Shiva Boys, who won their first Premier Division title last year, will open the 2017 season today at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva. Shiva Boys face southern rivals Naparima at 5 pm in the second match of a double header. In the first match Carapichaima East will tackle Fatima from 3 pm.

Ryan, speaking to Newsday yesterday, said: “As long as all goes well we are in it. I am the humble type of coach that will take one game at a time.” Ryan said most of last year’s team are returning this year, but if they don’t unite as a team they will not play at a high level.

“One of the things that I have learnt about chemistry is that it takes a degree of gelling and coming together. It does not matter how much years people play together, if they don’t have that unity and the love then that could be a slight issue. But I guess we have it so I am expecting the guys to flow tomorrow.”
S AT U R DAY ’ S ROUND ONE FIXTURES (3.40 pm) St Benedict’s vs St Anthony’s, Speyside vs Queen’s Royal College, St Mary’s vs St Augustine, Fyzabad vs Trinity College (Moka) Trinity College East vs Signal Hill Presentation College San Fernando vs San Juan North.

Two men, ages 56 and 26, of Valencia were detained and are assisting police in their investigations.

Police also seized equipment used for cutting vehicles into parts.

According to reports, police under the supervision of Sen Supt Daniel and ASP Mervyn Edwards, and led by Sgt Matthew Haywood went to the garage at about 4 pm on Wednesday. The garage was cordoned off and police observed seven of the vehicles in the garage appeared to have been tampered with. The vehicles, which included a Mazda 3, a Toyota Corolla, a Nissan Navarra,two Nissan Versas and a Toyota pick-up were seized and handed over to members of the Stolen Vehicles squad.

Police began examining the vehicles yesterday and documents were being sought from the Licensing Authority to verify if the vehicles were tampered with.

They believe with the arrest of the suspects and the seizure of the vehicles, they may be able to make a breakthrough into a vehicle stealing ring. They also expect to seize additional vehicles with the arrest of the two suspects. The same team also searched some bushes in Malabar on Wednesday and seized a pistol with several rounds of ammunition.

No one is safe. We have known that for quite some time. Every time we think we have faced the unimaginable, some crime shocks us at a whole new level.

This week it was the brutal murders of two elderly women, Dr Claire Broadbridge and Ramdevi Singh. For me, this is most shocking because elderly women conjure up images of loving, caring, innocent and nurturing grandmother figures.

How could anger and hate possibly touch them? As usual, people are bringing up invaluable points about crime, which I am afraid Government pays no attention to.

In Jense La Verde’s story in the Trinidad Guardian, the former British High Commissioner to TT, Arthur Snell, said, “If around five per cent of murders result in criminal convictions, murders will occur with horrific banality.” We all know this, yet, as Dr Broadbridge’s son, Stephen, said, we don’t hold government accountable for the appalling statistics on solving crime in this country.

We don’t make enough noise and demand that elected officials solve problems. Snell is right in saying that “society has to recognise its responsibilities at all levels.” Indeed, the poor do face “…constant humiliation and belittling (in a place) where Sea Lots exists only hundreds of metres away from the Hyatt Hotel.” Yes, Ambassador Snell, “anger and cynicism (do) flourish like a malignant cancer” in this country.

For me, what was most telling in former Ambassador Snell’s comments was this statement: “Every little piece of support, capacity building and training the British Government offered to help tackle this problem (in my time) was met with, at best, limited enthusiasm and at worst obstruction.” This is how government in Trinidad and Tobago — regardless of the party in power — is perceived by individuals in this country and outside of this country. In my years of working in the prison system, I have felt this lack of support; this lack of caring.

On the ground level — in the trenches — there is much support for the educational and skill-based programmes I have introduced in prisons.

Those working in administrative positions have been overwhelmingly supportive and forward thinking, but when I get to the level of the Ministry of National Security, I have the same feeling as Snell.

The Ministry of Community Development is amazingly supportive of my programmes while the Ministry of National Security has treated them with scant courtesy.

The Ministry of Community Development provides tutors for my skill-based programmes and representatives even show up for my events they have not sponsored.

On the other hand, I had to beg the Ministry of National Security for a paltry sum to offer a PVC furniture construction class at the Port of Spain Prison. There has been no support for the tiling course inmates are looking forward to taking.

Once again, the Ministry of Community Development paid for the tutor, but the Ministry of National Security cannot see the wisdom in offering this programme to inmates who now re-enter society with not much more than a pack of hatred for the years the court system kept them in prison waiting for their trials. I have found the Ministry of National Security to be uncaring, unsupportive and unimaginative or, as Snell put it, “…at best, (operating with) limited enthusiasm; at worst obstruction.” So tell me, how do we e x p e c t to fight c r i m e in this country?

“So far we have had a very successful first day,” said Darrion Narine the guild’s vice president on Tuesday.

“We had all the societies and clubs coming out in their numbers and students are very engaged and enjoying the village. We have a lot of games and free give-aways. One of the things we put forward as a guild this year is to showcase student entrepreneurs on campus as a way of showing our support to them.” Guild Fest 2017, hosted by the university, was successfully launched on Monday. The weeklong event brings together all the university’s clubs, island associations and societies to promote a different aspect of the campus community.

Among the various clubs was the UWI Entrepreneurial Society which is a student-run initiative which seeks to engage and motivate students to fuel their entrepreneurial spirit. Among the young business owners present was Meg’s Jewellery Creations by Meagan Smith and sister-duo Sarah and Sharlee Barkar, co-owners of Marie’s Online Boutique. Their business has been in existence for two years and they offer people who do not have the luxury of owning a credit card to purchase quality clothing, make-up and jewellery at affordable prices, with free delivery to UWI students.

This year being their first time at Guild Fest, 22-year-old Sarah who is pursuing a degree in Management Studies said, “This is a fantastic opportunity and it has expanded my business because a lot of people are now getting to see my sister and I, the faces behind the online boutique, as many people are sceptical to make online purchases, so we have definitely gained customers.” Exquisite Beauty by Zara had a lot of young women rushing to her booth as they offered spa services and gave women the chance to get their nails polished for free.

Trinidad Babe, another business specialising in all-natural handmade soaps, wine glasses and beer koozies, also attracted students.

Beast Body Supplements, created by 23-year-old personal trainer Villon Stanley, had an outstanding display of their supplements and clothing line. “My business aims at providing affordable supplements to anyone who wants to look and be healthy,” Stanley said.

“I also have a clothing line that has inspirational quotes on them to empower my clients.” Beast Body Supplements was created in 2015 by Stanley who is also pursuing a degree in Law.

The Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts was also present to educate students on the technical vocational services they offer, from tiling and events management to learning about vegetarian cuisine.

These short courses sponsored by the ministry are all free.

The tents with the most interactive games were UWI’s Linguistics Society, Communication Studies Association, Economic Society and the National Trust, to name a few. Habitat for Humanity Campus Chapter was also present.

“We came here to educate the student body on fostering appreciation for our natural heritage, build heritage and cultural heritage,” said Chenelle Spooner, communications officer at the National Trust. S pooner and Ashleigh Morris, heritage preservation research officer, had engaging activities for students to name local sites, while giving them the opportunity to join the National Trust on tours throughout the country.

James, 33, who spent almost his entire professional life across leagues in the United States including the MLS, represented Central in the latter half of last season before returning to the US with Sacramento Republic, and 35-year-old former household name of Morvant Caledonia United, Theobald, who is eager to suit up for his new club, are awaiting international transfer from USA and India respectively.

“We have added some experience with Theobald and Julius James around younger talents like Duane Muckette and others,” said North East Stars head coach Derek King, whose side are also in the process of completing the signings of W Connection midfielder Kevon Goddard and former Morvant Caledonia, San Juan Jabloteh and St.Ann’s Rangers goalkeeper Jesse Peters in the mid-season transfer window.

North East Stars will host Central for the first time at the iconic Arima Velodrome from 8pm tonight in a much anticipated rescheduled clash following a month-long break to assist the Trinidad and Tobago team preparations for recent FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifiers.

Also today, Point Fortin Civic, who snapped the Stars’ unbeaten run of six games on August 11 with a late 1-0 win in front of home fans in Point Fortin, will host San Juan Jabloteh from 6pm at Mahaica Oval in another of three rescheduled fixtures on the weekend inclusive of Morvant Caledonia United’s visit against MIC-IT St Ann’s Rangers from 4pm on Sunday at the St Augustine Senior Secondary Ground.

“It’s very important against Central,” King expressed. “because if we win we go on top (the standings).”

The youthful Laventille team is campaigning in the NFA premier Division for the first time, having earned promotion from the championship.

Another promoted club, Alcons, are in second place with six points.

Alcons trashed Step by Step Maple 3-0 on Sunday; the architects of the win were Joshua Sitney,Andrew Rodriguez and Kron De Freitas.

There was high drama at Debe, where home team Cultural Roots surged ahead 3-0 within the first half and led by the same margin with 10 minutes left. Their opponents RSSR finally woke up and scored three items – including one second before the final whistle – to share the points.

Queens Park also got a late item from Vladimir Suite to share points in a 2-2 draw with Belmont FC.

The NFA season continues on the weekend with nine games on the schedule.

Prior to this a total of 87 papers will be laid in the House and Government will field questions from the Opposition. Among the questions to be asked, is one from Oropouche East MP Dr Roodal Moonilal asking if a report from the TT Defence Force’s board of inquiry about the circumstances of two children being in possession of guns at a military camp will be made public. Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley will miss today’s sitting as he is in California having a medical checkup. Rowley returns home next Monday.

Newsday understands a request for leave for Public Administraion and Communications Minister Maxie Cuffie could be made to Speaker Bridgid Annisette-George today. Cuffie was hospitalised on Tuesday after experiencing a “medical episode.” There may be changes on the Opposition bench as well. During the recess, Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar hinted at changes to the Opposition’s parliamentary line-up. Sources said this may see the return of Moonilal as Opposition Chief Whip as well as new faces to the Opposition’s bench in the Senate, which may sit next Tuesday.

Shah was expected to play last night for the Knight Riders against Guyana Amazon Warriors in eliminator two. The winner of last night’s match will face St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in tomorrow’s final at Brian Lara Cricket Academy from 9 pm. Khan was called up by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to play three T20 internationals against a World XI starting on Tuesday. Khan’s absence is another big blow for the Trinbago Knight Riders who have been forced to do without the prolific New Zealander Brendon McCullum who fractured his arm just before the CPL playoffs started. They also missed out on South African Hashim Amla after the opener got injured prior to the CPL.

Hosted by reigning parang champs Voces Jovenes, the event will feature multiple times champions Los Alumnos de San Juan, the legendary Lara Brothers, La Familia de Carmona y Amigos, Voces de Promesa and host Voces Jovenes.

This year the Joey Lewis Orchestra will make a special guest appearance, while La Familia de la Parranda will be featured in the pre-show.

And a day after scoring an own goal that put Panama 2-0 ahead, defender Carlyle Mitchell is holding his hands up with an apology.

Mitchell and his teammates along with Dennis Lawrence and his staff members, are coming to terms with the run of events over the past week.

“Firstly, I want to apologise to the nation and to coach Dennis Lawrence, his staff and my teammates for the way in way the results went,” Mitchell told TT FA Media. “This has been the biggest disappointment of my career. I feel like I’ve let my country down, my teammates down and I will not pretend that we did things the way it was suppose to be.

This is not something you just wake up in the morning and forget all about.

“We had the opportunities to try and turn things around and make this happen for the country. I am a person who does not live with regrets because it is something that can stay with you for life,” he said.

The former Vancouver Whitecaps player chose to express his feelings on the campaign overall particularly the six-games played in the “Hex” this year.

“It was a bit of a seesaw.

We had our moments, some up, some down and we have to take responsibility for not being able to fulfil what we wanted to achieve in all of this.

I think the coach and his staff gave it their all.

They wanted this badly just as we as players wanted and unfortunately it did not work out for us. We have to reflect and recover from this for the benefit of everyone who cares about the country’s football,” Mitchell added.