In addition to the existing rewards programme, RBC says the new premium credit card will offer both retail and business clients premium benefits such as insurance coverage while they travel, concierge services and other reward earning opportunities that will allow clients to redeem faster.

New and existing holders of the RBC Caribbean Airlines credit card can look forward to additional features and services in early 2017 that will complement enhancements to CAL’s Frequent Flyer Programme. RBC also said its clients “will continue to have access to all benefits as part of the Caribbean Miles Programme.

Watch out for exciting changes to our RBC Caribbean Airlines credit card in 2017.” This is all part of an agreement extension between State-owned Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) and RBC, signed last Thursday (January 12). RBC yesterday (Friday) said this agreement “marks a significant milestone in the decade-long relationship between two strong, well-established brands in the Caribbean: RBC which has operated in the Caribbean for more than 100 years and CAL, which has been recognised for the sixth consecutive year as the “Caribbean’s Leading Airline” at the Annual World Travel Awards.” CAL’s Acting CEO, Captain Jagmohan Singh said as the airline celebrates its tenth anniversary this year, it is “delighted to once again partner with RBC to deliver value to our customers.

Clarke, who has been dominating endurance events in TT for a number of years, won the race which took cyclists from the Mucurapo Foreshore in Port of Spain to Couva and then to Bhagwansingh’s Hardware in Sea Lots where the race ended.

Clarke representing Knights finished ahead of national cyclist Adam Alexander (Team Foundation) and national junior cyclist Jabari Whiteman (Heatwave Cycling Club). Two-time TT Olympian Njisane Phillip (Rigtech Sonics), who is known for his sprinting finished a surprising fourth.

The second Road Series event will take place on Sunday. The five-race Road Series is an official qualifier for the national team for the Elite Pan American Road Championships later this year.

RESULTS: Elite (Open)

1 Phillip Clarke – Knights FR

2 Adam Alexander – Team Foundation

3 Jabari Whiteman – Heatwave Cycling Club

4 Njisane Phillip – Rigtech Sonics

5 Akil Campbell – PSL

6 Tyler Cole – Team DPS

7 Lorenzo Orosco – Team DPS

8 Linford Blackwood – Unattached

9 Ronell Woods – Team Woods

10 Adam Francis – The Braves

Juniors 1 Jabari Whiteman – Heatwave Cycling Club

2 Tyler Cole – Team DPS

3 Lorenzo Orosco – Team DPS

4 Ronell Woods – Team Woods

Juveniles 1 Leyton Fyfield – Team Woods

2 Enrique de Comarmond – Heat wave Cycling Club

3 Rodell Woods – Team Woods

4 Tariq Woods – Team Woods

Ladies Senior 1 Teniel Campbell – PSL

2 Tonya Sin Kow – The Braves

3.Dahlia Palmer – Team DPS

4 Cheyenne Awai – Unattached

Masters 40+ 1 Richard Dickie – Slipstream

2 Mark Singh – Breakaway Cy cling Club

3 Douglas D’abadie – Team SR

4 David Tardieu – Breakaway Cycling Club

Masters 50+

1 Gervase Warner – Team SR

2 Dirk Tidd – Knights FR

3 Michael Brown – Christian Wheelers

Masters 60+ 1 Cyril Fook – PSL

2 Dennis Ghent – Team SR

3 Godfrey Clyne – Southclaine

Katich replaces Simon Helmot who has accepted a long term role as Bangladesh Head Coach High Performance Programme.

Helmot was with the Trinidad and Tobago franchise for three years during which they won the Hero CPL championship in 2015. Simon Helmot said: “I would like to sincerely thank the entire TKR family for all the support during my three years with the franchise.” Simon Katich was an outstanding international player for Australia and has had different coaching assignments.

Among these is his current role as assistant coach of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL.

Katich said: “It’s an exciting opportunity to coach a successful franchise like TKR in the Hero CPL and also great to extend the association with the Knight Rider Family from KKR to TKR.” TKR management thanked Simon Helmot for his contribution and welcomed Simon Katich to the TKR family.

The Minister was in high praise for the programme, citing the Diego Martin and Cocoyea Community Swimming Pools, both of which offer the public extended hours and access on weekends.

Minister Smith remarked that everything is about the kids and ensuring that they learn to swim. He further indicated that soon parents can also be included in this activity with adult classes. Six pools are currently maintained by the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs and this pool, he noted in particular was one of the country’s oldest with a rich history.

The Minister praised the instructors and staff of the Swimming Pool for their hard work, patience and commitment to ensuring that the children and young people of the Community develop as swimmers.

Currently the pool facilitates public recreational swimming as well as beginner, intermediate and advanced Learn to Swim courses for both swimming and lifesaving.

Also on hand to witness some of the beginners and intermediate swimmers go through their paces were Wendell Lai Hing, president of the Amateur Swimming Association of Trinidad and Tobago; Natasha Barrow, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry; Deputy Permanent Secretary, Denise Arneaud; parents and well-wishers.

Speaking to Newsday, an enthusiastic Ganga elaborated on this year’s charity event by stating, “It was a great success in my estimation, and this was an event which was geared towards funding my scholarship programme which started in 2010.

So far we’ve graduated over 70 students who have been on three-year scholarships and its main focus is assisting the lesser fortunate kids to help develop their academic side of life as well as their extracurricular talents.” He explained that extracurricular does not necessarily mean it’s limited to sport, but also in areas such as arts, culture, theatre and dance to name a few.

He expressed his gratitude to the Barrackpore community and its environs for their continuous support.

“This is a community that has molded me as a young man and it is only fair for me to inspire the current young generation. This event was one for the community as I was able to bring out two of the greatest players to have played for the West Indies in Brian Lara and Shivnarine Chanderpaul and you do not really find that often so the people of Barrackpore and those who were here got a really special treat to witness these two legends, who did not only play, but batted alongside each other and they both managed to knock half centuries.” Newsday also spoke with cricket legend and record holder for most runs in a Test match (400 not out), Lara, who was also Man of the match for his top-score of 67 runs, leading his team to victory over a Ganga XI.

“It has been a tremendous day, it was great to see so much talent come out, including Lendl Simmons, young Nicholas Pooran and not-so-young Dinanath Ramnarine, along with Shivnarine Chanderpaul coming from Guyana, to support such an event,” Lara declared cheerfully.

The batting maestro continued: “This is not going to be a regular thing as I am 47 years old and it is not every day someone like Daren is going to call you to play a game of cricket, but when the phone rings, you do realise that you have to put your gears back on and enjoy yourself in front of a fantastic crowd.” Lara noted that he only plays a handful of cricket games for the year, as he also thanked the fans for their colossal support towards the charity event. “When I was driving in, I saw the crowd already building and the game was still over an hour away from starting, so I must congratulate the people of Barrackpore for coming out. As always, my team’s intention was to win and entertain the crowd and I am happy we were able to snatch the victory with Shiv smashing the winning runs.” Lara XI won by four wickets, after successfully chasing a target of 179 runs, with the crowds joined the stars on the field for the presentation of awards and the cutting of Ganga’s birthday cake, while singing “happy birthday”.

Dookram completed the calendar year in the number one ranked position as well as aided the national men’s team in earning bronze at the Caribbean Championship held in September.

Edwards won two national tournaments and was also influential for the national women`s team when they copped the bronze at the same Caribbean Championship.

Present at the “Our Children, Our future” themed awards function were Minister of Sport Darryl Smith, Member of Parliament for Tunapuna Esmond Forde and president of Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee Brian Lewis who assisted in distributing prizes. Dr Ian Hypolite, Chef de Mission for the 2016 Rio Olympics, was the Feature Speaker and discussed Long Term Athletic Development and the need to have a broad base of athletes at every level.

In the address by TTTT A president, Stanley Hunte, he revealed his intention to pass the baton at the TTTT A`s Annual General Meeting on January 28.

Hunte, who has been a table tennis fanatic since 1965 and held several executive positions locally and regionally since 1995, said: “I believe that the TTTT A would be in good hands and have capable persons to continue the work done to ensure accountability and progress of youth.” Three Coaches were given awards for their dedication, commitment and passion in developing young players over the last two decades – Dennis La Rose, Dexter Abbott and Keith Ahee.

Special Awards: Sportsman of Year – Yuvraaj Dookram

Sportswoman of Year – Aleena Edwards

Junior Sportsman of Year – Aaron Wilson

Junior Sportswoman of Year – Brittany Joseph

Unbeaten in U13 Boys – Derron Douglas

Unbeaten in U13 Girls – Shreya Maharaj

Unbeaten in U11 Girls – Priyanka Khellawan

Top Ranked Players: #1Ranked U-11 Boys – Nicholas O’ Young

#1 Ranked U-11 Girls – Brianna Solomon

#1 Ranked U-15 Boys – Jesse Dookie

#1 Ranked U-18 Girls – Chelsea Fong

#1 Ranked U-18 Boys – Luc O’Young

#1 Ranked Women – Linda Partap Boodhan

Katwaroo topscored with 79 for the Imran Khan XI which compiled 223 all out in 49.5 overs while Rajah and Nicholson chalked up 56 and 58 respectively for the Rayad Emrit XI which replied with 173 for two in 39 overs when play was called off due to fading light at the National Cricket Centre, Balmain, Couva yesterday. Katwaroo hit three fours off 94 balls received and shared a 46-run fourth wicket partnership with Jason Mohammed (35 runs, 3x4s off 41 balls) and 41-run for the fifth wicket with skipper Imran Khan who made 18 (2x4s off 39 balls).

Earlier, West Indies ODIs opener Evin Lewis made 31 and smashed three sixes and one four off 27 deliveries.

The main wicket-takers were Bryan Charles (10-0-50-3), Sheldon Cottrell (7.5-0-52-2) and Kerwyn Sirju (8- 0-36-2) while Shannon Gabriel (5-1-17-1), Rayad Emrit (7-0-29-1) and Ricky Jaipaul (10- 2-36-1) had one each

But a month later, the Belgian has bolted after three defeats in four matches. John, this country’s all-time top scorer with 70 goals, is hopeful that the TT FA chooses the right person this time as the team gears up for the resumption of the World Cup qualifiers in March.

John, who was a member of the Soca Warriors squad which created history by reaching the 2006 World Cup in Germany, wants the coaching situation to be resolved quickly.

“I think we just need to get it sorted, it has been dragging on for a long time. I think for me it is in shambles, we are making a mess of it. Whoever we choose as the national coach we need to sort it out as soon as possible and just support him, give him 100 percent support no matter what,” the former Birmingham City forward said.

John has no preference on whether the next coach should be local or foreign with names such as Dennis Lawrence, Terry Fenwick, Russell Latapy, Stuart Charles Fevrier and Francisco Maturana being considered.

Many national players have been under fire for indiscipline of late and John is calling for the local footballers to step up to the challenge of the World Cup qualification. “The players need to have a look at themselves as well and have some personal pride and put everything behind their backs and just get on with the game,” he stressed.

John added, “I am very concerned (about the indiscipline).

This is football, I think the guys need to grow up. Like I was telling couple of my friends a couple days ago Andy Cole and Teddy Sheringham they played on the same team (Manchester United) for years and they never spoke off the pitch but you have to be a professional player.

You don’t need to be friends off the field but on the field you need to work as a team and just get the job done and be a professional about it.” John is questioning whether some of the national players have the drive to succeed on the international stage.

“The players now they not that passionate about the game and they don’t really understand the importance of Trinidad and Tobago getting to another World Cup. Even for the country we seeing the mess the country is in right now, we need some kind of upliftment. The players, staff and administration need to get together and get this sorted because right now it is shambles,” he said.

Coming into the tournament as favourites because of their line up Cane Farm romped to a 67-run win over Demerara Cricket Club of Guyana by 67 runs in a well attended final. Among the other players lining up for Cane Farm were Denesh Ramdin, Lendl Simmons, Imran Khan, Rayad Emrit and Jon Russ Jagessar, all national players.

Batting first, Lewis led the way for Cane Farm slamming 90 off 35 deliveries to guide Cane Farm to a massive 217 for seven. Lewis, who will line up for Trinidad and Tobago Red Force in the Regional Super50 tournament later this month, struck six fours and 10 sixes. At the death, the burly Barbadian Primus struck an aggressive 43 off 18 balls to help Cane Farm end with a flourish. Simmons was far from his best contributing 26 off 27 deliveries with three fours, while Ramdin scored 23.

The best bowlers for Demerara were Shurfane Rutherford and Kellon Carmichael. Rutherford took 3/32 off four overs, while Carmichael was economical grabbing 1/10 in four overs.

Gajanand Singh as he has done throughout the tournament held the Demerara innings together but he was dismissed for the first time in the tournament for 64 off 39 balls. Prior to the final, Singh struck four unbeaten half centuries leading Demerara into the final.

When Singh was dismissed, Demerara were reduced to 136/6 and the match quickly fell away for the Guyana team. Carmichael scored 34 off 21 deliveries, but 4/39 (four overs) from Primus and 2/19 in 3.1 overs from Ravi Rampaul handed Cane Farm the comfortable win.

After the match, Lewis said, “We went out there and played positive, (I) got the team off to a good start and we bowled good at the end and won the game so I am happy about that.” The left-hander said he is hoping to take the form into the Super50 tournament that starts on January 24. “I have been working hard each and every day, I got a good score today so hopefully I could carry on that form into the Super50 tournament and go out there and score as much runs as possible.” SUMMARISED SCOR ES: Cane Farm 217/7 (20 overs) – Evin Lewis 90, Roshon Primus 43, Lendl Simmons 26, Shurfane Rutherford 3/32, Kellon Carmichael 1/10 vs Demerara 150 (17.1 overs) – Gajanand Singh 64, Kellon Carmichael 34, Keemo Paul 25, Primus 4/39, Ravi Rampaul 2/19, Imran Khan 2/34.

HONOUR RO LL:
Man of the Match (Final) – Roshon Primus (Cane Farm)
Man of the Series – Gajanand Singh (Demerara) – 327 runs, Five 50’s, Four not outs
Best Young Player – Keemo Paul (Demerara) – Six wickets, 66 runs, Strike Rate-188, Average-34,
Most Wickets – Ravi Rampaul (Cane Farm) –
11 Most Catches – Rashad Forde (Club Crusoe) – six
Most Sixes (Team) – Cane Farm – 61 in four matches
Biggest Six – Anthony Simmons (Cane Farm) – almost top of UWI SP EC building 110-120 metres
Most Disciplined Team – Merry Boys

Over 20 singers performed their 2017 offerings to a very appreciative audience giving them a mixture of serious calypso and soca. The cast included seasoned singers like Contender, Crazy, Ninja, Pye Man and Bunny B along with some very young performers.

There were several standouts on the night including Nature (Black Attack), Natasha Edmund (“Youth Power”), Bunny B (“One Drop”), Del Toro (“They Killing Meh Vibes”), Kerice Pascall (“Black Equation”), Ninja (“Take Yuh Place”), Juby (“Masqueraders”), Kyle Cowie (“Hail The Chief ”) and Lisa Roberts (“We Social”).

All major calypso tents are in preparation for opening night despite the fact that they have not receive any funding from the governing body (Tuco).

According to Tuco’s president Lutalo Masimba (Brother Resistance) the organisation still has not collected any subvention from the National Carnival Commission (NCC) for Carnival 2017.

Tentative opening dates are as follows: Kaiso Karavan (East) January 28, Klassic Ruso (North) January 27, Kaiso Showcase (South) January 28, Kalypso Revue January 27 (Arima) and Kaiso House will host a Preview at Globe Cinema on January 22.