N Touch

UNC determined to form next govt

THE UNITED NAT-IONAL CONGRESS (UNC) “is on a determined path to form the next Government by winning the minds and hearts of the people of the country with the delivery of quality service.” So said Dr Suruj Rambachan, the recently elected Mayor of Chaguanas as he addressed a house meeting at Munroe Road Junction, Cunupia, last Wednesday night. He told the gathering, “From today, we begin the fight back — first, with ourselves and then to the country at large to take over the reins of Government which we once had to ensure that there is equality and justice in the country.” Rambachan said that he accepted the position to be Mayor of Chaguanas with “my eyes wide open only to realise one week after that four consultancy contracts that I had, were terminated.”

He said he would still continue with his radio talk show so that he could help influence the public as far as it was possible, giving the opp-ortunity to callers to express their views on issues that were bothering them. He was against any Government that “sho-wed little regard for the economic security of a large percentage of the people of the country as the PNM did with the 9,000 employees of Caroni (1975) Limited.” The Mayor added, “Just look at the daily newspapers and see the number of houses up for sale and you will understand what I mean by people who are no longer employed.” He called on the people of Chaguanas to co-operate with the police and to be their partners in solving crime as the law enforcement officers of the Central Division were “among the best in the land.” “In order to win the next election, you must also carry new ideas with you in the struggle and aim precisely at winning the heart and mind of the electorate as well as educate yourself for the challenges ahead,” Dr Rambachan said. “We will be pushing strongly to unite the nation as this was one of the main pillars of the UNC, for we understand fully that you cannot move a country forward if 50 percent of the population feels a sense of alienation and marginalisation from the mainstream of things,” the Mayor said. Ganga Singh, MP for Caroni East, said that the UNC was against the establishment of the CCJ as “we, the members of the UNC, do not mix emotion with reality.” He said the UNC could not support a move which would operate against minority groups across the region.

Army to train ex-sugar workers

EX-SUGAR workers of the defunct Caroni (1975) Ltd are to receive training by the Trinidad and Tobago Regiment (TTR) as part of the company’s restructuring programme. Of  the 7,500 daily paid sugar workers sent home last month on VSEP packages, approximately 2,000 have been listed for training at Teteron Barracks. In confirming this yesterday, Caroni’s Corporate Secretary Clarence Ram-bharat said that a joint technical assistance programme has been entered into with the Army. Ex-sugar workers are to be trained by Army personnel in ambulance driving and Paramedical expertise. Female ex-employees are also to receive training in catering at Teteron Barracks, Chaguaramas.

The programme is being co-ordinated by one of Caroni’s successor companies, Estate Management and Business Development Company, in conjunction with the TTR. The Army is currently engaged in re-designing Caroni’s three Technical and Field Engineering Departments at Usine Ste Madeleine, Brechin Castle and Woodford Lodge in Chaguanas for the conducting of various types of skills training for ex-sugar workers. In addition to the Army, courses will be conducted by the Trinidad and Tobago Institute of Technology and Youth Training Employment Programme. Rambharat said that a Carbon Steel Welding training programme is one skill the company is initiating for an early start in the hope that by October next year, 2,000 ex-sugar workers would be certified. The role of the army, Rambarat said, was specifically for technical assistance and training. He dismissed reports that the army programme was a clandestine means of incorporating ex-sugar workers into a “boot camp” Army programme.

A house for Mr Manswell

Humming Bird Silver Medal recepient Kertson Manswell was presented with the keys to a new NHA apartment yesterday at the Tigers Boxing Gym on Prince Street, Port-of-Spain. This was a fulfillment of a promise made by the Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Roger Boynes recently to the Tobago-born heavyweight. Over the past year Manswell has earned silver medals at the Pan American Games in Santo Domingo; the Commonwealth Games in Manchester, England; and the Central American and Caribbean Games in El Salvador. He is the reigning Caribbean and national champion.

Manswell was presented with the keys to his new three-bedroom home at Almond Court, Morvant,  by Boynes in a brief ceremony. The boxer was evidently overwhelmed with the support he had been receiving prior to yesterday’s presentation and thanked Boynes for keeping his ministry’s promise. This he said would better his situation, pledging also to deliver on his promise of attaining an Olympic medal for Trinidad and Tobago next year in Athens, Greece. Boynes, an attorney-at-law and Member of Parliament for Toco/Manzanilla, has joined Manswell’s support group which include coaches Gordon Hoyte and Winston Cox; Cuban coach Vincente Martinez and businessman Tansley Thom-pson who have assisted him tremendously. Boynes revealed that his ministry, which pays the $500 rent for the Tigers Boxing Club premises, has also appointed Manswell as a co-ordinator in the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs Sport Plus Programme. They will also assist Giselle Salandy with her education and training. These efforts are part of a drive by the ministry, in partnership with the corporate community, to aid the development of young athletes easing their load and putting them in prime position to produce exceptional results internationally. Manswell was unsure of when he would move into his Morvant apartment but stated that he was very elated to have finally received the keys.

Brown described as ‘great ambassador’

Trinidad and Tobago’s new sprint hero Darrel Brown who earned the silver medal at the just concluded IAAF World Outdoor Championships held at the Stade de France in Paris, France has come in for high praise. This was showered by Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Roger Boynes and TTIC vice-president Larry Romany, just back from Athens where the 2004 Olympics will be staged. Boynes received Brown and hosted a welcome reception at the Piarco Millennium Airport VIP Lounge on Monday evening. The overjoyed minister, who kept in touch with Brown’s parents (Winston Brown and Marlyn Jack Brown) and Darrel via telephone in Paris offering his support, described Darrel as “great ambassador for Trinidad and Tobago and a inspiration to the youths of the country.” He offered special congratulations and promised to help him and other members of both the male and female relay teams to get the desired exposure and to be ready for next year’s Olympics. “On behalf of the Government and the people of Trinidad and Tobago, we extend our sincerest congratulations. The entire country is thrilled with your performance in the 100 metres at the World Championships. We know that you are 18 years old and that you are the silver medallist. The entire country is proud of you,” said Boynes. “We also know by speaking to you, that halfway during that race, you felt a twinge on your muscle. And it is a credit to your ability that you were able to complete the race and actually come second. We know that had you been at your best, you would have brought home gold from the World Championships. You have signalled to the world that you are the man to beat,” he said.

“And Darrel Brown, you have put Trinidad and Tobago firmly on the map, just as Hasely Crawford and Ato Boldon have done. We anticipate that all the assistance that corporate Trinidad and Tobago and the Government of Trinidad and Tobago can give to you and members of the men and women relay teams, that come next year, Trinidad and Tobago will be serious contenders for medals at the Olympic Games in Athens,” he added. Boynes has been greeting TT’s outstanding sports persons from the Pan-American Games (George Bovell III, two gold and two silver; and heavyweight boxer Kerston Manswell, silver medal), the TCL West Youth Cricket Challenge in Guyana (new double WICB title holders) and now the World Outdoor Athletics Championships. Romany also offered congratulations on behalf of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee. He was returning from Athens where he himself was swamped with congratulations by all visiting delegations and the Athens LOC members who were also thrilled with Brown’s magnificent performance in getting the coveted silver medal. The knowledgeable TTOC official noted Brown’s performance as “indescribable to say how it feels for a Trinidadian to cross the line with the likes of the guys who were in that race. “The people in Athens are going to look forward to your presence at the Olympics next year. It is going to be a great opportunity for you and Trinidad and Tobago to do well at the Games,” Romany said.

Stern in football squad for Morocco

Trinidad and Tobago will have the services of  Stern John for next week’s international friendly football match against Morocco after the star Birmingham City striker confirmed his availability yesterday. National coach Stuart Charles-Fevrier will now have five English-based players in his squad with Wrexham trio Dennis Lawrence, Carlos Edwards and Hector Sam along with newly selected Watford midfielder Jason Norville completing the quota. However, the number of overseas-based pros in the squad will remain at ten with Falkirk midfielder Brent Rahim being ruled out with a hamstring injury sustained on the weekend. “Obviously this is a big match for the country. These are the types of matches we need to prepare for the World Cup qualifiers which will begin next year and it’s important that we have the best squad possible. It will also be nice to see the lads regroup in England. I am hoping for a good showing against Morocco,” John said.

John arrived home on Sunday night after receiving the week off from Birmingham City. The Under-23 team leaves tomorrow for Bahamas for two Olympic qualifying matches on Friday and Sunday. Coach Brian Williams will take charge of that team in the absence of Charles- Fevrier who will be at the helm of the senior team for the Morocco encounter. Peter Rampersad will be manager of the Under-23s with Mohammad Isa as technical director. TT faces Morocco on September 10. The match against Wrexham is now off because of a change in the Welsh club’s schedule. Fevrier said he is looking forward to the next week or so of activities involving the national teams.

TT Senior Squad for Morocco: Kelvin Jack (CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh), Jason Scotland (Dundee United), Marvin Andrews (Livingston), Brent Sancho (Dundee FC) , Dennis Lawrence, Carlos Edwards and Hector Sam (Wrexham), Evans Wise, Avery John, Michael McComie (Joe Public) , Travis Mulraine (Jaboteh) , Reynold Carrington (Vibe CT 105 W Connection)  Cornell Glenn (Jabloteh), Dale Saunders (Starworld Strkers) , Stokely Mason (W Connection),  Anton Pierre (Defence Force), Peter Prosper (SWIF), Aurtis Whitley (Jabloteh), Jason Norville (Watford), Stern John (Birmingham City)
Technical Staff: George Joseph (Manager), Stuart Charles Fevrier (Head coach), Ross Russell (Goalkeeper coach), Wayne Lawson (Trainer), Anthony Walcott (Physio), Ikin Williams (Equipment manager), Dr Terrence Babwah (Team Doctor).
TT Olympic team for Bahamas: Daurance Williams (Jabloteh), Jan Michael Williams (Vibe CT 105 W Connection) Ronald Primus (Jabloteh), Devon Mitchell (Jabloteh), Josh Johnson (Jabloteh), Nigel Daniel (Jabloteh), Michael Celestine (Jabloteh), Andre Toussaint (Joe Public), Devon Caseman (Joe Public), Lyndon Diaz (SWIF), Glenton Wolfe (North East Stars) , Kendall Davis (W Connection), Corey Rivers (Defence Force), Devin Jordan (Joe Public), Hollis Brown (Joe Public), Silvio Spann (Vibe CT 105 W Connection), Densil Theobald (Joe Public) and Julius James (Joe Public).
Staff: Peter Rampersad (Manager),Brian Williams, Muhammad Isa (Technical Advisor), Lennox Pilgrim (Equipment manager), Zephyrinus Nicholas (Physio).

Under-19s signal great future

THE TRINIDAD and Tobago public must not believe that their Under-19 cricketers, who completed a unique cricket double triumph in Guyana recently, have broken a drought stretching back to 1987. “It is true that this is the  First Under-19 tournament that we have won, but people must remember and not under-value or devalue the performances of the Under-15s who  won the regional tournaments in 2000, 2001, and 2002. “This is in addition to the Shell-Sandals Limited Overs senior tournament in Guyana in 1996 when Rajendra Dhanraj took a hat-trick to win,” said Alloy Lequay, CEO and President of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB). He added that the year before TT also won the Shell-Sandals tournament here tying with Guyana in a rain-affected series and declared winners by virtue of a better run-ratio. “So it is not correct to say that we now broke the drought since 1987. Some people seem conveniently to forget recent history,” Lequay said.

The veteran sports administrator  said what the TTCB  have been putting in place for several years are now being bearing fruit. “It is a sign of greater things to come,” Lequay said. He explained that the Under-19 cricketers performed with great distinction to capture the two one-day and league competitions. “It demonstrates the Development Programme of the TTCB is definitely on a positive growth path with indications of a brighter future in the years ahead,” the evergreen Lequay said. “The Under-19s were a talented group and many of them were also members of the successful Under-15 teams of 2000, 2001 and 2002,” Lequay said. “Some were also members of the Under -15 regional team which won the Costcutter World Championships in 2000, so that all in all, their talent was developing at a resasonably satisfactory pace,” Lequay said. “We hope to see the Senior Team in the future reflecting the same level of success because of all the development plans we have in place,” the TTCB president said.

Lequay said that the board would continue to pursue  similar training programmes for other teams taking part in regional tournaments stressing physical, technical and mental preparedness. This was prominently featured through the effort of Dr Marlene Ottley, a renowned sports psychologist, (a Trinidadian resident in the USA) who made a significant contribution in the Under-19 team preparation at the Sir Frank Worrell Cricket Development Centre, Balmain, Couva. Lequay was pleased to note that Sir Vivian Richards, former West Indian captain and star batsman, had done an analysis of some of the youngsters on the TT Under-19 team. Roland Sampath, manager of the Under-19 team, was at the National Cricket Centre yesterday showing off the two trophies won. He also commended coach Tony Gray for his contribution in making sure “that victory came our way with some brilliant performances by team members.” At the end of the tournament six members of the TT team were selected for a  Regional Under-19 Camp for the 2003 Red Stripe  Series and in preparation for the Youth World Cup in 2004 in Bangladesh. They are Tishan Maraj, Ravi Rampaul,  Dinesh Ramdin, Lendl Simmons, Rishi Bachan, and Jonathan Augustus.

Spurs shock Crabs in east

MID-TABLE BM Spurs sent shock waves through the Eastern Football Association, breaking open the battle for the Arthur “Jap” Brown Trophy with a 2-1 victory over Crab Connection at the St Joseph Recreation ground. But The Crabs still manage to keep atop the standings at the end of the first round, although Samba Xtra Malt East San Juan United can tally the same 28 points with victory in their outstanding match. When Kevin Munroe gave The Crabs the lead on Thursday,  it appeared they were on the way to their 10th victory, but Brian Pierre Alexander equalised and Earl Williams struck an improbable winner to stun the Crab Connection supporters. The action was fast and furious in the gilt-edged clash between arch-rivals Carib FC and defending champions WASA Clean and White at St Augustine Senior Comprehensive ground.

And the fans who turned up for Thursday match left well satisfied with a thrilling 2-2 draw. The Brewery Boys got goals from Kenneth Roderick and Gellineau Gill, while Nigel Smith and Keith Hutchings struck back for the WASA men. Police won a nine-goal battle against JGS Maloney Two Touch, despite a hat-trick by Vladimir Suite. The lawmen won the game at Constantine Park, Tunapuna, 5-4 with a double by ex-national striker Dexter Cyrus, with Wendell Brown, Edmund Homer and Richard La Grenade adding the other goals. Levi Gaye netted the fourth for the Maloney team. Improving newboys Hearty Food Bulls whipped East West Coaching School 4-2 with Ray Badall scoring twice, and Simon Bernard and Anslem Coa getting the other goals at the Arima Municipal Stadium.

Ken Julien and Mark Duncan scored for the “schoolboys.” Athletico Sports Institute continued their revival, this time drubbing TSTT 3-1 at Valsayn ground with Anthony Peters scoring a double and Atiba Alexander the other, while Marlon Yearwood got the consolation for the Telecommuni-cations men. At Squadron ground, Arouca, Joe Public ripped out Delta Glass Young Hearts 4-1. Keshon Theodore got a double, Damien Cedeno and Aaron Wrapper the others.  Anthony Dass scored for Young Hearts.

BG $$ for schools football

BRITISH GAS Trinidad and Tobago (BGTT) have pumped $140,000 into the 2003 Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) and “Big 5” competitions. This disclosure was made by Gail Decle, Public Affairs Coordinator of BGTT at yesterday’s official launch at BG House, St Clair. Decle added that the financial donation was an increase from the $130,000 given for the 2002 season. The feature address was delivered by BGTT Commercial Manager Robert Pantor, who indicated that his organisation “looks forward to seeing the talented performers of the previous football seasons and witnessing the emergence of new talent this season.” Pantor also revealed that BGTT will be looking to also sponsor the coverage of matches on the electronic media, including all matches in the “Big 5” tournament.

In his official statement Peter Dranfield, president of BGTT, noted that his association “is pleased to once again work alongside the SSFL and the Ministry of Education for the 2003 season.” “During our first year of sponsorship in 2002,” he continued, “we witnessed talent and skills from young athletes that surpassed our expectations. “We are very excited to launch the 2003 season and look forward to a productive and enjoyable two months of competitive football.” Matches kick off tomorrow with two doubleheaders from 3.30 pm. In North Zone action at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo Fatima face Mucurapo while league, “Big 5” and Intercol champions St Anthony’s meet QRC.

Sugar Mike aims at Diamond Stakes now

WITH the Independence Cup safely in the bag, Sugar Mike will now be aimed for the Arima Race Club Diamond Stakes. The Grant Lourenceo-trained bay colt is among 13 horses for which second subscriptions have been paid. Third and final subscriptions of $300 are due on Monday. Napoleon, fondly called The Emperor, is set to make a return to the track after a long lay off in this Grade 2 race over 1350 metres to be run off on Republic Day, September 24. This speedy grey locally bred four-year-old will match strides with Chanticleer, Fortunate Flag, Gold Conveyor, Invincibility, Lovely Honoree, Man Of Class, Miss Lover Lover, Movietowne Magic, Outswinger, Smooth Operator and The boss, Sugar Mike.

Also down to be contested on the same day is the Arima Race Club Nursery Stakes for the two-year-old babes. This race over 1200 metres has attracted 29 babes including the Maniram “Boboy” Maharaj owned and trained Sunday Jewel for which a penalty of $1,400 was paid to get into the event. But a surprise omission is Java In Style, also owned and trained by Maharaj , and a winner on Monday. Included in the field are four yet to be named two-year-olds. Final subscriptions for this event are also due on Monday. There are 21 three-year-olds left in the Royal Oak Derby over 2000 metres including Top Of The Class who will be seeking to emulate stablemate Carnival Messiah by winning the triple crown, achieved two years ago.

‘Ramchie’ retains duathlon crown

TRINIDAD and Tobago Duathlon champion Raymond “Ramchie” Ramacharn copped the championship for the 10th consecutive time on Sunday, holding off national Triathlon winner Jason Gooding. The 39-year-old veteran took the event in one hour, 41.28 minutes. The race consisted of running two laps around the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain followed by 10 laps cycling and then one lap running. Ramcharan and Special Olympian Ancil Greene finished the first run together, but Ramcharan, also a former national road cycling champion, soon left Greene behind.

Gooding, who was trailing behind in fifth place, showed his cycling skill in overtaking Greene, Anton Roberts-Carrington and Akini Pierre. He finished the race in 1:43.5, while Greene took bronze in 1:46.18. In the Women’s Division, Catherine Looger took first place in 2:10.23, followed by Nina Chaves in second in 2:13.04, and Breanne McIvor third in 2:20.42. The race, sponsored by Lucozade Sport, Angostura Bitters, Hindu Credit Union, ACCA, and Willie’s Ice Cream attracted 35 adults, and 13 youngsters. Breanne Mc Ivor, who placed third in the adult event won the junior female event, while Roger Greenidge was first in the Junior male event.