Joseph, 27, just returned to Trinidad from a training camp at Jacksonville in the USA where he worked alongside Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) superstars Jon Jones and Holly Holm, who gained notoriety after she ended Ronda Rousey’s unbeaten streak. Joseph, a submission specialist, is the current light heavyweight champion for Ruff N Tuff MMA League and is currently undefeated after three pro MMA bouts. Joseph is on a high after fighting in Guyana recently against Bajan Emmerson Hurley where he emerged victorious.

After an intense camp, Joseph is brimming with confidence against the 34 year old Joseph who has a record of five wins and two defeats and is also the current title holder for the International Cage Warriors in Curacao.

Jason Fraser, one of the organisers for the event, believes it will be an epic fight and said it is a fight that is long overdue and will see two well matched contenders battling for glory. Joseph is a silver medallist in combat sambo while McCarthy is a bronze medallist.

There will be seven cards on the evening card including a female bout which promises to be quite exciting. Also in the spotlight tonight will be a rematch involving two of the best local fighters with Narad Ramkilawan seeking revenge for his August 2016 TKO loss to Keron Bourne at Ruff N Tuff 4. Admission is $150 and is available at the venue.

He disclosed that some of these offences include using abusive language, sacrilege, throwing missiles, maintenance and traffic violations.

Noting there are approximately 2,280 people in remand, Al-Rawi said, “Of the remanded population who are entitled and have been granted access to bail, 71 percent are still there.” In terms of cost, Al-Rawi said the cost of maintaining these inmates ranges between, “$19,000 to $25,000 per head, per remanded inmate, per month.” As he explained there are several direct and indirect costs in maintaining the prison population, Al-Rawi said people being kept ten years and over, five years and under five years, cost the State $804 million, $1.135 billion and $1.085 billion respectively to maintain them.

“The delay in justice is very, very expensive for the people of TT,” the AG stated.

Speaking to reporters during the tea break, Al-Rawi disclosed, “I have in my possession a Cabinet note from Mrs Persad-Bissessar’s tenure in 2013, which specifically approved the policy to the exact items which she described as dotishness today.” Describing this as “an absolute embarrassment,” Al-Rawi promised to speak about it when he concluded the debate. On Persad-Bissessar’s call to give bail to the 839 people, Al-Rawi said there are only seven people in prison past their maximum sentence.

This comes as the lawyers in two weeks time are expected to vote on a motion of no-confidence in Chief Justice Ivor Archie as head of the Judicial and Legal Services Commission.

Archie and by extension the judicial system have taken a beating over the appointment and resignation of former chief magistrate Marcia Ayers-Caeesr as a judge in the High Court. Ayers-Caesar elevation led to a public uproar on her unfinished case load she left behind in the magistrates’ court.

Less than a month after her resignation as a High Court judge on April 27, these cases remain in limbo and the Judiciary is yet to make an announcement on the way forward for these matters as no other magistrate could continue with a case another magistrate had already started.

The judges’ and magistrates’ retreat, which began yesterday and continues today, began with a session on ‘understanding public trust and confidence in the Judiciary of TT’ and nine elements of procedural fairness were split up in three sessions throughout the day.

Today’s sessions include discussions on procedural fairness.

The ball hit the bottom edge of the bat, rattled the stumps and the bowler Yasir Shah ran a 50-metre dash in a flash, sliding onto the field as his teammates deliriously pounced on him to celebrate Pakistan’s first ever Test series win in the West Indies — in 59 years.

ESPN Cricinfo described Gabriel’s shot selection as a “brain fade.” Gabriel, though, performed brilliantly with the ball by capturing 15 wickets at a miserly average of 18.80 in the three-Test series.

Scribes can say “we fought hard,” but let us face some hard facts: This result was our sixth straight series defeat and our 13th Test loss in the last 20 matches.

Roston Chase stamped his class by scoring 403 runs, averaging 100 in an olympian effort. No other West Indian batsman scored more than 200 runs.

The debutants Hetmyer and Singh aggregated 159 runs.

Jamaican Jermaine Blackwood was relegated to water bottle duties, despite his Test average of 32, including one 100 and nine 50s.

West Indies has been ranked eighth in the ICC world Test rankings for as long as I can remember. What’s next? Where are we going? Where have we gone? The relationship between the hierarchy of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), key players and regional governments has deteriorated badly over the past several months, even years.

In a January 1, 2015, newspaper article titled “Rousseau: WICB failing to follow constitution,” former WICB president Pat Rousseau heaped blame on current WICB president Dave Cameron for the exclusion of Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard and Daren Sammy from the One-Day International team to South Africa.

Rousseau called the omission “victimisation” and remarked that “the current board continues to fail to follow its own constitution,” adding that “all matters of player discipline must be referred to the disciplinary committee appointed by the board.” It is paramount that the trust between players and the board be restored expeditiously and egos on both sides be discarded into the hallows of hope for West Indies Test cricket to move forward. It has been far too long.

The words of David Rudder resonate in my mind: Soon we must take a side or be left in the rubble In a divided world that don’t need islands no more Are we doomed forever to be at someone’s mercy Little keys can open up mighty doors Rally round the West Indies now and forever.

REZA ABASALI El Socorro

Special tributes begin promptly at 10.30 am, and the official service begins at noon. Brigo will then be laid to rest at the D’Abadie public cemetery. A release from the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organisation (TUCO) expressed condolences to Brigo’s family, friends and close associates.

Brigo died at 1 pm at the Mt Hope General Hospital on May 16.

Famous as the face behind the Det insecticide commercial to thousands of people, Brigo produced classic songs such as, Mama Popo, Green Lime, Voodoo Man, Limbo Break, After Carnival, Barnabas Collins and many others. On Sunday, there will be a viewing of his body at the Arima Town Hall from 4 pm to 6 pm. All calypso and cultural lovers, friends and well-wishers are invited.

Smith, of the Rough House Gym in Trinidad, weighed in at 151.2 pounds at the National Boxing Gym, Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo, yesterday.

Banai of Simson Gym in Suriname weighed in at 154.8 pounds.

Fight promoter Bharath Ramoutar is expecting a competitive bout tonight. Ramoutar said, “Smith, an undefeated fighter from the Rough House Gym is rough and ready to clash fist and feet with Joey, who is just eager to take the title home to Suriname.” Banai’s coach Angelo Simson respects Smith but believes his kickboxer will come out victorious.

Simson said, “We already know that Omar Smith is a very good fighter. Rough House Gym is a very good gym. We know that they have talented fighters, so we don’t underestimate him. We expect that the crowd will have a very entertaining fight, but we still expect to win.” Smith’s coach and manager, Adam De Silva, said they agreed to fight Banai because of Suriname’s proud history in the sport.

De Silva said, “Suriname has some of the top kickboxers in the Caribbean. They produce world class kickboxers consistently and many of their kickboxers go to the international level. We brought him here because we wanted to test Omar’s skills.” The supporting card includes eight non-title bouts, as kickboxers from a number of schools will compete. Some of the schools participating are Fine Line Fight Factory, Rough House, Team Elite, Jian Wu, Thai Warriors and Golden Phoenix.

Ramoutar also anticipates a stiff showdown for the national welterweight crown. “Another exciting bout is the local clash between long-time rivals, Andell Lakhan and Vimal Jagoo. The two will finally settle who is the best, as they battle for the national welterweight title over five rounds.” Wrestling will also entertain the spectators, who must pay $100 for general tickets and $150 for ring side.

Professional wrestlers will add to the excitement and entertainment, as the local wrestling association brings two top tag teams with the Thunder Warriors seeking to expose the Masked Assailants, during a midway segment of the event.

The event will also have explosive karate demonstrations by two of the top athletes from the Team Elite School. Tickets are available at the Fine Line Gym in Chaguanas, Centre City Mall in Chaguanas and at the Rough House Gym in St James. For more information contact 772-9640 or 763-1187

We are supposed to pay taxes, but not this property tax.

Present Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley was against the property tax when it was brought to Parliament in 2009 by late prime minister Patrick Manning. He said in the Lower House on December 18 that year that there was anger, anxiety, and resentment over the tax.

He added that if the government had handled the largesse properly there would have been no need for the tax.

He said the government, which he was a part of, brought the tax in the worst possible time, alluding to tough economic times.

He said the people were not against paying the tax but were upset that the measure was taken at a time when they were struggling to make ends meet.

So Rowley was against the property tax in 2009 when the economic situation was much better than it is today — when things are bad in the country — but he brings it back now. What kind of logic is that? We have to pay our taxes, but not this property tax they are trying to force down people’s throat. People are scared, frustrated, and confused.

People are losing their jobs daily. Some cannot afford to pay their mortgages and are losing their homes. And the Government comes up with the bright idea that this is the best time to implement this property tax.

Many people are upset about it but are not talking, because we are a pack of hypocrites. It is hurting us but we do not have the guts to stand up for what we want.

When someone pushes you, you are supposed to push back.

I urge the Government to hold off on the property tax and bring back an improved land and building tax.

This is not the time for that property tax.

Let good sense prevail, PM Rowley and Finance Minister Colm Imbert.

MODICIA MARTIN via email

Rochard Douglas Presbyterian came up against Picton Presbyterian who were no match for their more experienced rivals. Batting first, Rochard Douglas Presbyterian were bowled out for 123 in the 25th over with Anthony Arrindell the best of the batsmen on show with 24 runs. Bowling for Picton Presbyterian, Rishard Ali finished with four wickets for 17 runs, which brought joy to their many supporters at the ground.

Picton Presbyterian were confident at the break that they could challenge the score but Arrindell had other ideas as he returned with the ball to wreck them for just 41 in 13.1 overs. Arrindell claimed four wickets for 13 runs and was well supported by Jameel Sankar with two wickets for six runs.

Meanwhile, Charlieville ASJA put in a fine display with both bat and ball to claim the Caroni Girls final crown at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba yesterday.

The girls were elated to be playing at the newly opened facility and ASJA girls left the venue even happier after they took out Todd’s Road RC by five wickets. Shanna Joseph, with 35 not out, and Vani Surujbally (19 not out) thought they had taken their school to a good score of 105 for five in 15 overs but this proved insufficient as ASJA reached their target of 106 for four with relative ease.

Summarised Scores: CARONI GIRLS FINALS At Brian Lara Cricket Academy: Todd’s Road RC 105/5 (15 overs) – Shanna Joseph 35 not out, Vani Surujbally 19 not out vs Charlieville ASJA 106/4. Charlieville ASJA won by six wickets.

VICTORIA BOYS FINALS Rochard Douglas 123 all out (25 overs) – Anthony Arrindell 24, Rishard Ali 4/17 vs Picton Presbyterian 41 all out (13.1 overs) – Anthony Arrindell 4/13.

Rochard Douglas Presbyterian won by 82 runs.

The concert, staged by Tropix Entertainment, has established a reputation for providing top-quality entertainment as well as a prompt and early start and end schedule. The June 17 event will take place at the Hasely Crawford Training Grounds from 7pm.

Redemption IV assembles the superior vocal talents and tremendous hit catalogues of Dwight Duncan aka “Bushman”, Keith Morgan aka “Junior Kelly”, Glenroy Washington and Hugh Beresford Hammond.

From Fire Bun A Weak Heart, to Worries and Problems, Legalise It, Nyahman Chant and Afraid of Commitment, Bushman has always delivered catchy songs that spark interest, capture sentiment and also unite the masses in righteous causes.

Bushman was a key part of the roots reggae resurgence in Jamaica in the late 90s and his rich, sincere baritone gave his songs a strong appeal – both in the mainstream and the underground circuits. He is no stranger to TT , but will perform at Redemption for the first time.

Also making his Redemption debut, Junior Kelly is best known for his hits: Love So Nice, Baby Can We Meet, Boom Draw, Hungry Days and Smile. He has not performed here for several years. His last album Urban Poet was released in 2015 on Irievibrations Records and featured the hits, No Dig It Up, No One is Higher and Put It Pon You.

Singer/drummer Washington began his career in the early70s as the lead singer for the group, Names and Faces, and later became the lead singer for a band called 35 Incorporated. Washington made his first hit record, Rockers Not Crackers, in 1978 but did not grace the charts again until 1998 with Kindness For Weakness. Washington has been compared to the legendary Beres Hammond and it has been rumoured that they were feuding at different times, but Washington says on his website: “Beres is one of my favourite entertainers, so I regard it as a compliment to be compared with him.” Hammond was born on August 28, 1955 in Annotto Bay, Saint Mary, Jamaica, “Uncle Beres” – as he is fondly referred to by many – is known and proclaimed by many as the master of “lovers rock” music. Hammond began participating in local talent contests from 1972 to 1973, which led to his first recording, of Ellis’ Wanderer. His success as an entertainer continued to grow and in 1985 he formed his own record label, Harmony Records.

His hits songs include Settling Down , How Can We Ease the Pain with Maxi Priest, Putting Up Resistance, Strange, Tempted to Touch, Is This a Sign and Respect to You Baby, Fire, They Gonna Talk, Rockaway and Feel Good. In the 90s, Hammond recorded five more albums as well as several compilations, establishing himself as one of the top lovers’ rock artists.

In 2012, his album One Love, One Life topped the Billboard Reggae Albums chart and in January 2014, it was nominated for a Grammy Award. In 2013, he was awarded the Order of Jamaica by the Jamaican Government in recognition of his “exceptional and dedicated contribution to the Jamaican music industry”

This is disingenuous.

The rate paid on savings accounts is so low (below one percent per annum) it is not worth mentioning.

Banks hold onethird of their deposits in these accounts, close to 40 per cent on non-interest-bearing accounts, and they charge the typical consumer more than seven per cent per annum on personal loans.

And they still feel entitled to charge monthly fees of as much as $25.

Up to the 1980s, banks did not charge a monthly fee for the maintenance of a savings account.

Customers paid per transaction on non-interest-bearing checking accounts with free entries based on the minimum balance.

Banks do incur a high cost to provide services such as ATMs, and it would be reasonable therefore to charge a small transaction fee, rather than for transactions at the teller, known to be less costly. However, an ATM actually pays for itself by reducing the number of tellers.

Regarding the comment by a joint select committee of Parliament that the total fees earned by banks are high, it is worthwhile to point out that fees charged to businesses may be included.

BENEDICT ANTHONY St James, PoS