A variety of local dishes, entertainment from TT artistes and pan music added to nationalistic atmosphere.

Live performances came from calypsonian Brown Boy (Knolly Brown) and KV Charles (Knolly Charles) who performed both popular calypsoes and reggae songs. Backed by a band led by Joey Rivers, Skatie (Carlos James) added another dimension to the celebrations as he delivered some of the best songs from some of TT ’s top calypsonians.

Resident steelband Harvard Harps wrapped up the live action.

Pantin, who resides at Nelson Street, Port of Spain, won three titles at the Trinidad and Tobago Bodybuilders Federation National Senior Championships at Cascadia Hotel, St Ann’s, on Saturday night.

The 34-year-old was crowned champion in the classic bodybuilding overall, classic bodybuilding B and the men’s bodybuilding 90kgs category.

The extremely muscular Pantin said he is glad he can give the community something to be proud of.

“It feels good.

You are like a diamond in the rough because not everyone is bad who comes from places like that, it still have good people.

I am glad I can give the area a positive image,” he said.

Pantin, who trains with the Central Athletics team in Chaguanas, said he gets a lot of support from the community.

“Actually a lot of guys (in the area) support me and are proud that I am doing something good.” Discussing his titles, Pantin said his strict diet was pivotal to his success.

“I think what gave me the edge was the dieting.

I diet real hard for it and I came out with a lot of confidence and believed that I could have done it.

I trained an hour every day for two months straight. Dieting includes 50 grams of carbs a day, eating proteins and a lot of vegetables, and just eating properly as much as I could.” Pantin, who had to stop partying leading up to the championships, said he had to overcome some injuries before the competition.

“I had a few injuries like torn hamstrings, knee pain, slight hip dislocation, but I worked through all that and I still fought it.” The 34-year-old thanked all his supporters who helped him prepare for the championships.

The CPL has been giving out a US$500 prize at every single match for the person with the best costume.

We had a lot of super heroes and Halloween characters, but nothing that said TT .

Millions (I saw somewhere that it is more than a hundred million) are watching these matches. You mean no one with responsibility or care for our tourism, for promoting Carnival, or for the country’s image could arrange for some costumes to turn up at the games? It would have been free publicity and it would only have taken organising some moko jumbies, some jab jab, blue devils, dame lorraines, and so on. At the half time, they parade around the grounds and the cameras follow them — millions of viewers. The finals are about to start at the Brian Lara Stadium — will we see any? How pathetic.

VANEISA BAKSH via email

I thought about this as I joined and enjoyed TT’s Independence Day celebrations last week.

Not least given the other issue which dominated much of the news at the end of the week.

As British High Commissioner it’s not for me to get involved in domestic politics. But I do see room for an international perspective on the issues raised, from two angles.

First, your country’s democracy is derived from that of mine. So, how your democracy develops is inevitably part of our bilateral partnership and why I keep a supportive and watchful eye.

While enjoying the well-organised celebration of 55 years of independence from Britain, I also thought again how interdependent our lives are, nonetheless, in this globalised world. Simply put, this means what happens here matters in Britain, the Commonwealth and wider.

Democracy means society has a right to expect that no one is above the law. That all, whatever their position, should be held accountable in a timely way.

Or else the cancer of corruption spreads.

At the same time, in our democracies any citizen should feel confident of a fair trial, innocent until proved guilty, with a judgment based on the facts and the application of the rule of law.

In this interdependent world a determined effort to hold all to account and to implement the rule of law raises the international standing of a country. That means more trust and agreements, more trade and investment, more prosperity for all.

Successful attempts to distract or derail the due legal process with claims of bias do the opposite.

Some may accuse me of naivety, that I simply don’t understand how things work here. I return to my first point. TT has worked to sustain its democracy over the last 55 years. The rule of law, its practice and implementation, is the bedrock of any democracy. It’s only right — particularly as this country once again celebrates its independence — that the citizens of this country demand, foster and treasure this essential democratic principle.

TIM STEW via email

The two contributions to which I am directing attention were by Robin Montano and Ernest Koylass, the latter a recent appointee to the Judicial and Legal Service Commission. Both learned gentlemen have purported to offer possible solutions to the matter.

In his piece, Montano made the point that restarting the 53 part-heard cases de novo after the “subject” prisoners had been languishing in Remand would be “wrong” and “unfair” and would be tantamount to “collateral damage.” His solution would be that “conditional pardons be given to each and every one of the 53 matters,” the condition for not figuratively being “dragged back to court on the initial charge” being what I would term life-long “good behaviour.” Before proceeding further, let me seek to correct clearly an apparent misconception which has been responsible for having sparked the whole controversy in the Marcia Ayers- Caesar issue.

The germane issue was not the fact that a total of 53 cases were in the hand of the former Chief Magistrate as, among these, would have been matters of varying lengths.

The central point concerned the seven or eight murder accused who, for whatever reason, had been languishing for several years in Remand, and whose position had been highlighted by their Senior Counsel. It is certainly inconceivable that matters of this nature had not occurred over the years.

In his piece, Koylass reviewed what, to him, are “options” for a solution. Among these are applying the powers of the DPP under the Indictable Offences (Preliminary Enquiry) Act. He sees “no reason why the current situation should be allowed to fester” (with which I fully concur).

Nevertheless, Koylass points to the fact that “there is no statutorily- prescribed procedure that speaks to such a situation.” However, he seems to favour an age-old procedure in 1909 for a hearing in the circumstances of a presiding magistrate becoming ill and unable to continue.

Of course, the question therefore now arises as to the manner by which this 1909 procedure could be “transformed” to meet the current impasse. Here Koylass offers a possible procedural solution involving, inter alia, the reswearing and recross-examination of witnesses.

I wrote, inter alia, in a letter dated June 6 in this matter: “Certainly, this is a challenge for a young bright attorney to flex his or her muscles voluntarily and do some challenging research into the authorities which would properly inform opinion.” This, I now repeat.

ERROL OC CUPID Trincity

The costumes represent Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East, Africa and the Americas.

I must, first of all, say well done to the organisers and all those who had a part in putting this excellent show together.

The combination of music with the fireworks put the icing on the cake.

I hope this is the start of many more to come.

My only suggestion for the next time is a longer show, if possible.

Once again, job well done, ANSA McAL.

ARNOLD GOPEESINGH via email

THROUGH my work with women over the years, at least eight out of ten have expressed concern of being falsely accused in different spaces, either in their relationship, family circle or in the workplace. Being falsely accused is extremely painful and I would like to preface today’s feature by pleading with individuals who may have such tendencies to immediately desist. Remember accusing someone of something that they know nothing of or something they have not done, can be one of their worst nightmares as the consequences of such actions have the potential for a lifetime smear.

Relationships in particular suffer the fate of accusations that are untrue and if not well managed, create a huge wedge between partners.

Research has shown that persons who engage in such activity may have had specific type of life experiences which would have led them to falsely accuse others, some may have been hurt in a relationship, or even by a family member which also creates high levels of distrust.

They may have also witnessed particular incidents in different spaces which can result in false accusations.

Sometimes false accusations are aimed at reminding you of something that happened in the past, and one must always be wary of that.

Other research studies suggest that sociopaths, described as persons with a personality disorder that manifest itself in extreme anti-social attitudes and behavioural patterns, are usually guilty of falsely accusing others.

They tend to assert great levels of control, and sometimes feel isolated from the norm.

Dealing with false accusations first requires a mind of peace.

Start by stating the facts as concisely as you possibly can, and ensure that your accuser is ready to listen. Find out the source of the accusation, and why the accuser is willing to believe what was said.

Seek help in your situation by strengthening your social and family network and share the facts. Learn to forgive along the way, don’t allow your anger to take hold your being and reach out and forgive your accuser.

Re-invest in yourself as your self-esteem may have been tarnished due to the accusations that were levied against you.

Continuously re-affirm to yourself that you would continue to be the best that you can be.

As a victim of false accusations, keep in mind that there’s something going on with your accuser, perhaps some past hurt and/or fear is the major influence, and falsely accusing is just a re-inventor.

Just keep standing solid knowing that you are not guilty.

January/March 2018 semester of “The Educational Combo” for eight-11 year olds run until December 20.

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 contact 283-0318.

“The FA wishes to further confirm that it has in fact made a request to FIFA to have the match sanctioned and is currently awaiting their approval.

“The FA will also like to place on record that it was only on the 29th of August 2017 it received from the TTSL information requested since early August by the FA to support the TTSL’s application to send to FIFA .

“The TTFA will in no way attempt to stall an event of this magnitude which is intended to aid the promotion of the sport in Trinidad and Tobago and the region.

“The FA will continue to support the development of the TTSL,” a TTFA press release stated.

The TTFA quoted Article 78 of its constitution which states, “The Authority for organising international matches and competitions between representative teams and between Leagues, Club teams and/or scratch teams lies solely with FIFA, the Confederation (s) and/or the Association (s) concerned. No such match or competition shall take place without the prior permission of FIFA, the Confederation (s), and/or the Association (s) concerned in accordance with the FIFA Regulations Governing International Matches.” It also cited Article 79 which states, “TTFA, its Members, Players, Officials and match and players’ agents shall not play matches or make sporting contact with Associations that are not Members of FIFA or with Provisional Members of a Confederation without the approval of FIFA.”

The league leaders trounced Siparia Spurs 5-1, courtesy of a double from Carlon Hughes (52nd and 90th) and one apiece from Kendes Garcia (10th), Shaquille Ferrier (18th) and Russel Alfred (78th).

Sylvester Teesdale scored for Siparia, in the 11th.

FC Santa Rosa stayed four points adrift of Guaya after blanking hosts Bethel United 4-0 at the Mt Gomery Recreation Ground. Scoring two goals apiece were Kheelon Mitchell (19th and 69th) and Rashad Griffith (65th and 82nd).

In a clash of the servicemen, at the Hasely Crawford Stadium’s Training Field in Mucurapo, Defence Force edged Police 2-1.

Aaron Lester (10th) and Zebulun O’Brien (20th) scored fro Defence Force, with Colin Williams (43rd) responding for the lawmen.

Nigel Thomas (58th) and James Thomas (90th) were on target as 1976 Phoenix FC defeated the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT ) 2-0 at the Canaan/Bon Accord Recreation Ground.

At the Grand Chemin Recreation Ground in Moruga, Queen’s Park beat hosts Club Sando Moruga 4-3.

Devon Modeste’s hat-trick (19th, 49th and 85th) and Jabari Raphael’s item (70th) were enough for the Parkites to gain full points. Responding for Club Sando Moruga were Anderson Toussaint (54th), Andy London (74th) and Trevon Mitchell’s own goal (90th).

And, at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Arima, Cunupia FC battled to a 2-2 draw vs WASA.

Kylon Gay (fifth) and Glen Walker (49th) gave WASA a 2-nil lead before Stevon Stoute replied with strikes in the 57th and 88th.

With overnight League Two leaders Prisons FC on a bye, Petit Valley/Diego Martin United moved from fourth place to the top of the pile on Saturday after a 1-0 win over Central 500 Spartans at the Edinburgh 500 Recreation Ground, Chaguanas. Former TT midfielder Keron “Ball Pest” Cummings was the hero for Petit Valley/ Diego Martin United, as he found the back of the net in the 66th.

Harlem Strikes remained in fifth place despite a narrow 2-1 win over Perseverance Ball Runners, at the New Settlement Recreation Ground, Caroni. Malcolm Nedd netted twice for Harlem, in the 11th and 20th, before Kareem Beckles pulled one back for Ball Runners, in the 37th.

But there were goals galore at Guaracara Park, Pointe-a-Pierre as, in the clash of the table-proppers, Youth Stars recorded a 6-3 licking on Marabella FCC.

Terquiel Mahabal (sixth and 84th), Noel Williams (49th), Nathan Cadiz (53rd), L’Che Edwards (86th) and Levi Crawford’s own goal (89th) did the trick for Youth Stars. Kierron Mason replied for Marabella with a hat-trick (11th, 58th and 69th). In related news, the Caribbean Football Trust Limited (CFTL)-sponsored League Cup will kick off tomorrow with a trio of Round One matches.

Club Sando Moruga will host Harlem Strikers from 4 pm at the Grand Chemin Recreation Ground; Youth Stars will entertain Marabella FCC at the Roxborough Complex from 5 pm and, at six o’clock, Bethel United and Petit Valley/Diego Martin United will face off at the Mt Gomery Recreation Ground from 6 pm.