There’s nothing we can do to change that.
If we love TT and football we must support our team and coach.
The goal is Russia 2018. I hope there is absolutely no one in TT who wants the coach to fail just to say “I told you so.” Good luck Tom, you will need it.
George Jordan Fyzabad
She presented reports from the Fire Service, the police and also from the Princes Town Regional Corporation regarding her house.
“I visited the office of the MP for Princes Town, Barry Padarath and he told me that eh will help, but after six months I did not get any help whatsoever,” she said.
Padarath said his office arranged for her to meet with the Social Welfare Division of the Ministry to get assistance.
“As an opposition MP I have to make representation to the Ministry which I did,” Padarath said, adding that the Ministry has been slow in helping and he is at their mercy with respect to assistance.
He also said that an application was being made for Self Help to assist Deonanan but up to this time nothing has been forthcoming from the Ministry. He promised to raise this matter again on behalf of the constituent with the Ministry.
Deonanan said she is a domestic worker and her sons work with local builders in Princes Town.
Mahabir said the drilling company had decided to use the Gulf of Paria to cold stack their rigs due to several factors including the area’s stability and its proximity to a number of oil producing regions.
“When these massive expensive drilling rigs are not in use the owners usually they park them up in a place where there are no hurricanes big waves tsunamis and so they can park quietly and they can get rid of most of their staff ” Mahabir said.
“They have decided the Gulf of Paria is the ideal place for two reasons – one it doesn’t have the danger of hurricane and two it is near to a lot of oil work – Trinidad Guyana Suriname and Venezuela ” he continued adding that the parking arrangement had been made with the People’s Partnership government and renegotiated with the current government.
“That arrangement has already been made negotiations have been completed several months now but government has not received or not asked for or have not gotten any of the foreign exchange from rent ” he said. Mahabir said there were two issues at stake – transparency in government and the loss of a significant amount of Forex which he said could be in the range of almost US$1 million.
“There is a shortage of foreign exchange and every time we get an opportunity to get foreign exchange we should seize it jump on it and we are a little surprised that this has not happened ” he said.
Meanwhile former Energy Minister Kevin Ramnarine confirmed that the cold stacking had been done through the Ministry of Trade and Ministry of Transport under the previous administration.
“There are about nine drill ships out in the Gulf of Paria and I am told that more are coming to be parked in the Gulf of Paria we’ll be having more and more of this type of business ” Ramnarine said adding “ they are not here to drill they are just here to park.” In a recent article in an international business news magazine the ships were described as “hightech deep-water drill ships” which had been parked 12 miles off the coast of Trinidad & Tobago for several months. Meanwhile Mahabir said the forex shortage was also affecting those families who were unable to travel abroad to visit their children or siblings
Speaking with Dillon on Monday opposite the new building housing the Besson Street Police Station, Seales who was not invited to the opening ceremony said there are three ministers in the Ministry of National Security and not one of them commented or defended the police service when West called them “gangsters.” Not only the police service was hurting from West’s statement, he claimed, but parents, grandparents, and children were also hurting.
“I hope that you together with the Prime Minister make a statement in relation to Mr David West’s” statement that the police are gangsters,” he said. Noting that the PSWA has rejected West’s apology because the damage has already been done, Seales told Dillon, “This is your ministry. Nobody said anything for over seven days. We are totally hurt.” The PSWA, Seales said, was happy that police officer Ian Karty, who was brought before the courts in relation to the March 23, 2015, total policing day that the ministry should have stood up for them but did not.
Referring to the opening of the brand new facility and not being invited, Seales said, “Three ministers plus the Prime Minister” had not the courtesy to invite him.
“My members are expected to perform there,” he said. “You all cannot ignore the existence of the police association who represent its men for terms and conditions of work,” Seales said. Police officer who stood outside with him, he said, represented the rank and file of the police service and wanted to help, but if they are treated like the bastard child they would not be able to help.
The police continues to be the whipping boy in terms of the whole scheme of things, he said adding, “Everybody talk about crime to get them into office. When they get into office, what happens after that?”
The clinic called ‘Learn by Doing’, hosted by Thomas, gave hurdlers the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of the event. More than 35 athletes and coaches participated in the clinic, who were also given guidance by sport performance specialist Shayne Cooper and Memphis Pioneers sprint and hurdles coach Antonia Burton.
Speaking after the clinic Thomas said, “I am very happy for what we are starting here even though it was last minute.
It has been over 15 years since I have been home for the holidays and I am so happy to be able to give back to the development of the sport because I truly believe somewhere in the midst of all this, other champions will take on the torch and that’s what I definitely want to see for TT.” The national hurdler believes it is imperative for him to bridge the gap and help the next generation of athletes.
“I definitely want to continue to grow but not only just as the athlete but also as the sporting professional and getting more opportunities to give back and interact with the public. Again we having a little bit of a gap in the sport right now and I want to help fill it by educating those that are going to take the places.” Thomas added, “I don’t want to be like we are on top and they are far away. I am inspired to hear one of the athletes say ‘I am going to be on the team which is going to the 2020 Olympics.’ That is what I want them to feel, that is what I want them to think. I am trying to bridge the gap so that they can feel like their dream is also attainable.” During the clinic Thomas and his team showed the participants hurdling mechanics, sprint mechanics, acceleration drills and start drills.
“I showed them the early stages of certain drills and then I showed them advanced level drills so that they know there is always a level to achieve. I also wanted to make it a conversation rather than just a teaching. I wanted them to ask, I wanted them to know why we are doing certain things and how the body is moving and the purpose and principles behind everything so that my idea hopefully could become their own.” Thomas, who is hoping to make the clinic an annual event, received assistance from the Sport Company of Trinidad and Tobago to conduct the clinic.
In the boys Under-10 quarter-finals the top four seeded players all lost. Jace Quashie defeated top seed Zac Permell 4-1, 1-4, 11-9, while James Hadden outlasted second seed Alex Chin 4-2, 4-2.
The upsets continued as Luca Denoon got past third seed Kale Dalla Costa 4-2, 4-2 and Jaylon Chapman eased past fourth seed Isaiah Boxhill 4-1, 4-0.
In the boys U-12 quarterfinals top seed Sebastian Byng was the only seeded player to advance to the semi-finals.
Byng defeated Elias Ali 5-4, 4-0, but second seed Jamal Alexis lost 4-0, 5-3 to Shae Millington, third seed Tyler Hart lost 4-1, 4-0 to Nicholas Ready and Lorcan Chan Pak defeated fourth seed Beckhan Sylvester 4-1, 4-2.
In the girls U-14 quarterfinals most of the results went as expected.
Second seed Kelsey Leitch, third seed Emily Lawrence and fourth seed Maria Honore all won, but Aalisha Alexis defeated top seed Shauna Valentine 3-6, 7-5, 12-10.
The tournament continues today from 9 am.
QUARTERFINAL RESULTS – Boys U-10 Singles: Jace Quashie def Zac Permell 4-1, 1-4, 11-9; Luca Denoon def Kale Dalla Costa 4-2, 4-2; Jaylon Chapman def Isaiah Boxhill 4-1, 4-0; James Hadden def Alex Chin 4-2, 4-2.
Boys U-12 Singles: Shae Millington def Jamal Alexis 4-0, 5-3; Nicholas Ready def Tyler Hart 4-1, 4-0; Lorcan Chan Pak def Beckham Sylvester 4-1, 4-2; Sebastian Byng def Elias Ali 5-4, 4-0.
Boys U-14 Singles: Alijah Leslie def Ebolum Nwokolo 7-6, 6-2; Liam Sheppard def Nathan Valdez 6-7, 6-3, 10-3; David Rodriguez def Sebastian Sylvester 6-1, 6-1; Kyle Kerry def Ethan Wong 5-7, 6-1, 10-8.
Girls U-14 Singles: Aalisha Alexis def Shauna Valentine 3-6, 7-5, 12- 10; Emily Lawrence def Keesa Lee Young 7-6, 0-6, 10-5; Maria Honore def Isabel Abraham 6-3, 6-1; Kelsey Leitch def Chelsea Mukerji 6-3, 7-5. Boys U-18 Singles: Kobe James def Derrel Olivier 6-0, 6-0; Jaydon Alexis def Flynn Von Waldau 6-3, 6-3; Joshua Arnold def Juanaldo Greig 6-1, 6-1.
Girls U-16 Singles: Yin Lee Assang def Vivan Sabga 6-1, 6-0.
Boys U-21 Singles: Jualon Greig def Kyrel Trim 6-4, 6-4; Nkrumah Patrick def Brandon Tom 6-1, 6-1; Scott Hackshaw def Keshan Moonasar 6-7, 6-2, 10-4; Brandon Gregoire def Ross Hackshaw 7-5, 6-1.
The player subsequently “submitted a letter to the Committee verifying that the matter is not one of sexual abuse.” Ragoonath revealed, however, that whatever was unearthed during the probe by the Committee was serious enough for them to forward to the TT CB National Disciplinary Committee for them to make a ruling on.
“Concluding the initial enquiry by the committee, the committee sought legal advice and was instructed accordingly…To immediately refer the matter with all the findings to the TT CB National Disciplinary Committee for further investigation in keeping with the provisions of the TT CB Constitution, principles of natural justice, and respect for due process.” Ragoonath said he is anticipating “a speedy investigation” and is awaiting the decision and recommendations of the Disciplinary Committee.
The local coach remains suspended from all duties pending a decision by the Disciplinary Committee.
Ragoonath and other members of the TT CB refused to field questions from the media at the press conference and also did not divulge the nature of the matter now being investigated other than to reiterate that it was “not sexual”. He did explain that the TT CB had received a letter of complaint in late August from a national team manager alleging “improper conduct” against a team official and dealt with the matter in a professional manner.
The TT CB Executive has been accused by its South Zone of not treating the allegation with the necessary urgency required but Ragoonath believes they have been “wrongfully accused of neglect and misconduct.” He said the manner in which they dealt with the complaint was done as to safeguard the reputation of the parties involved as well as their respective families.
He clarified that the player is over the age of 18 and hence it was not reported to the Children’s Authority as previously stated in “publications and discussions.” Ragoonath sought to reassure parents and other stakeholders that the TT CB is serious about child protection.
“Our development officer has been engaged in providing coaches at schools (Primary and Secondary) along with all other coaches in our system with Child Protection Certification and Training. He added that it is now mandatory that all coaches must present a Certificate of Character from the police prior to being hired by the TT CB.
He believes that the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and the international T20 stars need to compromise to find a way of returning to play regional cricket outside of leagues such as the Indian and Caribbean Premier Leagues.
“We should want to play all our types of cricket in the same manner. We have to give our best One-Day players a reason to come home when the T20 competitions are over. Our guys tend to stay away when the franchises are finished. Let’s get them home.
If we’re not working in unison with them, they’ll never come home,” he told ESP N.
On Test cricket still being viable to the Caribbean pool of players, he stated, “Test cricket has to be an attractive proposition to West Indians. It’s very different for a young English cricketer who dreams of playing for his country. We are people from islands and territories. Our experience has always taught us that we need to make as much money as we can as fast as we can. So I fully accept that these men have to be paid properly.” He continued, “but at the same time we have to have standards.
There has to be a minimum requirement for our batsmen. You can’t be averaging 20 in First Class cricket and be getting a year-long contract to play for the West Indies. We’ve been lax on that in the past.” Lloyd. who garnered criticism during his stint as chief selector, talked about the state of Windies cricket on a domestic and international level, calling for more mentorship for the up-and-coming bunch. “I’m sad, I’m exasperated, I’m angered about the situation, but I keep hoping. Many times I say to myself ‘it looks like we’ve turned that corner’, but, well, it’s looking like a very long corner. All my hopes rest in our young cricketers, but we don’t do enough talking to our young people. They need to have more mentoring from people who they can trust. Not just from people with a list of qualifications after their names, but from men who can tell them how they can get through difficult situations.” However, he remained optimistic that Test cricket would not die in the West Indies once players dedicated the same T20 passion to the longer formats. “I think there are still quite a few people who want to play Test cricket, and people will watch if they see us trying to do well.
People back winners in the West Indies, and that’s why they’re backing the guys who are making money from T20 nowadays; because they’re doing well,” he concluded.
For during this time of the year, families and communities come together to celebrate Christmas and welcome the New Year.
Do not plan alone for the celebration; involve other people; value their input and include the ideas to make the occasion grand.
You will find that a collaborative approach works better.
Planning and management When planning the menu, the meal manager should take into consideration, the number of people, type of meal, service, cooking skills, serving/cooking/ storage equipment, money to purchase food using the Caribbean Food Groups as a guide, produce available (utilising the farm to table approach), dietary practices, cultures represented, religious beliefs, food preferences, special needs and much more.
Besides choosing nutritious foods, “variety is the spice of life,” the colour, size and shape, texture, flavour, temperature, availability and aroma are also essential points. Note that these are just a few of the influencing factors that can probably impact menu planning. Moreover, keep in mind that during this busy season efficient ways of planning should be thought of to avoid making several trips to the grocery, financial institutions and businesses to get what is to save time, money and energy.
You can begin by planning the breakfast, lunch and supper menus; the meals should comprise of staples, legumes, foods from animals, vegetables and fruits.
If you or your household prefer a basic breakfast as the two other meals may be heavier, the usual pattern includes these food items: fruit, cereal, toast or bake/bread, and hot or cold beverage (a glass of milk).
An example a one day’s menu:
Breakfast – seasonal fruit, coconut bake or sada roti, pumpkin talkari with veggie or chicken strips, beverage (optional);
Lunch – baked turkey with stuffing and gravy, vegetable rice or ground provision medley, stewed garden peas, chunky vegetables, tossed salad with dressing, “Trini” black cake, sorrel drink;
Supper – veggie burger, lettuce and tomato salad with dressing, yogurt with chopped local fruit pieces. Nutrition check Whatever the occasion, good nutrition needs to be the main focus in meal planning.
When reviewing the day’s menu, check to ensure that all food groups are represented indicating nutritional adequacy.
This, of course, can probably aid meal planners in taking a second look at the menu to ensure that it is balanced and not overcrowded with starchy dishes, and foods high in fat, concentrated sweets, sugary drinks and salty products. But rather include cooked and raw vegetable dishes, legumes, foods moderate to high in dietary fibre and fruits.
Studies show that your food choices and the amount consumed can have an effect on body weight.
In today’s society, overweight and obesity negatively impact health. Obesity can result from various factors including behaviour, diet and genetics. Overall, Obesity is a major problem as it contributes to “poor mental health outcomes, reduced quality of life, cardiovascular disease, some types of cancers, diabetes mellitus, stroke and the leading causes of death in the US and worldwide.
Helpful hints The dishes that comprise the menu should be tasty, and also aid people in maintaining health. The meal manager can also consider ways to limit the calorie content of meals: Select methods of cooking such as boiling, steaming, baking, and grilling in the preparation of menu items. Limit fried and greasy foods.
Modify recipes, reducing the quantity of fat, sugar and salt.
Flavour foods with fresh herbs and spices without adding extra calories or preparing rich sauces.
Use fat-free milk or low-fat milk and milk products as required for the preparation of selected cuisines and desserts.
Claudette Mitchell, PhD, RD is an assistant professor, University of the Southern Caribbean, School of Science, Technology, and Allied Health
There’s a million things to do and you’re already feeling wound-up! Food solution: Tiredness can exacerbate stress, so eat a power-packed breakfast for a slow release of energy through the day – wholemeal toast or porridge is ideal.
A long day of Christmas shopping Food solution: Pop a few high-fibre snacks in your bag – fresh fruit, banana loaf or a slice of wholemeal bread with peanut butter. And before you go, eat a fortified breakfast cereal to get your daily dose of B vitamins and folic acid.
So much to do, you can’t sleep Food solution: Base evening meals around carbs, such as pasta and potatoes and avoid eating late. Tryptophan- rich foods, such as cauliflower, fish, milk and soya products, will help combat insomnia.
It’s all so busy: that, even when you get half an hour to yourself, it’s difficult to unwind.
Food solution: Don’t wait until Christmas Day to eat turkey! It contains tryptophan, an amino acid which is converted into serotonin, a chemical that controls good moods.
Zinc also influences serotonin, so a handful of pumpkin seeds will also do the trick.
Time to head to the supermarket Food solution: Combat fatigue by eating foods rich in magnesium, iron, zinc and B vitamins – bananas, broccoli, dark green leafy veg such as spinach, eggs, nuts, oily fish, oranges, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, walnuts and wholemeal pasta.
Keep your fluid intake up, too.
All those festive lunches and parties – somehow you never get to eat properly! Food solution: Keep a stash of goodies in your bag. Go for dried apricots or mangoes, flapjacks, packets of mixed nuts, oatcakes, packets of raisins, rice cakes, rice cracker and mixed seeds, such as sunflower and sesame.
You’re going to a party – is a hangover inevitable? Food solution: Eat something like a toasted cheese sandwich an hour before you leave. Fat is digested slowly, so can help to slow down the absorption of alcohol. And be aware of the size of your glass. A high-alcohol wine in a large glass could add up to a whopping three or four units of alcohol! You’re almost there! The gifts are wrapped, the fridge is full, now there’s just time to look your best for the festivities.
Food solution: Give yourself a last-minute detox with superfoods such as apples, broccoli, carrots, lemons, linseeds, papaya and quinoa.
Treat yourself to an apple, beetroot, carrot, celery and ginger smoothie to kick-start your immune system and relieve fluid retention.
Despite your best efforts, you’ve overindulged.
Food solution: A few large glasses of water before you go to bed, plus a few more when you get up, will help to ward off alcohol-induced sluggishness and headaches. A can of sports drink will also help rehydration and replace lost minerals.
With the prospect of so many meals over the next few days, you’d rather eat light at drinks parties.
Food solution: Choose healthy dips and nibbles like guacamole, hummus, olives, pita bread, rice, bean or lentil salads and salmon. Avoid nuts – they’re low in saturated fat, but they’re still high in calories.
It’s Christmas Day and you need to keep going until everyone is fed.
Food solution: Start the day with a vitality- boosting smoothie that’s full of vitamin C. Stock the freezer with frozen summer berries, ready to whizz in the blender. Or opt for a breakfast of natural yogurt topped with sliced dried apricots, fresh pineapple and a pear for all the nutrients you need and just the right amount of sugar to get you through the day.
