniques, how he creates space during on-court action, his ball-handling skills, his routine before a game and how he practices during the off-season.

The clinic did not only provide the opportunity for the players to learn new skills and tricks but they were also spurred on with some motivation quotes by the facilitators.

For instance, as a group, the observation was made that height is not the most important thing in basketball, but more importantly a person’s skill, attitude and discipline.

The local coaches were also praised for their hard work throughout the three-day period and were also given some words of encouragement by Justice who stated, “You can change lives as a coach, a coach touches more lives than most people in a lifetime.” When asked about what he taught about this year’s clinic, local coach Stephen Leonce said, “It was a very good programme but more is still needed. If we start developing these types of programmes at an earlier stage, the players would be in a better position.”

Any conversation moving forward, he told reporters yesterday at the launch of Government’s revised policy on HIV and Aids in the workplace, at the Radisson Hotel, Port of Spain, “must not be a public relations stunt.” The new approach must speak to what is happening in the country, he said, “And what we need to do as a people to leave a better Trinidad and Tobago for our children and grandchildren.” Commenting on Joint Trade Union Movement president general Ancil Roget’s call to boycott 120 elite businesses or “one percent” or the “most powerful group” in the country that controls businesses in the country, Annisette said, “If that statement has been made, it speaks to the question of how our system is operating.” “We have to sit now and have a new conversation that will distribute the wealth in a particular way in which everyone will benefit.” The issue is how to address the issue in the interest of TT, he said, because that kind of system brings about social disorder, crime and “the kind of disaffection you are seeing in Trinidad and Tobago right now.” Historically, he said, there are facts to prove the people with the money control the economics and the politics of any particular country.

“They do not control it in the best interest of the people of the country, therefore the trade union movement is saying, we need to have a new narrative that speaks to that particular issue.

We believe that there is a need for us to forge a new approach in terms of the social dialogue, concept and philosophy that truly speaks to respecting each other, and actually speaking to the issues that are fundamental to Trinidad and Tobago.” He said the labour movement was not satisfied with several issues.

“As we said there are several letters that went to the Minister of Finance, the Prime Minister. There are several people who are getting retrenched,” he said.

The issue of this one percent controlling the economics and politics, he said, is not unique to TT. However, it will continue, he said, “unless we have a new political system, a new narrative that is indigenous and speaks to empowering the citizens and communities within the country.” Meanwhile, Minister of Labour, and Small and Micro Enterprise Development Jennifer Baptiste-Primus said, the date for Government to meet with union leaders is “the call” of Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley.

The victory at the Queen’s Park Oval in St Clair was TKR’s second win in as many matches, which moved them to the top of the table on net run-rate ahead of St Kitts and Nevis Patriots.

The four-wicket victory was a far cry from the crushing win by the Knight Riders over the Stars in the opening match of the CPL on Friday in St Lucia. On that day St Lucia posted 132 for nine, before Trinbago raced to 137/1 in 10.4 overs.

Monday’s match seemed to be a repeat of the opening contest when the Knight Riders restricted Stars to 118/9. However, a destructive spell of bowling from veteran off-spinner Shane Shillingford ensured the Knight Riders had to work for the win.

After opener Sunil Narine was dismissed for a quick-fire 11 with the score on 12, the New Zealand pair of Colin Munro and Brendon McCullum guided TKR to a comfortable 33/1 in the third over. McCullum, who struck three sixes, was caught by Jesse Ryder for 19 off nine deliveries to give Shillingford his first scalp.

Munro (one) was given leg before attempting a reverse sweep, before Darren Bravo (one) was bowled as Shillingford continued to have his way.

Shillingford also bowled Ramdin for 13 to get his fourth wicket as TKR were reduced to 52/5 in the seventh over. TKR captain Dwayne Bravo and Khan mounted a comeback with a 23-run partnership before fast bowler Mitchell McClenaghan uprooted the captain’s middle stump with a yorker.

Searles and Khan then joined forces with the score on 75/6 after 9.3 overs. Needing 44 from 63 balls, Khan and Searles continously rotated the strike to keep the required run rate below six runs an over. With 20 runs required for victory Searles entertained with back-to-back sixes off McClenaghan, before steering a ball down to third man for four in the same over as TKR got to 120/6 in 15.4 overs. Searles ended on 27 not out off 20 balls with two sixes and two fours, while Khan’s unbeaten 30 off 33 deliveries comprised one six and one four.

Earlier, a brilliant bowling performance by TKR left the Stars hurting at the halfway stage. The spin trio of Khary Pierre (4-1-15- 1), Khan (4-0-16-1) and Narine (4-0-17-1) all kept the scoring down, while Kevon Cooper (4- 0-21-3) and Dwayne Bravo (3-0- 33-2) were the chief wicket takers.

After progressing to 45/1, the Stars lost wickets regularly with saw them limp to a modest 118/9.

Andre Fletcher top scored with 40, while Stars captain Darren Sammy scored 25.

Today, TKR will face Jamaica Tallawahs at the Queen’s Park Oval from 8 pm.

Roget made that call during last Friday’s trade union march in Port-of-Spain. He also gave what appeared to be a hint of some of the businesses in that category that JTUM wants its members to boycott.

Speaking with reporters outside Tower C of the Port-of-Spain International Waterfront Centre, after a meeting with Energy Minister Franklin Khan, Roget remarked, “They are entitled to their own opinion.” Roget also said JTUM is entitled to, “direct our members as to where to spend their money to get the most amount of benefit.” He reiterated a list of the one percent of businesses in TT to be boycotted will be made public soon. He also said a separate list of the 99 per cent of businesses in the country which should be supported will also be made public.

“It is time that we start to focus on buying doubles, pelau, roti, bake and shark.” In supporting businesses in the 99 per cent category, Roget remarked, “Let us do it on any day, not just Tuesdays and Fridays. Let us not have a ritual in doing it.” When a reporter told him boycotting businesses would affect the people employed by those businesses, Roget countered, “They are sending them home in any case.” He said JTUM would welcome these people, “being absorbed into businesses that really will boom as a result of the 99 per cent taking charge.”

Frylinck spoke to Newsday at Nelson Mandela Park in St Clair yesterday, where a number of TKR players played cricket with members of various special needs organisations.

Frylinck, who was called in as a replacement for his injured countryman Hashim Amla for the CPL, said, “Everyone goes through troubles in life and difficulties in life.

I have got a tattoo on my arm when I went through some of my tough times.

“The tattoo reads ‘No one said it will be easy,’ so it is always a bit of motivation for me if I am ever in a bit of struggle. I will read my tattoo and it picks me up and I get going again.” He encouraged the special needs athletes to maintain a positive attitude and to remember there are others in the world who have challenges. “All I could say to the kids is keep going.

“There is always someone worse off than you are and just make sure you are enjoying yourself. If you got a smile on your face and you are having fun it is all you can ask for.” Frylinck said it is always great to give back and he was impressed with the talent of the youngsters.

“The kids out here are so passionate. Obviously they are not as fortunate as some of the other people, but you can’t see the difference. The guys and girls are playing some fantastic cricket. It is awesome to be able to give back as one of the main teams in Trinbago.” Some of the other TKR members that joined Frylinck were players Khary Pierre and Javon Searles, coach Simon Katich and assistant coach Imran Jan.

The session yesterday was the second phase of this initiative, the first of which took place at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain recently.

The game, which was basically the battle for second spot after Canada played unbeaten in Group B, started slowly as both teams were cautious in their approach .

The best opportunity of the opening quarter fell to TT ’s Shaquille Daniel who had a glorious chance to take the lead with virtually the last shot of the quarter but he slapped it over the uprights .

Goalkeepers Rodrigo Faustino (Brazil) and TT ’s Andrey Rocke made excellent saves to keep the scoreline at 0-0 .

The second period began scrappy as both teams struggled to string passes together especially in the attacking end. TT then pressed higher up the pitch and were rewarded almost immediately when Marcus Pascal won the ball in the penalty area and guided it home in the 26th minute to give the “Calypso Stickmen” a 1-nil lead .

TT looked more assured in the third quarter as they dominated the early stages with the most capped TT player ever Kwandwane Browne still showing his worth on the team by controlling the game from defence to attack .

Then, in the 41st minute, Brazil were given a penalty corner in which Bruno Sousa scored to level the game at 1-1. At that point in time shouts of “Don’t lose your focus guys” were heard from coach Glen Francis .

The 17-year-old Teague Marcano tapped in the winner from close range in the 47th minute to send the Caribbean side in the semi-final round against world number one ranked Argentina tomorrow from 5 pm .

Marcano said after the match, “It was a hard-fought win, we have been preparing for games like this. We stuck to tactics and kept pushing together.” Commenting on what it means to be on the national team he said, “I have a lot of family members who were on the national team so I have to continue to legacy to represent TT

Hackett was third in heat seven in 23.50 seconds to earn qualification.

Winning the heat was German Rebekka Haase in 22.99, while Brazilian Rosangela Santos was second in 23.34. The top three in each of the seven heats qualified for the semi-finals, along with the next three fastest athletes. Ahye was scheduled to run in heat five, but could not compete due to illness. Kayelle Clarke ran for TT in heat four, but finished sixth in 23.75 and failed to advance.

Sparkle McKnight did not advance to the women’s 400m hurdles finals, after finishing eighth in heat one of the semis in 56.59.

Today, the TT duo of Jereem Richards and Kyle Greaux will compete in the men’s 200m semi-finals. Greaux will run in heat one and Richards in heat two.

Twenty-year-old Sween is the sister of cricketer Dwayne Bravo and owner of Shafek’s Catering, a small business that caters food for weddings, birthday parties and baby showers.“My middle name is Shafeka, and my younger sister Daina Sween came over. It was a Sunday and I had cooked. She was so satisfied with the food she said that this is Shafek’s Catering and that’s how the name came about,” she says of the catering company’s name.

From an early age Sween knew her calling was in the culinary industry. “At a very early age, around five-years-old I enjoyed being in the kitchen. I would take leaves and cut them up and pretend that I’m cooking while playing doll house,” she says with a laugh. “Deep down, I always knew that I wanted to be a chef.

I would even try to persuade myself to become a lawyer or doctor, but in my heart I wanted to become a chef, badly.” Sween attended Barataria South Secondary School (BSSS) where she was the president of the BSSS Hydroblaze Dragon Boat team. Although she knew what career path she wanted to follow, the food and nutrition package offered at the school was not very challenging so she pursued Modern Studies. She subsequently attended the Trinidad and Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute (TTHTI) and graduated in 2015 with an Associate’s degree in Culinary Management.

During that time she got the opportunity to intern at Sandals Resort, Barbados for six months and Hilltop Restaurant, Chaguaramas. “It is necessary and extremely helpful to gain experience from TTHTI.” When she graduated, instead of going to work in a restaurant, she decided to take a different route. “I always wanted to create my own dream and do my own thing, so I started small with my own business. Shafek’s Catering was registered in 2016 and my first event ‘Que with a Difference’ sold over 350 boxes of food. For a snack box event we hosted, we sold over 250 boxes, so we are definitely establishing ourselves.” But she says she could not have done it alone, and thanks her family for their support. “From the beginning my family was always there for me. Whenever I experimented with food, they would be the first to try it and give their honest feedback. My grandmother Lucian Roberts and Vanessa “Aunty Von” Alexander are very helpful.

They do not hesitate to share their recipes. They pass on so much knowledge to me. I come from a family with a background in food, they would usually cook for family gatherings and small family weddings,” said Sween with a smile.

She says Bravo has had a major impact on her business.

“Dwayne is very supportive and helps me get events (to cater) as well.” Social media too has played a positive role in her marketing plan. “Definitely, through social media and my family because I would post pictures of food I cook at home and people would see it and like it, then they would contact me with jobs. I usually tell my clients that they can buy the ingredients or I can purchase them and make what they desire for a flat price inclusive of labour.” Despite her love for cooking, she admits it is not an easy job.

“It depends on how you look at it. If I had to encourage anyone I would tell them to love it before they start because the culinary world can be trying at times.

You would be on your feet for long hours, you may not have the time to eat a proper meal because your main goal is to make sure your orders go out and your customers are satisfied.

So you always put others in front of yourself, because it’s your job.” But it brings her such joy. “When I make a dish for someone and they are finished, hearing that they are extremely satisfied is an unstoppable joy for me.” Sween plans to go back to TTHTI to pursue her Bachelors’ degree. “As far as God is willing to push me, I am willing to go.

The sky is the limit as long as God is leading me, I am following him.” And she has even bigger plans to follow her dreams.

“I definitely want to open a cross between a restaurant and a bakery. It’s still an idea right now but I know it will turn into reality.” Her advice to anyone who is passionate about their dreams is to go for it 100 per cent. “There are tough times ahead, you would feel like you want to give up but once you’re passionate just go and let no one hold you back.” Shafek’s Catering can be contacted via: Email: shafekscatering868@ hotmail.com and on Facebook and Instagram: Shafek’s Catering.

Mashed potatoes with buttered vegetables and Pepper Jack spinach chicken roulade in a coconut and mushroom sauce.

Pepper Jack Spinach chicken roulade

1 tsp mustard

¼ cup seasoning

1 clove of garlic

Salt to taste

1tsp salt pepper flakes

1 tsp clove powder

1lb spinach

8oz Pepper Jack cheese

Butterfly 6 pieces of chicken breast, wash with flour, salt and lime. Pound it gently till it spreads enough so that it would be easier to roll. Whisk together the mustard, seasoning, garlic, salt, pepper flakes and clove powder in 2oz of water place the chicken in the mixture to marinate for 10 minutes in the fridge.

Sauté spinach with onion, garlic, salt and pepper. Take a chicken breast strip, even it out on a flat clean surface, add one heaping table spoon of spinach onto it, add one piece of Pepper Jack cheese. Roll and tuck breast and secure with toothpicks to hold the roll in place. Preheat oven at 350 degrees. Put a large nonstick frying pan on medium heat and sear each chicken breast till all sides are brown (it is okay if the cheese starts to melt). Grease tray with butter then move chicken rolls unto the tray. Bake for 10-15 minutes

Coconut and mushroom sauce

1 tbsp cooking oil

1 large pack of Maggi coconut milk powder mixed in 1 cup of water

2 garlic cloves

½ onion

1 tsp salt

1tsp red pepper

1 tsp Maggi flavour d pot

1 tsp white pepper

5 medium mushrooms (chopped)

Place a frying pan on medium heat, add chopped onion and 2 diced cloves of garlic to heated oil in pan, let simmer down while the onion is translucent.

Add mushrooms to pan for 8 minutes (till brown). Add mixture of coconut milk to pan.

Allow to cook and come to a simmer.

Serve with regular mashed potatoes, Pepper Jack spinach chicken roulade, topped with coconut and mushroom sauce (with a side of buttered vegetables).

(serves 6)

The TT team will face off with the Jamaica Reggae Boyz in an international friendly at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo on August 24 as a build-up for the crucial 2018 World Cup qualifier versus Honduras at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva on September 1.

And the FA has agreed that patrons who purchase their early bird tickets for the qualifier against Honduras which are priced at $150 (uncovered section) and $300 (covered) from today until August 24, will receive their ticket for the Jamaica friendly at no additional cost.

Tickets for the qualifier versus Honduras (only) will, from August 25, raise to $200 (uncovered) and $350 (covered). Limited Early Bird tickets will be on sale for the Honduras match so fans are being encouraged to purchase only in order to benefit from the deal package.

TT will face Jamaica at the Hasely Crawford Stadium from 8 pm on August 24. Regular priced tickets for that encounter only cost $100 (covered) and $50 (uncovered).