Horsford and St Fort both won gold medals at the games last year and would be hoping to repeat those efforts.

Horsford broke the Carifta record in the boys Under-18 javelin with a top throw of 73 metres, while St Fort won gold in the girls 100m event in 11.40 seconds.

Last year TT finished the Carifta Games fifth on the medal standings with 14 medals (three gold, two silver, nine bronze). Jamaica ended as the top team, followed by Barbados, Bahamas and Grenada

TT TEAM:
BOYS U-20 – Jerrod Elcock (100m/200m/4x100m), Joshua
St Clair (400m/4x400m/4x100m), Judah Taylor (4x400m),
Jahi Hernandez (4x400m), Isaiah Taylor (shot put), Elijah
Martin (4x400m), Onil Mitchell (4x100m), Kashief King
(400m/ 4x400m), Aaron Caesar (octathlon), Jude Atwell
(110mH/4x100m), Anderson Subero (pole vault), Jalen Purcell
100m/200m/4x100m), Tyrell Edwards (4x100m), Clarence Hannibal
(discus throw), Konnel Jacobs (shot put/discus), Kerlon
Ashby (110m/octathlon), Odell Joefield (javelin), Vandel Joseph
(javelin).

BOYS U-18 – Avindale Smith (100m/200m/4x100m),
Che Lara (400m/4x400m/4x100m), Adell Colthrust
(100m/200m/4x100m), Kaylon Thomson (4x400m), Randolph
Isaac (shot put/discus), Shakeel John (4x100m), Aaron Cruickshank
(long jump), Akil Boisson (4x400m), Tyrese Rawlins
(110mH /400mH/4x400m), Jaydon Antoine (high jump/long
jump), Timothy Frederick (4x100m), Shaquille Benjamin (high
jump), Tyshawn Gray (400m/4x400m), Tyriq Horsford (javelin).
GIRLS U-18 – Akilah Lewis (100m/200m/4x100m), Jenea
Spinks (4x100m), Joanna Rogers (400m/4x400m), Caliyah
Wallace (4x400m), Deleth Charles (4x100m), Ianna Roach
(shot put), Rea-Ann Serville (400m/4x400m/4x100m), Patrice
Richards (400mH/4x400m), Cheziah Phillip (100mH/4x400m),
Safiya John (long jump), Ayla Staniclaus (100m/200m/
4x100m), Kymoi Noray (javelin).
GIRLS U-20 – Kieanne Blackman (discus), Shikyla Walcott
(100m/200m), Akidah Briggs (javelin), Anya Akili (heptathlon),
Asha James (javelin), Tyra Gittens (long jump/heptathlon),
Khalifa St Fort (100m/200m).

OFFICIALS – Dexter Voisin (manager), Andre Leung-Woo
Gabriel (assistant manager), Ian Carter (head coach), Althea
Busby (sprints and hurdles coach), Antonia Burton (sprints
and hurdles coach), Robin Brereton (jumps coach), Anesa
Brebnor (jumps coach), Nadine Hamid (throws coach), Wade
Franklyn (throws coach), Arlon Morisson (multi events coach),
Anthony Walcott (medical team), Clint Mc Kenzie (medical
team), Kurlyn Smith-Nicholas (medical team).

Speaking after Sunday’s goalless draw between TT and Venezuela, in the first of two women’s friendly international matches at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva, Morace pointed out, “The difference between a group and a team is the rules. The needs of the team is on top of everything.” Morace, the former Italian striker and ex-Italy and Canada coach continued, “This group of players understood very well that the needs of the team came first, the individual needs come second.

“This group is a good group, this (past) week was a pleasure to see them off the field. We are not the best team in the world but we have to work on other strengths that we have.” When contacted last evening, Attin-Johnson declined to make an official comment, saying “(the TT Football Association) haven’t really released anything concerning it. I decided when they do then I’ll have my say on the matter.” However Attin-Johnson admitted that she has received a suspension letter from the TT FA.

TT FA boss David-John Williams had previously said he needed to have a discussion with Morace before making a statement on the matter.

Sunday’s game was the first for Morace since taking over the reins as coach of the TT team.

“It was good,” was how she described the match.

“We had a good chance to score but they had more chances than us. We know that we’re not in the best of conditions, we know that we are growing.

“Everybody has to improve. Nobody is at their maximum, we know that from the beginning.” About the team’s playing style, she commented, “What I asked was for more movements on the wings. In non-ball possession, I think we have to be more aggressive in the (midfield).” TT and Venezuela will meet in their second friendly match at the aforementioned Couva venue from 7 pm tomorrow.

The other TT players are Mariah Shade, Dernelle Mascall, Patrice Supervise, Natasha St Louis, Annalis Cummings Anastasia Prescott and Ayana Russell.

The eight players will be accommodated under a four-tier contract system, which has seen the players offered one year contracts.

The TT FA believes that the new agreement reflects the importance the local governing body has placed on women’s football and the national women’s team. The arrangements are a result of constructive negotiations between all parties.

Under the retainers, the players will receive regular monthly income. It is aimed at improving conditions for local players while creating a talent pool conducive to the national team challenging for success at international tournaments and World Cup qualification.

“Lavish ornamentation, exotic imagery and regal styling are the words that describe Neha Karina,” she declared.

“NK is a one-stop shop that manufactures garments locally from start to finish with a touch of modern and Indian mix, with a middle eastern twist.” NK also comprises two jewelry lines, one basic and the other is bridal. There’s also a ready-to-wear line, men’s line, resort wear, a princess clothing line and a bridal line. Dawar also manufactures from the classic white bridal dress to the traditional red Hindu dress. Fabrics, beads and trimmings all come from various parts of the world, including Europe, the USA, the Middle East and India, she said.

Dawar, 25, holds a degree in marketing and is also a graduate from University of Trinidad and Tobago with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design. She qualified and trained in Indian classical arts and dance (kathak) in Delhi, India. “I have done many short courses in India on various topics such as styling, dyeing, hand embroidery and much more.” she said. Her fashion dream was in the making for five years, however, NK began operations one year ago, “after seeing the need for a different market within our little shores.” She explained: “We live in a small country with limitations, where we may see things and may want to look different.

Out there we have to compromise and maybe have the same thing someone else has, but shopping at NK we do timeless pieces that no one will have. So my inspiration came from always seeing women looking at magazines, movies and always wondering and trying to look a certain way and never achieve that look. Neha Karina offers that holistic change by offering value, styling and quality to our customers.

“If something does not look good on a client we tell them and suggest what would look good on them. Our brand connects with the client.” What makes her stand out? “I see myself as new and different to all the others, as I am a different aesthetic altogether, being the first of the brand in Trinidad. My ultimate goal is to create the brand on an international level.” She is also aiming to create a charitable foundation for children in the near future as well as give back to the community.

her designs, Dawar said in the beginning the public was confused as the brand itself is new.

“People tend to view Indian wear as something complicated. But to be honest, clothing and style comes from inside. If you having that particular expertise and knowledge you can achieve anything, I invested in my studies to be a designer and never stopped the growth. As such there is only room for improvement. I am happy with the growth I’ve had within the year. It has opened a lot of doors for me.” The young entrepreneur who started her career growth and planning from age 14 is also encouraging other youth to never give up on their dreams but to also save toward their goal.

She “I created goals and 90 percent of my life is work,” she said. “Neha Karina started from nothing and has been building up steadily. I have saved my earnings to build this dream, and I encourage my fellow youth don’t give up, save, save, save, even if it’s $1 TT, It will turn into $100 TT in no time.

That $1 may have no value sitting in the car but at the end of the day it can make you successful.”

The event takes place during the Tobago Jazz Experience which will run from April 22 to 30.

Formerly known as Jazz on the Beach and held at Mt Irvine, the two-day event on April 29 and 30 will move to its new base at Black Rock.

The line-up of artistes include perennial favourite Arturo Tappin, Errol Ince, Vaughnette Bigford, Kay Alleyne, Tobago’s own jazz ensemble Caribbean INXS and young musicians from the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT ). The music journey begins on the Saturday at 11 am with Tobago’s own jazz ensemble, Caribbean INXS followed by veteran trumpeter Errol Ince and a 20-piece UTT (University of Trinidad and Tobago) Orchestra doing 50s and 60s big band swing and jazz music, inclusive of a special session with Kelwyn Hutcheon in the mix.

Producer of Tobago Beach Jazz Carl “Beaver” Henderson will make a return to the stage after 25 years to close off the day’s live entertainment. He will perform with the UTT Festival band comprising of veteran and upcoming musicians and singers.

This feature according to Henderson is intended to create platforms for young musicians and undergraduates.

“We’ve partnered with UTT to develop young and new talent in an effort to have graduates actually come out and practise their creative artistic side,” Beaver told Newsday.

“For the last ten years of Jazz on the Beach we have been unearthing new talent so we are now creating platforms now for young musicians, under grads, to come out and get some OJT [on the job training].

So whether you are professional or semi profession, the platform is to assist the performing industry in TT . So I’ve put together the UTT Festival Orchestra.” About his upcoming performance Henderson revealed: “I will be singing and playing and jumping around the stage like a fool like normal, but seriously it is all about giving back to all the requests that I have been getting to perform again.

When I go on stage my session will be like the pop version of the festival.

Basically we will start telling the history of music through a one-hour session with experienced musicians and an all-star cast.

“I will be starting off where I know best, the music of the 70s, the JB’s kind of era for those who don’t know. So my session will be drums, bass, two guitars, three keyboards, a horn section and six vocalists –Kay Alleyne will perform the music of Chaka Khan, Michelle Xavier (Gloria Gaynor), Vaughnette Bigford (Al Jareau), Keith Ajala Sutherland (James Ingram/ Quincy Jones), Jason Fridge Seecharan (Marvin Gaye) and Dereck Patience (Eagles) (and) featuring young guitarist Dax Carter.” Beaver said the festival will also feature vocalist Dereck Patience with Robin Imamshah on the mixing board and himself in the continuation of the journey that started with the Maracas Cool Down and now has Beach House Entertainment on board.

“This thing didn’t start as Mt Irvine Jazz, I started the Ash Wednesday Cool down on Maracas Beach, then went to Mt Irvine, now it is Turtle Beach, the third version of music on the beach.” He said that Beach House is going to reshape the Sunday beach presentation with less live performances and a more cool-down atmosphere with different styles of deejays.

The Sunday Beach Jazz will take the form of a brunch party beginning from 10 am with Caribbean INXS.

Patrons will then be taken back through the years of jazz dance hits by Beach House director DJ CPOP and Japanese DJ and UTT sound engineer Katz Imai.

Food and drinks will be on sale, however, patrons will be allowed to bring their own coolers into the venue until 2 pm.

HE old adage, patience is a virtue, has been around for centuries but still today in 2017, many don’t seem to appreciate its importance.

I am also guilty of being impatient in my earlier years until certain circumstances brought me to the point of realising that patience is crucial to a healthy co-existence.

In simple terms, patience requires a mindset that is sufficiently strong to deal with and tolerate issues that are extremely challenging.

Patience is not only limited to waiting over a period of time for a particular outcome, but can also occur in relation to another person’s behaviour and/or actions.

We live in a world that offers a myriad of changes on a daily basis…some positive whilst others are not, and therefore, individuals who display high levels of patience are often considered unique creatures or even possessing a special kind of mind.

Being patient does not land well with everyone, and those who experience such difficulty, sometimes seek therapeutic help which includes meditation, mindfulness, and restructuring frustrated thoughts which have proven to be quite successful.

Research, coupled with my own personal experience show that patience helps in minimising stress and also provides a choice about how one should respond to disappointment and frustration.

Having patience offers tremendous benefits including reduced stress levels which of course creates a happier and wholesome you. You are able to exercise greater prudence in making decisions; it assists in developing understanding and compassion – processing your circumstances becomes easier and your IQ in overcoming obstacles also become sharper.

Patience is a must if one is to survive in this very high-tech global environment where everything is needed NOW. Some simple tips are recommended – start by dedicating one day per month for exercising patience in all your activities for the entire day; this is aimed at transitioning from an impatient to a patient mindset. Slow down your pace of life… many individuals live their lives like a marathon… this is also a recipe for lifestyle diseases; rushing around and attempting to do everything quickly can sometimes be disastrous.

Learn to defer gratification….Rome was not built in a day and therefore everything we need in life cannot be attained all at the same time. Always develop a list of needs and wants and based on your circumstances, prioritise the order in which you plan to acquire those things; attempting to acquire everything all at once can result in poor decision-making.

Always think before you speak…this is a common error.

Remember patience is a virtue! Sandrine Rattan is a communications/ branding consultant, author and president of the International Women’s Resource Network (IWRN) Contact: thecorporatesuitett@ gmail.

com or intlwomensresourcenetwork@ gmail.com or 283- 0318.

We feel we are the best feters in the world and that God is a Trini (absolute rubbish). The creator serves everyone; that eternal spirit looks after the good, the bad and the ugly. The nation has not fully come to grips with what is taking place.

We have never been in such an extreme situation before, except under the NAR government that saved the country from collapse.

The repercussions of 1990 did not help anything. All they did was destroy what was already in place.

After 1990, there was a steep decline in moral standards and values. Some of us took the opportunity to loot and destroy and out of the ashes resonated a sub-culture that is now a big sore.

Lawlessness is now our motto and nobody cares. We are just mashing up the place left, right and centre. I say is woe to us, we will pay dearly, prayers cannot help. God has already made his decision. This country is either going to face a serious disaster or civil war. I know I will be criticised, but I live in the real world.

The Prime Minister has finally decided to take the bull by the horns and approach former Attorney General Lawrence Maharaj (the best ever) to assist in reintroducing the death penalty, but the horse has already left the stable, but better late than never.

Dr Eric Williams (the father of the nation) is partly responsible for our state of affairs. He did good things but encouraged slackness in the society.

I have put my house in order, so I am prepared for the holocaust.

Lord have mercy on us.

EARL MARTIN Trincity

They also suggest that the primary way to deal with it is by rationing the scarce resource rather than allowing the exchange rate to depreciate much further.

If I am correct then I suggest that there is an alternative way that can be more effective in achieving a number of goals all at the same time.

The fact that the demand for foreign exchange is outstripping the supply and that this is likely to continue for several years indicates that the current exchange rate regime is inappropriate.

Central Bank policy then must seek to adjust the rate in order to bring about certain changes in behaviour by individuals and companies which will curb import demand and promote exports.

This can be done through a change in relative prices, ie, by making the price of imports more expensive through a depreciation of the exchange rate.

An appropriately depreciated exchange rate would (i) discourage imports, (ii) help to stimulate domestic substitutes (think local farmers and manufacturers etc) and (iii) encourage exports.

In the process the consumer will choose to buy less of the now higher-priced imports and new and existing exporters would be incentivised to promote exports.

While this is a simplified explanation of what I am contending, it addresses the main arguments.

The path of rationing foreign exchange as the main instrument of control which both gentlemen seem to prefer is one that is fraught with major challenges including bureaucratic headaches and even corruption.

It was tried in the eighties only to be eventually surrendered in 1993 in favour of a largely successful managed float.

Further, rationing might necessitate additional tariffs on imported goods and services so as to curb imports while exporters may also wish additional tax and other incentives.

The bureaucracy to monitor these is costly, complicated and hardly ever work to accomplish the desired goals.

One well understands that prices can rise in the short run but that needs to happen if both gentlemen want to encourage less expenditure on imports and to give farmers, manufacturers, traders, and service providers a better chance against imported goods and services and to begin exporting more.

To be sure, either route, rationing or depreciating the TT dollar, would necessitate other appropriate policy positions along with a marked reduction in the cost of doing business.

Diversification into additional sources of foreign exchange, which must be the ultimate goal, would stand a better chance if consumers, producers and government are all reoriented through the price effect to shift behaviours in a way that curbs imports, promotes substitutes to imports or replacements and incentivises producers of exports in new and traditional sectors.

The vulnerable certainly needs some cushion from rising prices. This can and should be done through targeted social measures, some of which already exist.

Ronald Ramkissoon economist

Police officers are not trained to deal with the behaviours displayed by mentally ill patients.

Hence the reason why a second call was made for the mental health officer to return to the family home to assist the police.

The mental health officer is fully trained to take care and manage the behaviour of manic patients. So, given the circumstances of the critical situation, he should have responded to the call by the police, knowing that he, according to the newspaper, visited the family earlier in the day and was aware of the person’s behaviour.

The statement “he does not work after 4 pm” is not acceptable.

The police officers are not solely responsible for this unfortunate mishap. This is a grave insult to all relatives of mentally ill patients.

J MONSEGUE Diego Martin

The seasoning down of the germs is the answer.

Out there in foreign, corned beef is eaten straight from the tin. Cold. No heating up, no set of garlic, no thyme or chadon beni, no black pepper and hot peppers, no onion, no nothing. Can you imagine eating corned beef without the seasoning? But what is wrong is the principle of the thing. We should not be fooled into eating rotten meat because we can season it enough not to kill ourselves.

A right thing is a right thing. Selling substandard meat is wrong.

It smacks of the unspoken insult that poor people will eat anything to stay alive and that we do not need to know the fine print.

But it is not only substandard food that is sold to the unwary.

We also get dumped with drugs that are outdated or no longer used in the First World.

The corned beef problem is the tip of the iceberg.

You cannot beat a good corned beef and rice with lettuce and tomatoes. When we can identify which brands are decreed edible, we will go back to seasoning down the thing and eating it. We eat anything. I do not let what shrimp and shark really eat worry me. Anything, well seasoned, is a TT dish that can be eaten.

My advice to the Supermarkets Association is, once cleared by the Ministry of Agriculture, we want to buy the corned beef stocked in the warehouses back to the longago price of $8 a tin.

The TT consumers must learn when to apply price-bargaining skills like thumb screws.

Lynette Joseph Diego Martin