Speaking at a news conference at the Ministry of National Security, Port-of-Spain, Williams said the joint police and army intervention has created an “overwhelming presence” in the area. “Central Division has had 13 murders within the month of March and many of those have occurred in Enterprise,” Williams said.

“We believe that all these murders are based on the clash been two gangs. We will continue that overwhelming presence throughout Enterprise. That level of presence, we believe, will allow us to freeze the violence in Enterprise.” Saying there have been some 30 murders in March within the three major police divisions, Northern, Central and Western, some of which occurred within the last ten days, Williams said: “There is an obvious and clear situation of clashes between different gangs at different locations causing the violence to take place. In some instances, like last night (Thursday), people who were in the vicinity of targets turned out to be victims of the indiscriminate shootings by gang members.” Williams, however, lamented that this country is perhaps the only country in the region in which legislation was not on the books to tackle gangs. “We have been increasing our efforts. But critical to us is to have dedicated legislation to deal with gangs. That discussion seems to be lost in the public domain because we (police) cannot enforce the gang laws.”

Christopher Selby said his 18-year-old daughter Abigail ran away from the Port-of- Spain General Hospital on Wednesday where she was receiving treatment .

She has been epileptic since she was nine years old. Abigail was found yesterday wandering on Charlotte Street, Port-of- Spain .

“One day she went to school and suffered a seizure and fell,” Selby said .

“Ever since that time, every time she gets an attack she would become very violent and teachers at her school began to complain because she would hit the children “She even bit her sister one time and she almost burned down my home a few years ago .

She was staying with her mother, but now her mum said she is unable to control her.” He said Abigail has been hospitalised for the past five years at various health institutions and is also wellknown by the police because of her penchant for running away .

“She has been warded at Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, Port-of-Spain General, St Jude’s Home for girls, even the Women’s Prison because of her violence. St Ann’s (Psychiatric Hospital) doesn’t want to take her because they said her condition is not mental .

We are fed up and tired and don’t know what to do anymore .

She has been to the hospital more than 100 times.” Selby produced several medical documents with the medications she has been on over the years. These included drugs for seizures, antipsychotic drugs used to treat hallucinations and to curb abnormal behaviour, and an anti-parasite medication .

He said a CT scan showed that there are small lesions in her brain, but he was told by doctors that it is inoperable .

The medical report states that the lesions were caused by a parasitic infection. It added that the lesions are responsible for her violent behaviour .

“I want the Health Minister to intervene .

I spoke with the CMO (chief medical officer) who said he had given strict instructions that she receive the necessary treatment. But, the way it stands now, the nurses are fed up and don’t take her on, and some of them are scared of her. When she was there she had to be strapped down in the bed to prevent her from running away.” Secretary of the Psychiatric Association Dr Varma Deyalsingh said if they found a lesion, the neurosurgeons would come in to make a decision about what they would do .

“There could be cysts in the brain or tumours growing. If somebody comes in to St Ann’s, we would test to see if there is an infection .

The neurologist would then to see if it is an electrical activity or a seizure that was caused by a physical problem .

“We would have to know what type of problem it is, what was causing the lesions and who would go after the lesions. If it is a parasite they would not be able to operate, but you have to get some other modality to treat with it. Sometimes the brain is already damaged with scar tissue.” Selby can be contacted at 356-9287 .

The riders along with their horses blazed the obstacle course with technique and confidence at the event, held at the Saddle Valley Stables in Santa Cruz which attracted numerous supporters throughout the day.

The riders were judged on two categories; equitation which looked at their position and balance on the horse and the clear round, where the rider and horse had to maneuver over an obstacle course of eight jumps. Kimberly Harrylagan won the beginners senior category with Eye See Dee and Annabella Hill won with Morocco in the beginner junior category. Isabella Powell with Miramis took the maiden junior division crown, while Chloe Bain trotted effortless to win the offlead junior category.

In a short interview with Newsday, the TTEA president Duglas Watsun said the Association is focusing on the young riders.

Watsun said, “This year we are seeing a lot of young riders developing in our programme, as many of our other experienced riders have gone on to Universities abroad and are competing on an international level in the US, like Hadley Rahael and Michelle Sabga Aboud. We have even had riders compete in the Pan American Games, so we are dedicated now on building back our base in this sport through these young riders.” He also thanked the Ministry of Sport and the team at Saddle Valley Stables for their continued support in the development and growth of the sport.

Asked by Newsday about the aspect of funding these events, as this was the second league out of four, Watsun responded, “In Trinidad and Tobago it is more economic for us to use thoroughbred horses as opposed to warmblood horses which are of an international standard and more expensive. So we definitely cut cost by rehabilitating race horses which have been injured and can’t race again into the Showjumping League.” There was a mix of both experienced rehabilitated horses and young ones showcasing their skills in coordination with their rider on the course. Riders ranged from experienced to beginners as well.

One of the coaches Sara Mc Cartney, who has over 40 years of experience training and riding horses spoke of the event as focusing on the TTEA’s base. “All the coaches are here today, supporting the younger ones. We are looking for the smooth fluid movements of the horse and rider whether or not the horse is experienced or young. We are looking at proper protocol and at the end of the year there would be championship awards given to the best junior and senior riders,” said Mc Cartney.

Each league takes place in a different stable, as the first league took place at the San Antonio Stable in Santa Cruz. The TTEA was formed in 1991 to encourage horseback riding as a sport and recreational activity, as well as to promote good sportsmanship among riders. The TTEA aims to improve and maintain the standard of riding and horsemanship in the country. “We have hope in our riders,” said Watsun positively.

Hamilton top scored with 28 for South and also snatched three wickets for 10 runs to guide South to a 62-run win over East in the final. Batting first, Hamilton led South to 130 for five with Shania Abdool (25) and Djenaba Joseph (22) also getting among the runs.

In reply, Aaliyah Guevera stood tall for East with a knock of 35 but her team could only post 68 all out in 14.3 overs. Hamilton, along with Shalini Samaroo (3/8) and Joseph (3/12), ensured the comfortable win for South.

Among those who were in attendance to support the players were West Indies Women’s players Merissa Aguilleira and Britney Cooper.

After the girls final, San Juan North defeated Iere High by four wickets in the Flow SSCL Senior Division Boys 10-over final.

SUMMARISED SCOR ES: Girls T20 Final – SOUTH 130/5 (Lachelle Hamilton 28, Shania Abdool 25, Djenaba Joseph 22) vs EAST 68 (14.3 overs) (Aaliyah Guevara 35; Shalini Samaroo 3/8, L Hamilton 3/10, D Joseph 3/12).

South won by 62 runs.

Boys T10 Final – IERE HIGH 73/9 (Justin Baldath 30 not out; Ronaldo Huggins 3/12) vs SAN JUAN NORT H 77/6 (9.3 overs) (Ronaldo Huggins 36, Daniel Osouna 15; Cameron Loubon 2/16).

San Juan North won by four wickets.

In addition to getting tickets to watch the games, the Special Olympics team had an exclusive meet and greet session with the cricketers. They will be in on the action again this weekend with the Windies and Pakistan to meet on Saturday and Sunday at the Oval. Helping make the initiative possible was Digicel.

“Digicel has been supporting the Special Olympics team since 2004 and we are so proud of all their achievements despite what others may look at as obstacles.

We know a lot of their other counterparts are performing at the Special Olympics World (Winter) Games in Austria and we’re happy to be doing this for the cricket teams to show them how much we appreciate them,” said Anjaana Downes, Senior Project Officer at the Digicel Foundation.

Digicel customers and cricket fans will also be able to get in on the action inside the stadium.

To secure their seats, customers can download the My Digicel and d’Music apps, purchase a 30-day Quick Pick bundle through the My Digicel or pay any postpaid bill.

The West Indies/Pakistan tour runs from March 26 to May 14 and will also see games being played in Barbados, Dominica, Guyana and Jamaica in addition to Trinidad and Tobago.

Cruzeiro is one of Brazil’s biggest ever clubs, producing outstanding players such as 2002 World Cup winner Ronaldo, renowned goalkeeper Dida and hard-tackling ex-Chelsea midfielder Ramires. Several other legends have played for the Belo Horizonte-based club including 1970 World Cup champion Jairzinho, former Barcelona icon Rivaldo, 2001 UEFA Champions League winner Giovane Elber and many others.

Speaking to Newsday about his visit, DeFour, who coached Cunupia FC to their Championship title last year, declared: “This trip came about after winning the Central zone and winning the (National Super League) Championship (division). We at the club want to go to the next level.

We don’t want to look at a top TT club and say ‘we want to be like that’. We wanted to see how a top international club operates and what better place to do that than Brazil?” He continued: “When I see Ronaldo and Maicon came from there, I asked why not (visit)? Cruzeiro constantly produces good players and we wanted to see why.” One of the areas of interest to De Four and Cunupia FC was Cruzeiro’s approach to getting players to a superior fitness level.

“We at the club feel we play good and attractive football. Over the years, every national coach that is hired says we have to get fitter. Part of our drive is to see what is their (Cruzeiro) approach of conditioning an international level calibre player and I got a big insight into that,” he said.

While not willing to disclose what he learned, he indicated that moving forward, fitness “has to be a more scientific approach.

It can’t be just seeing a player running some laps.” Adding to the allure of the famous club was the culture of football that surrounds it.

“I think TT could fit in Brazil 1700 times. I’ve been to places where men were just ‘sweating’ and they were on turf (grass).

I think TT only has one turf facility.

There are turf pitches for children Under-10 as well to just take a sweat. Football plays here 12 months a year,” he said.

Comparing TT to Brazil, he added: “Football here (in Trinidad) is mostly recreational and you might have a man trying to make it professional. But there, it is a job and children grow up wanting to be a footballer just like maybe a doctor or lawyer or policeman.” A key component of the visit was the fostering of a long term relationship with the Brazilian club.

“We signed an agreement for player exchange as well as other things like coaches (exchange) and (sharing) knowledge.

This agreement takes effect immediately but we have to get ourselves organised and tweak a few things first,” he said.

De Four said he marvelled at the youth development programme at Cruzeiro which he called a factory.

“Children Under-12 get dropped off at the facility from 7am and they go to class, get their meals and everything and play football too. There is law that says you can’t live there (at the club) under the age of 14 but basically everything is in place. It’s like a football factory here,” he said.

De Four said he was stunned by the standard of football on display by some of the youngsters at the club.

“When they are playing a game, it’s very organised and no coach is shouting at them to pass the ball or anything like that. They already know what they have to do,” he said.

Asked to summarise his stay in Brazil, the local coach said: “It was a wonderful, edifying and a nice learning experience.” He also described the city of Belo Horizonte as “simply beautiful” and hopes to return soon.

TT were flying high with a 2-0 lead and not even a goal by USA’s Michael Barminski in the 45th minute could dampen TT ’s spirits.

But with time running out and the hosts on course to book a spot against Japan in the last four, Pat Harris turned up to make it 2-2 with a goal in the 69th minute.

TT could not hold their nerve and were left standing there bemused as the Americans went on to triumph 3-2 on penalties in their quarter-final.

The match was physical and highly contested with USA starting quicker but TT were able to absorb the constant attacks. The best chance of the first quarter fell for TT ’s Tariq Marcano as he collected a lobbed pass from Kwan Browne but his shot came off the post.

TT had a lot more movement from the forwards which allowed them to be more penetrative in the second quarter. In the 20th minute, a penalty corner was awarded to TT which resulted in a direct penalty after one of the defenders attempted a goal- line clearance but it touched his body. TT ’s most senior player Kwan Browne stepped up and took the penalty but was denied by goalkeeper Brandon Karess, saving high to his right. Three minutes later, the hosts were awarded another penalty corner and the initial flick shot was blocked but somehow Mickell Pierre latched on to the loose ball and scored from an acute angle to give them the 1-0 lead.

TT extended their advantage in the 43rd when Browne again lobbed a pass to an unmarked Daniel Byer who calmly slipped it to Dillon Francis who slapped it home to make it 2-0. The score-line lasted just two minutes though as USA’s Michael Barminski scored a powerful flick to complete the third quarter.

In the fourth quarter, TT were constantly battling their nerves and it showed as they squandered three glorious chances to extend their lead. Their profligacy cost them though and with 70 seconds remaining on the clock, Pat Harris broke the hearts of hundreds at the Centre as he got the slightest deflection off a shot to slip it past goalkeeper Andrey Rocke for the equaliser despite being a man down and without a ‘keeper at that moment.

USA’s goalie Brandon Karess took over the show, saving the first three TT penalties allowing them to win 3-2 in the shootout.

Match ups for Today: 5th – 8th: Switzerland vs Russia (1:15pm) 5th – 8th: Trinidad and Tobago vs Barbados (3:30pm) Semi-final 1: Canada vs Russia (5:45pm) Semi-final 2: USA vs Japan (8pm)

West Indies will face Pakistan today and tomorrow at the Queen’s Park Oval in the third and fourth matches of the fourmatch T20 series, and Ragoonath said the Stand is ready for this weekend’s matches.

Ragoonath said, “There was a situation, but it is being rectified right now. Everything would be good for tomorrow (today).

They (construction workers) were doing some stuff and there was a wind that caused some severe damages to the covering.

Just the covering, not the infrastructure.

It is being repaired and they are actually ensuring that everything is in place for tomorrow (today).” Asked whether all fans will be safe, Ragoonath said “Of course. There are no issues with that. I hope the whole Oval is full tomorrow (today) to see a West Indies victory.” Pakistan are leading the four-match series 2-0.

Windies have been undone by 18 year old Pakistan leg-spinner Shadab Khan in the first T20 and again succumbed to the wily “leggie” in the second. Khan has seven wickets for just 21 runs in eight overs so far in the series while picking up back-to-back Man-of-theMatch honours.

Windies coach Stuart Law refused to concede that Khan has the upp-erhand over his batsmen, noting that the regional batsman have gifted away their wickets.

The performances of several members of the team have come under the spotlight, with the likes of Kieron Pollard, Lendl Simmons and Evin Lewis all getting single digit scores in both games.

Big-hitting all-rounder Rovman Powell, who made his debut in Barbados, has suffered the ignominy of two first-ball ‘ducks’ but Law said the Jamaican should be given the opportunity to learn from his mistakes.

“It’s a difficult game, international cricket. It’s a different mentality, a different pressure out in the middle,” Law explained.

“He’s a young man, he’s got a lot of talent but things take time.

Unfortunately we really want kids to come in, play their first game, make a hundred and take five-for.

It doesn’t always happen.

“Good things come to those who wait and if we keep working hard with Rov I’m sure he’s got the talent to get through.” Law, presiding over just his second series after taking up the post last month, said there was enough blame to go around in the batting department.

“We can’t just pin it on one person.

There are a lot of guys in that team we need to have chat to but we’re working hard,” he stressed.

FULL SQUAD: Carlos Brathwaite (captain), Samuel Badree, Jason Holder, Evin Lewis, Jason Mohammed, Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard, Rovman Powell, Marlon Samuels, Lendl Simmons, Jerome Taylor, Chadwick Walton, Kesrick Williams.

The world has been literally transformed by men and women who dared to dream.

Men like Mahatma Gandhi who dared to dream that the Indian people could have been set free from British rule. Men like Barack Obama who dared to dream that he could become the first black president of the US and that a change was coming.

Martin Luther King dared to dream that a time would come when men and women would no longer be judged by the colour of their skins, but by the content of their character.

Jack Canfield dares to dream that if you apply the success principles in his book you can go from where you are to where you want to be in life in spite of surrounding circumstances.

The woman with the issue of blood in the Bible dared to dream that if she could just touch the hem of Jesus’ garments she would be healed.

The world has been literally transformed by men and women who dared to believe that something inside of them is greater than the negative influences around them.

The negative influences will never be completely destroyed, but we as a nation can continue to dream and do all in our power to rise above all obstacles and live a life of success.

Having recently been the victim of an arson attack against my home in Chaguanas, I have decided to rise above the pettiness, immaturity and cowardice of my enemies and have decided to travel the world sharing the message to millions with speaking engagements and my very own motivational CD that we can positively impact the world by daring to dream.

Simon Wright Chaguanas