N Touch

Cultural protectors must act

THE EDITOR: The ‘Mystic Masseur’ is a story pregnant with comedy, revelations, on the social psyche of our East Indian descendants. The story, captured by the literacy eagle, VS Naipaul, should be a book, or film, worthy of our acknowledgment. In the book, the Nobel laureate captures through the protagonist, Ganesh Ramsumair, or is it G Ramsay Muir, both conflict and atmosphere to suggest a tone compatible with local reality or expectation. So, what of the film? It was shown about a month ago at Movie Towne, and at Trincity, and I searched daily the ‘Cinema Guide’ to locate it but to no avail up to this time. I have read the book about three times, and each time I laugh more. This film was the product of a foreign film company and actors. And I now ask, did it connect with a reality that was ours or was it subtitling a foreign culture that we, ourselves, cannot understand. Was the film a fiasco, due to small crowd response? If so, why so?

In Trinidad and Tobago we have a proficient cadre of playwrights and actors to do justice to our local themes, to attract, compel rather, massive audiences anywhere, in any part of the world. Our cultural protectors must act now. They owe us an explanation as to what is the nature or position of this noble filming of our lives. So, before any attempt to do the same to another one of our cultural treasures, CLR James’ Minty Alley for example. We must pay rightful homage to the salt of our contribution to world civilisation ourselves. Schools are on vacation, and the judges are out, the children! Anything to say, Professor Ken Ramchand or is it too early.


Richard Dindial
Cunipia

Referendum for political union

THE EDITOR: It is good to see the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago engaging in talks about a political union with Barbados, St Vincent, Grenada and the Grenadines. Most African folks whom I know are connected to these islands. Mr Manning himself is a first generation Trinidadian with strong roots in Barbados. It is not unusual for him to desire stronger political ties with these nations. I am fifth generation Trini with ancestral connections from India.

Here are my ideas on how a political union can work:
(1) Grant a common citizenship to all citizens in these nations, one passport for all citizens whereby they can live and own property in these nations, with only the right to vote in their nation of birth or nation of citizenship.
(2) All citizens within this region could work in any one of these nations with a work permit being issued on a yearly basis. Businessmen could establish businesses working in partnership with the business community in these regions.
(3) A general meeting of heads of state can be held as a “Caribbean summit” once every year or two years. The purpose of this meeting is to set in place policies and initiatives for socio-economic integration and development.
(4) A referendum should be held to determine support for this type of integration.
(5) The merging of laws where possible should be encouraged.
These are some of the ideas, but I am sure readers can come up with a list of good ideas that can strengthen this political union that our Prime Minister is fostering.

KEM HARRIS
Port-of-Spain

Parliament vs HBO

IN CALLING for live televised coverage of parliamentary proceedings, Independent Senator Prof Ramesh Deosaran has revived an old issue that may be worth the airing of a fresh debate. In piloting his motion on Wednesday, Prof Deosaran declared that parliamentarians are “prisoners of the mass media” and pointed out that too many times much of what transpires in Parliament never sees the light of day in either the print or electronic media. Speaking as a parliamentarian himself, one understands Prof Deosaran’s point of view; indeed it may well be that his sentiments are shared by the majority of members of both Houses who would like to see their contributions reported more fulsomely in the media. Whatever the merits of his case, however, we think it is unfortunate that the Independent Senator should see parliamentarians as “prisoners of the privately-owned mass media” which carries the indictment of a deliberate attempt on the part of the media to suppress or contain their speeches in the Parliament. We reject such an indictment. It is our view that the media as a whole recognise the importance of reporting on debates and decisions of the nation’s Parliament and that they manage to keep the country adequately informed about the important matters that are debated there.

Still, in light of Prof Deosaran’s criticisms, it remains up to media houses to review their coverage of parliamentary proceedings and take whatever action or measures they may see fit. And that comes down to the crux of the matter. Media houses must remain free to decide how they will treat various issues that come before Parliament in light of other newsworthy events at home and across the globe competing for the limited space in their daily newspapers or broadcasts. We do not believe that Prof Deosaran would want to abridge that freedom in any way. We need hardly point out the critical importance which the media gives to the presentation of the annual Budget and the debate which follows. This is a vital exercise in the conduct of the people’s business, outlining the Government’s policies, its programme of revenue and expenditure for the following year, its fiscal measures and what it hopes to achieve in the short, medium and even long term. Not only is the Budget Speech published by the media in full the next day, but the contributions of both the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition are carried in extenso. The contributions of members on the Budget are also reported in considerable detail. Prof Deosaran is candid enough to concede that “not all parliamentarians’ contributions are gems of wisdom.” On that point he will certainly get no argument from us. And we expect no contradiction from him when we express our disappointment, even dismay, at the empty, repetitive and predictable antics that now pass for debates in Parliament.

But the Independent Senator’s motion to have parliamentary proceedings covered live by television does not raise a fresh issue. Indeed, during the 50s and 60s the debates were aired on the State-owned television station but eventually the broadcasts suffered from a declining response by viewers who felt the need for better “entertainment.” Indeed, MPs themselves objected to the TV cameraman looking for some variety to lift the boredom of the speechmakers by roving around the chamber, often catching members taking a quiet snooze or assiduously picking their noses. Eventually the broadcasts died a natural and merciful death. Now Prof Deosaran wants to revive them. His intentions may be commendable, but what attraction would the verbiage of Parliament now have against the offerings of HBO, Cinemax, Starz, the Westerns Channel, DVD….yes, you guessed it.

PUT SOME HOLY DAYS IN YOUR HOLIDAYS


It may make little sense for one to attempt to subtract the relaxation element from a holiday, merely confining the period to the formalities of rigid rituals or similar exercises… But we ought to make some room for the Lord of all peace and relaxation. I am told that the word “holiday” was derived from the “holy day.” In other words, a holiday was really meant to be essentially a day, or longer period of time, set aside for spiritual reflection and related activity. I am fully aware, that in the prevailing social and moral climate of today’s world, this kind of perspective of a holiday may sound like absolute madness to some people. Primarily, they view holidays as a time to “free-up” and “have a good time.” Summer holidays are here again. How would we spend it? It may make little sense for one to attempt to subtract the relaxation element from a holiday, merely confining the period to the formalities of rigid rituals or similar exercises. We know, for example, that having come out of the :heat” of exams, high school students continue to seek out the “brain cooler” options. Students at all levels look for some time to just forget the books completely. Others use the holiday period to catch up or keep abreast — or ahead —with their books, by doing extra studies.

Many parents take holidays from their jobs to coincide with that of their children’s, so they can just fly off somewhere and enjoy the free days. Parents generally will have at least a part of their brains busy in thinking about getting books, and other stuff for the new school year. For some parents, especially those who have many children at school, the heavy back-to-school responsibilities may make the holiday season exactly the opposite — its “hot head” time! The list can be endless as to what transpires in families during holiday periods. Empirical data reveal that in various countries during the summer vacation, there is an increase in sexual activity among the youth population. It appears that teenagers and their slightly older counterparts just decide to throw caution to the wind and engage in acts of promiscuity. This most certainly carries its price, which nowadays is very, very high, as we all know. I will like to strongly suggest that parents place some definite focus on using a part of the vacation to do some additional spiritual work with their children. Make some meaningful time for fellowship and church. Let’s try to keep the holy-day flavour in the holiday period, making some time for the Lord of all peace and relaxation. The Scripture does tell us that “a false balance is an abomination to the Lord” (Pro. II:1). This balance, especially in the perilous times of today, is absolutely essential.

Merry-making must be balanced with sobriety. In fact, there is no true enjoyment outside of sobriety. Every other type of “enjoyment” or “excitement” may only amount to a temporary delusion. When one comes out of the stupor, the pains of reality are even greater. Really, in life’s affairs, God’s place is first place, whatever the occasion, and irrespective of the level of euphoria or excitement. We are instructed, “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness…” (Matt. 6:33). Proverbs 3:6 also exhorts: “In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He’ll direct thy paths.” From my experience as a religious leader, I know even some Christian youth who are regarded as being among the more mature and committed, grapple with the temptations to “slack off on God” during he hype of holidays. Enjoy yourself. Have a wonderful time with your peers. But remember, as my father used to say, keep your head on your shoulder. Moral integrity, chastity and spiritual dignity should never be compromised in the name of “having fun.” In many instances, there is a very fine line between fun and foolishness. So many times foolishness wears the mask of fun. So many times the camouflage succeeds in prevailing over the vulnerable youthful mind with its subtle snares.

As a pre-teen lad, and even as a teenager, when I was about to venture on unholy grounds to do mischief, my mon would caution: “You better don’t take God out of your thoughts and do that!” Up to this day, I find Mom’s’s words good advice. If we keep God in our thoughts, there are a lot of mischief, misdeeds and dangers which we would escape. The converse is also true, when we take God out of our minds, we seriously endanger and ensnare ourselves. Parents must also bear in mind that in about seven weeks, their children will be returning to the testing grounds of their schools. In some cases, these grounds may be miniature war zones. A specific kind of preparation is therefore necessary. Preparation for school, especially in these times, must go beyond merely acquiring books and clothing. There should be a considerable degree of character preparation, the central part of which is spiritual preparation. School life today is rough. There are a million challenges other than the subjects on the school’s curriculum, that the child has to face. There are a billion potential distractions! And they are becoming more and more intense every day. So let’s intelligently strategise, whether we are in or out of holidays.
Have a blessed vacation!

No problem with Singh say ICC

The International Cricket Council (ICC) have dismissed the notion that the appointment of Chetram Singh as the next West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) president will cause a major problem. Singh a bookmaker in his homeland of Guyana is the only nominee for the post of President of the WICB following the withdrawal of Willie Rodriguez earlier this week. Brendan McClements, General Manager —- Corporate Affairs International Cricket Council told Newsday that there was precedent in the past where the president does not attend meetings. Instead, he utilises the expertise of others, and it has worked. “It is probably worth noting that there is nothing in the ICC rules that specifies that an individual Board must nominate their chairman or president to be their representative to the ICC,” McClements said from England.  “On many occasions, boards have nominated people other than those in this role to represent them to the ICC.  In some cases this has been a person who is not even a director of the individual board,” he added. “ Bob Cowper has represented Australia in the past despite not being a director of the ACB and the current president, Ehsan Mani, first joined the ICC as Pakistan’s nominee despite not being a director of the PCB.
 
In fact, he was nominated to the presidency by Pakistan without being a director of the PCB so such a situation is not unusual,” noted McClements. “I am sure that this is a situation that the WICB will be able to manage should the circumstance arise that Singh is elected and unable to attend the ICC meetings.” On the question that there was never a problem with Singh being a bookmaker as a director of the West Indies Cricket Board in the past, McClements was quick to emphasise: “This situation is actually very straightforward and hinges on the fact that the WICB and the ICC are two completely separate bodies. “One looks after cricket in the West Indies, one looks after cricket internationally. Each is governed by their own constitutions, articles of association or whatever rules that either body has put in place and each have their own rules as to who can and who can’t take a position on the respective boards. “In the case of the ICC during the course of last year all their members, including the WICB, put in place a Code of Ethics that, in part, means that a person who is a bookmaker is unlikely to be able to sit as a director on the ICC,” he said. McClements also disclosed to Newsday that the countries made a decision to adopt this Code of Ethics to deal only with directors of the ICC.

It has nothing to do with individual boards. Decisions on the rules governing directors for the individual boards are entirely matters for the boards concerned. “As I understand it the same code does not exists and that is entirely reasonable given the different roles and responsibilities of the two organisations.” It should be of no surprise to anyone that there are different rules and regulations that apply to the ICC and WICB. “As I said they are different organisations with different responsibilities and therefore different ways of operating,” said McClements.

Rugby season kicks off

The new Trinidad and Tobago rugby season kicks off at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar  today with arch rivals Caribs RFC and Trinidad Northerns RFC squaring off for what promises to be a titanic clash between two powerhouses. The Robert Farfan Cup usually pits the knock-out winners against the League title-holders of the last season as the curtain raiser for the new season. Caribs having won both titles last season will be up against the League runners-up Trinidad Northerns. Caribs have won the title eight times in the last nine years, releasing their hold on the trophy two years ago. Then Northerns had a banner year by their standards, taking the League Cup, Bruno Browne Cup but were denied the Marcus Minshall Cup by a last minute penalty place kick by Caribs to deny the sweep. Both teams are manned by players with national and international experience and should make for an exciting encounter.

Expected to be in the line-up for the Northerns will be national vice-captain and Rugby West Indies selectee Adam Fredericks, Under-23 captain and Youth World Cup participant Justin Macauley, Commonwealth Games participants Kurt Collier, Marcus Knaggs and James Walkins, national player Dexter Snaggs and promising speedster Nyeon Franco under the guidance of TT team and Northerns coach Rhett Chee Ping. Caribs will be without veteran international player Sean O’Farrell and how much he will be missed will depend on his brother of similar playing status Brendan O’Farrell, West Indies and national team selectees Brent Barry and Ronald Silverthorne and Caribbean Champions David Apang, Ronald Annandsingh, Dale Trotman, Jonathan O’Connor and Don Rojas. Promising youngster Atiba Nicholas is also expected to be in the line- up. The feature match kicks off at 7 pm following a women’s encounter scheduled for 5.30 pm.

Swimming records tumble

FOUR Trinidad and Tobago records went tumbling on Thursday as the National Long Course Age Group Swimming Championships continued at the Marlins Swim Pool, Westmoor-ings. Cadell Lyons of Stingrays smashed the first record of the five-day competition, clocking 30.40 seconds to win the Boys 9-10 50-metre butterfly, 0.13 seconds below the 1992 mark set by Matthew Houllier. Christian Homer took silver in 31.92 and Ryan Rigues, bronze in 34.00. Lyons returned later in the evening to claim the 50m backstroke in 34.21, bettering the previous standard set by Houllier (34.32) set 11 years ago. Homer (35.48) and Tidal Wave’s Cristopher Buffong (36.43) captured silver and bronze respectively. Lyons was also victorious in the 50m freestyle in 29.15, followed by Homer 29.56 and Rigues 29.99 Marlins’ Melanie Charles erased Shastine Rajack 18-and-over Girls 200m backstroke mark of 2:40.27; Charles won the Girls 15-and-over event in 2:40.21 with Shimonah Lutchmedial of Piranhas 2:54.10 and Rohini Mankee of Flying Fish 3:06.11 following.

And Janine Thornhill of Stingrays, the lone TT gold medallist at the recent CCCAN Championships, touched the wall in 1:09.89 in the Girls’ 11-12 100m backstroke, ahead of the Piranha duo of Brittany Stewart 1:13.27 and Nirmala Ramkelewan 1:23.10. Thornhill’s new mark wiped out Cerian Gibbes’ 1995 time of 1:10.53. The 12-year-old also won the 100 free in 1:02.11, 200m free in 2:22.11, 200m individual medley in 2:43.99 and 50m free in 28 seconds flat. Last year’s “Female Swimmer of the Year” Linda McEachrane, recovering from an ear infection which ruled her out of the CCCAN splash, won five golds on the day – the Girls 15-and-over 100 free in 58.82, 100m breaststroke in 1:17.79, 200m free in 2:11.53, 200m individual medley in 2:29.18 and 50m free in 26.73. The male equivalent, George Bovell, preparing for the World Champion-ships in Spain, won the Boys 15-and-over 100 free in 51.65. National swimmer Shannon Duval of Marlins took gold in the 13-14 100 free in 1:02.89, the 100m breaststroke in 1:17.68 and 50m free in 28.84.

Men debut in Republic Netball League

THE Republic Bank Laventille Netball League, now in its 11th year of existence, has become an integral part of the financial institution’s commitment to the development of youth in Trinidad and Tobago through sport. The competition, which begun in 1994, has seen a considerable increase of participation and this year has taken a further step with a men’s division. In her feature address at the official launch of the league on Thursday, Operations Manager of Republic Bank, San Juan, Cheryl Phillips-Clement revealed the need for young people to channel their boundless energy and enthusiasm. “Sport,” Phillips-Clement said, “has traditionally provided such an outlet, allowing young athletes to practise and perfect their skills while developing discipline, self-control and team spirit.” The league runs for six weeks between the St Paul’s Street Gym and the Woodbrook Youth Facilities and will feature 20 to 22 teams including the new men’s division.

Soul City, one of the teams in this, the first year of male netball in the league, have enjoyed tremendous success since the club was formed in 1980. After entering the Men’s Netball League in 1995 the team has won the competition seven times and at the end of the official launch they showed why. Soul City came up against El-bah-san on the St Paul’s Street court and in their white and black strip took the fight right to their opponents in purple and gold, winning 36-33 at the final whistle. The match is a sign of things to come in the men’s and women’s divisions this season, nothing short of what the players, supporters, and organisers have come to expect throughout the years.

Young TT women main hope in show jumping

ADRIANO CAMACHO 17, Melissa Inglefield, 15, and Samantha Montserin, 20, will represent Trinidad and Tobago in the PSI Federation Equestre International (FEI) World Jumping Challenge for the first time today and tomorrow at the Police Mounted Branch, Long Circular Road. Camacho will ride “Majestic Seven,” Montserin will mount “Xante” and the youngest competitor, Inglefield, will ride “Francisco” in the four-round competiton contested in two Category “A” and “B”. The competition, which was created in 1979 to provide international experience for less experienced jumping riders, will begin at noon on each day and will be presided over by FEI Show Jumping Judge Sarah McCartney. There will be both individual and team results and scores will be tallied against our region and the world in Category “B”.

This region includes Barbados, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Jamaica and Bermuda, which produced last year’s winner Ann Lindroth on “Central Carolina.” One feature of the competition, which caters to countries that do not traditionally compete internationally, is the fact that competitors do not leave their country to participate. Last year’s participation shows a growing interest and popularity since the competition’s conception in 1979 when there were only eight countries involved. Last year featured 47 countries in Category “A” and 31 in Category “B” and the competition has produced riders that still compete at an elite level internationally.

Police maul Tacarigua in eastern b-ball

The first round of knock-out action in the First and Second Divisions of the Eastern Community Basketball League recently ended with three matches at the Maloney Indoor Sport Facility. In the Second Division match-up between Park Royal and Valencia Heat, a match-high 22 points from Anderson Belfon and a supporting 14 points from Donald Joseph helped Park Royal to a 64-56 win. The Heat trio of Fabrice Fisher, who led his team with 13 points, Keegan Garcia and Sylvester Thomas who both scored 11, could not prevent the inevitable and saw their team go down at the final whistle. Clico Pioneers, keen on a place in the quarter-finals, brought their a game to the court and beat TSTT 79-58 despite TSTT’s Elgin Ferris scoring a match-high 26 points and Dale Marshall putting in 13. Pioneers’ Masimba Dopson scored 25, one less than the match-high total, and Timothy Reid contributed 15 to help them surge to the win. The Police First Division team was particularly aggressive in their pursuit of the 91-66 win over Tacarigua Ball Players with Miguel Lezama scoring a match-high 23 points and taking 16 rebounds. Ronald Martin scored 22 points and 13 rebounds and Floyd Lashley put in 17 points and secured 13 rebounds for the winners.

The following day featured two women’s league matches. The first between Brian Chase Academy and Malick Tigers ended 62-53 in the Academy’s favour but Tigers’ Philamena George put in 20 points to distinguish herself. Affeisha Noel and Kathy Ann King were on George’s heels scoring 19 a piece. Noel took 13 rebounds, King secured six rebounds, gave six assists and snatched five steals and Nikisha Cropper scored 15 points and took seven rebounds and two steals. For Tigers, Crystal George and Crystal Kirton scored 14 and 10 respectively. Home team, UTC Maloney Pacers women did not disappoint those gathered as they scored a 57-41 victory over the Police women’s team. Melissa Guerero was particularly entertaining with a match-high 20 points and along with Carol Ann Granger helped Pacers to the win. Police players Peggy Ann Brown led her team scoring 13 points and taking five  rebounds and four steals; while Joniel Hepburn scored eight and took 13 rebounds but they were unfortunate not to take a win off the court.