Topics

1

What about Track & Field / Commonwealth Games 2018 Updates Thread

« on: April 05, 2018, 12:59:21 AM »

Please post all updates for Team TTO in this thread thanks!   

2

What about Track & Field / NGC/Sagicor NAAA Open Championships 2017: Fri.23rd ~ Sun.25th June (HCS, PoS)

« on: June 23, 2017, 04:22:41 PM »

NGC/Sagicor NAAA Open Championships 2017


Date (Open): Friday 23 June 2017
Date (Close): Sunday 25 June 2017
Time: 5:00pm - 8:15pm (Friday), 3:00pm - 7:30pm (Saturday)  & 3:00pm - 6:30pm (Sunday)

Price: General Public: FREE on Friday & $75 on Saturday & Sunday!

Schedule/Startlists/Results/Updates:
http://www.naaatt.org/results/2017/naaa_open
https://www.facebook.com/NAAA-TT-254525524723356

Live Stream: (possible)
____________________________________________________________________________________

Venue: Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port-of-Spain










Championships Month in T&T ends with the NGC/Sagicor NAAA Open Championships 2017, from Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th June 2017 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port-of-Spain starting from 5:00pm this Friday.
Admission is FREE on Friday 23rd June and it is $75 on both Saturday 24th June & Sunday 25th June.

Facebook Video Advert: https://www.facebook.com/254525524723356/videos/800749296767640

3

What about Track & Field / 2017 IAAF World Relays: Sat.22nd~Sun.33rd April, Thomas Robinson Stadium, Nassau

« on: April 22, 2017, 03:19:29 PM »

IAAF/BTC World Relays in Bahamas 2017


Date (Open): Saturday 22 April 2017
Date (Close): Sunday 23 April 2017 
Time: 19:30 to 22:40 pm (Both Days)
 
Venue: Thomas Robinson Stadium, Nassau, Bahamas

 
Organiser: IAAF & Local Organising Committee (Bahamas)

News/Schedules/Startlists/Results:
https://www.iaaf.org/competitions/iaaf-world-relays
https://www.facebook.com/IAAFWorldRelays
https://twitter.com/worldrelaysbah

Live Streams for World Relays 2017:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQoMmTM1HE0
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/2akM5MYy2ef
http://www.znsbahamas.com
http://original.livestream.com/znsbahamas
https://www.youtube.com/user/IAAF2012
________________________________________________________________________________________

4

What about Track & Field / Latest News on T&T Athletes at Home & Abroad (2017 T&F Season Edition)

« on: March 27, 2017, 05:08:05 PM »

Lewis, Roberts golden
Parris lands Arizona hurdles double
By Kwame Laurence, kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Published on Mar 22, 2017, 11:31 pm AST (T&T Express)

TWO WINS: Jeminise Parris

Coppin State University students, Aaron Lewis and Khemani Roberts struck gold at the Maryland Invitational outdoor meet, in the United States, on the weekend. Lewis emerged victorious in the men's 110 metres hurdles, the freshman getting to the line in 14.31 seconds.

Roberts was the class of the women's high jump field, the sophomore going over the bar at 1.68 metres. She also enjoyed a podium finish in the long jump, finishing third with a 5.04m leap.

Another Coppin State student, Haysean Cowie-Clarke clocked 22.27 seconds for fourth spot in the men's 200m. And Coppin State junior Mark London was 18th fastest in the men's 1,500m event in four minutes, 13.56 seconds.

At the Willie Williams Classic, in Arizona, Jeminise Parris completed an impressive hurdles double. The Central Arizona College freshman won the women's 100m hurdles in 13.91 seconds and the 400m hurdles in 1:02.30.

Portious Warren triumphed in the women's shot put with a 16.17m effort. And the Central Arizona sophomore threw 43.11m to finish 15th in the hammer throw.

In Tennessee, University of Arkansas at Little Rock student Chelsea Charles won the Rhodes College Track & Field Invitational women's 400m event in 54.25 seconds.

Quinn-Lee Ralph was in winners' row at the Texas Southern University (TSU) Relays. He grabbed gold in the men's 200m in 21.31 seconds. His Wiley College teammate and fellow-Trinidad and Tobago athlete, Moriba Morain picked up silver in 21.40.

Four other T&T/Wiley College athletes competed in the event. Machael Mark (23.08), Roger Ali (23.13), Kendell Perouza (23.23) and Jesse Berkley (23.63) were 29th, 31st, 34th and 36th, respectively.

Dan-Neil Telesford was fourth fastest in the open men's 200m in 21.48 seconds. Carisa Leacock-Sayon clocked 25.82 for fourth spot in the open women's 200m.

Wiley's Danielle David was fourth in the women's 400m in 56.35 seconds. Terrisa Mark was seventh in the women's 100m preliminaries in a wind-assisted 12.14. The Wiley senior, however, opted out of the final. Grambling State University sophomore Jeunice Maxime was 18th overall in 12.55.

Perouza was 10th in the men's 110m hurdles in 18.39 seconds and 13th in the 400m hurdles in 59.90.
In the men's 100m dash, Berkley was 12th in a wind-aided 10.96, while Machael Mark was 15th in 11.04.
In the women's 200m, Maxime (25.35), David (25.84) and Wiley senior Kenisha Arthur (26.24) were 11th, 15th and 21st, respectively. And Ali produced a 51.73 seconds run for 27th spot overall in the men's 400m.

Akanni Hislop bagged men's 100m bronze at the Louisiana Classic in 10.60 seconds. His Louisiana State University (LSU) teammate, Xavier Mulugata was ninth overall in 10.95.

At the Emporia State University (ESU) Spring Invitational, in Kansas, Shania Alexander clocked a windy 11.93 seconds to pick up women's 100m bronze. The Neosho County Community College student was eighth fastest in the 200m in 24.80.

In Florida, University of Miami sophomore Breon Mullings finished first in his section and fourth overall in the Hurricane Invitational men's 400m in 47.75 seconds. Another T&T/Miami athlete, Trishelle Leacock was eighth in the women's 200m in 24.93.

At the Baldy Castillo Invite, in Arizona, Kayelle Clarke won her section in 23.88 seconds to secure seventh spot overall in the women's 200m. The University of Kentucky sprinter was 13th in the 100m in 11.88.

In South Carolina, Claflin University's Odou Hazel clocked 2:00.06 for 10th spot in the Charleston Southern Spring Break Invitational men's 800m event. And at the Texas Christian University (TCU) Invitational, Abilene Christian University's Jessica King was 23rd fastest in the women's 200m in 25.76 seconds.

Last week Wednesday, at the Jim Mize Invitational in Louisiana, Louisiana Tech University student Elia Nero emerged victorious in the women's 800m in 2:14.54.

Two weekends ago, at the McNeese Cowboy Relays, also in Louisiana, Ralph, Telesford, Morain and Berkley were fifth, seventh, eighth and 21st, respectively, in the men's 100m, clocking 10.69 seconds, 10.72, 10.75 and 11.13.

Terrisa Mark finished 12th overall in the women's 100m in 12.51 seconds. Maxime (12.59) and Arthur (12.61) were 19th and 20th, respectively. And Perouza clocked 59.27 for 13th spot in the men's 400m hurdles.

5

What about Track & Field / Should athletics world lobby for Women's 100m WR to be corrected to 10.61?

« on: October 01, 2016, 04:16:33 PM »

Florence Griffith-Joyner, Women's 100m World Record Holder @10.49
Should real Women's 100m World Record be 10.61 also set by Flo-Jo?

Putting aside the ongoing speculation about whether or not Flo-Jo was clean as she was never caught or ever failed a drugs test and all athletes are deemed to be innocent until proven guilty for cheating;

Should we ALL lobby for the current Women's 100m record held by Flo-Jo to be corrected from that 10.49 that Flo ran in dubious wind conditions in Indianapolis on 16th July 1988 to the more trustworthy 10.61 that Flo ran at 1988 US Olympic Trials 100m Final in much less dubious legal wind conditions?

After thinking deeply about DentyCracker's post which I saw over on the Caribbean Track & Field Discussion Forum quoted below, I think it is time for the athletics world to lobby for the Women's 100m world record to be corrected to 10.61 as there is no way that any normal female can logically run 10.49 in legal wind conditions without the assistance of performance enhancement drugs.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Quote from DentyCracker Thu Sep 15, 2016 21:39:
The official wind reading was 0.0

Incidentally, in the adjoining pit, the readings were 4-6 m/s while the races were going on. Clearly a case of a malfunctioning anemometer. Shame on USATF for submitting it and even more shame on IAAF for ratifying it. real WR is 10.61 by Florence in the trials final.
End Quote.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

This post is not in any way meant to tarnish Flo-Jo's reputation as I believe she was indeed one of the fastest female sprinters that ever lived but I doubt very much that that 10.49 she ran in 1988 was with a legal wind.

To me the real Women's 100m WR is the 10.61 also ran by Flo-Jo in 1988 and I believe our current bunch of top female 100m sprinters will all be inspired to go for breaking the Women's 100m world record as being achievable if it is corrected to 10.61.


TTO's Michelle-Lee Ahye competes against JA's Thompson at Rio 2016 Olympics

There is no way on earth that any female athlete can break 10.49 in legal wind conditions but 10.61 is definitely achievable in legal conditions by the likes of ET, SAFP, MLA and one or two of the current crop of top female sprinters at their very best in the right competitive conditions.

I think the athletics world should lobby for the 10.49 by Flo-Jo to be scratched from the record books in favour of the less controversial 10.61 she ran in the Final at the 1988 US Olympic Trials in legal conditions.


TTO's Michelle-Lee Ahye has ambitions of running 10.6 times in the 100m;
Ahye launched her King Lee 10.6 t-shirt line before Rio to promote her goal.

Correcting the Women's 100m WR to 10.61 will also lead to more excitement when the top women compete at major championships as breaking the Women's 100m WR will now become a possibility in legal conditions rather than an impossible dream as it currently is.

The current situation of the official Women's 100m world record being 10.49 is a major injustice to female sprinters everywhere and has been ever since it was ratified and accepted by the IAAF back in 1988.

What do you guys think?
Should we all (in the athletics world) lobby to get the Women's 100m WR record revised to 10.61?
I see no reason for the Americans to object as the 10.61 will also be held by Flo-Jo an American and the next fastest time after that is the 10.62 Olympic record that Flo-Jo also set in 1988 at the Olympics in Seoul.

It will be nice to also get Ato's view on this as his views as a reputable track and field analyst and broadcaster tends to be taken seriously by most folks in the athletics world.

6

Trinidad and Tobago History / History of Trinidad & Tobago's Population,Politicial & Cultural Growth from 1498

« on: May 01, 2016, 11:03:51 AM »

I compiled this useful list with dates, etc. Had to do research to get accurate population growth information over the years. Its an interesting educational exercise going through this list as it helps you to better understand how T&T's population has grown over the years influenced by the economy, labour demands and the politics of the day.

Have a read thru the list and post what you think about anything you have learnt.
Is it informative and did it help you to understand T&T a bit better population wise, culture wise and politics wise?

I may also decide to add T&T's major sporting achievements over the years to this list when I get the time.

Summary of Trinidad & Tobago's History
(Especially relates to Africans and East Indians settling on the islands)

1498 - Christopher Columbus claims Trinidad for the Spanish Crown. On July 31st, during his third voyage to the Western Hemisphere, Columbus arrived at an island he named La Trinidad (meaning the Holy Trinity) because of its 3 distinct mountain ranges. Before the arrival of Columbus the island was also referred to by the native Amerindians as "Iere" meaning "Land of the Humming Bird".

1510 - Trinidad reported by Spanish to be very densely populated with approximately 35,000 Native Indians (Amerindians) who are mostly peaceful.

1511 - The "peaceful Indians" in Trinidad are re-classified as Caribs (who are more war-like) and so fair game for slavers. As a consequence of this, Trinidad became the focus of Spanish slaving raids, primarily to supply free workers to Margarita's pearl fisheries. This process in addition to the introduction of European diseases causes the rapid depletion of the local/native Amerindian population.

1530 - The Spanish king appointed the conquistador Antonio Sedeno to be Captain-General of Trinidad for life, with a mandate to subdue the unruly natives. Sedeno struggled gamely to accomplish his mission, but the circumstances were against him; four years later, he returned to Spain, and Trinidad was once again left to her own devices.

1592 - The Spanish officially colonise Trinidad bringing strong West Africans to work as slaves and built a settlement on the site of St Joseph; clearing the forest, setting up plantations and growing sugar cane and other crops and they retain possession of Trinidad for two centuries. One out of every three enslaved Africans died from the brutal work of clearing forest in order to set up the sugar cane and other plantations.

1595 - The Pitch Lake is officially discovered by Sir Walter Raleigh. The native Amerindians already knew about it and actually took him there in order to get asphalt to caulk his boat. The Pitch Lake is the largest natural deposit of asphalt in the world, located at La Brea in southwest Trinidad.

1606 - Four hundred and seventy (470) enslaved Africans were brought to Trinidad by Dutch slaver Isaac Duverne.

1628 - A Dutch ship with 68 colonists landed on the island of Tobago.

1654 - Courish and Dutch establish successful colonies in Tobago and also bring Africans as slaves.

1658 - 500 Frenchmen joined the Dutch colony in Tobago but formed their own settlement called Three Rivers. By December 1659, the French peaceably surrendered their colony to the Dutch. At the time, the island held about 1,500 Europeans and around 7,000 African slaves working on 120 plantations, supporting six or seven sugar mills and two rum distilleries.

1687 - Spanish missions established as part of the Spanish colonization with responsibility to convert indigenous population of Trinidad to Cathloic faith.

1690's - Portuguese groups reportedly came to both Tobago and Trinidad as early as the late 17th century

1699 - Tensions between priests and Amerindians led to the Arena Massacre wherein the Amerindians murdered the priests. After being hunted by the Spanish, many of the survivors are reported to have committed suicide by jumping off cliffs into the sea rather than face being captured.

1776 - The world’s oldest "protected" rain forest was set aside in Tobago.

1777 - Population census in Trinidad recorded only 2,763 people as living on the island, including some 2,000 Arawaks, 100 Europeans and the remaining 663 being African slaves. Tobago which was still in Dutch hands at this time had a population of well over 9,000 that included approx. 1,500 Europeans and well over 7,000 enslaved Africans. Combined population of Trinidad & Tobago at this point is approximately 12,000.

1783 - The Spanish King, acting on the advice of a French planter named Roume de St. Laurent, issued the historic Cedula of Population. Proclamation of a Cedula of Population by the Spanish Crown granted 32 acres of land to each Roman Catholic who settles in Trinidad and half as much for each slave that they brought. Uniquely, 16 acres was offered to each Free Coloured or Free Person of Colour, and half as much for each slave they brought. This results in French planters with their slaves, Free coloreds and mulattos from neighboring islands of Grenada, Haiti, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Dominica migrating to Trinidad during the French Revolution that lasted from 1789 until 1799 to get away from the war and start a new life. These new immigrants establishing local communities of Blanchisseuse, Champs Fleurs, Paramin, Cascade, Carenage and Laventille. This resulted in Trinidad and Tobago having the unique feature of a large French-speaking and Free Coloured slave-owning class.

1784 - The Spanish governor called Don Jose Marla Chacon (after whom the island's national flower, the Chaconia, has been named) arrived in Trinidad. Chacon was an astute administrator who settled many land disputes, declared Port of Spain the new capital (depriving San Jose de Oruna, now St. Joseph, of that titular honour), and initiated development in the more remote parts of the island. His regulations concerning the treatment of the slaves were enlightened (for his time) and the colony prospered under his governorship.

1790 - The population of Trinidad has jumped to over 15,000 surpassing Tobago's population.
Mardi Gras (Christmas to Ash Wednesday masquerade ball celebrations) has been introduced by the Europeans.
On plantation festivals are banned for Enslaved Africans leading to them establishing their own celebration - Cannes Brulees (Canboulay). Enslaved Africans also introduced their own dance (Kalinda) & own Kalinda songs to African drums (these songs eventually fuse with other musical influences to develop into Calypso).
Gros Jean, an African slave, is reputed to have been the first early calypsonian, having been named ‘Mait Caiso’ (Master of Caiso) by the Diego Martin estate owner Begorrat in 1790.

1797 - British forces capture Trinidad from the Spanish on 21st February invading the island via Chaguaramas Bay. By the time the island is surrendered to the British the population had increased to 17,643: 2,086 whites, 1,082 free people of colour, 1,082 Amerindians, and 10,009 African slaves.
The first priority of the British in the years immediately following their victory over the Spanish was to secure the island against enemy attack. Fort Picton (named after the governor who built it) and Fort George (named after the King of England) were erected on high hilltops overlooking the Gulf of Paria; neither, ironically, saw any military action.

1807 - The Slave Trade is abolished by the British and Trinidad is left with labour shortage.
First shipment of 200 Chinese labourers brought to Trinidad by the British as part of an experiment to assess their potential as a new form of cheap labour which was later labelled as indentureship.

1808 - Port of Spain was burnt to the ground overnight in the Great Fire of 1808. However, this proved to be a blessing in disguise, since it allowed the incoming British governor, Sir Ralph Woodford, a free hand in planning the re-built capital. Woodford also continued Chacon's good work in opening up the interior of the island to development.

1813 - Trinidad Slave Census gives total of 25,696 slaves. Here is a summary and breakdown of the figures (Source: "Seven Slaves and Slavery - Trinidad 1777-1838", by Father Anthony de Verteuil C.S.Sp., Scrip-J Printers, Port-of-Spain, 1992):-
SUMMARY
Number of slaves 25,696
Creole (i.e born in the West Indies including Trinidad born) 11,633 (46% of total)
African (i.e born in Africa) 13,984 (54% of total)
BREAKDOWN OF AFRICAN BORN SLAVES
Ibo (S.E. Nigeria) 2,863 - 20% of African
Congo (Congo) 2,450 - 20%
Moco (Cameroons) 2,240 - 17%
Mandingo (Senegambia) 1,421 - 10%
Kormantyn (Ghana - includes Fanti, Ashanti & others) - 1,068 - 7%
Kwakwa (Ivory Coast) 473 - 3%
Sierra Leone (Temne 169, Sisu 145, Kissi 63) - 377 2.5%
Ibibio (Nigeria) 371 - 2.5%
Raddah (Dahomey) 281 - 2%
Chamba (Nigeria?) 275 - 2%
Fulani (N. Sierra Leone) 171 - 1.2%
Popo (Dahomey) 112 - 1%
Hausa (N. Nigeria) 109 - 1%
Yoruba (W. Nigeria) 10 - 0.07%
Various tribes under 1% 818 - 6%
Only port of departure known - 8.73%

This 1813 Slave Census figure of 25,696 slaves does not include whites, free people of colour and native Amerindians which would add approximately another 5,000 minimum to the figure to take the total population of Trinidad in 1813 to at least 30,696 people.
The Slave Census figures also puts a lie to the belief by some that most of the slaves in Trinidad were Caribbean born and came from the other Caribbean islands before the Emancipation of Slavery as it is clear from the figures that African born slaves who came to Trinidad directly from Africa are in the majority at 54% of Trinidad's slave population in 1813.
This Slave Census was done a number of years before slavery was officially abolished in the English Caribbean. The abolition of the Slave Trade by the English in 1807 is not to be confused with the official abolition of slavery which happened almost 30 years later in Trinidad in 1834 and in the other British colonies in 1838.

1814 - Tobago, which has changed hands several times, is ceded to Britian.

1815 to 1816 - 700 former Black slaves from the US South who fought for the British as Royal Marines during the American War of 1812, were granted land in Trinidad & Tobago as a reward for their service to the Crown.
This group of formerly enslaved Africans who gained their freedom ahead of Abolition of Slavery in the British colonies came to be known as the Merikins.

1833 - Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 is passed in British Parliament of the United Kingdom. However an attempt is made to circumvent the abolition of slavery. Announcement is made from Whitehall in England that slaves would be totally freed by 1840 but in the meantime, slaves on plantations were expected to remain where they were and work as "apprentices" for the next 6 years.

1834 - On 1st August, an unarmed group of mainly elderly blacks being addressed by the Governor at Government House in Trinidad about the new laws, began chanting: "Pas de six ans. Point de six ans" ("Not six years. No six years"), drowning out the voice of the Governor. Peaceful protests continued until a resolution to abolish apprenticeship was passed and de facto freedom was achieved in Trinidad and Tobago.
An early calypsonian composes a calypso about this protest which becomes quite popular with the masses.
Canboulay explodes and is now being celebrated annually on August 1st, meaning that during this period Trinidad has two Carnival celebrations, the European style dominated Mardi Gras celebrations and the African style dominated Canboulay celebrations.
In an effort to control the growing poularity of Canboulay which includes a lot of characters designed by the ex-slaves and free-coloureds to mock and offend the colonial authorities, the  authorities later decide to move the Canboulay celebrations from August to start from Mardi Gras Sunday and try to restrict it to sunrise before the start of Mardi Gras Monday & Tuesday.
The now free Africans who expressed their distain for the colonial authorties thru Canboulay generally decide to replace the Europeans' Mardi Gras celebrations with their own African style Canboulay celebrations and so Whites/Europeans generally decide to withdraw their participation and to denounce the festivities.

1838 - On 1st August 1838 emancipation which had theoretically been granted to the slaves in 1834 became an official reality. Full emancipation for all was finally legally granted ahead of schedule on 1 August 1838. 1838 also saw the abolition of the "apprenticeship" system in Jamaica, Barbados, and Leeward and Windward Islands.

1838 to 1845 - To deal with the problem of "shortage of labour", Trinidad and Tobago planters compensated for the loss of their slaves by importing indentured workers. Initially Chinese, free West Africans, and Portuguese from the island of Madeira were imported. These early indentured workers were later followed by indentured servants from India who started arriving from May 1845.
In addition, large numbers of ex-slaves migrated from the Lesser Antilles to Trinidad and Tobago for work and a better life. T&T's population grows from about 65,000 to about 80,000 during this period.

1845 - The first batch of indentured labourers from India arrived aboard the Fatel Rozack on May 30, 1845; they numbered a mere 213. By 1848, their numbers had swelled to more than 5,000. These workers proved satisfactory; and by the time the Indian government had finally made indentureship illegal in 1917, the number of indentured workers in Trinidad had risen to more than 145,000.

1848 to 1852 - Another group that found their way to Trinidad during these years was the Chinese, who were mostly brought in between 1848 and 1852, when there was a temporary halt in Indian immigration. The Chinese were not a great success in the cane fields; the plantation owners found them rebellious and troublesome. They soon moved away from the plantations to open small businesses of their own, forming a close-knit little community of sharp-witted entrepreneurs. Chinese immigration ended in 1866, by which time Indian immigration had resumed in full force.

1857 - Oil discovery in Trinidad. American Merrimac Oil Company drilled an early oil well (which was historically the first in the world) at La Brea where oil was struck at 280 feet.

1858 - Revelry is banned on Mardi Gras Sunday as authorities try to regain control of Mardi Gras/Canboulay celebrations now dominated by ex-Slaves. Scary characters like Jab-Jabs, Jabmolassies, Midnight Robbers, Bats, Dragons, etc, are now dominant on the streets during Canboulay celebrations mocking the colonial authorities.

1876 - The Trinidad Government Railway was built to connect Port of Spain with Arima. The railway was extended to Couva in 1880, to San Fernando in 1882, to Cunapo (now Sangre Grande) in 1897, to Tabaquite in 1898, to Siparia in 1913 and to Rio Claro in 1914. The railway existed until 28th December 1968.
 
1881 - Canboulay riots led by Chantwells and Stick-fighters occur in reaction to oppressive measures by the police and colonial authorities to control the Canboulay celebrations.
 
1884 - Ordinance declared: the use of African drums outlawed in Canboulay celebrations;
Restrictions placed on size of bands - Yields sporadic & violent outbursts over the years.
Ordinance against the use of African drums led to the development of the Tamboo-Bamboo as a musical instrument. The Tamboo-Bamboo was made from bamboo cut to various lengths and its sound was produced by stamping onto the ground. Carnival celebrations in the five decades from 1884 to the late 1930s witnessed the growing rhythms of Tamboo-Bamboo musical ensembles in street processions with accompanying brass and string instrumental bands.
Tobago's sugar-based economy has collapsed and it could no longer stand on its own, so it is decided to annex the impecunious little island to its larger neighbour. This was the beginning of the unitary state of Trinidad and Tobago: a relationship whose problems have not yet been completely resolved.
 
1888 - Tobago is linked with Trinidad in a single administrative unit.

1900 - Colonial government & business community take control of Canboulay.
Canboulay is rebranded as Carnival and is organized into disciplined parade of masquerade bands.
Bands can now vie for competitive prizes and the “Upper class” return to the festivities.
The emerging local style of music that the ex-slaves referred to as Caiso and Kaiso among other names is also rebranded as Calypso by the local "plantation-class" controlled press.

1903 - The Water Riots of 1903, caused by the government's attempts to impose new taxes on water, ended with the burning to the ground of the Red House, seat of government.

1907 - Major oil drilling operations began, roads and other infrastructure were built.

1910 - Annual production of oil in Trinidad and Tobago reached 47,000 barrels and keep rapidly increasing year by year.

1912 - First ever instrumental calypso recording done in America by touring Lovey's String Band from Trinidad.

1914 - The first known Calypso competition is held during the Carnival season and first ever vocal calypso recording called "Duke of Iron" by chantwell and famous calinda stick-fighter Julian Whiterose also known as Henry Julian is done in Trinidad by the visiting Victor Gramophone Company of New York.
Calypso starts to gain international attention in both America and Britain. However interest by both the Americas and British in recording more calypso music for their consumption is interrupted by World War I, the first global war centred in Europe that last from 28th July 1914 until 11th November 1918.

1917 - East Indian Indentureship stystem ends with a total of 147,592 arrivals between 1845 & 1917. African population in T&T almost twice that of the East Indian population at about 250,000 and the total T&T population now approx. 355,000.

1921 - Calypsonian and railway ticket collector 'Chieftain' Walter Douglas (1895-1982) produces first modern calypso tent in Trinidad and the world. He replaced the palm roof with railway tarpaulins, kerosene flambeaux with gas lamps; erected a stage, provided rented chairs; printed tickets, handbills for railway passengers and employees; brought in an orchestra of flute, clarinet, cuatro, guitar, bass, occasionally violin, and a chorus. Calypso shows are still called tents today, though now using halls, cinemas, etc as venues and touring the country during the season. Performers move from tent to tent looking for the best deal and customers move from tent to tent looking for the best entertainment.

1923 to 1924 - Oil exports for the first time exceeded those of sugar and cocoa combined and by 1936, Trinidad was the leading oil producer in the British Empire.

1925 - The first, extremely restricted, elections were held.
Goat races began in Tobago as a working-class alternative to upper-class horse racing.

1927 to 1950 - Trinidad born and raised Calypso singers King Houdini (real name Fredrick Wilmoth Hendricks) and The Duke of Iron (real name Cecil Anderson) cut many hit calypso records in New York for Decca Records, RCA Victor and other top labels back by local bands, most notably Gerald Clark's Night Owls. Gerald Clark was also a top Trinidadian musician and arranger who migrated to New York in the 1920's. They were later joined by Lord Invader, Roaring Lion, Atilla The Hun and others in the 1930's who came annually from Trinidad to record and perform in the USA. Together they among other calypsonians helped to created a vibrant Calypso scene in New York and America that saw Calypso become a popular international music craze in the 30's, 40's & 50's.

1931 - Outright banning of African drums by the British colonists during Carnival festivities. As an improvisation by children of ex-Slaves, Tamboo Bamboo now replaces outlawed African drums as the main musical medium; “boom” for low tones, “foule” or “buller” for mid-range & “cutter” for counterpoint/lead.
Several problems with the bamboo material, including its tendency to splinter easily, resulted in experimentation with other materials such as metal containers, to produce various sound effects. These experiments resulted in the discovery of the steel drum since it proved to be more durable than other material and capable of greater tonal versatility.

1932 - Though there were unofficial road marches in Trinidad called "Leggoes" before this year, King Radio won the first official Road March competition in T&T and Caribbean history.

1934 - In March (right after Carnival) Eduardo Sa Gomes the Trinidad agent for Brunswick Records sent Roaring Lion and Atilla the Hun with musicians to record calypsos in New York City. This event was one of the defining moments in calypso history. While Belasco and Houdini and others had recorded calypsos before, this was the first trip by top calypsonians based in Trinidad to New York for recording and proved to be the start of a series of annual trips by Trinidad's top select calypsonians which blossomed into the Golden Age of Calypso on the American radio airwaves.
While in New York City, Lion and Atilla also appeared on the Rudy Vallee's Fleishman's Variety Hour radio show on WEAF on March 8th 1934 that was heard, though just barely and with great static, on shortwave all the way back in Trinidad. The singers also appeared as part of the floor show at Vallee's Hollywood Cafe on Broadway in Manhattan and performed for President Roosevelt at a charity function at the Waldorf Astoria.

1935 - Tamboo Bamboo is now banned by the authorities during Carnival festivities so Gonzales Tamboo-Bamboo Band introduces the first type of “bass pan” or steeldrum as a replacement.
This drum, originally used to store petroleum, evolved into the steel pan by making cross-sections cut into the 55-gallon metal container. Through further experimentation, percussive sounds of various pitches were produced by indenting and tempering the concave metal surface. The steel drum therefore was used in the creation of what is known today as the steel pan, and although there have been several competing claims to its invention, it is generally accepted that the first "ping-pong" steel pan was developed between 1937 and 1939 in Trinidad.

1936 - Alexander Ford establishes the "Alexander Ragtime Band" for Carnival using sweet-oil pans, dust bins, biscuit pans: convex-shape and sticks without rubber to beat the pans.

1937 - First Steelband competition held at Queen’s Park Oval; Alexander Rag Time Band (winner), 2nd is Hell Yard and 3rd is Second Eleven.
Labour/oilfield riots led by Tubal Uriah Butler (an immigrant from the neighbouring island of Grenada) shook the country and led to the formation of the modern Trade Union movement. Butler was jailed from 1937 to 1939, but was re-arrested when the United Kingdom entered World War II and jailed for the duration of the war.

1939 - First national Calypso King contest is held and is won by Growling Tiger singing "The Labour Situation in Trinidad & Tobago". World War II is declared on 1st September 1939 (2nd global war which lasts until 2nd September 1945) and Carnival is officially suspended but Bands still parade “illegally” on Monday & Tuesday before Ash Wednesday; The 3 note ping-pong pan is introduced. The first professional music recording studios were also established in Trinidad.

1940 - Steelband Experimentation period begins and rubber on sticks to play the pans are introduced.
Hollywood movies have a strong influence on many of the steelband names (violence, force, terror, heroes & movies). Some older bands changed their names like Hell Yard >> “All Stars”, Merry Boys >> “Casablanca”, Laventille Boys >> “Desperadoes”, River Lady >> “Destination Tokyo” and Age of the Steelband “Badjohn” begins. Roaring Lion also records first calypso ever accompanied by early steelband in the recording.

1941 - The British leases lands in Chaguaramas already settled and being farmed by descendants of ex-African slaves to the USA for building a military base. Descendants of ex-African slaves are persuaded by the colonial authorities to temporarily give up their land in support of the world war effort against Hitler.
US military bases built during World War II. T&T's population now approx. 550,000.
T&T's population is also boosted by US military personnel working and living at the US military bases.
The presence of American service men in Trinidad and Tobago ensured that calypso was propelled even further into the international mainstream.

1944 - Lord Kitchener composed the first calypso about the rapidly evolving steelbands and to be popularly played by steel drum orchestras called "The Beat of the Steelband."

1945 - V.E. Day (8th May) sees rapidly developing steelbands take to the streets in celebration with tenor kettle (5 notes), ping pong, cuff boom, dudup (bass kettle) appearing in the bands of revelers.
World War II ends officially in Septmeber and Tubal Uriah Butler is released from jail. He reorganises his political party, the British Empire Citizens' and Workers' Home Rule Party. This party won a plurality in the 1950 General Elections, but because the establishment feared Butler as a radical, Albert Gomes instead became the first Chief Minister of Trinidad and Tobago.

1945 to 1950 - More Steelband developments take place that include:-
Sweet-oil drums (ping pong) sunk in convex fashion, 5 to 7 notes, drums held in one hand and rubberless stick held in other, oil drum sunk in concave fashion, 15 notes with rubber-tipped sticks.
Steelband competitions begin in Port-of-Spain & San Fernando and notes continue to be added to drums/instruments. 

1946 - The first universal adult suffrage election was held in Trinidad and Tobago. It was still a very limited form of democracy, in as much as only half of the seats were put up for election, the other half being nominated by the governor or reserved for senior civil servants. Nevertheless, it was the first step along the road to the country's independence. 
Attila The Hun became the first calypsonian to hold elected public office; he was elected to the Port of Spain City Council in 1946 and was also elected to the Legislative Council of Trinidad and Tobago in 1950 representing the St. George County East.

1950 - White college students play pan in streets of Port-of-Spain, later to become Texaco Dixieland.
However Steelbands clash on Carnival Tuesday 21st February when Invaders attacks Tokyo.
A Steelband Committee is setup by government to investigate steelband violence and to find solutions; Cannon M.E. Farquhar - chairman, George E. Mose - chief probation officer, Carlyle P. Kerr - solicitor, Lennox O. Pierre - solicitor.
Cannon Farquhar defends steelband men and Chief Minister of T&T Albert Gomes also defends steelband men.
On 2nd March Casablanca & Invaders meet, agree to bury hatchet... meeting attacked... bombarded with stones & bottles.
On 6th March more steelbands agree to end clashes, meeting at Old Prison Quarry, more than 500 members and supporters present from March Hill 60, Invaders, Casablanca, Destination Tokyo, Crusaders, Merry Makers, All Stars and Desperadoes. 
Steelband Association is formed by Lennox Pierre & Carlyle Kerr, President Sidney Gallop of Crusaders.
76 bands joined and steelband competitions are banned for next 5 years to help avoid steelband clashes as poor judging was a contributing factor to violent clashes between steelbands.
A steelband recital in introduced in June.

1951 - Trinidad All Steel Percussion Orchestra (TASPO) established. Formed specifically for Festival of Britain and toured France and United Kingdom for 3 months. Band comprises 11 of the best players from the country and 13 reserves:-
Orman “Patsy” Haynes / Casablanca
“Boots” Davidson / City Syncopators
Sterling Betancourt / Crossfire
A. De Labastide / Chicago
Dudley Smith / Rising Sun
Winston “Spree” Simon / Tokyo
Granville Sealey / Tripoli
Clive Belgrave / Southern Symphony
Ellie Mannette / Invaders
Anthony Williams / Sun Valley
Sonny Roache
Theo Stephen / Free French
Operation Britain launched to raise $15,000 for TASPO and is successful.
On July 6th TASPO departs on ship San Mateo, Sonny Roache falls ill and is left behind in Martinique.
In September, Winston “Spree” Simon gets contract to teach pan music at University of Nigeria & Ghana while on tour.
More Steelband Developments:
3 drum bass boom, 2 drum cello boom, establish complete chromatic range of notes from ping pong to bass.

1952 - Trinidad Music Association accept steelband men after initial rejection, Music Festivals no longer off limits. Bands from south form Southern Steelbands Association with 25 members.

1953 - Anthony Williams creates the “SPIDER-WEB” ping pong, referred to as the “fourths and fifths” pan.   

1956 - The General Elections saw the emergence of the People's National Movement under the leadership of Eric Williams. The PNM, opposed by Dr. Rudranath Capildeo of the Democratic Labor Party and Ashford Sinanan, who later founded the West Indian National Party (WINP), continued to dominate politics in Trinidad and Tobago until 1986. The party won every General Election between 1956 and 1981. Williams became Prime Minister at independence, and remained in that position until his death in 1981.

1958 - Trinidad & Tobago joins the Federation of the West Indies and remains a member until its dissolution four years later. T&T's population now approx. 750,000.

1960 - Bertie Marshall & Anthony Williams together introduced harmonic tuning and extended range of steelband orchestra. They also placed bass pans on wheels. Anthony Williams placed the entire band on wheels.
A march for Chaguaramas was led by Dr (Eric) Williams on April 22 to reclaim this area from the Americans for the people of Trinidad and Tobago. This led to T&T's move for Independence and reclaiming the country from the control and exploitation of our European colonisers for the benefit of the native working-class people.

1961 - The War for Chaguaramas ended in a victory for Trinidad and Tobago: the Americans were forced to the bargaining table and the British were forced to concede full self-government. However the regaining of Chaguaramas and move towards full self-government was also one of the first nails in the coffin of the West Indian Federation.

1962 - Steelbands Association renamed National Association of T&T Steelbandmen (NATTS).
Trinidad & Tobago gains its Independence from Britian led by Dr Eric Williams and his People's National Movement in August, the same month that Jamaica also gained its Independence.
T&T's population now approx. 900,000.

1963 - Carnival Development Committee (CDC) changes name of steelband competition to Panorama and first prize raised from TT $350 to TT $1,000.
Trinidad & Tobago’s first ever “Steelband’s Panorama” held at Queen’s Park Savannah on February 22nd.
North Stars win this first T&T Panorama with the tune "Dan is The Man" arranger by Anthony Williams.
Calypsonians who try to gain advantage in Carnival Road March competition are accused of giving scores to steelbands.
Government Aid given for establishment of National Steelband and Ellie Mannette chosen as tuner.
Steelband Association establishes National Steelband and organize a Steelband Festival; Crossfire wins Festival.
A White man Wolfgang Krause from Germany films Ellie Mannette tuning steeldrums and then slips out of country on a yacht. He violates agreement with Steelband Association & Trinidad & Tobago government.
T&T National Steelband is invited to USA by Moral Re-Armament (MRA) organization.

1964 - North Stars win Trinidad & Tobago Panorama again with the tune "Mama Dis is Mas".
North Stars is expelled from the Steelband Association by general membership.
Rudolph Charles elected leader of Desperadoes, and later he will introduce:-
chromed pans, nine bass, quadraphonic pan, triple tenor, rocket bass & aluminum canopies.
Top Players chosen for National Steelband performance in USA and they successfully tour the USA.

1965 - South Band Cavaliers wins Panorama with the tune "Melody Mas" arranged by Bobby Mohammed.
On Easter Sunday Desperadoes become the first steelband to play in church.
20 top pan players chosen for National Steelband to participate in the Commonwealth Arts Festival in the UK and play at Festival between September 10th & October 14th.
The UK Daily Mirror proclaims: “The steel orchestra was the greatest thing that ever happened to music in recent years. This was the view of the music experts in England!”

1966 - Desperadoes win their first Panorama with the tune "Obeah Wedding" arranged by Beverly Griffith and Panorama Finals draws a record 50,000 attendance.
Desperadoes go on tour to Senegal in Africa.
Lord Shorty records a calypso called "Indian Singers", one of the first calypsos to fuse an East Indian styled melody with calypso music.
 
1967 - Tripoli Steelband Under the leadership of Hugh Borde performed at the 1967 World's Fair in Montreal, Canada, following which they were booked for an extensive concert tour which included television appearances with the famous American pianist Liberace.
Desperadoes tour Zambia in Africa.
 
1968 - The National Joint Action Committee was formed by members of the Guild of Undergraduates at the St Augustine campus of the University of the West Indies, under the leadership of Geddes Granger. In 1969 it was formally launched to protest the arrest of West Indian students at Sir George Williams University in Montreal. Together with Trade Unions and other groups, this led to the birth of the Black Power Movement.

1969 - Panorama arranger and Police Superintendent Anthony Prospect suggests steel orchestras use ‘Concert Pitch’ when tuning, “A” above middle “G”, 440Hz (universally accepted pitch).
North Stars Steel Orchestra holds recital with Winnifred Atwell at Queen’s Hall.
Merle Albino-de Coteau arranges panorama piece for Chase Manhattan Savoy and becomes first woman in history to do so.
Sundar Popo records "Nani and Nana", a song with lyrics in both Hindi and English, and done to a calypso beat in a similar style to Shorty's "Indian Singers" done over 3 years earlier in 1966. "Nani and Nana" was later branded by the East Indian community in Trinidad & Tobago as the first Chutney song even though Lord Shorty an Afro-Trinidadian had done a similar musical fusion of calypso with an East Indian melody in 1966.

1970 - Desperadoes win Panorama with the tune "Margie". Desperadoes leader, Rudolph Charles suggests to T&T prime minister Eric Williams, to set up co-operative to manufacture steelband instruments. Prime Minister meets with steelband leaders. Co-operative agreement between Prime Minister & 17 steelbands for setting up Steelband Manufacturing plant. NATTS’ president George Goddard who is motivated by the Black Power Movement in Trinidad clashes with People’s National Movement over the amount of government support for the Steelband Movement.

The Black Power Revolution began with a 1970 Carnival band named "Pinetoppers" whose presentation entitled "The Truth about Africa" included portrayals of "revolutionary heroes" including Fidel Castro, Stokely Carmichael and Tubal Uriah Butler.
This was followed by a series of marches and protests. Williams countered with a broadcast entitled I am for Black Power. He introduced a 5% levy to fund unemployment reduction and later established the first locally-owned commercial bank. However, this intervention had little impact on the protests.
On April 6, 1970 a protester, Basil Davis, was killed by the police. This led to the Movement picking up momentum and a series of marches and strikes led to the declaration of a State of Emergency and the arrest of 15 Black Power leaders. In sympathy with the arrested leaders, a portion of the Trinidad and Tobago Regiment, led by Raffique Shah and Rex Lassalle mutinied and took hostages at the Teteron Barracks (located on the Chaguaramas Peninsula). However, the Coast Guard remained loyal and was able to isolate the mutineers at Teteron (as the only way out was along a narrow coastal road). After 5 days the mutineers surrendered.
Williams made three additional speeches in which he sought to identify himself with the aims of the Black Power movement. He re-shuffled his Cabinet and removed three Ministers (including two white members) and three senators.

The late Lancelot Layne inspired by the conscious Black Power Movement of 1970 released the first early Rapso recordings "Blow Away" and "Get off the Radio". Rapso is a style of street poetry, blended with calypso that expresses the experiences of everyday people. Rapso draws on the musical experience of the Shango, the Kaiso, the robber-talk of the Midnight Robber and the Steelband.
Even though the first Rapso recordings were done by Lancelot Layne in the 1970's the term "Rapso" was not coined until 1980 by members of the Network Riddum Band of East Dry River, Trinidad. In the 1980's Brother Resistance (also known as Lutalo Makossa Masimba) together with his group the Network Riddum Band further developed this form of musical poetry. Some of his best known songs include: Tonight is De Night, Ring De Bell, Mother Earth, and Handclapping Song. In the 1990's other Black conscious artistes such as 3canal, Kindred, Home Front, Ataklan and Black Lyrics have adopted this musical form.

1971 - Political difficulties in the post-Black Power era culminated in the "No Vote" campaign for the 1971 General Elections which results in the PNM winning all the seats in Parliament.

1972 - Carnival was delayed and held in May due to an outbreak of polio in T&T and the Caribbean.

At the start of the 1970's there was a lot of talk about Calypso music sounding too old fashion and possibly dying and the influence of the Black Power revolution led many of the young T&T calypsonians to start experimenting to try to do something revolutionary with calypso and give it a fresh new sound.
Lord Shorty (Garfield Blackman) who had already experimented with fusing soul and r&b with calypso decided to experiment with fusing East Indian instruments with Calypso and recorded "Indrani" which became a major hit for the 1973 Carnival season. This song was a prototype for what became known as Chutney-Soca and Soca. Lord Shorty followed up his "Indrani" hit with an entire album called "The Love Man" where he experimented with fusing Calypso with East Indian instruments on all the tracks.
However due to the public outcry from both the East Indian and the African communities in T&T, Shorty decided to remove the East Indians instruments from the music but to keep the same rhythmic structure.

1973 - In the face of a collapsing economy Eric Williams was prepared to resign as Prime Minister. However, the outbreak of the 1973 Arab-Israeli War led to the recovery of oil prices and Williams remained in office. The high oil prices of the 1970s and early 1980s led to an oil boom which resulted in a large increase in salaries, standards of living, but also a rise in corruption.

1974 - Lord Shorty decides to transfer the rhythmic pattern he derived from his fusion experiments to the drum kit and developed what he branded soon after as the Sokah/Soca beat. The new soca beat that Shorty developed was featured in his 1974 recording "Endless Vibrations". The title track on Shorty's album "Endless Vibrations" quickly took off to become a major smash hit in both T&T and New York and he then dubbed the new calypso style as Sokah the Soul of Calypso which was misspell by a top T&T journalist in his newspaper column as Soca and that spelling was the one that stuck. By the time Shorty recorded his follow-up hit "Sweet Music" most of the younger artists in the calypso industry were eager to jump on the soca band wagon including other calypsonians who were already doing their own experiments. Shorty's new soca style thus quickly became the new dominate modern calypso style that took off. The soca craze had begun!!

1976 - Trinidad & Tobago becomes a Republic within the Commonwealth.

1977 - Calypso Rose became the first female calypsonian to win the T&T Road March competition with a calypso/soca hybrid track called "Gimme More Tempo". She also retains the Road March title the following year with a full blown soca track called "Soca Jam".
Calypsonian Maestro a very close friend of Lord Shorty who is touted as the artist who is destined to be soca's first major international star dies on 31st August after being stuck by a passing car on the Sir Solomon Hochoy Highway while helping someone change a flat tyre. This is a major blow to soca music and also inspires Shorty to reflect on his life style and move away from his "Love Man" image.

1978 - The most prestigious Calypso competition was called the “Calypso King Competition” until 1978 when a woman (Calypso Rose) won it for the first time. It was then renamed the “Calypso Monarch Competition”. Calypso Rose, whose career spans over forty years, also won the Road March title on two occasions, 1977 and 1978.
Lord Shorty also records the first full blown international Chutney-Soca hit called "Shanti Om" and his first Gospel-Soca track called "Who God Bless" both featured on his album "Soca Explosion". His music takes a spiritual turn and soon after he changes his name to Ras Shorty-I, grows locks and moves from Marabella with his family to live in the quiet rural countryside of Piparo.

1979 - Construction on the Eric Williams Plaza began. It would eventually be finished in 1986. It remained the tallest building in Trinidad and Tobago until the construction of the Nicholas Tower in 2003.
 
1980 - The Tobago House of Assembly established. T&T's population crosses 1 million.
Super Blue then known as Blue Boy when he began his calypso career, releases his first road march hit "Soca Baptist" that fuses Spiritual Baptist elements with soca and though this song is banned from the radio airwaves due to complaints by leaders of the Spiritual Baptist faith this only served to boost the popularity of the song with the T&T public leading to it winning the road march.

1981 - Dr. Eric Williams dies after being Head of Government (as Chief Minister and Prime Minister) for 25 years. The PNM remained in power following the death of Dr. Williams and is led by its second PM George Chambers but its 30 year rule ends in December 1986.

1986 - The National Alliance for Reconstruction (NAR), a multi-ethnic coalition aimed at uniting Trinidadians of Afro-Trinidadian and Indo-Trinidadian descent, won a landslide victory by capturing 33 of 36 seats. Tobago's A.N.R. Robinson, the political leader of the NAR, was named Prime Minister. The NAR also won 11 of the 12 seats in the Tobago House of Assembly. The NAR began to break down when the Indian component withdrew in 1988. Basdeo Panday, leader of the old United Labour Front (ULF), formed the new opposition with the United National Congress (UNC). The NAR's margin was immediately reduced to 27 seats, with six for the UNC and three for the PNM.

1990 - The Jamaat al Muslimeen, a Black Muslim group with an unresolved grievance against the government over land claims and harrassment, tried to overthrow the NAR government. The group held the prime minister and members of parliament hostage for five days while rioting shook Port of Spain. After a long standoff with the police and military, the Jamaat al Muslimeen leader, Yasin Abu Bakr, and his followers surrendered to Trinidadian authorities after getting a signed government amnesty. Having had the matter referred back to the local courts by the Privy Council with a clear indication of a view that the amnesty was valid, in July 1992, the High Court upheld the validity of a government amnesty given to the Jamaat members during the hostage crisis. Abu Bakr and 113 other Jamaat members were jailed for two years while the courts debated the amnesty's validity. All 114 members were eventually released.
T&T's population officially crosses 1.2 million.

1991 - Super Blue releases his road march hit "Get Something & Wave" that celebrates the country getting thru the 1990 Coup Attempt and a new high tempo jump & wave soca craze is started that is later rebranded as power soca. This uptempo soca hit also uses Spiritual Baptist elements like Super Blue's 1980 hit "Soca Baptist" that launched his career.
In December General Elections, the NAR captured only the two districts in Tobago. The PNM, led by Patrick Manning, carried a majority of 21 seats, and the UNC came in second. Manning became the new Prime Minister and Basdeo Panday continued to lead the opposition.

1995 - In November, Manning called early elections, in which the PNM and UNC both won 17 seats and the NAR won two seats. The UNC allied with the NAR and formed the new government, with Panday becoming prime minister – the first prime minister of Indo-Trinidadian descent.

2000 - Elections held in December returned the UNC to power when they won 19 seats, while the opposition PNM won 16, and the NAR 1.

2001 - The UNC government fell in October with the defection of three of its parliamentarians amidst allegations of corruption in the then UNC government, and the December 2001 elections resulted in an even 18 to 18 split between the UNC and the PNM. President Robinson appointed Patrick Manning Prime Minister despite the fact that the UNC won the popular vote and that Panday was the sitting Prime Minister.

2002 - Prime Minister Patrick Manning delayed calling elections until October despite the fact that he was unable to attract a majority (and Parliament was thus unable to sit). The PNM formed the next government after winning 20 seats, while the UNC won 16. Both parties are committed to free market economic policies and increased foreign investment. Trinidad and Tobago has remained cooperative with the United States in the regional fight against narcotics trafficking and on other issues.
The serious crime situation in the country has led to a severe deterioration in security conditions in the country.

2007 - Prime Minister Patrick Manning called for general elections to be held on 4th November. The PNM won this elections with 26 of the 41 seats and Manning began his third term as Prime Minister.
T&T's population officially crosses 1.3 million. Population breakdown according to ethnic groups; East Indians 470,000, Africans 460,000, Mixed 305,000, White 9,000, Chinese 8,000, Syrian, Lebanese or Arab 1,030, Amerindian 1,400, Other 2,300, Unknown 5,500.

2008 - On 11th April the Trinitrain consortium was chosen by the  Patrick Manning led PNM government to plan and build two new Trinidad Rapid Railway passenger lines. However this plan was cancelled in 2010 when the new People's Partnership government came into office.

2010 - Prime Minister Patrick Manning calls early General Elections to get a public mandate on his 20/20 Economic Vision Plan and Measures to reduce crime.
On 26th May, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, leader of the People's Partnership, wins the General Elections and was sworn in as the country's first female Prime Minister.

2011 - On 21st August, due to escalating crime the PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar asked President George Maxwell Richards to declare a limited state of emergency. Over 8,000 innocent citizens mostly of African descent are arrested and imprisoned but eventually have to be released due to lack of evidence of them committing any crimes. No crime bosses who bring guns and drugs into the country are arrested and imprisoned so after the SoE serious crime continues at the same pace as before the SoE.

2015 - Marks 423 years since the first set of Africans were brought to Trinidad to work as slaves by the Spanish and 170 years since the first set of East Indians were brought to Trinidad to work as Indenture laborers by the British.

General Elections are due by August/September 2015 latest with many allegations of broken promises, wastage, corruption and racial bias in education and the awarding of contracts by the People's Partnership government. The country waits anxiously for the Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to announce a date for the General Elections which can decide not just the future of the T&T's economy but also race relations between the majority African and East Indian populations in the country.

Will T&T end up in a similar economic and race relations state as neighbouring Guyana due to corrupt and divisive politicians destroying unity between the two major races in the country or will we be saved from such a horrible and backward future? Stay tuned as T&T 2015 general elections draws nearer.

Update: General elections were set for 7th September 2015 which were won by the PNM which is now back in office but struggling to manage with low oil prices and a desperate need to diversify the economy so T&T will no longer be so dependant on the prices of oil and gas for its economic well being.

7

What about Track & Field / NACAC scraps CAC Juniors

« on: March 31, 2016, 08:44:59 AM »

NACAC scraps CAC Juniors
Published on Mar 30, 2016, 10:48 pm AST (T&T Express)
<>

Continental governing body, NACAC (North American, Central America and the Caribbean), has scrapped the Central America and Caribbean (CAC) Junior Championships, president Victor Lopez has said. Lopez made the announcement earlier this week during the 45th Carifta Games.

Lopez said the meet had been scrapped in order to facilitate a new NACAC Junior Championships which would also provide competition for the wider NACAC grouping. He said powerhouses USA and Canada had long complained about a lack of junior competition for which they would be eligible.

“We have to cater for our NACAC family,” Lopez explained, while adding that Caribbean teams already had the Carifta Games. USA and Canada, along with all Caribbean teams, also take part in the Pan Am Junior (U-20) Championships.

It was not clear if the proposed NACAC Junior Championships will be age-grouped like CAC (U-20 and U-18) or if it will be similar to the Pan Am Juniors, involving the senior group only. The inaugural NACAC Junior Championships will be held in 2018.

8

What about Track & Field / UWI Faculty of Sport by July

« on: March 28, 2016, 05:47:53 AM »

UWI Faculty of Sport by July
Saturday, March 26 2016 (T&T Newsday)


The University of the West Indies (UWI) will launch a Faculty of Sport at mid-year, and will offer “not only academic and research programmes, but will specialise in high performance activities. The revelation was made exclusively to Newsday on Tuesday by UWI Vice Chancellor Sir Hillary Beckles.

“We are laying out the road map to launch the Faculty of Sports in the next few months,” Beckles explained at the end of the UWI St Augustine campus council meeting at St Augustine.

“We are offering degree programmes at the undergraduate, masters and PhD levels. It is a research and teaching faculty,” he said.

At present, he noted that the three main campuses - Mona (Barbados), Cave Hill (Barbados) and St Augustine (Trinidad) - have sport academies.

“What we are going to do, is to coordinate them into one overarching structure which will be the UWI Faculty of Sport that will coordinate sport right through the campuses,” he said.

However, each campus would be a centre of speciality.

The Cave Hill campus, he said, will have a speciality in cricket studies and research, St Augustine campus will be in football and research, and Mona Campus will be in track and field and research.

“Each campus will do all the sports and other sporting disciplines,” he said, “but we will assign to them a special responsibility to create a high performance centre in the areas mentioned.” Beckles noted, too, that for the first time, the UWI will identify the best student athletes across the Caribbean and will present them as student athletes of the year at an awards ceremony to be held at the launch of the faculty.

“We are planning that as I speak. We have some great plans and initiatives for sport, not only in terms of academics and research but also in terms of high performance,” he said, “because we want to see our students become professional sports athletes, and Olympians representing the Caribbean in all disciplines.” The Caribbean, he claimed, is the most proficient part of the world in terms of generating high performance global athletes.

“No part of the world has produced on a per capita basis as many globally respected athletes as the Caribbean, he said.

“However, we do not have the industry nor the academy to support that public expertise.” He said. “If the region is going to generate expertise like that we need to have industry and research around it. We are trying to put together all of those components to sustain the excellence that we have achieved.

Right now we have the fastest man and the fastest women coming from the Caribbean.” If having dominated global track for the last 30 to 40 years with the fastest people, then reached the stage where the region cannot win a gold medal in the next 20 years, he said, “We have to find ways to support and sustain that.” The Faculty of Sport, he said, “will be part of our response to sustain this legacy of excellence that the public has achieved.” The UWI, he said, is also hoping to establish links with Caribbean industries to generate production around sporting equipment.

“All the gears that we use are imported,” he said.

As a cricket fan, he noted that, West Indies Test captain Jason Holder and vice captain Kraigg Brathwaite are UWI students.

“That young generation of UWI students are the ones I have confidence, will turn around the fortune of West Indies in the Test arena,” he said.

9

What about Track & Field / Stewart doubles at Falcon Games ...just short of T&T shot put record

« on: March 22, 2016, 01:02:19 PM »

Stewart doubles at Falcon Games *
...just short of T&T shot put record
By Kwame Laurence, kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Published on Mar 22, 2016, 1:00 am AST (T&T Express)

BIG THROW: Akeem Stewart

Akeem Stewart produced a big 19.26 metres throw to win the Falcon Games men's shot put event, at the Dwight Yorke Stadium in Bacolet, Tobago, on Saturday.

The 23-year-old para athlete underlined his class with a dominant display against able-bodied opponents. Shervorne Worrell was more than four metres adrift of Stewart, claiming silver with a 15.12m effort. Kesean Phillips (14.61m) picked up bronze.

Stewart opened the competition at 18.53m, and followed up with the big 19.26m throw. The Parapan American double gold medallist fouled in round three, but came back strong in the fourth round, throwing the iron ball 18.55m. He fouled again in round five, before closing off at 18.32m.

Stewart's winning throw was just eight centimetres short of the 19.34m Trinidad and Tobago record he had established in April 2013.

10

What about Track & Field / 8,000 school children to walk Against Crime & Walk for Sport

« on: March 22, 2016, 12:55:08 PM »

8,000 school children to walk Against Crime & Walk for Sport
Published: Tuesday, March 22, 2016 (T&T Guardian)

The Queen’s Park Savannah in Port-of-Spain will be overflowing with children when the Port-of-Spain & Environs Education District hosts the 13th edition of its Walk Against Crime —Walk For Sport tomorrow from 9:00 am. In what is expected to be the biggest turn-out in the history of the Anti-Crime Walk, The Minister of Education- Anthony Garcia will lead the walk.

However, the walk will be making history as three Government Ministers are expected to be in attendence. Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs- Darryl Smith has confirmed his presence, while the Ministers of National Security and Transport, Edmund Dillon and  Fitzgerald Hinds are expected.

Cleopatra Borel, the Sportswoman of the Year 2016,  is expected to give her support along with Roger Daniel, who has never missed a single walk. President of the T&T Olympic Committee, Brian Lewis will also grace the event.

School Supervisor Olson Oliver will lead the charge for the District of Port of Spain, while all other Supervisors will be walking to show their support.

Some 8,000 children from 80 primary schools and ten secondary schools and colleges will come together at the special anti-crime march around the Savannah which will be led for the first time by Maraval Roman Catholic School which has been preparing for this event.

Blue Waters, Pepsi, the Ministry of Education, Sport and the Sports Company of T&T are the event sponsors. The walk will commence at The Paddock, Queen’s Park Savannah, from 9.30am on Wednesday morning.

National heroes who have been at the Walk since its inception have been invited again. Among them are - former Miss World Giselle La Ronde-West and cricket legend Brian Charles Lara.

Chief of Defence Force Staff Brigadier Rodney Smart are expected to be in attendance.

Former calypso monarch Eric “Pink Panther” Taylor and former national calypso monarch Kurt Allen and Guardian Sports editor Valentino Singh,  and former hockey stand-out Stacey Siu Butt are also invited.

11

What about Track & Field / TT’s first Olympic medal for sale

« on: March 21, 2016, 03:15:48 AM »

TT’s first Olympic medal for sale
Friday, March 18 2016 (T&T Newsday)

T&T's 1st Olympic Medals on eBay

This country’s first Olympic medal is up for sale on eBay. The 1952 Helsinki bronze medal, won by the late Rodney Wilkes in weightlifting, is part of a collection which includes medals at the 1947 World Weightlifting Championships (bronze), 1950 Central American and Caribbean Games (gold), 1951 Pan American Games and 1958 British Empire/Commonwealth Games, being auctioned off for the base price of US$28,000.

The “Rare Olympic Medal Collection of Trinidad and Tobago’s first Olympic Medallist Rodney Wilkes” went on sale yesterday but up to press time there were no bids.

The seller described Wilkes as “an icon, a sporting luminary, weightlifter par excellence and Trinidad and Tobago’s greatest weightlifter” and indicated that “these medals are all original and are in immaculate numismatic condition.” On the heels of the ANSA McAl group of companies purchasing the late union leader Adrian Cola Rienzi’s Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (ORTT ) — the nation’s highest award — which also went on eBay recently for US$25,000, the seller urged persons from this country to also make a bid.

“It is highly hoped that there would be interested persons/entities in Trinidad & Tobago who would recognise the significance of having this collection remain in Trinidad & Tobago to continue building on the country’s (much previously-neglected) national heritage. Once acquired, these medals and the official Trinidad & Tobago jacket patches can be put on permanent display, where they can be readily viewed by a large flow of persons on a daily basis.” But in an interesting twist yesterday, Grace Wilkes, daughter of Rodney, has called for a cease and desist of the sale.

In a television interview last evening, Grace said the sale was totally unauthorised

12

What about Track & Field / Top global athletes for TT Grand Games

« on: March 17, 2016, 07:54:00 AM »

Top global athletes for TT Grand Games
Thursday, March 17 2016 (T&T Newsday)



SOME OF the globe’s biggest track and field stars are expected to converge at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo on May 21 for the pilot hosting of the star-studded Trinidad and Tobago Grand Games, from 6 pm.

The brainchild initiative, led by chief executive officer Regina John, technical director Dexter Voisin and communications representative Dahlia Ditzen, will feature a mega cast of Olympic and World Championship medallists competing alongside some of TT ’s finest young track stars in 16 events. At the launch at the Point Fortin Room, Hyatt Regency, yesterday, John admitted that the chances of witnessing world record holder and reigning Olympic men’s 100-metre champion, Usain Bolt, are indeed possible.

“Negotiations have been going on with his (Bolt) agent and as time passes we will reveal our 100m male athletes,” she said with a smile.

Additionally, the Grand Games has been granted an area permit by the North America, Central America and Caribbean (NACAC) Association. This means that any records broken at the meet, with all other technical aspects in place, will be recognised.

“This is the first area permit meet since the 1984 Neal and Massy Classic, and according to Voisin, “is a great step for organisers of this tourney”.

Dubbed the ‘Showdown at Sundown’, it is the intent of event planners to host the inaugural Grand Games under all rules and stipulations of the International Association of Athletics Administrations (IAAF).

In his address, Voisin further explained that all rules will be adhered to.

“There will be dope testing,” he said. “We know the way things are going in track and field around the globe and we don’t want to fall victim of that in Trinidad and Tobago and there will be drug testing at the meet.

“The IAAF has already assigned a medical delegate to the meet who will oversee all the drug testing. The equipment is in place at the Stadium, where there is any shortfall, the NAAA’s will ensure that we have all the required IAAF stipulated equipment for such a meet to take place here.” It is however, the main goal of organisers to fill the 23,000 seater Stadium to capacity.

Their aim is to entice not only spectators of the sporting discipline, but incorporate TT ’s party atmosphere and culture, as a great motivator for spectators.

Following the meet, ticket holders will automatically gain entrance to the after-party which will be held in the Stadium car park.

Tickets are $350 (US$60 online). There are however, several promotions attached to every ticket bought.

Every patron is entered for a chance to win a brand new Hyundai Elantra car which will be drawn on the day (May 21). In addition, the purchase of a ticket gains entry into the after party (BeGrand2K16) at the Stadium.

On March 23, one lucky patron will be drawn for a $10,000 jackpot. There is also an ongoing Facebook promotion where enthusiasts can win a two-wheel self-balancing scooter. The winner will be drawn on May 14.

As per profits from this initiative, John insisted on giving back to the national athletes.

With an estimated budget of US$1m thus far, prizes will range from US$4,800 for first place and US$3,600 for runners-up straight down to the eighth place finisher.

“We plan to host these games continuously and the profits that arise from these games will be invested towards assisting our athletes directly and bridge gaps. We are bringing the best of athletes from Olympic medallists to World Championship winners.

We would really like corporate Trinidad and Tobago to assist us with an event of this magnitude,” John continued.

There will also be a kids event on May 20.

Over 300 schools have already been invited with 30 students and two teachers the given limit per school. Thus far, the likes of local athletes such as Jamol James, Aleena Brooks, Ruebin Walters, Reyare Thomas and Emmanuel Mayers have all confirmed their participation. Several other athletes from within and outside the Caribbean region have also pledged their allegiance to this meet with a lengthy list of more internationals yet to be added to the cast.

The Men’s 100m will be the blue ribbon event.

For more information, log on to www.thettgg.com or their Facebook Page ‘Trinidad and Tobago Grand Games’ (www.facebook.com/thettgg).

13

What about Track & Field / Southern Games 2016: Fri.11th~Sun.13th March (Guaracara Park, Pointe-a-Pierre)

« on: March 10, 2016, 10:31:51 PM »

Petrotrin 52nd Southern Games 2016




Date (Cycling): Friday 11 to Sunday 13 March 2016
Date (Athletics): Sunday 13 March 2016
Time: 1:00 pm (Track & Field)
Venue: Guaracara Park, Point-a-Pierre
 
Sponsors: Petrotrin, Ministry of Sport, Sport Company of Trinidad and Tobago, Phoenix Gas, Awardy’s Hardware, Super Industrial Services and TECU Credit Union
Organiser: Southern Games Executive Committee

Schedules/Startlists/Results: http://www.ttnaaa.org/compete/2016/southern.html http://www.ttnaaa.org/results/2016/southern/

The Athletics Season in T&T continues with the second major competition of the year, the Southern Games, dubbed south Trinidad’s premium athletics and cycling-inclusive event that takes place annually at Guaracara Park in Point-a-Pierre.
________________________________________________________________________________________



Southern Games 2016 has been launched, and Petrotrin continues as a confirmed sponsor of this premier sporting event!
 
The Games will be held on March 12 & 13 with the Cycling Criterium on March 11. Will you be there?

Click this link to view News report on 2016 Southern Games: https://www.facebook.com/csportslive/videos/1118795734838724

2016 SOUTHERN GAMES: ALEXANDER LEADS POWERFUL SQUAD
C Sports Live

T&T will be represented by a mixture of experience and youth when the 2016 Southern Games pedal off on Friday March 11th.

14

What about Track & Field / Sporting bodies urged to get down to business*

« on: March 10, 2016, 02:53:14 PM »

Sporting bodies urged to get down to business*
Published on Mar 9, 2016, 8:31 pm AST (T&T Express)

Michael Phillips former cyclist and Chairman of SPORTT.

Chairman of the Sport Company of Trinidad and Tobago (SPORTT) and former national cyclist Michael Phillips called on stakeholders to focus on the hosting of events and activities as the centre of their sports marketing and business model.

Phillips was speaking at the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) First Sports Marketing and Business of Sport Conference under the theme “Towards Economic Growth and Diversification—Trinidad and Tobago Sport Rising to the Challenge” at the Hyatt Regency, Port of Spain, yesterday.

Phillips drew on his experience as a former struggling cyclist who had to raise funds through his own efforts and his ventures into promotion as examples of how other individuals and organisations could re-frame the sports business model.

15

What about Track & Field / 45th CARIFTA Games 2016: 26th~28th March @National Athletics Stadium, Grenada

« on: March 10, 2016, 06:24:59 AM »

St Fort leads Carifta charge*
By Kwame Laurence, kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Published on Mar 9, 2016, 8:25 pm AST (T&T Express)

DOUBLE TROUBLE: Khalifa St Fort, left, powers to victory in the girls’ under-20 200 metres final, on day two of the Carifta trials, at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain, on Sunday. St Fort clocked 23.64 seconds in the half-lap final to complete the sprint double. —Photo: ISHMAEL SALANDY

Khalifa St Fort will lead the charge for Trinidad and Tobago at the March 26-28 Carifta Games, in Grenada. The 2015 World Youth Championship girls’ 100 metres silver medallist is among 42 athletes selected for national duty on Easter weekend.

St Fort captured the Girls Under-20 sprint double at the Carifta trials, held at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain on the weekend.

The Florida-based sprinter is expected to face the starter in both the 100m and 200m events in Grenada. St Fort’s training partner, Sarah Wollaston is listed for the Under-20 100m at Carifta 2016. St Fort and Wollaston will also be on show in the 4x100m relay.

Tyriq Horsford will defend his boys’ under-18 javelin title in Grenada. On the weekend, he threw 71.52 metres to better the 70.73m national youth record he had established in winning gold at the 2015 Carifta Games. That 70.73m throw is also a Carifta Games record, and the 16-year-old Tobago thrower would be looking to improve on the regional standard when he competes at the 2016 edition of the regional junior championships.

Akanni Hislop captured the Carifta Games boys’ under-18 200m title in 2015, but is stepping up to the under-20 age-group this year. He is the lone boys’ under-20 sprinter selected.

Also on the T&T team are sprinters Adell Colthrust and Tyrell Edwards, long jumper Che Richards, hurdler Jeminise Parris, and thrower Chelsea James.

All athletes, their parents and team officials are asked to attend an important meeting tomorrow (Friday), at the VIP Lounge of the Hasely Crawford Stadium. Starting time is 4pm. Athletes must walk with their passports and two passport photos.

TEAM T&T

Boys under-20—Akanni Hislop (200), Omari Benoit (high jump), Che Richards (long jump), Vandel Joseph (javelin), Odell Joefield (javelin), Ian West (octathlon), Kerlon Ashby (octathlon)

Girls under-20—Khalifa St Fort (100, 200, 4x100), Sarah Wollaston (100, 4x100), Renee Stoddard (200, 400, 4x100), Jeminise Parris (100 hurdles, 400 hurdles, 4x100), Chelsea James (shot put, discus), Shaiann Charles (discus), Antonia Sealy (heptathlon), Jada Barker (4x100)

Boys under-18—Adell Colthrust (100, 4x100), Tyrell Edwards (100, 200, 4x100), Onal Mitchell (400, 4x400), Che Lara (400, 4x400), Jaden St Louis (800, 4x400), Recardo Prescott (800, 4x400), Ako Hislop (110 hurdles, 4x100), Franklyn Stanislaus (high jump, 4x400), Aaron Cruickshank (high jump, long jump), Josiah Edwards (long jump), Clement Campbell (triple jump, 4x100), Konnel Jacob (shot put), Clarence Hannibal (shot put, discus), Tyriq Horsford (javelin), Avindale Smith (4x100)

Girls under-18—Jenea Spinks (100, 4x100), Akilah Lewis (100, 200, 4x100), Ayla Stanisclaus (200, 4x100), Kershel McIntyre (800, 1500), Joanna Rogers (800), Anya Akili (100 hurdles, heptathlon), Cheziah Phillip (100 hurdles, 400 hurdles), Safiya John (high jump, long jump), Ianna Roach (shot put), Asha James (javelin), Akeera Esdelle (4x100), Shania McCarter (4x100)

Officials—Dexter Voisin (manager), Lucretia Warner-Burns (assistant manager/chaperone), Lester Osouna (head coach), Eric McCree (sprints & hurdles coach), Martin Prime (sprints & hurdles coach), Kelvin Nancoo (middle & distance coach), Wendell Williams (jumps coach), Michelle Pennie (jumps coach), Franklyn Wade (throws coach), Nadine Hamid (throws coach), Arlon Morrison (multi-events coach)
Medical staff—Anyl Gopeesingh, Zephyrinus Nicholas, Shurlan Bonas, Angel Ottley

16

What about Track & Field / IAAF World Indoor Championships 2016: 17th~20th March (Portland, Oregon, USA)

« on: March 10, 2016, 05:02:12 AM »

International Association of Athletics Federations


IAAF World Indoor Championships - Portland 2016


Date (Open): Thursday 17 March 2016
Date (Close): Sunday 20 March 2016
Time: 19:05 to 21:00 (Day 1:Thursday);
         10:30 to 21:00 (Day 2:Friday);
         11:00 to 20:00 (Day 3:Saturday);
         12:40 to 15:00 (Day 4:Sunday);
Venue: Oregon Convention Center, Portland, Oregon, USA

Competition/Events: http://www.iaaf.org/competitions/iaaf-world-indoor-championships/iaaf-world-indoor-championships-5681/timetable/byday
________________________________________________________________________________________

Venue: Oregon Convention Center, Portland, Oregon, USA


 
The world’s best track and field athletes will gather at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Oregon in March of 2016 to compete in the 16th IAAF World Indoor Championships. More than 600 athletes representing as many as 200 countries will participate in the biennial event.

This will be the first time the IAAF World Indoor Championships have been contested in the United States since the inaugural competition in Indianapolis in 1987. Athletes will compete in 13 men’s and women’s events over a three-day period, March 18-20, with medals awarded to the top three finishers in each event.

Team USA has been the most successful country at the IAAF World Indoor Championships with a total of 202 medals: 87 gold, 58 silver and 57 bronze. The U.S. will be looking to build on its strong performance at the 2014 meet in which it won eight gold medals, including Oregon Track Club Elite’s Ashton Eaton’s winning effort of 6,632 points in the heptathlon.

In terms of competitors, the biggest IAAF World Indoor Championships were held in Paris in 1997 with 712 athletes from 118 countries. The most countries represented were 171 at the 2012 meet in Istanbul, Turkey.

The facilities at the Oregon Convention Center will feature a new 200-meter IAAF-certified track. The 2016 IAAF World Indoor Championships will be broadcast worldwide to an estimated audience of 140 million global viewers.

IAAF World Indoor Championships Portland 2016 Teaser
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/FRCWk-yYcsU" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/FRCWk-yYcsU</a>
________________________________________________________________________________________

Competition Qualifying Standards
http://www.ttnaaa.org/compete/standards/2016/world_in.html

See NAAA General Selection Policy: http://www.ttnaaa.org/compete/standards/naaa_selection_policy.pdf

World Indoor Championships 2016   

Men   Women
Indoor   Outdoor   Indoor   Outdoor
01   60   6.65   -   7.32   -
02   100   -   10.15   -   11.20
03   400   46.70   45.10   53.15   51.20
04   800   1:46.50   1:44.00   2:02.50   1:58.50
05   1,500   3:39.50   3:33.00   4:13.00   4:03.00
06   Mile   3:55.00   -   4:30.00   -
07   3,000   7:50.00   7:40.00   9:00.00   8:36.00
08   5,000   -   13:10.00   -   14:56.00
09   60 H   7.72   -   8.14   -
10   100 H   -   -   -   12.85
11   110 H   -   13.45   -   -
12   4x400   No Standard   No Standard   No standard   No standard
13   HJ   2.33m   -   1.97m   -
14   PV   5.77m   -   4.71m   -
15   LJ   8.18m   -   6.75m   -
16   TJ   17.00m   -   14.30m   -
17   SP   20.50m   -   18.10m   -
________________________________________________________________________________________



Taken from Team Manual at this link: http://portland2016.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/FINAL-IAAF-WIC-Portland-2016-Team-Manual-23-Feb.pdf

9.14 Competition Awards

9.14.1 Prize Money

The IAAF Council has approved the following Competition Awards for the IAAF World
Indoor Championships in Portland:

Individual

1st US $ 40,000 2nd US $ 20,000 3rd US $ 10,000
4th US $ 8,000 5th US $ 6,000 6th US $ 4,000

Relays

1st US $ 40,000 2nd US $ 20,000 3rd US $ 10,000
4th US $ 8,000 5th US $ 6,000 6th US $ 4,000

The Award Form for Individual Events can be found in Appendix 13.9. It must be
returned to awards@iaaf.org but it will also be possible to return it to the Stadium TIC.
The Relay awards will be managed directly with the Member Federations concerned.
Athletes receiving IAAF Prize Money must make themselves available to the IAAF and
its sponsors, at least twice in the 12 next months, for promotional activities, upon
requests handled by the IAAF.

9.14.2 World Record Bonus

In the event that an athlete breaks a World Record during the IAAF World Indoor
Championships, a prize of USD 50,000 will be awarded.

The payment of any World Record Award is subject to the following conditions:

1. A World Record Award will only be made for performances which meet all conditions
necessary for ratification of an IAAF World Record in accordance with IAAF Rules
and only after the Record has been officially ratified by the IAAF.

2. To qualify for a World Record Award, the performance must be an improvement on
the existing IAAF World Record. Performances which equal the existing IAAF World
Record will not be eligible for a World Record Award.

3. World Record Awards will not be awarded for World Junior Records.

4. An athlete may only claim a World Record Award once in any one discipline at a
particular event. The effect of this rule is that if an athlete breaks an IAAF World
Record more than once in a discipline, that athlete will only be eligible for one World
Record Award.

5. If more than one athlete breaks the IAAF World Record in a particular discipline, the
athlete who has achieved the best performance will receive the World Record
Award.

6. IAAF World Records achieved in qualifying/preliminary rounds will be eligible for a
World Record Award (see also §4 above).

7. Relay teams achieving an IAAF World Record will receive one World Record Award
to be divided among the members of the team.

8. The athlete receiving a World Record Award will be solely responsible for the
payment of any taxes, duties and/or levies of any nature and will agree to hold the
IAAF and its partner(s) harmless in this regard.
Athletes eligible to receive a World Record Award shall make themselves available to
the sponsors of this scheme and the IAAF for promotional activities at the end of their
competition programme and until the end of the Competition in question.
IAAF World Indoor Championships Portland 2016 – Team Manual 34

9.14.3 Rights and Obligations in Relation to the Prize Money and World Record Bonus

By signing the respective Awards Forms, athletes acknowledge and agree to their rights
and obligations in regards to the above mentioned Prize Money and World Record
Bonus.
Should an athlete’s Doping Control results return positive, the awards and bonuses won
shall be withheld.

17

What about Track & Field / Nestle sweetens Milo Games with $.1m

« on: March 10, 2016, 02:32:03 AM »

Nestle sweetens Milo Games with $.1m
By Nigel Simon (T&T Guardian)
Published: Thursday, March 10, 2016

World Junior and Senior 400 hurdles medalist Jehue Gordon left chats with Diego Martin Government Primary students Vael Valcin, Shanice Spring and Kade Campbell, at the media launch of the 2016 Milo Games at the Marriott Hotel, Invader’s bay, Port-of-Spain, yesterday. PHOTO: NICOLE DRAYTON

This year’s 29th edition of the Milo Games which comes off at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo, next Tuesday, will benefit from a sponsorship of $100,000 from—Nestle T&T Limited.

Making the announcement at the Grande Riviere Room, Marriott Hotel, Invaders Bay, Mucurapo, yesterday, was Rae-Ann Clement-Harper, Consumer Marketing Manager-Powder Beverages of Nestle.

Clement-Harper first pointed out that her company was very pleased to once again be the sponsors of the Milo Games and explained that the relationship was born 29 years ago. Since then Milo has seen the games grow from strength to strength and is very pleased to be associated with such excellence in sport.

She added: “The Milo brand is committed to nourishing the nation’s children, their bodies and minds, not only through proper nutrition, but through development of their ambitions and their passion for sport.

“As I look into the eyes of all the students here today I see so much talent and future Olympic medallist just like Hasely Crawford, Ato Boldon, Richard Thompson and Jehue Gordon.

“For this reason, we continue to support activities which promote nutrition, health and wellness, especially when it comes to our youth development programmes.

Looking ahead, Clement-Harper said: “Nestle T&T Limited through its brand Milon will continue to nourish and support sport and the nation’s children as we have done over the last 29 years.”

Clement-Harper also praised the dedication of Kelvin Nancoo and the Milo Games Committee for their expertise, time and efforts which no doubt has clearly paid off.

Elisa Doldron, head of Consumer Marketing of Nestle T&T Limited said: “The Milo Games have become part of our DNA at Nestle, being very much aligned with our focus and encouraging physical activity as a critical part of leading a healthy lifestyle.

“These Milo Games, however, takes us to another level, as sport in itself not only contributes to physical well being, but also plays a major role in holistic development.”

Doldron added: “At this time when our young children and our society at large are faced with many negative forces, engaging in sporting activities, being part of a team, and focusing on what is good, can only help to keep us motivated and committed to living a healthier lifestyle.

“Today with the launch of the 29th Milo Games, we further strengthen our commitment to ensuring the health and well being of our young athletes by supporting their goals and aspirations to succeed, creating an opportunity for them to train, focus and reap the benefits of their hard work and in so doing become healthier adults. I am sure they will make a significant contribution to T&T in the near and distant future,” ended Doldron.

Twenty-two schools will battle in the Milo Games with reigning champions Diamond Vale Government (West Zone B) and Maraval RC School (West Zone A) both returning to defend their crowns.

18

What about Track & Field / NGC/NAAA T&T CARIFTA Trials 2016: Sat.5th~Sun.6th March (HCS, PoS)

« on: March 04, 2016, 06:31:37 PM »

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ATHLETICS ADMINISTRATIONS

CARIFTA TRIALS 2016
Date (Open): Saturday 05 March 2016
Date (Close): Sunday 06 March 2016
Time: 10:00 am
Venue: Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port-of-Spain

Competition/Events: http://www.ttnaaa.org/results/2016/carifta_trials/
________________________________________________________________________________________

Venue: Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port-of-Spain



 
The 2016 Athletics Season in T&T continues with the CARIFTA Trials at the Hasley Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain, Trinidad as the athletes all try to attain the CARIFTA 2016 Standards.
________________________________________________________________________________________

Competition Qualifying Standards
http://www.ttnaaa.org/compete/standards/2016/carifta.html

See NAAA General Selection Policy: http://www.ttnaaa.org/compete/standards/naaa_selection_policy.pdf

CARIFTA Games 2016   

Male U-20   Male U-18    Female U-20   Female U-18
01   100   10.65   10.85   11.80   12.00
02   200   21.40   21.80   24.00   24.50
03   400   47.80   48.90   55.30   56.50
04   800   1:54.00   1:59.60   2:14.50   2:16.00
05   1,500   4:05.00   4:12.00   4:48.00   4:55.00
06   3,000   -   09:00:00   10:35.00   -
07   5,000   16:20.00   -   -   -
08   100 H   -   -   14.6   14.7
09   110 H   14.70   14.50   -   -
10   400 H   54.00   55.00   1:01.50   1:02.50
11   LJ   7.20   6.80   5.80   5.45
12   TJ   14.90   13.90   12.50   11.70
13   HJ   2.00   1.90    1.75   1.70
14   PV   3.80   -   -   -
15   DT   47.00   44.30   40.00   38.00
16   SP   15.90(6kg)   15.20 (5kg)   13.50(4kg)   13.50(3kg)
17   JT   57.00   59.00   39.00   40.00
18   Heptathlon   -   -   3500   -
19   Octathlon   4500   -   -   -

19

What about Track & Field / No more Diamond League for New York; Rabat joins host cities

« on: March 03, 2016, 10:36:16 AM »

No more Diamond League for New York; Rabat joins host cities
March 3rd, 2016 6:37am (TrackAlerts.com)


The General Assembly of the Diamond League meeting yesterday in Zurich, Switzerland has decided to include Rabat, Morocco as a new host city for the prestigious global series of one-day athletics meetings.

The Meeting International Mohammed VI, which is annually held in the Moroccan capital’s Complexe Prince Moulay Abdellah, replaces New York, USA with immediate effect for the 2016 season.

Launched in March 2009, the IAAF Diamond League – which features the world´s best athletes competing across 32 individual track and field disciplines – has for its first six competition seasons (2010-2015) included host cities in Asia, Europe, and North America. With the addition of Rabat, the series of 14 meetings – which annually takes place from May to September – now includes a fourth continent, Africa.

Rabat first applied for membership of the IAAF Diamond League in 2014 and has since undergone a rigorous evaluation process to confirm its organisation, facilities and services were of a high enough standard for inclusion into athletics’ top-tier international invitational circuit.

Sebastian Coe, IAAF President and Chairman of Diamond League AG, commented: "We are pleased to be able to take our premier athletics series into a new continental area. The IAAF Diamond League offers the best athletics entertainment to the world outside of the IAAF World Championships and the Olympic Games. Broadcast annually in more than 120 countries, the series provides athletics with its next most prominent global shop window. We thank New York for contributing to this great project during the past six seasons and know that they will continue to support athletics in the future. We proudly welcome the inclusion of Rabat."

Mark Wetmore, Meeting Director New York, commented: "It’s been a great run on Randall’s Island, New York, and now we’re looking ahead to producing a new event. As we look forward, we believe that changing our focus to a street meet is one way to make the event attractive to a younger audience."

Abdeslam Ahizoune, FRMA President / Meeting Director Rabat, commented: “This is a proud moment for our country’s athletics community and for the international reputation of Moroccan sport in general. The inclusion of our meeting in the IAAF Diamond League is a clear affirmation of the ability of our country to deliver the highest international standard sports product.”

2016 IAAF Diamond League calendar
6 May – Doha, QAT
14 May – Shanghai, CHN
22 May – Rabat, MAR
28 May – Eugene, USA
2 Jun – Rome, ITA
5 Jun – Birmingham, GBR
9 Jun – Oslo, NOR
16 Jun – Stockholm, SWE
15 Jul – Monaco, MON
22-23 Jul – London, GBR
25 Aug – Lausanne, SUI
27 Aug – Paris, FRA
1 Sep – Zurich, SUI
9 Sep – Brussels, BEL

20

What about Track & Field / Four former winners among 54 nominees

« on: February 23, 2016, 09:54:28 AM »

Four former winners among 54 nominees
2015 FCB SPORTS AWARDS
Published: Tuesday, February 23, 2016 (T&T Guardian)

Cleopatra Borel

Four-time women’s award recipient Cleopatra Borel is among a quartet of former winners list in a field of 54 athletes (29 men and 25 women) nominated by their respective sporting association for the 2015 First Citizens Sports Foundation Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year awards.

Shot Putter Borel has won the award on four previous occasions, 2002, 2007, 2010 and 2014 and is joined on the list of nominees by 2012 Olympic javelin champion Keshorn Walcott, shooter Roger Daniel, and 2004 Olympic bronze medallist, swimmer George Bovell III.

The First Citizens Sports Foundation, under the Distinguished Patronage of His Excellency, President of the Republic of T&T, Dr Anthony Carmona, will host its annual sports awards on March 13, at the Queen’s Hall, Port of Spain.

The Foundation’s selection committee, headed by Chairman Dr. Keith Clifford and aided by sporting associations (through the nominations of athletes), has worked through an exhaustive and thorough process in deciding on the various nominations.

Walcott, an Olympic javelin gold medal winner at the London 2012 Games captured the men’s top award in 2012, shooter Daniel won in 2010 and 2011 while Bovell was the awardee in 2004 and 2014.

In addition to the top nation’s top individual sporting award, the Jeffrey Stollmeyer Award for the best sporting administration and Lystra Lewis Award for the Team of the Year will also be presented on the night while the WOW moments which was first introduced in 2009 will again be among the highlights.

These moments have been chosen by the media as the top performances of the year.

SPORTSMAN & SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR AWARDS NOMINEES

Sport    Athlete
Amateur Boxing    Nigel Carlan Thomas Paul
Automobile Sports    Marc Gill/Maria Tara Paratapsingh
Badminton    Alistair Espinoza/Avril Plaza-Marcelle
Body Building    Kelton Thomas/Vanessa Hill
Boxing    Nigel Carlan Thomas Paul
Canoe/Kayak     Satyam Maharaj/Keian Huggins
Chess    Kevin Cupid/Aditi Soondarsingh
Cricket    Darren Bravo/Britney Cooper
Cycling    Njisane Nicholas Phillips/Jodi Goodridge
Football    Kenwyne Jones/Arin King
Golf     Talin Rajendranath/Monifa Sealy
Gymnastics    Marisa Dick
Hockey    Andrey Rocke/Alana Lewis
Horse Racing    Prayven Badrie
Judo    Christopher George
Karate    Edward Ryan Rajmoolie/Dr. Nicole Lambie
Netball    Rhonda John-Davis
Paralympics    Akeem Stewart
Powerlifting    Adrian Barry Brown/Salisha Rahim
Rally    Donald Gopaul
Rugby    Agboola Silverthorn/Ornella George
Sailing    Andrew Lewis/Kelly Ann Arrindell
Shooting    Roger Daniel/Marsha Bullen-Jones
Squash    Kale Alexander Wilson/Charlotte Knaggs
Swimming    George Bovel III/Cherelle Thompson
Table Tennis    Aaron Junior Wilson/Linda Paratap-Booddhan
Taekwondo    Edson Breedy
Target Archery    Parasan Ramsmair/Neela Cezair
Tennis    Vaughn Wilson/Breana Stampfli
Track & Field    Keshorn Walcott & Machel Cedenio/Cleopatra Borel
Triathlon    Jason Castelloe/Jenna Ross
Volleyball    Fabien Whitfield/Sinead Jack

21

Entertainment & Culture Discussion / International soca dj competition 2016 - live right now!!

« on: January 30, 2016, 10:24:00 PM »

Yes its live right now on the Street 91.9 FM at this link: TheStreet919FM

INTERNATIONAL SOCA DJ COMPETITION 2016

The following is the order of appearance:

1. TRI Delegates Int'l ft Ringo Starr (94.1 Boom FM);
2. TRI DJ David 868 ft Rome;
3. TRI X Caliber Int'l ft Dawg E, Slaughter;
4. PR DJ Silent Killa;
5. TRI Taurus Movement ft Bobby & Mum-Ra;
6. TRI DJ Quickstar Int'l ft War Dog;
7. TRI Ultra Simmo & S. Carter (Red 96.7 FM);
8. GER DJ Mika Raguaa;
9. TRI DJ Ana ft Hype Man Patrick Anthony (Hot 93 FM);
10. TRI Black Heart Int'l;
11. TRI Super Fresh Sound ft Selectah Kieon & Rated R;
12. USA NY Soca Rebel;
13. TBGO DJ Redo & Killa;
14. TRI Junior Mafia Sound ft Nigel Snipes (91.9 Street FM);
15. BAR DJ Kirk Brown;
16. TRI DJ Trini Spice;
17. CAN Deejay Sizzla;
18. USA NY DJ Spice (Team Soca);
19. AUS DJ Fasmwa;
20. TRI The Artform ft DJ Element & Fro Hummer;

22

What about Track & Field / Latest News on T&T Athletes at Home & Abroad (2016 T&F Season Edition)

« on: December 13, 2015, 08:05:50 AM »

Thompson, Baptiste, Cedenio among locals attending ‘High Performance’ summit
Published on Nov 10, 2015, 9:15 pm AST (T&T Express)

ELITE GROUP: Members of the T&T contingent attending the High Performance summit in Texas, USA.

The bpTT, Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) and the Michael Johnson Performance (MJP) inaugural High Performance Summit got underway at the Michael Johnson World Training Centre in McKinney, Texas, on Monday and will conclude on Friday.

This year, the bpTT/TTOC/MJP Team TTO (Trinidad & Tobago) Road to Rio Summit focus is preparing podium ready athletes as they prepare for the upcoming Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Nine elite track and field athletes will undergo a series of evaluation and assessment as well as media and mental conditioning training.

The athletes attending the summit are Richard Thompson, Kelly-Ann Baptiste, Michelle-Lee Ahye, Semoy Hackett, Machel Cedenio, Mikel Thomas, Emmanuel Callender, Jarrin Solomon and Wayne Davis. Four time Trinidad and Tobago Olympic medalist Ato Boldon and fellow coach, Eric Francis are amongst the Trinidad and Tobago contingent attending the summit. The bpTT/TTOC/MJP Summit 2015 forms part of the overall #10Gold24 athlete preparation programme.

Francis, coach of Michelle-Lee Ahye, said: “This is a really good idea definitely a step in the right direction in track and field and sports in Trinidad and Tobago. I congratulate the TTOC on a great initiative.”

Lance Walker, Executive vice president Global Performance Director, added: “its all about the athletes and providing them and their coaches with complementary support. These are world class athletes and coaches doing some great things. Our role is to add value where and when required.”

23

General Discussion / Indian PM confronted by angry protesters in Downing Street

« on: November 12, 2015, 01:12:20 PM »

Indian PM confronted by angry protesters in Downing Street
By Esther Addley (TheGuardian.com)
Thursday 12 November 2015 14.22 GMT

Anti-Modi protesters hold placards outside Downing Street, central London. Photograph: AFP/Getty

Hundreds of demonstrators shout ‘Narendra Modi go home’ as controversial leader arrives in London for talks with David Cameron.

Narendra Modi was greeted by noisy protests outside Downing Street as he arrived for talks with David Cameron.
 
Several hundred demonstrators representing Gujarati, Sikh, Tamil, Kashmiri, Nepali and women’s groups chanted ”Modi go home” and “David Cameron shame shame” as the Indian prime minister was welcomed at about lunchtime on Thursday.
 
Modi, a Hindu nationalist who was elected after a landslide victory last year, was banned from the UK, US, and several European countries until 2012 after anti-Muslim riots a decade earlier in Gujarat, in which thousands died. Modi was state governor at the time and, while he has strongly denied any involvement in the unrest, he faced severe criticism for failing to do more to intervene.
 
Amnesty International and other rights groups have accused his government of fostering a climate that has encouraged growing religious violence, and permitting wider human rights abuses.
 
Many of the several hundred protesters in Whitehall cited the 2002 riots as the reason they were demonstrating, but others raised issues of human rights, protection for women in India and accusations of injustice against Tamils, Dalits and other religious and ethnic minorities.


Demonstrators have raised concerns over human rights issues in India. Photograph: Suzanne Plunkett/Reuters

A delegation of Sikh protesters waved black flags and accused Modi of genocide in a provocative banner that also bore an image of Hitler. Dabinderjit Singh, principal adviser of the Sikh Federation (UK), said: “People genuinely fear the direction Narendra Modi is taking the country in terms of the impact on religious and ethnic minorities. What happens to the hundreds of millions of Muslims, Sikhs, Christians and he Dalit community in India? Where will we go?”

“We think that Britain inviting Modi here is showing support for the human rights abuses against women in India,’ said Camille Rouse, of the Newham Asian Women’s Project, which works with victims of “honour-based” violence in east London.

She said Modi had done nothing to challenge abuses against women in India. “He just looks the other way while women are being abused.”

Damar Ghale, a former president of the Non-Resident Nepali Association UK, urged Britain not to sign trade deals with Modi while India implemented what he described as an illegal blockade of Nepal. “Britain has made its decision to invite him, but we are here to ensure he hears us and knows what is happening in Nepal.”
 
A smaller group of fewer than 50 pro-Modi demonstrators, kept at a distance by police, waved Indian flags and chanted “welcome Modi”. One of those supporting the prime minister, Shri Jayu Shah, of the Friends of India Society, said: “People should respect that India is a democratic nation and he was elected by the people of India. That gives him every right to be here.” Modi, he added, “is the one who is going to take India out of poverty”.
 
The Indian prime minister can expect a warmer welcome on Friday, when 60,000 members of the Indian diaspora will pack into Wembley stadium for a rock star reception and fireworks display at which he will be greeted onstage by Cameron.

24

Entertainment & Culture Discussion / WINNERS AT COTT 2015 MUSIC AWARDS

« on: November 05, 2015, 04:19:24 PM »

WINNERS AT COTT 2015 MUSIC AWARDS
Thursday 05 November, 2015 (96.1 WE FM)


Machel Montano and Olatunji Yearwood emerged as the biggest winners of the Copyright Organization of Trinidad and Tobago (COTT) 2015 Music Awards, earning three and two awards respectively.

Held at Queen's Hall in St Ann's, Port of Spain, Montano, though not present earned the Songwriter of the Year award, while his 2015 Road March and Power Soca Monarch hit "Like A Boss" won the People's Choice Music Video of the Year and Soca of the Year.

Groovy King Olatunji, walked away with the awards for Groovy Song of the Year and Song of the Year. Here is a complete list of the awards and awardees:

New Female Songwriter of the Year - Samantha Johnson
New Male Songwriter of the Year - Jerome Antoine
Chutney Soca of the Year - K.I Persad
Jingle of the Year - "Lucy" by Destra/Jason "Shaft" Bishop
People's Choice Music Video of the Year - "Like A Boss"/Machel Montano
Reggae/Dancehall of the Year - "Endless Summer"/Kes The Band
Best Collaboration - Mark Hardy, Yung Rudd and Jimmy October
Soca of the Year - "Like A Boss"/Machel Montano
Best Local Artiste of the Year - Lyrikal
Best Soca Parang - Marcia Miranda
Best Breakout Artiste of the Year - Ricardo Drue
International Songwriter of the Year - The Mighty Sparrow
Groovy Song of the Year - "Ola"/Olatunji Yearwood
Calypso of the Year - "The Engine Room"/Jalani Kojo
Best Gospel Song of the Year - "Mighty Healer"/Positive & KC Phillips
Golden Achievement Award - Rakesh Yankaran and Ella Andell
Song of the Year - "Ola"/Olatunji Yearwood
Female Songwriter of the Year - Fay-Ann Lyons-Alvarez
Chutney of the Year - "Lage Re"/Rooplal G
Songwriter of the Year - Machel Montano

25

Entertainment & Culture Discussion / POWER SOCA MONARCH AND GROOVY SOCA MONARCH COMPETITION TO BE FUSED IN 2016

« on: November 05, 2015, 12:04:56 PM »

POWER SOCA MONARCH AND GROOVY SOCA MONARCH COMPETITION TO BE FUSED IN 2016
Wednesday 04 November, 2015 (96.1 WE FM)

Power Soca Monarch and Groovy Soca Monarch are no longer two separate categories in the 2016 International Soca Monarch (ISM), and the competition will no longer be televised LIVE as in previous years.

In addition, the results will not be released immediately after the competition on Fantastic Friday as usual, but on Saturday night when a television package will be aired. Subsequently, the sealed results will be announced by auditors.

In an exclusive interview with TTRN, Director of the International Soca Monarch, Mr. Peter Scoon said, "The Power Soca Monarch has always been viewed as the Father of the Groovy Soca but today, Groovy has come of age having developed enormously throughout the years."

He believes the separation has negatively affected the show in an effort to package it as a television product, adding there were too many gaps and that did not resound well with the pay-per view broadcast. Therefore, it is the best alternative for the 2016 ISM.

The Soca Monarch competition will now have a total of seventeen finalists, two of whom will be selected by social media voting. As for the Breakout Artiste category, it is still very much a part of the competition.

26

Entertainment & Culture Discussion / Belfon injured in Bahamas accident

« on: October 29, 2015, 12:26:34 AM »

Belfon injured in Bahamas accident
By Camille Clarke (T&T Guardian)
Published: Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Soca star Denise Belfon is stretchered onto an air ambulance in the Bahamas bound for Trinidad, following a vehicular accident in the district of Eleuthera, Bahamas, on Friday. Belfon was resting comfortably at home yesterday. Photo Courtesy The Eleuthera Newspaper.

Relatives of soca artiste Denise “Saucy Wow” Belfon said yesterday that she was back home safely after she was involved in a vehicular accident during her visit to the Bahamas on the weekend.

According to reports from the island, Belfon and her manager Natasha Thomas were on their way to a concert titled “Denise Belfon Live” at Club Secrets, Palmetto Point, on Saturday when they were involved in a vehicular accident four miles before reaching their destination.

Reports revealed that Belfon was airlifted to a hospital in New Providence, Nassau, following the accident on the island of Eleuthera. Isabella Joseph and Bahamians Perez Smith and Stephen Bain were also reported to be with her at the time. The driver of the vehicle, Clifford Sands, was not seriously injured.

Unofficial reports suggest the vehicle may have experienced mechanical problems and overturned several times before coming to a stop.

A photograph of Belfon being put into an airplane to be taken to hospital was circulated on social media and some of her friends wished her a speedy recovery.

Contacted yesterday, a member of the family said she was resting at home and that they were disappointed with media reports.

“I can’t give any statement. When she is ready she will address it. Things are being blown out of proportion,” he said.

27

Football / Interview with Headcoach Steven Hart on right now on the Street 91.9FM

« on: October 04, 2015, 08:01:00 AM »

There is an interview with Men's Senior Team Headcoach Steven Hart on right now on the Street 91.9FM.

Tune in at this link: http://www.thestreet919fm.com/

28

What about Track & Field / Alvin Corneal: Wherein lies our Sport?

« on: September 23, 2015, 01:09:26 PM »

Wherein lies our Sport?
Published: Wednesday, September 23, 2015 (T&T Guardian)

By Alvin Corneal

I wish the answer was as simple as the headline, especially when so many of us believe that whenever there is new management at the governmental level, the new brooms will surely sweep clean.

But this apparent new start invites anxiety from all the stakeholders, whether they are national associations, established clubs, professional players, and even from those who may have had a shy at administration previously and would see the present gap to re-enter the catastrophic arena of our sporting disciplines.

Critics are easy to come by, and they are often prepared to be as loud and expansive in their personal opinions. Just think of the current problems which are on the cards such as the West Indies Cricket Board’s dodgy road forward. I wonder how players are expected to enjoy playing cricket when there are so many voices chanting what should be the same tune, but with varying melodies.

The challenge from the general public about the omissions of certain quality cricketers from T&T, the dismissal of cricket captains, the squabble about payments for players of the three systems of cricket which are played today, and the disturbing practice of matters which should be discussed and decided behind closed doors.

These are issues which may not be concluded in a short time or if ever at all.

Push cricket aside, and turn the focus towards our national football programme, where a change of Minister of Sport may provide the solution for the preparation of two national teams, both on an optimistic slope for taking the teams into the upcoming World Cup Finals.

Then there is the whispering group of voices, whose every word in favour of those going to the Rio Olympics next year, is getting louder each day, quite naturally with the hope that our new minister will lend them an air of priority consideration to hand over the huge sum of money which they desire.

Surely, the success of a few in the Pan Am Games and the World Athletic Championships over the past two months has offered the impetus from the NAAA (National Association of Athletics Administrations) and the T&T Olympic Committee (TTOC) to fill the starting blocks with maximum number of athletes allowed, with the hope that they use the next ten months to improve times, distances, and fitness levels enough to show the world that we have arrived and well on the way to ten gold medals in a few years’ time.

Part of their dream plan is justified and even encouraged by the performances of people like Keshorn Walcott, Cleopatra Borel, Machel Cedenio, a fit Keston Bledman, hurdlers Mikel Thomas and Jehue Gordon, to name a few, and a bevy of women whose efforts seem to appear extremely assertive and with honesty in their desire to reach new targets.

Our cyclists are justifying the support which can take them to the level of a medal in Rio. Njisane Phillip and Quincy Alexander are two young men who do not need anyone to push them to their best. They are not only talented, but mature enough to assist any good coach with the finishing touches to achieve their goal.

Many more may be on the plane to Rio de Janeiro, some only silently mentioned as medal prospects, but certainly deserve similar scientific attention, sufficient exposure to compete adequately leading up to the games and well balanced meals like all the others.

Football needs to have the type of support for any organisational programme planning, which ranges from friendlies that are specially chosen to fit the vision of the coach.

Overseas players must provide commitment from as early as yesterday from their clubs, in the same way that all the larger countries handle it.

We are already aware that certain friendlies are arranged, so the financial arrangements, plus hotel and airline tickets can be ready now.

The possibility of playing matches in the USA should mean immediate discussions with the embassy, where at least 30 players per team, (male and female) can have their visas.

Actually, the visas for the women’s national team should be the responsibility of the TTOC as they are aspiring to qualify for same, but with matches which will lead up to Rio.

As I sit and ponder over the matters of concern which confront our sport, I feel convinced that some serious dialogue between the government and each national association is of paramount importance.

We wish to hear of settled plans, with projects well defined, finances in hand, and well prepared teams. Nothing less will be acceptable.

29

What about Track & Field / Women dominate 2015 IAAF Diamond League prize money list!

« on: September 20, 2015, 07:53:34 AM »

Women dominate 2015 IAAF Diamond League prize money list as Perkovic tops pile with $106,000
By Mike Rowbottom (InsideTheGames.biz)
Saturday, 19 September 2015

Sandra Perkovic, 2015 Diamond League and World discus throw champion

Croatian discus thrower Sandra Perkovic earned the most prize money from this year’s International Association of Athletics Federations’ Diamond League as she totalled $106,000 (£68,000/€94,000) in a list dominated by female athletes.

In claiming her fourth consecutive Diamond Race trophy as overall series victor, Perkovic headed four other women at the top of the list compiled by Track Stats.

Colombia’s triple jumper Caterine Ibarguen was in second place with $100,000 (£64,000/€88,000) and German shot putter Christina Schwanitz was third with $96,000 (£62,000/€85,000).

Next highest earners were pole vaulter Nikoleta Kiriakopoulou of Greece who made $95,000 (£61,000/€84,000) and Dutch 1500 metre runner Sifan Hassan, who finished jointly on $93,000 (£60,000/€82,000) with the two top male earners, Poland’s discus thrower Piotr Malachowski and Christian Taylor, the world and Olympic triple jump champion from the United States.


Christian Taylor, the world triple jump champion, shared top spot as the highest male prize money earner in the 2015 IAAF Diamond League series as he and Polish discus thrower Piotr Malachowski finished joint fifth along with Sifan Hasan of the Netherlands on $93,000 ©Getty Images

US sprinter Justin Gatlin was undefeated all year outside the IAAF World Championships, where he was defeated over 100 and 200m by Usain Bolt, but he finished ninth in the prize list having competed in only five of his seven available Diamond League meetings.

Similarly Ibarguen, who has been undefeated since the London 2012 Olympics, was second by dint of only competing at six of her seven possible meetings.

Perkovic used all seven opportunities, adding the extra $6,000 (£4,000/€5,000) for second place in Lausanne.

The IAAF Diamond League encompasses 32 individual event disciplines, with a points scoring "Diamond Race" which runs throughout the 14 meeting series.

Each of the disciplines is staged seven times with the top three athletes being awarded the same amount of points at each meeting – four points for first place, two for second and one for third – with the exception of two finals, in Zurich and Brussels, where the points are doubled.

Victory at Diamond League meetings earns $10,000, with descending amounts for lower placings –$6,000 for second, $4,000 for third, $3,000 for fourth, $2,500 for fifth, $2,000 for sixth, $1,500 for seventh and $1,000 for eighth.

There are smaller rewards for ninth to twelfth place finishers in distance races and ninth-lane runners in sprints.

An overall Diamond Race victory in one of the finals entails an additional prize of $40,000 (£26,000/€35,000).

Even if an athlete has an unreachable total before their relevant final, they have to show up and be fit to “compete in a bona fide way” in order to claim their prize.

Overall winners also receive a Diamond Trophy created by Zurich-based jewellers Bayer, automatic entry to the following year’s Diamond Race, and a wild card for the next IAAF World Championships.

30

What about Track & Field / Some useful info for our top TTO Quarter-milers who plan to medal in Rio!

« on: September 15, 2015, 03:05:19 PM »

A basic scientific look at 400m running
By Roy Barber (RunJumpThrow.com)
30th October 2013

Michael Johnson coaching at his performance centre in Texas. Photo by Jordan Whitley via Flickr.

Globally the 400m is regarded by many as one of the hardest disciplines in track & field; it is a very complex event in which all three energy systems are working overtime to provide you with energy for the 45-50seconds of near maximal effort. It is also, unusually, a sprint event in which tactics play a key role in that you can’t sprint flat out the whole way so you need to formulate and execute a strategy to ensure optimal, efficient performance.  In this article I plan to provide statistical look at the tactics employed by elite 400m runners and the physiology behind the event.

Tactics

From a young age we are all told that as much as we might want to sprint all the way round the track as fast as we can it won’t work and instead we need to pace ourselves. The commonly taught and accepted method is that derived by Clyde Hart & Michael Johnson, which is referred to as the 4 P’s. These are Push, Poise, Position & Press (or pray!), essentially the objective is to go out hard for the first 100m or so, then relax and lengthen out down the back straight before picking up again and positioning yourself in the 3rd 100m before giving it all you’ve got left for the final straight. This approach is generally considered the optimal way of executing a 400m race, but in my experience can often be misinterpreted & poorly applied.  The part that is most often misunderstood is the back straight, whilst the idea is indeed to settle into your running, relax and lengthen out your stride this section of the race should still be the fastest! Looking at statistical date from elite athletes you can see that, in fact, male runners go through the 100-200m section of a 400m race only around 0.2-0.3seconds slower than their 100m PB’s. For women it is generally slightly slower, around 0.3-0.5seconds slower than their 100m PB’s, but the intent is still there. In Michael Johnson’s World Record run of 43.18 for instance, he ran splits of 11.05,10.12,10.44 & 11.52. Clearly the optimal mechanism for successful 400m running then appears to be trying to cruise down the back straight, after building up speed around the first bend ( the highest velocity tends occur around 50-100m) and then maintaining that speed as much as possible whilst staying relaxed.

200m Differentials

A calculation often used for predicting 400m performance is to take someone’s 200m PB then double it and add 3.5seconds. Data generally supports this and suggests that elite male athletes tend to run the first 200m of a race around 1second slower than their 200m PB/SB and then the second 200m around 1.3-1.7seconds slower than the first 200m-  hence the overall difference being approximately 3.5seconds slower than 2x200PB.

Physiology – Why Lactate is NOT the bad guy

Anyone who has ever attempted a 400m race will of undoubtedly experienced the intense feeling of heavy-leggedness, extreme fatigue and probably feeling quite sick. This is nearly always attributed to Lactate build up which supposedly causes the fatigue and inability to contract our muscles with much force. In actual fact Lactate appears to have no role in fatigue and is indeed very helpful and can aid us in maintaining force and velocity of contraction. It is actually thought to be primarily the accumulation of Hydrogen Ions, along with others such as inorganic phosphate and potassium build up, that dramatically inhibits the ability of our muscles to contract. When Lactate is produced it essentially helps to ‘mop up’ the Hydrogen ions (to form Lactic Acid) and helps us to continue exercising.

The importance of all 3 energy systems 

When reading articles from Clyde Hart, one of the world’s most successful 400m coaches, he regularly talks of the importance of the aerobic contribution to 400m running and that whilst previously thought that only around 5-10% of one’s energy was generated by aerobic metabolism during 400m running it is in fact much greater than that. Multiple studies over the past 20years or so have shown that there appears to be around a 40% aerobic contribution to the event, thus highlighting the importance of aerobic training for 400m runners. The remaining 60% comes from a combination of the Phosphocreatine system (predominant at the very start of the race) and the Lactate (Anaerobic Glycolysis) system. It is important to note here that all the 3 energy systems will have a contribution to energy from the start of the race, only their relative proportions will change.


You can see more info from some of the sources used at: http://bit.ly/HaYKVt

http://bit.ly/17SlyQp (Biomechanical Analysis of sprints & hurdles at berlin 2009)

http://bit.ly/17Q3UzU