St Benedict’s won the championship south 50-over title earlier this season, while Signal Hill copped the championship north title.

Both teams earned promotion to the premiership as a result.

Today, Signal Hill will face Fyzabad at Shaw Park in Tobago in a round one contest, while St Benedict’s will play Shiva Boys in a round two match at Ramai Trace Recreation Ground in Debe.

St Benedict’s got a free pass to round two because their first round opponent forfeited the match. Shiva Boys played in the 50-over premiership competition earlier this season, and as such received a first round bye.

The other premiership teams will be in action in round two on Thursday and Friday.

TODAY’S FIXTURES: Round One Signal Hill vs Fyzabad (Shaw Park) Vishnu Boys Hindu vs Cowen Hamilton (Caroni Conquerors Ground) Princes Town West vs El Dorado East (Princes Town West Ground) Couva East vs Toco (Couva) St Mary’s vs St Stephen’s (St Mary’s Ground) ‘Pres’ San Fernando vs Barataria South (Wilson Road) Round Two Shiva Boys Hindu vs St Benedict’s (Ramai Trace Ground)

Trinidad and Tobago were beaten 2-0 at home to Costa Rica on November 11 and 3-1 away to Honduras four days later, results which saw the removal of then coach Stephen Hart.

Now, with former national defender Dennis Lawrence at the helm, George is insisting that the Trinidad and Tobago team have no choice but to adopt a single-minded approach for Friday’s game, which is scheduled for the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo.

George, in an interview with TT FA Media, said, “Right now it’s not an option. We have to come together as a unit and get a result on Friday. It’s a mandatory battle for us on Friday.” George, who plays for Jacksonville Armada FC in the North American Soccer League, continued, “I am very excited about the whole experience. I am honoured to be in the programme again.” Trinidad and Tobago will oppose Mexico in another World Cup qualifier, at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, next Tuesday but George stressed that the Panama game is uppermost on their minds. “We are all competitors but we have to learn how to separate things and create a balance.

Okay, we need to think about the performance and with a good performance there is a greater probability of us winning the game,” George stated.

The 26-member team, exclusive of central defender Sheldon Bateau and winger Levi Garcia, held a training session at the Stadium’s warm-up field last evening.

Bateau (who is suspended for Friday’s game due to accumulated yellow cards) and Garcia will arrive in Trinidad today.

Also at last evening’s session was assistant coach Stern John, who returned from bereavement leave after the death of his daughter Nikela on March 9.

Midfielder Khaleem Hyland, speaking minutes before the start of last evening’s session, noted, “It’s always great and an honour to play for your country. We know the importance of these games. We want to focus on getting the job done in training and we’ll give 100 percent.” The veteran of 68 international appearances is one of the few members of the squad to have played alongside coaches Lawrence and John and is keen on passing on his knowledge to the younger players in the squad.

Now, with the experienced duo involved in the technical side of things, Hyland acknowledged, “They are professional, willing to give everything for the country.

I learned a lot from playing with them and hopefully now I can gain more experience from Stern and Dennis.”

The former TT forward returned to the national camp yesterday ahead of Friday’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Panama after being excused from the ongoing camp by head coach Dennis Lawrence, “This was an extremely difficult time for my family and I. I would like to extend sincerest gratitude to everyone who stood by me during the past few days with an outpour of love and support to myself and my family,” John said.

“Nikela was my first daughter.

She was very loving and the pain has been immense having say goodbye to her at such a young age. As a parent, one can never be ready to bury their son or daughter.

“People from all walks of life stepped in to offer emotional and physical support. Sometimes you think people in society do not care or do not have time for you but then they are there in different ways especially when you need a shoulder to lean on during a very difficult and testing time in your life.” Among those John wished to thank was Minister of Sport Darryl Smith; TT FA president David John-Williams; head coach Dennis Lawrence, Sol Campell and the members of the team’s staff and player personnel; Eddie Hart; former teammate Brent Sancho and Central FC; Birmingham City Football Club; Columbus Crew FC; former Government Minister Roodal Moonilal; Bertille St Clair; former teammates Russell Latapy, Shaka Hislop, Arnold Dwarika, Ansil Alcock, Shaka Hislop; former Jamaican captain and head coach Theodore Whitmore; the Trotman family; the Corneal family; cricketers Dwayne Bravo and Kevon Cooper; Francis Richards and Suzanne Burns; businessman Mike St John; West Indies trainer Ronald Rogers; Denise Ramdoo; Kim Etwaru; Deneisha Mayers; Farlon Thomas; Stefan Monteil; Melisea Roberts; Jenny Sharma; Peter Walcott; The Allen’s Funeral Home and all those who supported at the nightly wakes held at his home in Trincity.

She is an interlock technician (a way of forming dreadlocks with a crochet needle or a latching tool), who also makes jewelry, wraps, straps and bags.

The mother of four boys said she started doing her boys’ dreadlocks roughly 20 years ago although her eldest is the only one to have kept his locks to this day.

However, the road to Petuliqu? Boutiqu? on Fifth Street in Mt Lambert, had been a bit bumpy along the way.

Auguste-Du Bois, who also holds a diploma in fashion design said: “I did that (fashion designing) for 12 years and, of course, all what I have developed comes out in everything I create. I wanted a change so I applied for a job in Waitrose Food Fashion and Home Store, the flagship store partnership with John Lewis, one of the biggest department stores in London and became assistant manager. I was with the company for 12 years and yes the face fits, but the hair was a problem. So I took up doing my ex-husband, my hair and the children’s hair and that’s how I was developing my technique while I was working part time.

“I became intrigued by the different textures of hair and trained myself to become an interlock technician.

“Not too long after I got the courage to invite my family, friends and clients to come to my home to start their locks and helping them to maintain their locks.

“However, my clientele became too much to work on from home. So I went to work in a shared shop with other technicians for a year. I have been doing hair practically all my life and have been growing my locks for 15 years.

I was working from home (in England) for six years, running my own business till I built enough clientele to open my own Salon Studio – Petuliqu? Boutiqu?, which was located upstairs HairByChi 340 Lea Bridge Road, Leyton, London, E10 7LD.” Auguste-Du Bois worked there for a year and two months then closed up shop.

“Going through two divorces and bringing up my four boys single-handedly was a task on it’s own. “But now that they are all grown men she said: “I’m now doing me. I’m on my next journey by the grace of God, Trinidad and Tobago here I come!” Auguste-Du Bois lived in England since her birth in 1966.

“I’ve always wanted to be home, and all my family is here except for my mom and siblings, but I was back and forth once or twice a year for many years, and I always came for my birthday in January, and every time I came, I got anxiety attacks. I felt I just had enough of England and I didn’t want to be there any more but my mind wasn’t ready for it so I made a five-year plan. I saved enough money to come down and then I made my move.” At Petuliqu? Boutiqu?, she sells her essential oils for hair and body, home-made jewelry and bags. As representative for Sandalias Apparel, her cousin’s company that deals with leather sole sandals with interchangeable straps, she said while the soles are locally made by a shoemaker, she makes the straps. “Any and everyone can purchase my products. The style I carry is urban ethnic, sophisticated and stylish,” said Auguste-Du Bois. “But to tell the truth, moving from one destination to another, losing my father a year ago (March 25), his passing took a toll on me but things are now just starting to pick up.

“My clientele is not as much in Trinidad as it was in London and they are not obligated to one stylist. Hence, why I’ve had more time to work on my other creations.” What struck her, she said, was that nobody wants to pass the Lighthouse in Port-of- Spain but people are now realising that she has got quality products, made-to-order from whatever clients request them to be made out of, and she uses a lot of African prints for bags.

For more info: petuliquefashions@ msn.com

The development of a cyst on his spinal cord at the age of 20 had led to paralysis. Through physiotherapy, he regained partial use of his right hand and he utilised a special disc to hold his brushes and allow him to resume his painting.

Some 41 years after his passing at the age of 43, there are still several of Hing Wan’s productions that have never been seen by the public.

On Saturday, this artist’s final works – some signed, some unsigned and even some unfinished projects that were still in his Mayaro studio at the time of his 1976 death – will be displayed for the first time the 101 Art Gallery at Holder’s Studio in Newtown.

The paintings will not only be exhibited but will also be offered for sale during the event that starts from 10 am to 2 pm at the 101 Gallery, located at 84 Woodford Street. The exhibition ends on April 1.

The paintings on show include Hing Wan’s customary vivid watercolours of depictions of south east Trinidad where he lived, including landscapes and fauna, but also some surprises of atypical works.

The films, featuring creative geniuses who push the boundaries of “bold-facedness” and daring, are free, and offer a great night out under the stars for friends and families.

Films include an animation in Hindi with English subtitles suitable for all ages, a fictional narrative about jazz-legend, Miles Davis, and All Oceans Blue – a documentary made by and about the around-the world-adventures of local seafarer, Harold La Borde.

Film details and screening times are as follows: April 1 All Oceans Blue – 7 pm Trinidad and Tobago Sailing Association, Chaguaramas Documentary/GA/ English This is the thrilling story and personal account of how in 1969, legendary local seafarer Harold La Borde, his wife, Kwailan, and five-year-old son Pierre, set off on an epic adventure, to circumnavigate the world.

April 8 The World of Goopi and Bagha, 7 pm Lange Park Recreation Grounds, Lange Park, Chaguanas Animation/GA/Hindi with English subtitles The hilarious adventures of Goopi and Bagha. Banished to the forest because of their terrible music – they embark on a journey towards musical harmony, involving two rival brother kings, a sinister commander-in-chief, his sidekick wizard, and a princess’ hand to win in marriage.

April 15 Miles Ahead, 7 pm San Fernando Hill Dir: Don Cheadle/ 8+/ English In the 1970s jazz musician Miles Davis disappears from public view for five years. Forced out of isolation by a music journalist, the two embark on an adventure to recover a stolen tape recording of Davis’ most recent work.

UNFORTUNATELY, the events of life are not always presented to us in neither an acceptable nor palatable manner, and therefore, we are sometimes left with little or no choice to push our panic button to seek help. Pushing our panic button for the most part, exacerbates an already troubling situation, which often leads to panic attacks and other lifestyle ailments.

Managing one’s own circumstances of panic can be extremely delicate depending on the gravity of the situation, as panic attacks are described as unexpected and intense bouts of fear and anxiety.

According to US-based psychologist David H Barlow of Boston University who has conducted extensive research on understanding and treating panic and related disorders: “Panic attacks result when our normal fight or flight responds to imminent threats including increased heart rate and rapid breathing.” Through his in-depth research, Barlow, together with his team, developed an integrated theory of anxiety disorders, which suggest, that certain events must occur to develop panic disorders which include a generalised biological vulnerability towards anxiety leading us to overreact to the circumstances surrounding daily living; a generalised psychological vulnerability to develop anxiety caused by early childhood learning that portrays the world as a stressful place; and a specific psychological vulnerability in which we learn in childhood that some situations are dangerous whether that is true or not.

Because individuals share different experiences regarding panic, some useful tips are advanced to assist generally –start by breathing deeply as the best approach in working through a panic attack is to focus on your breathing. Always be alert and focus on the sensational changes in your body, and remain calm. Attempt to identify the physical symptoms of panic attacks, as they can come upon you suddenly; seek out the things with the potential to trigger stress, as panic attacks are influenced by stressful events…such as the loss of a loved one and/or relationship issues.

Attempt at all times to manage your stress levels by engaging in activities such as meditation, exercise, walking, riding and swimming just to name a few. Avoid stimulants such as nicotine products and caffeine, particularly if you’ve had panic attacks in the past.

If, however, your panic experiences are becoming unmanageable, it is advisable to seek help as soon as possible. Begin by finding a mental health professional who practises cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT –which is designed to train one’s thoughts and behaviours to support you, as opposed to your problems).

Identify situations which trigger panic attacks… make a list of the kinds of situations that influence panic attacks. Sharing your problems with a relative and/or friend who you can confide in, has proven to be excellent in garnering support. Also, have a conversation with your doctor about prescription medications. Scan your family history, as research has shown that panic attacks and anxiety disorders can be traced through family generations.

Because the challenges of life cannot be avoided, it is best to maintain an open mind about the probability of both negative and positive outcomes, which would greatly minimise occurrences of panic.

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

com or intlwomensresourcenetwork@gmail.

com or 238-0318.

It has now been announced that London is to be the next high commissioner of TT at the Court of St James (coincidentally) in London. I wish London well in his new appointment — an appointment somewhat different from those to which he would have been accustomed.

Having said that, however, what is at issue here is whether by making this appointment, maximum benefit is being reaped from the wealth of accumulated experience of London.

Indeed, one would have thought that this country, Tobago in particular, would have so much to be gained by London being appointed to the Senate where, even though he would be sitting on the Government benches, he would have been able to place into perspective issues which TT now faces, and will continue to face, over the next several years.

One feels this opportunity will be lost due to this London assignment.

This brings me to a view which I have entertained for a long time — that if it is desirous that this country be vested with a Senate, this body should comprise men and women who are qualified to be exemplars to the population at large. From this it follows that I abhor the almost “comical” practice of appointing what I would term “senators of convenience,” ie, senators for a particular debate only.

Does this alone not point to a need for a review of the purpose of the Senate and the qualifications and method of appointment thereto?

Errol OC Cupid Trincity, Tacarigua

For example, Dr Bhoe Tewarie, an Opposition MP, wants to know when the money taken out of the Heritage and Stabilisation Fund (HSF) will be repaid. Does he not know how and when the HSF is topped up as stated in law and that such depends on the excess earnings of the energy sector over the demands of the Budget? Another MP is concerned about the drop in reserves. Does he not know that the reserves are what we draw down when the foreign exchange income drops, to satisfy the reducing demands of the onshore sector, care being taken to ensure that the economy contracts, causing a reduction in demand for foreign exchange, encouraged by a strategic reduction in government spending? It is worth noting that a drawdown of the HSF also increases the reserves since US dollars in the HSF have not been used to print associated TT dollars.

Yet another is concerned about the resulting decreases in GDP as the recession progresses.

Another past senator, supported by a current unionist now an MP, is very concerned about the loss of jobs, in this current state of economic full employment, and is putting this down to the ruthlessness of the PNM.

It must be common knowledge that in the onshore economy the provision of jobs depends on the earnings, the rents provided by the energy sector (even for those jobs provided by the Government).

When these earnings drop, as at present, the fuel that drives the onshore economy dries up and the economy contracts, resulting in job losses (something which government spending, borrowings, sale of assets, use of the HSF and the overdraft are designed to slow).

Another MP is concerned about the increase in debt, now at some 60 percent of GDP, clearly ignorant of, say, Japan’s over 100 percent of GDP debt when that country was fighting its recession.

Another is concerned about the lack of investment it diversification of the economy. There are two aspects of this: First is that diversification based on innovation, which is a long-term effort, is the ongoing task of the Economic Development Advisory Board.

The second is to try to get foreign investment into the country with the accompanying incentive costs to so do; for example, financial services, back-office operations, telemarketing and even tourism.

This last set seems to be what the various ministries are about: Tamana Park, Sandals, the financial centre.

Another is the attempt to import gas from Venezuela to keep Pt Lisas running even though prices are low.

Another complained that past governments did not encourage foreign investment to go drilling upstream. The PNM government, before the current one, started such discussions but they were not brought to a conclusion since the incentives asked for were onerous as our fields were aged and the competition in other parts of the world for investments is severe.

However, the PP government gave in and allowed, for example, the complete write-off against taxes of any capital expenditure in the related year; we got some drilling started but no income.

Maybe, as Dr Terrence Farrell says, the public must be concerned about the state of the economy, must comment, but please leave the complex analysis to the economists.

Victor Darceuil St James, PoS

TT enjoys one of the highest growth rate per capita incomes in the Caribbean and can boast of a powerful and dynamic manufacturing sector.

Its geographical location is well placed below the hurricane belt and TT can also boast of having relatively cheap energy, good telecommunication services and a brilliant and innovative people.

TT is one of the most industrialised countries in the English- speaking Caribbean and is thus well poised for investment since this nation is the choice for business leaders throughout North and Central America.

The friendliness of its people is second to none in the Western Hemisphere. This country can be proud of its rich culture, being the land of calypso, soca and steelband music.

Kelvin La Roche St James, PoS