ASSISTANT coach of the Trinidad and Tobago football team, Jamal Shabaaz, was in possession of a visa revoked by the United States Embassy when he was detained by the US State Department at Miami Inter-national Airport on July 8.

It was reported that Shabaaz was held on suspicion of a forged visa during entry in the US, where he was said to be on his way to attend a CONCACAF course on behalf of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF). But Ward Murrow, Consular General of the US Embassy at Marli Street, Port-of-Spain, revealed yesterday that Shabaaz was guilty of a visa discrepancy. “In March of this year, we sent a letter to the gentleman (Shabaaz) asking him to appear for an interview (with the Embassy) because we discovered information (about the visa) and we needed to discuss them with him,” said Murrow. “He had a valid passport but his visa was revoked,” Murrow continued. “However he completely ignored our letter and continued to travel (with it).” Murrow said the top Jamaat al-Muslimeen member, who was formerly the head coach of the national women’s team and also serves as coach of Caledonia AIA, was warned about the serious issues surrounding the dubious visa document.

A source close to the TTFF indicated that Shabaaz, who is being defended by Faith Mesnekoff, one of Florida’s Assistant Federal Public Defenders, appeared before a Florida judge yesterday where an arraignment was made and a copy of the charges was received. Shabaaz, who is being kept at the Federal Detention Centre in Miami, will know the date for his trial within the next few weeks. Efforts to reach Mesnekoff at her Miami office yesterday proved futile. FIFA vice-president Jack Warner has been attempting to assist Shabaaz during his incarceration and is communicating with him through e-mails. Warner is currently in Miami at the Gold Cup tournament staged under the auspices of CONCACAF of which he is the president.

ALLOY LEQUAY must go as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board.

This call was made yesterday by former Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Manohar Ramsaran, the United National Congress Member of Parliament for Chaguanas. He was speaking at the office of the Chaguanas Borough Corporation, Cumberbatch Street yesterday at the swearing-in of councillors elected recently in the Local Government Elections. Ramsaran, a keen cricketer, said that since 1986 the Trinidad and Tobago senior team has not won any regional honours. “That is a reflection on the leadership of the organisation and it does not send a strong message about the quality of those that are at the head,” he said. Ramsaran said he was not concerned about the facilities that were being built at the National Cricket Centre in Balmain, Couva, as part of the Lequay’s organisational thrust in the development and promotion of cricket. He was outspoken on Lequay’s stand on the issue of the selection of a new president of the WICB to suceed Wes Hall. “He embarassed the whole of Trinidad and Tobago by not supporting Willie Rodriguez who today should have been at the helm of West Indies cricket. “Mr Lequay bungled. And I am making an unreserved call for him to quit as the president of the TTCB,” Ramsaran said.

The former Customs and Excise officer was strong in his recommendation for Deryck Murray to be elected the WICB president. “He is very experienced on the playing field and an oustanding cricketer and that apart, he was a grand examplar on and off the cricket field,” said Ramsaran. He added Murray is also an outstanding administrator who is university-trained and has all the qualities to lead the West Indies Cricket Board. “If Lequay wants to be president of Trinidad and  Tobago, then that is alright. But to be president of the Cricket Board he must produce results,” Ramsaran said. “Lequay should do the right thing and resign immediately,” he said. Asked who he had in mind to lead the TTCB, Ramsaran suggested that a new president should be elected by the local cricket fraternity but not from the current executive. Recently Omar Khan, the Corporate Communications Manager of PowerGen, and  manager of the national cricket team this season, had recommended Lequay for the presidency of the WICB. But Lequay said he was not interested since he is focusing on the 2007 World Cup to be staged in the Caribbean.

BRIDGETOWN: West Indies cricket captain Brian Lara and vice-captain Ramnaresh Sarwan will play in a celebrity benefit in New York to raise money for a former Barbados player, organisers said yesterday.

The pair, along with fast bowler Corey Collymore, will play the August 23 match in Brooklyn as part of a year of activities to raise funds for former spin bowler Lawrence Maxwell, who the Barbados Cricket Association says contributed to the region’s game though he was never selected for the West Indies team. Maxwell is the third player chosen by the association for the reward, which is given to players who never played at the international level where pay is much higher. The two previously  recognised players were spinners Winston Reid and George Linton.

Maxwell played for Barbados between 1969 and 1979 and managed the Caribbean country’s club in 1995 and 1996. Along with the West Indies star trio, the celebrity match will feature West Indies legends Sir Garfield Sobers, Sir Everton Weekes, Gordon Greenidge, Desmond Haynes, and Joel Garner,  organisers said. Former Barbados players and US team members living in New York are also expected to play.  Other benefit matches are scheduled to take place in Miami and California in October.

HAARLEM: West Indies women logged a very impressive upset victory over hosts Netherlands in the second round of the World Cup qualifying International Women’s Cricket Council (IWCC) Trophy tournament on Tuesday.

Batting first, the Netherlands struggled to 125 for eight off their 50 overs, and the West Indies replied with 126 for three off only 37 overs after matching winning knocks by St Lucian Nadine George and St Vincent and the Grenadines’ Juliana Nero at Sportpark Koninklijke HFC. The Netherlands, who looked potent in gathering 300 for five off 50 overs in their first round win over Scotland on Monday, were unable to dominate the West Indies bowling although Maartje Koster (40) and Pauline te Beest (34) got good scores. Dominica-born St Lucian Doris Francis picked up two for 20 runs from her ten overs, while Debbie-Ann Lewis (1-17), Verena Felician (1-19), Felicia Cummings (1-21) and Indomatie Goordial (1-25) shared four wickets.

West Indies then paced themselves to the 126 target and a comfortable victory with 13 overs to spare, after the left-handed George hit 40 and Nero got 39. The 17-year-old Goordial contributed 15 against Eugenie van Leeuwen (2-29). The West Indies, beaten in their opening match by Ireland, are fourth in the standings and needed a win over Scotland yesterday to enhance their title hopes. In other matches, leaders Pakistan secured their second win when they defeated Scotland by 48 runs, and Ireland defeated Japan by nine wickets. The top two teams will qualify for the 2005 World Cup in South Africa.

Trinidad and Tobago junior women volleyball team secured two victories while the male team was hammered at the Fourth Caribbean Zonal Volleyball Association (CAZOVA) Junior Championships in Martinique.

The women, led by setter Aisha Sealy and spearheaded by the power smashes and superior blocking by Kelly-Ann Billingy, Madonna Bedenoch and Danya Augustus whipped newcomers Antigua and Barbuda 25-17, 25-8, 25-9 in their Group “A” opening round encounter on Monday. But the defending champions got a minor scare in their second round clash with Aruba, which extended the Calypso Girls to four sets. Trinidad and Tobago prevailed by a 3-1 margin after three closely fought sets. They emerged victorious 25-23, 25-15, 21-25, 27-7. It clearly showed that it will not be easy sailing for their third lien on the coveted CAZOVA Junior crown. They will face Netherlands Antilles in a key fixture at 2 pm. This match will decide the winners and runners-up of Group “B”. The winners will advance to the semi-final scheduled for Saturday while runners-up will have to battle in the quarterfinals round slated for tomorrow.

On the other hand, Sean Morrison and his boys tasted defeat at the hands of the homesters who pounded them into submission after three sets in their Group “A” second round clash on Tuesday. TT lost at 20-25, 23-25, 16-25. Despite this result, the boys showed much improvement and readiness to capture their first regional title. TT were extended to a five-setter by newcomer Dominica. Clearly the whipping by the French guys was booked after they barely scrapped home 25-23, 23-25, 24-26, 25-19, 15-8 against the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) champions on Monday. Cuban coach Juan Carlos Rodriguez and his assistant Kanhai Sirjoo could find no strategy to stop the Martiniquans who were urged on by the vocal supporters. But there is still some hope for redemption with the arrival of hitter/blocker Esil Seecharran who was in Cuba on a scholarship programme. The Glamorgan player arrived back in Trinidad on Saturday and joined the team in Martinique on Tuesday. His presence should make a big difference at the net with his outstanding smashing and blocking abilities. Meanwhile, TT junior men team just needs to win this match to make to the quarterfinal round.

Junior Championships Results
FEMALE
Sunday)- Group “A”: BAHAMAS beat Martinique 25-20, 21-25, 25-23, 25-18.
Monday)- Group “B”: TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO beat Antigua/Barbuda 25-17, 25-8, 25-9.
Group “B”: NETHERLAND ANILLES beat Aruba 25-15, 25-11, 25-19.
Tuesday- Group “A”: BARBADOS beat Jamaica 25-0, 25-0, 25-0 (Walk-over).
Group “B”: NETHERLAND ANTILLES beat Antigua & Barbuda 25-12, 26-24, 25-6.
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO beat Aruba 25-23, 25-15, 21-25, 25-7.
MEN
Sunday- Group “A”: MARTINIQUE beat Aruba 25-16, 25-9, 25-8.
Monday- Group “A”: TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO beat Dominica 25-23, 23-25, 24-26, 25-19, 15-8.
Group “B”: NETHERLAND ANTILLES beat Barbados 27-25, 25-23, 19-25, 25-16.
Tuesday- Group “A”: MARTINIQUE beat Trinidad and Tobago 25-20, 25-23, 25-16.
Group “A”: DOMINICA beat Aruba 25-16, 20-25, 25-14, 24-26, 16-14.
Group B: BAHAMAS beat Jamaica 25-0, 25-0, 25-0 (Walk-over).

Phantom Bidder gave notice yesterday to his opponents in the upcoming Presidents’s Cup that he intends to pick up the winning tread in the 1850-metres highlight on Emanicpation Day (August 1).

This intention was made with a telling display of speed on the gallops course at Santa Rosa Park, Arima yesterday. The three-year-old son of Indian Charlie, who lost his unbeaten run this season to stable companion Millennium Reign in the dying stages of  a Stakes and Lower Handicap, showed fire over the last 800 metres of the course turned sloppy by early morning showers. The dark bay, noted for his staying powers  posted 47.80 seconds for his run witnessed from the stands by trainer John O’Brien. O’Brien, smiling from ear-to-ear, was pleased with the manner in which his stablestar went about his business under Wilmer Galviz. The jubilant trainer stated that Phantom Bidder has come back well since his defeat earlier this month and is brimful of confidence of lifting the Cup in winners’ circle next Friday.

Fortunate Flag was another from the upper league to have enjoyed the ground conditions. The Kenneth De Silva inmate was all over Crimson Tower, whom he had for company posting 35.01 seconds for the effort over the last 600 metres to the winning pole. Sunday Jewel continues to show rapid improvement and went into the notebook soon after she completed her run. Schooling from the boxes with Laura’s Boy and Melanie My Love, the daughter of Java In Flight/Indian Gem flew out of  the boxes ahead of the pair and opened up a gap which was never bridged Timed between the 1200 and 600-metre markers, Jewel registered 35.61, with his  juvenile companions trailing in at 38.12 seconds. Chief Of Staff and Spin N’Squeeze were others to have showed enthusiasm in their work The pair went at a nice clip from the 600 metres pole and hit the winning line in 37.01. Bonus Point and Hollywood Star also caught the eye in their spin over 1000 metres (1:02.17), and Wild Life in her posting of 1:16.92 second over 1200 metres.

Following are yesterday’s recorded gallops.
400 METRES: Indian Take All – 29.50, pacing. Fantastic Risk and Sir Steven – 28.99, pacing. Honor Bound – 28.97, pacing. Pile Of Cash 25.51, handily. Ex Musical Cascade and Ex Be Quick At It – 28.79, pacing. Silk Runner – 29.16, pacing. French Academy and Ex Sarah – 28.93, pacing. Ring Dang Do – 29.86, pacing. Maid Of Honour – 29.17, pacing. Ex Rio Rita – 29.34, pacing. Tea Time Doc – 25.89, handily. Serah’s Trick – 29.83, pacing. Ex Roulette and  Ex Moonlight – 29.91, pacing. Bound To Fly – 28.88, pacing. Ex Coo, Ex Willshewon’tshe and Ex Rhythmis Dancer – 29.91, pacing. Alex – 27.31, pushed out.
600 METRES: Fortunate Flag and Crimson Tower – 35.01, good – Fortunate Flag better. Chief Of Staff and Spin N’ Squeeze – 37.01, good. Firestorm – 44.88, pacing. Guatama – 44.99, pacing. El Presidente – 42.56, pacing. Trying Something – 40.65, handily. Speedfuhso – 44.98, pacing. Ex Caribbean Princess and Ex Her Majesty – 44.09, pacing. Undisputed – 44.98, pacing. Isle Be There – 44.68, pacing. Hyarima – 44.38, pacing. Under Influence – 42.67, pacing. Travel Agent – 38.87, handily. Fortaleza – 40.15, handily (Boxes). Salsa Moves and Java In Style – 37.69, handily (Boxes). Splitting Image – 43.42, pacing. Sunday Jewel – 35.61, good, (Boxes). Laura’s Boy and Melanie My Love – 38.12, easy – (Boxes). Bound To Dot Com – 43.99, pacing. Beautiful Mind – 38.58, handily.
800 METRES: Phantom Bidder – 47.80, good. Sweet Laura Lee – 57.86, pacing. Invincibility – 58.32, pacing. Golden Honour – 56.89, pacing.  
1000 METRES: Bonus Point and Hollywood Star – 1:02.17, good. Golden Boy – 1:12.44, pacing. Preffered Share – 1:06.70, handily. 
1200 METRES: Wild Life – 1:16.92, good. Fantastic Lad and Finest Gem – 1:25.89, pacing. Running Trick – 1:23.10, handily. Full Of Promises and Golden Shufleur – 1:20.77, handily.

THE development of Plantations Beach and Golf Resort at Lowlands has given a significant boost to the game in the sister isle.

The 18-hole 7,000 yard par 72 championship course is the shining star of a Master Community planned by property developers Guardian Life of the Caribbean and Angostura Limited on 750 acres of prime real estate. Apart from providing a top class course for up and coming golf stars in Trinidad and Tobago to play on, it has attracted several international stars, more recently for the Seniors Tour competition which was shown on cable television worldwide. One person who is pleased with this development is the most recognised name in local golf, Carlos “Sexy” Baynes, a product of Bethel and a more than average footballer. The Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Works Department employee said he sees great things ahead of Tobago golf and would like to get involved in the junior programme at some stage. Baynes shares the same optimism as Chris Patey, the amiable Scoresman who is Director of Golf at Plantations and who harbours the wish of producing a national junior player from Tobago within the next couple years.

Baynes has been selected on the team for the annual regional championships to be staged at Plantations from August 3 to 10 and expressed confidence in his form and ability to do well. “I just have one concern. My putting needs some work and I intend to concentrate on my short game just in time for the Caribbean Championships,” he said late last week during a tour of the magnificent facility. Also present was fellow Tobagonian Jesse Jattan, picked as a reserve for the Mid-Amateur contest but who has been in ripping form recently and is optimistic of squeezing into the reckoning. The restaurant owner recently won the Open Division of the South Caribbean Championships by an emphatic six strokes. “I have improved greatly over the past months,” said Jattan.

PARAMOUNT National Unity have taken the silver medals in this year’s Barbados Masters Caribbean Football Tournament.

The Trinidad and Tobago Masters were beaten 4-2 on penalty kicks in the semi-finals by an English team which went on to win the 32-team series. But the PNU squad shut out the St Vincent Nationals 4-0 to collect the silver. And the TT team had the consolation of establishing a new record for most goals, scoring 23 with only two against on their seven-match schedule. Leary “Bound to Score” Gibbs took over the individual scoring mantle from teammate Emile Morris, winner of the title for the past three consecutive seasons. Gibbs scored 10 goals for PNU who remained the most consistent team at the tournament in their four-year existence, finishing in the top three each season. Added to their Caribbean Masters success, National Unity won both the league and knockout series at the UWI Masters Tournament at St Augustine, which ended recently. Morris continued his trend emerging top goalscorer, firing in 14 goals this season to take the title four times in a row.

Caribs Rugby Club raised the Sir Solomon Hochoy Cup after whipping Royalians 12-0 in the final of the Trinidad and Tobago Rugby Union (TTRFU) 10-a-side Ruggerama at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain.

Dale Trotman with a try, and Brent Barry with a try and a conversion clinched the victory for Caribs on Sunday. In the semi-finals Caribs sailed past a surprising Rainbow Sports and Cultural Club with a 29-7 victory to secure a place in the finals. Rainbow, a Marabella-based Senior Division outfit progressed to the final with victories over Caribs Seconds (19-12); Eastern Graduates (17-12); and a 5-5 draw with Defence Force. Carib Seconds capped a succesful ruggerama for the Beer Boys when they regrouped to whip Youth Training Centre 29-7 in the Plate final. Caribs ended the Ruggerama Tournament on a high note, and are well- prepared for the TTRFU League Competition which commences on Saturday.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, TTRFU Vice-President and Fixtures Chairman Anthony Lorengard thanked players, coaches, referees and fans for their support during the fiercely played, yet accident-free tournament. “We are celebrating our 75th Anniversary so it was great to see everyone enjoying themselves. The rugby was hard-fought but sportsmanlike, and the camaraderie, excellent,” Lorengard said.