N Touch

First TT journalist to visit Taiwan in 30 years

WHEN I was first sent on a real overseas assignments to Orlando, Florida, in 1987, I thought that the flight was very long. Then, it became regular assignments to the Privy Council in London. That flight alone was 10 hours. In 1998, I went to the Miss World Pageant in the Seychelles. That flight was 12 hours from France to the Seychelles in Africa. Last year, I thought I had travelled the end of the earth when I went to Japan. That flight was more than 13 hours from New York. I felt then that there was no where longer than Japan. To my great surprise, I have gone further…to Taiwan — a country slowly recovering from the SARS virus and which lost billions of dollars in revenue from the tourism industry. That flight was 18 and a half hours from New York. But the passengers had some respite as the flight touched down in Anchorage. Where on heaven’s name is that, I asked the flight attendant. “Alaska”, she answered in her Chinese accent. To which I replied, “well then, I should see Santa Claus heading to the North Pole.”

Imagine that! Of all places for a plane to land…Alaska…with a big international airport too. The flight took about seven hours from New York to Alaska and another nine and a half to reach Taiwan. I did not venture outside to see if Alaska was really cold. I finally arrived in Taipei at 6.30 am on Friday August 1 which was just 6.30 pm in Trinidad the day before. The China Airlines flight, which was filled, was the only one on the ground at that hour in the morning. There to greet me was Carmen Tsai, the Government Information and Protocol Officer,  who along with her colleagues are responsible for eight journalists…the other seven coming from Central and South America –  Argentina, Peru, Paraguay, Guatemala, Panama, Dominican Republic and El Salvador. What was this trip all about? The trip was sponsored by the Government of the Republic of China (ROC) for senior journalists “in the other part of the world.” The invitation to Trinidad came from the ROC Embassy in Grenada. There is no ROC mission in Trinidad. Instead, there is the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China based in Port-of-Spain. That Embassy represents the “other China” – Beijing China.

So, before I could set off for Taiwan, I had to meet my sponsor — the ROC Ambassador in Grenada — Allan Lii-shang Jiang and his wife. The very hard-working Press Counsellor James Sun, who visited Newsday’s offices in 2001, was there at Point Salines International Airport to greet me. From there, we went to the Ambassador’s residence at True Blue where a wonderful lunch was prepared. Also present were Hannah Cheng, Third Secretary, and  Celine Cheng, Economic and Trade Specialist. Ambassador Jiang said I was the first TT journalist to be invited to Taiwan since TT broke off diplomatic ties with that country in 1973. The Ambassador said Taiwan’s presence in the Caribbean is well-known. But Jiang, who was also based in St Vincent, wants more ties with Trinidad and Tobago. He believes that Taiwan and TT could become good friends and trading partners. Jiang is making the first move to re-establish diplomatic ties, even if it will take years to materialise. He is hosting a trade show at the Trinidad Hilton in October and this is his attempt to woo TT businessmen to Taipei. “I feel Taiwan and Trinidad could do well together. We have so much to offer each other. You must remember, Taiwan has no natural resources as Trinidad…we depend on trade,” Ambassador Jiang added.

Although Taiwan is ranked 15th in foreign trade and maintains substantive relations with over 140 countries around the world, it has full diplomatic relations with only 27 countries and is not a member of the United Nations. Taiwan’s relations with mainland China are not so good. China poses a serious threat to Taiwan. There are 400 missiles pointed at Taiwan, which could be triggered off at any time. Taiwan is not sitting idly by and waiting for China to attack. With a population of more than 22 million, this tiny Asian country budgeted US $8.3 billion for national security in 2002. That was 16.5 percent of Taiwan’s national budget. So serious is the threat of war. Back to the purpose of my trip. The eight of us visited various parts of Taiwan over the last week, during which we became friends. In fact, I had no media friends in those seven countries until last week. We promise to keep in touch and to inform each other of developments on each country. The week in Taiwan was exciting. We were exposed to the Taiwanese way of life and the after effects of SARS. Whether Taiwan has recovered is anybody’s guess.

NO OLD COPS

TRINIDAD and Tobago needs young professional police officers to patrol the streets, highways, alleys, fields, hills, rivers and coastal areas, and therefore the physical output required to achieve these objectives cannot be met by retirees, acting Insp Christopher Holder said on Friday. This is one of several recommendations Holder has proposed to Minister of National Security Howard Chin Lee and acting Commissioner of Police Everald Snaggs, who on Friday received a copy of the proposals. Chin Lee had told the media on July 23 that 1,000 police officers will be deployed on the streets in the new war on crime.  It was later revealed that the 1,000 officers were going to be retired ones. However, Holder, president of the Police Service Social and Welfare Association, is proposing a short term (one year) injection of 1000 Special Reserve Police (SRP) officers instead of retired officers.

He outlined some advantages of this recommendation, saying that employment rate would be reduced by employing young unemployed citizens; that many young citizens would be seen as leaders in the fight against crime, and that other young citizens may be motivated to come forward and assist the police in their fight against crime. Holder said some retirees should be contracted for a short period to conduct classroom training for the proposed 1000 SRPs. Additionally, he said, all existing officers who have “excess vacation leave” can be utilised by “buying out their vacation leave”. Holder said further the association’s proposal of 1000 SRPs should be based on the objective of supplementation in order to remedy deficiencies such as visibility of police officers in uniform and the feeling of safety, security and stability in the various communities. He said the initial one-year contract of employment should be followed by the objective of augmentation in the long term in which those SRPs who meet the necessary requirements would be recruited as Regular Police Officers (RPOs). Holder said the SRPs who have not met the requirements/criteria for the RPO may be contracted to work as SRPs for additional periods given the recommendations arising out of their strategic plan for the next five years, 2003-2008. “Given the two objectives outlined the initial recruitment of SRPs must be based on youthfulness, physical fitness or the opportunity to be recruited in the long term as RPO. Retirees are not qualified to meet these criteria in most situations,” Holder said.

Contacted on Friday, Snaggs told Sunday Newsday that the association’s recommendations are meaningful and will assist the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) and the Government in embarking on “effective strategies” geared towards servicing communities in a better way from a policing point of view. However, Snaggs said these recommendations impact on policy initiatives from the Ministry of National Security and “these issues are still being worked out as far as I know before final decisions are made.” The official date for the 1000 additional officers to hit the streets is yet to be known, but Chin Lee said on Wednesday that  advertising has already started, and that there will be a strict recruiting process.

Chin Lee: No border security breakdown

NATIONAL SECURITY Min-ister Howard Chin Lee flatly dismissed Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday’s claim that border security between Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela had broken down since the People’s National Movement (PNM) came to office in December 2001. In an interview at his Port-of-Spain office Friday, Panday said border security between the two nations was of paramount importance while the United National Congress (UNC) was in government. Asked if he believed border security arrangements between TT and Venezuela had collapsed since the PNM came to power, Panday said: “It would seem so because otherwise Mr Manning would not have made that statement that says the Venezuelan Government was not as vigilant as they should be and that therefore drug lords and gun runners took advantage of that lax situation in Venezuela.”

However Chin Lee told Sunday Newsday there is regular communication between both governments on the issue of border security. He said one such manifestation of combined TT-Venezuelan border security efforts is the ongoing Operation VenTri between the TT Coast Guard and the Guardia Nacional to curb the trafficking of illegal drugs and arms across the Gulf of Paria. Chin Lee said it was grossly irresponsible of Panday, as a former prime minister and national security minister, to make such statements. In an exclusive Newsday interview last month, Chin Lee disclosed that a US$945,000 agreement which Government signed with the United States would be used to strengthen border security by upgrading the country’s existing coastal radar network and purchasing two vessels for the Coast Guard. Chin Lee said the new network would mirror one used by the Israeli military to monitor arms smuggling into and out of the Palestinian-occupied territories of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. He said the radar system the PNM discovered when it came to office was “primordial” and ill-suited for effective border security. The Minister also revealed ongoing negotiations between TT and the US for an additional five fast interceptors for the Coast Guard and Government’s plans to improve the capabilities of the Coast Guard’s Air Wing in drug interdiction, surveillance of key maritime installations and overall border security.

Bishop Bess: Not me and US gay bishop

Anglican Church Bishop of Trinidad and Tobago, Calvin Bess, is firmly opposed to the appointment of a practising homosexual as a bishop in the United States branch of the Anglican Communion, the Episcopal Church. Last Tuesday the Episcopalian House of Deputies voted 62 to 45 to confirm Rev Gene V Robinson as the Bishop of New Hampshire despite his admission of being openly homosexual and living with his male lover. The vote has threatened to create a split within the 2.3 million member American church, and in the 77 million strong global Anglican community, having already incurred condemnation from bishops/archbishhops from Australia, India, and West Malaysia. Bishop Bess yesterday expressed local opposition to the gay Ameri-can bishop.

Bess told Sunday Newsday: “It is contrary to the teachings the Anglican Church holds. The church’s position is that sexuality is a gift of God to be experienced in the institution of marriage between a man and a woman. Homosexuality is contrary to the will of God. The US church has made a very unfortunate departure from this. The outcome is likely to be fractures in the church by certain parts of the worldwide church who will be unable to have fellowship with the segment of the church that has gone contrary to the official position”. He explained that he didn’t think conservative/traditional churches would ostracise the whole US Episcopal Church but shun only that segment which favoured gay bishops and same-sex marriages. Bess disclosed that the Anglican Church’s Province of the West Indies, comprised of eight dioceses, was due to meet in November when the issue would be discussed. He said: “Given the letter that the Archbishop of the West Indies Province wrote to the US church before the voting (on Rev Robinson’s appointment) it’s clear he is firmly against it. All the dioceses of the Caribbean take the same line. When we meet in November we will issue a statement and write a letter to the Episcopalian Church in America. I’m sure the letter will not be in support of their decision”.

He conformed that like everywhere in the world, in Trinidad and Tobago the controversy had generated a lot of discussion. He said: “People are expressing their views. I have not come across any view here in support of the American decision”. Were local Anglicans threatening to leave the church in protest at the US decision? Bess said no. He explained: “When a daily newspaper misquoted my position on the appointment of Bishop Jeffrey John in the United Kingdom (a homosexual priest who subsequently declined the appointment), a number of people said to me ‘I can no longer fellowship with the Anglican Church’. So people will be dissatisfied (with gay priests). But the fact that the Trinidad and Tobago Anglican Church is not in support of what’s happening in the US, I think will not lead to the haemorraging that could have taken place otherwise.” Asked to venture to guess how the American decision could have possibly happened, he replied: “It’s very difficult to put an answer to that. I cannot understand what would have happened.” Bess’ views were supported by St Clements (Ste Madeleine) Parish Priest, Rev Canon Clive Griffith (aka Kwame Mohlabani). Fr Griffith said homosexuality or sodomy was against biblical teachings, on three grounds. Firstly he said, it violated the first ever commandment God gave to Man even preceding the 10 Commandments,  “Be fruitful and multiply” (Gen 1:27-28). Secondly said Griffith, sodomy is one of two sins for which God abandoned sinners, the other being blaspheming the Holy Spirit or doubting God (Matt 12:31-32).  Thirdly he said, sodomy is an abomination, in the words of God (Lev 18:22,24 and Deu 23:17).

Fr Griffith explained the importance of the controversy over a gay US bishop. He said: “The leaders of the gay rights movement see traditional Christian teachings as the greatest single thing causing universal rejection of homosexual behaviour. The gay rights movement sees Christian teachings as the last hurdle. The appointment can be seen in that light. There is an all-out effort to discredit all Christian organisations which hold fast to biblical truths”. He said gay-rights activists were trying to revise the Scriptures to say there existed no absolute moral values but that anything could be revised according to the prevailing cultural patterns. He said: “I’m totally against that. When you have no absolutes, that is the beginning of the downfall of civilisation. All authority is undermined”. But Fr Griffith said homosexuality could be cured through the redeeming love of Jesus Christ. He explained: “But repentance is mandatory. Once guilt is admitted, half the work is completed. The church’s position is that we should love the sinner, but try our best in love to eradicate the sin”.

Relay quartet sets new record

A QUICK dash by teenaged sprint sensation Darrel Brown guaranteed Trinidad and Tobago a bronze medal in the men’s 4x100m relay at the 14th Pan American Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic yesterday. The quartet of Niconnor Alexander, Marc Burns, Ato Boldon and Brown clocked a new national record of 38.53 seconds, erasing the previous mark of 38.58 set during their bronze medal run at the 2001 World Track and Field Championships in Edmonton, Canada. But the United States’ foursome was unchallenged for the gold medal, breezing past the finish line in a time of 38.27 seconds, ahead of Brazil 38.44 and Trinidad and Tobago. Alexander, who faced the starter’s gun and Burns, who held the baton for the second leg, struggled to keep pace with the Americans, Cubans and Jamaicans before quadruple Olympic medallist Boldon received the stick from Burns.

Boldon closed the gap between himself and his Jamaican rival in the third leg before Brown, in a flash, overtook his English-speaking Caribbean challenger to claim bronze. Chef-de-mission Brian Lewis was elated at last night’s achievement, saying: “I’m very proud and the team did well.” “To set a national record was great, but more importantly, they did their best,” he added. Trinidad and Tobago now have a haul of two medals, with Candice Scott earning bronze in the women’s hammer throw on Wednesday. Jacey Harper, Sheridan Kirk, Jamil James and Damion Barry were expected to participate in the men’s 4x400m relay final last night. Harper, the national 100-200m senior champ, replaced Julieon Raeburn in the quartet, after Raeburn sustained a slight injury during his sixth-place finish in Friday’s men’s half lap final. The national men’s hockey team steamrolled past Dominican Republic 22-0 yesterday, and will now face either Barbados or the United States in the fifth place playoff.

On the shooting range, Robert Auerbach dropped from an overnight 22nd to 25th spot, out of 32 entrants, in the men’s skeet. The 15-year-old, who resumed with a score of 68, fired rounds of 23 and 23 for a grand total of 114. Trinidad and Tobago had mixed results in the opening stages of the badminton event, with two victories in the mixed doubles contest counter-balanced by two defeats in the women’s singles and another loss in the men’s doubles. Anil Seepaul and Zeudi Mack strolled past the Guatemalan pair of Lopez and Mitcheo 15-3, 15-4 while Glendon Thomas and Nadine Julien were stretched to the limit by the Barbadian duo of Padmore and Eastmond, before the TT tandem prevailed 15-12, 11-15, 15-7. Julien will have no such luck in the women’s singles, as she was hammered 11-1, 11-2 by Jamaican Nigella Saunders, while Stephanie Mitchell also went down by the similar scoreline to American Iva Lee. Thomas and Darron Charles fought valiantly against the Jamaican twosome of Muirhead and Mendez, but lost 15-12, 17-14. 2002 Male Boxer of the Year Kerston Manswell was due to step into the ring last night to face Tomas Orosco for a quarterfinal spot in the men’s heavyweight division. Manswell, the Commonwealth Games silver medallist, is heavily tipped to claim a medal, despite a strong Cuban presence at the event.

TT’s Samuel nets on Dundee debut

Trinidad and Tobago striker Collin Samuel scored on his debut for Scottish Premier League club Dundee United, but the hosts were unable to prevent Hibernian from taking full points — 2-1 at Tannadice, in the opening match of the 2003-04 season. Samuel should have scored in the 25th minute when, unmarked in the penalty box, he saw his meek shot rebound off the body of goalkeeper Daniel Andersson. The 21-year-old Samuel went close again ten minutes later, breaking clear before drawing the goalkeeper, but his lob from a difficult angle drifted across the face of the goal.

Samuel made amends for his first-half misses by scoring with his first touch of the ball after the restart. Billy Dodds dispossessed Mathias Doumbe on the left touchline and, raced into the penalty area squaring a pass to Samuel, who slammed home from close range. But youngster Derek Riordan levelled the scores after 74 minutes following good work by substitute Tam McManus. And McManus grabbed the winner from the penalty spot with four minutes remaining. Samuel’s former team Falkirk, featuring debutants — past and present national midfielders Russell Latapy and Brent Rahim — got a deserved 2-1 win over Inverness Caley Thistle at Ochilview. The 2002-03 Scottish First Division kings trailed as early as the 13th minute when Stuart McCaffray tapped home in a goal-mouth scramble.

The goal was virtually the last attack by Inverness and it was no surprise when the home side levelled in the 36th minute. A Latapy corner was only cleared as far as David Nicholls and when he volleyed first time, on-loan striker Colin McMenamin flicked it past Inverness goalkeeper Mark Brown from seven yards. The homesters dominated the second period and the visitors were reduced to ten men in the 78th minute when goalscorer McCaffray was sent off for a foul on McMenamin. Taking control of proceedings courtesy of the man-advantaged, Falkirk sealed victory in the 83rd when another recent signing Jason Lee spectacularly volleyed a Latapy corner high into the net from 14 yards. Dreadlocked defender Brent Sancho was not among the final 16 for Dundee, who won 3-0 away to Motherwell with goals from Gavin Rae (22nd), Lee Wilkie (41st) and Barry Smith (83rd). Another TT stopper, Marvin “Dog” Andrews, was in the thick of things as Livingston battled to a 1-1 against Partick, in another SPL encounter. Trailing 1-0 after a 25-yard blast from Partick midfielder Kenny Milne after 31 minutes, Andrews saw his header fly inches off the mark in the 74th. But Fernando Pasquinelli ensured that Livingston will share the spoils, with an equaliser three minutes later.

In their first match in the English Second Division, Wrexham, with lanky TT defender Dennis Lawrence and midfielder Carlos Edwards playing for the full 90 minutes, were left frustrated as their opening-day encounter at home to Chesterfield ended goalless. The Welshmen enjoyed plenty of possession but paid the price for sloppy finishing as stubborn Chesterfield held on to earn a share of the spoils. Neither side created many clear-cut chances and although Wrexham dominated for long spells they lacked the creative spark to open up the Chesterfield defence. Crewe Alexandra, with national goalkeeper Clayton Ince between the uprights, had a disappointing start to their new season in the English First Division, as they were trounced 3-1 by hosts Wimbledon at Selhurst Park. Dave Brammer gave Crewe an early lead, after seven minutes of play. But superb strikes from Patrick Agyemang (15th), Alex Tapp (53rd) and captain Nigel Reo-Coker (63rd) earned them all three points.

Hoerman Cup remains at Plantations

TRINIDAD and Tobago’s golfers attained one of their primary sports objectives yesterday clinging tenaciously to their overnight advantage to win the Hoerman Cup at the Plantations Beach and Golf Resort in Lowlands, Tobago. It was a fitting end to one of the most keenly contested Caribbean Amateur Golf Championships ever as not one of the ten countries participating could lay claim to total dominance in the four-day affair. Apart from capturing the coveted Hoerman Cup, TT placed second in the Higgs and Higgs super seniors category; were third in the George Teale Trophy contest for women; finished fourth in the new Ramon Baez Trophy category; and came in seventh in the Francis and Steele-Perkins competition. The Hoerman Cup battle, in which the region’s premier golfers are engaged took the spotlight on the final day yesterday with TT holding a three-shot lead on the chasing Puerto Rican pack. However Shane Costelloe finally came good shooting a three under par 69. He was was well- supported by leading local golfer Carlos “Sexy” Baynes, even par 72; and a seven over 79 by young Dion Gonsalves.

TT emerged winners with an aggregate of 870 followed by Puerto Rico (875); Dominican Republic (890) and Barbados (895). Others in tow were The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) 896; US Virgin Islands (901), Jamaica (903); Bahamas (909); Cayman Islands (223) and Turks and Caicos Islands (1,027). Baynes, who grew up in nearby Bethel had the distinction of emerging with the lowest aggregate of the tournament, 284 highlighted with a fabulous six under in the third round on Friday. Also making a strong challenge for overall individual honours was John Streibich of the US Virgin Islands who trailed Baynes by one stroke and was the only golfer to register par or below par for the entire four days. Among the women, bidding for the George Teale Trophy, Bahamas, led by the steady Jameica Duncombe capitalised on their huge 12-stroke lead into the final day and romped home by 11 shots ahead of defending champions Puerto Rico.

In third were Trinidad and Tobago’s Torry sisters, Michelle and Diana who had a five over yesterday to finish with a four-day total of 310. Next were Barbados (311), Cayman Islands (315), Jamaica (324), US Virgin Islands (334), Turks and Caicos Islands (336). In the Higgs and Higgs contest, TT representatives Teddy Grell and Asraph Ali continued their outstanding form shooting one under yesterday but could not overhaul the Puerto Ricans who successfully defended their super seniors title. They finished with 280 strokes, three better than TT with Cayman Islands (291) third and Bahamas (292) next. Jamaica (300) were fifth, followed by OECS (302), Barbados (303), Turks and Caicos (308) and US Virgin Islands (313). The Cayman Islands took the Francis Steele-Perkins Trophy with a four-day aggregate of 284 followed by Puerto Rico (287) and Barbados (288).

Third were the Dominican Republic (293), with Bahamas (298) next; followed by Turks and Caicos (300) and Trinidad and Tobago pair of Louis De Meillac and Raymond Roberts on 302. In the Ramon Baez Trophy, Puerto Rico (292) drew first blood in the new category, convincing  13-stroke winners over Dominican Republic (305) and third placed Jamaica (306). Next were Trinidad and Tobago’s Barry Ferdinand and Arjoon Samlal who completed the tournament with a 312; ahead of OECS (313); US Virgin Islands (314), Bahamas (315); Barbados (317) and Cayman Islands (319). The Puerto Ricans also retained the Arthur Zaidie Trophy for overall excellence totalling 123.25 points, 20 better than hosts TT.

Under-19s roll into TCL Group cricket final

GEORGETOWN: Trinidad and Tobago reached the final of the limited-overs competition in the TCL Group West Indies Under-19 Cricket Challenge when they rolled over Barbados by four wickets in their semi-final yesterday. Choosing to bat, Barbados were bowled out for a modest 114 off 49.5 overs at Enmore, before TT cruised to their victory target for the loss of six wickets in 33.3 overs to set up today’s final against Guyana/Windward Islands. The Barbados top order batting once more failed to click. Once they lost opening batsman Martin Nurse, their captain and star bat, as well as Omar Phillips inside the first half hour, the West Indies Under-19 three-day title-holders never came to grips with the TT bowling.

Renaldo Parris, a left-handed opening batsman, hit the top score of 47 for the Barbadians, whose only other double figure contribution came from fast bowler Barrington Yearwood with 19. Medium-paced bowler Kevish Kantasingh was again the TT bowling hero with four wickets for 26 runs from his allotment of 10 overs. He gained admirable support from Ravi Rampaul with two for 16 from 7.5 overs, while Capil Subran and Rishi Baichan returned the excellent figures of 10-2-13-1 and 10-4-9-1respectively. Blessed with an opening stand of 50 between Aaron Ragoonath, whose 35 was the top score, and Tishan Maraj with 15, TT were destined to win. They had a few hiccups along the way, but they kept their composure to complete a convincing win over the Barbadians. Barbados will now be looking to today’s third-place playoff against Guyana/Windward Islands to regain some of their lost pride.

Our sports heroes in 2020

While my back was turned, a lot of sports personalities have aged drastically. And some of the younger ones have actually taken off. They used to be quiet, faded, a shade dull as a high-born old lady wistfully recalling their dancing youth. With that in mind, Dancing Brave looks into the future and asks: Where are they now (Twenty years later or less)? Ronaldo, is sulking away on a deserted beach in the West Indies, with cohorts Nick Faldo, who after finding Brenna Copelak (and dumping his wife) has lost his form and also with David Beckham who after falling out with Posh Spice, was given a red card, and eventually marching orders by most teams in England after failing in Spain. All three men spend their days fishing in a pirogue and live together in a small hut.
 
Jack Warner (2020) — Still in control of football in the region, but at least with two helpers to assist him with the wheelchair going downstairs. Poor fellow though, now he has to actually buy tickets to attend a sporting function because football is no longer the number one sport in the world, having been replaced by chess. Stephen Ames (2015) — Still the best golfer in the Caribbean, still not supported by his local body, and still having trouble with his visa problems as Government Officers sit around, discussing their personal business propositions and are ignorant of the part they can play in helping him. Brian Lara  (Moka 2010) — On  the Golf course, this once popular champion, continues to try every form of technological gimmickry to recapture the magic of old, except hurling the ball  down the fairway with a pelota basket. Alas for his legion of friends (??) and admirers (brown-nosers), his putts stubbornly (like him) refuse to drop.

By the way he was dropped from the West Indies team in 2006, just before the World Cup, and turned to Golf. The Executive of the NAAA (Olympic Games 2012) — There is no athlete on the Trinidad and Tobago teams, but in keeping with previous history, the officials will still attend in their numbers, some 15 of them. Leslie “Tiger” Stewart (Madison Square Garden 2010) — He has just placed his left glove on, with the aid of one of the three spectators present, to watch his boxing match in the Veterans category for the “Light heavyweight Veteran Boxing Title.” His match against the now deaf and almost incoherent Mike Tyson promised if anything, a lot of laughs, some sighs, a few butts and one or two bites. Everald “Gally” Cummings (England 2010) — Cummings stands by proudly, a broad smile on his face, hiding the sadness that he has led another Caribbean country, not Trinidad and Tobago to their first World Cup appearance.  Cummings, an early proponent of the Afro, now wears his hair in perm. Bertille St Clair (Brisbane 2010) — Now content to make his money abroad after he was sadly and unjustly sacked by the TTFA (or is it FCOTT), he appears to have settled in well, to life after football.  He now runs a nursery for malcontent children, calling on his experience with the administrators in Trinidad and Tobago football.
 
Ato Boldon (Los Angelos 2010) — A popular talk show host, giving his guests (when there is longer than half hour for the show) as good as he gets.  Among those on his programmes are Jules Bernard and Douglas Camacho in a face off, even if it is twenty years too late. Mansingh Amarsingh (Chagua-nas 2009) — Continues to know more than the rest in table tennis but his services are still being ignored, even as our tennis goes further and further downhill. Dexter St Louis (Guyana 2009) — At 40-odd, still looking to win his first Caribbean Singles title for Trinidad and Tobago after so much promises win or lose — will still have French Wine celebrations. Gene Samuel (Maraval 2010) — It has taken a long white, much too long, but thankfully good sense has prevailed and the Government (whoever they be) have given this glorious cycling champion, a proper home.  Samuel is right to feel more relief than over-zealous joy.
David Nakhid (Tunapuna, 2010)  —  He has been offered the unenviable job of coaching Trinidad to the next World Cup. Nakhid was a craftsman on the pitch and thinks about the offer for a short while, before returning to repair his roof. A lot of these sight seeings could go all wrong in the future, depending on the penchant in Trinidad and Tobago for success above all else.
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Jack Noreiga bowled at 67

Former Trinidad and Tobago and West Indies off-spinner Jack Noreiga passed away at the Sangre Grande Hospital at 4 pm on Friday. Noreiga, who became a household name after his record breaking nine wickets for 95 runs against India at the Queen’s Park Oval, Port-of-Spain in 1971, was hospitalised after surgery recently to remove an obstacle from his intestines. The operation was a success but the 67-year-old experienced difficulty in recuperating and succumbed. Noreiga leaves to mourn nine children and seven grandchildren. Furneral arrangements are yet to be made but his daughter Jackie said yesterday the interment is tentatively set for Wednesday. “We are still awaiting the death certificate and once we have this in our possession we will decide what is the next move,” she said.

Former Test spinner Rangy Nanan, who was a very good friend of Noreiga, said it was tremendous loss for cricket in Trinidad and Tobago. “Jack was always willing to share his knowledge of the game and this made him different from others. Early on in my career when I decided to switch from fast bowling to off-spin bowling Jack helped me out. “I am happy to say that Jack made a really good impression on me. I am very sad to hear of his passing and wish his family all the best in their time of grief,” Nanan said. Second vice-president of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB), Dudnath Ramkeesoon was also saddened by Noreiga’s passing. ”I played with and against Jack and one thing I can say is that he was always jovial and ready to assist. Cricket in this country has been dealt a serious blow by his passing. At the time of his passing he was involved in the development of Moosai’s Sports Club and the youngsters there. He even took to the field earlier this year in the Second Division of the Carib National League and looked in good shape.

“He was heavily involved in coaching and his passing would definitely leave a void in domestic cricket. On behalf of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB), I would like to extend our sympathy to the family and may God richly bless him and give him a resting place,” Ramkeesoon said. Noreiga who lived at No 7 Ulex Drive, La Florisante, made his Test debut for the West Indies  against India at Sabina Park, Jamaica in the 1970/71 series. During the same series he grabbed nine wickets for 95 runs against India at the Queen’s Park Oval in front of his home crowd. His remarkable figures reads 49.4-16-95-9. In all Noreiga played four Tests and captured 17 wickets at an average of 29.00. In 27 First Class matches he nabbed 67 wickets at 29.67. Up until the last local cricket season Noreiga was attached to the Moosai’s Sports Club in El Dorado. He served as coach of the eastern team who are campaigning in the Carib National League Second Division.