In their ninth-16th place quarter- final game, the young Calypso Girls held a 20-16 lead over Cook Islands at the halfway stage.

But the Cook Islanders who were ahead 12-7 at the end of the first quarter, regained the lead at the three-quarter stanza 32-23.

The young Calypso Girls put in a determined effort in the final quarter holding the Cook Islanders to just eight goals but managed only eight themselves for the final scoreline.

They now play Northern Ireland in their second qualifying game today.

Meanwhile, Jamaica were beaten 55-38 by England in their first to eighth place quarter-final.

Another Caribbean island Grenada were beaten 62-49 by Malaysia in their 17th-20th qualifier and Barbados lost to Samoa 54- 48 in a ninth-16th match-up.

Here are yesterday’s Qualification Day scores: 1st – 8th place quarter-final: NEW ZEALAND 69 vs SOUTH AFRICA 32.

1st – 8th place quarter final – UGANDA 37 vs FIJI 39.

1st – 8th place quarter final – SCOTLAND 22 vs AUSTRALIA 95.

1st – 8th place quarter final – JAMAICA 38 vs ENGLAND 55.

9th – 16th place quarter final – SAMOA 54 vs BARBADOS 48.

9th – 16th place quarter final – BOTSWANA 51 vs WALES 39.

9th – 16th place quarter final – TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO 31 vs COOK ISLANDS 40.

17th – 20th qualification round match – SINGAPORE 63 vs SRI LANKA 36.

17th – 20th qualification round match – MALAYSIA 62 vs GRENADA 49.

Carmona praised McDonald- Grant following her swearing in at the Office of the President in St Ann’s. As he listed her academic and professional criteria, Carmona told McDonald-Grant that her acceptance of this post was part of a, “continuing saga of genuine public service.” Noting that Sir Trevor is her brother and has, “distinguished himself in no small measure in international journalism”, the President said McDonald-Grant’s willingness to serve should not come as a surprise to anyone.

After he disclosed that Sir Trevor has been someone he admired for many years, Carmona observed, “In fact, at the BBC he became the benchmark by which others will judge.” The President said he has it from certified sources that Sir Trevor often tells people that he is from TT. Recalling that veteran CNN journalist Jim Clancy was the feature speaker at a recent event hosted by the Media Association, Carmona asked, “Why didn’t they bring Sir Trevor?” However, he said Clancy identified with Sir Trevor’s mantra of a, “sense of adherence to truth” in journalism.

The President was certain that Sir Trevor often felt, “a sense of angst when he hears this concept or ascription to what can only be deemed as lies.” While this may be described as “fake news” by some people, Carmona bluntly stated, “A lie is a lie, it is not fake news.” Carmona also felt that Sir Trevor and TT-born British recording artist Billy Ocean were two individuals who are, “ worthy of the highest national accolade we could perhaps possibly give” The President told Statutory Authorities Appeal Board chairperson, retired Justice Annestine Sealy, that he was confident the board was “further fortified” to carry out its duties on behalf of the population, with McDonald- Grant’s appointment.

This will be an historic occasion because this is the first time such a tournament, which is only below Olympic Games and World Championships in stature, is being held in the Eastern Caribbean.

The Group Three comprises of Cameroon (19th world ranked), Australia (43rd), France (44th) and host team TT (38th). TT will be hoping to rebound from their dismal showing in the first round in Mexico last week after losing to Hungary (3-0), Mexico (3-1) and Australia (3-0).

Skipper of the “Calypso Spikers” Renele Forde is confident that the team will do well.

“Playing at home in front of our home crowd will be a huge support for us and we’re looking forward to playing in an atmosphere where the vibes of the people will give us even more motivation.” The team`s setter continued, “We have the ability to qualify for the final round but we just need to take each match and point at a time to make it happen.” TT team (clubs in brackets): Jalicia Ross-Kydd (Glamorgan), Channon Thompson (UTT / France), Rejeanne Wallce (UTT ), Sinead Jack (Technocrats/Turkey), Malika Davidson (West Side Stars), Darlene Ramdin (Glamorgan/Turkey), Kerdisha Sutherland (UTT ), Afesha Olton (UTT ), Renele Forde (Technocrats), Krystle Esdelle (UTT / Greece), Delicia Pierre (West Side Stars/Poland), Nya Steele (Reagann High School).

Technical staff: Francisco Cruz (coach), Nicholson Drakes (assistant coach), Susan Pierre (manager), Roger Ryan (physiotherapist).

Schedule – Today: Cameroon vs France, 5.30 pm, TT vs Australia, 8 pm.

Saturday: Cameroon vs Australia, 5.30 pm, TT vs France, 8 pm.

Sunday: Australia vs France, 5.30 pm, TT vs Cameroon, 8 pm.

He made the remark after Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan announced new construction packages heading to tender at yesterday’s post-Cabinet news briefing at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann’s.

Sinanan said Cabinet agreed to four additional packages being tendered (to give a total of seven so far), and five more packages are for tender next month. He said a stretch of highway from Gulf City Mall to Dunlop Roundabout in Point Fortin will take two years to complete.

Sinanan said the Moruga Road rehabilitation project will consist of fixing 22 landslips and constructing 22 culverts plus road repair where needed. He said it will begin very shortly and maximise the use of local content thereby giving opportunities for local contractors.

Regarding the Tobago sea bridge ferry, Sinanan expressed confidence in Port Authority board chairman Allison Lewis describing her as someone who is thorough in her decision-making process. “I’m putting my faith that Mrs Lewis and the board would have done the right thing,” he said.

“My information is that we have two vessels en route to TT. One would be here on Sunday which would take care of the cargo aspect of it, and sometime later this month we have a ferry vessel that is expected to arrive on the island.” Saying the due date was supposed to have been July 17, he said he expects the board took their attorneys’ advice on this.

Ecuador are currently ranked 31st on the FIFA ranking and lie in sixth position on the South American World Cup qualifying table, two points behind Argentina who they defeated 2-0 in 2018 World Cup qualifying action in Buenos Aires in October 2015. Their next qualifying match is away to Brazil on August 31.

Ecuador have appeared in three FIFA World Cups.

TT will host Honduras on September 1 before travelling to Panama City to take on Panama four days later. Coach Dennis Lawrence indicated that the outing on July 26 will give him a chance to assess the available players.

“The game versus Ecuador is another step in our preparation for the (forthcoming) World Cup qualifying match against Honduras,” Lawrence told TT FA Media.

“The game is against a good South American opposition and I expect it to be good for us. It will give us an opportunity to assess those players who are selected and provides us valuable game time in a period when some of our other CONCACAF opponents are also involved in international matches,” he added.

At Bruno’s funeral service at St Theresa’s RC Church in Malick, Chairman of the San Juan/Laventille Regional Corporation Anthony Roberts gave a recent example of Bruno’s dedication which occurred during Tropical Storm Bret last month.

“While people were getting off the street to be at home to secure their family this man had other ideas.

Bruno in intense back pain and not knowing what exactly was responsible for the pain, he was able to persuade his son to travel with him to deliver sand bags leading up to and even after the hour the storm was to have made landfall.

So as we bid farewell to our brother we recognize the lessons he has taught us. Commitment and dedication to duty, genuine love for ones community and talk less and do more,” he said. Bruno, 53, died on Saturday last after a brief battle with cancer. Delivering the eulogy was former MP Joseph Ross who said in the four years Bruno was a councillor, he walked the streets every day and night checking every drain and street light.

“If there are less vehicular accidents on the roads of Barataria today we must say thanks to Pernell for ensuring that we are protected by the humps he has placed on every street in Barataria. If there are young men and women and not so young as well playing in the savannahs we must say thanks for his efforts in ensuring the grounds are properly maintained at all times. He treated those grounds as though it belonged personally to him,” he said.

Among those attending the service were Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, Rural Development and Local Government Minister Kazim Hosein, Energy Minister Franklin Khan and members of the various regional corporations. Bruno was later laid to rest at the San Juan Hill cemetery.

Williams-Valcin, 44, who served as a member of the Defence Force for over ten years, was described as a loving and compassionate individual by her family and colleagues. Williams-Valcin’s husband, Ellington Valcin delivered an emotional rendition of Joe Cocker’s love ballad, You are so Beautiful, in tribute to his late wife.

Defence Force colleague, Captain McIntosh praised her for her years of service and said she was the embodiment of service before self.

“A true credit to the Defence Force, she adjusted well to her basic training and went on to become a fine soldier. Her calm demeanour was a reflection of her maturity. Nothing was ever too much for her to do, she was an honest loyal and passionate servicewoman.” The service ended with a military procession along Long Circular Road to the Military Cemetery in St James where she was laid to rest. She is also survived by her sons Gianni and Shaquille.

Among the customers, who were robbed of cash, jewellery and cellular phones, were talk show host and comedienne Nikki Crosby and her husband Gerry. Police arrested two people shortly after.

The suspects appeared in court yesterday charged with 11 offences including possession of firearms and ammunition, robbery with aggravation, and assault with intent to rob. A 48-year-old security officer and a 21-year-old soldier were also arrested.

The soldier remained in custody yesterday pending further investigation

Stephon Durant, 23, of L’anse Mitan and the teenager appeared before Magistrate Adia Mohammed in the Four B Court, on a total of 11 charges, all of which were laid indictably. They were not called on to plead and Durant was granted $350,000 bail to be approved by a Clerk of the Peace III.

He is to report to the Four Roads Police Station every Monday, Wednesday and Friday between the hours of 6 am to 6 pm and is to have no contact with the victims either directly or indirectly.

His attorney Allan Anderson said Durant is a caterer for the Trinidad Hilton and Hyatt Regency and also a member of the St James Police Youth Club, who plans to get married in the near future.

The teenager was ordered remanded at the Youth Training Centre (YTC) after his attorney Kyle Fortune asked that he be sent for psychiatric evaluation.

Magistrate Mohammed initially remanded the teenager to St Ann’s Psychiatric Hospital but amended this order after being told that hospital does not have facilities to treat with minors.

She has ordered that a probation officer’s report be prepared to determine the teenager’s mental capacity after his attorney complained that he had difficulties receiving instructions from his client.

The teen’s mother also told the magistrate her son was forced to drop out of secondary school as he was a slow learner.

Durant and the teenager were jointly charged with robbing Artie’s Patties Meat Shop at Morne Coco Road, Diego Martin, on July 8, while armed, of $5,000 and a Hope of Miracle Foundation donation box, which contained $235.72.

They were also jointly charged with robbing Theresa Farell, of a Samsung S3 cellphone, valued at $4,000; Crosby’s husband Alvin Clarke, of a Samsung S6 cellphone, valued $5,000 and 3,000 in cash; Gregory O’ Shea, of a Samsung cellphone valued $5,000 and 135 cash and Kimberly Antoine of a gold and diamond wedding ring valued $4,500 and 1,000 cash.

They were also charged with assaulting Crosby – whose real name is Nicole Nathaniel Clarke, with intent to rob her.

Durant was charged by himself for being in possession of a firearm and eight rounds of .38 ammunition at Giles Street, Four Roads, Diego Martin, on July 8.

He was also charged with being in possession of 10 rounds of .38 ammunition allegedly found at 80 L’Anse Mitan, Carenage.

The teenager was charged with being in possession of a pistol and 11 rounds of nine millimetre ammunition at Giles Street, also on Saturday last. Both were ordered to return to court on July 26.

Speaking on local radio here, Rowley said CARICOM had already sought legal advice and had been assured there was a case to be argued on the basis of CWI, as a private entity, continuing to manage cricket, which constituted a public good.

In fact, Rowley indicated that he would soon be speaking to St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves — the chairman of CARICOM’s subcommittee on cricket — to also get him to engage the matter.

“The CARICOM Secretariat was told by the CARICOM leaders, ‘go and get legal advice on this very fundamental point: where did West Indies Cricket Board or whoever it is get this asset called West Indies Cricket Inc and who really owns West Indies cricket’,” Rowley said.

“And until we are prepared to address that issue, what is going on now will continue and get worse and worse until what I predicted (West Indies’ relegation into a Division Two) is likely to happen.” He continued: “We got a legal view. The Secretariat indicated that one of our Trinidad lawyers gave a legal opinion that there is an arguable case that West Indies Cricket is a public good and therefore there is a role for the region’s leadership to get involved because the game is destroyed and that could be argued in any court of law.

“I think the CARICOM has that position.

The Secretariat has indicated to me that the advice indicates that CARICOM proceed along that line and I expect that when Prime Minister Gonsalves gets over his current personal difficulty (bereavement) at home and we focus on this issue, we will be able to look at some focused response to the existing hijacking of West Indies cricket.” CARICOM has sought to intervene in the sport ever since the controversial abandoned tour of India in 2014 which resulted in CWI being slapped with a US$42 million claim in damages by the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI).

The body subsequently commissioned a study by a Governance Review panel of eminent persons, headed by UWI Cave Hill Principal Professor Eudine Barriteau, which found the CWI structure to be “antiquated”, “obsolete” and “anachronistic” and recommended the “immediate dissolution of the West Indies Cricket Board and the appointment of an Interim Board.” CWI, then named the West Indies Cricket Board, subsequently resisted the move, with Rowley noting that the main tenet of their argument as the fact they were a private body.

“Mr (Dave) Cameron (CWI president) and his people told us to our face they are not accepting that (recommendation) because West Indies cricket is really West Indies Cricket Inc, meaning a corporate body incorporated and they are beholden to their shareholders and not to any CARICOM leadership,” Rowley charged.

The impasse between CWI and CARICOM has dragged on since, resulting in the resignation last year of Grenada’s Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell as chairman of the subcommittee on cricket and Gonsalves assuming the post.

Rowley, who along with Mitchell raised the crisis of West Indies cricket at last weekend’s CARICOM Summit in Grenada, said it was critical that his colleagues pressed the matter of CWI’s right to manage for the sake of the region. (CMC