Page 5775 – Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

Public urged to stay indoors as weather alert updated

Residents in Central, Northern and Northwestern Trinidad are being advised to stay indoors after 42 lightning strikes were detected per minute earlier today, a meteorologist within the TT Met office confirmed.

A release issued by the office said the adverse weather alert has been updated to code yellow which urges the public to monitor conditions before venturing outside.

The release also predicted heavy showers and thunderstorms along the Northern part of the island and may include incidents of flash flooding and landslips.

Newsday contacted an official at the Met Office who confirmed that inclement weather was expected for the remainder of the afternoon into tonight.

Morvant man’s wrist almost severed

Doctors at the Port of Spain General Hospital are expected to reattach the wrist of a Morvant man who was chopped during an argument on Sunday afternoon.

Around 5.10 pm on Sunday, Kasiya Rodney of Laventille Extension Road, Never Dirty, Morvant, got into an argument with one of his neighbours

The man reportedly went to his car and returned with a cutlass and viciously chopped Rodney on the left wrist, then ran away.

Rodney drove himself to the hospital, where he was given emergency treatment.

A suspect was later detained by Morvant police.

Bandits eat and drink merrily after ransacking house

Bandits who broke into the home of two senior bank employees last Thursday enjoyed drinks from the victims’ fridge and also ate heartily before escaping with the couple’s RAV4, which was used to transport their loot.

The couple who were out of the country on vacation were told of the theft by relatives.

Around 10 am last Thursday the bandits, who arrived in a wrecker broke into the house and began removing electronic goods, jewellery and other valuables. They put the items in the couple’s RAV4, then returned to the house where they began eating and drinking, using the microwave to heat food from the fridge.

They then used the wrecker to wreck the RAV4 from the garage and drove off.

Earlier they had tried and failed to remove a car from the garage.

A relative whom the couple had asked to check the house daily discovered the theft when he went to the house a short while later.

He reported it to the Chaguanas police, who searched for surveillance footage to help identify the bandits.

Yesterday residents of Felicity said many business people from the area, as well as others, have been the target of bandits recently.

They said the matter was brought to the attention of a senior police officer who lives in the area and he promised to ask the head of the Central Division, acting Snr Supt Inraj Balram, to increase patrols in the area.

CCJ to hear Guyana cross dressing appeal

FOUR cross-dressing men from Guyana will have their appeal heard at the Caribbean Court of Justice in Port of Spain, later this month.

The four – Quincy Mc Ewan, a commercial sex worker in Georgetown; Seon Clarke, Joseph Fraser and Seyon Persaud – have challenged a ruling of Guyana’s Court of Appeal which dismissed their appeal in which they contended that country’s colonial vagrancy law discriminated against them and violated equality provisions in the constitution.

The appeal is expected to be heard on June 28, by video conferencing from the Henry Street-based court.

In a unanimous decision, last year, acting Chancellor of Guyana’s Judiciary, Justice Carl Singh, acting Chief Justice Yonette Edwards-Cummings and Justice Brassington Reynolds upheld the ruling of former acting Chief Justice Ian Chang that both men and women were free to cross-dress in public once the reason for doing so was not for an “improper purpose.”

Chang, in his ruling, held that cross-dressing by men was not a crime.

The four, in 2010, asked the Guyana Supreme Court to strike down the law which left them open to arrest.

Chang’s ruling meant men could dress in women’s clothing, but not for any “improper purpose.” The ruling did not say what constituted an “improper purpose.”

Guyanese law also prohibits women from appearing in public dressed as men, although they are allowed to wear trousers.

Homosexuality is also a criminal offence in Guyana.

Chang, who ruled that the police had violated the rights of the four men during a 2009 crackdown, said he did not believe the law amounted to “discrimination,” in violation of Guyana’s constitution.

The four had been charged and fined for wearing women’s clothing for an improper purpose under Section 153 (1) (XLVII) of the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Act Chapter 8:02 – a 1893 vagrancy law.

At the time, then chief magistrate Melissa Robertson had told them that they were “confused” and should “go to church and give their lives to Christ.”

Section 153 (1) (XLVII) makes every man who appears in “female attire” and every woman who appears in “male attire,” in any public way or public place, “for any improper purpose,” liable to a fine not less than of $7,500 or more than $10,000.

For more details on this story, read tomorrow’s Newsday.

Police still searching for businessman’s killer

Homicide officers probing the murder of businessman Quasi Gill, 33, have seized camera surveillance footage of the actual shooting death and they are hoping to arrest the perpetrator soon.

Last Thursday Gill went to open a business place jointly owned by himself and his mother when he was confronted by a gunman.

He was shot once in the head and twice in the chest. The gunman then fled the scene empty handed. Gill died while undergoing emergency surgery at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex around 11 am last Thursday.

His relatives called for swift justice and they assisted officers in securing the camera surveillance footage of the actual shooting.

Female Venezuelan prisoners moved

UPDATE:

IN AN effort to quell fighting among local female prisoners and Venezuelan detainees Prisons Commissioner Gerald Wilson has ordered 41 Venezuelan prisoners removed to another section of the prison and that they should have no communication with local inmates.

The decision was taken after a complaint by a female Venezuelan prisoner that she was attacked in the dormitory a month ago by a local female inmate who called her derogatory names.

After the fight the Venezuelan prisoner was kept in solitary isolation, but her compatriots protested, claiming they too were victims of taunting and harassment.

Wilson ordered an investigation into the allegations and after receiving a report he ordered the relocation of all the Venezuelan prisoners to a section of the prison which formerly housed female juveniles.

Wilson said the Venezuelan prisoners appeared very pleased with the move, and bilingual prison officers were assigned to this new section.

All seemed to be going well, he said. They are by themselves, they do not have a problem with a language barrier, and mixing with locals would have caused problems and being by themselves where they can converse freely without being harassed or tauntedmakes life easier for them.

He said some of the prisoners are professional people who would have been lured into prostitution because of harsh economic situations in their country and they were against being called names, feeling they were victims and they should not have been subjected to such taunting.

Wilson said every situation in the prison has to be handled a certain way and his approach may be different from others, but every effort has to be made to make the lives of prisoners comfortable.

ORIGINAL STORY:

In an effort to reduce fighting among local female prisoners and Venezuelan detainees Prisons Commissioner Gerald Wilson has ordered that 41 Venezuelan prisoners be moved to another section of the prison and that they have no communication with local inmates.

The firm decision was taken following a complaint made by a female Venezuelan prisoner that she was attacked in the dormitory one month ago by a TT female inmate who called her derogatory names.

Following the fight the Venezuelan prisoner was kept in solitary isolation, however other Venezuelan female prisoners protested claiming that they too were victims of taunting and harassment.

Commissioner Wilson ordered an investigation into the allegations and after receiving a report, he ordered the relocation of all the Venezuelan prisoners to a section of the prison which formerly housed female juveniles.

Man, 25, questioned after police find missing schoolgirl

A 12-year-old pupil of the Marabella Anglican Primary School, who was missing for three weeks, was found by police at a house in Sangre Grande last Monday.

The was girl was taken to the nearby Sangre Grande Police Station where she was interviewed. Police said a 25-year-old man has also been questioned. Police said the girl is safe and was reunited with her family.

On May 24, the girl disappeared from her Roy Joseph apartment in San Fernando.

She was last seen by her grandmother playing with her friends at a basketball court. According to a police report, at about 7.15 pm that night, residents also observed the girl walking near the basketball court.

However police said when her grandmother went to check, she was nowhere to be found.

The girl wrote the Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) examination in May and is awaiting results. She lives with her grandmother and father while her mother stays in Chaguanas.

Relatives told Newsday they were happy the girl was safe and thanked police for their assistance.

Man tries to find owner of lost camera and iPad

After a bag containing a digital camera, an iPad and tripod was discovered near Green Parrot Guest House on Charlotte Street, Port of Spain last October, the items remain shrouded in mystery as it is still unclaimed.

Collis Isaacs, an employee of the guest house visited Newsday’s Port of Spain office this morning and claimed he found the items in some bushes near the guest house on October 13 last year.

Isaacs said despite placing the items in alost and found box at the guest room and posting about it on the official Facebook page, no one has come forward to claim the items.

Isaacs said he will leave the items in the custody of officers at the Central Police Station in Port of Spain.

Police report 'quiet' long weekend

A senior officer of the TT Police Service Port of Spain Division today reported a general decrease in traffic and activities in and around the city over the long weekend and believed this may be attributed to a general fear of a brewing gang war.

He confirmed that he was part of several exercises on Friday and Saturday night along Ariapita Avenue and other parts of Woodbrook and said there was a noticeable absence of limers.

He attributed this to false news which was circulated on social media and believed people stayed away from night time activities for fear of reprisal killings by gang members.

The officer said while the lack of activity over the weekend was not particularly strange, he said officers remain alert at all times.

Autopsies resume tomorrow

UPDATE:

FAMILIES of people killed over the weekend will have to wait until tomorrow before post-mortem examinations can be done, as forensic pathologist Dr Hughvon Des Vignes called in an emergency yesterday.

Newsday spoke with corporate communications manager at the Ministry of National Security Marcia Hope, who confirmed there are only two forensic pathologists – Des Vignes and Dr Eslyn McDonald-Burris of Tobago.

She said the current arrangement allows for one pathologist to assume responsibilities of the other in the event of an emergency, but the ministry was unable to facilitate Burris’ transfer to Trinidad yesterday at such short notice.

“This is really an aberration, but before today’s incident, the centre has been operating seamlessly without any kind of incident. Unfortunately the Forensic Unit of the ministry had very little time to arrange Dr Burris to come to the centre in Long Circular, but the arrangement we have works generally well,” Hope said.

Hope also said Des Vignes would return to the centre tomorrow to do autopsies. Sources revealed that in some circumstances, the bodies may be taken to the centre for temporary storage from hospital mortuaries, but this was unlikely since there were no facilities to keep them there for long periods.

ORIGINAL STORY:

Families of people who were killed over the weekend will have to wait until tomorrow before a post-mortem examination can be done, as forensic pathologist Dr Hughvon Des Vignes is on vacation.

Des Vignes reportedly announced last week he was taking vacation and would not be available to conduct any autopsies until Wednesday.

Newsday understands that the Forensic Science Centre is closed on public holidays and bodies will remain at the mortuary or hospitals until someone is available to do an autopsy.

In some circumstances the bodies may be taken to the centre for storage but this was unlikely since there are no facilities to accommodate storage for extended periods of time.

Newsday attempted to contact a representative from the Ministry of National Security for confirmation but was unsuccessful.

Joseph completes Juvenile sprint double

ENOCH Joseph completed his sprint double at the NGC NAAA National Juvenile Championships, yesterday, claiming gold for the Abilene Wildcats in the Boys U-13 200m final.

At the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo, Joseph dominated the track and eased to gold in 24.60 seconds.

He was well ahead of his Abilene teammate, Jabari Branche, who finished second in 25.15 seconds. Jumario Russell of Memphis Pioneers was third in 25.20 seconds.

On Saturday, Joseph won his first gold in the U-13 100m dash, clocking 12.39 seconds.

He then ended his account in the boys’ 1000m medley – a relay of varying distances, (100m, 200m, 300m and 400m) – taking silver, along with his Abilene teammates, Jabari Branche, Giovanni Bobb-Semple and Jaheim Hunte.

Janika Jordan of Cougars Track & Field added to her medal haul when she won the Girls U-13 200m dash, clocking 25.47 seconds, just ahead of her rival Janae De Gannes of Zenith, who clocked 25.86.

In third was Sierra Joseph of Simplex (26.10).

On the opening day, Jordan won gold in the 400m and shot put events.

Then, in the penultimate event on the final day, Jordan teamed up with her Cougars teammates to win the Girls U-13 1000m medley in 2:33.91, almost 10 seconds ahead of runners-up, Simplex Athletic Club.

The championship closed with the Boys U-13 medley which was captured by Cougars, with top performances from Tristin Goodridge, Khaliff Danglade, Kaiyin Morris and Dylan Woodruffe who together clocked, 2:24.32.

As with the Junior Championships a week prior, Cougars were the best represented and top performers, amassing the most points at the end of the competition.

Other results:

BOYS UNDER-13

200m dash

1st- Enoch Joseph (Abilene), 24.60

2nd- Jabari Branche (Abilene), 25.15

3rd- Jumario Russell (Memphis), 25.20

800m run

1st- Ben-Israel Bannister (Mason Hall), 2:28.53

2nd- Andre Joseph (Unattached), 2:31.68

3rd- EJ Andrews (FAS), 2:31.72

300m hurdles

1st- Jeremiah Francis (DPAC), 52.63

2nd- J’ai Duncan (Kaizen Panthers), 54.44

Shot put (3kg)

1st- Caleb James (Memphis), 7.64m

2nd- Kaiyin Morris (Cougars), 7.21m

3rd- Antonio Smith (Abilene), 6.69m

Discus throw (1kg)

1st- Kaiyin Morris (Cougars), 15.60m

2nd- Isaiah Sutherland (Toco Tafac), 12.60m

3rd- Hakim Salandy (Cougars), 12.10m

BOYS UNDER-11

150m dash

1st- Nathaniel Charles (Jaguars), 19.94

2nd- Makaelan Woods (Cougars), 20.08

3rd- Jaleel Eugene (Memphis), 20.11

High jump

1st- Tyrique Vincent (ZC), 1.40m

2nd- Clinton Lewis (Cougars), 1.26m

3rd- Jerimiah Nanton (DPAC), 1.15m

BOYS UNDER-9

80m dash

1st- Zayne Martin (Memphis Pioneers), 12.18

2nd- Sean Hart (Cougars), 12.23

3rd- Amarley Henry (Jaguars), 12.24

Ball throw

1st- Oshea Watson (Zenith), 38.40m

2nd- Amarley Henry (Jaguars), 35.01m

3rd- Tannon Niemeyer (Memphis), 31.33m

GIRLS UNDER-13

200m

1st- Janika Jordan (Cougars), 25.47

2nd- Janae De Gannes (Zenith), 25.86

3rd- Sierra Joseph (Simplex), 26.10

800m run

1st- Kayleigh Forde (Cougars), 2:31.69

2nd- Kernesha Shelborne (Oasics), 2:41.59

3rd- Judah Hall (Burnley), 2:41.21

300m hurdles

1st- Shakira Joseph (Cougars), 58.05

2nd- Maleah Francis (Toco Tafac), 1:05.66

GIRLS UNDER-11

150m dash

1st- Jhenise Garcia (Air Bon Sonics), 21.24

2nd- Jenique McLaren (Toco Tafac), 21.41

3rd- Maya Ramkellawan (Simplex), 21.45

Ball throw

1st- Maya Ramkellawan (Simplex), 39.15m

2nd- Q’Jea Stewart (Jaguars), 29.20m

3rd- Patrice Austin (Mason Hall), 28.10m

High jump

1st- Tenique Vincent (ZC), 1.23m

2nd- O’Teilia Joefield (Mason Hall), 1.17m

3rd- Shania Thomas (Cougars), 1.17m

GIRLS UNDER-9

80m dash

1st- J’Nae Bertete (Cougars), 12.40

2nd- Annya Jordan (Mason Hall), 13.04

3rd- Jadelle Joseph (Burnley), 13.27

Long jump

1st- Destiny Silverthorn (Toco Tafac), 3.00m

2nd- Aliyah Debesette (La Brea), 2.92m

3rd- Kyann Nicholson (Air Bon Sonics), 2.76m

TT rugby men grounded by funding

AFTER two wins from two matches in the Rugby Americas North (RAN) Men’s 15s Tournament, TT’s perfect start may count for nothing, as funding issues may see the national team drop out of the competition.

TT are scheduled to visit Cayman Islands on Saturday in their final match in the Championship division but are well short of their budget to fund the trip. The total cost for the national men to travel to Cayman Islands is $240,000. Their financial struggle a big blow to the TT men who have been playing exciting and inspired rugby with two come-from-behind victories so far. TT edged Bermuda 27-24 at St Anthony’s College Ground in Westmoorings last month, before defeating USA South in a thriller 34-33 at St Mary’s College Ground in St Clair, last Saturday.

Coach Rhett Chee Ping said yesterday negotiations are in place to delay the match till the end of July for the latest.

“This weekend I think will be definitely out. Management is still meeting with who they have to this week to see if they could get funding, but I think this weekend would be out. They trying to get a later date (for the match). Cayman Islands are willing to (postpone the match), but it all boils down to the funding. If there is no funding then we can’t go,” he said.

TT must commit to the match by the end of June or early July. Chee Ping added, “We have gone to corporate TT, because I believe Sport Company said they did not have any money. Also the IRB, which is the International Rugby Board, they are also looking to see how they could support us. They are willing to assist to see how they could help us, whether it is with flights or hotel accommodation when we get there.”

Chee Ping said if TT can’t play the final match they will be disqualified. “It is extremely important (to go to Cayman Islands) because I believe if we don’t fulfil our fixture then we are basically disqualified, so those two wins will become null and void.”

Chee Ping hailed his team’s first two victories as the local players were short of match practice due to it being the local rugby offseason.

“It was a good showing. It is a little difficult for us right now, because we are not in season. The guys train a lot…our season does not start until two weeks time, so they not even playing for their clubs and it is kind of hard to put it into a game situation.” The TT Under-19 rugby team is also short of funding, and their trip to the RAN Under-19 tournament in July in Mexico is doubtful.

Soroptimist gives out reusable bags

SOROPTIMIST International San Fernando joined in celebrating World Environment Day (WED) which tied in with the goals of Soroptimism to educate, enable and empower. The goals are reflected the WED theme: Beat Plastic Pollution – Reuse Your Shopping Bag.

The celebration was held at City Hall under the patronage of San Fernando Mayor Alderman Junia Regrello and teachers and pupils from primary schools in and around San Fernando attended. The pupils performed raps and jingles based on their research on the environment.

Osean Carrington from St Paul’s AC School won a special prize, as did performers from St Gabriel’s Girls RC and San Fernando Boys’ RC Schools.

In his address, Regrello enlightened pupils about the negative effects of plastic and totally surprised them when he said that chewing gum is made from plastic.

Osean Carrington winner of Soroptomist’s rap competition.

Students were viewed videos and other information on plastic pollution and pictures of animals entangled in plastic to drive home the message of the harmful effects of plastic on marine animals. To reinforce the cause, reusable shopping bags and environmental posters were distributed and each child received a poster and flyer.

Communications officer of Soroptimist International Marilyn Lalla said in a media release, “The Soroptimist reusable shopping bags with their environmental message were sold-out on World Environment Day because of their good quality and subsidised price. More will soon available shortly.”

Soroptimist president elect Bebe Ajodha chaired the function.

In the release Soroptimist said, “Every year the world uses 500 billion plastic bags, and each year at least eight million tonnes of plastic end up in the oceans, equivalent of a full garbage truck every minute. In the last decade, we produced more plastic than in the whole last century, 50 per cent of the plastic we use is single-use or disposable and we buy one million plastic bottles every minute. Plastic makes up ten per cent of all of the waste we generate.”

Great night for Pan Jazz

GARY CARDINEZ

WE BEAT St James Live presented a well balanced and professional Pan Jazz night on June 7. The St James amphitheatre was aglow with sweet music coming from the national instrument.

The St James Improvement Committee carefully chose the acts who all proved to be worthy, and local music was the winner.

The night’s highlight was clearly the reigning National Panorama Small band champion Golden Hands Steel Symphony. This band of children defied several comments like “why them children out so late” to show why they are champions.

Under the guidance of Vanessa Headley and Franka Hills-Hadley the youthful pannists performed song like Somewhere over the Rainbow, If it ain’t got that Swing, Central Park West, Fallen/Isn’t She Lovely, Be Green, Aap Jasa Koi Meri, Mighty Terror’s The Monkey, Ray Holman’s Waltz for Iris and Venessa Headley’s Sambalypso.

Golden Hands’ performance was very energetic and the children danced and sang while they played and showed why the band was a very good closing act on the night.

On the opposite end of the scale, opening act, the National Steel Symphony Orchestra (NSSO) brought Kay Allyene, guitarist Dean Williams and saxophonist Tony Paul as guest artistes.

The band started off with Morning Dance in which Paul was the lead followed by Ashley (Len “Boogsie”Sharpe). Alleyne got into the performance with her rendition of Summer Time with Paul and Kareem Brown as soloists. She continued with Feeling Good.

Guitarist Dean Williams was introduced as the NSSO started Breezing and he thrilled the audience with his deft fret works. Hotel California came next, after which the band went local with a beautiful rendition of Kitchener’s Pan Night and Day, Merchant’s Be Careful and Ultimate Rejects’ Full Extreme.

Up next was the nine-member, award-winning Codrington Pan Family, a very tight unit, and it shows in their performances. They started off with Cary (daddy) playing Summer Time before moving into Kitchener’s Pan Night and Day. This version was totally different from NSSO’s and the audience showed its appreciation. Their percussive version of Riddim Vybz which involved only the female players was also very impressive. The Codrington Pan Family continued with Georgia and ended with Kitchener’s Pan in Harmony.

Musical director Keisha Codrington arranged the songs with that touch of jazz which kept the audience on the edge.

Another musical family, Moore’s Music from San Fernando, followed but had problems getting to the concert and arrived late. They performed songs like Mas Que Nada, People Make the World go Round, I wish, Red Red Wine and Year for Love.

It was truly a great night for music.

US producers for TT music conference

A MUSIC conference, hosted by Taylor Mayd Musik (TMM) in partnership with Atlantic Records, will be held at the University of Trinidad & Tobago (UTT) Academy of Performing Arts (APA) in Port of Spain, on June 27 and 28.

Titled Trini 2 The World Musical Conference, the event is being held to promote TT talent, as Atlantic Records seeks new artistes.

Trini 2 The World is a new, high-quality show scheduled to air on HBO in September featuring five young, upcoming, talented Trinis, and is being produced by Phil Taylor, president and founder of Taylor Mayd Musik (TMM).

Taylor has been in and out of Trinidad in the last year, in search of up-and-coming artistes from TT.

Taylor, also a songwriter and engineer, will be one of the panellists/educators at the conference. Others include a number of people behind some of the biggest names in music today such as Gary Leon, vice president of A&R at Atlantic Records, (Ty Dolla $ign, Charlie Puth, Drake); A&R consultant Dean Earls (Snoop Dogg); Grammy-Award winning publisher Travis McFetridge of GSB Music (Kendrick Lamar, Rihanna, Lil Wayne); JBeatz (Jay-Z, Future, Outkast); MonstaBeatz (French Montana, Migos); and Dimitrius Lynch, TMM head of marketing (Bistalk Promotions).

TMM and Atlantic are accepting submissions nationwide for artists, producers, and songwriters to have their material critiqued and reviewed for the opportunity to land a recording or publishing contract.

In addition to the submissions, TMM will be hosting a master class series at UTT Napa campus, Frederick Street in Port of Spain, educating up-and-coming TT talent on the fundamentals of success in today’s music industry.

Leon from Atlantic Records said, “We’re excited about the potential career opportunities that could come from this music conference.”

Taylor added: “Bringing Atlantic Records and UTT on board with our reality series Trini 2 the World is a major step in our mission to breaking TT artistes’ careers internationally.”

On June 27 and 28, Trini 2 the World’s selected cast members will participate in the music conference and be filmed for a segment that will be featured in the reality TV series.

Artists, producers, and songwriters seeking to expand their brand internationally are encouraged to register for the conference to gain professional insight into establishing their musical careers and should contact tmayd@gmail.com or Whatsapp 1-629-255-7205.

Music is music

ROBERT SCHUMANN’S Symphony No. 3 vibrated through Port of Spain. It signalled the start of not only the National Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance but also the start of this year’s Brown Bag Series. The first in the series began on June 12 at the National Library and Information Systems Authority, corner Abercromby and Hart Streets, Port of Spain.

The series–which runs throughout June–will feature performances by the National Performing Arts Entities. The philharmonic orchestra along with the National Theatre Arts Company and the National Steel Symphony Orchestra make up the National Performing Arts Entities.

As the orchestra played from 12 pm to 1 pm curious passers-by wondered what was happening. The orchestra played eight pieces including arrangements of David Rudder’s Dedication and Brother Valentino’s Stay Up Zimbabwe.

Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, Minister of Community Development, Culture and the Arts attended the National Philharmonic Orchestra’s concert on Tuesday.

Minister of Culture, Community Development and the Arts Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly lends support to the National Philharmonic Orchestra at the launch of the Brown Bag lunchtime show last Tuesday at the National Library in Port of Spain.

Speaking to Newsday about the lunchtime concert, she said, “The Brown Bag Series is a series that has been going on for at least five years. It is headlined by the national performing entities which would involve the Philharmonic that is here today; the Theatre Arts Company and the National Steel Symphony Orchestra. These are actually employees of the ministry. The Philharmonic are the only part-time employees. Therefore, all of the others are employees of the ministry and what we do through this series is a give-back to the national community.”

Gadbsy-Dolly said the entities also have other productions that people can attend for free. She said while the series’ intent is to showcase the work of its employees it also seeks to demonstrate to youth that there could be a career in music.

“If you look at the composition of this group and the other groups, you will see mainly young people. We want to ensure that the young people see there is an opportunity for them to be musicians and really immerse themselves in that even if for a short time.”

Learning Living Institute students came to support a parent, Narida Herbert Nora and teacher Wasia Ward, who both play in the National Philharmonic Orchestra.

Dr Roger J Henry, the Philharmonic orchestra’s conductor when asked about the series said, “Our mission is to find a voice for music that is created, performed, produced here in Trinidad and Tobago for these instruments.”

He added that many people in TT assume that the only kind of music you can play on an orchestra is European, Western Classical music. The orchestra, he added, has tried to change that. “Music is music. Instruments are instruments. And if there is no local music for orchestra being played, it is because it has not been composed,” Henry said.

“We are in the business of composing and producing music for our voice here in Trinidad and Tobago. That does not mean we are not going to play a bunch a music that has already been composed for this instrument. We are going to do that but we are also going to do new music,” he said.

The Brown Bag Series continues on June 20 and 21 with the National Theatre Arts Company directed by Belinda Barnes. Then it closes on June 26 and 28 with the National Steel Symphony Orchestra conducted by Akua Leith.

Sadoo fires Civic to ‘First’ victory

POINT Fortin Civic recorded their first win of the Abercrombie Group of the TT Pro League’s First Citizens Cup, edging Morvant Caledonia United 2-1 in a Match Day Two double-header at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva on Saturday.

In the other match, W Connection notched their second win a row, getting past North East Stars 2-0.

TT-born Grenadian utility player Kennedy Hinkson, in his first season at Connection, broke the deadlock in the 25th minute against Stars. National striker Marcus Joseph put the game beyond Stars’ reach with an item in the 83rd. Connection defeated Point Fortin 3-2 in their Match Day One meeting a week earlier.

The top two teams in the Abercrombie Group and two from the Immortelle Group will advance to the final.

Morvant Caledonia United hardly posed a threat to a well-organised Civic outfit who should have won by a wider margin.

Former national youth team midfielder Jabari Mitchell, playing as a converted striker, missed three good opportunities to put Civic ahead in the first half.

In the 30th, an unmarked Mitchell got a ball from the left, tried to go around goalkeeper Terrence Lewis but was denied.

Two minutes later, Mitchell received a pass from Darnell Hospedales but missed the target. And in the 39th, Mitchell sent his right-footed shot overbar after he was again picked out by Hospedales.

Mitchell turned provider, however, to set up both goals for his team.

In the 66th, he sent a ball across the face of goal to national youth team midfielder Judah Garcia who slotted home a right-footed shot.

Nine minutes later, Mitchell found teenaged midfielder Justin Sadoo who brushed aside a pair of defenders before drilling a right-footer to the roof of the net.

Evergreen Caledonia utility player Kareem Joseph pulled one back in the dying seconds from the penalty spot, sending goalkeeper Miles Goodman the wrong way.

The spot-kick was awarded by referee Rodphin Harris after Sedale McLean’s right-footer struck the outstretched arm of Ronell Paul.

Ex-national captain and Civic coach Reynold Carrington felt his team should have made sure of the result earlier. He said, “It’s just an improvement (overall) but I think the chances let us down. We let it go a little too late to put the game away.”

There will be a Match Day Two double-header today, again at Couva, with Defence Force meeting St Ann’s Rangers at 6.30 pm followed by a clash between San Juan Jabloteh and Club Sando.

TT hockey men sweep Guyana

TT senior men’s hockey team yesterday recorded a third consecutive win to round off their three-match series against Guyana, this time by a 5-2 scoreline.

At the National Hockey Centre, Tacarigua, TT’s Shaquille Daniel scored a brace, while Kristien Emmanuel, Joel Daniel and Marcus James scored one each. The Guyanese got their only two goals of the series from Robert France and Aroydy Bradford.

Emmanuel opened the scoring in the seventh minute, with his second in as many matches, before Daniel (Joel) doubled up to give TT a 2-0 lead at the end of the first quarter. Guyana scored their first goal in the series via France in the 21st to end the half trailing 2-1.

TT then scored another two goals in the third period courtesy Daniel (Shaquille) and Marcus James, before Branford scored Guyana’s second and last goal in the 45th minute.

Daniel’s (Shaquille) rounded off the scoring for TT with his second effort at the start of the final period.

Yesterday’s result followed a 4-0 win for the Glenn Francis-coached TT team on Saturday and a 2-0 win on Friday. Saturday’s result saw Emmanuel, Tariq Marcano, Dylan Francis and Daniel Byer all scoring one each. On the first day of the series, Akim Toussaint and Michael O’Connor II got TT’s two items. The successful three-match series was used as preparation for Guyana and TT’s participation at the 2018 Central American and Caribbean Games, which will be held in Barranquilla, Colombia from July 20-August 3. TT will face Cuba in Pool A on July 21, Barbados on July 23 and Colombia on July 25. The top two teams will advance to the semifinals, while the bottom two teams will battle for the fifth to eighth places. Pool B consists of Mexico, Jamaica, Dominican Republic and Guyana.

Line-ups:

TT – Kwasi Emmanuel, Jordan Reynos, Jordan Vieira, Michael O’Connor II, Shaquille Daniel, Tariq Marcano, Akim Toussaint, Marcus James, Isaiah Scott, Kristien Emmanuel, Kieron Emmanuel, Mickell Pierre.

Subs: Isaiah Scott 13th, Jovan Wren 7th, Tarell Singh 10th, Tariq Singh 7th, Joel Daniel 7th, Caleb Guisseppi 9th)

Guyana – Medroy Scotland, Hilton Chester, Kareem McKenzie, Marvin Dannette, Rayon Branford, Jerazeno Bell, Robert France, Andrew Stewart, Jamar Assanah, Aroydy Branford, Dwayne Scott.

Subs: Jason De Santos 10th, Randy Hope 7th, Edmond Chinian 10th, Steven Xavier 13th, Mark Sargeant 8th, Meshach Sargeant 7th, Christopher Low-Koan.

Carrington, Wongin Lease U-14 final

Ella Carrington and Cameron Wong recorded contrasting wins yesterday to book their place in the Girls Under-14 singles final, on a rain-affected day in the Lease Operators Junior Tennis Tournament at Trinidad Country Club in Maraval.

Wong eased past Charlotte Ready 6-0, 6-2, but Carrington was tested in her match against Haleigh Fabres which went to three sets.

Carrington took the opener 6-3 but Fabres fought hard to level the match with a 4-6 win. Carrington took control of the Super Tie-breaker, clinching it 10-2.

Zara Ghuran and Jordane Dookie both advanced to the final of the girls Under-12 singles category. It was a comfortable victory for Ghuran as she registered a 4-0, 4-0 sweep of Sydney Doyle in the first semifinal. Dookie was made to work for her victory against Jaeda-Lee Daniel-Joseph in the other semi. After falling 0-4 in the first set, Dookie battled back to take the next two sets 5-4, 11-9 to earn a spot in the final.

Matches were also played in the boys Under-14 quarter-finals with Sebastien Byng and Sebastian Sylvester both winning in straight sets. Byng cruised past Ty Mitchell 6-0, 6-0 and Sylvester was a 7-5, 6-3 winner over Josh Gonsalves.

The tournament continues today and concludes tomorrow.

OTHER RESULTS:

Girls Under-10 Round One

Brianna Harricharan def Arya Siewrattan 4-1, 4-0.

Boys Under-10 Round One

Adam Wyatt def Liev Khan 4-1, 5-4.

Rizwan Mohammed def Benjamin Harragin 4-1, 4-5, 10-8.

Boys Under-12 Round One

Kale Dalla Costa def Nathen Martin 3-5, 4-0, 10-8.

Daniel Jeary def Marcos West 4-2, 2-4, 10-4.

Zachery Byng def Jace Quashie 1-4, 5-4, 10-7.

James Hadden def Mathew Guedez 4-1, 4-2.

Boys Under-14 Round One

Nicholas Ready def Andre Augustine 6-2, 6-3

Saqiv Williams def Beckham Sylvester 6-3, 6-2.

NATUC celebrating Labour Day in Tobago

THIS Labour Day, the National Trade Union Centre of Trinidad and Tobago (NATUC) will be celebrating in Tobago.

NATUC members include Banking, Insurance and General Workers Union (BGIWU) and the National Union of Domestic Employees among others.

Watson Duke, NATUC president, told the media yesterday, at a press conference at the Public Services Association’s Abercromby Street office that NATUC’s central executive took a decision to commemorate Labour Day in Tobago in observance of “142 years of labour struggle” in Tobago.

Duke said it will observe a labour struggle “that is quite famous and world-renowned but not spoken about” and that is the May 1876 riot in Roxborough, Tobago.

This, he added, would be used as the backdrop to “speak of the improvements of labour as we move to the 1900s and even to our current century. NATUC, he added, is prepared for Tuesday’s celebrations in Tobago.

It got police permission, Duke said, and will have music trucks on the day. “And we want to encourage those persons [sic] wishing to come to Tobago to please stop and take in the Labour Day celebrations commencing at 10 am on June 19,” he said. When asked if taking the celebrations to Tobago would hinder the peace process he spoke about – Duke called for peace between the PSA and Vincent Cabrera, BIGWU president – Duke said, “Regardless of the geographical location of the celebrations, one thing that must be said is that labour is united in its approach to defend workers of this country and that is what makes us united.” For Duke not enough attention is paid to the labour struggle in Tobago. Workers through TT, he said, “are being abused by the Government” and were “being taken for a joy ride and being taken for granted.”

“Those hot potato topics in Tobago, the issue of non-negotiations, the issue of pension for our retirees who are retiring and they are dying without getting their pension.

“We are hoping that the same Industrial Court that moved with swiftness and seriousness and upheld the law will now protect the workers of our country who are dying without receiving their pension, who are being told some file is lost. Workers who are going on some eight and nine years, Government workers, not private sector, who are not being paid. They must step in and injunct the Government and say stop what you are doing,” he said.

He again repeated his call for himself and Cabrera to smoke the pipe of peace.

When asked if his peace offering is rejected, Duke said there was no choice in the matter.

“They have no choice in the matter. It is not something they can accept or reject. It is on the table and they have to accept it. That is how labour moves.

“Not to accept it is to be childish, to be foolish and then to frustrate the workers. Here I am saying what are you fighting for, now let us settle it. Three months time, at first instance, pension, the salaries, we are going to bring you up-to-date, to know what we are doing. Let us get this over with, your members are our workers and we want to be fair to them, we want to be nice to them. I don’t know what there is to fight about that. Anybody who fights against that is really shooting themselves in his own head,” he said.

Duke believes that the Labour Day’s top message should be: “Labour should unite.”

“Although we are separated, we must be united in our struggle because one thing NATUC will not do under my leadership is bow to no [sic] union. We are not bowing to a union. All of us in NATUC, all of the units, we are kings and when we meet, we meet as kings representing our people.”

Labour’s future, he added, should also be more directly involved in TT’s politics.

“We want to encourage labour on a whole that we must find a place around the table of governance. We need to have a say. We need to sit around the table and make intelligent contributions. One where we have the resources, one where we are able, by a vote, to stop a bill from going forward. We intend to go there and we have been going there quite successfully,” Duke said.

Duke added that Tuesday’s events will be shown on Facebook and television.