Bowling first, Carapichaima East reduced Barrackpore West for 115 for nine with Renaldo Lezama snatching three for 19. Travis Heerah and James Duncan also contained the Barrackpore West batsmen grabbing 2/12 and 2/20 respectively. Vishal Roopnarine topscored for Barrackpore with 20, while Brandon Singh (18) and Shaquelle Cyrus (14) made valuable contributions.

In reply, national youth player Dejourn Charles cracked an unbeaten 32 to lead the defending champions to 116/3 in 17 overs.

Nathaneal Ramcharitar and Lezama helped Carapichaima East over the line, scoring 24 and 21 respectively.

Shiva Boys, Hillview and Naparima also progressed to the semi-finals.

The semi-finals will take place on April 25 and 26, and the final is played on May 12.

Other Scores – PRESENTATION CHAGUANAS 59 (17.5 overs) – Emilo Gopaul 15; Clevon Kalawan 3/9, Cephas Cooper 2/11, Ryan Bandoo 2/11, Avinash Mahabirsingh 2/13 vs NAPARIMA 60/1 (12.4 overs) – C Cooper 32 not out, Justyn Gangoo 17. Naparima won by nine wickets.

SIGNAL HILL 120/7 – Jean-Phillipe Barry 3/11, Dexter Sween 3/23 vs HILLVIEW 121/1 (13.4 overs) – Leonardo Julien 46, Jonathan Hosein 37 not out, Sachin Seecharan 23 not out. Hillview won by nine wickets SHIVA BOYS HINDU 108 vs FATIMA 105/8. Shiva Boys Hindu won by three runs.

Japan (No.16 in the world) showed why they are 17 spots above TT in the world rankings as they dominated from start to finish. It took the visitors only six minutes to get on the scoresheet through Fukuda`s smart finish.

TT had some chances to equalise but were denied by Japan`s goalkeeper Suguru Shimmoto. They also squandered the two penalty corners awarded in that quarter.

Kazuma Murata penetrated TT `s defence and rounded goalkeeper Kwasi Emmanuel, who was starting in his first game, then slipped it to Fukuda to score and give them a 2-0 lead.

Then, on the stroke of halftime, the tournament` s leading goalscorer Kenta Tanaka got his sixth of the campaign as he dribbled past two defenders and calmly guided it out of the reach of the diving Emmanuel for the 3-0 halftime lead.

TT started the last quarter with a lot more urgency and were rewarded with a goal from Tariq Marcano who redirected a Kwan Browne shot from a penalty corner in the 49th minute.

But, three minutes later, TT `s Browne had a goal-line clearance but it touched his body resulting in a penalty for the Japanese. Shota Yamada stepped up and sent Emmanuel the wrong way extending their lead to 4-1.

With TT pressing for another goal they got caught off-guard and on the counterattack, Heita Yoshihara chipped an onrushing Emmanuel which rebounded off the post but Kaito Tanaka was in the right spot to easily slap it home in the 58th minute.

TT will now face 29th ranked USA in the quarter-final today at 8pm. The host nation will be confident as they recently had a 1-0 victory against them in the warm-up matches of this tournament as well as a 3-1 victory in the third place match at the Pan American Cup, Brampton, Canada in 2013.

But first, the two TT Pro League clubs must top their respective groups when they host the final round of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Club Championship 2017 in Trinidad in May.

As defending Caribbean champions, Central – winners of 2015 and 2016 – received a bye to the final round, scheduled for May 12- 21, and will be joined in Trinidad by the five first-round group winners.

The six clubs are spilt into two groups with Central FC seeded in Group A and former champions Jabloteh, as the best performing team of the first round, seeded in Group B.

A random draw was conducted by CFU this week to determine the placements of the four other clubs, resulted in Cibao FC (Dominican Republic) and Grenades FC (Antigua/Barbuda) being pooled with Central FC in A, and Portmore United (Jamaica) and Racing FC (Haiti) grouped with Jabloteh in B.

Both group winners will play each other for the Caribbean crown and the automatic Caribbean spot in next season’s newly re-formatted CONCACAF Champions League which commences in February 2018.

(ttprolea gue.com )

This agreement, comes just one week after Carib Brewery agreed to a three-year partnership with the CPL. The total figure of both partnerships were not disclosed.

Yesterday, at a press conference at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Port of Spain, commercial director of the Hero CPL Jamie Stewart said that the CPL is dependant on their partners for support.

Stewart said, “If you look historically at the Hero CPL, predominantly we have been supported by the large business groups of the region and we are very grateful for them in making CPL happen.

We do rely on them 100 percent to make that happen.” Stewart said he is especially grateful for sponsorship in tough economic times. “The fact is that we all know the economic challenges that certain countries that are hosting CPL games are facing, Trinidad and Tobago being one of them, but not the only one.

“We are very grateful for both Nestle and Carib coming on board as new partners, and indeed also our existing partners who have stayed with us through this time.” Elisa Doldron, head of consumer marketing at Nestle was happy that the partnership was finalised. Doldron said, “This two-year partnership in itself was two years in the making.

We took the time to get it right, to make sure that the relationship between Nestle and Hero CPL formed the perfect blend.” Doldron explained why the company decided to partner with CPL saying, “Cricket in the Caribbean is part of our DNA. It is a household name so to speak – just like Nestle; a name that has lived with your families for generations.

Cricket, much like Carnival, unifies us as a region and this is one of the ways that, as a company, Nestle showcases its commitment to making a difference – by creating shared value.” Doldron added, “Today, with the announcement of our partnership with Hero CPL, we further strengthen our commitment to giving back to our country and region by creating an opportunity for this, the world’s fastest growing T20 tournament, to continue making a positive impact on the economies of its host territories.

Action was a 2018 FIFA World Cup CONCACAF Zone Final Round qualifier.

Jones latched on to a pass, from the middle, by Kevin Molino and fired his left-footed shot past goalkeeper Alfredo Talavera.

But referee Valdin Legister saw a flag for offside raised by assistant referee and fellow Jamaican Richard Washington, even though Kenwyne Jones (and not Joevin Jones) was in an offside position when the pass was made.

Kenwyne Jones, at the point in time, was not interfering with play and therefore the goal should have been allowed to stand.

Lawrence, speaking at the postgame media conference, admitted, “obviously I didn’t think we did enough to win the game but I also felt we did enough to get something out of the game. I think we were a bit unlucky with the goal that we scored, it was clearly onside from what I saw.” He continued, “I can’t fault the boys for their effort. The only thing I would stress from them is that sometimes we need to believe how good we can be. We allowed the Mexican team to get too much control of the game. As soon as we won the ball we gave it back to them.

“But, in terms of our organisation, our structure defensively…

we conceded from a set-piece (as) it was difficult to break us down in open play. We didn’t do enough to take the game in the other end, we didn’t test their keeper enough so I guess we (fell) short in that aspect. But, in terms of losing the game, I think we did enough to get something out of the game.

I’m disappointed for the boys because I didn’t think they deserve that but that’s football.” Mexico midfielder Diego Reyes headed past TT goalkeeper Jan-Michael Williams, from a corner by Miguel Layun, to ensure victory for the Central Americans.

The goal occurred two minutes after a squabble between the players, after the Mexicans took offence to a foul by Molino on defender Carlos Salcedo.

Lawrence pointed out, “when I looked at the back, I think it was one error by an individual, in terms of his positioning and marking the corner. Those are the little things that we need to tweak. I don’t think (the squabble) affected the concentration.” As far as the match was concerned, Lawrence said, “we’re starting to get that belief in ourselves slowly. Probably we needed to play a bit faster. We played a very good Mexican team (but) we matched them in a lot of aspects of the game. In terms of progression, I can take a lot of confidence in our organisation and trying to understand the things that we wanted to do.” Trinidad and Tobago will have two away fixtures, against the United States (June 9) and Costa Rica (June 13).

“The focus needs to remain the same and the belief has to remain the same,” said the TT coach.

“We’ve got two very difficult games in June, away from home, but have to prepare ourselves mentally and believe that it could still be done.” Asked about the TT midfielders’ keeping possession without making decisive passes to the attackers, Lawrence said, “I think that was one of the things, that’s why I made the change and get Andre Boucaud on the pitch.

When he came on, he got on the ball and play it forward, compared to what we had, it was a bit too long to get the ball into attacking positions. We didn’t get Joevin in attacking positions enough (or Cordell) Cato on the other side of the pitch so that’s why I brought Andre on.”

West Indies will face Pakistan in the second of the four-match T20 series at the Queen’s Park Oval in St Clair from 12.30 pm.

In the first match on Sunday at Kensington Oval in Barbados, Pakistan defeated West Indies by six wickets.

Last year the same teams faced each other in a T20, ODI and Test series in the United Arab Emirates. It was a tough time for West Indies as they lost the T20 and ODI series 3-0, while losing the Test series 2-1.

West Indies had no answers for the Pakistan spinners on Sunday, with debutant leg-break bowler Shadab Khan grabbing three for seven in four overs.

Brathwaite, talking to the media after a training session at the Queen’s Park Oval yesterday said, “Pakistan (have) very good spinners, but we have seen progression from the UAE with regards to playing Imad Wasim and the same thing is in store for our plans against Shadab, who had an excellent debut. We are looking forward (to the game), we are upbeat, we are happy with the progression we have seen from the UAE, and we want to progress even more and come out on top in this game.” The West Indies skipper says the team must bat at a higher level during the middle overs, a problem that hindered the team in the first T20. Brathwaite said they must improve between overs six and 14.

“It is just a matter of getting six to 14 right. If we could have the first six, the last six and be a lot better between six and 14, we are sure we could put up 150 plus and that will give us a better fighting chance when we go to bowl.” In the first T20, West Indies were 35 for one after 6.2 overs, but were reduced to 49/6 after 10.5 overs.

Today is a public holiday in Trinidad and Tobago and Brathwaite is anticipating a huge crowd.

“We are pretty upbeat, we are expecting a very big crowd in Trinidad, we normally do well in Trinidad as well.” Brathwaite, who has struggled to find consistency after his heroic effort in the World T20 final last year, was happy to find form in the last match.

“It is always good to perform, you always prefer to perform and come out on the winning side, but unfortunately that did not happen. Hopefully my performance can be as good or even better, but the most important thing is the win at the end of the day.” Brathwaite struck an unbeaten 34 off 27 deliveries.

Squads: WEST INDIES: Carlos Brathwaite (captain), Samuel Badree, Jonathan Carter, Andre Fletcher, Jason Holder, Evin Lewis, Jason Mohammed, Sunil Narine, Veerasammy Permaul, Kieron Pollard, Rovman Powell, Marlon Samuels, Lendl Simmons, Jerome Taylor, Chadwick Walton, Kesrick Williams.

PAKISTAN: Sarfraz Ahmed (captain), Ahmed Shehzad, Kamran Akmal, Mohammad Hafeez, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Fakhar Zaman, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Wahab Riaz, Sohail Tanvir, Rumman Raees, Hasan Ali, Usman Khan.

The storytelling caravan is a special free event for children aged six to 13, with two celebrated storytellers, Thelma Perkins and Glenda Rose Layne. They tell the children stories and the children are asked to come prepared to tell their version of a story about The Clever Daydreamer.

Danielle Delon, director of the children’s festival said in a media release: “The storytelling sessions are fun but they are more than that. They allow children to question and discuss ideas for stories, they are guided through the basics of exposition, towards character development, observation of the environment, personal, social and community relationships, and unleash the children’s creativity and inspire them to value self-expression through the written word.” The sessions also have great value because the stories the children create are collected, edited, illustrated and published annually in a colouring book.

According to a Scarborough Library spokesperson: “Since 2015, the staff and patrons of the Eastlyn McKenzie Children’s Library have wholeheartedly welcomed the NGC Bocas Lit Fest Storytelling Caravan. We are convinced that this event is directly linked to the development of future orators and writers as the children are given the opportunity to express themselves freely, and then later see their imagination come to life in the form of a printed book.” Registration is at 8.30 am and participants are advised to arrive on time to secure their place.

Title sponsor of the storytelling caravan is the National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago, For bookings: www.bocaslitfest.

com/2017/children/storytelling- caravan or call 71BOCAS .

What makes the cave, so appealling is the unique translucent blue pond, which has a depth of ten to 20 feet. Seawater emerges into the cave through an underground source to form a natural clear water pool.

The island’s geological features consist of sedimentary rocks of limestone formed under the sea from a composition of coral, oolites, seashells and other marine creatures.

The cave originated from water deposits of carbon dioxide, which dissolved the limestone into crystals of calcium carbonate.

This chemical formula known as CaCO3 is a compound of calcium, carbon, and oxygen.

Over time, the accumulations of crystals created stalagmites, which extend upward from the cave floor and stalactites, which extend downward from the roof. Those that stem all the way from the ceiling to the ground are called pillars.

Some of the crystals transformed themselves into fascinating shapes and some resemble a dinosaur head, a chandelier, two lovers hugging and even flowers.

There is a lot of history that surrounds Gaspar Grande Island.

In 1783, Governor Don Jose Maria Chacon granted the island to Gaspar De Percin Roque to plant cotton.

At Point Baleine during 1826 to 1864, there was a flourishing whaling station.

However, when the whaling industry declined, Cannings of the Queen’s Park Hotel the acquired the land and built a luxurious hotel.

During World War II (1939-1945) the islands and lands on the western peninsula were given to the Americans to set up a defence against enemy attack. Gigantic historical guns are still positioned above the cave at the highest point (399 feet).

The Chaguaramas Development Authority (CDA) manages the cave and conducts daily tours to the island.

Inside the cave there is a staircase and electricity.

Leading to the cave, there is now a concrete footpath with signs and at the top of the hill is the refurbished gunnery. After the tour, the group sails to Monas Island to spend the day relaxing at Biscayen Bay.

On Sunday Island Hikers explore Gasparee Caves Assembly: 7 am at KFC car park, West Mall.

Depart: 7.45 am to Salt Factory Road Rating: 2 easy Finishing time: 3 pm What to bring: 1 bottle of water, two drinks, a hat for sunshade, sandwiches, snacks, medication, etc.

Note: Boat return time from Monos Island begins at 2 pm.

Parking available at Salt Factory Road.

For more info visit www.islandhikers.com

If this was the solution it would have been already implemented throughout the world, especially in countries like the US where the effects of using such drugs are very noticeable and drug use has become a habit.

At present we have a lot of legalised pharmaceutical drugs on the market and yet the Internet is overburdened with duplicated but harmful copies of these drugs at knock-down prices.

Illegal drugs may have been around for centuries but few people were using these substances to satisfy an urge to feel happy or distort their senses.

Today many illegal drugs have acquired a reputation for transforming the character and attitudes of human beings, driving them to a feeling of superiority and to do things that are impossible or contrary to normal human behaviour.

Illegal drugs have been proven to be linked to criminal activities and in practically every nation have been labelled as dangerous and banned.

To legalise these dangerous, illegal drugs is asking for uncontrollable problems in any society. Just imagine what a difference it would make to the levels of crime and lawlessness throughout the world.

Today it is crucial that the supply of illegal drugs be kept under strict control, and those who participate in the manufacture and distribution of such drugs be dealt with in a drastic and severe manner in order to stop the expansion of crimes throughout the world.

GA Marques via email

Sociological investigations reveal alarming consequences of this reality. The gas subsidy, the bureaucratic process, a lack of political will, government centralisation, and bumper-tobumper traffic create violent and lawless behaviour based on psychological, social, temporal and environmental factors.

The evidence suggests it matters not where in the world you go, traffic can cause lawless behaviour. Within the last six months alone, we have recorded five vehicular accidents as a result of lawless and reckless driving, including shooting off at a red light or driving on the shoulder of the road.

It doesn’t take a genius to see that our mind and our environment play a large role in our mood while driving or just travelling in a car. Look at men and women behind the wheel and see how different they act. And who hasn’t been in a car, stuck in traffic, with people who can annoy you? And, of course, don’t try to leave Portof- Spain between 3 and 6 pm. If those factors aren’t enough to get to you, try driving a cheap car without air conditioning in the blazing sun or heavy showers.

We can also see power relations revealed on our roadways. Central planners, government officials and political actors high on the social rank are given special incentives which preclude them from the traffic struggles of the everyday citizen. So our Prime Minister, ministers, opposition MPs and the rich elites have opportunities to bypass traffic while the rest of us sit and suffer the endless traffic nightmare.

Why do they get special treatment, eg tax breaks on imported cars, the use of the Priority Bus Route, free gas, priority parking etc? Such visible differences reveal power and exhibit the social divisions of class in our society. Is our time less valuable than theirs? Yet our Government doesn’t seem to think traffic is a big issue.

Instead, it just wants to hand out tickets to someone going 81 kph to increase revenue. For what? What about the relationship between male and female commuters on the road? Living up to their stereotype, it seems men like to take “risks” while driving.

They use the shoulder of the highways and too much speed to get where they want to go in a hurry. Is it because their masculinity makes them “fearless” about being caught or are they just thoughtless? When women, fitting their own stereotype of being considerate of others, take their time and follow the law, they are yelled at, given “bad drives” and “attacked” with car horns. Why? This treatment might even scare some women from driving and leave them to travel by taxi, which puts them at risk of being raped and robbed.

It can be insinuated that the bumper-to-bumper traffic of the “travelling homes” causes lawless behaviour. To make it worst, the elites have their “out” ticket to bypass traffic, compared to regular commuters. Unless the elites lose these privileges, be that by gender or class, they will never become aware of the plight of the everyday person in their own “travelling home.”

Nirmala Goordeen graduate sociology student