The scores were locked at 1-1 at the end of regulation time, but the lawmen triumphed 3-2 in kicks from the penalty mark, in their quarter-final encounter.

Connection took the lead in the 20th minute through captain Hughtun Hector, who collected a headed pass from striker Jamal Charles and, unmarked in the penalty box, slotted a left-footed shot to the left of goalkeeper Adrian Foncette.

Police dominated the majority of play thereafter, and duly got the equaliser in the 86th. Right-back Jibri McDavid got a pass from striker Jameel Perry and squared to Christon Thomas, who slotted home from close range.

In the penalty shootout, Niquan Caruth, Thomas and Dexter Alleyne netted for Police while Kevon Goddard and Malik St Prix replied for Connection.

In the earlier game at Couva, Central FC showed no mercy on their opponents as they humiliated St Ann’s Rangers 8-0.

The semi-finals are carded to take place on Sunday while the final is set for February 19 – all at the aforementioned Couva venue.

In the first game on Wednesday evening at the National Aquatic Centre in Couva, Argentina defeated Canada 9-8 in a thrilling battle, leaving both teams with a win and a loss apiece after two matches. In the second matchup on the night, it was Brazil who were the dominant force in the pool. However, Brazil found out that it was not as easy as Canada made it look in the first game against TT (Canada romped to a 35-1 win on Tuesday).

Brazil held a 6-3 advantage at the end of the first quarter, but physical fitness proved to be vital as the national team succumbed to their opponents in the latter quarters 7-1, 7-0, 8-1.

Leading the scoreboard for the local team were captain Kris Thomas and Daniel Alvarez, both scoring twice, while Leon Daniel getting the other.

The excitement continues at the Aquatic Centre today at 6pm, with the finals taking place at 11 am tomorrow. Admission is $30 for adults and $20 for children 16 years and under.

Winner of the award will be announced on Wednesday night at the Ballroom of the Queen’s Park Oval at the annual Jetsam Awards ceremony.

The trio in line for the First Citizens Horse of the Year are Derby winner Academy Award, Stewards Cup winner Control Unit and the Gold Cup champion Thiasonesforron.

Favourites for the Two-year-old champion title is Battle Cry with Academy Award the Three-year-old and Swept Away the Four-year-old.

The ARC has introduced a new category among the 25 listed, that of Most Improved Horseman sponsored by the Racehorse Trainers Association.

Meanwhile, of particular interest to local horse racing, the ARC has invited the architects of the new Gaming and Betting Act which is expected to receive assent shortly.

The officer is expected to give a brief overview of the new act and how it will affect the local horse racing industry.

On the lighter side, popular comedian and poet Paul Keens douglas has been invited to retrace local horse racing from the past in his own inimitable way, with his witticism.

Tickets for Jetsam Awards Day are on sale at $350 and can be had from the ARC offices, Santa Rosa park, Arima, or from event managers All Sport (Tony Harford – 740- 9293).

There are limited tickets available and boolings close on Monday.

The Dr Joao Havelange Centre of Excellence Swimming Pool Complex at Macoya was the venue for the ninth annual edition of this event, which saw over 250 athletes from eight clubs.

The event, which took place on January 22, was a developmental competition which excluded medallists from CARIFTA and CCCAN.

Flying Fish amassed 3,475.5 points, just ahead of hosts Sea Hawks with 3,404.5 points, while Point Fortin Aqua Darts placed third with 2,442 points.

Aqua Darts won the Most Outstanding Competitive Swim Team, while Sea Hawks emerged the top developmental team.

Corporate secretary Verlyn Faustin confirmed that Cameron and Nanthan were the only two nominees received for the posts of president and vice president respectively.

Both Cameron, of Jamaica, and the Dominican-born Nanthan have already served a pair of two-year terms in the respective positions. The posts will be ratified at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) also due on the same day.

The President’s Report and the Audit Risk and Compliance Report (ARCC) will be received at the day-long meeting. The ARCC Report will be an update on the risk and compliance environment of the WICB.

The full meeting will consist of territorial board stakeholders and special members. The Directors of the Board have been invited to attend the AGM. The special members are the West Indies Umpires Association, West Indies Players Association, CARICOM, Association of Colleges and Tertiary Institutions, Association of Caribbean Media Workers, and the Caribbean Association of Industry and Commerce.

Smith reiterated the Government’s and his personal commitment to Trinidad and Tobago’s elite athletes and announced the staging of two major sporting events in the twin-island republic later this year.

Smith said work on the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba is continuing apace and Lara has been, “very, very happy with the work so far.” As someone who has played in some of the world’s greatest cricket arenas, Smith said Lara has been “bringing new ideas” for the Stadium which was conceptualised over a decade ago.

He said there is an opening date for the Stadium and Lara is interested in having certain persons, including his “international icons from around the world” attending the opening. Smith said this would have to be approved by Cabinet.

Indicating that the outfield at the Stadium is “beautiful” and work is taking place on the pitch, Smith said in the coming weeks, “Brian and a couple other high schools and UWI” will be testing the pitch. He added everyone is excited that TT will soon have “a world class cricket facility.” Indicating the Elite Athlete Programme is a key part of the National Sporting Policy which is being fleshed out, Smith said the Ministry recently issued a statement in which it spoke about $24 million being allocated to this programme.

“NAAA (National Association of Athletics Administrations of TT) athletes got over 70 percent of that money,” he stated. Smith said he has an open door policy and works closely with all athletes.

He reiterated that he and the Government are, “all about the athletes first and the young people of TT.” He added, “What we have been doing is tightening up as regards to the loopholes that occurred in the last four five years.” Smith announced that on March 26, the TT Hockey Federation will host the International Hockey Federation World League Round Two. He said this tournament will bring between 500 and 700 athletes and fans to this country. Smith listed Chile, Japan, Switzerland, Russia, USA and Barbados as some of the countries that will be competing alongside hosts TT.

He said the astro turf at the National Hockey Centre in Tacarigua will be upgraded for the tournament. Smith also said the existing turf, which has about two years life left in it, will be given to the Petrotrin Sports Club in Pointe-a-Pierre. Smith announced that in June and July, this country will host the Central American and Caribbean Swimming Championships (CCCAN) for the first time.

Indicating this tournament will involve approximately 1,000 athletes, Smith said for the first time there will be swimming, diving, water polo and synchronised swimming taking place in one competition in TT.

Muirhead resigned as the WICB CEO on October 14, but the WICB asked him to hold the position until December. The new CEO of the board is Englishman Johnny Grave.

In an interview with Newsday, Muirhead said when he was involved with the WICB they had two long-term goals. Muirhead explained that the WICB already achieved one of these goals by reducing a deficit that was between US$5-6 million. The former WICB CEO said when he resigned the board had a surplus of US$2 million.

Muirhead said one goal that he believes is attainable, is achieving a top four ranking in all formats of the game. Muirhead said, “we had two long term goals, and I am still confident that we will do it. One was that by 2018 we would at least break even and not run a deficit.

We have achieved that two years early. The other was to be in the top four by 2022 and I think it is still achievable.” Currently the West Indies are ranked eighth in the International Cricket Council Test rankings, ninth in the One Day International rankings and third in the T20 rankings.

Muirhead said a lot of work is taking place to help get West Indies on top again. “Right now persons may look at it as being very far-fetched, but being on the inside I know what is taking place and the efforts that are being made to bring back West Indies cricket.

I think that in another two years people will look back and say ‘well all the trials and tribulations we went through were all worth it because we are on that path’.’’ Muirhead added, “I really want to see us move up, and get the respect that we use to get.”

Pan Trinbago, in its wisdom has increased the small band semi-finalists from 20 to 30..

It may be argued that large band semi-finalists have decreased by three but there are still seven more semi-finalists selected to play on Sunday, that will add 56 more minutes, excluding moving on, setting up and moving off the stage..

Nevertheless the show goes on, and first up on stage at 9 am in the small band category is Fascinations playing Unforgettable, arranged by Yohan Popwell..

Thirty bands later Sforzata will get the medium band category on the way with a Dr Jenine Remy arrangement of Ducking, while Republic Bank Exodus will start the large band category with Good Morning arranged by Pelham Goddard and Terrence BJ Marcelle. Ten Tobago bands have made it to the National Panorama semi-finals – seven small and three medium..

Two arrangers have bands playing in each category on Sunday..

They are Arddin Herbert with Laventille Serenaders, NGC Steel Xplosion and Caribbean Airlines Invaders, and “BJ” Marcelle with reigning small band champs Arima Golden Symphony, Petrotrin Katzenjammers and Exodus with Goddard..

Reigning medium band champions Pan Elders plays in position 13, with a Duvonne Stewart arrangement of Roti and Talkarie..

Stewart is one of six arrangers with two bands in the semis. The others are Ken Professor Philmore, Amrit Samaroo, Len Boogsie Sharpe, Yohan Popwell and Carlton Zanda Alexander, arranger for current large band champs Desperadoes, playing in position 8, with Good Morning..

The last playing steelband will be Massy All Stars with Full Extreme arranged by Leon Smooth Edwards..

Following is the listing of playing position, band, song and arranger of all categories..

SMALL CONVENTIONAL BANDS

1 Fascinators ……………………………………….. Unforgettable ………………………………………..Yohan Popwell
2.Tornadoes …………………………………………. Spankin ………………………………….. Shervon “Shev” Edward
3.Steel Sensations…………………………………Vibes…………………………………….Rawle Titus/Joshua Henry
4. Arima Golden Symphony……………………. Champions ……………………………….. Terrence “BJ” Marcelle
5. Pleasantville Kalamo Kings…………………. Peter Pan…………………………………………………Jason Farrell
6. Tobago Pan-Thers……………………………… Cheers To Life………………………..Kenneth “Panaam” Clarke
7. C&B Crown Cordaans………………………… Flag Party…………………………………………..Khari Codrington
8. Petrotrin Siparia Deltones…………………… Burn Dem…………………………….. Carlton” Zanda” Alexander
9. T&TEC East Side Dimension………………. Wine on Something………………… Ken “Professor” Philmore
10.Merrytones………………………………………. Full Extreme Anthony……………………………….Eric McAllister
11. Moods…………………………………………….. People…………………………………………………Adrian Jackman
12. Highlanders…………………………………….. Single……………………………………………………Kareem Brown
13. Longdenville Claytones…………………….. Soca Baptist………………………………………….. Steve Salcedo
14. Alpha Pan Pioneers………………………….. Magic Drum……………………………………………Marina Marfan
15. Golden Hands…………………………………. Push………………………………………………Vanessa A. Headley
16. Road Block……………………………………… Stranger…………………………… Lindon “Pappy Sho” Spencer
17. Tunapuna Tipica………………………………. Pan Magic………………………………….Harold/Denzel Headley
18. Old Tech…………………………………………. Ooh La La ……………………………………………..Sean Ramsey
19. Simple Song……………………………………. In De Minor…………………………………………… Kendal Bowen
20.Our Boys…………………………………………. Good Morning…………………………………… Anslem Campbell
21.Uptown Fascinators…………………………… Good Morning………………………………………… Ojay Richards
22. La Horquetta Pan Groove…………………. In De Minor…………………………………………… Kion Robinson
23. Philadelphia Funk-a- Delic…………………Bum Bum…………………………………………….. Marlon Charles
24. Tamana Pioneers…………………………….. Dollar Wine…………………………………………..Richard Gittens
25. RIPE………………………………………………. Say Say…………………………………………………..Dante Peters
26. Blue Diamonds………………………………… Miss Tourist…………………………………………….Steve Jemmot
27. Fusion Steel Ensemble…………………….. Magic Drum………………………………………………. Dike Samai
28. Laventille Serenaders……………………….. First Place…………………………………………….. Arddin Herbert
29. Harvard Harps…………………………………. Gee Gee Ree…………………………..Douglas “Dougie” Redon
30. Crescendoes…………………………………… Musical Abundance……………………………….. Curtis Edwards

MEDIUM CONVENTIONAL BANDS

1. Sforzata……………………………………………. Ducking……………………………………………… Dr. Jenine Remy
2. NGC Couva Joylanders……………………… Band of the Year…………………………………….Kareem Brown
3. NGC Steel Xplosion……………………………Wet Me Down……………………………………….. Arddin Herbert
4. Arima Angel Harps……………………………… Far From Finished………………………………Aviel Scantlebury
5. Pan-Demonium…………………………………. Cheers To Life………………………………………………Akua Leith
6. Curepe Scherzando…………………………… Stranger………………………………………………..Yohan Popwell
7. Petrotrin Katzenjammers…………………….. Good Morning……………………………….Terrence BJ Marcelle
8. Courts Sound Specialists of Laventille….. Dangerous…………………………………………….Rudo Forteaux
9. NLCB Valley Harps…………………………….. Total Disorder…………………………… Michelle Huggins-Watts
10. Western Stars Philharmonics…………….. Stranger………………………………………Len “Boogsie” Sharpe
11. NLCB Buccooneers………………………….. Rhythm Run Ting……………………………………..Seion Gomez
12. Pamberi………………………………………….. Gee Gee Ree………………………………………….Brian Villafana
13. Pan Elders………………………………………. Roti and Talkarie………………………………… Duvonne Stewart
14. Melodians………………………………………..Umbaya………………………………………………..Amrit Samaroo

LARGE CONVENTIONAL BANDS

1. Republic Bank Exodus……………………….. Good Morning……………………..Pelham Goddard/BJ Marcell
2. Caribbean Airlines Invaders………………… Full Extreme………………………………………….. Arddin Herbert
3. bptt Renegades…………………………………. Good Morning……………………………………. Duvonne Stewart
4. Skiffle……………………………………………….. Good Morning…………….K Williams/O. Gonzales/M. Brooks
5. Phase II Pan Groove (Hadco)……………… Red, White & Black……………………….Len “Boogsie” Sharpe
6. NGC La Brea Nightingales…………………..We Are Conquerors…………………………………Tyrell Marcelle
7. Birdsong…………………………………………… Pan Kingdom………………………………………… Mia Gormandy
8. Desperadoes…………………………………….. Good Morning………………………. Carlton “Zanda” Alexander
9. PCS Nitrogen Silver Stars……………………We Are Conquerors……………………………Prof. Liam Teague
10. FCB Supernovas……………………………… Rumble In The Jungle……………………………..Amrit Samaroo
11. MHTL Starlift……………………………………. Good Morning…………………………………… Robert Greenidge
12. NLCB Fonclaire……………………………….. Panorama Soldier…………………… Ken “Professor” Philmore
13. T&TEC Tropical Angel Harps…………….. Single…………………………………………………. Clarence Morris
14. Massy Trinidad All Stars……………………. Full Extreme……………………………..Leon “Smooth” Edwards

Ten singers will compete in the CSM category and ten will vie for the World’s Ultimate Chutney Challenge (WUCC).

Both Rikki Jai and Omardath ‘Balkisoon’ Maharaj will compete in both categories.

Former monarchs Jai, Ravi B and Rooplal Girdharie will challenge reigning monarch, KI Persad for the top prize of $500,000.

Also in the line-up is Canadian- based Trinidadian Michael S’obrian who will be doing his hit song, Mr Popular. Other competitors are: Rick Ramoutar, Lalchan ‘Rebel Hunter’ Babwah, Nishard Mayrhoo, Shivan R and Slammer Cutter.

Other artistes competing in the WUCC are Drupatee Ramgoonai, Rasika Dindial, Sam Boodram, Terry Gajraj, Rakesh Yankaran, Devanand Gattoo, Adesh Samaroo and Chris Garcia.

They will perform their hit songs from the past. The winner takes home $100,000.

Promoter of CSM, George Singh said he is disappointed about the prize money offered by the Government, but he knows that the chutney artistes have produced hit songs that will encourage public support for this event.

“At the end of the day, the top chutney singers in the land produced big hits this year and it is clear that their song will take them places,” he said.

He noted that overseas promoters have booked singers for shows throughout 2017 and this is a sign that the music is already very much in demand.

The Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts gave CSM $1.18 million for the competition. Singh says this amount is too little for a local show of international standard.

However, he is preparing for a successful event.

The second place winner will receive $150,000 and third place, $75,000. Those placing fourth to tenth will get $25,000 each. In the WUCC category the second to tenth places get $20,000 each.

Showtime is 9 pm and the pa- Canadian-based Chutney singer trons are free before 9 pm.

Wong Sang, who passed away on January 14, was the original co-ordinator of the competition which provided training in drama, acting and improvisation, and dance.

Director of the production Rhoma Spencer, who is a Best Village Alumni attached to the Barataria Community Council from 1980 to 1999, also benefited from that training.

Spencer said Wong Sang single-handedly mobilised the villages across Trinidad and Tobago to come together in the field of the performing arts, horticulture and the culinary arts.

It is for all these reasons Spencer said that she opened up Carnival Medea’s preview performance to Best Village practitioners and community groups. In a media release Spencer said she hopes that practitioners will see how “one can take and use original text and adapt it to some of the characteristics of what we know as best village, which is music, dance and drama, and how all this is incorporated in the staging of a production”.

Christopher Sheppard who is the choreographer of the production is also a Best Village Alumni, having worked with the Lower Morvant Best Village Group, and today still works as a tutor.

Carnival Medea – a bacchanal is a production of Lordstreet Theatre Company and is written by Dr Shirlene Holmes of Georgia State University and Spencer.

It retells the classic Greek tragedy of Medea and Jason using TT ’s traditional mas characters.

The Grenadian Medea, a Baby Doll, flees Carriacou with Jason, a Tobagonian stick fighter, to live in Trinidad.

After some years of marriage, he forsakes her to marry a younger woman. Distraught, she is determined to wreak havoc on the new bride and spite Jason where it hurts the most – by denying him access to his two sons. The production is set in TT circa 1950s when the Traditional Mas characters were at their zenith of existence.

Carnival Medea – a bacchanal will run up to Sunday, February 16 to 19 and March 2 to 5 at the Little Carib Theatre.

For mor info: www.carnivalmedea.wordpress.com, find them on on Facebook at “Carnival Medea – a bacchanal”.