The second seeded duo had little trouble in defeating top-ranked Akiel Duke and Javier Lewis 6-2, 6-1.

The top-ranked pair of Shenelle Mohammed and Trevine Sellier prevailed in the women’s doubles round robin final. The duo romped to a 6-1, 6-0 victory over second-ranked Lindy Ann Farrier and Keneel Teasdale. Today, the tournament will conclude with three finals — women’s singles, men’s singles and mixed doubles.

Starting at 5 pm, the women’s singles decider will be staged between second seed Carlista Mohammed and third seed Breana Stampfli.

Richard Chung, seeded third in the men’s singles, will oppose Joe Cadogan in the title match while, in the mixed doubles, Dexter Mahase and Lindy Ann Farrier will square off against Collin Auguste and Yin Lee Assang.

Voisin was a member of Charlie’s Roots from 1975 to 2003 when the band went defunct.

During that time, Voisin would have played in Pelham Goddard’s studio band for KH Studios, in addition to numerous radio and television jingles, as well as on the recordings.

He worked with the who’s who in the soca and calypso world including the likes of the late Maestro, Calypso Rose, SuperBlue, David Rudder, Chris “Tambu” Herbert, Shadow, Francine and Sugar Aloes.

After that, Voisin took the opportunity to quietly further his musical studies at the University of the West Indies because he didn’t like the direction the soca music was taking at the time.

So, in 2009 when there was a reunion of Roots, he was in the forefront, until illness got the better of him in the last few years.

Reacting to his passing yesterday were a number of past and present Roots members.

Musical director Pelham Goddard said: “Anthony Voisin joined The ‘Sensational’ Roots band in 1975 and was one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most premiere guitarists. He made a great contribution to the art form with his unique style of guitar that made up Charlie’s Roots rhythm in the soca music, but he was more than just a musician. He was a father, brother, friend and set a milestone in Caribbean culture, and the world by extension. He would truly be missed. RIP, and condolences to the Voisin family.

I’m sad that I’m out of the country RIP brother.

Former Roots front line singer Herbert said Voisin was one of a better soca/calypso guitarist who loved the national art form of TT . “His heart was into the music. What was more important to him was the quality of the music than the quantity of the money,” said Tambu.

He added with a laugh: “Tony and I always had a good relationship.

We use to call each other Yaow Yaow, who ever see one another first will say Yaow Yaow.” Tambu concluded: “Tony was always a nice brother who really loved his music and they (together with Junior Wharwood) added value to the soca and calypso music based on their play.

All the hooks, guitar lines etc in Shadow’s (Winston Bailey) song, Dance Charlene, those were Tony’s lines. They created a style in soca music. Tony and Junior Wharwood were the innovators of that. They contributed significantly to the music.” Another former Roots front line singer David Rudder was at a lost for words.

He said: “I am still trying to get around it. I haven’t settled my thoughts as yet. This one hit me hard. With Tony gone, it’s just myself, Carly (Jacob) and just a few others still holding the centre and that is the thing that really bothers me because it is like the centre is crumbling.

“Even though Tony was ill he was still present. In terms of soca music, Tony and Junior were the soca music guitars right there. We (in Roots) use to call Junior Mr No because when he was playing his head will go from side to side, and Tony was Mr Yes because he use to bow down and come up while playing.” Rudder said: “There is something about Tony. He was a very quiet and private person but there was a warmth whenever he meet you. It was kind of like a metaphor for the energy of what we shared together and with the wider public.

“A lot of people

Last Sunday, Mother’s Day, mothers in some areas in the borough of Arima got a surprise they did not welcome. Taps were dry from very early in the morning. It was extremely difficult to do the normal chores and to take baths etc. It was also very trying to prepare a decent meal for the family as some may not have chosen to dine out. Water woes continue to plague residents of this area and others, as you are aware.

Successive administrations have come and gone and none has seriously addressed the plight that we suffer. During the tenure of the PP government, there was some respite but the situation has reverted to the former state.

For over 30 years this problem has been existing and the following scenario is as vivid as it exists.

Do you know householders keep containers filled with water in their bathrooms for bathing just in case taps are dry and the tanks are empty? Yes, that is the reality, as if you are not aware. It has been routine for some residents to get up at wee hours to “catch” water that trickles in the tap but may be gone by morning.

To avoid heavy fines, some of us tote water in buckets for our plants as we are debarred of using hoses and sprinklers. Ironically, on one occasion our payment was late and a crew came to disconnect our supply — a supply which we were not getting. The average householder now has to invest in tanks and pumps, the use of which increases the electricity cost.

The aforementioned practices have since become commonplace in our country, an island — a piece of land completely surrounded by water. Some countries in the Caribbean, with fewer resources, have been able to ensure a regular water supply as some can attest.

Mr Minister, please use your good office to assist our residents by alleviating the problems we face daily. Taxes are paid regularly and on time yet we are marginalised and taken for granted.

ELMA RAMSUMAIR via email

On Saturday, he lost 11-1, 11-5, 11-1, 11-8 to 14-yearold Jacobo Vahnish of Panama and, later on the day, he went under 11-9, 11-6, 11-6, 11-6 to Brazil’s Guilherme Teodoro.

She revealed an agro-processing and light industrial park will be built on 18.83 acres of State land situated in Saunders Trace and will initially house five factory shells. The project represents an investment of approximately $69.3 million towards the further development of Moruga and environs.

The Park, with all required infrastructure, will be sub-divided into 18 plots (small, medium and large) to cater to businesses of all sizes.

Outlining the specifics of the facility, Gopee-Scoon said it will allow for processing of raw materials and intermediate products that originate from agriculture, forestry and fisheries, including the preservation of meats, fish, fruit and vegetables.

The manufacture of food products and the conversion of fresh produce into semi-processed raw material or processed products, will also be done at the park.

Targeted business will also include those involved in the manufacture of bakery products, pasta products, confectionary and starch products; the manufacture of beverages, wine and the blending of spirits; and facilities for the canning, bottling and freezing of finished products’.

Gopee-Scoon noted these initiatives are expected to facilitate economic growth and the development of environmentally sustainable local, regional and international businesses, engaged in downstream activities in the agricultural sector; thereby encouraging the further development of the community and the creation of world class entrepreneurs.

She added, “The development of this Agro-Processing and Light Industrial Park underscores our commitment to the provision of an enabling economic environment for our investors but more than ever the generation of real and sustainable developmental opportunities for the Moruga community.” Phase I of the project (logistical planning) is currently being undertaken and Phase 2 (construction) is set to commence in January.

Speaking of the opportunities, the Trade Minister said the construction phase will provide substantial employment for residents of Moruga and once completed and operational, we estimate that the Park will provide further employment for well over 500 people.

A lso addressing the audience were Clarence Rambharat, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries; Kazim Hosein, Minister of Rural Development and Local Government; Imtiaz Ahamad, Chairman of eTecK and Frank Barnes, CEO of Udecott.

Barnes outlined various plans for the area which include road improvement, port and fishing facility development and agricultural nursery projects, among others.

Moruga/Tableland MP Lovell Francis said this kind of development is what Moruga has been waiting for and he was thrilled that is finally becoming a reality.

The meeting played host to over 100 representatives of stakeholder groups with the Moruga community.

I have indicated to them that the property tax should have been repealed during the tenure of the previous government, as it was on the basis of this expectation that the present Opposition found itself in government.

However, since the Axe the Tax campaign was an initiative of the COP under the astute leadership of Winston Dookeran and the intention of the government at the time was to decimate the effect of the COP in governance, the issue was left in abeyance.

The country must now pay the price for small-minded governance.

Property tax is the law, even though it is draconian. I encourage everyone to file their forms as I have done.

IMAAM IQUBAL HYDAL Felicity

Both teams dominated their respective pair of First Round matches, having won by convincing margins, as they occupied the top two positions in the points table among the four franchised teams.

The two finalists were involved in their third and final round-robin match last night at the National Cricket Centre, Balmain, Couva.

TECU Southern Titans’ new-ball bowlers Samantha Bissoon and Akeira Peters, as well as all-rounder Shenelle Lord, have proven their worth and would be raring to reproduce, or even better their previous performances, in today’s match.

TT ’s triumphant World T20 player Britney Cooper and Jamaica’s Shenelle Henry will provide more options for captain Merissa Aguilleira if the pitch favours the faster bowlers while she will utilise spinners Gaitri Seetahal and Kajol Daljit to upset the rhythm of the opposing batters.

Sacha Starblazers will depend heavily on their batters Rachel Vincent, Amanda Samaroo, Chedean Nation, Kirbyina Alexander and skipper Leeann Kirby to prop up the batting order and produce substantial scores to overpower the TECU Titans.

UNICOMER Courts Trinidad Limited have provided the Trinidad and Tobago Women Cricket Association with $75,000 which will cover the overall prize monies plus other incentives based on players’ overall performances throughout the competition.

Among the guests are tai chi master and tai chi teacher Han Lipeng, along with Jao Jian and his team performing the Chinese Lion Dance. Rollins Alleyne and Dr Che Corbin are two members of the Barbados contingent coming to Trinidad for the event.

Sparring and self defence are two of the disciplines that will feature, while trophies, medals and hampers will be given to the top athletes.

Competitors must pay $250 in advance and $275 at the door, while spectators pay $40. Tomorrow, workshops on wushu kung fu broad sword and tai chi chuan will be held. For further information contact 354-1114 or 354-0464.

Brewer scored 48 of his team’s 60 points as ISPS defeated Queen’s Royal College (QRC) 60-49 at the Jean Pierre Complex in Mucurapo.

Liam French contributed eight points for ISPS, while Nwadike Felix (18) and Antonio Ambris (14) were the top scorers for QRC.

On Tuesday, Fatima outlasted QRC 36-29 in the boys Under-17 category. Adrian Sangster scored 12 points to lead the way for Fatima, while Kobee James netted 11 points for the Royalians.

Fatima were also victorious in the Under-20 boys division, recording a 47-39 win over Belmont Boys. Adam Tang-Nian top scored for Fatima with 13 points and Nkosi Corbin had 12 points for Belmont.

In the open girls category, South East Port of Spain defeated Malick Secondary by default.

Two tournaments were carded on this day (cricket and football), but rain forced the cricket tournament to be cancelled.

Scotiabank’s journey to winning the football tournament was not an easy one. On the way, they claimed victories over Central Bank, First Citizens and Guardian Group; but suffered losses to ANSA Financial Services and walked away with draws against Republic Bank and Unit Trust.

Scotiabank got 11 points during the preliminary stage, before defeating First Citizens 1-0 in the final. Unit Trust finished third, followed by ANSA Financial Services and Guardian Group. Republic Bank and Central Bank were sixth and seventh respectively.

“Today was a long day, but once again the strength and spirit of a Scotiabanker came through and we were able to bring forth the victory in the finals,” said Scotiabank’s excited captain Ayinde Fraser.

On a day when the conditions were wet and slippery because of the early morning rain, strength, persistence and focus were definitely pre-requisites to prevailing and excelling at the competition.

Scotiabank’s Ravi Persad performed exceptionally, finding the net four times to lead his side to victory. The First Citizen’s duo of James Brown and Kevon Durham, scored four goals each to assist the green machine in holding on to second place.

The competition was played on a hockey-sized field with two games being played simultaneously. However, because of the weather, the referees were forced to decrease the playing time for each game from 15 minutes to 10 minutes, to allow for the completion of the games.