At least 20 people are known to have died so far across the Caribbean, while it is claimed an estimated 1.2 million have been affected.

Despite being downgraded to a Category Four storm as it moved between Cuba and the Bahamas, Irma was still described as “extremely dangerous” with winds reaching 150 miles per hour.

Irma is now expected to hit the American state of Florida and 5.6 million people have been told to evacuate as the storm approaches.

In a message to members, Lewis claimed it was too early to gauge the overall damage Irma has caused but did pay tribute to Dag Samuels, a British Virgin Islands athletics coach that tragically died.

“Although we were warned very early that this year we would witness one of the most active hurricane seasons, nothing could have prepared us for the onslaught we have received thus far and what looms ahead,” Lewis wrote. “We have heard of the shattered state of several of our member nations consequent upon the passage of Hurricane Irma, which continues on its destructive path even as we circulate this message.

“We have not yet gotten the full extent of damage and loss of lives but we are aware of some, including one of the athletics coaches of the British Virgin Islands, Dag Samuels, who has been a friend of all of us for some time.” Another storm, Jose, appears to be following directly behind Irma and is now classified as a Category Four hurricane.

It appears to be following a similar course to Irma and is already slowing down relief efforts in some areas.

“Our following of the hurricane season suggests the CANOC members are not yet out of the woods regarding the wrath of Irma and yet some are expecting further damage with the coming through of Hurricane Jose,” Lewis added.

“While we continue to pray for our members, their families and indeed their entire countries, we are ever mindful of the importance of solidarity among our membership.

“We ask for constant communication and sharing of situations at this time.

“Let us commit to assisting where we can and also looking out for possible assistance from the sports fraternity globally.

“I have faith in the value of sport to uplift our people and our eagerness to rise above all adversities that confront us.”

“This appointment will absolutely broaden my horizons as a mixologist,” an excited Edwards, 35, tells Spotlight.

“It allows bartenders to come together as one global community sharing ideas, concepts and trends. We are a small island but we are connected as a region. The region from which gave birth to one of the most versatile yet misunderstood spirits, rum.” The chief mixologist at House of Angostura, Laventille, Edwards was among 100 industry professionals who were selected for the attache programme on the basis of their strong influence in the community.

Tales of the Cocktail is an annual gathering of cocktail and spirits industry professionals, which was established in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 2002.

The Attache Programme was established by Tales marketing manager, Jeremy Thompson.

In his new role, Edwards assumes the status of an embassy official with the responsibility to promote cultural relations between the Tales of the Cocktail brand and smaller jurisdictions throughout the globe. He will be called upon to provide Tales of the Cocktail with ongoing insight into the local cocktail community.

This may take the form of local cocktail recipes, bartender spotlights, spirits, or any other distinguishing features of a given community.

Saying his first act as attache will be to connect with all of the other members, Edwards said he also intends to put together a local team that will be responsible for providing him with “valuable content that I can share with the international community.” Edwards said Leesha Alexander, commercial manager, House of Angostura, nominated him for the attache programme, in April.

“One week later, I got an e-mail from Jeremy Thompson informing me that I have been accepted into the attache programme.” It’s a signal honour for Edwards, who emerged from modest beginnings in the small, north-east coast community of Toco, to become one of the stars in local mixology.

“My mind is always resting at home (Toco),” he said with pride.

“It’s where this journey all began for me many years ago. We take it for granted a lot of the time but I am truly blessed in having a slice of both worlds: the opportunity to hear the waves running ashore, the fresh breeze from the Caribbean sea fills my lungs, the laughter of my countrymen reminiscing from experiences from the nearby forest or at sea.” In fact, the celebrated mixologist, who attended Toco Secondary, features prominently on the institution’s Wall of Fame, an exhibition of alumni who have done the school proud over its 40 years in existence.

Among those gracing the wall are Olympic gold medallist Keshorn Walcott, soca artiste Patrice Roberts, retired cricketer Mervyn Dillon and the school’s current principal Verona Davis-Modeste.

Edwards congratulated Toco Secondary on having achieved its 40th anniversary but said the institution was in dire need of an upgrade.

“The 40-year-old structure still stands but her walls are weary. Calls for an upgrade have all landed on covered ears. So many talented young minds and athletes has been part of those 40 years. I am so happy and privileged to be a part of this group.” Edwards spoke glowingly about his life in picturesque, seaside district – one in which the village, to a large extent, still raises the child.

“It (Toco) has taught me a lot. My upbringing was not only the responsibility of my parents but the responsibility of the community,” he said, adding he returns to the community to visit family and friends at every opportunity he gets. However, Edwards said for young people who wish to venture out of the area in search of opportunities, the change can be quite onerous.

“Coming out of Toco is not easy for most students. Change can be the hardest thing to deal with but I have learnt to adapt to the change in my environment.” Edwards admitted there aren’t many opportunities for young people living in communities along the northeast coast “You can either become a public servant, fisherman or farmer.” He recalled, though, the genesis of his introduction into the world of mixology began with a hospitality course in the Youth Training and Employment Partnership Programme.

Edwards admitted that, at first, he did not take the class seriously.

“I attended two classes.

However, where the classes were being kept was right next to a football field, which was a bad idea,” he said.

“I would often not go to class or sometimes leave class early to facilitate my addiction for the sport.” Edwards recalled the lecturer for the course, Khan Maharaj, came to the football field, one day and told him he needed to make a decision.

“He thought I had what it took to excel in the hospitality industry and he wanted to have me enroll at the hotel in Cascade.” Edwards said he was forced to relinquish the familiar for the unknown.

“Stepping out in to the unknown can be a terrifying experience to many. You have to hold the bull by the horn and hope for the best.” Surprisingly, football was Edwards’ first love.

“My goal was to represent club and country at the highest level because I had captained my school’s football team for two years and was also a member of North East Stars Pro League team.

“But, in Trinidad, it’s not easy coming from the countryside. Having the connections and network is critical when it comes to advancing in this field. Life became so difficult and redundant I had to make a decision.

It was one of the most difficult decisions I ever had to make.” Edwards said he had never set out for career in mixology.

“It (mixology) actually chose me,” he said.

“Mixology is liquid art. It has taught me a lot about history and the days of old. It has challenged me, allowing my mind to travel into the future. It has taught me humility and patience.” Edwards has officially been with the House of Angostura since 2007.

However, he joked that the company’s products, bitters and rums, has been a part of his household for as long as he could remember.

Edwards said as chief mixologist, “my role is to carry consumers on a journey from the cane fields to bottle and beyond. “There is always a story to tell and an experience to share.

The experience has been phenomenal.” He said he has travelled extensively, visiting various markets and educating industry professionals on the mixability and versatility of TT’s rums and bitters.

Edwards said one of the highlights of his career has been the opportunity to experience a classic cocktail, The Queen’s Park Swizzle, which was created in TT at the then Queen’s Park Hotel during the early 1900’s.

“Seeing this cocktail as our national drink will be my dream come through. It’s ours – our claim to fame in the cocktail world. It has an unforgettable story that takes you on a journey through time.” Edwards said his team at Angostura is working towards making the Queen’s Park Swizzle available at all trade outlets that serve cocktails.

He has no regrets about being involved in the field.

“I believe it was written long before the creation of the world – our roles and purpose.

“My passion for mixology was born from my love for hospitality and service. There are some traits that hospitality cannot teach and this comes naturally. It’s what I was chosen to do and become.”

Duane Muckette had broken the deadlock 12 minutes into the second period for the hosts but the 23-year-old Tobago-born Gordon levelled the game with a minute left for Stern John’s side.

John, Trinidad and Tobago men’s team assistant coach, held the same position at Central, but was elevated for his head coach debut in absence of the Couva Sharks’ Pro League and Caribbean Club Championship-winning coach Dale Saunders who decided to step away due unpaid wages.

Central (10 points) meanwhile, continue to occupy fifth on the standings after fourth-placed San Juan Jabloteh (13 points) edged Point Fortin Civic 2-1 earlier on the day at Mahaica Oval in another rescheduled fixture to now sit within four points of frontrunners W Connection, Club Sando and North East Stars who, in descending order, are all tied on 17 points.

Jesus Perez grabbed the Jabloteh winner in the 75th minute after Civic defender Glenn Sutton had levelled Nathan Lewis’s 49th-minute opening item in the 69th minute.

The result snapped Jabloteh’s four-game losing spell in all competitions while ending the seventh-placed Civic’s five game undefeated stretch.

Both sides, however, were reduced to 10 men with goalscorer Sutton and Jabloteh’s Kennedy Hinkson shown direct red cards in virtually the final play of the game for violent conduct.

There were no such heated moments at the Arima Velodrome although North East Stars are a side equipped with almost a dozen former Central players.

But with goalkeeper Akel Clarke absent; Rundell Winchester unavailable through card suspension, and regular team captain Elton John on the injury list with Kordell Samuel, coach Derek King’s starting line-up included just four – Kevon Villaroel, Kishun Seecharan, Jomoul Francois and Yohance Marshall – former Central players.

King handed debuts to mid-season signings in 2006 World Cup midfielder Densill Theobald, central midfielder Kevon Goddard from W Connection, and former Jabloteh, Morvant Caledonia United and St Ann’s Rangers goalie Jesse Peters, while ex-Central defender Julius James, who spent nearly all of his professional life in the United States, had to look on from the spectators area due to pending international clearance.

Central meanwhile depended on stalwarts Jason Marcano, Sean De Silva, Kaydion Gabriel and Gordon with season signings Taryk Sampson, Sean Bateau and goalkeeper Stephon Seepersad among the first XI that also included Jesse Joseph, Jules Lee and Taryk John.

North East Stars were closest to opening the scoring after just seven minutes through Muckette but Seepersad was equal to the ball, putting the strike behind off the crossbar.

Seepersad made another save on the half-hour mark to keep out a strike at his near post from Seecharan, after the Stars’ winger dribbled past four Central shirts before entering the left of the area.

Muckette had a much better opening in the 56th minute and disappointed when by spilling overbar on a low cross from Akeem Garcia. But the former Trinidad and Tobago youth player redeemed himself a minute later with a powerful strike past Seepersad before being immediately replaced injured by Kerry Baptiste.

Moments earlier Gordon left his coach John screaming at the touchline after failing to capitalise on two opportunities on the opposite end.

But a devastating breakdown at the back by North East Stars with a minute left, resulted in a free Gordon heading into an open net off a Gabriel cross after an overlapping run on the right in support of Marcano.

North East Stars had themselves to blame including a pointblank headed miss by substitute Kerry Baptiste off a Theobald free kick on the hour mark. Baptiste, the evergreen poacher, also put an equalising opportunity off target in stoppage-time and leaving the rivalry to be settled when both teams meet again on September 19.

North East Stars and Central will return to play on Tuesday in two other rescheduled fixtures when they visit Jabloteh and Police FC, respectively, at the Barataria Recreation Ground (5 pm) and Police Barracks (6 pm).

Action in the Pro League however continues today when Morvant Caledonia United visit a new-look MIC-IT St Ann’s Rangers from 4 pm at the St Augustine Senior Secondary School Ground in another rescheduled fixture.

(ttproleague.com)

When a mature woman does her makeup, the overall goal is usually to create a smooth, lifted, youthful appearance. There are certain trends nowadays that can really cause a more mature face to look droopy, dull, wrinkled and gaunt.

As we age, the skin’s collagen and elastin production slows down. These helps to give skin its plumpness and stretchiness. With depleted levels, skin becomes more prone to wrinkles, sagging and dryness. Always hydrate the skin adequately.

If texture is an issue, you might want to consider priming to smooth the skin and create a more uniform canvas. You should avoid thick, matte foundations because they can settle into lines and wrinkles, accentuating them and causing the skin to look lack luster and dry.

Opt for sheer, luminous finishes. If you need additional coverage, use a concealer. It should also be noted that your under-eye concealer should match your skin tone. If it’s too light, it can actually highlight your under-eye bags and amplify the texture there. Personally, I like to use cream blush as opposed to powder blush because it sits better on mature skin.

When it comes to blush colour, you might find that wines, mauves and dark colours can make you appear gaunt, and bright pinks, oranges and reds can make you look garish. Opt for softer versions such as rose, coral and peach to liven up the complexion in a more natural way. Heavy contour or bronzer can also have a similar effect, so use sparingly.

I don’t recommend powdering the face. If you have oily skin, you can powder lightly on the forehead, nose and chin but avoid any areas with wrinkles or lines. Do not bake! Baking on mature skin is a cakey, cracking nightmare waiting to happen. If you want to set your makeup, opt for a setting spray over a powder.

If your eyes have become uneven with age, your lids have become hooded or droopy or you have any sort of _ ne lines, wrinkles or crows’ feet, you may want to avoid winged eyeliner. It may end up being an odd shape or downturned, which will actually make your eyes appear droopier, thus making you look older. Instead, you can apply a pencil eyeliner at the roots of your lashes to make them appear fuller. Since lashes tend to become thin with age, this will help to create definition and the appearance of thicker lashes.

You can make the liner a bit thicker at the outer corner of your eyes to create a lifted effect.

Don’t forget your brows! Similar to lashes, if you create fuller eyebrows, you’ll appear more youthful. Avoid adding too much dark eyeliner or eyeshadow under the eye, as this will visually pull the eye downwards.

When it comes to eyeshadow, you should take the utmost care in blending; Harsh lines will be all the more unforgiving. Contrary to popular belief, shimmer isn’t bad, but overly frosty, metallic shadows can accentuate texture.

Similarly, pastel and matte eyeshadows can appear dry and chalky. The finish that will be the most flattering is satin. It’s not as flat as a matte and not reflective like metallics. There’s a subtle, natural luminosity to it.

Your lips are the next area that age likes to toy with. Lips can lose fullness and develop wrinkles which will cause your lipstick to feather. You can line your lips with lip liner to reduce feathering and recreate the appearance of fullness, but I’d avoid going overboard for the sake of looking unnatural. If your lips are thin, bear in mind that dark colours will make them appear even thinner.

Also consider that matte lipsticks will dry the lips out causing wrinkles to become prominent. That means liquid lipsticks are a no-no! Opt for balmy, sheer, moisturising colours. Sometimes nude lipsticks can be a bit much for a more mature person. If you want to do something nude, try to add a touch of pink or peach to the nude colour to liven it up.

With a little customisation, these tips and tricks can take years off your face. Feel free to experiment and find a happy medium that satisfies your personal tastes while helping you to look your best!

The male of the species in TT appears to be extraordinarily mentally disturbed and in my view there is need for social monitoring of our male children from early childhood.

When a female member of the Opposition calls for answers from the Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, one shudders at the naked politicking during this time of anguish for all females. The inference is opportunistic politicking of the sickest kind. Could the call to the PM and minister not have waited for another two days in sympathy for the distressed relatives and indeed the entire community? Also, where was Womantra when that poor woman and the little boy were murdered in the East? What about the naked body of the female worker found in the river? Where, again, was Womantra? Womantra stands accused of only surfacing when it can jockey some extra minutes of social media fame because the unhappy victims are high-profile women. Where was the Opposition when women were being murdered between 2010 and 2015 when it was in government? What remedy did its members have then and what remedy have they to offer today to convince us that they have pertinent and effective ideas for protecting our women? How is it possible to console the relatives of the bereaved?

LYNETTE JOSEPH Diego Martin

The recent presentation on the Woodford Square Heritage District was based on the work of an intern from the International Council of Monuments and Sites. The area of focus was the preparation of dossiers on historic properties that could be included within this heritage district. The trust benefited greatly from having an expert’s analysis with a new perspective on the development of this heritage district in our capital city of Port of Spain.

This presentation was just one of many that the National Trust has held in the past two years highlighting various aspects of our heritage and culture. The trust has organised lectures, tours and exhibitions to promote the recognition and appreciation of our multi-faceted history.

Tours have explored sites in Gran Couva, Rancho Quemado, Moruga and Cedros; travelled from north to south Trinidad learning of the railway history; visited museums and traversed the western isles in the Gulf of Paria.

The Nelson Island Heritage Site is a multi-layered tour where information is provided on indentureship, Tubal Uriah Butler and the 1970 Black Power Movement for hundreds of primary and secondary school students and members of the public. We have explored the marine archaeology of the Scarborough harbour in presentations in TT .

In partnership with the Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts as part of Patriotism Month, the National Trust has organised three tours for September celebrating the First Peoples, the East Indian heritage and the African heritage.

Our lecture series last November reviewed the influence of Spanish and French settlers, enslavement, indentureship and pre-Columbian history.

Last year we took the opportunity to learn of the Ramleela celebrations in Cedar Hill, Princes Town and participated in the Kendra Phagwa Festival in Raghunanan Road, Enterprise.

Recently, we also explored the history of Tobago in a presentation there and we are working with the Tobago House of Assembly to list the Main Ridge (Forest Reserve) both nationally and internationally.

The National Trust has compiled a list of over 500 properties of interest in TT , representing a wide diversity of our heritage, and is working to protect our historic sites through the listing process and the preparation of dossiers, therefore affording national recognition to these sites. Information can be obtained on these sites from our website: www.nationaltrust.tt.

The trust recently commenced the posting of YouTube videos which include: the Mud Mandir in Exchange Village, Couva; the Temple in the Sea, the Banwari archaeological site, the Tortuga Roman Catholic Church and several others which can be viewed on our website and Facebook page. With a small complement of staff, the National Trust is working to stimulate awareness, protect our heritage sites, and address the laws to strengthen the ability to safeguard our heritage.

As a membership-based organisation, the trust welcomes new members who will have the opportunity to explore and learn about their heritage and thus support the preservation of our national treasures.

We aim to ensure that there is understanding, appreciation and recognition of all that represents TT . We invite readers to go on our Facebook page or website to obtain more information about our heritage and join the National Trust.

MARGARET MCDOWALL chairman National Trust of TT

Shuttling these little lords to their holiday activities was beyond tiring.

My ‘I am’ and his sophisticated palate had me stuck in a hot kitchen making snacks from scratch. Does it make sense to make marshmallows at home when it is so cheap in the grocery? Well the six-year-old gourmand I have, won’t eat store-bought anymore. He left the best for last: the last weekend, he just had to have custard tarts (of course made with fresh eggs, milk and no custard powder). Poor me! Imagine me scouring the internet for a good custard tart recipe and when I finally had success with Macanese custard tarts, only to be told I need to make them more often (you mean I have to go through that again?).

If you have ever tried to make Chinese puff pastry you would understand my suffering. In the last two months, I’ve become quite skilled in both French and Asian baking techniques (croissants and savoury moon cakes anyone?).

If he didn’t say he is going to become a paediatrician, I would start researching culinary schools for him. After all, he can already tell the difference between Jasmine and Basmati rice (if only I was joking).

Whatever happened to children entertaining themselves? For God’s sake, I have like a thousand channels and my son was still bored out of his wits. I guess he didn’t inherit my couch potato tendencies. When I was a child, we had two choices, TTT or Channel 9, and that was iffy, and I could zone out on just those.

When I got older there was AVM, so we had three stations instead of just two, which was revolutionary! Now this little scamp has the world of entertainment and he’s still bored. At his age, I would have given my right arm for Disney Channel or Nickelodeon, but he’s bored.

Now there is no time for parents to rest, or even get a little ease to catch their breath. In spite of my having to shuttle my little lord and master halfway across the island for his autism camp, after a month of extra music classes, I still had a better time of it than my sister. There are two swimmers in her family so her mornings, evenings and weekends are spent shuttling them to and from practice, special training and meets.

I’m griping but I feel privileged that my son and nephews have the support and resources to ful_ l their potential, many children don’t. I know of other parents that struggled to get their children equipped and suited for this new school year.

Things are extremely difficult financially for me but with careful planning and lots of penny pinching I am able to facilitate my son’s dreams.

Many parents can’t even do that much.

Now that a new school term has started and I can hand my precious little emperor over to his teachers, I look forward to returning to more than a shadow of my former self. There is time again to take a breather and to have a conversation with someone other than a six-year-old. Because my son attends a special school, I only get a five-hour window but it’s more precious than you can imagine. In that time, I can write a paragraph or two, get some housework done, do a load of laundry, prepare a meal, and catch up on the news and my manga (don’t judge me, manga is a legitimate form of art), all before the little dictator – I mean, my beloved son – comes home from school.

Don’t get me wrong, I really enjoy my son’s company. Like me, he is a real character and like his deceased grandfather, he is a real clown and can be guaranteed to make you laugh. It’s just two months of being surgically attached to him can really drain a girl. His return to school is something I’ve really been looking forward to.

Although I will miss snuggling under the sheets and watching cartoons during rainy weather while we gorge on nachos and popcorn, we can still do those things on weekends.

I see pictures of mothers online celebrating the beginning of the school year. My favourite was one lady relaxing in the pool with a glass of wine in hand, while her sullen children, dressed for school, look on. I wouldn’t go that far but I totally get it. I’ve never seen a zombie regenerate in any of the cheesy sci fi flicks I watch but I’ll see it over the next few weeks as I relinquish my mombie status. See you on the other side.

The ex-champion rider sent hgis mount into the lead from the off and gav e the Glenn Mendez-trained pre-race favourite a breather at the top of the stretch.

Big five O grabbed the lead inside 400 metres but Jadoo ® roused his charge again and scooted clear for a 1 1/4 length victory.

One Fortheroad came with a rattle but was a head short of Big Five O who held on for seconhd, It was a day when nojockey managed more than one winning ride, but champion trainer Mendez Terrance Thomas saddled two winners each.

Three-year-old Cactus Treasure surprised in the 1500 metres turf race, a modified Benchmark handicap event to reward backers with $8.85 and $195 on the tote.

And Mirkana was also a surprise winnner to reward backers with $7 $7.50 and $1.80 on the tote.

Although the first Hi5 stumped turfites, one lucky punter left with a cheque for $4,781.20 for forecasting the five in the final race – Cramers Rule, Indy Anna Baby, Raeven Renae, Sing Sing Sing, San Antonio.

Throughout the years, the popularity of wigs has fluctuated and currently, wig wearing has experienced resurgence not only as a fashion or replacement for hair-loss but as a means of protecting one’s own hair.

These days, wigs come in a variety of colours, textures and price-points. Human hair wigs are of course made from human hair, most commonly from Asian donors. The hair is treated for pests and sometimes it is chemically treated to give it a particular texture or colour before it is made into a wig.

Synthetic wigs are made of mono- or poly- _ lament manmade fibres. These fibres are usually made of acrylic, polyester or polyvinyl material and mimic the look and feel of actual hair. Synthetic wigs are usually less expensive than human hair.

Gone are the days when only stage performers, people experiencing hair loss or grandmothers under their church hats, wore wigs. Wigs are worn so that one can experiment with different colours and textures without damaging your own hair by using chemicals, heat and excessive manipulation.

Wigs can be partial, where you leave some of your own hair out to conceal the wig or they can fully cover the hair. A very popular type of wig is made of lace. Wigs can come with a lace closure for middle or side parting (approximately four square inches), a lace front (lace at the front from ear to ear), lace around the perimeter of the wig or a wig can be a full-lace wig. The different types of lace wigs give different degrees of versatility to the wigs.

A lace wig when properly applied can look like the hairs are actually growing from the scalp.

You can consider wearing a quality synthetic or human hair wig for several reasons.

1. If you are currently experiencing hair loss due to stress, genetics or for medical reasons such as chemotherapy.

2. To give your hair a break from the constant manipulation and styling that causes split ends and breakage.

3. If you are growing out your hair from a short style and you’re experiencing that awkward phase when your hair is neither long nor short.

4. To try a new colour or shorter style without actually colouring or cutting your own hair.

The next time you feel frustrated with your own hair, or feel limited with the things you can do with your own hair, try a wig, you might like it.

So what’s next? If we follow the usual process TT may be looking for a new coach or there will be a shake-up of the management team.

As far as I am concerned, however, the 11 players on the field for those 90 minutes are responsible for winning or losing.

I have been saying it over and over: our players are not up to World Cup standard. We are being outplayed. It is not the management.

The way forward is returning to the drawing board and grooming players from young. Let us stop bringing back players who cannot last 90 minutes. We must do better than that.

I still fully support our footballers but we need to find new talent.

ARNOLD GOPEESINGH via email