On Saturday, spectators at the Eddie Hart Ground in Tacarigua where presented with a mouth-watering encounter between defending Super League champions Real Dimension and Trincity Nationals.

The game ended in a 3-2 score line in favour of Real Dimension, who continued their unbeaten run at the top.

Trinidad and Tobago captain Tasha St Louis netted two goals while Tamika Isaac netted the other to secure the win for Real Dimension. Darcel Mullar and Shanelle Warwick were on target for Trincity.

In another match on Saturday, St Augustine and MIC-IT St Ann’s Rangers played to a 2-2 draw at the Frederick Settlement Ground in Caroni.

On Sunday, at Guaracara Park in Pointea- Pierre, Petrotrin defeated the national Under-17 team 2-1.

The First Division game between Defence Force and Sweaters Women, which was carded for the Reserves Ground, Tucker Valley, was postponed and rescheduled due to unfit field conditions.

Additionally the game between Step by Step and Rangers never came to fruition due to Step by Step’s withdrawal from the First Division.

GROWING up as a child, I would often hear my grandparents (may they rest in peace) say “common sense make before book sense” and because of the constant repetition, this saying has resonated in my head up today as it is extremely relevant to life.

Unfortunately, based on many of the incidents that I have witnessed and continue to observe on a daily basis, I am forced to ask if common sense still exists? Common sense is free and should be acquired by every human being on this earth as it remains critical to success.

It requires us to be alert about our surroundings, knowing what and why things are happening around us, learning from those happenings and identifying strategies to treat with same in the event you are impacted.

Many senseless incidents could have been avoided if only a couple ounces of common sense had been applied. It is unfortunate for some to think that because they are degreed they don’t need anything else in their toolkit for survival but they are indeed wrong.

Though I am degreed, the greater part of my success particularly in relation to basic co-existence is sheer common sense.

Keen observation of those around you, their body language, how they respond to your communication towards them, whether or not they make eye contact when communicating, all of these help in making decisions as well as boost your wisdom.

Essentially it is the know-how of life. The who, what, why, when and where of life. Books provide us with technical competence and knowledge but not the basics.

Common sense is also linked to our environment as it contributes to shaping who we are.

Also in some aspects, it relates to the principles of integrity as sound decisions must be based on all facts and evidence applicable to each situation, something for which only common sense may be required.

Therein lies the challenge of those looking in from the outside in understanding why a particular decision was made. Common sense traverses the many facets of life including business, politics, relationships, entrepreneurship and the list is endless, one just needs to be keenly observant throughout every moment.

Because of the current volatility and competition faced by entrepreneurs and business owners, they have no choice but to exercise more prudence and wisdom in their decision-making as it hinges on sustainability and profitability.

Those in management and supervisory positions must at all times be vigilant and be able to think quickly on their feet as well as out-of-thebox, all of that requires common sense. Like water, common sense is required for our daily survival, as it has a tremendous impact on all segments of our lives and by extension the entire society.

Sandrine Rattan is a communications/ branding consultant, author and president of the International Women’s Resource Network (IWRN) Contact: thecorporatesuitett@ gmail.com or intlwomensresourcenetwork@ gmail.com or 283-0318.

In a statement, the UNC cited comments by Rowley at a news conference at Tower D of the Port-of-Spain International Waterfront Centre on July 18, following a meeting with Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar at the same venue.

Rowley indicated that following consultations between Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), the AG came to him with a proposal from DPP Roger Gaspard, SC, to legislate amendments to the Summary Courts Act and Preliminary Inquiries Act, “so the problem that now exists of people not being able to have their matters heard could be dealt with.” This related to 53 cases currently in limbo as as result of the imbroligio arising from the appointment of former chief magistrate Marcia Ayers Caesar as a High Court judge and her subsequent resignation from that post.

Persad-Bissessar said the Opposition would not support this move but wanted Section 137 of the Constitution, which involves the removal of a judge from office and appointment of a tribunal as part of the process, to be activated.

Rowley said he and Persad-Bissessar reached no agreement on this issue. However Rowley agreed with him that Government and the Opposition have further discussions about the process whereby judges are appointed to the High Court, “with a view to modernising the process.” Rowley maintained that the matter is on “in the Judiciary” and Government will have to be advised on the options available to it.

The UNC claimed that shortly after Rowley’s statements, s Al-Rawi said his intention is to proceed with legislative intervention.

The UNC alleged Al-Rawi said the necessary amendments to the Summary Courts Act and the Preliminary Inquiries Act do not require a special majority. The Parliament is currently on recess There has been no move to date by Government to reconvene Parliament during the recess to deal with any urgent matter

Clarke had been sidelined from the final 19- man squad announced by Dennis Lawrence on Saturday after unsuccessful attempts to obtain a new passport up until Friday. But there was better news for the 31-year-old forward yesterday.

“It is a definitely a blessing for me to have received my passport (yesterday) morning which now makes it possible for me to travel with the team. I will like to thank everyone at the Immigration Office for their part (yesterday) as well as the Minister (of Communications and Member of Parliament for La Horquetta/ Talparo), Maxie Cuffie for his input and the team management for their efforts,” said the La Horquetta resident.

The Santa Rosa FC marksman trained with the provisional squad all of last week and described his experience as an eye-opener.

“It was a new level for me because obviously coming from the Super League, the intensity is higher here and at first I had to make the adjustment but once I did that, I was able to settle in and get on with the work,” Clarke said.

“For me it’s a great blessing and to God be the Glory,” added the staunch Seventh Day Adventist.

“At my age coming into the national team is not something that happens every day. But I am here now and I will do my best to make a positive impact and see what happens from there.

“They all welcomed me with open arms when I came into the training last week. The coaching staff have been good and the players embraced me.

Everyone wants to do well out here and it’s a brotherhood. We’ll all be putting our best foot forward to achieve success,” Clarke ended.

TT earned 12 medals over the past week and a half at various meets throughout the world, with nine of the 12 coming from track and field. TT took three medals at the London 2017 World Para Athletics Championships held from July 14 to 23, five medals at the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games in Bahamas from July 18 to 23 and four medals at the Pan American Junior Championships in Peru, which ran from July 21 to 23.

At the World Para Games, Akeem Stewart won gold and broke the world record in both the men’s javelin F44 and men’s shot put F44 events. Nyoshia Cain added bronze in the women’s T44 100m event.

At the Commonwealth Youth Games, Adell Colthrust won gold in the boys 100m event and Tyriq Horsford snatched silver in the boys javelin. In Peru, Khalifa St Fort won gold in the girls 100m, while Tyra Gittens (girls long jump), the boys 4x100m and boys 4x400m teams all won bronze.

Serrette said, “It is always nice when the athletes go out and they do well.” The NAAA president said steps are in place to ensure the junior athletes progress to the senior level.

“It is a good feeling (that the junior athletes are excelling).

The worry or concern that we have is the transitioning of our juniors to the next level. We have a youth elite programme that we developed this year, it is only about six or seven months in operation.” The NAAA officially launched the Youth Elite Programme in collaboration with the National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago (NGC) earlier this month. “It is a pathway we are trying to develop for our athletes to go to the next level,” Serrette said.

Serrette said the youth elite programme will help the athletes with areas such as nutrition, psychology and physical therapy. “We are focusing on the 2020 and 2024 Olympics.

Normally somebody will win a medal and then we would say ‘That is our next (senior level) medal’, but no conversation is had with that athlete or coach on how do we get there. Our youth elite programme is really geared towards assisting the athletes, coaches and parents.” Serrette thanked everyone for their support of the athletes, but said more support is needed from corporate TT.

“We had a good showing, we just need the support. I want to thank the Government for the support they have been giving, but more so the National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago who we have a three-year MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with respect to the development of track and field in Trinidad and Tobago.

We need for more corporate citizens to come on board to support the development of sport in general.” The TT athletes will now focus on the 2017 London World Championships from August 4 to 13. Men’s javelin athlete Keshorn Walcott and women’s sprinter Michelle-Lee Ahye will lead the charge for TT at the World Championships. Serrette believes all the TT athletes are in with a chance to medal.

“We have quite a few athletes who have been doing well. You just have to go there and earn your medal because you could never predict. It is on the day that the athletes perform and do what they have to do.”

The robbery occurred at about 11.40 am when the bandits held up the owners of Jemtel Jewellers located inside RRM Plaza off High Street. Matthew Pierre, 40, of Safe and Secure Security Services Ltd, was on patrol inside the plaza when he was alerted by a commotion and on checking, saw the bandits fleeing from the jewelry store. As he tried to grab a bag from one of the bandits, a shot rang out.

The gunmen retrieved the bag containing an undisclosed amount of jewelry, which fell to the floor before running out of the plaza.

They crossed the street and ran through the Carlton Centre towards St James Street where they were last seen.

Closed circuit television (CCTV) camera footage, captured by cameras mounted at the entrance to RRM plaza has since been handed over to police.

It showed security guard Pierre chasing after one bandit while the other two were running behind the guard. The bandit behind Pierre was seen pointing a gun at the guard’s back. Moments later, Pierre was seen hopping back into the plaza.

The robbery drama attracted a large crowd of people who stood and watched as Pierre, grimacing in pain, was taken on a stretcher to an ambulance which took him to the San Fernando General Hospital where he was treated and is warded in stable condition.

Police sources later confirmed getting fingerprints from the crime scene which they hope can lead to the identities of the bandits and arrests.

Detective Inspector Don Gajadhar is leading investigations.

Despite local and global economic trends of falling energy prices, and the urgent need to reduce public spending, the ministry said, Government has provided continued access to tertiary education through means testing and adjusted loan ceilings to help those who may still be unable to meet necessary costs.

Effective August 2017, only programmes and institutions accredited by the Accreditation Council of Trinidad and Tobago will be eligible for funding under the GATE Programme.

However, the ministry said, “this policy has not yet been effected, hence it cannot be said that ‘some public institutions are not accredited but access GATE funding’.” Policies governing the GATE programme have been carefully implemented after extensive consultation and review, the ministry said.

From the inception of the GATE programme in 2004 up to the 2015/2016 academic year, the ministry said, Government spent over $6.3 billion covering programmes that ranged from technical and vocational training to PhD studies.

Government spends substantial sums in support of tertiary level education through national scholarships, Higher Education Loan Programme (HELP) and the Financial Assistance (Studies) Programme.

Though the HELP Programme increased its ceiling from $25,000 to $35,000 for students studying locally, the ministry said, only three percent of the student population has accessed the loans in the past.

The quota system the People’s Partnership government introduced in February 2015 for students enrolled in medical programmes at the University of the West Indies Mona and Cave Hill campuses was rescinded by the current PNM Government in December 2015.

In respect of St George’s University, Grenada, only ten students were funded in 2015/2016 with no further intake.

While Government continues to adhere to the mandate of the 2000 Dakar commitment to Education for All, it is important to note that tertiary education participation increased from approximately eight per cent in 2002 to the estimated 65.23 per cent in 2015. The targeted tertiary participation rate of at least 60 per cent by 2015 has been exceeded. The current level of tertiary participation, the ministry said, “compares favourably with the rate for developed countries.” Giving a background to the current situation, the ministry said, Government is experiencing significant reduction in revenues and foreign exchange earnings as a result of the falling prices of oil and gas. The price of oil has fallen from a high of US$128 in early 2011 to a low of US$30 in 2015 and currently selling for about US$48 representing some 63 percent decline from 2011 to 2016.

When the GATE Programme was established in 2004, oil prices ranged from US$40 to US$50 a barrel. The subsidy for both postgraduate and undergraduate programmes at that time was 50 per cent of tuition fees. In 2004, students who were unable to pay 50 per cent of tuition fees, were able to access full tuition on completion of a means test. As oil prices increased in 2006, Government introduced free tertiary education at the undergraduate level.

While governments in developed and developing countries have over the last decade reduced public funding of tertiary education due to constrained economic circumstances, Trinidad and Tobago is the only country in the English-speaking Caribbean which currently provides free tertiary level tuition support at the undergraduate level.

In 2016, the GATE programme the review of the programme to ensure sustainability of funding found that most of the recipients are from families which fall in the middle to high income groups.

The re-introduction of means testing in 2017/2018 was identified as one of the adjustments that should be made to the GATE programme.

Named the Caribbean Steel Pan Connexion (correct spelling), the band consisting of Andre Robbley, Kwesi Paul, Carlon Morris and Terry Guischard left the country yesterday to spend 49 days promoting TT’s national instrument in the Central Asian country. The team was the only one chosen by Caricom to represent the Caribbean at the show.

The team’s manager, Israel Mc- Leod said the men were all professional universtity-qualified musicians who have received an opportunity they have always dreamed of with hopes that more doors like this would open up to them in the future.

The team’s leader Robbley is the lead tenor with the Desperadoes Steel Orchestra for the last 30 years while Paul plays with Pandemonium Steel Orchestra and Phase II Pan Group. Morris is the lead double tenor also with Desperadoes and Guischard plays with NLCB Fonclaire.

McLeod said the group first found out about the expo through an advertisement on Facebook asking for all steel pannists to submit an audition fee and contact information.

She said this invitation came from Caricom and they had to submit a seven-minute video highlighting local music including calypso, soca, and, just to show their diversity, threw in a version of Ave Maria.

“We submitted a proposal which described each of the musicians and their experience, our repertoire and the number and types of pans that we would propose to be used for a trade show like this.

“Caricom would have identified a sponsor company in Kazakhstan to partner with and out of whatever submissions they received, we were the successful group. I don’t know how many other parties would have submitted, but I don’t think it would have been that many, maybe about two others submitted.

Israel said this was the first time that steelpan was being introduced to Kazakhstan and this was the only group in TT representing the Caricom in the trade show. However, she bemoaned the fact that TT was the last group to arrive in the country, when other reprsentative countries had arrived for over a month.

“It has been going on for a while so, we are really going to show up and show off what we have to offer,” she said during a telephone interview yesterday, while she was clearing their steelpans at the Piarco International Airport.

McLeod said she could not say what was the keep back, but was grateful that they were finally on their way.

The manager said the pannists were very excited for this opportunity to showcase their talent, and also the culture of their country.

“Besides pulling out our hair this morning they are very excited.

They are musiciians, they don’t have another option such as plumbing or going into IT or things like that. They are trained and qualified at university level as musicians, so this is the opportunity that they have been dreaming of, to be self sufficient as musicians and to have doors open up. They are also looking forward to more opportunities coming out of this arrangement,” McLeod said.

On Sunday, at the same venue, the large crowd gathered was eager for this clash between Express and Dream Team, as Dream Team were in a position to extend their lead.

However, their opponents Express had other plans.

Dream Team were made to come from behind to salvage a point after Akeem “Paaw” Dandrade scored the equaliser to cancel off X Navarro’s game opener for Express.

Earlier in the week, Dragon FC whipped North Oropouche’s 4-1 while, on Wednesday last, G Madrid registered a 5-3 win over Gremio.

Also on Wednesday, Alescon FC earned a 4-2 win over Two Touch. Fishing Pond Youths and Two Touch played to an exciting six-goal thriller at the North Oropouche Grounds on Saturday.

In a game that was seemingly balanced throughout saw the teams go into the half time interval with two goals each.

But Brent Campbell and Xavier Penia added a goal each to secure Fishing Pond Youths’

And for its leaders, Chief Ricardo Bharath Hernandez and Carib Queen Jennifer Cassar, the one-off holiday granted to the community on October 13 signals a renaissance for a group almost forgotten.

Its significance is so meaningful to the group, that preparations for the holiday have already begun, with an almost concluded calendar of events. The calendar includes educational/learning opportunities, DNA testing, the unveiling of a totem pole and the sod turning for the first building at the First Peoples Heritage Village.

Bharath Hernandez said to Newsday, at a visit to the community’s office at Paul Mitchell Street, Arima: “What we are doing is going out to the communities, meeting with the people and getting them involved.” He said there were currently 900 First Peoples in TT with 200 of those being members of his community.

The group is also expected to host a ceremony at the Red House, where skeletal remains and artefacts belonging to First Peoples were found, and host a procession up Frederick Street and then to a day of activities at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain.

He said nine countries are expected to attend this year’s celebrations, including the US and Canada. Seven regional partners would attend this year’s celebrations as well.

But the global connections with other First Peoples have always existed, he said. “In terms of the global partnership, that has been taking place for quite a few years.

For quite a number of years, we have been interacting with the region because there is an organisation called the Caribbean Organisation of Indigenous Peoples and its members include Guyana, Suriname, Dominica, St Vincent, Puerto Rico and TT.” TT is currently the chair of the organisation. “During this week of activities we will take the opportunity to discuss what is happening in the region as each country will have an opportunity to report on the development of the first peoples in their respective country…” Bharath Hernandez said what appears to be a renewed interest in First Peoples culture began since the 1970s.

“From the 1970s there seems to be a reawakening of indigenous people at that time…it happened here in Trinidad and at the time it was happening we were not aware of what was happening globally. I like to term that an inspiration from above…” “I think one of the reasons for that besides the divine intervention…the dominance of First Peoples and other ethnicities, the colonial power was that seemed to be so heavy on other countries seems to be lifting away. And that could come through education and the modern technology that we have.” He said as people became more educated, they became more empowered and what was happening today was a result of that empowerment and education.

However, he believed that the new interest in First Peoples culture today could little impact TT .

He said the society was steeped in the direction of the economy and money and doing “all things for this mighty dollar and advancing through that.” This, he said, was a vast difference to the way of life of First Peoples.

He said even among the indigenous communities, the way of life was changing because of what people expected.

“What people expect for advancement, that power is also reaching into indigenous communities and they want to follow the same pattern. Most people want cellphones and other things and that is making its way into indigenous communities…” Bharath Hernandez said it was important to preserve the traditional ways since it provided a certain peace of mind and impacted positively on health.

While Bharath Hernandez and the other older indigenous peoples’ fight to preserve their culture, getting youth involved posed some difficulty. “It is a challenge but we cannot give up.

We have to continue to engage the youth through education.

Through educating them on the different aspects of indigenous life and the benefits to humanity…” He said there were many youths in the community but not many were involved in the organisation. The organisation needed to do more to reach out to them, he said.

This, Bharath Hernandez said, was the reason for requesting the national holiday. “The whole reason for the holiday was so the whole country could stop and reflect on the reason for the holiday.

We don’t expect everyone will be involved in the activities some people are happy for the holiday not to go to work… but that some would stop and say we have a holiday. Why? Because of the First Peoples, their contributions of the past, their present situation and their vision for the future. We do have a vision for the future that would help the country as a whole.” The holiday provides an opportunity for all those interested in wanting to know more and learn more to attend one of the events, he said.