N Touch

Game more serious than life, death

It was  the late great Bill Shankly who said: “Some people talk about football as if it were life or death itself, but it’s much more serious than that.” An adjunct  in the Caribbean is it is a means of survival, but as all favours, it bears a huge price, not payable sometimes in one’s lifetime. Football is essentially a simple ball game, open to anyone with legs, lungs and a bit of leather or these days, plastic  money as well. But can it still really be called a game?  Or is it little more than a part of the world of business and politics? We only have to ask Clayton Ince, Omandi  Lowe, Anthony  Rougier, Shaka Hislop, Stern John and Jason Scotland to fully understand this. If  you have been employed in the holidays or you are already in a permanent job, you will have noticed the difference between how it seems before you start, and how it actually is a little later. Contracts or letters of employment, if you are lucky to  get one, usually hide more than they tell. Have you ever tried writing an honest account of your job in the form of a letter of contract? If so, you may be more than pleasantly surprised. Here are a few clauses that might appear in a Regional Professional Footballer’s Contract to prevent a strike again.

Allowing for the difference in style, how many do you think appear in an actual contract?
1) The player hereby agrees, to play efficiently according to the instructions of his manager and coach, and not to question the wisdom or knowledge of  the said officials of the club.
2) The player hereby agrees, that after a year if the club wishes to renew the contract for a further period they may do so, but that if the player wants to stay for that period and the club doesn’t want him, he may be shown the door.
3) The player hereby agrees not to live anywhere the club feels might offer him temptation or harm the image of the club.
4) The player hereby agrees to go to bed early, avoid night clubs, spend most of the year in team coaches, trains, airport or hotels and be satisfied with cards, bingo and television as leisure activities.
5) The player hereby agrees to stand by the Technical Director’s judgment when and if the club appoints a new manager, and not to expect to be asked if he approves of the man with whom he will have to work closely for  30 weeks of the year.
6) The player hereby agrees that he will not talk to or take up the pen as a newspaper writer without asking the club if he may do so and if it agrees to the latter then every single word must be approved by the Club.
7) The player hereby agrees to put up with being called “boy”,’ “lad” or “servant” of the club and to always call the manager “the boss” and accept his proper place in the club cheerfully.
8) The player  hereby agrees that if the club wishes to transfer him they will consult almost everyone else before letting him in on the secret.
9) The player hereby agrees that the club has no responsibility to do anything for him once his playing days are over, since there is only room for 1 in 10 to get a job within the game.
10) The player hereby agrees, that if forced onto a legal stage, he will absolve the local Football Association, as well as CONCACAF and FIFA.
11) The player hereby agrees to not speak to certain sections of the media, of course Newsday will be exempted because of its fair reporting standard.
12) The Player hereby agrees to smile at all times, even when forced to work with people dumber than him, or even when injured
13) The player hereby agrees not to expect to be compensated if injured and forced out of the game, and therefore has to live on park benches.
14)  OH !!  By the way, I almost forgot to mention that the player hereby agrees not to expect any transfer fee negotiated for his services to ever be known by him, such as who it went to, how much it was, where it is now, or if any is for him .
15) The Player hereby agrees to just agree.
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Carnival Messiah wins feature — only just

JOCKEY Ricky Jadoo drove Carnival Messiah to a short-head victory over a determined Man Of Class, to take the feature Allowance race at Santa Rosa Park, Arima, yesterday. The pair matched strides from the off with Man Of Class holding a very slight edge throughout the 1200 metres event. Speedy Champagne Wager who was slow out of the starting stalls, joined the leaders 700 metres out, but as the battle was enjoined by the principals, the American-bred filly went into reverse gear. Jockey Rajpaul Rajkumar kept Man Of Class going and as the Maniram “Boboy” Maharaj-owned and trained gelding appeared to have it won, “The Messiah” just managed to get his head in front at the line. Cold Risk scored a stunning upset victory in the Optional Claiming event for non-winners of two races over 1100 metres on the turf course. Owned by the A&K Stables, the filly rewarded backers with $43.90 and $7.60 on the tote, and along with runner-up Estilon and third Stormy Season, the trifecta dividend was a healthy $4,008.60 and with Lazar Wolf fourth, the superfecta payment was $5,467.60. But the biggest superfecta of the day came in the final event on the quartet of Peace Consort, Storming Wind, Ula and Alibi Ike — a whopping $10,461.90. Brian Harding booted home three winners on the day’s 10-race programme to be the leading rider, while both Jadoo and Venezuelan Wilmer Galviz had two winners each. But Harold Chadee was by far the top trainer, saddling four winners with Bertram Dookeran having two on the day. Because of continuous rain yesterday which made conditions sloppy the eighth race was removed from the turf course and run off on the main prepared track instead. Next race day is on Saturday.

Not so, Mr Hinds

AS AN attorney at law and an experienced parliamentarian, Mr Fitzgertald Hinds, the member for Laventille East/Morvant, should know better than seeking to aggravate the racial tensions and undercurrents that exist in the country’s political life. In his years of debating in the House, Mr Hinds has developed a gift for biting, even acerbic, repartee, but on Thursday, to the surprise and dismay of even his colleagues on the Government benches, Mr Hinds went overboard by recalling the late Dr Eric Williams’ attacks on the Indian community in the early days of the PNM. Those references should have been best left forgotten, as part of a particular episode in our political history. Worse yet, Mr Hinds’ use of them in the House was quite unnecessary to a rebuttal of the Opposition’s criticism of the Immigration (Caricom Skilled Nationals) Amendment Bill 2003 which raised fears that the legislation would lead to an influx of Caricom nationals into TT seeking jobs and which accused the Government of attempting to obtain “votes by boat.”

Instead of pointing to the limitations and constraints contained in the Bill, the PNM backbencher chose to delve into Williams’ autobiography, Inward Hunger, quoting lengthy passages in which the late PM lambasted the Indian community for being what he described as “a hostile and recalcitrant minority” and accusing them of having a false allegiance to TT and bringing out the Indian vote “by hook or by crook.” Hinds declared: “This is the danger facing the people of Trinidad and Tobago — exploiting race as the basis of political power. Dr Williams saw it as a danger then, and it is a danger now.”

If on a political platform Mr Hinds wants to deal with the racially-charged fulminations of Mr Basdeo Panday, then we would have no quarrel with that. We ourselves have condemned the UNC leader for appealing to the ethnic instincts of his supporters. However, Thursday’s debate on this Bill, regardless of what Mr Hinds may have thought about the Opposition’s contribution, was certainly not the time and place for digging up Dr Williams’ attacks on the Indian community who, by the way, no longer comprise a “minority” of our population. In the context of the debate, we can see no pertinent reason for Mr Hinds’ gambit. How does it serve to refute the arguments presented by members of the Opposition? If the UNC charges are unfounded, that the Government plans to use the extended immigration categories to bring in Caricom workers into TT and so increase its political support, then Mr Hinds’ task should be to use the provisions of the Bill to prove otherwise.

As far as we are concerned, we are not satisfied that the Bill provides this kind of assurance, since the categories now included, “artistes, musicians, sports persons and media workers” are general ones and, without any kind of specificity, are open to varying interpretations. For example, is TT obligated to grant residential status to a Caricom citizen once he or she is certified by any Caricom state “as holding qualifications which satisfy the conditions for recognition of Caribbean Community Skills qualification”? But getting back to Mr Hinds; is he seeking to justify the Opposition charges by reminding them of what Dr Williams had to say about the Indian community, that they brought out the vote “by hook or by crook”? Is he telling the Opposition, so what if we voter pad by this Bill, remember what Dr Williams said about you, and it still applies. Mr Hinds has opened himself to Opposition charges of propagating  racial hatred. Perhaps on sober reflection and on the advice of his colleagues he will realise his error.

‘World’s best’ Gospel singer at Christ Castle


As my wife and I travelled from nation to nation, doing lectures and fulfilling other speaking engagements, we would witness the “Donniemania” among crowds. It has become common to hear fans refer to Donne Mc Clurkin as “the world’s best Gospel singer.”


I met famous international Gospel music superstar Donnie Mc Clurkin for the first time when we both ministered at the same convention in St Lucia, a few years ago. I was invited to the huge event as one of the keynote speakers, while Donnie was there as both speaker (yes, he is a fantastic speaker) and singer.

Prior to our meeting, I had been particularly impressed by the profound impact the music of this gifted American had upon people of various cultures, ethnic groups, and ages. I noticed he was black but was adored by blacks and whites alike. He was basically of the younger age group, but the older folks were also widely hooked on his music. As my wife and I travelled from nation to nation, doing lectures and fulfilling other speaking engagements, we would witness the “Donniemania” among crowds. At that time (and it’s even more so now) it was common to hear fans refer to Donnie as “the world’s best Gospel singer.” Of course, there sometimes would be the friendly debate as the fans of other top Gospel artistes challenged the pedestal position which the Donnie fans gave to him. Whatever the outcome of those “debates,” no one would doubt the fact that Donnie is indeed a darling of this Gospel music era; one who occupies a class by himself. He carries a distinctly rich anointing in his singing and his voice is “just different” — absolutely amazing! I don’t think there are many Gospel singers who can take some of those “old” traditional songs/hymns and bring them to life in the glorious manner in which Donnie does. And, certainly, he is just as good with the contemporary stuff.

In our St Lucia meeting, my wife and I had the opportunity to prove, from a close-up position, that Donnie’s fans did not hold an exaggerated view of him and his music. In fact, as we spent that week in ministry and fellowship together with him (we stayed at the same hotel) we discovered that the more you got to know the man himself, the more you grew to appreciate his music. His life reflects the depth of spirituality which emanates from his music. His fear of God has depth and unquestioned authenticity. His faith and integrity (as confirmed by those who have long known him) are equally sound. Donnie comes from quite a humble background. This inherent humility appears to have created a kind of aura which envelops his very personality and his music. The first act of Donnie’s that caught my attention at the St Lucia convention was on the first night which I had ministered. The theme had to do with fulfilling one’s dreams. During my delivery, Donnie was seated on the platform among other special guests. After I was through with my presentation, the hosts of the conference requested that I minister prophetically to a Minister of the St Lucian Government, who was also among VIPs seated on the platform. The Government Minister was evidently deeply moved by the prophetic ministry and was literally in tears. By that time, I was sweating and thirsty. There was water and some other drinks on a small table at one end of the platform. Apparently in all that was taking place, the hospitality folks had lost touch for a moment.

Donnie, who was one of the highly honoured guests, left his seat (which was some distance away) and took up a glass and the water jug and brought it over to me. He stood there and ensured that I had been well refreshed. He proceeded to give to me a sweet-smelling small towel to dry my sweat. The towel was his personal item. I had not personally met him yet. We had not spoken. But this was the humble servant’s attitude of one of the most highly esteemed men in the world. Donnie’s gesture may have seemed insignificant to some people, but my pastoral training has conditioned me to “see a little deeper.” Character is the cornerstone of the life of any servant of God — whether in the call of music or preaching — and humility is fundamental to character. I am sure I will have many voices echoing my sentiments when I say that the man, Donnie Mc Clurkin, is a servant of character. Most of Donnie’s fans and followers are also familiar with the fact that their favourite “superstar” is a walking miracle. The multiple award-winning artiste was given no chance of survival, by medical science, when he was diagnosed with leukemia several years ago. With resolute faith in the healing power of Christ, Donnie defied the prognosis, the death sentence and the ailment. After some very testing challenges, his faith in his God won a very convincing victory over the deadly disease. He has for many years now been declared medically free from every trace of the condition. The celebrated Donnie Mc Clurkin will be at Christ Castle, Miracle Ministries, come July 17, for two grand sessions. Donnie’s visit is part of “Worship Experience 2003” which is hosted by Rev Angela Williams, Woodbrook Pentecostal Church and Radio Isaac, 98.1 FM. Information line is 628-6785.

Why is TTUTA defending Supervisors?

THE EDITOR: In championing the cause of school supervisors Mr Trevor Oliver declared “School supervisors are being cheated and we will do everything to ensure that they get their just due.” (Newsday June 23, 03) p 4, “TTUTA President Howls: Cheat!”)

It is wrong for the president of TTUTA to use the annual pay of primary and secondary schools’ principals and to compare this with that of school supervisors, thereby justifying the need for school supervisors to be paid more, or to get an increase. What about the much advertised criteria used to pay teachers and principals in the last negotiations when teachers/principals were delinked from the public service. Does it not now apply to school supervisors? This in itself exposes how superficial it was in the first place and the sellout of secondary school teachers that is the present Teacher III. But then in that negotiation our good association argued for future teachers, that is, people who are not even members of TTUTA. Teachers in the service for many years were sold out. A comparison with the initial pay of new teachers with that of teachers in the service for ten, fifteen, twenty years will reveal the extent of the sellout. No attempt is being made to rectify this situation. Now, the President of TTUTA is announcing an agenda for action in defence of school supervisors who are not even members of TTUTA.

There is more to this than meets the eye. Mr Oliver reveals it. He argued that “we are not getting people going into supervisory service, and it is clearly unfair to them.” Clearly, this cannot be a reference to our ordinary primary and secondary school teacher. The reference here is to principals who do not want to be supervisors because their present pay is more than that of school supervisors. So Mr Oliver is really making a case for principals and the promotion of principals. Already principals and vice-principals enjoy the real benefits of the educational system in terms of payment and holidays and limited workload. They also get other rewards within the school. There is hardly a principal in the education system who exercises transparency in accounting matters. This lends itself to suspicion and even accusation of corruption. Areas of corruption are school fund raising activities and the operation of the school cafeteria. Some accept bribes for “favours.” The list is long. One wishes to suggest that teachers wake up and form associations to pursue their interests. TTUTA is serving many masters and, teachers’ interests have been sacrificed for the interests of principals, and now school supervisors.


KAMAL  PERSAD
Couva

CEPEP changing young people

THE EDITOR: I would like to compliment the CEPEP programme for it is doing a lot for our country by having the place clean and is helping our young people a lot. The youths are earning an honest dollar and they are engaged in keeping their community and environs clean.

This programme is changing plenty young people who are not focused and doing a number of wrong things. There is no need anymore for them to go astray, being involved in this programme. I would like to give San Juan/Barataria full marks. I passed through San Juan area and the whole community is clean and the sidewalk is lily white. Mr Mc Donald Padmore, Co-ordinator for the programme, is doing a wonderful job in the San Juan area with the programme, making sure the youths are employed and the work is done with quality. We need more like Mr Padmore in the community to mobilise young people and show them what it is to be independent and focused. The country needs a programme like this one. A clean country will bring about a clean thinking people, because cleanliness is godliness. This programme has come in the right time when dirty things like crime, immorality and no respect for elders are taking place.

Mr Padmore’s company has created a beautiful landmark with the Map of Trinidad and national emblems on the Saddle Road on the way to Maracas. The tourists can stop and take pictures of this national monument as a historical site. Family and friends are welcome to the site to see this nationalistic piece of work that was done by the CEPEP Empowerment Programme. I would like to answer Mr Panday’s statement made on Thursday’s daily (Newsday) where he is condemning once more the CEPEP programme, saying that we are only painting pebbles and stones. We would like Mr Panday to know that it is an Environmental Programme, cleaning up Trinidad and Tobago and beautifying the environment, creating small landscapes and painting the pebbles and stones, are just part of the beautification of the landscape. Since Mr Panday is so “fast” to change the name of the programme, we have also taken the initiative to change his party’s name from United National Congress to United National Cockroaches/Culprits. Maybe Mr Panday would like his pebbles painted lily white to match the white hair on his head. We would like the critics to know that we are CEPEP to the bone.


MATTHEW STAR WHILEY
Woodbrook

One-day cricket taking over

THE EDITOR: Cricket, sweet one-day cricket, like World Cup football, has now become the most popular game in the world. This gentleman’s game is however now undergoing a process of change. The one day or limited overs form of the game draws larger crowds than conventional Test Matches.

Cricket fans prefer to see ten days of one-day cricket rather than two 5-day Test Matches. Moreover, it is easier for a cricket fan to get time off to see a one-day game rather than a 5-day Test Match. And what is more, the one-day game never fizzles out into a tame draw. It almost always ends up in a close and exciting finish. Test cricket will in time quietly go out of style. Nothing can be more frustrating than a dull Test Match heading for a tame draw or being abandoned due to weather conditions. Not so with one-day cricket where the rules provide for a winner. World Cup cricket is one-day cricket and so, too, should be all international cricket if we wish to enhance the game and attract larger crowds. PS The outcome of the Test Match in St Lucia may well prove my point.

ELLIS MAINGOT
Trincity

38 days too long Mr Manning!

THE EDITOR: It has been approximately thirty eight (38) days since the Trinidad and Tobago Chapter of the Disabled People International has been protesting outside the National Flour Mills compound for the creation of opportunities for the “differently abled” in our society.

Apparently, the sight of the “differently abled” protesting in the sun, rain, and wee hours of the morning is not creating the kind of psychological distress that it ought to, hence the lack of action on the part of those in authority. Their efforts thus far have not heightened the interest of the Government nor corporate citizens about the needs of this group. They are a group of persons with special needs and the Government and corporate citizens have a responsibility to assist them in satisfying these needs. When they ask for assistance they are not looking for handouts but they expect those in authority to create opportunities for them to be self-reliant so that they can contribute to their well being and not be a burden on the society. Mr Manning, I think that you have the power and the political will to assist in this cause, so why are you being so tardy! You have the power to introduce policies that can help the differently abled to be represented rather than under-represented in the workforce by creating employment opportunities.

What trends and conclusions did you draw from your recent survey re: the proportion of the differently abled currently represented in the workforce? Did the statistics reveal the extent to which the “differently abled” in society are under-represented in the workforce as a result of the absence of affirmative action programmes/policies? Why have you not introduced such policies to ensure that they are represented in the workforce? Are they not a large enough proportion of the electorate to warrant your attention? Is it that you believe that they can live on handouts for the rest of their adult lives and should not be earning a living like those persons who are not differently abled? Is it that you believe that they do not have career aspirations or the ability to pursue such aspirations as other members of society do?

Well Mr Manning I think that you should take cognisance of the fact that this group has friends, families and well wishers who are quite aware of the pains and sorrows they experience on a daily basis in trying to live as normal a life as possible in a society as ours where their needs are not recognised. They are noting the insensitivity with which your government treated with the issue of the differently abled, who are most in need of your help. Mr Manning, if you cannot take care of their needs, how can you take care of ours? Is this how you plan to “care for all communities?” I am sure that you know and will do what is morally good and right. Demonstrate that you are socially responsible and capable of being a good citizen by voluntarily introducing affirmative action policies to create employment opportunities for the “differently abled.”

AD
Arima

Sound sentiments by Pastor Cuffie

THE EDITOR: I wish to record my agreement with the sentiments expressed by your writer, Pastor Dr Winston Cuffie, on “The Role of Religion in Our Schools” (21-6-03). In that particular column, Pastor Cuffie recounted excerpts of an address on the said theme, which he had delivered to school principals and supervisors, in response to an invitation from the Education Ministry.

Having spent a number of years in the United Kingdom and worked on several educational and social programmes involving a few other “developing” countries, it is my deep conviction that religion does have a vital role to play (as the Pastor advanced) in the essential character development of a child. I’ve always found it rather difficult to resonate with views that insist on the contrary. My convictions have cost me a few friends along the way, but I remain unconvinced otherwise. The US provides an awful quota of evidence depicting the regrettable consequences of instigating, among children, a contemptuous attitude towards God. Pastor Cuffie did present a beautifully structured case of the value of religion in our institutes of learning. He addressed the subject from a practical, but quite profound basis, producing compelling insights on realities of the impact of religion on human behaviour and personality development. There is hardly any reasonable way that one can challenge the soundness of his argument, as to the invaluable contribution of religion in dealing with critical issues such as anger management, self-esteem, self-discipline, conflict resolution, coping skills, identity crisis and teen depression. We witness the difference everyday in terms of what obtains in the disciplinary culture in most denominational schools, as opposed to many of the non-denominational institutions. I must also commend your Pentecostal writer for his very statesmanlike acknowledgment of the valuable input of all religions “in fostering a culture of peace” and “fashioning a sound value system” in the schools.

WITNEY
PARSLEY (Mrs)
San Fernando

Travesty of our Carnival on ‘E!TV’

THE EDITOR: Did you see that rubbish on TV recently featuring Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival? That was the question on the lips of many irate folks less than twelve hours after E! TV aired this country on a segment of its Wild On series.

The theme was, “Take On Trinidad And Get Crazy At Carnival.” Having seen the hour-long presentation on Channel 49, I must agree that it was indeed a travesty. Like other enthusiasts, I have envisioned a well-balanced programme that would have highlighted every facet of TT’s Carnival. Instead, the production was juxtaposed to a home movie, starring a group of local white folks partying and frolicking with tourists and a few token black friends who at one point, included Wendy Fitzwilliam. It appeared to be about how a particular group enjoyed themselves at Carnival time, citing their perceptions of the best Carnival band, fetes and bourgeois activities like sailing down the islands on yachts. It was 15 minutes into the programme before I realised what a gross misrepresentation it was. I knew that TIDCO would be chastised, as credits at the end of the show implied their contribution. So that it was certainly no surprise being denied information when I called the next day and questioned their role in the presentation’s lack of balance. Notwithstanding, I also found humour in the number of “counterfeit” Trinis featured on the programme. Famous Barbadian entertainer, “Rupee,” was observed seemingly trying to speak with more authority than he had on aspects of TT’s Carnival. Why weren’t local artistes interviewed? One lady with a heavy Spanish accent laboured to explain in English her understanding of Carnival.

It was only after she completed the second sentence it dawned on me that English (of sorts) was spoken. But all through the hour, it was the “fresh water yankees” that tickled me. A thought for this growing coterie: Speaking proper English is not synonymous with adopting a pseudo accent. You only need to speak slower to be understood. So please do not discard your accent in a futile attempt to impress. Foreigners love our “little twang” and you should too. The problem with E! TV’s production was not so much its contents as opposed to the fundamental elements it lacked. No proper history of Carnival or its key ingredients of calypso, soca and steel pan were offered. In fact excerpts of Dimanche Gras and Panorama were never featured. But the greatest faux pas of them all was the omission of people of colour. Colour, as we know it does not mean one thousand black Africans celebrating with ten Caucasians of ten East Indians and Chinese etc. neither is it a thousand Indians partying with ten Africans or ten Caucasians and Chinese. And it certainly is not a thousand Caucasians wining with a few black or brown skinned natives, apparently thrown in for good measure. Despite escalating crime, colour still spells varied cultures, multi-races and rainbow complexions not simply co-existing, but living in harmony. Colour means unity, indivisibility and strength — the death of segregation and division by pluralism. At Carnival time, colour is our eclectic nation in a celebration that solidifies the resplendent hues that completes our unique genre. In sweet Trini vernacular, colour is “all ah we mix up — callaloo.” This is the aspect of the true Trinidad and Tobago — the value that TIDCO, the Tourism Ministry and we the citizens should always strive to procure, maintain, promote and be proud of. How dare E! TV omit showcasing the very fibre of our heritage. Moreover, why was this allowed?

DEXTER  J  RIGSBY
Mt Lambert