Opening batsman Jeremy Solozano, 21, has been identified as one for the future but averages just 14.19 from just 15 First Class matches since making his debut four years ago. Red Force coach Gus Logie has said TT are looking to develop the youths this year and in a season already condemned for failure, giving Solozano a consistent run may reap dividends in the long term. The left-hander played in TT ’s opening win against the Windward Islands but fell ill during their loss to Barbados from November 25-28. He was axed for their next fixtures vs Jamaica and Guyana and returned to play against the Windwards. He was promptly dropped for the Red Force match against Guyana at the Oval then picked again for the fixture against the Jamaica Scorpions last Friday at the same venue.

Solozano, who made his debut in May 2013 and has a First Class hundred to his name is in his worst ever national form, averaging a dismal 6.33 from four matches so far with a highest score of 19. But with the thrust being youths, why is he not getting a consistent run in a season where title contending is not the priority? National all-rounder Rayad Emrit has also been treated indifferently by the TT selectors. After missing the start of the season due to his participation in the Bangladesh Premier League and Hong Kong T20 Blitz, Emrit was omitted from the TT squad for their crushing 10-wicket loss to Guyana Jaguars on March 20 despite being available. The 36-year-old all-rounder was selected for his first match of the season last week, taking four wickets in TT ’s loss to Jamaica including an impressive 3/30 in the second innings as Jamaica were bowled for 201 twice.

He had knocks of 10 not out and four with the bat.

Newsday was reliably informed yesterday that Emrit, however, was omitted from the national squad for TT ’s trip to Barbados on April 7. Queen’s Park’s Tion Webster, who had two half-centuries and a five-wicket haul over the weekend vs Clarke Road, has earned a callup along with Bajan all-rounder Roshon Primus who played a few TT matches earlier this season.

Contacted yesterday, Chairman of Selectors Raphick Jumadeen, declined comment on the composition of the TT squad until the squad was officially released by the TT CB. The Selection Committee also comprises Anthony Gray, Roland Sampath and Lalman Kowlessar.

“We really did pick the team today but the only time I can give you any information is if you go through the CEO Suruj Ragoonath.

If he says to release it, then I have no problem, but I feel it will be unethical to say who left off or who on the team before they release it.

I don’t want to put anything in the public domain until the CEO has a look at the team,” he said.

most people have an eye for quality. For some individuals they might opt to buy certain brands of different products perhaps due to experience or recommendations from peers and colleagues. Be that as it may, making a careful selection of any product is essential, and taking the time to examine the item can help. Today’s article focuses on shopping for food.

Though shopping for food is much different from that of times past –such as the utilising technology to do online grocery shopping redefining the experience, as well as large supermarkets chains with a wide variety of pre-packaged and canned foods compared to that of smaller shops. Also, consumers no longer have to wait for the shopkeeper to weigh and package rice, sugar, flour, and meats except in some smaller communities.

Moreover, generations may probably tend to shape the economy; today “millennials are starting their careers early and forming households, while the oldest of the next generation (Generation Z) are about to graduate from college; therefore, it is critical that retailers and manufacturers cater to meet needs of these generations, utilising technology. But, there are other key factors which cannot be overlooked such as the amount of money available, food availability and accessibility which can have an impact on one’s buying power, diet, food choices and overall health.

In addition, at the local, regional and international levels, households and community groups are encouraged to plant short crops, which aid in decreasing food cost for many families. This gardening activity promotes the farm-to-table approach and can also increase income for others. Also, from another perspective home and/or community gardening provides access to healthy foods which can be used in the preparation of local cuisines and beverages.

Keep it fresh As meal managers when purchasing food such as dry goods, convenience foods, poultry, meat, dairy products, fish, eggs and local produce, you may wish to ensure that nutritional quality is maintained. This of course indicates that at all times, food should be fresh, good for consumption and free from spoilage. More importantly, consumers are concerned not only about the price of the food or product, but quality, as what we eat can affect our health.

Good nutrition promotes health contributing to preventing and/or lowering risk for chronic diseases. The consumption of spoiled food contributes to illness. Having knowledge about planning balanced meals, food preparation and incorporating foods from the Caribbean Food Groups that are the best sources of nutrients, can be beneficial in aiding people within households to meet their daily nutritional requirements.

Diet essentials Overall, peas and beans and vegetables are essential in the diet; legumes are inexpensive sources of protein, and low in fat, together with vegetables and fruits they contain vitamins, minerals, dietary fibre, antioxidants and phytochemicals.

Keeping in mind that fresh garden peas or dried beans cooked at home can also be low in sodium. But, canned foods (vegetables, legumes and processed meats) may contain large amounts of sodium.

Prior to purchasing these items, take some time to read the food label, checking the “nutrition facts panel” looking for the amount of sodium in the product.

Also, the form you buy might influence how it is prepared –whichever method the cook/ chef selects. For example, vegetables influences the amounts of nutrients lost such as vitamins and minerals, or the caloric content of the dish by adding ingredients containing fat, carbohydrate and so on.

Buying guide Veggies –and root crops should be fresh, not wilted or spoiled and free from cuts, dirt and blemishes. This includes leafy vegetables such as spinach, pak choi, callaloo bush and root crops such as beetroot, carrots and ground provision.

Fruits: These should be fresh, firm, not soggy, cut, bruised and spoiled. This is applicable to all fruits available on the market (guava, caimite, sapodilla, citrus fruits, soursop, papaya, mango, etc.). If buying canned fruits, check for those that are packed in their own natural juice instead of light or heavy syrup.

Legumes can be purchased fresh, frozen, canned or dried; dried peas and beans should be free from weevils, stones, dirt, pieces of glass and so on.

Canned food products: When buying canned goods ensure that you note the expiry date and examine the can for rust, dents and bulges.

As far as possible, purchase fresh or frozen foods.

If you buy canned vegetables be sure to drain the liquid and rinse the contents thoroughly under running water.

Using this method can possibly help you in decreasing the amount of sodium.

Packaged foods: These food items should be tightly- wrapped and sealed to protect the product and can also serve as a barrier to prevent bacteria, dust, tampering, etc.

When shopping always look for the label which should state the nutrition facts, ingredients list, expiration date and information on preparation and storage, and in some cases, a recipe might be provided.

Nutrition message: Buy quality food products, take time to read the food label, and choose foods that are low in fat and sodium, and moderate to high in dietary fibre.

Claudette Mitchell, PhD, RD is Assistant Professor, University of the Southern Caribbean, School of Science, Technology, and Allied Health

Go?t de France/ Good France is a celebration of the vitality of French cuisine and brings together chefs from all over the world. It also promotes dialogue about different cultures by providing a common language: the language of food.

Before guests dug in, French Ambassador and host H?di Picquart, along with his wife Brigitte, welcomed guests. Quoting Jean-Marc Ayrault, the French Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development Picquart said: “Gastronomy is one of the pillars of French heritage. Today, our gastronomy is being exported.

It is present on all of the continents and contributes to our country’s exposure. It has its rightful place in influential diplomacy and the tourism development strategy being co-ordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development.” This year’s event focused on training for the catering, hotel and tourism industries, bringing together schools and students, as 71 culinary schools from around the world participated by serving French-style dishes.

Picquart said: “From New York to Singapore and from Port-of-Spain to Sydney or Johannesburg, more than 2,000 restaurants and 150 French embassies on all five continents are participating tonight by providing dishes that celebrate all categories of restaurants –from gourmet dining to exceptional bistros.

“We have the pleasure, here in Trinidad and Tobago, to have the participation of two great chefs, Pierre-Yves Le Bihan and Moses Ruben, who, at their respective restaurants, Zazou Bistro Moderne and M?lange, are participating in this global event as they present their art and their culinary expertise.” Both restaurants served a wide variey of dishes and desserts.

Zazou Bistro Moderne’s included apertifs, marinated beef short ribs ravioli, wood mushrooms, arugula, black truffle and parmesan, reduction jus and fine herbs; marinated ahi tuna semi-crudo, lemon aioli, roasted duck breast marinated with honey and tonka bean, goat cheese mousse and green onion blinis, spiced pears & grapes pickled with mustard grains.

Across at Melange patrons’ options included petit verrines, smoked chicken with mango, coconut and cilantro salsa; stuffed fillet of salmon, bouillobaisse jus, asparagus mousset, cassava mousseline, crab acras, black caviar, lavender rack of lamb, sweet potato douphinoise, sauce paloise, foie gras espumo; warm brie, ginger citrus gastique, provencal flatbread; vanilla bean macarons, sorrel creme au beurre, olive oil and thyme ice cream, and shaved cocoa.

Dan seems to be a man who doesn’t know how to hold his hand when it comes to women as he has several wives in different countries across the Caribbean.

When, due to a series of unfortunate events, a number of Dan’s wives converge on Piarco International Airport at the same time he is catching a flight to go on a “business trip”, the comedy ensues.

Aided by his versatile and cunning sidekick Perry, Dan manages to get out of some really tight spots until wives collide and everything turns ole mas.

Dan ends up getting what he deserves but not before some hilarious encounters and master deception, mainly engineered by Perry. Based on an Advertising Association award-winning radio play of the same name written by Baggasse Company director Christine Johnston, Dan the Travelling Man stars Aaron Schneider as the title character and comic talent Andrew Friday (Fries) as his sidekick Perry, with Philomena Alexis Baptiste (Philo) telling the story in her theatre debut. Dan also features UTT acting graduate Chris-Ann Graham; Ruby Parris, UWI BA Theatre Arts (Hons); Kala Neehalll; Kyle Richardson, newcomers Nafilia McIntyre and Rondez Lewis.

The comedy opens tomorrow and ends on Sunday.

For more info: visit www.facebook.com/ thebaggassecompany

Additional statements were expected to be sworn to and disclosed to the defence and at yesterday’s sitting the prosecution was expected to be in a position to proceed with the start of the preliminary inquiry.

However, senior prosecutor Tricia Hudlin-Cooper, who took over the matter from Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions George Busby, said she had only just been assigned to prosecute and was not aware that statements were still to be sworn and disclosed. She said this will be done before April 24.

Both teams were successful in their previous matches on Friday, with TT edging Panama 1-0 while Mexico brushed aside Costa Rica 2-0.

On the CONCACAF Zone Final Round points standings, after three games, Mexico lead with seven points, with Costa Rica next on six points and Panama third on four points.

The United States, TT and Honduras round off the group with three points apiece, but the US’ goal difference is plus one, TT ’s own is minus three and Honduras are on minus five.

During yesterday’s pre-game media conference at the Hasely Crawford Stadium’s VIP Lounge, Lawrence acknowledged, “My major concern is probably the focus. We have to stay focused. We have to understand that what we did to Panama was fantastic, but it’s over.” He continued, “We’re now going into the Mexico game. We’re going to be playing one of the world’s best football teams in my opinion and we need to go into the game with a clear direction.” TT are playing their second game in 96 hours and Lawrence indicated that his technical staff has been working assiduously to ensure his players have recovered sufficiently from Friday’s match.

Referring to today’s contest, Lawrence said, “The key for us is we have to be brave. We have to be brave to be able to say we know exactly what we want to do.

“We cannot allow Mexico to take total control of the game, which they are extremely good at. So it’s going to be a great test for our group. But the idea is to be brave and try (to) go toe-to-toe with Mexico and ensure we stay involved in the game.” Concerning where he wants the TT team to improve on, Lawrence noted, “I think we could have kept the ball a little bit better in the second half (against Panama).

“Obviously I understood that once we were one-nil up, the scoreline started to affect some of the things that we wanted to do. So we started to drop a bit deeper and allow Panama to come onto us a little bit more.

I thought we would have dealt with it a bit better.

I’d like to hope we can improve that one bit.” Due to injuries, Mexico will be without the services of the experienced trio of defender Rafael Marquez (back), midfielders Giovani dos Santos (hamstring) and Andres Guardado (leg).

But the TT coach insisted, “Mexico (have) got talent coming out from every avenue.

With these players being out, I’d like to hope it would be a benefit to us but I’m expecting the replacements to be just as good.” On the TT end, Lawrence said that central defenders Sheldon Bateau and Radanfah Abu Bakr, who missed Friday’s game due to suspension and illness respectively, will be available for selection today.

Lawrence praised the brilliance of his opposite number Juan Carlos Osorio which he said makes being prepared more important.

“We (will) prepare as much as possible to see if we can cover all angles. (Osorio) is very tactically astute and he’s devised things that you need to be fully aware of. So we (will) try and make sure that we can cover all these areas, to ensure that it doesn’t affect us.”

Williams was referred to as “a great husband, father, friend, Bridge player and administrator who will be sorely missed by all who knew this perfect gentleman.” The most recent tribute came from Bridge enthusiast, Sham Mohammed, in memory of this retired Chartered Accountant who is survived by his wife Jeanette (nee Wilkes), and sons Stephen and Stuart.

“All philosophers are agreed that nature has brought into being human beings of a fine delicate disposition and others of a gross and course temperament.

Hugh Williams undoubtedly belonged to the former category as is amply evidenced by the life he lived,” Mohammed declared.

He added, “Without doubt he was the epitome of good manners, one who was always calm and polite and who loved people who were of the same inclination. He was always approachable and would generously give of his time to listen to the problems of players and do his best to alleviate their concerns and allay their anxieties.

“He also possessed a special gift to deal with people in authority, for example, the officers of the Ministry of Sport and his ability for amicable and convincing arguments redounded to the benefit of the Bridge League on many occasions especially when he was the president.

“As a Bridge player, his expertise and passion were commendable, but as a human being his character was exemplary and worthy of emulation. In conclusion, we can infer that he possessed a powerful philosophy of life that carried him through all the vicissitudes and vagaries of fate that he had to face in a long productive life.” Mohammed quoted poet, S.E.

Kiser as he reminisced on Williams’ impact.

“To do some good, To bear my ills without complaining, To press on as a brave man should, For honours that are worth the gaining, To seek no profits where I may, By winning them bring grief to others, To do some service day by day in helping on my toiling brothers.”

The shocking discovery of the missing cash was made by John Wallis, owner of Ma Pau Casino at 4.15 pm on Sunday. The money, said to be the weekend take of the casino could not be found where it was left in two fire-proof vaults and a third vault in a caged area at the Casino.

Wallis together with Fire Officer John Phillip who is also the safety officer at Ma Pau discovered the fire proof vaults opened and the large sums of cash missing. Only $166,000 was left behind in two of the three vaults.

Wallis also discovered a quantity of $100 notes in the corridor suggesting that the person or persons who stole the cash dropped some of the money in their haste to leave the building.

A report of the missing cash was made to police constable Gosine of the Woodbrook police.

All employees who were in the building when the fire started were able to escape unhurt and the fire proof vaults which contained the cash were locked.

However, the investigators are working on a theory that the locks were prised open by persons who then removed the majority of the cash.

Yesterday, workers met with management and were relocated with immediate effect to two other Ma Pau branches. One of the Directors, Sherry Persad confirmed the larceny of the cash but said the issue is now a police matter and she is not at liberty to disclose any information.

(See Page 11A)

Little Shannen suffers from thalassemia major, a blood related disorder which requires a monthly blood transfusion. According to the Thalassemia Foundation of Canada’s website, thalassemia major occurs when a child inherits two mutated genes, one from each parent. Children born with thalassemia major usually develop symptoms of severe anaemia within the first year of life.

They lack the ability to produce normal, adult haemoglobin and experience chronic fatigue. They may also fail to thrive. Two major consequences of the disorder are severe anaemia and expansion of the bone marrow in the body’s effort to produce more red blood cells. This leads to poor growth, impaired physical activities, facial and other bone deformities, fragile bones and enlargement of the liver and spleen. In some cases, it can be fatal.

Speaking to Newsday yesterday, Michelle said she and her husband learnt their daughter had the disorder when she was nine-monthsold.

She said when they visited the paediatrician, Shannen was placed on a scale and the doctor noticed she had lost weight. He sent her a blood test and the diagnosis was later made. Since January 2014, Shannen has received a blood transfusion monthly at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EWMSC) in Mt Hope.

The family began consultations with Dr Waveny Charles who in the past, sent children to Italy to have the same procedure done.

“She told us about the transplant and the family got tested but none one of us were a 100 percent match.

We were all half matches, but she told us about this new technology with half match transplants and there have been really good results. Dr Charles recommended the hospital and the doctor and we have been raising funds since last year,” the mother of two said. The procedure will be done at the Bambino Gesu Hospital in Rome, Italy on May 2. That procedure will cost €158,000 which is approximately TT$1.2 million. In addition to the transplant, the family will need to stay in Italy for seven months to ensure Shannen recovers fully.

The Luke family has since mortgaged their home and have held a fund-raising barbeque.

Last weekend they organised a calypso show in their neighbourhood in Brazil Village where several calypsonians including Eric “Pink Panther” Taylor, Devon Seale, Karene Ashe, Duane O’Connor and Sasha Moses all performed for free. The family has also planned a cruise on the Harbour Master this Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm.

The Rotary Club of Chaguanas has also stepped in to assist the parents in raising $250,000. President of the Rotary Club of Chaguanas Michael Ibrahim said that since hearing of Shannen’s plight, the Rotary Club has come up with a plan to raise funds. Earlier this month, the Rotary Club together with the Catholic Church in Freeport held a garage and clothes sale.

He said a barbeque would be held on April 28. Ibrahim said they have also reached out to the Chaguanas Regional Corporation, the Couva/Tabaquite Regional Corporation and corporate companies for assistance. “We accepted this responsibility knowing the country is in a contraction. We accepted this responsibility knowing our corporate friends who have supported us in the past are now (cash) strapped. We accepted the responsibility because it is a child and the Rotary Club continues to work in the protection of the nation’s children.” “So we are requesting a small individual contribution of $20 per person by approximately 12,000 people. Many of the rotary clubs are supporting as well together with friends and well wishers.

Every bit will help,” Ibrahim said.

The Club is also inviting people to make any contribution they can to any Republic Bank branch account number 660297924401.

Michelle said she was thankful for all the assistance she has received from everyone and it made her see that there are a lot of good people out there. “You see sad news everywhere and it has really opened my eyes to see that there is so many good people out there that have come forward to help in anyway they can and we are very thankful,” she said

Maharaj prepared a comprehensive plan free of charge for the Dr Keith Rowley administration and yesterday he announced at a press conference that government must also have the will-power to implement the death penalty. Maharaj said, “They have to make up their minds to do it. They must have a dedicated team to track the cases but, most importantly, they have to put their minds to it.” Maharaj managed the trials of Dole Chadee and his gang who murdered four members of a Williamsville family which resulted in Chadee and eight men being hanged in 1999 and yesterday, the former attorney general announced that he had recommended the same fast-tracking mechanism in which government must first examine the cases of those Death Row prisoners who are close to the five-year Pratt and Morgan limitation period.

The last two people who were hanged after the Chadee gang, were Anthony Briggs and Wenceslaus James on July 28, 1999. The events sparked major controversy locally and abroad with criticisms from several international agencies and individuals lobbying for abolition of the death penalty.

There are approximately 36 convicted people on Death Row and Newsday learned yesterday that staff at the office of Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi have begun to implement the plan provided by Maharaj.

Maharaj said yesterday that he has recommended to government that a Case Management Unit (CMU) be set up which must be all-embracing, in which it must comprise representatives from the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Commissioner of Prisons, Supreme Court Registry, Ministry of National Security and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The respective members must be responsible for ensuring that all departments which fall under those ministries, provide all the information requested by the CMU in a timely manner to ensure all necessary documents are made available for appeals and applications by convicted killers before international human rights bodies.

Citing his own experience as a former attorney general, Maharaj said if there were any delays or stumbling blocks which the CMU could not overcome, he was requested to intervene as attorney general to have the process expedited.

Convicted killers who have exhausted appeals to the Privy Council have a right to petition the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights with an appeal from the commission to the Inter-American Court on Human Rights. They also have the right to petition the United Nations Committee on Human Rights. When those fail, the convicted prisoner petitions the Mercy Committee requesting that his death sentence be commuted to life imprisonment.

Maharaj reiterated that a good plan “is as good as its implementation”, adding that one must recognise the work of a government minister is indeed a heavy task.

Asked how long could it take for the first person to be hanged in Trinidad if his plan is effected efficiently, Maharaj said that it all depended on the status of the appeals of Death Row prisoners.