Ingmar Bergman LATIN American Embassies have taken a greater involvement in this year’s NGC Bocas Lit Fest. CineLit, the Latin American and Caribbean Literary Film Festival being run from April 18-30, will show a variety of films focusing on literary works. Three of the 27 films will show the work of and/or the life of the late Nobel Laureate Derek Walcott. The participating embassies in this year’s CineLit are Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Spain and Venezuela.

One of its opening events would be a press conference on April 19 at the National Library and Information System Authority (NALIS), Hart and Abercromby Streets, Port-of-Spain from 10 am.

Then the official launch of the festival will take place on April 21 at NALIS’ amphitheatre.

The festival is now in its second year.

Chilean Ambassador, Fernando Schmidt Arizt?a, speaking to Newsday about the festival said, “This time we have more films than 2016. Some of them have received international recognition.” The festival, he added, was “a common effort of all Latin American embassies in Trinidad and Tobago in order to break lack of understanding between the cultures.

Cinema projection gives the citizens of TT an opportunity to understand a little bit more about our various countries.” A welcome piece written about the festival says, “Again this year CineLit celebrates the remarkably rich heritage of both literature and film form our hemispheric neighbours and commemorates the life and work of the Nobel Laureate, poet Sir Dereck Walcott who recently passed away.” He said all of the films were related to literary works, which is why it was placed in the framework of the Bocas Lit Fest.

Arizt?a said the event has expanded itself to the University of the West Indies, where as part of its opening there would a film of the history of the Panama Canal followed by discussion on April 18.

On the April 21 at the official launch The Motorcycle Diaries would be shown.

It tells of a motorcycle trip made by a young Che Guevara from Brazil to Peru and which led him to, “his own life’s calling.” Arizt?a said the food from the participating countries would be offered at the launch.

He said there were no synergies between the trinidad and tobago film festival (ttff) and CineLit since the ttff required newer films and CineLit’s theme it focused primarily on literary works.

But Arizt?a said the Chilean Embassy would have a presence at this’s year ttff.

Films for CineLit will be shown at NALIS’ AV Room, UWI St Augustine’s campus centre for Language and Learning Auditorium, The Film Unit, Carmody Road, St Augustine and the Alma Jordan Library’s audio visual room.

Some of them will be featured in a special show on April 29, titled Calypso Icons of Grande, at the North Eastern College, Sangre Grande, from 7.30 pm. Producer Frank Martineau says the show promises to be special.

On the bill are Scrunter (Irwin Reyes Johnson), Johnny King (Johnson King), Poser (Sylvester Lockhart) and Pink Panther (Eric Taylor), with special guest Baron (Timothy Watkins).

Scrunter has been performing for over 40 years and won the Calypso Monarch in 1982 with Ah Lick-E-Ting and the classic, The Will.

Apart from his many hits in the parang soca genre, his soca hits include the classic Woman on the Bass, Take the Number, Sing in She Party, Oil in the Coil, Gimme It Just So and Ah See Yuh.

Though he was born in Tobago, Johnny King has made Sangre Grande his home for many years.

He first entered the calypso arena in 1980, and over the years, had become known for his insightful and thoughtful lyrics, especially in gems such as Nature’s Plan, Appreciation, War Mongers, Ole Man Ketch Yuhself and his mega hit Wet Meh Down. A now-retired policeman, he has been a finalist many times in the Calypso Monarch competition and is well known for his performances at home and abroad.

Poser is from the village of Matura and won the Sangre Grande Calypso Monarch crown for five consecutive years before moving on to competitions in Port-of- Spain. Among his hits are Ah Tell She, which went on to win Road March in 1979, Town Man, Party Tonight and Bus Conductor.

Pink Panther, renowned for his well-tailored pink suits, after the cartoon character of the same name has a funny story to tell about how he got his start at the Kalypso Revue tent, where he has been a staple for several years.

He remembers he was invited there to try out by his brother calypsonian Scrunter, as they were both Grande boys, However, the tent manager, the now deceased Jazzy Pantin did not like his song, We Ketching We Tail, and turned him down.

It was the founder of the tent, Aldwyn “Lord Kitchener” Roberts, who took Pink Panther under his wing after chatting with him and realising he’d composed his song and beaten Scrunter with it in the Grande competition.

He recalls many Sunday sessions honing the craft of calypso at Kitchener’s home, Rainorama, in Diego Martin. He also credits reigning Calypso Monarch Chalkdust (Hollis Liverpool) with being another of his mentors.

Panther is known for his satirical, social and political commentary Laughing In De Ghetto.

The organisers of the cultural effort, The Soca Parliament of which entertainer, Irvin “Blackie” Blackman is a part, has revealed plans to fill the void recently left behind when De Du Pub in Woodbrook, formerly The Mas Camp, was burnt down.

Blackie said the event, Kaiso and Comedy Wednesdays, is aimed at maintaining and building the audience of kaiso music lovers who’ve loyally supported the art form throughout the years.

It is a co-ordinated effort among people in the kaiso and comedy fraternity and the weekly staging will start at 8.30 pm and end at midnight every Wednesday. “Security is something we are aware people are most concerned about, so those coming out can rest assured that there is adequate parking on the compound of the club and we’re maintaining a time that’s considered safe, for most,” Blackie explained.

He said he had the idea for quite a while, having approached the club’s owner, Anthony John, since last August with a request for use of the facility. He said he understands the need for this entertainment outlet, especially for the mature kaiso music lovers. “There really isn’t much available for people who enjoy kaiso music and there definitely is a market. Mas Camp was that home for kaiso in the minds of many, so while I am personally saddened by the tragic situation that took place last month, this effort to bring Kaiso and Comedy Wednesdays to life is likely to encourage people to come out and enjoy the local music and entertainment again.” The entertainers will all be backed by Vincent Rivers and the Soca Unit, and patrons will be treated to a slate of comical local calypsonians, who Blackie feels have been denied a space to show off their talent for a very long time. “There are some really good humorous calypsonians out there. Fellas like Alpha and Kid Kalaloo and so many others.” This isn’t Blackie’s first promotional effort. He’s been a part of event promotions in the past, key among them, the staging of an event called Caribbean Soca Fest, which was held at the National Stadium in 2007. He understands the needs of the people and said he will work hard to ensure that patrons get exactly what they want when they come out to a show such as this one. “When I did Caribbean Soca Fest, I went through every artiste’s repertoire and I told them exactly what I wanted them to perform.

I’ll be doing the same thing this time around, so that the people get the hits they love – the hit songs they want to hear,” he explained.

Excited about the prospects that lie ahead for an event of this calibre, Blackie and his team anticipate the inclusion of acts from across the Caribbean, in the lineup, as time progresses. “It’s a central location for people from any direction

Nearly 2000 passionate participants united to support the annual the five-kilometre run, hosted by Massy Stores and the World Food Day National Committee of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries.

In addition to the race, the activities included a farmers’ market and a zumba session.

Massy Stores suppliers were also on hand to give out samples of local products, and seedlings were distributed to facilitate the start of home gardens.

For the second year, Run for Food highlighted the importance of sustainable food development within Trinidad and Tobago. Derek Winford, CEO of Massy Stores said the activities were specifically designed to promote a healthy lifestyle and increase visibility for the availability of locally grown produce, as well as encourage the public to lend their support through the purchase of these items.

As with the previous year, members of the public were invited to participate in Run for Food by contributing $60.

The money raised through the entry fees will be used towards the purchase of local products, which will be donated to FEEL (Foundation for the Enhancement & Enrichment of Life) and United Way Trinidad and Tobago

The presentation was made outside the Pro League’s head office in St Augustine.

Speaking to Newsday yesterday, Pierre who has honoured past Golden Boot winners such as Defence Force’s Devorn Jorsling (3-time winner), Marcus Joseph (Point Fortin Civic) and Makesi Lewis of Police FC, said he will continue this trend to motivate others to score as it is an area he feels is lacking nationally.

“We don’t have finishers. The goals are important and we’re missing goals. It’s an encouragement for players to start scoring… I ain’t finish this, I will continue doing this.

This is the reason why I’m so enthusiastic about (forming) the Players Association so if I pass away, instructions would be left that this is one thing that must be done to honour the top goalscorers in the season,” he said.

Pierre added, “I’m looking forward to this (new) season because it’s going to be longer from May to December so they should score the 30 goals I’ve been asking for which will be $10,000. Right now is 12 goals he (Roach) score, last year was 20 (Lewis scored). It’s a problem with the goalscoring and you see it with the national team.

You need prolific goalscorers on the national team. The only people scoring is Joevin Jones and (Kevin) Molino.” Pierre believes a proper video archive of local games needs to be set-up to not only remember the greats but to give the younger generation something to learn from. He said he is always keen to add to his personal library and providing Roach with copies from his stash was part of him recognising his achievement.

“Most of them youths never see (Russell) Latapy and (Dwight) Yorke and the Strike squad. The other (DVD i gave him) is the legends like Pele and their story. Here we don’t have footage of the past players and the youngsters only watching international players.

Right now there are two (videos) I’m trying to get – the (World Cup qualifying) game in 1974 when we got robbed from Haiti and videos of Bert Neptune from the Army.” Meanwhile, Roach thanked Pierre profusely for recognising his feat and is looking forward to scoring more goals.

“I feel good that he could, out of his goodness, come and give me a reward. I feel happy that somebody looking out for me,” he said.

Asked if Golden Boot was a goal going into the season or something that just transpired, Roach said: “It was a target because I was the youngest striker in the league and that was my aim.

The season was good for me. My team-mates were pushing me to the limit and we were playing as a team and they were giving me balls to score.”

Two courts have been laid in the indoor facility’s Centre Court and will be utilised by the national men’s and women’s volleyball teams, in particular the women, as they are currently in preparation for their first appearance at the FIVB World Grand Prix in July 2017.

Nicole Selvon, president of TT VF, expressed her enthusiasm and excitement with the move when she spoke with Newsday during the first training session.

“For over 10 years we have been looking for a home and we are delighted to have the opportunity of being a part of these world-class, state-of-the-art facilities. We now have a settled home where we can carry out the work of volleyball and we are dedicated towards enhancing the sport throughout the country,” she said.

The TT VF headquarters will now be located in the Aquatic Centre’s main building while its training facility resides in the Cycling Centre’s indoor court. The president also thanked Sports Minister Darryl Smith, the Sport Company and the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTO C) for working alongside the fraternity for the development of the sport.

CEO of the SporTT , Adam Montserin, was present at the first training session to speak with the media about the accommodation of volleyball at the Cycling Centre, which is intended to be utilised as a multi-purpose facility.

Montserin stated, “We are very excited to welcome the TT VF to this amazing velodrome because of the fact that we can house and facilitate multiple sports which takes us a step further into stimulating the sporting sectors with the respective sporting bodies.” He continued, “This is part of, and in line with our ultimate objective in generating maximum utilisation of these facilities, particularly here in Couva. It is up to us now to really bring these facilities to life, in a way that benefits the athletes, citizens and the local community in Trinidad and Tobago.” The facility will be available to the volleyballers six days per week and open for their use until 9 pm as training continues in their preparations for upcoming tournaments.

TT will feature in Group III of the World Grand Prix against Hungary, Mexico, Cameroon and Australia, with the aim of topping the group and moving into the finals.

Focusing on the upcoming competition which will be hosted in Trinidad, the national women have been given a boost as they have been granted access to utilise the indoor court of the cycling centre as they look to intensify training on their new turf.

Speaking to Newsday after their initial session on Wednesday, captain of the national women’s team Renele Forde said, “The team is gaining momentum heading into the important part of our tournament preparations and this facility provides us with the ability to train longer and at our convenience.” Without a permanent place to call their training facility during the past, Forde believes this new move will allow the team to become a stronger force as they can now fully focus on their objectives.

With foreign-based players set to join the contingent in the coming weeks, the team seeks to gain strength, chemistry and composure heading into the competition.

Undefeated Chickland come up against Marchin Patriots, formerly Spoilers, from 1.30 pm and the winners will take up the mantle which was surrendered by BFL Sports, last year’s champions who were promoted.

Chickland are favoured to win, after beating Marchin in the opening group stage of the tournament and will be depending heavily on the batting skills of their two 21-year-olds Joshua “Doo Doo” Alexis and Jessie Fletcher.

Alexis has been the batting star of the T20 tournament so far, striking an explosive 102 not out in the group stage, and followed it up with an undefeated 80 in the semi-finals against Endeavour.

He also showed his talent with the ball, grabbing three wickets for 19 runs to propel his team into the championship match.

But Marchin Patriots will be no pushovers after showing strength of character and fighting qualities to scrape into the into the last eight by net run rate after losing their first two matches in the preliminary rounds of the tournament.

Ranked No.3, they booked their placed in the final against No.1 Chickland by sweeping aside second- ranked Caroni Conquerors.

Marchin will be boosted by the return of former West Indies and national opening batsman Suruj Ragoonath, who shone in last year’s final for BFL. Also lending some experience in the line-up are Param Rampersad and inform overseas player Ryan Hercules.

The course, which will be conduced by FIFA Technical development officer Anton Corneal, will run for two consecutive weekends, April 22-23 and April 28-30. Limited spots are available and interested applicants can contact the TT FA at its offices at 623-9500. Another course is schedule for May 12-14 and May 19-21.

Some of the areas that will be focused on during the course will be principles of coaching; the role of the coach; the teaching-learning process; communication; ethics; coaches being able to assess their players’ developmental; coaches being able to plan and implement an effective training session with specific objectives; and to develop a progressive programme of appropriate duration.

Other areas of focus include coaches being able to understand the main moments of football and relate it to team task and function; coaches being able to identify and develop personal and professional behaviours in themselves and players and coaches being able to identify the basic elements that make up football among other areas.

UWI won the toss and elected to bat on a bouncy wicket of which they took full advantage. The St Augustine- based team posted 310 for seven in their allotted 50 overs. Jameel Lashley led the way for UWI, top scoring with 84, Vickram Tajai produced an entertaining 38 from 12 balls, Christanja Carey delivered a classy 35, player/coach and captain Guyanese Travis Blyden 34 and opener Jasbour Findlay 30.

The main wicket-takers for UTT were Ramesh Brijlal 2-46, Saiba Batoosingh 1-18 and Brandon Ramcharam 1-48. UTT started their innings with a fighting spirit, but were no match for ‘The Scholars’ and were bowled out for 257 in 47.3 overs. Standing up bravely to the UWI attack was Jerve Cummings who played a brilliant innings of 135 runs after being struck on the helmet by fast bowler Rachad Forde in the early stage of his innings. He was supported by Saiba Batoosingh who made 59 but there were no other meaningful contributions from the rest of the UTT lineup as their chase fell short.

The pick of the bowlers for UWI was Shawn Sookdial with 4-34 from 10 overs while Barbadian Rachad Forde took 2-56 from his 10.

UWI will face Fulham Cricket Club in the final round of the East North-East 50-Overs Championship League.