“This in the context of the acute shortage of natural gas which is impacting not only Government’s revenues but also the efficient operations of our downstream energy industries at Point Lisas and our ability to be a reliable source of LNG. “The impact of this is being seen in the recent closures of energy plants, which have resulted in job losses.” Charles said more focus should be placed on producing gas from Loran/Manatee than the Dragon field which is located entirely within Venezuela territory and which so leaves TT more vulnerable and as price-takers.

“We are more vulnerable on the Dragon field arrangements because all the gas belongs to Venezuela and we will be price takers in that arrangement.

He bemoaned that to date the terms and conditions of the deal between our Government, Shell and NGC on the Dragon field have not been revealed.

He cited newspaper reports showing the Venezuelans very anxious to finalise the operating agreement to bring gas from Loran/ Manatee, but that the delay was allegedly by the TT Government, especially the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Charles said only after TT and Venezuela sign an Operating Agreement for Loran/Manatee will Royal Dutch Shell, Chevron and PDVSA have 90 days to present their development plan to extract 10 tcf of gas in the utilisation field, of which TT is guaranteed at least 2.7 tcf. He accused the foreign ministry of being clueless and non-proactive.

Charles said the ministry has given no details on the nine TT nationals held in Turkey, its reaction to negative travel advisories on TT, and how TT is complying with United Nations (UN) anti-terrorism resolutions.

“All we are aware of is the hiring of a Washington based lobbyist with known links to the Democratic party, supposedly to advance our interests in the United States (US) with a Republican President, a Republican Congress and a Republican controlled Senate.”

The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) will also continue the use of the weekly Comstat (computer generated statistics) meetings to sustain patrols in hot spots and develop intelligence systems for targeting and preventing assassination attempts by specific known offenders on specific known victims.

Williams, the keynote speaker at yesterday’s first session of the 3rd Biennial Department of Behavioural Sciences Post Graduate Research Conference, University of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus took the opportunity to extend condolences to the family, friends and associates of Waterloo Secondary student Jesse Beephan, who was found dead on Wednesday.

“His death reflects the challenges that Trinidad and Tobago society is confronted with, and for which we all have a part to play in fixing the problems,” he said.

On the objectives to be carried out over the two-year period, he said, some experimentation with some measure of success had been carried out in pilots periodically during 2013 to 2016.

A timeline has been set for implementation which will require a budget, Williams said, and the TTPS will seek Government’s funding. The haemostatic bandages on victims will first be rolled out, followed by the launch of the use of the body cameras, and then the offenders’ focused patrols.

“All three would be fully implemented with revisions by the end of the two years,” he said.

He noted the TTPS conducted a pilot of the body video cameras in the Enterprise district in the Central Division where there was an increase in violence. Fifty-two officers of the Task Force were exposed to the cameras. There were some challenges, he said and the TTPS will be revisiting the experiment in 2017.

Asked about opposition to the use of the cameras, Williams said, the union representing police officers sees it as an opportunity for the police to tell their side of the story as often civilians record only the use of force by the police without knowing what would have led to it.

Asked whether the success achieved in hot spot areas due to evidence-based policing was due to the displacement of crime in other areas, Williams said, “We do not have empirical data to support it.” There is a perception out there, he said, that there might be in Trinidad some level of crime displacement as would have happened in the Port-of-Spain Division, and specifically at Besson Police Station where over 2016 and 2015 there was a 50 percent reduction in violent crimes.

In 2016, there were 117 incidents of violent crimes in the Portof- Spain Division compared to 250 in 2015 which, Williams said, “is the most significant reduction in violent crimes in the history of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.” Nevertheless, to determine whether there is any evidence of crime displacement taking place as crime is being addressed, he said, “We have to do the research to back it.” While measuring homicides, shootings and violent crimes in the hot spots, she said, “We have discovered in the hot spot locations, and it really touches on the issue of displacement, that the hot spot locations are generally starting to get cold.”

Yesterday in the semifinals, Johnson defeated Tobagonian Akiel Duke in three sets. Johnson lost the first set 3-6 but stormed back to take the next two 6-2 and 6-1 to book his spot in the title match. Phillips, meanwhile, was a convincing winner over Trinidadian Richard Chung 6-2, 6-0.

In the veterans singles semifinals, Kendall Cuffy defeated Ricky Villaroel 6-1, 6-4, while Dion Auguste got past Brian Jackson 6-2, 6-3. The men’s and veterans singles finals will be played tomorrow on the last day of the tournament. Action continues today from 4 pm.

Pawan 11 were bowled out for 115, and replying, Central Renegades reached 109 for five wickets needing seven runs to win in the final over bowled by Dennis Sammy whose first five balls produced five runs.

And then the drama began, as the batsman failed to make contact with the final delivery, but darted off for that vital single as the wicketkeeper’s shy at the stumps missed the target. In the Super Over, Central Renegades scored 17 runs, to which Pawan 11 could only reply with eight.

The Central Renegades advanced to face Cavaliers in the final from 7 pm on Saturday.

Cavaliers overwhelmed Survivors by 34 runs after posting a total of 137 for seven, then bowling out the opposition for just 93 runs with Shammi Mahase taking four for 17.

Pawan 11 will now meet Survivors in the third place play off from 4.30 pm also on Saturday.

Winners in the Championship Division will pocket $12,000 with the runners-up collecting $5,000.

Meanwhile, Secret Storm stormed into the final of the Intermediate Division with a convincing seven-wicket victory over Golconda.

Golconda were routed for a paltry 79 with Ravi Mootilal taking four for 17 and Secret Storm replied with 80 for three.

In the other semi-final, Green Arrows beat Metronomes by 29 runs.

After scoring 150 for nine, Metronomes were restricted to 121 for eight. Now Green Arrow will meet Secret Storm in the final of the Intermediate Division tonight from 7 pm.

The third place playoff between Golconda and Metronomes is scheduled to begin at 4.30 pm.

Winners in the Intermediate Division will get $10,000 with the runners-up getting $4,000.

Summarised scores: Championship Division: PAWAN 11- 115/5 – Christian Ramcharan, 38, Noel Poliah 2/14, Jonathan Bisnath 2/20, Shannon Seeboo 2/22 vs CENTRAL RENEGADES 115/5 – Aaron Ragoonath 38, Anthony Ragoo 17, Joel Poliah 20, Shiva Maharaj 2/20, Vijay Sookraj 2/25. CENTRAL RENEGADES won 17 runs to eight in Super Over.

CAVALIERS 137/7 – Zaid Mohammed 32, Dianand Mahase 35, Shivanand Mahase 17, Suresh Heeralal 3/24, Varun Samaroo 2/11 vs SURVIVORS 93 – Vishan Ramroop 31, Shammi Mahase 4/17, Shiva Mahase 2/11, James Duncan 2/16. CAVALIERS won by 44 runs.

Intermediate Division: GREEN ARROW 150/9 – Arnold Suphal 31, Krishna Narine 28, Larry Suphal 21, Aleem Ramjhon 3/30, Ashwanie Ramnanan 3/32 vs METRONOMES 121/8 – Aleem Ramjhon 26, Vikash Ramsawak 25, Krishna Narine 4/19, Justin Gangoo 2/20.

GREEN ARROW won by 29 runs.

GOLCONDA UNITED 79 – Nicholas Sookram 28 Kyle Gookool 14, R. Mootilal 4/17, N. Deonarine 3/21 vs SECRET STORM 80/3 – Alvarado Bryce 22 Russel Ramlochan 16, Kevin Seepaul 2/18. SECRET STORM won by seven wicket

Performances from October 1, 2016, to the recently concluded National Age Group Long Course Championships were considered by ASATT officials. Trinidad and Tobago boast the most CARIFTA trophies, but in the 2016 edition they placed a distant fifth which has been their lowest ranking to date. However, with the depth of this year’s squad, swim team manager Bertram Blackman is confident they can recapture the trophy.

Blackman, serving as a team official for the fifth time and second consecutive as manager, is pleased with the composition of the team.

“We have a very experienced cadre of team officials who I am confident can bring the best out of our team.

The team itself features a nice mix of experience as some athletes have already made the CARIFTA podium and debutantes who had excellent recent successes by virtue of national records and attaining top tier qualifying times,” he said.

He continued, “This group can be nurtured to ensure we have success when we compete at CCCAN right here in Trinidad and Tobago in June, and I am proud to be a part of this unit.” Among the team are veterans Amira Pilgrim, Kael Yorke, Jada Chai, Justin Samlalsingh and Jeron Thompson, who have all won regional medals in the past. Age group record-holders Zarek Wilson, Zoe Anthony, Nikoli Blackman and Josiah Changar are poised to make their CARIFTA debut.

Jada Chatoor, who established the only national record at the recently concluded Long Course would also be a strong contender for CARIFTA gold.

Trinidad and Tobago continue to participate in the open water portion of the tournament and the Head Coach to lead the charge of this contingent is Hazel E Haynes. The CARIFTA open water race is 5km and will take place on April 19. The first national team training session is scheduled for 7am on Saturday at the National Aquatic Centre in Couva.

ASATT also selected two teams to compete in the CARIFTA Water Polo Championships in Bahamas from April 7-9. The Under-15 boys and the Under-18 girls teams will participate in the Under-16 Male and the Under-19 Female categories at this year’s CARIFTA where Trinidad and Tobago are the defending champions.

Girls U-18 water polo squad: Zoe Van Reeken (G), Aaliyah Aching, Jaeda Attong-Julien, Tahirah Beepat, Hailey Deleon, Victoria Gillette, Brean Jordan, Leah Mitchell, Yasmin Mohammed, Amy Pounder, Sahara St. Clair-Douglas, Megan Stafford, Abeo Valentine.

Boys U-15 water polo squad: Tristan Francis (G), Kelvin Caesar, Christian Chin Lee, Dante Drakes – McKell, Ross Gillette, Nathan Hinds, Everson Latchman, Antonio Newallo, Ricardo Ramdan, Yannick Robertson, Nicholai Yorke, Tommy Ou, Benjamin Chow Quan.

The event will take place on March 31, smack in the middle of the second and third T20 Internationals between the West Indies and Pakistan on March 30 and April 1 respectively at the Oval.

The dinner will begin at 8 pm and, according to a post on the Oval’s Facebook page, “bookings can now be made at the (Oval’s) office and tickets (were) available from March 22.” The cost of a ticket is $400.

Nathaniel Barbour had a gamehigh 13 points for Malick while Akil Hume chipped in with five points.

The International School, who trailed 9-5 at the half-time interval, were led by seven points from AJ Rahael.

On Monday, in a Boys Under-20 encounter, Fatima trounced St Mary’s by a scoreline of 69-31.

Fatima, who had a whopping 34-9 lead at the end of the first half, got 18 points from Adam Tang-Nian while Adrian Sangster had 12 and Luke Darwent 10.

For St Mary’s, Luke Mobhair netted 12 points.

Tranquility Secondary School had a 20-0 victory, by default, over Malick in the Boys Under-15 while Malick had a similar 20-0 result, by default, over International School in a Female contest.

Having successfully defended their 2016 crown, this zone will once again represent the southern district at the upcoming National Primary School Track Championships, scheduled to run off in May.

Hosted by the Ministry of Education, Victoria Education District Sports Association (VEDSA) and title sponsors bmobile, the 2017 edition was contested by seven zones, featuring victors San Fernando North, eventual runners-up Gasparillo, third place finishers San Fernando East, fourth ranked Claxton Bay/Tortuga, followed by Williamsville, Lengua/Barrackpore and La Romaine/Debe respectively.

Now in its seventh consecutive year of sponsorship, TSTT ’s Vice President of Marketing Camille Campbell, reiterated the importance of investing in sport which has been a core area in the support of youth nationally.

“It is indeed an honour to once again be a special part of the VEDSA Games,” said Campbell. “This event falls within our main objective of the bmobile Foundation which is to create and support avenues for growth in our nation’s youth. To the VEDSA executive, school supervisors, teachers, parents and our stars of the day, the students; congratulations and continue doing your best. We at bmobile are intent on contributing to initiatives that help young people develop.” This year’s Games were also held in celebration of the life of former VEDSA chairman and ex-Marabella Boys Anglican principal, Lindsay Gopaul, who passed away earlier this year. Gopaul was a leading member of the fraternity throughout his many years of public service and was avidly involved in the Games. Wife of the deceased, Camille, was also presented with a posthumous award on behalf of the committee by School Supervisor I, Kenny Edwin.

Following the opening remarks, the March Past got underway with six teams (Gasparillo did not participate) vying for top honours, led by the Presentation College Sea Scouts Band. Williamsville Zone (280pts), draped in a smartly- worn red and white outfit, trotted in unison and executed their instructions flawlessly, marching on to be crowned champions for a third consecutive year. Holding on to second place was San Fernando East (276pts) while La Romaine/ Debe (248pts) rounded off the top three.

Principal of Eckel Village Anglican School, Roger Beeput, expressed elation with his zone’s title-winning performance. “It’s unbelievable and since this is our third time in a row emerging victors, the trophy is now ours to keep. Most of the credit goes to Ms. Erica Charles, a hard-working teacher who has trained these children to victory. Special thanks to all the schools in our zone who helped us fund our uniform. And to bmobile for making today’s event possible.” Meanwhile, Boys 3km race winner, Josiah Calliste (San Fernando North), was happy to come away with the gold medal with his schoolmates Caleb Granger and Chaz Forde completing the topthree.

“It was tough but I’m glad I beat everyone,” he stated, still a bit breathless following his triumph.

“The sun was really hot but I had to do it for my district. I was glad though that my friends at school got second and third.”
Overall Track and Field Zonal Results Champion Zone:
1. San Fernando North
2. Gasparillo
3. San Fernando East

March Past Results
1. Williamsville (280pts)
2. San Fernando East (276pts)
3. La Romaine/Debe (258pts)

Victor Ludorum
Under 9 – Kiel Marshall (Gasparillo);
Brandon Heera (Lengua/ Barrackpore)

Under 11 – Malerky Fraser (Gasparillo)

Under 13 – Ronaldo Copeland

Under 15 – Jabari Charles (Claxton Bay/Tortuga)

Victrix Ludorum Under 9 – Nikita Gosine (San Fernando North)

Under 11 – Jael Archibald (San Fernando North)

Under 13 – Sierra Joseph (San Fernando North)

Under 15 – Kanessa Thompson (Claxton Bay/Tortuga)

3K

1. Josiah Calliste (San Fernando North)

2. Caleb Granger (San Fernando North)

3. Chaz Forde (San Fernando North)

Humphreys, looking fitter and focused, dominated his rivals which brought memories of the five years he held the top spot.

He had to be solid in his game play in the final, though, against the in-form Arun Roopnarine of Arima Hawks whom he defeated 4-2 (11:8, 11:8, 8:11, 7:11, 11:5, 11:4).

The WASA player/coach said after his victory, “I thought it was a commendable performance certainly not at my best physically but I was able to score tactical points that kept me in the match.

In order to be selected for the national team, I need to have great performances because there are really talented players knocking on the door for selection. When I say I have more to offer does not only mean as a player, I have a wealth of experience over my career and will like to pass it on to the younger players that are on the national squad.” On his return to the top of the rankings, he said: “Having been at number one for over a fiveyear period, I know what it takes to be at the top – commitment, dedication and belief.

I spend most of my time coaching; it has been an easy excuse to brush aside a loss but on recognising it, my mindset has changed and I’m back at the top of local table tennis.” In the semi-final round, Humphreys played a disciplined game to dethrone Reeza Burke (Hawks) 4-1 (9:11, 11:4, 11:9, 11:7, 11:8).

Roopnarine surrendered a threegame lead to tournament favourite Yuvraaj Dookram (WASA) but held his nerve in the end to prevail 4-3 (14:12,11:6,11:7,7:11, 5:11,5:11,11:9).

In the Women’s A final, Catherine Spicer (Powergen) exacted revenge for her group phase defeat and played near perfect against Linda Partap- Boodhan (Hawks), prevailing 4-1 (11:8, 11:8, 11:7, 12:14, 14:12). Spicer was in an attacking mood, disdainfully putting away any ball that was in her zone.

After winning her third Women singles title, she explained, “Playing in final is about staying relaxed, calm and keeping focus on each point. I started back training and soon I will be getting ready for Silver Bowl Table Tennis Tournament next month.” Luc O’Young copped the Open A2 Division as he easily defeated his Carenage Blasters clubmate and training partner Joshua Maxwell 4-1 (11:7, 11:9, 11:5, 8:11, 11:4). O’Young, who is preparing for the Caribbean Junior Table Tennis Championship next month in Guyana, said, “Playing your clubmate is different to training because there is a lot more pressure in tournament and you are playing for ranking positions.

This season I want to improve on my backhand and movements on the table.” The Trimont College student believes that his preparation for Caribbean Junior Tournament is going good as he is practising four days a week.

Results of the Men`s A1 Quarter- final:
Yuvraaj Dookram vs Terrence Corbin 4-2 (11:3, 10:12, 11:7, 8:11, 11:8, 11:9)
Arun Roopnarine vs Santa Quamina 4-2 (11:8, 11:6, 10:12, 11:7, 8:11, 11:5)
Curtis Humphreys vs Franklyn Seechan 4-0 (11:5, 11:4, 11:7, 11:7)
Reeza Burke vs Alaric Humphreys 4-0 (11:9, 11:6, 11:8, 11:4) .

Mafeking were dismissed for 94 in 25 overs with Tenese Garcia scoring 25 and Shurlana Loubon chipping in with 17. Bowling for Preysal, Crystal Anamally claimed two wickets for 12 runs while Lachelle Hamilton had 2/16.

In their turn at the crease, Preysal Achievers needed 25 from Shanta Roopchan and an unbeaten 12 from Anamally as they reached 95/8 in 21.1 overs.

Keianna McKain had 4/19 for Mafeking.

Moosai Sports registered a comfortable seven-wicket victory over Players Sports Club at Munroe Road in Cunupia.

Players were bundled out for 137 in 43.1 overs with Kirbyina Alexander claiming 5/28 for Moosai Sports. Players were indebted to 26 apiece from Rian Ramharack and Monica Raju while Shanmatie Nowrang had 13 and Sherine Ramkisoon 10.

Moosai Sports cruised to 138/3 off 26.2 overs in response with Kamara Ragoobar notching 43 and Jerveene Pollucksingh 38.

Other useful contributors were 18 not out from Karishma Ramharack, 16 not out from Aliyah Joseph and 16 from Leann Kirby.

At the Balmain Recreation Ground in Couva, Preysal Phoenix humbled Cricket Lovers by nine wickets.

Shenelle Lord had 4/31 as Cricket Lovers were dismissed for 144 in 35.4 overs. Rosemary Samaroo chipped in with 3/24 and Felicia Walters 2/33 for Preysal Phoenix.

Batting for Cricket Lovers, Selene O’Neil scored 35 and Jovankah Simon 34.

Walters blazed her way to an unbeaten 80 while Samantha Bissoon was at the other end on 40 as Preysal Phoenix raced to 145/1 in 23.2 overs.

However, there was a tense encounter at the Cane Farm Recreation Ground in Tacarigua as Technocrats whipped Hibiscus Ladies by five runs.

Technocrats were bowled out for 137 in 41.1 overs despite 29 from Gaitri Seetahal, 26 from West Indies player Stacy Ann King, 17 from Mikaela Jordan and 16 from Jenelle Ruiz.

Shanice Pascall took 2/17 and Shari John 2/20 for Hibiscus Ladies.

In their reply, Hibiscus Ladies were dismissed for 132 in 50 overs with Pascall hitting a valiant 50 while Caniesha Isaac made 19. Rosalie Dolabile and Annamaria Pereira hit 11 apiece for Hibiscus Ladies.

Stephanie Ragoonath got 5/10 for Technocrats while King took 2/24.