N Touch

Silent cries from the crowd

THE EDITOR: Abortion is legal in Trinidad and Tobago. Ms Jacqueline Allamani’s opposition to abortion law reform is misleading (Newsday March 14). The question that ASPIRE has raised with the government is the need to expand the grounds for legal abortion.

One of the myths fuelled by the anti-choice brigade is the notion of a ‘silent cry’ from the womb. The silence that is truly deafening is our deafness to the suffering of 4,000 poor women who enter our public hospitals every year as a result of botched abortions. There are no fewer than 15,000 abortions in Trinidad and Tobago annually. This debate is not about abortion — for our criminal law has not prevented abortions. Our law has merely made them dangerous for poor women. The debate is about social justice and the responsibility of the state to provide adequate public health for all its citizens.

The silence that is troublesome is the remarkable denial of the majority of adult women who have had abortions, none of whom have the courage to speak out in favour of the need for wider legal provisions. The silence we should mourn is the quiet of public health professionals who every day confront the injustice of an absurd law, but are intimidated by the social stigma of abortion and the loud screams of anti-choice persons. We should all be disturbed that there has been no response to a well-researched and reasoned submission presented to three offices of our elected government more than 100 days ago. Regardless of the issue, that silence is hardly an encouraging signal. Ms Allamani writes of the foetus and of men, but never of women. We never seem to appear in her considerations except as victims — victims of unwanted pregnancies and victims of abortions. Well, I have news for her. We do have minds and we do make choices — safe or not. As for me, my choice to continue or discontinue a pregnancy is a responsible, prayerful, pro-life choice.


LD WARREN
ASPIRE

Get youths in sports

THE EDITOR: Please allow me the opportunity to write to the persons responsible for the Clinic that I saw at the Mucurapo School on Sunday March 16, 2003. I am a Trinidadian visiting my country from England for the Carnival. I am an active cricket coach in England with the youths eight to 15 years, I had the privilege of seeing this youth, who is 10 years old by the name of Deron Davis. I was very impressed with his batting. I think that parents should get children involved in sports because the crime rate among youths is very high. Keep up the good work young man and hope to hear about you in the future.

J D CHARLES
Carnival Visitor
England

Kenyans looking to upset Indians

DURBAN: Kenyan skipper Steve Tikolo says his lineup learned enough from their six-wicket defeat by India at Newlands in the Super Six round to be able to pull an upset in their Cricket World Cup semi-final at Kingsmead.

The two meet today for the right to meet world champions Australia in Sunday’s final at the Wanderers, Johannesburg. “I thought we batted well against them in Cape Town,” said Tikolo. “Especially Kennedy Otieno up front.” Otieno top-scored for Kenya in that match with 79, the highest score by any Kenyan player in the tournament. “And then our seamers did well to have them 24 for three when their innings started,” he added.

If the Kenyans have shown a quality which has served them well in the World Cup, it has been the ability to learn from defeats, and put those lessons to good use in subsequent matches. “We might have lost by five wickets to Australia at the weekend,” said Tikolo, “but we did well to recover from Brett Lee’s hat-trick in the fourth over of our innings, and build a partnership which took us to 174.” He didn’t point out that it was his 51 which was the foundation of that partnership, but expressed satisfaction with his inning, which helped him overcome a scoring slump. “I have not felt as if I have been out of form at all,” he said. “I have been hitting the ball well in the nets, so I think it has just been poor shot selection which has been getting me out. That 50 has given me confidence.”

In the match against Australia, although the Australian openers got off to a flying start — reaching 50 in the sixth over before losing a wicket — Tikolo said he had been pleased with the way the bowlers pulled it back to have the world champions looking shaky at 117 for five. “It would have been easy to just let things slip,” said Tikolo. Going into the India match, Tikolo was at pains to say the approach would be no different than it had been throughout the tournament. “We are looking at it as we look at any other game of cricket,” he said. “It’s a contest between bat and ball, and we aim to keep it that way.” Kenya already had nine matches here and got the benefit of a forfeit against New Zealand, who refused to travel to Nairobi on Feb 21 due to safety concerns. During the four years leading into the World Cup, the Kenyans had played on 18 limited-overs internationals. The regular competition here is obviously helping.

Gold Cup qualifiers costing $1M says Jack

TRINIDAD and Tobago is well prepared for this year’s CONCACAF Gold Cup qualifiers which begin on Wednesday.

But technical director Hannibal Najjar called on his 18-man Soca Warriors squad which comprise 10 overseas-based players, to be “more warrior and less soca.” At the launch of the TT qualifying leg of the series at the Queen’s Park Oval, Port-of-Spain yesterday, Najjar said he was happy with his team and expressed the hope they will top their group. This will avoid having to enter a play-off for a spot in the finals to be contested in Foxboro and Miami in the United States and at the world famous 120,000-capacity Azteca Stadium, Mexico City, for the first time.

Already, Avery John, Brent Rahim and Dwayne Demmin have arrived from abroad for the series, while five others including Evans Wise and Craig Demmin are expected today and the others including Stern John, are due on Sunday. Najjar said his team will be doing their best to once again prove they are the top team in the Caribbean. At the news conference, Jack Warner whose assistance made it possible for the TT Football Federation to stage the group series here, made it clear it was the last time he would be doing so. He said the project was costing the TTFF over $1 million, which is almost exhausted since airfare for overseas-based players cost $208,000 and the ticket for Wise alone $30,000, while another $400,000 is earmarked for accommodation of the four teams. “I will not single-handedly bear the burden again,” Warner stated. And taking a dig at government said the financial burden must be a collective responsibility, “Even if they have to join CEPEP.”

Warner said in May, FIFA, of which he is vice-president, will decide whether to have 36 countries in the 2006 World Cup in Germany, which would give CONCACAF an automatic four places. But if it remains 32, then CONCACAF will have three and a half places. But he pointed out, Trinidad and Tobago is way behind in preparation. Warner told the media that despite financial problems, Najjar has asked for 10 players from abroad and got them all. None declined. He said somebody asked him whether Dwight Yorke was asked to return and play but he said: “If Yorke wants to play for his country, so be it, but I am not asking anybody to play,” and cited Alvin Corneal who played 125 times for Trinidad and Tobago. “I will not ask anybody to play for their country. They must want to play,” Warner repeated.

Included in the national squad is Tobago skipper Hayden Fitzwilliam. The 18-man TT squad announced yesterday: Selwyn George, Craig Demmin, Dennis Lawrence, Marvin Andrews, Anton Pierre, Avery John, Carlos Edwards, Andre Toussaint, Evans Wise, Jason Scotland, Brent Rahim, Devon Mitchell, Stern John, Kurt Williams, Dwayne Demmin, Hayden Fitzwilliams, Collin Samuels, Marlon Sylvester.  Coach is Hannibal Najjar, assistants Ross Russell and Anthony Barrington, trainer Wayne Lawson, manager George Joseph.

St Augustine, Cave Hill in UWI cricket decider

St Augustine Campus, buoyed with the historic success against perennial champion Mona (Jamaica Campus), will be seeking to clinch the 2003 UWI Games Inter-Campus cricket title when they take on Cave Hill today at the Sir Frank Worrell field from 9.30 am.

The Narendra Maharajh-coach team recorded a thrilling three-wicket win with two balls to spare in the 40-overs-a-side match in the opening encounter last Monday. Scores in that match were: MONA Campus 204 for 6 wickets; ST AUGUSTINE 205 for 7 wickets off 39.4 overs. Cave Hill also tasted similar success on Tuesday when they held their nerves and knocked out Mona’s aspirations of vying for honours on an overall net run rate, should each team end with a victory. The Barbados-based Campus romped home victorious by a five-run margin and set up today’s decisive encounter.

Today’s winner will be crowned the new UWI Campus champions. Jeffrey Dujon, former West Indies wicketkeeper and UWI Red Stripe Bowl coach witnessed the clash between Cave Hill and Mona on Tuesday. He will be present for today’s title match. A UWI Red Stripe Bowl squad will be shortlisted to prepare for the 2003 WICB premier limited overs competition. Meanwhile, Mona’s volleyball team retained their volleyball crown by defeating St Augustine in three straight sets at 25-18, 28-26 and 25-12. They had taken care of Cave Hill on Monday with a 25-20, 24-26, 25-20 and 25-16 victory.

Grazette boys march on in ‘Tranquil’ tennis

Brothers Ivor and Winnington Grazette recorded straight-set victories when the Citibank-Tranquillity Open Tennis Tournament continued.

But their sister Dayna fell to the challenge of Anastasia Weedon at the Tranquillity Square Lawn Tennis Court, Victoria Avenue, Port of Spain. Ivor, the elder of the brothers, defeated Danielle Pazos 7-5, 6-4 and Winnington put Dip Rampersad down 6-1, 6-2. Deon Auguste had a little trouble with Johnathan Drew but after losing the first set 4-6, he picked up his game and dispatched his opponent 6-4, 6-1.

In other matches, Dillon Lorimer dominated Brent Kuei Tung 6-3, 6-0; Arnold Viarruel fell 6-1, 6-1 to Ravi Deonarine; Micheal Clarke downed Athelstan Phillips 6-2, 6-1; and Johnathan Gomez got the better of Yohansey Williams 6-1, 6-0. On Tuesday, it was the women’s turn and they took the opportunity to outshine their male counterparts. First, Brittany Delaney defeated Kiran Pereira in a one-sided 6-0, 6-0 affair; Nicole Agostini put Yolande Leacock down 6-2, 6-1; Olivia Bennett dispatched Sarah Chautilal 6-2, 6-1; while Weedon whipped Grazette by a similar scoreline.

Better pay for Soca Warriors

FOOTBALLERS  representing Trinidad and Tobago at this year’s Gold Cup and World Cup qualifiers will receive a minimum of US $150 (TT$945) per match.

According to an agreement reached between the players and the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation, the minimum fee will be paid to players with up to 10 caps, while the maximum of US $700 (TT$4,410) will be afforded those with 100 and over caps. But the fees will only be paid to players after selection of teams, starting on March 26, when Trinidad and Tobago play Antigua/Barbuda at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, mucurapo in a Gold Cup qualifier. A 19-player contingent withdrew from the national squad on the eve of an international friendly against Finland in January this year, citing poor playing  conditions.

The players will also be insured against loss of earnings through injury sustained while representing TT and at training sessions. Players will be handed written contracts before international friendlies, Gold Cup and World Cup qualifying matches. Selected players will be notified through their clubs and they will receive four match tickets per player for covered stands. For friendly internationals  players will get six tickets for the covered stand area. The agreement also includes players getting a weekly travel allowance by taxi from the players’ official residence, compiled according to attendance at  training sessions. Players residing in Tobago will be provided with at least one return airfare per week. Meals, snacks, potable water and sport drinks will be provided at all times, but this is dependent on the duration and timing of the training sessions.

Breakdown of the fees for international matches:
0-10 caps — US$150 (TT$945);  10-25 caps — US$200 (TT$1,260);
26-75 caps — US$400 (TT$2,520); 76-100 caps — US$60 (TT$3,780);
Over 100 caps — US$700 (TT$4,410)

Lara gives to Marvin Lee Trust Fund

DUAL world batting record holder Brian Lara will be among the first to make a donation to the Marvin Lee Trust Fund.

This was revealed by Jack Warner yesterday, at a news conference to launch the seventh CONCACAF Gold Cup at the Queen’s Park Oval, Port-of-Spain “Brian Lara called me three times within the past 48 hours, apologised for not being able to attend Marvin Lee’s funeral but confirmed he will make a donation to the fund,” Warner said. Lara will have the opportunity to make his donation tomorrow, when the Marvin Lee Trust Fund committee will be launched at the CONCACAF president’s office, Edward Street, at 10.30 am. Warner also said ex-Fatima College principal Clive Pantin has accepted the position of chairman of the committee, which will comprise a number of luminaries. Warner announced his intention to establish the trust fund in Lee’s honour at his funeral on Friday last, and made the first contribution of $10,000.

The 22-year-old Lee, who suffered a crippling injury during a CONCACAF Under-20 World Championship qualifying match at the Dr. Joao Havelange Centre of Excellence two years ago, died earlier this month of pneumonia. Warner is urging others like Lara and corporate citizens to follow the West Indies and Trinidad and Tobago batting star. Also next Friday (March 28), before the start of the Trinidad and Tobago/Guadeloupe Gold Cup qualifying match, Lee’s mother Dawn Warrick will unveil a plaque and the sign will be lit to officially give the playing field at the Centre of Excellence the name, “Marvin Lee Stadium.”

Catch tennis brace for record entry

THERE is every possibility that this year’s Catch sponsored National Junior Tennis Tournament will be staged on the new Rebound Ace surface of the Jean Pierre Complex, Mucurapo.

This exciting prospect for the top age group players in the April 12 to 17 competition was offered yesterday by Dave James, president of the Trinidad and Tobago Tennis Association. He was speaking at the launch of the tournament at the office of Corbin Communication, Stanmore Avenue, Port-of-Spain. Also in attendance were Noreen Tong, the new general manager of Charles Candy Division; her Sales Manager Ricardo Bideshi; Christine Alexis, secretary of the Tennis Association; Anne Griffith, assistant secretary; Carlos Taylor, tournament director and Dave Patrick, committee Member.

James said he has been having disccusions with the authorities about the use of the Jean Pierre Complex Courts for the Catch series and is encouraged by the response. He complimented Catch for their continued commitment to the biggest junior tennis tournament on the local courts for the year. He lauded their perception in getting involved with the development of the young athletes which started 15 years ago. James pointed out that the present Davis Cup team is comprised of players who cut their teeth in the Catch National Junior Championships, which he said, was an indication of the significance of the tournament.

This year, Catch — a division of Associated Brands Limited based in San Juan — will contribute $24,000 towards the competition which is expected to attract a record 200 plus tennis players. Charles Candy Division General Manager Tong said  more than $500,000 had been spent by her company over the last decade and a half in sponsorship of junior tennis. “It is an investment well worth the effort.  We continue to be proud of our graduates who time after time keep representing our country proudly, such as Ivor Grazette, Troy Stone and his brother Shane, Tyler Mayers and Dexter Mahase,” Tong said.

Tournament Director Taylor, a tennis livewire, said players will be bidding for honours in the Under-10, Under-12, Under-14, Under-18 and for the first time, an Under-21 category. Taylor also said letters have been sent to several overseas countries, including Venezuela and several neighbouring Caribbean islands, inviting their participation. He said over the years the Catch tournament has been the nursery for budding stars, evidence of the adaptation of the slogan “Catch Them While Young” used in the intitial stages of the sponsorship, to the current “Catch a Rising Star.”

Taylor said the Primary Schools Tennis Initiative has been producing excellent players especially in East Trinidad and the Diego Martin/Carenage districts and he expects several top players to emerge from those areas in the Catch Championships. He also said there will be added incentives including a “Player of the Day” for both males and females, as well as awards for the “Most Disclipined” and “Best Dressed” players. While matches have been scheduled for the Public Courts which have been provided to the Tennis Association at a minimal fee by the Port-of-Spain City Corporation, Taylor is clearly enthused by the propspect of staging matches at the Jean Pierre Complex. “We have done it at least twice before. It will be the best surface to have the players on,” said Taylor.

Gordon unstoppable in Maloney football

EX-NATIONAL Under-19 football star Marvin Gordon is in irresistible form in the Maloney Football League.

The young striker scored 12 of 14 Monsters 21 goals to lead them to the top of the standings on goal-difference over Rejects. Gordon lashed in six goals when 14 Monsters swamped Red Hill 10-3.  Travis Joseph and Gerald Wardley scored two goals each, while Maurice Sterling hit a double and Dwayne Brooker the other for the losers. Gordon hit a hat-trick as 14 Monsters 3-0 shut out of Young Boomers, then he scored another three goals when his team downed Born Killers 5-0, with Travis Joseph getting the other two. But when 14 Monsters blanked Young Africans 3-0 , Joseph scored all three goals.

To date, Gordon has scored 14 goals and teammate Joseph, 10, while Jerwyn Balthazar (JR Mafia) and Gabriel Wilson (Rejects) have slotted in seven goals each. Rejects were also in great form, winning their four matches including a 7-2 beating of Red Hill. Wilson scored four, Ozzy Marshall, two, and Mackilile Ward the other, while Keon Joseph scored both for the losers. The Rejects lads edged Top Shotters 2-1 with Wilson scoring both and Gerald Lewis the losers’ goal. And they also scored a 2-1 victory over Young Africans with a double from Ronald Mitchell.  Kwame John got the Africans’ goal. Rejects completed their weekend schedule with a 3-2 win over JR Mafia on a double by Mitchell and another from Deon Joseph, while Clarence Cowans and Dwayne Ramisir scored the losers goals.


Other scores:
YOUNG BOMERS (5) Shuvon Carter 2, Jamad Sabur 2, Darryl Stafford vs JR MAFIA (4) Dwayne Ramisir 2, Marvin Clarke, Shervon Nicolas; TOP SHOTTERS (7) Miclin Joseph 3, Kelon Williams 2, Nigel Sheppard, Kevin Mitchell vs YOUNG BOOMERS (1) Jamad Abou; MALONEY NHA (3) vs BORN KILLERS (1); YOUNG BOMERS (2) Jihad   Sabur 2 vs MALONEY NHA (0); BORN KILLERS (3) Brent Antoine 2, Keith Russell vs RED HILL (2) Maurice Sterling, Nesesh Charles.
JR MAFIA won by default over Young Africans; BORN KILLERS (3) Brandopn Danzelle 3 vs TOP SHOTTERS (0); RED HILL (3) Ronnie Eastwick 2, Dwayne Brooker vs MALONEY NHA (1) Johnny Awong; TOP SHOTTERS (2) Kevin Mitchell, Anslem Coa vs MALONEY NHA (0) BORN KILLERS (2) Brandon Danzelle 3 vs HERB BOYS (0); JR MAFIA (8) Jerwyn Balthazar 5, Derrick Balthazar, Clarence Cowards, Dillon Sheppard vs RED HILL (0).
Knockout (Semi-final) — Maloney NHA vs Born Killers
Monday (final) — Maloney NHA or Born Killers vs Reject, 4.30 pm.
 
current standings:
 P W D L F A Pts
14 Monsters 8 5 2 1 31 9 12
Rejects 9 5 2 2 24 22 12
JR Mafia 8 5 0 3 20 11 10
Born Killers 9 4 2 3 17 20 10
Top Shooters 8 5 0 3 13 12 10
Young Boomers 9 4 1 4 19 21 9
Red Hill 9 2 0 7 12 39 4
Maloney NHA 9 1 1 7 9 18 3
Herb Boys 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Young Africans 0 0 0 0 0 0 0