But to be successful you must develop a lot of skills to penetrate the defence of the opposing team and score goals as the game today is very defensive.

To be a good player you must have football sense and be able to read the play to receive a pass while not going offside.

A good footballer must be able to use both feet and the head. If a player cannot use both feet he cannot play the game properly.

I am not acquainted with the practice sessions of the national senior team but I believe the players should go back to basics as in the past when we were self-taught.

At that time we had very good players playing “backs and forwards” and kicking the ball from all angles.

What is needed now is a centre forward who can dribble, as we had in the past, and score goals, even with the opposing tight defence.

To win matches you must score at every opportunity or the objective would be of no use.

There are some footballers who seem to play by guess and do not position themselves to receive a pass because they do not anticipate the play.

This game is not static, it is action all the time.

These days many games are lost through penalty kicks so it is very important to practice penalty kicks. Is the national team doing that? Another weakness is that players appear to be goal shy because on many occasions instead shooting to goal they pass the ball and it is lost to the opposition.

Those who are innovative and creative with great thinking must try long shots to the goal. I did it many time and scored playing at the left wing position.

The national team must buck up or stay in the cellar position as it is right now.

That is very disappointing.

HORACE DESORMEAUX Maraval

Further to my concern and emails to your office, to which there has been no response, with reference to Nelson Mandela Park in Port-of-Spain and your advertising at the western end, and your apparent sponsorship of a nursery park and exercise equipment, is it that Digicel’s corporate philantropy now includes advertising in the park.

How ridiculous it seems that Digicel has done a deed for the welfare of the community and now deems it fit to advertise.

There are concerns for the preservation of the park and our green space which Digicel appears not to share.

What does corporate philantropy really mean? Has Digicel now adopted island mentality by displaying itself in our Third World corner? As a company with an external base, please exercise your First World approach.

We are not all lotus-eaters.

CHANDRA LEE KONG via email

The minister forbade service station operators from stopping the sale of fuel to credit card and LINX customers.

Why is the minister not giving the same advice to NP and allow operators to pay for fuel with credit cards.

Does he have intentions to step in as he did with the service stations?

DYANAND MAHARAJ via email

That this individual is to be suddenly taken seriously since winning the election, yet was seen as a ranting circus clown earlier and never taken seriously, indeed reflects the prejudices and illiteracy which permeate not only large sections of the US population, but to a large extent locals.

After having the misfortune of enduring misleading information being spewed by people who repeat the garbage about millions of immigrants being deported, I can say without fear or favour that this is just another storm in a teacup.

And of course in the midst there are the few conmen who will see this as an ideal opportunity to call for more “government intervention”, namely more funding to pursue their personal agendas under the umbrella of missions and visions.

Armchair criminologists and political pundits, who are evidently clueless as is demonstrated with crime plan after crime plan, seem hell-bent on creating panic where none is warranted over the deportation of criminals; another example of selling fear to the masses to benefit a few.

As a self-anointed, pseudo-professional, and someone extremely familiar with crime, criminology, and the deportation process, deportation has a long and complicated history. People are deported to their respective homelands, repatriated if you may, for numerous reasons.

However, most of these people are not “criminals”. The bulk of them merely overstayed their welcome and were sent back when discovered.

Let’s perhaps begin to acknowledge that people migrate for numerous reasons; most are in search of a “better life”, and “greater opportunities”, or some similar reason. There are also people from other jurisdictions fleeing oppression and persecution and fall into the category of “refugees”.

They warrant a separate discussion.

Nonetheless, people who migrate usually belong to the middle and lower social classes of the society from which they migrate.

The well-to-do in these societies travel and return at their whim and fancy.

I recall many mothers travelling to the US in the 1970s and 1980s.

Many overstayed their visas, worked as domestic help, only to later have someone “file their papers”, paving the way for thousands of today’s youth to earn their “green card”, and hence having more options.

To refer to such people as criminals is unreasonable.

This is not to dismiss the fact that there were/are people who also engaged in criminal activities. But they are few and far in-between.

To make out as if the sky is falling – again – as the Finance Minister did on entering office, is evidently a distraction. Deportation usually takes place every month from the US and other countries, mostly England and Canada.

That the US just happens to deport more people simply reflects that more people travel to the US.

Deportation falls under the ambit of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) which falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of Homeland Security, and not the Office of the President.

For people convicted of crimes, deportation usually takes place after individuals serve out their sentences.

They are then turned over to ICE and taken before an immigration court. Since 911 the US has clamped down on virtually all illegal activities and as such has made numerous misdemeanour arrests.

With a zero tolerance on crime, many people have been deported during this process.

All are not criminals.

Being caught in a routine traffic exercise and unable to produce proper identification often results in deportation.

Of greater concern to the pundits, armchair criminologists and other stakeholders would be to examine the current crime phenomenon in an objective, professional manner instead of chanting “the criminals are coming.” If similar concerns about deportees had be shared about the “drugs and the guns coming,” perhaps, just perhaps, we might not have reached this point where today our families are insecure.

RUDY CHATO PAUL, SR D’Abadie

In addressing a gathering which included current and past Presidents and Chief Executive Officers of the TTMA membership at an Anniversary Luncheon last week Tuesday, Gopee-Scoon gave high commendation to the TTMA for its “unstinting service to local manufacturers over the last six decades’ and epitomizing its vision ‘to be the voice of manufacturers in Trinidad and Tobago, creating value and providing world class service to its membership.” The Minister reiterated the importance of the manufacturing sector’s role in achieving economic diversification. She said, “the official policy framework of the Government highlights Trinidad and Tobago’s strong manufacturing base as an intrinsic area of strength. Just last Friday in the House of Representatives, the Honourable Prime Minister underscored that the manufacturing sector will remain among Government’s top priorities as diversification initiatives are expanded.” As one of the frontline Ministries responsible for growing the non-energy sector, Minister Gopee- Scoon outlined a number of initiatives being undertaken to attract investments that are development oriented, geared towards improving the country’s overall competitiveness and diversifying and expanding export markets. She noted that, “as mentioned in this year’s Budget Debate, increased trade, in both goods and services, is one way in which Trinidad and Tobago intends to increase its revenue streams, acquire foreign exchange, create sustainable jobs and, in the long-term, make the economy less vulnerable to the volatility of the international commodity markets. To this end, we must widen the range of goods and services exported; as well as exploit existing markets and create new market access opportunities with strategic partners.” Gopee-Scoon told the audience that the Ministry is currently crafting a National Export Strategy to improve export performance from three broad approaches – strengthening exporter capacity and competitiveness, enhancing the local trading environment and export promotion. The membership of the TTMA also received high praise for their recent participation in the Havana International Trade Fair 2016 which the Minister said signalled their willingness to partner with the Government in pursuit of strengthened commercial relationship with Cuba.

She indicated that there exist tremendous prospects for the expansion of local exports to that country.

Senator Gopee-Scoon noted that the Government was pleased to collaborate with the TTMA, as appropriate, in their generous response to the Prime Minister’s appeal to assist Haiti in their time of distress, following the passage of Hurricane Matthew in October.

Approximately 1500 of the nation’s children were treated to a movie, snacks and toys courtesy MovieTowne.

Three hundred guardians also accompanied the children on their trip.

The cineplex’s marketing manager and Film Buyer, Lisa Sadler, said children from orphanages, children’s homes and underprivileged communities such as the St Mary’s Home, Lady Hochoy Home and from as far as Blanchisseuse and as near as Laventille attended yesterday’s treat. The children ranging in ages from two to 15, Sadler told Newsday, were transported to and from the event and saw movies such as Troll, Storks and Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children.

The treat, now in its 14th year, was the initial brainchild Sadler said, of Derek Chin and other members. “It is something close to our hearts.” The cineplex also had support from Coca Cola, HADCO, SM Jaleel among others to host the treat.

Althea Baptiste, a guardian for children of the Laventille Sunday School, described it as being good. She added she enjoyed seeing the children’s reaction to the movie.

Miss Andrews (she wished not to have her full name identified) said 37 children from the St Mary’s Home attended.

“It was good to see the children enjoying the movie,” she said.

Andrews added the children were satisfied with the treats and gifts they received.

Previously the money was being heavily guard by IATF officers round the clock. But, on Thursday at about midday, police officers escorted Customs and Excise officers to the Central Bank where the money was placed in another vault in an area where TT currency is kept. That area is guarded round the clock by security officers of the Central Bank and the access to the area is virtually impossible except for those who have access to the area.

Newsday understands that the decision to move the seized cash came about after it was determined that keeping the money at the Customs and Excise Department could be a security risk.

Officers who had been assigned to carry out guard duties at the Customs and Excise Department also expressed fear for their own safety.

While customs officers working at the customs and Excise building had also concern.

Newsday understands that a plot to steal the US 2 million was discovered by law enforcement officers, hence the decision to have the money guarded around the clock. Sources revealed yesterday that the US 2 million originated in Tortola then moved to Jamaica and then Trinidad.

False documents were used to have the money which was placed in a container with plywood arrived in this country to be cleared.

The homes of several local businessmen were searched by the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) along with customs and Excise as part of the investigation.

An official from the US Customs and Excise Division arrived in the country a few days ago and has been recording the serial numbers and the money to determine when it was printed and where it originated from in the United States. Sources also revealed that Drug Enforcement Officers DEA based at the US Embassy at Marli Street Port of Spain are also assisting in the investigation. Yesterday Customs and Excise officers expressed relief that the moneys have been moved to Central Bank.

On Monday November 22, it was reported that the US 2 million was found in a container at the Port in Point Lisas and impounded at a Customs building.

After it was discovered that a plot had been made to steal the money, by deadly force if necessary, Customs and Excise officers, along with heavily armed officers of the IATF locked down the Customs building on Ajax Street where the money was being held.

Dead is 17-year-old Servol student, Elijah ‘Samo’ Lewis. He was shot and killed on Saturday at about 6.30 pm while along Cemetery Street Extension, off Carli Bay Road, Perseverance Village in Couva.

Lewis, originally from Freeport, was in the Couva district to attend a prayer service at the home of one of his friends. Relatives recalled that Lewis’s mother, Judy Cuffie, was walking on her way to the said prayer service when she observed a group of people surrounding the body of a shooting victim. Not wanting to see the graphic display of the deceased, she opted to walk on the other side of the road.

“Mommy passed around the road because she did not want to see whose body it was,” Cuffie’s daughter Elesha told Newsday.

“She did not know it was Elijah.

She even asked a resident further up the road how people could be liming around a body so. He responded, ‘But Moms, that is your son lying down there.’ She ran to see him and that was it.” Elesha is also the twin sister of Lewis. The circumstances in which Lewis met his death continue to baffle the family, his sister said. She explained that moments before his demise, Lewis, together with a female and male friend, had gone to purchase soft drinks and cigarettes from a shop.

Relatives learnt that having purchased the items, the trio saw an armed young man from the area.

The gunman started “playing with and pointing” the weapon at Lewis’ head.

The gunman first pulled the trigger but the loaded weapon failed to discharge. The gunman repeated his action, but this time the gun discharged shooting Lewis once in the head. He fell and died instantly while the shooter ran off.

Yesterday Elesha insisted that her brother’s death was no accident but rather a deliberate act. “My brother did not deserve to die like that because he was not on anybody (meaning he did not interfere with others). Elijah was very loving and helpful. Anything you asked him for, he would have given it to you even if it was his last,” Elesha said.

A few months ago, Lewis relocated to Cunupia where he was staying at the family home of his female friend.

Elesha admitted that since he relocated, his behaviour had changed dramatically and, on numerous occasions, she tried to guide him on the right path.

An autopsy is expected to be performed this morning at the Forensic Sciences Centre, St James.

The PNM enters today’s election with an advantage having already won the Mon Repos/Navet district in the San Fernando City Corporation when the United National Congress’ (UNC’s) candidate dropped out of the race citing ill health. The UNC currently controls six Corporations.

The PNM is fielding 137 candidates in today’s elections while the UNC has 135. Both parties are contesting districts in all corporations.

The Congress of the People (COP) has nine candidates facing the polls. The Movement for Social Justice (MSJ) has 11 candidates in the race.

The Independent Liberal Party (ILP), formed in 2013 by former UNC chairman Jack Warner, is concentrating its efforts in the Chaguanas Borough Corporation, where it is fielding seven candidates.

The National Solidarity Assembly (NSA), comprising members from the All Trinidad General Workers Union, has nine candidates in today’s elections.

The party’s focus is on the Sangre Grande Corporation, where it has five candidates. Two NSA candidates are contesting districts in the Couva/Tabaquite/ Talparo Corporation. The NSA has one candidate apiece in the Mayaro/Rio Claro and Princes Town Corporations.

The National Democrats have three candidates in the Port-of- Spain City Corporation and four independent candidates are also seeking election.

The Prison Service, in a news release, also condemned the report, calling it “reckless, irresponsible, ill-informed and malicious.” “He is too disrespectful and callous!” Richards said yesterday when contacted by Newsday.

“His actions on Friday has misled members of the public into thinking that hard-working members of the Prison Service are conducting illegal activities.

He has undermined the Prison Service by reporting on actions without asking anything of the Prison Service, or without conducting any investigations whatsoever.

Inspector Roger Alexander has to apologise. If he is a big man, he will say sorry for his poor reporting.” Richards called on Acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams to look into the matter and expressed disappointment that a television show, funded by the government to highlight the actions of one law enforcement agency, would maliciously undermine the legitimate actions of a fellow law enforcement agency.

Newsday understands that on Friday, Alexander’s show, Beyond the Tape, featured a story which alleged that a prisoner was taken, by prison officers, to a bank in San Fernando to conduct business.

He was seen without handcuffs and was said to have been conducting his business freely.

Alexander claimed he received a picture from an ex offender who was at the bank at the time and recognised the prisoner.

The Prison Service, in a statement issued yesterday, explained that an individual who was remanded into prison in 2009, for the alleged murder of his wife, was granted approval to go to the First Citizen’s Bank in San Fernando to sign over his account to his sister.

“The visit was planned and executed by officers of the Prison Welfare Department, along with the Operations Department of the prison and bank security. The prisoner was accompanied at all times by armed members of staff in civilian wear.

“In order to eliminate panic the inmate was allowed to enter the bank in a closely supervised and monitored operation without handcuffs.” The Prison Service said the father of the inmate’s slain wife, who was at the bank at the time, recognised the inmate and expressed concern. Prison officers attempted to allay the fears of the father-in-law, but he still proceeded to take photographs of the prison vehicle which escorted the inmate.

It was explained that that this is not the first time that an operation of this nature has been conducted since the Prison’s Welfare Department has, on several occasions, allowed inmates to conduct business like the renewing of a National ID or Driver’s Permit, or banking while under heavy guard.

In this particular case, the prisoner’s National ID, Driver’s Permit and bank card had expired, making it difficult to pay legal fees and take care of his son.

Attempts to reach Williams and Alexander yesterday were futile.