According to a report on Seattle Sounders’ official website, “Joevin Jones’ performance since the beginning of the 2016 MLS Cup Playoffs has been nothing short of spectacular.” The 25-year-old left back has five assists in his last eleven matches dating back to last season, including the game-winner in three of the last five Sounders wins prior to the two World Cup qualifiers for TT in March.

He also lashed in a screamer against Mexico in a World Cup qualifier on March 28 that was incorrectly ruled offside and was a constant thorn for the Mexicans with his pace and skill.

“He’s the best left back in MLS,” said Sounders midfielder Cristian Roldan. “He’s that good. Joevin is unpredictable. You see it in Jordan [Morris’] goal where [Jones] ‘megs’ the guy and passes it to [Nicolas Lodeiro].” Jones, a former player with W Connection, has a contract that ends in December but already there are a few clubs eyeing the TT player. It is understood that clubs from the German Bundesliga, Spanish La Liga, the Mexican First Division and also another unnamed club in France have been keeping track of the 25 year old. At the moment though, Jones’ future is still undecided as Seattle are yet to hold any talks regarding his possible future at the club.

There were some Seattle fans in Port of Spain last week who came out to support Jones and the TT team against Panama and Mexico and they were asking questions about his future, saying they would love for him to remain with the club past the current season.

Former national goalkeeper and current ESPN analyst Shaka Hislop spoke about Jones’ versatility on the field of play.

“Joevin plays different roles for TT and the Seattle Sounders, which speaks of his versatility.

But his deeper position for Seattle doesn’t tell the story of his importance for TT. I have said many times in the past, and continue to believe, that Joevin is easily our most important player,a responsibility he readily accepts,” Hislop told TTFA Media.

The former Newcastle and West Ham United custodian went on to describe Jones as the modern day left back.

“Joevin is a modern day left back – very good going forward and very solid defensively. As Seattle continues to develop and build on the MLS Cup triumph, it’s important that they recognise that championship teams maintain that all-over-the-field balance,” Hislop added.

His countryman Kevin Molino, currently wearing Minnesota United colours, said he wouldn’t mind playing on the same club side as Jones at some point in his career.

“Joevin Jones is a very special player in my eyes with unbelievable talent. To me any club in the world will love to have a player

The match will be part of the official opening of the Grenada National Football League.

Trinidad and Tobago head coach Dennis Lawrence will use the match as another tune-up for his home-based players as the country looks ahead to the 2018 World Cup qualifier away to the United States on June 8 and Costa Rica on June 13.

“This international game will be useful in terms of it being part of the preparations for our squad ahead of the next set of World Cup qualifiers in June. It’s a good opportunity for myself and the coaching staff to have a further look at the players who are on the fringe of World Cup team selection, also including those who were involved in the past two qualifying matches,” Lawrence told TTFA Media.

“It will be a good opportunity for us to have the players together again, particularly for those who are in off-season as it gives us a chance to continue implementing some of the things that we started a few weeks ago in the lead up to the last set of games against Barbados, Panama and Mexico,” Lawrence added Lawrence will announce his roster for the match later this month.

In their quest to educate and improve lives, the staff and students of Pleasantville Secondary came up with a production which they aptly named Life Issues and staged at the Naparima Bowl, San Fernando, last Thursday. What a production. What an exhilarating performance by the students.

Life Issues led the audience through the numerous social issues which negatively impact the lives of students. Themes like domestic violence, drug abuse, incest, rape, bullying, teenage pregnancy and other issues were brought alive by the students through drama, music, dance and visual arts. This was a really comprehensive production.

At times, the performances were so powerful that a hush descended on the Bowl. The audience, which consisted of many young people and parents, was left spellbound or sometimes in tears. Indeed the message was clear.

The cast of students, none of them “professional” actors, obviously spent long hours at rehearsals.

And we label all young people as indisciplined? As a retired teacher I know how difficult it is to encourage students to do a presentation in front a class.

The teachers involved in this production have worked hard.

Mr Sargeant, the dance teacher/ production manager, Mr Durity, the artistic director, and Ms Thomas-Cooper, the visual arts teacher, have shown through their love, dedication and commitment that teachers can lead and encourage students to reach heights unknown even to the students themselves. I know many other staff members were involved and this augurs well for our education system.

I am happy that the staff and students of Pleasantville Secondary are continuing the rich heritage of the 80s, when this school was an academic and cultural leader in TT . Way to go, Pleasantville.

Janice Frederick- Sealy Freeport

How will this help, you ask? Let’s say marijuana accounts for 40 percent of the illegal drug trade in this country. A Time magazine article roughly two years ago estimated that the drugs passing through the Caribbean area en route to the US to be in the vicinity of US$1 billion, with a certain percentage staying in TT and other Caribbean countries as a handling fee.

If we were to legalise marijuana, which would allow each individual here private consumption of up to 12 grams of marijuana, similar to what has been done in Mexico and Guatemala, then theoretically this should reduce the crime rate by 40 percent because there is no pay-off for the crime gangs in distributing legalised marijuana — the margins become too small.

Therefore with less cash floating around to buy guns, pay for hits, defend against other gang incursions, we should see a corresponding reduction in this criminal activity.

Why would this work, you ask? Let’s examine the last time a similar exercise was engaged in.

Remember prohibition, when alcohol was illegal? Back then there were large crime syndicates in the US involved with the manufacture and distribution of illegal alcohol throughout the US. This led to mobsters from one city attacking gangs in other cities and you had running gun battles on the streets.

That’s when Elliot Nest and his boys were trying to clean up the streets. Then alcohol was legalised and the massive network of crime throughout the US virtually shrunk to manageable levels.

I am sure the same shrinkage would happen if marijuana was legalised in TT .

So what do we have to lose? The US had the political courage to move from prohibition to legalising alcohol and it worked, so why can’t we try this here? Mexico and Guatemala have done so as part of their crime reduction strategy and from what we are now hearing, the catastrophic crime spree in Mexico is abating. Additionally, even in the US, in California, you can purchase marijuana in prescribed amounts. Something to note here: the same morally correct people who said alcohol was wrong before prohibition were some of the biggest drinkers once it became legal, so please, no hypocrisy about marijuana usage.

Furthermore, marijuana is just a stronger version of cigarettes, and/or cigars. So technically, all cigarette and cigar smokers are almost breaking the law.

So Mr AG, if we could cut our crime rate by 40 percent, wouldn’t this be worth the risk? You seem to be a person with political courage, so what’s the worst that could happen? If it doesn’t work you just revert to where we are now with the current rate of crime intact.

But what if it does work? Just think about how many lives can be saved? Again I ask, do we have the courage to make a change?

Roger Gordon Cascade

Public goods include the defence force, roads, bridges, street lighting, garbage disposal and drainage, among other administrative and developmental initiatives. Party politics has unfortunately succeeded in making property tax a campaign tool for the former UNC-led People’s Partnership administration.

The result of politicising property tax is a loss in government revenue of over $1 billion. The former administration suffered the Treasury in order to keep an unreasonable campaign promise.

The current PNM administration has taken the necessary steps to keep its campaign promise of reintroducing the property tax.

This is a responsible move by our Government, particularly in our current economic circumstances.

A three percent property tax on the annual rental value of properties with a further ten percent discounted is more than reasonable.

This amounts to an average of $1,200 a year, according to the Minister of Finance.

The Government must be commended for reintroducing this much needed source of revenue that was abandoned by the former administration.

RONALD HUGGINS St Joseph

Please bring back God in your lives,” Boodhan said.

For all of the murderers and rapists there must be some form of control and it must be capital punishment.

Anybody who kills people with no regret or rapes the innocent continuously deserve nothing but the death penalty.

When the words “death penalty” or “capital punishment” are heard, they obviously are disturbing, barbaric and uncomfortable, but so are the crimes of murderers and rapists.

There is no hope for criminals with this kind of behaviour and mentality. I believe capital punishment is the key. Boodhan said “the Chaguanas Inter-Religious Association is now having meetings to find a way to restore some semblance of peace in Enterprise.” We need to declare war on criminals, not peace. Even the holy scriptures declare that Jesus didn’t come to bring peace in Matthew 10:34: “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” A sword is meant to be used to divide and conquer. It is time those in authority use their power and resources, not to beg the murderers to put down their guns but to declare an all-out war on the criminal element.

Simon Wright Chaguanas

Existing NGOs continue to delude themselves into believing that a walkathon, a national day of prayer or a candlelight procession as a mark of solidarity might have an impact on escalating and senseless murders.

The criminal minority, as these murderers are often called, remain unmoved.

They are impervious to appeals made to them by those among us who are naive enough to think they are normal humans. These murderous people have relinquished their humanity.

Nothing exists in them to which an appeal can be made.

It seems to me that the more vocal citizens become in expressing outrage against crimes, especially against women, the more these crimes are committed.

It is almost as if these murderers are choosing not to hear these “appeals.” In fact, they are openly defiant of that kind of weakness and naivete emanating from a society and a government seen as cowardly and inept.

More than the customary 100 days have passed for this anachronistic political relic called the PNM — an organisation that has convinced itself unnaturally that it must “prevail” unchanged. It cannot. A fundamental universal pillar has eluded its leaders’ stale minds: change is the only constant in this rich and diverse universe.

So what do we see happening? Where have they succeeded? Is there anything anyone can point to that will say to all, there, this group of people we call our government has been instrumental in creating this or that “good?” What “good” have they brought with them into office? What “good” have they wrought since coming to office? I see none — and they have been there long enough.

Instead, since their advent, they have been instruments of chaos, confusion, violence and rage. Instead of being instruments of gainful employment, they have pauperised thousands by policies that increase unemployment.

Instead of fostering safety for citizens, no one, not even the newborn, is “safe.” They have failed. And they will continue to be failures.

I can only ask them to be kind and to leave.

Steve Smith via email

The attorneys are calling for disclosure about the police investigations thus far. Rodriguez, 24, and Thomas, 29, of Fifth Company Branch Road, were at a bar when, during an altercation, Rodriguez was shot at close range.

Thomas sustained gunshot wounds in the melee.

Two letters were sent on Monday, the first to Williams and the other to West. Attorney Vivek Lakhan-Joseph instructing attorney Dinesh Rambally, called for a fair, thorough and impartial investigation into the shooting.

The letter stated that relatives of the brothers have instructed the attorneys to write to Director of Public Prosecutions Roger Gaspard to request that criminal proceedings be initiated against the police officer.

And in the event that happens, Rambally and Lakhan-Joseph will be seeking formal authorisation to prosecute the policeman.

In their letter to the commissioner, the attorneys requested that they be furnished with the names, regimental numbers and statements of police officers who are involved in the investigations.

Reports, documents, memos and any material including tape recordings, photographs, videotapes, movies, charts, graphs, diagrams pertaining to the incident should be furnished as well. They are also seeking the names and addresses of witnesses, details of the weapon used, bullet fragments, photographs and all information contained in computers of the respective police departments concerning the investigation of the incident.

The attorneys have advised West to investigate the shooting as well as probe the investigations that have been conducted into the shooting thus far.

When Caroni was closed, approximately 7,965 workers were offered VSE P. Thousands of them have since received their leases in different disbursements under various governments.

The latest set was distributed by Agriculture, Land and Fisheries Minister Clarence Rambharat.

Speaking at a ceremony at the Couva Chamber of Commerce office yesterday morning, Rambharat said it was “disheartening” that so many former workers are still receiving leases after waiting for 14 years.

He recalled his commitment to having the entire process completed by December 31, 2016, but said the process was held up due to their inability to reach approximately 1,800 beneficiaries despite several attempts including newspaper advertisements.

The delay resulted in some beneficiaries dying, leaving their families with the challenges of managing their estate.

Nevertheless, Rambharat said, “There is no question about Government’s commitment to complete this VSE P exercise.

The Government, and I personally, stand committed to seeing this to the end.” He said the remaining residential leases would be available for distribution by the end of the year and reiterated his commitment to facilitating much needed fundamental change to the agricultural sector.

Having knowledge of nutrition and the appropriate foods for people who may be diagnosed with celiac disease (also referred to as gluten-sensitive enteropathy), or gluten intolerance can make a big difference.

Researchers say celiac disease may more than likely result due to “inappropriate T-cell mediated immune response caused by ingested gluten in those individuals genetically predispose.” The cause of the disease may result due to genetic, environmental, and autoimmune factors which can likely trigger the body’s reaction to gluten.

People who might be affected with the disease experience problems following the consumption of wheat and wheat products, rye, malt and barley; note, oats contain a small amount of gluten. The symptoms can include, but should not be limited to diarrhoea, abdominal pain and cramping, bloating, gas production, bone and joint among others.

However, people should first check with their medical doctor and follow the advice, as well as comply with medication and diet prescriptions.

Today’s article will focus on the gluten-free diet, looking at what is gluten, and which foods to include and avoid.

Gluten is the protein found in wheat, and other grains including barley, rye, and oats.

In bread-making, “gluten aids in volume, texture, and the appearance of baked products; it also provides structure and enables the dough to retain the gases given off from leavening agents used during preparation.” Nutrition management The aim here is to maintain one’s health, and continuing to enjoy your meals and snacks, while focusing on preventing and/or minimising discomfort at mealtimes. People with celiac disease might more than likely be unable to break down the protein – gluten in wheat and other grains. They may also experience severe malabsorption, weight loss, some vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and in some cases protein-energy malnutrition.

Therefore, improving one’s nutritional status is priority.

In order to avoid these problems consuming foods that are gluten free can help; example, add to your meal plan local produce such as plantain, green bananas, moko (bluggoe), breadfruit, and root crops (sweet potato, yam, dasheen, cassava, eddoes), rice, corn, cornmeal, peas and beans (e.g. lentils, black beans, garden peas, pigeon peas, kidney beans, channa, etc.), nuts and seeds, eggs, meat, poultry, fish, all types of fruits and vegetables, corn tortillas, puffed rice, soy cereals, avocado, butter, margarine, home-made salad dressing, pure cocoa, pure baking chocolate, and other gluten free products, just to list a few.

Note: you may wish to avoid ready-to-eat cereals made from wheat, rye, triticale, barley and commercial oats, kamut, spelt, bulgur, products made from different types of flour such as durum, graham, and gluten, wheat flour tacos and tortillas, canned fish in vegetable broth containing hydrolysed wheat protein, and also those products made with barley, malt extract or barley malt flavouring. In addition wheat flour, wheat bran, wheat germ, pastas prepared from wheat, wheat starch and other ingredients not allowed, products dip in batter, bread pudding, ice cream made with ingredients not allowed (e.g. cookie crumbs), crackers made from wheat products, and beverages derived from barley should not be incorporated into your meal plan Enjoying meals and snacks Perhaps you might ask, if you can still enjoy a few of your favourite foods? Yes, make it fun, and be willing to try new recipes, replacing ingredients containing gluten with those that are gluten-free. Plan balanced meals and choose healthy snacks; for assistance you can schedule a visit with a registered dietitian in your community.

Overall, meal managers, chefs at restaurants, caterers, and cafeteria operators should make available gluten-free dishes for its clientele; also, having knowledge about this special diet can aid in meeting their nutritional needs.

Quick Lentil Patties 1 small onion, chopped 2 tbsp oil 2 cups cooked, mashed lentils ? cup walnuts, chopped Pinch of salt 1 cup mashed Irish or sweet potato ? cup seasonings finely chopped (green pepper, celery, chives, pimentos, shadon beni, garlic, etc.) Mix all ingredients and form into patties.

Brown lightly on both sides in skillet with a small amount of oil; may also be baked at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes turning once.

Yield: 8 servings (Ultimate Vegetarian Collection, 2008) Tofu Fried Rice (Oriental) 2 cups brown rice, cooked ? lb diced tofu ? green pepper, finely chopped 1 cup onions, finely chopped ? cup steamed carrots cut into strips ? cup frozen peas ? cup sliced almonds ? cup fresh local seasonings ? cup vegetable oil Prepare rice. While rice is cooking, saut? tofu, green pepper, onion, almonds, and fresh local seasonings in vegetable oil over medium heat for 2 ? minutes, stirring constantly.

When rice is cooked, add it to the saut?ed ingredients and stir-fry 3-4 minutes.

Yield: 4 servings Claudette Mitchell, PhD, RD is an Assistant Professor, University of the Southern Caribbean, School of Science, Technology, and Allied Health