According to the rankings, the “Calypso Girls” netballers are now 13th in the rankings from their previous 10th.

But Barbados, who beat TT 3-0 in a recent series held here, have risen to 11th.

Also moving ahead of the “Calypso Girls” netballers are Malawi 6th, Fiji 7th, Wales 8th, Uganda 9th and Northern Ireland 10th The Jamaica “Sunshine Girls” remain in 4th, and are the highest Caribbean ranked team. They are topped by world champions Australia, New Zealand and England.

Here are the current world rankings: 1. Australia; 2. New Zealand; 3. England; 4. Jamaica; 5. South Africa; 6. Malawi; 7. Fiji; 8. Wales; 9. Uganda; 10. Northern Ireland; 11. Barbados; 12. Scotland; 13. Trinidad & Tobago; 14.

Samoa; 15. Zambia; 16. Zimbabwe; 17. Papua New Guinea; 18.

Singapore; 19. St Lucia; 20. Botswana.

Hockett Baptist Primary finished in second place, while Morvant New Government ended in third position. Fourteen primary schools participated in the games with Angostura LLB supporting the event.

The organisers changed the meaning of LLB (lemon, lime and bitters) to “live, love, be” to fit the occasion.

The games were fashioned after the Olympic Games with each school representing different countries such as Grenada, Haiti, Colombia, Spain, Greece and Italy.

Events included musical chairs, a bike relay, balloon pop, bucket stacker and various running events. In the march past, Morvant New Government won the title, ahead of St Dominic’s RC and Chinapoo Government respectively.

Giselle Laronde- West, Communications Manager of Angostura, said the goal of the games was to have unity among the schools in the area.

“The idea behind the games was originally to bring the students of different schools in the area together, from Laventille, Morvant and Beetham,” Laronde-West said. “We (Angostura) wanted to make sure the schools are not segregated, so they could have one big school sports event.” Laronde-West said developing the human skills of the students was the number one aim. “What we try to do is to make sure we play with their team skills, their encouragement skills, they concentrate on teamwork, they build confidence.

“We like working with the kids because we believe they are the future. We of course are in this area, so we will like to give back as much as we can to the children who could make a difference.”

This request was granted.

The implementation of the CSME was high on the agenda on the first day of heads three-day meeting which ends today in St George’s, Grenada. Speaking during the first plenary session, Rowley expressed his frustration with the lack of action on the matter.

“I get the impression that all we are willing to do is talk this issue to death,” he said. “We cannot expect to get the benefits of medication if we refuse to swallow the medication.” At last year’s Heads of Government regular meeting in Georgetown, Guyana, Rowley had requested the inclusion of the CSME on the Caricom agenda and it was.

The integration initiative had for some time been on the back burner.

He suggested that when the special meeting is held that the integration movement decide definitively whether it will move forward or not with the CSME initiative. He said that deciding to pause the process could prove dangerous to the overall development and progress of the region.

A review on the outstanding issues related to the implementation of the CSME was presented at yesterday’s first plenary session. The review noted the need for clarification on the status of Haiti, Montserrat and the Bahamas, and the need for closer examination of the definition of a Caricom national.

During the meeting several heads reiterated their commitment to the CSME but raised several challenges that have impeded its full implementation. At the start of the meeting Rowley asked for Venezuela to be included on the agenda for discussion. Given ongoing developments in that country, he said, it was necessary for Caricom to reiterate its position on the matter.

Other decisions taken included an agreement that the region will develop a prospectus of transformative development projects and programmes for submission to the World Bank’s Small States Forum to be held in October, 2017, Singapore.

The heads also agreed to urgently expedite the selection of their National Implementing Entities (NIEs), to initiate the capacity building that would be required to get them accredited to the Green Climate Fund, and to appoint dedicated staff to their national designated authority so they could undertake the relevant readiness functions.

The win, Sando’s first after four attempts this season, lifted coach Angus Eve’s side three spots up into sixth, hurdling Rangers, Defence Force and Morvant Caledonia United, but tied on four points with the latter.

Journeyman Charles, who, like seasoned PL players Akim Armstrong, Keyon Edwards and Akeem Redhead, joined Sando in pre-season, scored his first goal for the Oranges in style before getting to his double three minutes later against a ‘keeper, who had acrobatically kept out his 30-yard effort eight minutes from the break.

“We brought in Tyrone Charles for that purpose: to create and to score goals,” Eve told www.ttproleague.com after the game. “He is also very good on dead-ball situations, something we have been lacking.

He is a good goal-scoring threat and good at breaking down the other teams. Losing (last season’s PL top scorer) Akeem Roach was a big loss for us in terms of goals, so we also have to set a good base defensively and I thought we were very good with (Leslie) Russell, Trevin Latapy, (Kemuel) Rivers and young Nicholas Thomas at right-back.” Eve, whose side held a loss-draw-draw record before last night’s fixture, added, “We have actually started a little better than last season although the first couple games we had the problem of gelling because I brought in about five attacking players.”

There was a delayed start to the match which might have affected the energy of the TT players who were sluggish in the opening games of the contest. TT played “catch up” throughout the first game and almost salvaged a comeback but eventually lost 23-25 to give Curacao the lead. In the second game, TT were reeling at 11-19 then had five consecutive points but it still was not good enough as the visitors won 25-22 to go ahead 2-0.

The defending champions, TT , found their rhythm in the third game as they bolted to an 8-1 lead, resulting in the visitors calling a time-out.

The break worked as Curacao won six consecutive points to narrow the gap. The home team persevered to win 25-23 and cut the deficit to 1-2. The fourth game was a see-saw battle as neither team had a significant lead but the local boys held their nerve to win 25- 23 and tie the contest at 2-2.

Despite the match going the distance and it getting late, the crowd was vibrant throughout the match and intensified their cheers.

It was a nerve-wrecking finale with the hosts trailing 8-10 and 10-12 but unforced errors and miscommunication by the visitors saw TT score five consecutive points to seal the comeback victory at 15-12.

Speaking after his team’s victory, Head Coach, Sean Morrison said, “The guys were a bit nervous and it took them a while to get into rhythm but they did what was needed for the victory. It is a young bunch and they demonstrated great teamwork and togetherness.” He believes his team can only improve from this performance.

In the other matches on Day One, Suriname defeated Martinique 3-1 (25:22, 17:25, 25:23, 25:18) while Jamaica won against Haiti 3-1 (25:22, 25:20, 19:25, 25:22). Barbados narrowly won against a resilient Bahamas team 3-2 (23-25, 25:19, 12:25, 25:18, 15:11).

The ministry said, “The June 27-28 event brought together lead- ers in academia, private and public sector who articulated ideals for moving our nation towards active innovation.” “The deliberations’ common thread was in accord with the Deputy Permanent Secretary, Beverly Khan’s sentiment that ‘creativity and innovation is limitless.’ However, it was agreed for us as a nation to attain this paradigm, we must strengthen three main capacities, Academia, our National Innovation Systems (NIS) and increased Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) in Trinidad and Tobago.” The ministery also said the EU and IDB representatives duly noted Government’s “highly supportive” move to ensure policy is laid via the National Innovation Policy (NIP) that is “presently within Cabinet and being driven by the (Planning) Minister, Camille Robinson Regis.” In response to academia’s deficit, Professor Brian Copeland, UWI Pro-Vice Chancellor and Principal stated in his speech that UWI needs to create a “legacy of self-sustainability”.

He also indicated that UWI is prepared to move academia forward in this direction. Copeland said, “to build this legacy, we are actively expanding the current ‘education-for-jobs’ paradigm to one that nurtures creativity and innovation.” Government partners IDB and EU have given financial and technical support to the Government through the EU – the 11th Economic Development Funds (EDF) which is further supported through a proposed implementation action plan.

The IDB, with the assistance of the Cambridge University, has facilitated extensive Foresighting Exercises that have produced a Diversification Roadmap, thus enabling the nation to make that switch. The ministry said all documents and presentations are available on the EDAB website www.edab.org.tt

Jabloteh were held to a 2-2 draw by North East Stars to push them to 40 points, seven more than W Connection with one game left.

At the George Boyce Recreation Ground in Arouca, Jabloteh got items from Jodel Brown, in the fifth minute, and Sownade Prieto, in the 23rd, while Jonathan Glodon (12th) and Kishawn Hackshaw (82nd) replied for North East Stars.

The nearest challengers, W Connection, strolled to a 2-0 win over Defence Force at the Trinity East School Ground, Trincity.

Getting their names on the scoresheet were Deneilson Benjamin (fourth) and Zion Allen (55th).

Point Fortin Civic and Police played to a 2-2 draw at the Mahaica Oval, Point Fortin. Omari Cobham (35th and 53rd) netted twice for the hosts, while Ian Cowie (15th) and Jelani Moore (87th) struck for Police.

Two teams earned 3-0 victories, via default, on the day – Club Sando over Central FC at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium’s Training Field in Marabella and St Ann’s Rangers over Morvant Caledonia United at the Maracas Recreation Ground in St Joseph.

Other Results – Under-13 Division – At Manny Ramjohn Stadium Training Field, Marabella: CENTRAL FC (4) – Kyle Phillip 31st; Giovani Warner 45th; Caleb Boyce 59th, 69th vs CLUB SANDO (0).

At Trinity East School Ground, Trincity: DEFENCE FOR CE (2) – Joshua Mason 30th, 52nd vs W CONNECTION (2) – Dantaye Gilbert 26th, 38th.

At George Boyce Recreation Ground, Arouca: SAN JUAN JABLOT EH (5) – Nathaniel James 1st, 40th, 50th; Jaheim Faustin 9th, 64th vs NORT H EAST ST ARS (0).

At Maracas Recreation Ground, St Joseph: ST ANN’S RANGERS (3) vs MOR VANT CALEDONIA (0) by default.

At Mahaica Oval, Point Fortin: POLICE (7) – Jaheim Marshall 7th, 55th, 67th; Jarron Pascall 15th; Josiah Wilson 20th, 56th; Nathaniel Arrim 45th vs POINT FORT IN CIVIC (0).

Under-15 Division – At Manny Ramjohn Stadium Training Field, Marabella: CLUB SANDO (3) vs CENTRAL FC (0) by default.

At Trinity East School Ground, Trincity: W CONNECTION (4) – Jerel Sandiford 30th; Adica Ash 50th; Kern Cedeno 57th, 59th vs DEFENCE FOR CE (2) – Aiden Marcano 7th; Marc Wharfe 46th.

At George Boyce Recreation Ground, Arouca: SAN JUAN JABLOT EH (3) – Nickell Alexander 38th; Nathaniel James 77th; Dillon King 79th vs NORT H EAST ST ARS (1) – Nathaniel de Silva 12th.

At Maracas Recreation Ground, St Joseph: ST ANN’S RANGERS (4) – Keron Manswell 43rd; Darius Douglas 50th, 52nd; Ronaldinho Clarke 73rd vs MOR VANT CALEDONIA UNITED (1) – Justin Dos Santos 68th.

At Mahaica Oval, Point Fortin: POINT FORT IN CIVIC (3) – Thaj Neptune 5th; Amaale Julien 50th, 64th vs POLICE (3) – Malachai King 13th; Dantay Cooper 44th; J’dhun Martin 80th

Three female candidates, former COP chairman Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan; Dr Sharon-Ann Gopaul- McNicol and Dyer-Griffith (also a former party chairman) have submitted their candidacy for the post of political leader.

The party, which has a membership of 43,000, was expected to vote for a new political leader on July 9.

However in a media release yesterday, Seepersad-Bachan expressed “great disappointment” that the election had been postponed without any prior notification to the respective candidates.

“The party is yet to provide details as to the reasons which led to this decision. In the absence of such details, we are of the firm conviction that the constitutionally due elections should be allowed to proceed as scheduled for Sunday 9th July,” she stated.

“Our campaign manager Aleena Ali, is currently in the process of engaging the party with a view to convening a meeting with all candidates and affected parties, as we seek to arrive at a meaningful solution to the problem,” she added.

However, in a brief telephone interview yesterday, COP general secretary Clyde Weatherhead confirmed the postponement saying, “there was a legal issue and we sought to have it dealt within the party.” He also confirmed that the issue surrounded Dyer-Griffith’s eligibility to contest the election.

“Yes, there has to be a meeting to decide another date,” he said.

The man has been identified as Damian Downey of Don Miguel Road, San Juan.

According to reports, at about 8 pm, PCs La Rosa and Affoon received a report by 90-year-old Mary Etienne that she was being verbally and physically assaulted by Downey at her San Juan home.

When the police arrived at the house, they said they were met by Downey who allegedly had a knife which he waved at the police.

It is alleged that when he was asked to hand over the knife, he allegedly charged towards Affoon who fell to the ground. Affoon shot Downey once.

Additional police were called to the scene and Downey was taken to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex where he died.

Affoon was treated for minor injuries and relatives of the elderly woman were called to the scene to offer support to Etienne. Officers of the Barataria police station are continuing enquiries.

On June 5 Maharaj, who is now retired, wrote to Pritchard querying statements in a letter sent to attorney and UNC senator Wayne Sturge.

He is contending that the statements by retired chief of defence staff Rodney Smart are erroneous and gave the impression that he acted unilaterally in extending an invitation to Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi and his children to Camp Cumuto last year.

The controversy began when Al-Rawi’s children were photographed with, what appeared to be, high-powered weapons allegedly belonging to the army.

Questions were raised about the legality of the children being allowed to hold the weapons.

Sturge applied under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to the Defence Force for information about who authorised the visit.

Maharaj is of the view that Smart’s response was not a true picture of what occurred and he denied he was the one who gave the authorisation.

The deadline for the Defence Force to respond to Maharaj’s request for a copy of the report, produced by a board of inquiry set up to look into the matter, was yesterday. He has agreed, however, to grant the extension of time requested by Pritchard.

Contacted yesterday, Maharaj told Newsday, “I agreed because at the end of the day I am not pursuing this matter with any personal acrimony and ill-will.

What I am seeking is a peaceful, mutual and respectful closure to this matter. I am still a member of the military community.”