In a recent meeting with Swedish Ambassador to TT Claes Hammar, Moses was informed that the Kingdom of Sweden is working on establishing an Honorary Consul in Tobago.

Hammar thanked TT for the mutual support demonstrated in international fora and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for Technical Cooperation between foreign ministers of Caricom and the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden) at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Hammar also expressed the Sweden’s interest in partnering with Caricom in the areas of climate change and renewable energy.

TT and Sweden have had diplomatic relations since July 1966.

In another meeting, Moses congratulated Polish Ambassador to TT, Piotr Kaszuba, on Poland’s independence day which was celebrated on November 23. Moses told Kaszuba this country was eager to explore bilateral cooperation with Poland in areas such as energy, trade and investment with a view to deepening relations between both countries which have had diplomatic ties since August 1988.

Kaszuba indicated that Poland was interested in cooperation with TT areas such as energy, trade and aviation.

TT Honorary Consul to Poland, David Lewis received the Officers Cross of the Order of Merit of Poland for outstanding achievements in the promotion of the bilateral relations between TT and Poland.

In a courtesy call on Moses on November 26, Lebanon Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil discussed areas of mutual interest. These areas included the deepening of trade relations between the two countries as well as multilateral cooperation. Minister Moses also alluded to the shared values of both countries which included the preservation of democracy and the defense of human rights. Bassil stated that he had met with Lebanese nationals of Lebanon living in TT and thanked this country for hosting them

“We need to do something, not as individual Dioceses as we have done in the past, but we need to have conferences which will allow us to work together to share all the gifts and talents that are available to us so that we can bring the best to deal with this challenge,” Rivas said.

He was speaking Tuesday at the launch of the first Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC) Regional Vocations Commission Conference in TT, held at the Living Water Community, Frederick Street, Port-of-Spain. The theme of the conference was “Building a culture of vocations to priesthood and religious life in the region,” and will be held at Emmaus Centre, Arima from July 21 to July 23, 2017.

Rivas said the Commission hopes to cultivate and create a culture of vocations throughout the Caribbean region that will inspire, animate and challenge all the Christian faithful to understand and discern the call to priesthood and consecrated life.

He explained that, “It involves the whole Church, the promotion of vocations and the concern for vocations.

The building of a culture of vocations involves everyone.

It is not just the work of the Bishops, priest or nuns, it is the work of all of us in the church. Each one of us has a part to play.” He said the AEC Vocations Conference will be a collaboration of ideas, strategies and effort between representatives from each member of the AEC, designed to sow the seeds of vocations in families, schools, parishes and youth organisations across the region.

The UNC retained the six corporations it won three years ago. Both parties tied 4-4 in the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation, which the PNM won outright in 2013.

At a news conference at Balisier House also on Tuesday, PNM chairman Franklin Khan declared that the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation would be controlled by the ruling party on the basis of the Proportional Representation system and the PNM having won the popular vote in Sangre Grande. On Monday night, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar each declared that the results reflected victories for their respective political parties.

In a statement, AOI leader Nicole Dyer- Griffith said the party chose not to contest the elections, “as we continue to maintain our stance that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” She said the results of the election, “have cemented this belief.” Dyer-Griffith stated, “The fact that we have recorded a voter turnout of in and around 22 percent speaks volumes, however, the question remains, what must be the next step?”

Saying this percentage of the electorate voted for “None Of The Above (NOTA),” Dyer- Griffith said, “This significant vacuum, provides an opportunity to the marginal political entities, formed and yet to be formed, to fill the political gap.” The former Congress of the People (COP) chairman continued, “ The question remains, are we all ready to lay our collective egos to the side in the interest of country first?”

With approximately 75 percent of the population deciding not to vote for the PNM or the UNC on Monday, Dyer-Griffith said these persons also, “ saw nothing viable of a third option.” According to Dyer-Griffith, “ That third option must comprise something in the minds of the public as being not just a spoiler party to split votes or a party to be conveniently used to get another main party in power.” She explained that this, “can only become a reality if these parties who represent that third constituency coalesce around common goals which would resonate to the now 75 to 78 percent of NOTA voters.” Dyer-Griffith added, “ This is how the whole becomes greater than the sum of its parts, by appealing to the now silent majority.”

She congratulated all political parties which participated in Monday’s elections, “particularly both the main political entities and their leaders who, despite the tremendous odds, continue to maintain their respective political bases whilst ensuring a continued sound democratic process.”

Ann’s Rangers on Tuesday afternoon.

Central, although equipped with former English Premier League forward and current Trinidad and Tobago captain Kenwyne Jones, had to come from behind twice with the help of some luck at the Larry Gomes Stadium, before substitute Marcano grabbed the winner.

Central, unbeaten in the league and with 22 points from seven wins and one draw, moved back at the top, three points clear of rivals W Connection, who had temporarily hurdled Couva Sharks on goal-difference.

Elsewhere on Tuesday, a double from Akeem Roach gave Club Sando a much-needed 2-0 win over winless Point Fortin Civic at Mahaica Oval.

Roach netted in the 41st and 64th minutes against the bottom- placed Civic to lead the 2016-2017 DPL scoring chart with six goals, but more importantly moved the Angus Evecoached Sando one spot up into sixth on 10 points, one less than fifth-positioned Rangers, with only their third league win after eight games.

Rangers, led by ex-Sando coach Anthony Streete, had taken a 1-0 lead over Central in the 10th minute through forward Josh Toussaint, who broke the offside trap before firing into goalkeeper Javon Sample’s far netting.

But that lead was wiped out a minute later when Rangers defender Lester Durham launched the ball into his own net to make it 1-1 after a desperate clearance ahead of Central forward Marcus Joseph during a quick attack by the Couva Sharks on the restart.

Deservingly the St. Ann’s club grabbed the lead again through a wonderful solo goal by Jomoul Francois on 25 minutes— his third league goal of the season— for a 2-1 scoreline.

Rangers were denied another just over the hour mark by Sample who put over a Micah Lansiquot attempt.

However, defender Jameel Antoine’s arm – in the way of a powerful Joseph attempt – provided Central another helping hand, and referee Keilon Bacchus pointed to the penalty spot.

Joseph shouldered the responsibility and levelled the scores at 2-2 five minutes before the break with a thunderous left-footed strike to beat a fully-sprawled Christopher Biggette in goal for Rangers.

Kenwyne Jones had an excellent scoring chance just over the hour mark on a perfectly- placed Mickaeel Jem Gordon cross, but like less than two minutes into play, the 32-yearold former English Premier League player failed to put his effort on target.

Coach Dale Saunders’ side finally got the breakthrough in the 83rd minute thanks to the combined effort of substitutes Kishun Seecharan and Marcano.

Seecharan weaved himself into the right of the area before passing to Marcano, and the veteran attacker lifted his strike beyond Biggette and into the far netting to earn Central the 3-2 victory.

Seecharan later had a go at goal himself but Biggette, who acrobatically denied Keron Cummings in the 53rd minute, was equal to the task.

Central return to league play on Friday against third-placed San Juan Jabloteh from 6pm at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.

The contest will provide the appetiser for the main event which will see Defence Force take on Ma Pau Stars in the final of the 2016 First Citizens Cup from 8pm.

The 88-yearold club elected a new president, Dayanand Jagroop, after his predecessor Dinanath Ramnarine decided not to seek re-election after two years at the helm. Jagroop is a long-standing member of the club.

He has been the club’s most successful captain and a prolific batsman, leading Comets from the Central Zone to the National League. In addition, Jagroop also managed and coached various teams in the Comets club for a number of years. He is the last of four brothers who all represented the Club with distinction over the years.

On being elected Jagroop stated, “It is an honour and privilege to lead the Alescon Comets Sports Club for the upcoming year and I look forward to working with the other Executive Members who were also elected at the AGM on Sunday.” Jagroop expressed his thanks to the outgoing president, Dinanath Ramnarine, for leading the club through what he described as “difficult” times.

He said that the club is now back among the most respected and professional sporting organisations in the country and under Ramnarine’s guidance was able to reach two finals and placed in the top half of the league.

Jagroop praised Ramnarine for his selflessness and for strong and vibrant leadership over the last two years. He said that while all the members would have liked Ramnarine to continue as president, they respected his decision to hand over the club’s leadership so that he could concentrate on the good of cricket nationally. Ramnarine will continue as an ordinary member of the Executive so that his vast experience would still be available to Comets.

The former TT and West Indies cricketer, who led the West Indies Players Association (WIPA) for 10 years, was selected by members at the Club’s 75th Anniversary function as the Club’s best cricketer over the years. He was also responsible for developing, implementing and getting the funding for the KFC Youth Coaching programme which is in its 16th year and continues to be an important initiative by the organisation.

The Club’s AGM also made some important recommendations for the future: Increasing the term from one year to three years; term limits for the president of the Club with no more than two consecutive terms; strengthening the disciplinary procedures; increasing the club`s membership with a special focus on youth and women.

In addition, the members approved the audited financial statement and thanked the Executive for the prudent management of the Club’s finances given difficult economic times. They also expressed their satisfaction with the Club’s healthy financial position.

The new Alescon Comets Executive comprises: Dayanand Jagroop – president, Ricky Persad – vice president, Greg Yacoob – secretary, Jairam Ramnarine – treasurer, Faizal Isahak – Assistant Secretary, Davindra Rohit, Rasheed Mohammed, Dinanath Ramnarine, Tara Bansi.

Bansi is the first female to be on the Executive and is in keeping with the Club’s objectives to develop a governance structure that is in accordance with best practices locally and internationally.

Bansi is also a coach at the club and plays an important role in the KFC Youth Coaching programme.

Invaders eased past Fire Blazers by 49 runs and defeated La Vega by 14 runs.

Batting first against Fire Blazers, Invaders racked up 75 for six led by Mark Cumberbatch who scored an unbeaten 32.

The Fire Blazers were dismissed for 25 with Shane Seepersad (3/5) and Reno Nanan (3/7) taking three wickets each.

Invaders also batted first against La Vega but only posted 53/4 on this occasion with Nicholas Mohammed top scoring with 14.

Chetram Ramlal ensured that was enough for Invaders, grabbing 3/6 to help bundle out La Vega for 39.

Batting first also brought success for New Recruits, defeating Supernovas by nine runs and outlasting Sample Six by 37 runs.

Against Supernovas, Hyden Rampersad blasted 37 not out as New Recruits posted 71/5 before Alex Fred- erick took 2/14 to restrict Supernovas to 62/5 in their 10 overs.

Johnathan Narine led the way for New Recruits against Sample Six, scoring 34 to lead the team to 85/3.

In reply Sample Six could only post 48/7 with Nicholas Edwards being the chief destroyer bagging 3/8.

SUMMARISED SCORES: New Recruits 71/5 (Hyden Rampersad 37 not out, Nicholas Edwards 16) vs Supernovas 62/5 (Christian Noray 19, Dillon Mahadeo 12, Alex Fredrick 2/14) New Recruits won by nine runs.

New Recruits 85/3 (Johnathan Narine 34, Alex Fredricks 22, Reynold Ramsaran 11 not out) vs Sample Six 48/7 (Kadeem Williams 12, Nicholas Edwards 3/8) New Recruits won by 37 runs.

Invaders United 75/6 (Mark Cumberbatch 32 not out, Adrian Rampersad 2/11) vs Fire Blazers 25 (Shane Seepersad 3/5, Reno Nanan 3/7, Chetram Ramlal 2/1) Invaders United won by 49 runs.

Invaders United 53/4 (Nicholas Mohammed 14, Romario Pino 2/5) vs La Vega 39 (Chetram Ramlal 3/6, Ameer Ali 2/1, Nicholas Mohammed 2/3) Invaders United won by 14 runs.

D Boss Team 106/7 (Vijay Harrinanan 34, Dylan Ravello 20 not out) vs Sample Six 45/7 (Stephan Bassie 2/1, Heera Ramkisson 2/3) D Boss Team won by 61 runs.

All Star XI 87/4 (Dwayne Scipio 18 not out, Shakeil Jordan 17) vs Silver Stars 62/6 (Christopher Bridgelal 25 not out, Nicholas Datadeen 14, Brandon Barron 2/0, Aaron Ali 2/3) All Star XI won by 25 runs.

Silver Stars 42/6 (Christopher Bridgelal 18, Shakeem Prince 2/1) vs Autorama Gunners 43/4 (8.2 overs) (Shakeem Prince 19 not out, Leon Ramdeen 2/9) Autorama Gunners won by six wickets.

A+ Empire 46 (Isaac Kennedy 3/7, Noel Gopaul 2/8, Stephan Charran 2/8, Joshua Millien 2/10) vs Kamachi Kitchen Krew 48/3 (9.1 overs) (Anthony George 17 not out) Kamachi Kitchen Krew won by seven wickets.

A+ Empire 47/9 (Anderson Phillip 14, Vikash Harrynanan 2/2, Joram Hardial 2/5, Peter Alfonso 2/10, Rick Cassie 2/11) vs Dark Horse 50/2 (8.1 overs) (Hanuman Moonsammy 29 not out) Dark Horse won by eight wickets.

Mischief Makers 39/6 (Rishi Mannah 15, Mattew Bruce 2/13) vs Supernovas 34 (Shazard Holder 2/0, Donny Seepersad 2/3, Jibran Jahoor 2/6) Mischief Makers won by five runs.

Wreckin Crew 29 (Miguel Gregorio 3/4, Suraj Sanasie 3/7, Dillon Mungal 2/4) vs Home Boys 32/3 (5.4 overs) (Jahron Alfred 18 not out) Home Boys won by seven wickets.

Fire Blazers 58/7 (David Bella 15 not out, Vikash Rambharose 3/8) vs Wreckin Crew 59/2 (9.2 overs) (Ricki Sieuchan 20 not out, Vikash Rambharose 18 not out) Wreckin Crew won by eight wickets.

The 30 registered participants had the opportunity to do weight training, cardiovascular endurance activities as well as strength and conditioning in the four stations of the circuit.

The session comprised of the usual workout programmes done by Duro Body Fitness which included: Group Power, Group Core, Group Fight and Bootcamp. Participants had ten minutes of exercising at each station with two minutes rest in between stations. Duro Body Fitness is a fitness club that is located at the same venue and offers fitness advice, health and wellness evaluations and personalised dietary advice. There were lots of prizes, samples and healthy give-aways at the event and in agreement to making a social contribution, the students of TT HTI decided to donate all funds from the registration fee and other contributions to a children’s home in the Port-of-Spain area.

This was determined at the Draw for the Final Round that took place at the National Stadium in San Jose on Tuesday night.

TT were drawn in Group C alongside the hosts Costa Rica, El Salvador and Bermuda.

The Brian Williams- coached team will face “Los Ticos” on February 22 and El Salvador on February 25.

In an immediate reaction to TT ’s draw, head coach Williams said he was fairly satisfied with the way TT ’s scheduled was drawn up.

“I must say I am pretty satisfied with the way the draw went, “ Williams told TT FA Media on Tuesday night. “At the end of the day, I always maintain that we have to be concerned about our team and our approach towards our opponents. Costa Rica as the host nation and with their quality of play, will always be a difficult opponent but with no disrespect to the other two teams, Bermuda and El Salvador, I think this is a group we can advance out of,” he added.

“I think we have a fairly good idea of how all the teams in CONCACAF play at this time. The most important thing will be for us to get our preparations right and now that we know what our schedule is, we can adapt to suit in terms of how we prepare as a team for the competition.

“Myself and the manager will get familiar with some of the rules and guidelines at the workshop tomorrow and then it will be back to our preparations with the team. My focus will be on gameplay and physical readiness because we know that this tournament will be the final hurdle for us in terms of qualification for an Under 20 World Cup and the squad is highly motivated to give it our best. We are aware that all the teams in this competition will be coming with everything they have to offer because of what is at stake,” Williams said.

TT have previously qualified for two FIFA Under 20 Word Cups.

Their first appearance was in 1991 at the FIFA Under 20 World Cup in Portugal followed by a second appearance in 2009 at the Finals in Egypt.

In Group A, defending CONCACAF Under-20 champions Mexico were joined by Antigua and Barbuda, Honduras and Canada, while the United States, Panama, Saint Kitts and Nevis and Haiti make up Group B.

Daniel again dominated in the 25m Standard Pistol class with a tally of 558 ahead of Anderson (490) and Thomas (488). Gowkeran Ali (449) and Marchand (414) were fourth and fifth. In the Standard Pistol category, marksmen competed in three stages where the time allotted to compete is shortened in each consecutive stage.

Thomas was aiming to finish ahead of the field after his triumph in the Precision Masters competition at the Tobago Rifle Club-hosted Nationals on October 30. Mohammed took the Production honours in Tobago.

Thomas and Mohammed will have a chance to get the better of Daniel at this Top Gun competition set for Saturday at the Tucker Valley Range.

The ISSF National Championships was hosted by the Trinidad Rifle Association and carried out in keeping to the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) rules and regulations.

RESULTS : Standard Pistol: 1st Roger Daniel (TT DF) 558, 2nd Kelston Anderson (TT DF) 490, 3rd Thomas Nicholas (TRA) 488, 4th Gowkeran Ali 449, 5th Nigel Marchand 414.

Centre Fire: 1st Roger Daniel 541, 2nd Nigel Marchand 443, 3rd Thomas Nicholas 421, 5th Kenrick Mohammed 415, 6th Kelston Anderson 398, 7th Andy Lutchman 357, 8th Petroc Khan 229.

Thompson along with performance specialist Shayne Cooper and 2016 Trinidad and Tobago Olympian Marcus Duncan took the youngsters through various exercises before ending the camp with races which the children were excited to compete in.

Thompson explained, “I would say all and all we had a great time.

The kids learnt a lot, they had fun. I put in their heads that it is important to understand that everything is a process.” The three-time Olympian told the campers that athletes at any level must prepare before they venture into competitions.

“They were very eager to get into the racing which was at the end of the camp but I took them through the drills and the stretches and the little strength exercises.

I think that it’s important for them to understand as professional athletes or even athletes at collegiate level or high school level they don’t just go into running.

What they do is they warm up first and train every single day.

It is an entire process.” Thompson praised Atlantic for their initiative and said it is essential for TT athletes to give back.

“Atlantic has an amazing Ambassador Programme. I think the main objective of Atlantic having people like myself, George Bovell, Andrew Lewis, the cricketers as well on board, is to give back to the people of TT in the respective communities in particular the young kids of TT .” Thompson added, “It is not only being done in track and field, it is being done in sailing, Andrew Lewis recently had a camp as well. George has had camps over the years with Atlantic, the cricketers as well including Merissa (Aguilleira).

The Atlantic programme is just amazing and I am honoured to be part of it and to put on events like today (last Saturday).” West Indies Women’s cricketer Aguilleira and West Indies cricketers Kieron Pollard and Sunil Narine are also Atlantic Sport Brand Ambassadors.