N Touch

The right to reply

THE EDITOR: In an age of information overload and fake news, there is an irrevocable responsibility for issues in the public domain to have a two-way flow of responses. The recent issue of the invitation by the People’s Republic of China to Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and its change to an official visit in 2018 is one such issue.

A curious look at some individuals in the public domain registering their personal opinions without the relevant information on this matter is cause for concern. Popular radio hosts jumping out the blocks to speculate on this issue was expected as they tackle current issues openly with harsh judgements on local politics.

Offering a seemingly prejudicial opinion on the China scenario was former minister in the Ministry of Finance Mariano Browne. His analysis based on speculation on the issue led to an uniformed statement on both social media and his talk show.

Browne, as an “on paper” member of the PNM, appeared green, as a politician, when he claimed TT no longer holds its diplomatic weight, our economic significance has diminished and we were snubbed by China. Although his current status is insignificant to cause any change in the nature and importance of TT’s relationship with China according to Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Stuart Young, the statement was still reckless and irresponsible at best.

Former diplomat Reginald Dumas followed suit with his commentary, which was void of any significant evidence on the matter. His “I don’t know, but…” commentary seemed as though he could not let the opportunity to take the spotlight pass and therefore Dumas just had to say something when contacted, but again, without any concrete knowledge of the situation at hand.

The right to respond must be an opportunity given to those involved in an issue to maintain the high standards expected by journalism and democracy.

China has issued a diplomatic note to replace the original high-level meeting with an official state visit. This is the highest level of visit offered to a visiting prime minister as explained by Minister Stuart Young. Let’s hope next time, such people get the facts, allow persons the lawful right to respond and make sensible criticisms and contributions that can take our twin-island republic forward.

Ronald Huggins, St Joseph

The painful lesson of Mr Robert Mugabe

If the late Jamaican prime minister Michael Manley and Mr Robert Nesta “Bob” Marley, the third world’s first mega star, could, they would be turning in their graves over what Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe has become in the twilight of his years.

The two Jamaicans played a not insignificant role in the emergence of black majority rule in Zimbabwe, the former white-ruled Rhodesia: Mr Manley in the negotiations to oust Mr Ian Smith’s government and Mr Marley in providing musical inspiration, including a memorable appearance at Zimbabwe’s Independence ceremony.

As Mr Marley sang, Africans liberated Zimbabwe from the vicious rule of Mr Smith’s regime. At the top echelons of that liberation struggle was Mr Robert Mugabe, today the oldest leader at 93 years old.

As an inspirational liberation fighter in 1964, Mr Mugabe was arrested for “subversive speech” and imprisoned for ten years after which he was freed. He, with Mr Joshua Nkomo, jointly led the bitter and bloody civil war against Mr Ian Smith at the head of the Patriotic Front (PF) of Zimbabwe.

With the guerilla warfare taking its toll from bases in neighbouring Zambia, Mozambique and Angola, the Ian Smith regime agreed to independence talks in London in 1979. Mr Manley participated in those talks supervised by Britain. That led to new elections in 1980 out of which Mr Mugabe became prime minister at the head of the now ZANU-PF party.

Mr Mugabe became the hero of his people and the toast of the world. He silenced the doubters by taking a largely pragmatic course akin to the posture later assumed by South Africa’s Mr Nelson Mandela, in which all races would have a part in the future of the new Zimbabwe.

He formed a coalition Government between his ZANU-PF (which drew its support from the majority Shona people), and Nkomo’s ZAPU (which drew its support from the minority Ndebele people), and he stuck by the new constitution’s guarantees of substantial parliamentary representation for whites.

At the same time, Mugabe took steps to improve the lot of black Zimbabweans through increased wages, improved social services, and food subsidies. But trouble started to set in 1982 when Mr Nkomo was allegedly ousted from the coalition cabinet, and ethnic strife between their two tribes intensified.

Importantly, Zimbabwe’s economy steadily declined under Mr Mugabe’s Administration, with whites emigrating in substantial numbers, spurred by the forced takeover of many white-owned farms that caused a major fall-off in agricultural output and severe food shortages worsened by droughts.

Mr Mugabe’s popularity further declined at home and abroad as his Government became increasingly repressive, curtailing freedom of the press and harassing Opposition forces led by the Movement for Democratic Change’s Morgan Tsvangirai.

The economy continued to decline, and in 2007 the country had the highest rate of inflation in the world, as well as one of the highest rates of unemployment.

Politically, Mugabe lost even staunch supporters when he tried to set up his wife, Grace, to succeed him.

The November 15 military effort that has curtailed his authority was inevitable.

Officially a villain, Mr Mugabe has lost the mantle of glorious hero. What a great pity.

Use technology to capitalise on opportunities

Entrepreneur and Executive Director of Tobago Bridal Association, Duane Lyons, on Monday said a commitment to excellence was crucial to success in tourism as he urged young people to make use of their technological know-how to own and transform the island’s tourism industry.

“You need to be committed to serve people to the best of your ability, once you master that you will be on your way to making a lot of money through this industry. It’s not just about having a destination product, find a way to let people know about the experience and when the visitors get here, you still need to make them comfortable and encourage them to come again,” Lyon advised.

Speaking at a Youth Tourism symposium on Monday hosted by the Division of Tourism at the Shaw Park Cultural Complex, he

also advised that an understand of the tourism product and the market were crucial elements for success.

“Tourism is simply creating and packaging reasons for people to travel. We need to understand what we are going to offer and who is going to receive that offer so you can position yourself in the best position. We all need to get involved to create a plan that would attract these temporary investors (tourists) to come to our country,” Lyon said.

He said innovations in technology could be used to give the Tobago tourism product a significant boost.

“Almost anything could be a reason to make people come to Tobago. It’s not just in the hotel industry, it could be hosting events, it could be in the field of health; we could have people coming here for state of the art health care. It could be for our culture to our local designs, so anything can be a reason and as young people, what you need to explore is interesting ways to boost the tourism sector,” he advised.

“You, the young people, need to embrace it. Just by basic things you would know, you can unleash possibilities that are totally

limitless. You do not need a million-dollar budget. Through technology, you have a wide network to put your product out there. A lot of things are happening, and you are faced with many opportunities that are waiting for you to take up the challenge and own it. You don’t have to do this alone, it is a people business, pull together your friends and family, capitalise on everyone’s ability and let’s transform this island’s tourism sector.”

Hardwicke: Majority want Sandals

Nicholas Hardwicke, proprietor of the Seahorse Inn and former persident of the Tobago Hotel and Tourism Association says negative voices against the Sandals project in Tobago are few and far between and that the vast majority of people think the project will bring benefits the island.

Newsday reported Hardwicke as saying that the Sandals project in Tobago will be huge economic boost, not just for the tourism and hospitality sector but the general economy of the island.

“Hopefully the delay is temporary because the industry requires something like a Sandals to address the economies of scale to make the industry viable,” he told Newsday.

Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley said in Parliament on Friday that Sandals Resorts International (SRI) that one of the reasons Sandals may have chosen to “slightly” delay its Tobago resort was because of offers from other Caribbean destinations that may have been “more welcoming.”

He said that SRI was focussing on a resort in Barbados and repairing resorts in other islands that were damaged by hurricanes in September.

“I think they are also very wary of the kinds of welcome they might have in Trinidad and Tobago,” he added.

Hardwicke, who is also a member of the Tobago Tourism Agency (TTA), said what was needed now was leadership from the Prime Minister to follow through to ensure that his vision for Tobago was realised.

Businessman David Wong, from the Tobago Division of the TT Chamber of Industry and Commerce, said it was disappointing that the island was still unable to get a clear picture of the project’s trajectory.

“I don’t know what the delay is. We didn’t even know when it was coming,” Wong said.

“Sandals is not the industry. The industry is tourism. It is part of the industry. We have to do a lot of things to build the industry,” he said, adding that the focus should be on enhancing the general infrasturcture of the island to facilitate tourism, including improving the airport, sea port, and roadways.

“We should have (tourist number targets) and make sure we have hotels, restaurants, taxis, hospitals and cinemas– the capacity to host and entertain people when they are here. Regardless of Sandals or anyone else we need to be building the sector,” Wong said.

A stepping stone to future careers

Young people must see tourism as a stepping stone to future careers as all professions and sectors were linked to the development of the industry in Tobago.

This was the advice from Travis Robinson, 22, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation in the Bahamas, delivering the feature address at a Youth Tourism

symposium on Monday hosted by the Division of Tourism at the Shaw Park Cultural Complex.

Telling students gathered at the symposium that young Tobagonians were the island’s future tourism developers, that “every single youth in Tobago has ample potential and the ability to succeed,” Robinson said he built his career through “a determination to walk across life challenges and the belief that I had a future worth fighting for.”

“I dare to dream of a Caribbean where more young people succeed, where more of the businesses in tourism and hospitality are owned by us. That’s why I encourage all young people to get on board because something big is going to happen in the department of tourism. Something that has not happened in nine years and for the first time in the history of our Caribbean, young people like us will finally have a chance to stand up, speak out and let our voices be heard. You must wake, up wise up and qualify yourself to take what rightfully belongs to you,” he said.

Robinson also said that a greater involvement of young in tourism can help refocus juvenile delinquents and lead them into a positive direction.

“We have the opportunity to put laws in place that would determine the life we currently enjoy and the one we will leave for our future generation. We can get Tobago youths, especially those on the street, off the street, by giving them a successful future in the tourism industry,” he said.

Robinson also encouraged young people to take full advantage off and support tourism initiatives presented by the tourism department.

“Ultimately, Tobago will not be judged by the beauty of the island but by the success of the nation’s people. Now is the appointed time, not only do each of you have a future worth fighting for, but you have a great future worth studying for in the tourism and hospitality industry,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, current Junior Minister of Tourism in Trinidad, Le-An Telesford, stressed on the need for young people to become innovative.

Telesford told the students that any idea they were passionate about could be turned into viable tourism product.

“I’ll encourage all young people to try something new and consider a career in tourism. The tourism industry is a free and dynamic one and there is always space for elevated youths such as you. Any idea expressed by anyone can be a positive change our tourism sector and world might need,” she said.

Cancer patient waits on TRHA letter to get treatment

A singer with the Signal Hill Alumni Choir, Keion Moore, who suffered a relapse of T-cell anaplastic lymphoma in September, is awaiting a referral letter from the Tobago Regional Health Authority (TRHA) to restart treatment.

Diagnosed with this rare form of cancer in 2014, Moore also said the dosages of drugs administered for an initial six cycles of treatment were short of the required amounts and believes this may have led to his relapse.

In an interview at his home in Lowlands last Wednesday, Moore, also a checker with the Tobago House of Assembly’s Division of Infrastructure, recalled that in 2014, he noticed a swelling on his left arm on his return from a trip to Switzerland with the choir.

His mother, who he lost to cancer of the cervix in 2014, advised him to have it checked out by a doctor.

After three opinions from three separate doctors, in Tobago and in Trinidad, as well as from a visiting dermatologist who took a specimen to New York for testing, Moore said he was diagnosed with T-cell anaplastic lymphoma.

He told Newsday Tobago that that he was put on six cycles of treatment, and whilst on his second cycle, the swelling in his arm disappeared and he was granted a clean bill of health. He was advised to complete all the cycles, however, which he did.

But then the swelling returned, not just on Moore’s arm this time, but on his entire body.

“Six months later (after completing the six cycles of treatment), it returned and this time it was worse than it was before because first it was just my hand but this time, it is my entire body,” he said.

Moore said the startling discovery was then made that the dosages of drugs administered for his initial six cycles of treatment were short of the required amounts. He said in September, when he went to the doctor in Tobago, a consultant who visits from Trinidad, he asked for a list of all the drugs that he had used and the quantities. He reported that the attending consultant, in reviewing the information “realised that I didn’t get enough drugs because she said if I had got the adequate amount of drugs I would not have got a relapse.”

“I remember even while undergoing the treatment, it was even surprising to the doctors in Trinidad that I wasn’t getting any side effects, but they too later discovered that was because they did not give me enough medication,” he said.

Moore said he was currently having difficulty breathing, and doctors have also discovered dust on his lungs, which he said was making sleep a challenge.

“It is very tiring, depressing some days because I cannot do the things I am accustomed doing, eating the things I am

accustomed eating or even going to the places I am accustomed going.

“I live by myself, so I have to get someone to come home to me daily to do the dressing. I explained to my co-workers and supervisors what is actually taking place. I had more responsibilities and I would have informed them that I am no longer able to carry out the functions. I supplied a letter from Oncology stating that I am a cancer patient and they advised that I should be assigned to light duties. Some days I am unable to work,” he said.

But despite knowing about his relapse since September, Moore is yet to start treatment for his cancer this time, which is to be done at a private institution in Trinidad, it not being available at public health facilities, and must await a letter of referral from the TTRHA.

“I am awaiting a letter from the consultant hematologist to send to the Medical Chief of Staff (TRHA) … I need to begin my treatment as soon as possible. We have to now do over all six

cycles of therapy and with the right amounts, it will go away once again,” he said.

“I am hopeful that it would soon be over…I have to wait, I cannot go any further, I have to wait on this letter from the Tobago Regional Health Authority, and they are the main keep back at this time,” he said.

Flooding in Weston Trace, St Mary’s Village, Moruga

UPDATED:

Heavy rains and clogged drains led to flooding in homes along the intersection of Weston Trace and Moruga Road, Moruga yesterday evening.

One resident Kimmy Roopchan expressed frustration over the lack of help from the regional corporation to clean the drains which, she said, have been clogged since before the last flooding on October 18 (Divali day). “Despite numerous reports about the blocked drains, nothing has been done to clear them,“ Roopchan said.

”Up to Monday we visited the Princes Town Regional Corporation to request the drains be cleaned but we were told they have no equipment. Look what happened now!”

Another resident Leanna Ramgoolam told Newsday the water got so high that only vans and other high vehicles could pass.

“The only thing warning you about the big drain at the junction was the fact that the top of the drain was still above water. Otherwise, drivers who not familiar with the area could have ended up in the drain by Weston Trace,” Ramgoolam said.

Fatal shooting in Arouca

An unidentified man is dead, following a shooting in Windy Hill, Arouca.

Newsday understands at about 3 pm today, residents of the area heard several gun shots and called police. Officers who responded found the man bleeding from several gun shots.

They took the man to hospital but he succumbed to his injuries.

Newsday will update you as more information comes to hand.

Dole’s death letter surfaces on social media 18 years after execution

UPDATED:

Almost 20 years after drug trafficker and convicted killer Nankissoon Boodram, aka Dole Chadee, was sentenced to death for murder and executed, a letter allegedly containing the crime lord’s last confession has surfaced on Facebook earlier this month.

The letter was posted to the Facebook group T&T is Sweet by the user “Teddy Rat,” which was also the nickname of Chadee’s close friend and henchman Shazard Khan, and contains a list of people who allegedly assisted Chadee and his gang in trafficking narcotics and evading conviction.

Newsday spoke with a close relative of the Boodram family who said the letter was authentic and that while awaiting execution, Chadee wrote letters which were copied and given to close relatives and friends who were not in prison. According to the relative, Chadee’s last request was that they should release the letters 20 years after his death.

The letter claims Chadee colluded with high-ranking police and legislative officials in expanding his drug empire and even alleges that he carried out favours on behalf of politicians in return for their co-operation. The names cannot be published for legal reasons.

The letter states in part, “I am condemned to die. I would like to confess my sins to the public so that the world would know what went wrong. I have asked certain lawyers to at least delay my execution until arrangements could be made for my last wish, that is a TV and radio interview of about one hour. My only hope now is the International Court in The Hague. I am not afraid to die, but my secrets must be released.”

Chadee and eight of his gang members were hanged in 1999 for the 1994 murders of four members of the Baboolal family of Piparo.

In the letter, Chadee also predicted a bleak future for this country, saying rampant corruption within law enforcement and the legislature would result in its demise.

Shot cop takes a turn for the worse

UPDATED:

PC Roxanne Sealy, who was accidentally shot in September at the San Juan police station, took a turn for the worse yesterday morning and has once again been moved to the intensive care unit (ICU) at Mt Hope, a close relative said yesterday.

Newsday spoke to the relative who confirmed Sealy is experiencing swelling on the brain, is responsive but unable to speak, and has been listed in critical condition. The relative said Sealy’s husband has been devastated by her deteriorating condition and is seriously ill himself and unable to visit her.

“We heard that she has some swelling on the brain due to a clot. He has the cold, so now he is unable to go into the ICU to see her. She’s not talking.”

According to the relative, Sealy’s eldest daughter is not being given much information on her condition. There were earlier reports that president of the Police Social and Welfare Association Insp Michael Seales tried to have Sealy transferred to the West Shore Medical Centre in Port of Spain for additional treatment, but was not authorised to do so by acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams.

Santa Rosa coaches fined, banned for abusing referee

FC Santa Rosa president and coach Keith Look Loy and his assistant coach Jovan Rochford have each been fined $1,000 and banned for one game by the Disciplinary Committee of the TT Super League (TTSL).

The move follows a verbal altercation with referee Cecile Hinds during a game against Guaya United at the Arima Velodrome on November 5. Look Loy and his assistant had admitted and apologised for using insulting language to the referee after one of their players was knocked unconscious and they felt Hinds was not giving the player the immediate attention required.

Referees boycotted FC Santa Rosa’s last game against Siparia Spurs on the weekend, citing an urgent need for the disciplinary committee to deal with Hinds’ complaint about the behaviour of the two coaches.

Thieves break into Hillview College for DVR

Thieves broke into Hillview College last night, making off with a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) which stores footage from 40 cameras on the school compound.

A number of laptops that were lying around were left untouched, leaving the police to speculate on the motive for the burglary.

Investigators believe a murder that took place outside the school last week Monday may have played a part in the burglars targeting the DVR which may have recorded the murder and assisted the police in the apprehension of a suspect.

In the past week there has been three murders in the Tunapuna area. The situation has left members of the school shaken and parents were given the option of taking their children home. By 11am, almost the entire school was vacated.

THTI students slay at Iron Chef competition

The Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute (THTI) held its first ever Iron Chef competition on Friday at its Blenheim, Mt St George compound with 20 students participating in five teams consisting of a bartender, sous chef, pastry chef and a chef. The teams included Cutting Edge, Bread and Butter Crew, A Little Bit of This and That, Skanking Sweets and Destroyers. Judges for the event were Arthur Patrick, Regnel Clarke and head of Trinidad and Tobago’s culinary team at Taste of the Caribbean 2017, Adrian Cumberbatch. Here are some images of the event.

Pastry chef Shamen Mohammed of team Little Bit of This and That, prepares soursop cupcakes infused with toolum at the first ever Iron Chef competition hosted by the Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute (THTI) on Friday at its Blenheim, Mt St George headquarters.
Bartender Kathleen George presents her tequila-based drink to judges Randy Sankar of AMCO, left, and THTI instructor Errol Thomas at the first ever Iron Chef competition hosted by the Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute (THTI) on Friday at its Blenheim, Mt St George headquarters.
Iron Chef at Members of the Destroyers’ team T-ann Charles, left, and Jesma David from the Bread and Butter Crew show of their appetiser at the first ever Iron Chef competition hosted by the Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute (THTI) on Friday at its Blenheim, Mt St George headquarters.
Solomon Elliot, left, and Maria Emery of team Skanking Sweets, prepare a dish for the judges at the first ever Iron Chef competition hosted by the Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute (THTI) on Friday at its Blenheim, Mt St George headquarters.

Veterinarian Paul Crooks lives his dream

“I do what I do simply because of my love for animals.” These are the sentiments expressed by Dr Paul Crooks in a recent interview at his Canaan home.

As a young man growing up in Canaan, Crooks was always around animals, some of them his personal pets while the others were animals which wandered into the family’s yard in search of food. So his decision to become a veterinarian came as no surprise to his family and close friends.

Fate had it, that while doing his Advanced Level studies at Bishop’s High school, Crooks got a scholarship from the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad to do his veterinary degree.

“Since growing up as a child, our home was always filled with animals. Some of them were my personal pets, while others were strayed dogs and cats which walked off the streets into our yard. Their hope of course was that they would get something to eat because they had nowhere to live and no one to feed them. When I saw the frail look on the faces of these hungry, innocent creatures, my heart melted within me, and in my mind I thought: “If I do not feed these animals, they are going to die”. This went on for years. At that point in time I never really

knew much about what a veterinarian was, because in Tobago, not much was heard about it. All I knew was that I loved animals and that I wanted to be an animal doctor so that I can take care of them when I grow up,” Crooks said.

Crooks attended the Bon Accord Government Primary school up to Standard Three, after which he and his family moved to Barbados where he attended school, did the Common Entrance exam, and the the family returned to Tobago where he re-attended the Bon Accord Primary School. He re-wrote the Common Wntrance examination and went on to Bishop’s High school in Mt Marie.

During high school, Crooks continued to care for the animals which he considered as part of his family. He dreamt of being an animal doctor even though he didn’t see that dream coming true anytime soon in Tobago.

Crooks said his inspiration to become a veterinarian was due to his love of animals but also a love for children.

“As a young person growing up, I would sit and look at both animals and children. What I observed was the great similarity between the both of them with respect to how they behave. What I have observed was that they both exhibit a level of innocence and love and are also unable to take care of themselves. I value animals very highly and what they do for us, and I also really enjoy the company of children. What I have also realised with animals is that how they grow depends to a large extent on human intervention, and therefore I get a sense of duty to protect and help them as much as I would children, because like children they need tender loving care and attention,” he said.

As the saying goes: “What you think about all the time, the chances are very likely, that you would become that thing”.

Crooks never knew that a degree programme in veterinary studies was available in Trinidad and Tobago. It was at age 15, in Lower Six, that he found out through his father that UWI, St Augustine was offering a scholarship opportunity in veterinary studies. He applied and was successful.

After completing his A’ Levels studies, as part of his scholarship programme, he did the Pre-Vet, Pre-Health programme at St Augustine for one year. He then went on to do the Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Medicine (DVM with the School

of Veterinary Medicine at the St Augustine campus, graduating in June 2009. Since then, he has been a practising veterinary surgeon in Tobago.

One of his observations as a veterinarian is the way in which animals impact the quality of life for human beings – in therapy to help persons who have terminal illnesses, and in cases where persons do not have family members, they provide companionship and comfort.

“Animals do have a sense of loyalty, duty and affection,” he said.

Crooks said, being a veterinarian is more than just giving vaccines to an animal, there are issues such as food safety, public health, and disease control to deal with too.

“I do what I do because I love animals. I fully believe that each living thing on the face of the earth, including animals, were created for a specific purpose and all have a vital role to play in the development of the entire universe. We all as human beings just need to invest a little more of our time, to ensure that we do our part to make a difference in the lives of animals in whatever little way that we can,” he said.

Changing habits

Sandrine Rattan writes a weekly column for the Newsday called With Women In Mind. 

It doesn’t matter how loyal you are to someone. You can’t change someone’s heart and bad habits unless they want to themselves – Unknown

Entering a relationship with an agenda to change the other party in the relationship has been identified as one of the biggest influences of failed relationships. Through counselling sessions conducted by the International Women’s Resource Network (IWRN), women are oriented to understand that change can only come from within, and chances of initiating change to your partner’s characteristics are virtually impossible.

When one enters a relationship, it is critical to start by understanding the psyche of your partner and if for some reason, there are elements of displeasure regarding a particular habit and/or behavioural pattern, it is advisable to begin the dialogue urgently.

Habits are sometimes likened to the foundation upon which a house is built, as for the most part, they were developed during the individual’s social orientation from early childhood, and therein lies the challenge. The crunch on the relationship occurs when the habit becomes chronic to the extent that the affected partner begins to experience undue stress which some women and also men have described as “unlivable.”

Creating and maintaining healthy relationships is only possible through openness coupled with a distinct ability to confront issues including untenable habits. If your sole agenda is focused on changing your partner, then more than likely your relationship is heading down an unwinding road.

Habits deemed to be negative can destroy your relationship, and so, both parties have due responsibility to continuously engage in dialogue aimed at improving not only your own well-being but by extension, sustaining the life of your relationship. There are some signs which denote that some urgent repairs are needed and are also qualified as bad habits, ongoing squabbles about the same issues is a recipe for feeling the wrath of stress which leads quite easily to lifestyle diseases.

Constantly disrespecting your partner through belittling utterances must be avoided at all costs as well as taking your partner for granted by treating him/her like an object as opposed to a human being. Maintaining a serious disposition throughout is another poor habit…relationships are tasteless without some sense of humour. And, not having meals together as a family is totally unacceptable. Spending too much time on your computer devices thereby reducing quality time needed for your relationship and family interaction should also be managed.

Whilst potentially bad habits may mean different things to different people, partners need to all times be sensitive and respectful towards each other particularly when it comes to “likes” and “dislikes.” Remember from the beginning, the hope was to work together towards futuristic developments.

Sandrine Rattan is a communications and branding consultant, author, empowerment builder and president of the International Women’s Resource Network (IWRN) Contact: thecorporatesuitett@gmail.com or intlwomensresourcenetwork@gmail.com, hotline: 283-0318

Charles: Patience needed on Tarouba pitch

Red Force off-spinner Bryan Charles said patience was key to his maiden five-wicket haul in first class cricket against the Guyana Jaguars in round four of the Digicel Regional Four-Day tournament on Friday.

Charles, a former West Indies Under-19 cricketer, finished with figures of 43 overs, 12 maidens, 134 runs and five wickets. Unfortunately, the performance by Charles came in a huge defeat as the Red Force lost by an innings and 217 runs in round four at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba. Batting first, Guyana posted 484 for eight declared, before the Red Force got bowled out for 120 in the first innings and 147 in the second.

Charles, now 22 years old, said he was pleased with his effort. “It is a good feeling because it was a lot of hard work, it is a flat deck out there,” Charles said. “I had to bowl 40 plus overs so it is a really good feeling to be rewarded with the five-wicket haul.”

Charles, who got rid of West Indies and Guyanese legend Shivnarine Chanderpaul for just two, said facing the Jaguars batsmen was a huge challenge as they don’t give away their wickets cheaply. “Bowling to the Guyanese batsmen, you have to be patient. They wait on the bad balls to score, so it is just to work hard and keep pegging away. I think I got my first wicket in my 34th over, so it is just a lot of hard work out there.”

Charles believes having experienced Alescon Comets teammate Imran Khan on the Red Force team has helped him improve. “I learn a lot from Imran. He keeps attacking the batsmen, and we also play for the same club, so it is always a pleasure to see him bowl.” The former Presentation College, Chaguanas, student said losing the match spoiled his achievement somewhat. “It took away from the moment a little bit, but still the (good) feeling is there. I have been working hard, I think this is my 10th first class game. I think we could have applied ourselves better out there, but all and all, I still feel happy about the five-wicket haul.”

Charles said the team is still confident despite their heavy defeat. “We played three games and we did not lose (before this match). Just one bad day of cricket cost us, so there is not that much of a drop in the confidence. It is just to regroup and come again.”

Cunupia brush aside Club Sando Moruga

Kevon Woodley and Michael Darko each scored twice on Sunday as Cunupia FC brushed aside Club Sando Moruga 5-1, in a TT Super League Round 20 League One fixture.

Cunupia stayed in third spot, but the top two teams, Guaya United and FC Santa Rosa, did not play for varying reasons.

Guaya United’s game against WASA was postponed due to Guaya’s participation in the CFTL Cup final – they defeated Prisons FC 3-1 on Saturday, while the match between Santa Rosa and Siparia Spurs, at the Palo Seco Recreation Ground, was abandoned due to the absence of match officials.

Woodley got his name on the scoresheet in the 21st and 45th minutes, while Darko struck in the 33rd and 76th. Hakeem Legall was the other goal-getter for Cunupia, in the 32nd.

Amin Julien got the consolation item for Club Sando Moruga, in the 83rd.

The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) was the only team to climb the standings, going up one spot to fourth after whipping Bethel United 3-0 at the Mt Gomery Recreation Ground.

The Glen brothers were at the thick of things, as ex-national striker Cornell netted in the 17th and 84th, while midfielder Cyrano chipped in with an 82nd minute strike. However, another Tobago-based team, 1976 FC Phoenix, took care of Defence Force by a 3-1 margin, at the Hasely Crawford Stadium Training Field, Mucurapo.

Andel Noray registered a hat-trick, with strikes in the fourth, 74th and 82nd minutes, while veteran Ronald St Louis got the lone goal for the Army-Coast Guard combination in the 57th.

In the last game on Sunday, Queen’s Park edged Police 2-1 at the St Mary’s Ground, St Clair.

Devon Modeste (24th) and Kieran Marin (35th) were on target for the Parkites, while Dwight Elliott (83rd penalty) pulled one back for the lawmen.

Taylor: Refs fearful of abuse

Joseph Taylor, president of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Referees Association (TTFRA), has made it clear that the attitude towards the local officials by Keith Look Loy, who serves as both the coach of FC Santa Rosa and the president of the TT Super League, needs to improve.

Look Loy has come under fire for comments he allegedly made towards the impartiality of officials in Tobago which saw the referees boycott a pair of Super League games in the sister isle last weekend.

The veteran FC Santa Rosa boss and a member of his technical committee have been accused of issuing threats towards female referee Cecile Hinds during a recent league game against Guaya United at the Arima Velodrome.

On Sunday, Look Loy vented his fury as no official turned up for a Round 20 league match between Santa Rosa and Siparia Spurs at the Palo Seco Recreation Ground.

Taylor, a former FIFA linesman was asked why aren’t the referees waiting for the Disciplinary Committee of the Super League to make a decision on their complaint before taking strike action. “I’ll answer you in a question…. Are you sure that threats and abuse will not be faced at the next game? I am not too sure. So I needed the reassurance of the Committee to show that they are dealing with things in a professional manner,” he said.

He continued, “What is before Mr Look Loy and (TTSL general secretary) Camara David, and (the) Disciplinary Committee was sent in an e-mail.

A very serious matter is before them and we need that to be dealt with expeditiously, which is a disciplinary matter of (alleged) serious abuse and threats that was issued in his last match against FIFA official Cecile Hinds. It was, in the opinion of most in the Referees Committee, totally unacceptable.”

Look Loy has apologised to Hinds and the Referees Association for “insulting language directed to her” but is disputing certain details in her report about what transpired.

Taylor noted that the TTFRA met with the Super League hierarchy before the start of the 2017 season where treatment of referees was discussed.

“We gave Mr Look Loy and his team all that was to be expected, and he said that there was a Disciplinary Committee and they would be dealing with things,” he said.

Taylor acknowledged, “Mr Look Loy is in a funny position. He is a coach and he is a president of a League.

When we sat down at the beginning of the season, he said he knows his roles and he knows what to do. I wish some people could ask Mr Look Loy that question.

“What I ask is for Mr Look Loy and his team (to) review the discussion and the commitment that we had at the beginning of the season.”

The TTFRA head said he has appraised David John-Williams, president of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA), on the matter.

John-Williams, when contacted yesterday, said, “I do not want to comment on that thing until it’s properly ventilated. We’re having a meeting in the next couple of days.”

Pleasantville win Girls Big 5; ‘Caps’ cop Central Intercol

Pleasantville Secondary captured the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) First Citizens-sponsored Girls Big 5 crown yesterday, after a narrow 2-1 win over St Augustine in the final at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva.

An own goal, as well as a strike from Aliyah Pascall, was enough to guide Pleasantville to the title.

Joel Maloney, coach of Pleasantville, praised the work of his team as they came up trumps against the highly-fancied St Augustine outfit. “The team played well, they followed instructions and executed perfectly,” said Maloney. “It was a hard victory.”

Pleasantville will now turn their attention towards a Girls South Zone Intercol contest against Penal Secondary. “Hopefully we can get another trophy,” Maloney stated.

The Pleasantville-St Augustine was the first game of a double-header, with Carapichaima East and Chaguanas North squaring off, in the latter match, in the Coca Cola Boys Intercol Central Zone final. And it was Carapichaima East who were victorious, by a 4-2 margin, courtesy kicks from the penalty spot.

The scoreline read 2-2 at the end of regulation time, with Theophilus Bourne and Josiah King finding the back of the net for Carapichaima East, while Zidane Martin and Malique Robinson were the goal-getters for Chaguanas North.

But Carapichaima East held their nerves in the penalty shootout, as they booked a spot in the National Intercol competition.

Prison officer’s daughter not grazed by bullet

Prison Commissioner William Alexander insisted yesterday, that contrary to media reports, the 11-year-old daughter of prison officer Nigel Daniel was not grazed by a bullet which went through a window of her Belmont home on Saturday night.

He said the bullet struck the window and fell onto her abdomen which resulted in her suffering a small scar. Alexander said Belmont police were working on information that gang members may have been randomly shooting in the area and that resulted in a stray bullet entering Daniel’s house.

He said, in the interim, he decided to ensure Daniel and his family’s safety and they are being housed at an undisclosed location. Alexander has also arranged a meeting with the Belmont police to ascertain if Daniel was the target on Saturday and, if so, what new measures could be put in place to avoid any further danger to him and his family.

Yesterday, President of the Prison Officers Association Ceron Richards said he and his executive were planning for tomorrow’s meeting with the Attorney General and Minister of National Security to continue discussions on how to deal with issues affecting prison officers.

“This whole situation, which is continuing, needs management at all the various levels, but, most importantly, from Government in order to arrest and take control of the situation. The Government has to be very decisive and we are saying the time has come for us to implement laws for the protection of law-enforcement officers in this country.”