Mohammed and Nurse were the stand-out performers for West Indies in the three-match series against Pakistan in April in the Caribbean. Mohammed scored two half-centuries (91 not out, 59), and Nurse scored 88 runs and snatched six wickets in the series. The pair shared in a 50-run unbroken seventh-wicket partnership to lead the West Indies to a four-wicket win in the first ODI. Despite their top performances West Indies lost the series 2-1.

Mohammed, who will be playing in front of his home crowd, is hoping for another solid series with the bat. He said, “Since coming back into the team I think I have been fairly consistent, probably the leading batsman right now in terms of runs for the year. Obviously I want to keep that up and be the leader of this batting order. For myself, doing good against India will definitely boost your ranking and status as a player, so it is something I am looking forward to. Starting with these games in Trinidad, hopefully I could get a good start in the series, and then push through the series and come out with some good scores.” Nurse said he must be consistent in his performances to help the team. “For me it is all about consistency. We take game after game seriously, and for me it is about being consistent and contributing to the team’s cause.” The second match of the series will be played at the Oval on Sunday and the third and fourth matches in Antigua, before the series concludes in Jamaica.

Mohammed’s unbeaten 91 against Pakistan is his highest score in international cricket, and the right-hander is eyeing his first international hundred. “To score my first international hundred against India will be brilliant and I will like to do it in front of my home crowd. Doing it home will make it a little bit more special.” Mohammed and opener Evin Lewis will be playing at home in the first two matches and the former said they need to lead from the front as they are familiar with the conditions. “It will be important because we know the conditions a little better than the rest of the guys. Evin is a very important member of our team in giving us a good start. Myself as a middle- order batsman (must) try to bat through the innings and try to accelerate at the end.” The Windies bowling attack is missing pacer Shannon Gabriel due to injury but Nurse is not making excuses.

“It is all about the teamwork.

If one of our guys is wounded, someone should put up his hand and try to pick up the slack. It is about just being a strong bowling unit, and we will try and do it for Shannon this series.” West Indies are coming off a disappointing drawn ODI series against minnows Afghanistan earlier this month. The threematch series finished 1-1 as rain washed out the last match.

Gordon has been training in the US with Lawrence “Boogie” Johnson over the past eight months and he is hoping the new training programme will bear fruit.

Gordon said, “At the Open Championships this weekend I just plan to jump-start my season a little bit more because I have not raced that much this year. This weekend is actually a guide to see where my body is at after adjusting to a new culture – a new training programme in the United States.” Gordon’s most memorable moment came at the 2013 World Championships when he won gold in the 400m hurdles.

Unfortunately, the 25 year old has been plagued with injury since then. In 2015, he had surgery on his lower abdominals and last year suffered back problems.

Gordon said those health issues, along with a lack of support for local athletes, have made his career challenging. “I won the world title in 2013. I faced some difficulties over the last couple years adjusting to a new body. (Other things) have to be taken into to account, the lack of support for the athletes here has made things a lot more difficult. We really don’t have that ease to say that we completely stress free.” Gordon knows the competition this weekend will be keen. He is especially looking forward to competing against Kern Alexis who Gordon described as a talented athlete.

“In a World Championships (year) everybody wants to make the team. At the end of the day, whoever wants it the most, probably might get it because it is tough right now.” Despite the lack of financial support, Gordon is always excited to compete at home. “It is always good to come in front your home crowd. Just seeing your family in the stands screaming for you, your friends, the people who care about you the most. The fans, the loyal supporters it is always great.”

Bars, banks, casinos, schools, hotels, airports, hospitals, parking lots and public transportation areas, restaurants, military and national security operations and convenience stores are among the key candidates where CCTV systems are installed.

The common question for business managers is how cost effective are these installations? Put another way, can they offer business-critical solutions that recoup their cost? The short answer is yes.

Aimetis Corporation is a global leader in intelligent video management software with a client list that is the world’s Who’s Who of security management. Aimetis is one of the technology partners that TSTT works with in building state-of-the-art CCTV solutions for local organisations. Anthony Hackett, the director of Sales, North America was in Trinidad earlier this year participating in bmobile’s Technology Expo and discussed how Aimetis’ technology helps companies make cost effective decisions when implementing CCTV solutions and achieve a return on investment (ROI) in the process.

Aimetis offers intelligent video analysis tools that help companies quickly identify CCTV footage relevant to incidents being investigated and virtually eliminates the need for having human operators looking at live video streams trying to spot evolving incidents. “It is not only impossible but also unproductive to have an employee sit and watch video surveillance whole day” said Hackett.

He showed that every company can obtain impactful results by moving away from ‘dumb’ CCTV systems, to building smart CCTV deployments that add value to their business.

Hackett indicated that the key to improving a CCTV’s ROI is when clients used intelligent video management and analytics, with algorithms built into their CCTV deployments, so the CCTV investment could deliver real results that help these companies increase their productivity and profitability and meet their business targets.

Video analytics and intelligent video Hackett explained that video motion detection is not video analytics. “Analytics uses algorithms built into clients’ CCTV deployments to process the video, analyse it and resolve complex issues in real time.” As an example, an intelligent CCTV system scanning for intrusions in an area will distinguish the difference between shadows and other objects that appear to move because a light source is moving, and the movement of real people and vehicles.

This eliminates false alarms by triggering an alarm to the security operator only when a scenario crosses a threshold or when a person enters a restricted area, such as a person approaching a perimeter fence or a person going on to a train track.

In another example, to protect parking lots from thieves, analytics can be used to detect a specific behaviour that someone is doing, such as loitering for 30 to 60 seconds in a particular area of the parking lot.

The algorithms make the CCTV system intelligent enough to detect when these ‘risk’ behaviours are being done and then send an alert to security personnel, directing them to the area where the infringement was detected.

‘People counting’ and ‘queue management’ are two other ways video analytics and intelligent video can be used to gather business intelligence to improve on business deliverables and impact ROI. Using a public library, hospital and a fast food company as examples, Hackett showed how these clients were able to use intelligent CCTV data to better understand how many people visited an organisation and at what times of the day and month. Managers were then able to adjust staffing, catering and other resource needs to better serve their customers.

Facial and license plate recognition, as well as tracking and following a person, were three other interesting case studies discussed; both as tools used to improve security methods and fight crime by state and private companies; and as systems businesses can use to improve on traditional employee time and attendance systems, by including visual verification of who signed in and when.

Other methods to improve CCTV ROI In addition to increasing the effectiveness of the security personnel, other ways that a business can lower its total cost of ownership or improve on its CCTV ROI, were by lowering the upfront cost of deployment, as well as the recurring cost to manage and update the CCTV system.

It is therefore critical that a business builds high efficiency, scalability and availability into its CCTV system; implements proper IT management; and uses a very simple licensing model.

To achieve the first two, Hackett discussed measures such as using a video management system design that is energy efficient and requires less servers and computers; bandwidth efficient cameras or cameras which provide the optimal bandwidth frame rates for the purpose required, since a higher resolution camera isn’t always needed; low cost alert systems such as black monitors and texts, emails and live video sent to security operators’ smartphones; and reducing administrative time by automating processes, updates, camera firmware settings and passwords.

The Prime Minister met with executive secretary of ECLAC, Alicia B?rcena and other members of the Commission’s executive team. The Prime Minister indicated that “Trinidad and Tobago has the ability to produce much more goods and services than our population can absorb and therefore it is imperative that we look towards other markets.” In addition, the Office of the Prime Minister indicated that the meeting centred on discussions on how ECLAC could partner with Trinidad and Tobago, to utilise its research capabilities to assist our country in making more data-driven decisions in the formulation of social and economic policies.

The Prime Minister holds the view that the data from ECLAC will be useful in helping this country to make the economic changes that create an environment where everyone can enjoy the best possible standard of living.

A number of concerns arise from these statements. In the first instance, we must be forgiven for asking what has happened to the work that we thought was being undertaken by the Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB). Were they not mandated to develop an economic plan for the country? Was this ever presented to the Prime Minister and the Cabinet? Was it presented and rejected? What was the role of the draft diversification roadmap reported in the daily newspapers on March 26, 2017? What has happened to the notion of an economic plan? Have we abandoned it? What does “ECLAC using its research to expand our economic base” mean? Is it that ECLAC will provide studies to assist with the drive to diversify our economy? So far very little use has been made of studies for any government decisions. What has happened to the Carnival Study? Has this been started? Has any impact analysis been conducted? Are any local consultants being utilised to provide studies to guide any economic decisions over the last year and six months? Has the quality of the work of local consultants been sub-standard? What about the quality of the work coming out of EDAB? Has EDAB produced less than satisfactory work? Has Terrence Farrell been sidelined? If so, who has replaced him? Of course, it appears that the data coming out from ECLAC is viewed as far more reliable. What about the Cabinet approved committee to guide the restructuring and transition of the Central Statistical Office to the National Statistical Institute? Is the failure of this committee to produce a cohesive and unified report the act that forced the Prime Minister to abandon all hope of a National Statistical Institute to produce data for policy decisions? These are all troubling because it appears to sideline the domestic capability and seemingly value only that which is foreign. The Prime Minister once again seems to be suggesting that home grown solutions are not possible. One wonders if there has simply been an abandonment of long-term planning. Instead, short-term projects that can be implemented and completed within the next three years are given emphasis.

The question then remains – is the focus on short-term planning the best approach to address and come up with solutions for the long-term economic problems facing us? The ball is squarely in the court of the Honourable Prime Minister.

Special mention must be made of Dr Lezama for her understanding and great bedside manner.

Well done team, keep up the great job.

K SEON (and family) Chaguanas

The ace Barbados- born rider, flew to Trinidad from Woodbine, Canada, Sunday night, especially to partner the Jake O’Brien-trained bay colt owned by Merlin Samlalsingh, and he dis not disappoint in the first leg of the local triple crown.

O’Brien (Jake) was saddling his first classic winner in only his first year as a trainer, and his charge now aims for the triple.

Always close up in the 1800 metres feature event, of the nine-race programme, Husbands sent Valorous for home midway down the stretch, and drove his mount to the wire, to win by a game 1 1/4 lengths.

Pre-race favourite Caesar County (9/5) finished strongly to grab second under leading rider Wilmer Galviz with fast-finishing Leading Lady in third.

The day’s racing, run under the threat of tropical storm Brett, opened with a shock result when current leading Barbados rider Jalon Samuel produced Bird Man to win at odds of 35/1 for a tote payout of $36.20 and $7.80, and dividends were handy throughout the day.

It was a good day in the saddle for current champion jockey Ronald “Tiger” Ali and Venezuelan Neptali Ortiz who landed two winners each.

The popular Harriram “Pepsi” Gobin was pick of the trainers saddling two winners, both for owner Shivam Maharaj

In the girls Under-10 final, Daniel- Joseph defeated Jordane Dookie in three sets 2-4, 4-1, 10-8. Daniel- Joseph and Dookie then teamed up to get past the Chin Lee sisters Abigail and Inara 4-1, 4-1 in the girls Under-10 doubles final .

Dalla Costa was the strongest player in the boys Under-10 category, winning the boys singles and boys doubles categories. Dalla Costa defeated James Hadden 5-3, 4-1 to win the singles. He then paired up with Alexander Merry to defeat Callum Koylass and Hadden 4-1, 3-5, 10-8 for the doubles crown .

The Lease tournament will continue from June 30 to July 2 with the Under-16 and Under-18 categories

HONOUR ROLL:

Boys Under-10 Singles – KaleDalla Costa

Girls 10 Singles – Jaeda-Lee Daniel-Joseph

Boys Under-12 Singles – NicholasReady

Girls Under-12 Singles – CharlotteReady

Boys Under-14 singles – KyleKerry

Girls Under-14 singles – MariaHonore

Boys 10 Novices Singles – RossWortman

14 Novices Singles – Luc Corbie

Boys Under-10 Doubles – KaleDalla-Costa/Alexander Merry

Girls Under-10 Doubles – JaedaLee Daniel-Joseph/Jordane Dookie

Boys Under-14 Doubles – EbolumNwokolo/David Rodriguez

Girls Under-14 Doubles – IsabelAbraham/Keesa Lee Young

Even though the skies threatened for most of the evening, weather conditions were cool and calm, setting up ideal racing conditions.

Campbell (PSL) continued her dominance in the elite women’s category as she showed her strength to pedal away from the bunch and cross the line with another national title. Alexi Costa (Heatwave) closely followed the PSL cyclist, while Tonya Sun Kow (The Braves) was third.

The main event of the day saw a Heatwave sweep in the elite men’s category with Pogson and James Hadeed breaking free early in the race.

After falling and rejoining the race, the indelible Guy Costa emerged out of the bunch and eventually joined his two teammates. The trio would go ahead to lap the bunch with Pogson riding away in the last few minutes for the win. Hadeed earned silver, while Costa grabbed bronze. Earlier in the racing programme, Pat Nelson (Breakaway) won the masters 70+ category, while Stephen Aboud (Unattached) rode away with the masters 60-69 category.

The masters 50-59 was highly contested as a sprint to the line was won by Rodney Woods (Team Woods), pipping Wayne Samuel (Hummingbirds) on the line.

Breakaway Cycling Club swept the masters 40-49 category with David Tardieu, Raphael Figueira and Mark Hosein taking the top three spots respectively took the top three spots.

Ryan D’Abreau (Arima Wheelers) won the tinymite men’s category.

Makayla Hernandez (Madonna Wheelers) completed her trifecta of road wins in the tinymite female category, as she defeated Keira Ellis (Team Woods) in their three-lap event. Enrique De Comarmond (Heatwave) followed suit to win his third national road title for the juvenile boys this year. Jabari Whiteman snatched the grueling junior male category, ahead of Kemp Orosco (Team DPS) and Michael Ackee (Southclaine) in yet another sprint for the line.

According to a media release issued by the United States Embassy, the cheque, presented by Bradley, will go towards the construction of the Centre’s new orthopedic wing.

“This donation will be matched by the US National Basketball Players Association,” the media release added.

On hand during the presentation ceremony were Jan Sirjusingh, Chief Executive Officer of the Princess Elizabeth Centre; veteran boxing administrator Dr Calvin Inalsingh, president of the Board of Directors of the Princess Elizabeth Centre, and Professor Clement Imbert, vice-president of the Centre’s Board of Directors.

On Monday, Bradley completed a three-day camp, along with a team of coaches from the Avery Bradley Skills Academy, at the National Cycling Velodrome in Couva.

Over 100 students, from primary and secondary schools across the country, learned the fundamentals of the game and participated in a number of drills.

And, at the ending of the camp, they got the opportunity to ask Bradley questions about his career, rivals and the NBA and were presented with NBA memorabilia as well as certificates of participation.

Such last-minute bulletins can cause the public to resort to rely on bulletins by non-authorised agencies, which could lead to conflicting reports and at times cause more harm than good.

What was unfortunate is that the previous administration left a gold mine to deal with natural and man-made disasters via the establishment of the National Operations Centre (NOC), which was a strong recommendation by the commission of inquiry into the attempted 1990 coup.

It stated that we need a centralised agency to ensure that all arms can coordinate in real time with each other and not work as independent bodies during natural or man-made disasters, as delay in passage of information, without a timely and appropriate response, can result in loss of property or life that could have been avoided.

Unfortunately, due to petty politics and lack of understanding, those in authority have now totally disregarded what was stated in this commission of inquiry, and watered down a critical element in national security into a sub unit of a spy agency.

One could recall the immediate State responses in Diego Martin when badly hit by floods a few years ago, because as soon as information was forwarded to the NOC it was relayed to the relevant arms in real time for a timely response.

However, due to ignorance in understanding how such a coordinating security Operations Command Centre works, it has now instead been shoved into a spying agency in the Strategic Services Agency, and we have returned to the backward system whereby one hand does not know what the other is doing.

The comical justification that the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) is in control shows how lost the administrators are, as the ODPM is not a coordinating agency and cannot coordinate or direct any other law enforcement or State agency.

The ODPM is supposed to be an arm of the NOC, whereby if there is a man-made or natural disaster, each arm of law enforcement, inclusive of army, police, coast guard, air guard, Fire Services, would have representatives.

Likewise, there would be a representative from ministries such as Local Government, Public Utilities, Works, Health, Transport, Communications, and representatives directly from the Radar Centre, Met Office, CCTV Command Centre, ODPM, TSTT , WASA, and TTE C.

They would be all under one roof, with their personal desks and accessibility to their heads and other representatives from their relevant agencies, all of which is provided for in the NOC, so there could be immediate sharing of information, collaboration, and receipt of any distress call and a timely joint response by different arms.

The ODPM cannot do this, which is why it was unable to absorb the number of calls being dispatched to it.

What made this worse is that the ODPM does not have the capacity to receive distress calls, and to give the public dozens of phone numbers was simply inappropriate.

All that was required was to inform the public that for any concern, just call 999, whereby the E999 was linked directly to the NOC, so depending on the nature of the call and the threat, it would be immediately relayed to the representatives in the NOC, be it a matter requiring immediate response, be it the Fire Services, Coast Guard, WASA, or local government.

But no. That was too straightforward, so instead what was done was to shut it all down and dismantle all of this, as well as other assets that were approved to assist in such incidents such as the UAVs, and hovercraft, solely because a previous administration established it.

Hopefully one day we would put national interest above politics.

GARY GRIFFITH via email