CAL chairman, Shameer Mohammed, told the Joint Select Committee (JSC) inquiring into State Enterprises on Monday that the propos- al was sent to the Ministry of Finance and CAL is awaiting a reply.

Asked what CAL was doing to make the route profitable, Mohammed said, “First of all I do not believe that the domestic routes should be charged to the Ministry of Finance.

The fact is that we should envisage ourselves as a commercially viable enterprise. That is the mantra that I preach at CAL.” Nevertheless, the air bridge was an essential service, he said, “and very few essential services are operated for profit services.” He noted that the air bridge has moved over 800,000 passengers from January to November this year.

On a suggested increase to the air fare, Mohammed said, any increase was “controlled by policy direction and therefore, the determination of that fare is determined by what level of support that the Government would like to provide to the citizens on the air bridge.” The records will reflect, he said, the operation of the air bridge segment, “is a non-profitable route for the airline, but we are committed to providing the support and the mandate that we have been charged with in providing that service.” CAL was confined to the changes it can make on the air bridge service, he said, including something as basic as a date change.

Over 25 percent of passengers on the air bridge, he said, were no shows with no penalties applied for a date change.

“We have looked at a series of initiatives as a direct cost to passengers without interfering with the flat fare,” he said.

He said in the short space of time since he was appointed chairman of CAL’s board of directors, he has met twice with THA Chief Secretary Orville London to address the issue.

He said, “We recognise that it is not just air movement but national development of Tobago and the country at large.” Meanwhile, Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Lisa Phillips, said the ministry received the request for the additional charges in October last year and has asked CAL for additional information.

“Once we get the information we should be able to give a decision by February,” Phillips said.

Noting that as the air bridge was considered an essential service, JSC Chairman David small asked Phillips whether or not government had been asked to consider providing total coverage for the service. She said the ministry has never considered having to reimburse CAL for the total cost of the air bridge.” The Trinidad to Tobago air bridge accounts for 52 percent of its flights while regional and international flights account for the remainder.

Asked about the cost of a ticket in terms of the real value and the subsidy, Mohammed said, “In terms of operating costs, we estimate that figure depending on the price of fuel, in or around the $600 to $700 range for a round trip.” The round trip of $300 has been in place since 1994, Mohammed said.

In addition, he noted, “The airline receives a subsidy of $100 per adult passenger. We do not get a rebate or subsidy for a child who may occupy a seat.” He said that the subsidy on the fare has remained the same, notwithstanding that the operating cost of the airline industry is based on US dollars.

For 2017, he said that the Ministry of Finance would have allocated the sum of $41 million for CAL as subsidy for the air bridge.

Club Crusoe won the match despite losing all their wickets after 19.2 overs as they managed to post a total of 161 in the first innings.

Christopher Vincent smashed 62 off 37 balls and laid the foundation as he guided the ball over the boundary ropes by landing five sixes and four fours in the process. Rachad Forde contributed 42 runs after stroking three fours and three sixes while at the crease. Jahron Alfred of Central Sports claimed three wickets for 15 runs off 3.2 overs, while Rakesh Maraj got 2/15 off his two overs.

In reply, Central Sports did not manage to reach their target as they stumbled to a four-run defeat, posting a total of 157/9 after their 20 overs. Kjorn Ottley struck 39 runs off 29 balls and Alex Antoine smashed 28 runs off 13 balls as they attempted to chase the total.

Alfred also contributed 28 runs off 27 balls, however, outstanding fielding by Forde restricted Central Sports and led Club Crusoe to victory over their competitors.

Forde also showcased his talent with the ball as he took 2/26 in his four overs. Navin Stewart and Jared Clarke also took two wickets each, Stewart going for 31 runs and Clarke for 22.

Forde copped the Man of the Match award for his brilliant knock of 42 runs, his outstanding work in the field as he managed five catches and one direct hit run-out, along with his display with the ball.

After press time last night the quarter-final match between Cane Farm and Munroe Road was being played.

TODAY’S QUARTERFINAL FIXTURES
2 pm – Merry Boys vs Duncan- Buggy Haynes United
6 pm – Demerara vs Police

Fatima, which have been training since October, lost seven players from the team that won the title in 2016. Last year’s captain Donovan Clayton, former West Indies U-19 player Amir Jangoo, Anand Lochan and Daniel Brown are among the players who have left the school.

Paty still has hope that his team can have a solid season.

“We have a good bunch of boys coming up, we still have Jean- Paul Rocke who will be the captain this year, I have Brandon Maharaj still, I have Wendell George and I have young Michael Ambard who is a national Under-17 player.” Paty added, “I brought in Giovanni Letren who is a national U-17 player, so I mean we have a decent team still so we should be able to at least cope, we will try and defend the title as best as we could.

This is schools cricket so it is always a bit of a cycle. You never know what the boys will do, we still optimistic (and) I still think they will do aright.” Paty is confident that some of the younger players on the squad will step up to the challenge of premier division cricket.

Paty says their are many teams that can challenge Fatima for the crown this season.

“I think Hillview is the main competition and Naps (Naparima) is always there, I think Barrackpore (West) also has a good team this year.” The 2017 season will bowl off with the Super Sixes tournament on January 19 while round one of the 50-over tournament will be played on January 24. Fatima play Trinity East in the opening round.

Added to this, the team will get the international cup and 15 gold medals, The tournament will be staged here by the Trinidad and Tobago All Fours Federation, an affiliate of the World All Fours Federation.

The tournament was launched here recently and will be contested at the weekend after carnival. According to tornament director Sherwin Cox apart from the winning prize, the runners-up will collect $49m999, a trophy and 15 silver medals while the third placed team gets $20,000 a trophy and 15 bronze medals. Thje team finhishing fourth gets $19,999 and a trophy.

Teams not reaching the top 16 will receive prizes worth $75,000 while for those teams no reaching the top 32 will share prizes worth $20,000.

A total of 80 teams from the United States, Canada, Great Britain, the Caribbean and host Trinidad and Tobago are down to contest the series.

Teams will have to pay a registration fee of $4,000 which was reduced by $1,000 from last year, and have until February 17 to pay up as teams will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis.

Teams should contact director Cox at 466-3686 for further information.

Races” on the card take on the names of such Queen’s Park stalwarts line the late Michael “Joey” Carew, Jeffrey Stollmeyer, Dr Steve Bennett current multitime champion trainer John O’Brien, Joe Hadeed, an ex-tyrainer and Paul Gevan Mouttet, part owner of the equine champion Bruceontheloose.

The 125-year-old Parkites club decided to partner with the Arima Race Club for the day’s racing which is timed to start at 12.30 pm.

A total of 108 horses have been entered for the day’s programme, the secnd day of the new racing season.

As a result, there are some large firlds, with the day’s feature being an 1800 metres event for locally-bred four-year-olds and over with a total prize money of $75,000.

The eight runners in the feature is headed by Dark Treasure, a winner last time out, in a race which he beat Desert Dancer.

Others are Legacy Of Hope, Fast N’ Furious, Jacob’s Dream, Hurricane Harry, Man to Come and electrify.

For the day, turfites cn pay $300 foe an all-inclusive package including finger food, scotch, shot drinks door prizes, live entertainment and a free programme

Yesterday, in Zurich, Switzerland FIFA members voted unanimously for the change from 32 to 48 teams. Since the World Cup began in 1930 the number of teams have increased throughout the years but the 16-team jump is the largest in the history of the tournament. At the inaugural competition in 1930, 13 countries competed, while 16 lined up in 1934, 15 in 1938 and 13 in 1950. From 1954 to 1978, 16 teams participated in the top football tournament, before 24 teams battled for World Cup glory between 1982 and 1994. Since the 1998 edition 32 nations have played in the World Cup.

In the current format, the CONCACAF region has three and a half spots in the World Cup, but the increase in teams may see CONCACAF getting six and a half spots in the World Cup.

Former Trinidad and Tobago Strike Squad captain Clayton Morris likes the move by FIFA to expand the tournament. He said, “I think it is a good incentive because every player’s dream is to play in a World Cup. They are giving everybody the opportunity to aspire to the highest level. “ Morris believes more countries will be driven to qualify for the World Cup. “Other countries which at the moment may be lower than TT in the FIFA standings would be all excited just as we are, which means they would step up their preparation, I know everybody would want to be on that stage so that makes it even tougher for us to get there and to maintain our level above them.” Asked if the standard of the World Cup will drop with more teams participating Morris explained, “It all depends on the domestic leagues in the different countries, if they keep to that (high) level I can’t see the World Cup standard dropping because that is what everybody would be aspiring to meet.” Morris hopes the next generation of players would be inspired to became footballers and play at the World Cup. The former Strike Squad captain stated that with the increase in teams TT should qualify for every World Cup from 2026 if proper planning is implemented like CONCACAF giants such as Mexcio, USA and Costa Rica.

Eve does not agree with the decision by FIFA. Eve stated, “I think it is kind of ridiculous, the players have so much football to play right now in respective clubs.

It tends to waterdown the tournament because by the time they reach the World Cup most of the players are usually tired by that time, the better players.” Eve, who believes it is a money making initiative by FIFA, said if more teams participate at the World Cup some of the countries will not be able to compete with the top football nations.

“To me the World Cup is a showpiece, you don’t want to waterdown something like that, it is every four years just as the Olympics. There is a qualifying mark that you have to get if you have to run in the Olympics so the standard of competitiveness is always maintained.

“I don’t think six CONCACAF teams could compete in a World Cup, I don’t think six African teams could compete in a World Cup. You are looking for the best teams to play so the competition would be competitive.” Eve believes there is talent in TT to qualify for future World Cups but the problem lies at the administrative level. “From what I am seeing from TT , I think we definitely have ability, I think we have young players with a lot of ability and they are getting good experience on the outside (foreign leagues), but I have always said that our problem in TT is administrative.”

Ramnarine learnt that she was inducted into the IWBHF on Monday for her contributions in and out of the boxing ring.

The former national boxer said the sport has been instrumental in her life stating, “boxing has been such an integral part of my life for so long that I think for some people it is hard to think of Ria without thinking of boxing. Sometimes I wonder if it defines me…there is more to me than boxing however, boxing has taught me so many life lessons because it is so parallel to life.” She explained, “when you fall in the ring or you get knocked down you don’t have a choice but to get back up because if you don’t then you lose.

In life, it is the same way when you get knocked down. You would always have challenges, you really have to rise back up and face everything.” Boxing has opened up doors for Ramnarine. “I have learnt many, many lessons. In terms of how it has contributed to my life and where I am, I think because of my career in boxing I have been given so many opportunities.” Through the TT Olympic Committee Ramnarine was nominated for two international programmes, earning her masters degree through one of the programmes and an honours certificate in another coaching programme. Boxing has also paved the way for Ramnarine obtaining her current job as a gym instructor at the High Performance Unit in the Academy of Sport at the University of Trinidad and Tobago.

“I always say the ring is the truth and a quote that my coach will drill into us. That square ring it really is the truth of life because there you wear your heart on your sleeves, there people either see you cry or they see you laugh, they see you get knock down and either see you get back up or they see you lie on the ground.”

Therefore, making wise food choices and having knowledge of balanced meals using the Caribbean Food Groups as a guide, portion control, as well as the sources of nutrients (carbohydrates, fats, protein, vitamins, minerals, and water) may aid you in being better able to maintain your health.

Basic role of nutrients and good sources Each nutrient plays a specific role in the body. For example, carbohydrates provide the body with energy to do work, and also work together with the other nutrients such as the B vitamins; protein is essential not only for growth, repair and maintenance, but also is needed for the formation of hormones, antibodies, and enzymes, helps to transport other nutrients, regulate fluid balance and maintain the acid-base balance in the body; fats provide the body with a concentrated supply of energy, acts as a buffer, protect the vital organs of the body, and aids in the utilisation of carbohydrates and protein efficiently; vitamins in general aids in maintaining health, and boost the immune system; minerals have various roles, e.g. calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium maintain the structural framework of the body (aid in the formation of bones and teeth), iron – transports oxygen, a component of haemoglobin in red blood cells, and is needed for reactions involving energy formation, zinc – activate enzymes involved in the reproduction of proteins, potassium – regulates acid-base balance in body fluids, and maintain water balance in body tissues; and water – hydrates the body, transports nutrients, helps with energy transformation, and promotes regular bowel movement (Whitney & Rolfes, 2011, Brown, 2011).

Moreover, good sources of nutrients are needed for proper functioning of the body. In review having knowledge that nutrient content of food will be helpful; for example, staples which include ground provision, starchy fruits (plantain, green banana, bluggoe, breadfruit), roti, bread, bake, rice contain carbohydrates; fruits and vegetables rich sources of vitamins and minerals; foods from animals – eggs, meat, fish, poultry, milk and milk products are good sources of protein; legumes and nuts – contain protein, nuts also a good source of fat; fats and oils – provides the body with fat.

Carbohydrates, our friend A brief overview of carbohydrates shows that it is widely distributed in plant foods, while milk belonging to the foods from animal group contains carbohydrate (which is lactose). Carbohydrates are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen; this macronutrient can be divided into two groups (a) simple carbohydrates, and (b) complex carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates (easily broken down by the body and provides energy) which include monosaccharides and disaccharides, and complex carbohydrates include the oligosaccharides and polysaccharides (Gropper et al. 2009).

You should note that simple carbohydrates are usually found in fruits, milk and milk products, candy, sugary drinks, syrups, and refined sugars. Whereas, ground provision, starchy fruits, whole grains, legumes, and whole grain products contain complex carbohydrates; these foods also provide the body with energy, and they also contain starch and dietary fibre. Dietary fibre is the part of the plant that cannot be digested by humans, but studies show that fibre in the diet is essential for good health. There two types of fibre: (a) soluble fibre, and (b) insoluble fibre. Generally, the consumption of foods moderate to high in dietary fibre provide a feeling of fullness, aids with weight management, alleviates constipation, as well as the management of blood sugar (blood glucose), and lowering of cholesterol levels.

Fresh veggies and fruits are also good sources of dietary fibre, and low in calories. Overall, besides dietary fibre, plant foods contain antioxidants and phytochemicals (Gropper, et al 2009).

Daily meal plan From these brief facts you can conclude omitting staples from your meal plan is not a good idea.

Carbohydrates are essential in the diet, but the choice of sources containing complex carbohydrates will provide added benefits. For your menus (breakfast, lunch, and supper) select foods moderate to high in dietary fibre which include e.g. whole wheat bake/bread/roti, brown rice, cassava, yam, dasheen, eddoes, breadfruit, plantain, moko (bluggoe), green banana, quinoa, couscous, kamut, oats, whole grain products, peas and beans, vegetables, and fruits. Keep in mind that persons who may be prescribed special diet by their medical doctor e.g. low fibre, renal, renal diabetic should visit with a registered dietitian and schedule nutrition education sessions. Also, limiting concentrated sweets which contain simple carbohydrates should be noted.

The nutrition message is to eat a balanced diet including good sources of complex carbohydrates.

Drink water, instead of sugary beverages; the recommendation is six – eight glasses per day. Include fresh fruits and vegetables as snacks, salads or desserts as part of your meal plan. Aim to incorporate most of the food groups daily.

Cafeteria operators, caterers, and chefs should be encouraged to add these foods on the menus, helping clientele to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Claudette Mitchell, PhD, RD – Assistant Professor, University of the Southern Caribbean, School of Science, Technology, and Allied Health

The tent opens its doors on January 26 in Port-of-Spain, at a venue soon to be announced and closes February 24.

The Master of Ceremonies function will be performed by Shirlane Hendrickson, while the chorus will be supplied by Klassic Ruso Gems with music by the Klassic Ruso Orchestra.

Full cast for Klassic Ruso Calypso Tent 2017
Anthony Hendrickson — All Rounder
Edwin Ayoung — Crazy
Mark John — Contender
Fitzroy Joseph — Bro Ebony
Dorril Hector — Versatile
Carlton Collins — Manchild
Hamidullah Wahid — Hamidullah
Dianne Hendrickson — Lady Wonder
Shirlane Hendrickson
Kenroy Smith – Black Prince
William Bannister — Dr Will ‘B’
Robert Deene — Comrade Deene
Lloyd Cupido — Quiet Prince (QP)
Shawn Mc Intyre — Dr Rude Kaiso
Patrick Lewis — Revealer
Stanley Adams
Kenneth Mc Conney — Kaiso Mac
Michael Brown — Mechanic
Jermeeka Mundy
Rannie Peters — King Soul
Cuthbert Blacket — Typher
Derek Jones — Benny J
Gierre Hercules — Gary Hercules
Edwin Brown — Stockings
Asten Issac — Guidance
Kyle Cowie — Kyle
Naheelah Kojo Nefta
Garth St Clair
Brian London

The generosity of volunteers, families and groups paved the way for the collection of hampers, toiletries and gifts for over 1000 children within 21 children homes, rural communities and poor families — the country’s largest Christmas project of its kind.

“Thank you again to everyone who participated in the Christmas 2016 project especially for those who do so year after year. These simple gifts, packed with love, send a message of hope and continue to transform the lives of children who have no one to call their own. The gift items the children received are tangible expressions of people’s love for them. These children, many of whom have never received a gift before, learn they are loved and not forgotten especially on the Christmas Day,” the foundation said. GFLF gave children an experience some may never have had before. Members spoke of the magical Christmas moments they have had with the children. “You get up on Christmas morning and you see their little faces, and some of them don’t know what to do because they have never ever had Christmas and never had Christmas presents,” said Maneka Gookool – public relations officer. “It’s things like that which stick in your mind.” And though the 2016 events have been successfully completed, the new list of events for 2017 can be viewed at www.giftforlifefoundationtt.

com and volunteers are invited to assist children yearround.

Information about yearround volunteer opportunities can also be found on the website or by calling 672- 5157 between the hours of 9 am to 3 pm.