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1
Cricket Anyone / CPL welcomes new franchise – Antigua/Barbuda Falcons
« on: February 21, 2024, 01:43:35 AM »
Caribbean Premier League welcomes new franchise – Antigua/Barbuda Falcons.
T&T Newsday Reports.


THE newest franchise in the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has been launched.

The Antigua and Barbuda Falcons were officially unveiled during a gala opening ceremony hosted by the franchise owners WORLDWIDE Sports Management Group. Parimatch, the number one global gaming platform, will proudly serve as the title sponsor of the team.

The event was held yesterday at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, which will be the home of the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons when they compete in the 2024 edition of the Republic Bank CPL.

The Falcons will replace the Jamaica Tallawahs franchise.

Krishna (Kris) Persaud, founder and president of WORLDWIDE Sports Management Group, was thrilled as he showcased the new team’s name and the colourful and dynamic logo for the first time to excited guests. Persaud also expressed delight in having the team officially on board for the regional event, which attracts sold-out audiences for matches.

A CPL media release quoted Persaud as saying, “We are brand new; we are here; we are ready...let’s get ready to play. The Antigua and Barbuda Falcons will bring a unique energy and vitality to the Republic Bank CPL. We are ready to fly high and conquer what is before us. We want to establish a winner’s culture within the team and also a culture of winning and success off the field – among every individual associated with this franchise and the amazing fans we will have at our special home base at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in lovely Antigua.”

Persaud was grateful to the Antigua and Barbuda Government for the support.

“What you are witnessing today as we unveil the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, is something truly special and I want to thank the Government of Antigua & Barbuda, who have worked closely with us to bring the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons to life.”

Details on the overall structure of the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons and the coaching and management staff for the team will be announced at a later date.

The 2024 Republic Bank CPL will take place from August 28–October 6 with games taking place in Antigua for the first time in ten years.


2
Football / Rio Cardines Thread
« on: February 18, 2024, 01:40:55 AM »
Crystal Palace's Rio Cardines eager for Concacaf challenge with Trinidad and Tobago U-20s.
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday).


English-born flanker Rio Cardines is eager to make his family proud when he represents T&T’s under-20 men’s football team at the Concacaf under-20 championship qualifiers at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo from February 23-27.

Cardines, 18, who represents Crystal Palace’s youth team in the under-18 English Premier League, played for T&T at last year’s Concacaf under-17 championship after receiving his T&T passport on the eve of the tournament. The versatile Cardines can play either right back or left back and also offers a punch in the final third. He had an eventful start to his T&T career when he received a red card on debut versus Canada’s under-17s in a 3-2 loss at last year’s under-17 championship. Cardines also managed a goal in T&T’s 3-2 loss to El Salvador as they exited at the round of 16 stage.

Earlier this week, Cardines was named as one of seven overseas-based players in coach Brian Haynes’ 21-man squad for this month’s qualifiers. In an interview with TT Football Association (TTFA) media on Thursday, Haynes said the overseas group has lifted the overall standard of his squad.

With T&T starting their campaign against St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) from 7 pm on February 23, Cardines is ready to get down to business.

“It is good to be back. The team is looking forward to the tournament and we are going to take it one game at a time,” Cardines told TTFA media.

“The first game is against St Vincent and we are ready to take it as it comes.”

After playing SVG, T&T will play Dominica and Canada on February 25 and 27 respectively. Only the group winner will advance to the Concacaf under-20 championship later this year.

Cardines stressed on the importance of togetherness within the group to navigate the qualifiers.

“I think the whole team is important in these three games. Everyone will play a crucial part,” he said. “There is not one player who is going to stand out. There is not one player who is going to fall short. We are a team and we are going to do everything together.”

The Crystal Palace player, who made the move to the London club at 16, grew up in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. He qualifies to play for the red, white and black through his T&T grandparents and he said playing for his family is his biggest motivation.

“I want to make my family proud. I want to get my family nice things and just make them happy really. That is what it is about,” Cardines said.

“(Wearing the T&T badge) obviously means a lot to me. My family is here.

“My granny and grandad are not with us anymore so I know I am making them proud when they watch down on me. It makes me happy to know they are watching and I am making them proud.”

He said the T&T team will need the backing of the 12th man to take them through the qualifiers.

“I think we need a lot of people to fill out the stadium. We need as many people as we can possibly get. We are going to need it in these games. It will be crucial.”


3
Football / Marc Gangia Thread.
« on: February 08, 2024, 07:55:17 AM »
Denmark-born Marc Gangia elated to join Soca Warriors.
By Jelani Beckles (T&T Newsday).


AFTER watching the Soca Warriors play at the 2006 Fifa World Cup, Denmark-born Marc Gangia is now getting the chance to train with the T&T men's senior football team.

Gangia, 26, is eligible to play for T&T through his father.

Gangia, who is a striker for Dalum IF in the fifth tier of Danish football, spoke to the media during a Soca Warriors training session at Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar, Arima yesterday. T&T are preparing for a Conmebol Copa America qualifier against Canada on March 23 in Frisco, Texas.

"It is a big opportunity hopefully to be a part of," Gangia said. "It is a big step for the country if we could qualify for the (2026) World Cup and also in the summer (Copa tournament). It is a big match ahead in Canada, so we will see if we could get through. It is nice to be here."

Gangia has visited T&T before.

"This is probably my fifth time now. My dad has a lot of family here, so we have been here a couple of times."

He has fond memories of the Soca Warriors. "I remember from the 06 World Cup and also following the (English) Premier League (with T&T footballers) Dwight Yorke and Kenwyne Jones and players like that."

Gangia made the decision a decade ago to play for T&T, but the process has been a lengthy one.

"Approximately ten years ago it started, but it has been a long process with the passports and all those kinds of things."

He is settling down at the training camp, saying, "The weather is hot compared to Denmark so there is a transition I have to get used to, but I think the boys have been nice and taking good care of me, so it has been good so far."


4
Football / CD Atletico Torroxeno Thread
« on: February 04, 2024, 03:19:19 PM »
Trinidad and Tobago businessman takes charge of Spanish football club Atletico Torroxeno.
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday).


TRINIDAD and Tobago businessman Sham Mohammed was named as the president of Spanish football club CD Atletico Torroxeno on a four-year term last week, and was officially unveiled at their City Hall in Torrox on Tuesday.

Mohammed, the CEO of Miscellaneous Marketing Ltd, is the owner of Miscellaneous Laventille United, with Miscellaneous also serving as title sponsors for TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) club Police FC.

Torroxeno is well known for its beach soccer programme and they play in the Spanish Beach Soccer League under the careful watch of Alexandre Soares, a Beach Soccer World Cup champion with Brazil on numerous occasions.

"It is an honour for me to receive this opportunity to serve as president of Torroxeno, a Spanish club affiliated with the Spanish Football Association," Mohammed said, following a meeting with Torrox mayor Oscar Medina. "It is not often such an opportunity comes around."

Mohammed is ready to make his mark in Torrox.

"The beach soccer here is already established, but the doors being opened for regular football are tremendous. The climate in Torrox is described as one of the best in Europe all year round.

"For some time I have been looking for new and improved ways to help with developing our football, our teams and players where possible with new options or opportunities outside of Trinidad and Tobago," said Mohammed, the former Beach Soccer Worldwide Foundation vice president.

Medina was happy to have Mohammed on board.

"I welcome and I give thanks to Sham Mohammed and thanks to T&T for this partnership," Medina said.

"I know he is very committed to developing the sport of football and beach soccer in Torrox. It is an opportunity to develop Torrox and T&T, which we welcome."

Mohammed said there is great potential to present scouting opportunities for players across the Caribbean and the wider Concacaf region.

Torrox tourism manager Daniela Kewitch welcomed Mohammed to the club.

"We are sure that our relationship will improve the tourism positively here and in T&T," she said.

Kewitch anticipates Mohammed's arrival will elevate "not only tourism but also entertainment, beach soccer and also football.

"Thank you for choosing Torrox. Welcome home," she said.

Mohammed sees opportunities for T&T and regional teams to train in Torrox as it offers futsal courts, regular playing fields, beach soccer courts, gyms, an aqua centre and a rehab centre.


5
Football / 2024 SSFL Thread
« on: January 15, 2024, 02:02:21 AM »
SSFL arbitration rules in favour of Moruga, Miracle Ministries.
By Stephon Nicholas (T&T Newsday).


Moruga Secondary will remain champions of the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) south championship, after the SSFL arbitration committee found flaws in the decisions by the disciplinary committee and appeals committee to punish the school for registration breaches.

Moruga finished the SSFL 2023 season unbeaten and six points clear of Ste Madeleine Secondary, and had their sights set on the Big 5 competition with promotion in mind.

However, Moruga were later found guilty of submitting their player registration form without the signature of their principal and school stamp, and also fielding a player who was not registered 72 hours before a match. The school had faced relegation owing to the breaches.

In a media release on Sunday, the SSFL announced that its arbitration committee has quashed the previous decisions and urged the SSFL to review its registration practices as "internal deficiencies in this regard could bring the league into disrepute."

The committee noted that Moruga Secondary reported receipt of players’ IDs which may constitute valid registration for the season.

The committee said a help desk should be established as "schools have no official knowledge whether their registration is valid/invalid before the season/match and schools only know of an invalid registration, at some point during or after the season, when a protest is lodged.

"This is extremely unfair to the schools and has the potential to undermine the efforts of the SSFL to continue to provide its stakeholders with a reputable co-curricular sporting opportunity."

The committee noted that Moruga player Veron Gomez was not properly registered before playing a match against Point Fortin East Secondary, and the punishment for that breach stands.

Meanwhile, the committee also noted similar SSFL internal deficiencies with regard to Miracle Ministries Pentecostal High School, who topped the central zone.

The disciplinary and appeals committees had found that Miracle Ministries documents were "not an official document from the web page (SSFL) and copy of registration.”

The arbitration committee also took issue with the composition of the disciplinary committee, with members from the credential committee also functioning in dual capacity. "This situation can be viewed as a conflict of interest and makes the disciplinary committee’s report invalid."

The arbitration committee quashed the previous rulings and restored Miracle Ministries' points.

RELATED NEWS

SSFL says sorry to Miracle Ministries, Moruga, vows to fix registration system.
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday).


The Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) has issued an apology for its registration faux pas which initially saw 2023 Central and South zone championship division winners Miracle Ministries Pentecostal High School and Moruga Secondary stripped of their zonal titles owing to alleged registration breaches.

On Sunday, the SSFL's arbitration committee of Theophilus Trim, Justin Latapy-George and former league president Anthony Creed, found the league's registration was faulty and overturned the original decisions of the SSFL's disciplinary and appeals committees to punish the Central and South zonal champions.

On Tuesday, through its general secretary Azaad Khan, the SSFL put up its hand for the furore via a press release.

"Following the decision by the SSFL Arbitration Committee to reinstate Miracle Ministries Pentecostal High School (MMPHS) and Moruga Secondary as Central zone and South zone championship division winners respectively, the SSFL hereby unreservedly apologises to all football stakeholders and supporters for the unfortunate events that occurred," the league's statement said.

Before the registration impasse, both Miracle Ministries and Moruga were due to participate in the SSFL Big 5 playoffs alongside the three other championship winners, Blanchisseuse Secondary (North), Signal Hill Secondary (Tobago) and St Augustine Secondary (East). The top three teams in the Big 5 tournament will be promoted to the 2024 SSFL premier division.

"The decision by our Arbitration Committee and the reactions of distress from the parties and supporters in recent days has given us time for further reflection and deep thought. It was never our intention to cause such distress.

"The SSFL understands fully that the system needs to be fixed. We must work together to find solutions which protect the future of the league. It is clear that the events that led to arbitration was a significant misstep and due diligence should have been of a much higher standard. We did not initially make the right decision here, which we fully accept."

After the conclusion of the championship division campaign in November, the league confirmed protests had been lodged against both Miracle Ministries and Moruga over their online registration. On November 21, the two schools met with the league's disciplinary committee and were found guilty of breaching the SSFL's registration rules, with Mourga penalised for submitting an incomplete registration form “without the principal’s signature and or the school stamp."

The disciplinary committee's verdict was upheld by the appeals committee on December 5, before the three-man arbitration committee emphatically reversed the SSFL's stance.

The league vowed not to repeat the mistake going forward.

It said its aim was "always to make the right decisions for this great league, to protect it for the future and to take us forward. The SSFL meantime, has taken progressive steps to address the matter so that such events do not happen again."

SSFL president Merere Gonzales told Newsday the league hopes to play at least two match days in the Big 5 tournament before Carnival (February 12 and 13). He said fixtures will be drafted this week.

Gonzales said the SSFL is also working towards playing the girls' Big 5 final before January comes to an end. Scarborough Secondary, 2022 girls' Big 5 champions, will contest Five Rivers Secondary in the belated 2023 final, which has been postponed on numerous occasions owing to faulty travel arrangements and a subsequent break for the Christmas period.


6
Cricket Anyone / CG United Super50 Cup Thread
« on: October 17, 2023, 01:21:06 AM »
CWI to invest US$2.5 million in prize monies for regional cricket.
T&T Guardian Reports.


Major increases in prize money for Men’s and Women’s events starting with CG United Super50 Cup

ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Ahead of the start of the CG United Super50 Cup, Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced a major increase in prize money and bonuses for teams participating in the tournament as well as other regional competitions – totalling over US$2.5 million over a four-year period.

With the region’s marquee List A tournament set to bowl off on Tuesday, there is the incentive for the champions to take home a top prize of US$100,000 as well as the Sir Clive Lloyd trophy when they win the grand final on November 11 under lights at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, San Fernando.

The losing finalists will receive US$50,000 while the team that tops the points table in the league phase will also get US$50,000. This is the biggest prize money in the history of the tournament.

Dr Kishore Shallow, president of CWI said: “The aim is to incentivize our cricketers, which will ultimately result in more intense and competitive cricket. We expect this along with other developmental programmes will help to close the gap between international cricket and our regional tournaments. These new prize monies represent a significant increase in the reward purse for teams in regional cricket. We firmly believe this will act as a fillip to players’ performances and their pursuit of excellence. This is part of our investment in the game and those who fly the flag on the field.”

The increase also extends to all senior men’s and women’s tournaments. There is a big boost in the West Indies Championship that will be played in the first half of 2024. The champions of this traditional “red ball” four-day, first-class competition will win US$250,000. The second-placed team will receive US$100,000.

There is an increase in winnings for the Women’s CG United Super50 Cup and the T20 Blaze. The winners of the 50-overs will receive US$20,000 next year with a minimum increase of US$10,000 annually over the next 4-year cycle. The runners-up will receive half these amounts.

The T20 Blaze winners will also be rewarded with an increase – US$10,000 for the winners next year - with further increases annually for the upcoming four years. The runners-up will receive half these amounts.

CWI is finalizing a new four-year MOU with the West Indies Players Association, which will see further increases for individual players, including a major boost to women’s remuneration.


7
Football / 2030 FIFA World Cup Thread
« on: October 05, 2023, 12:45:24 PM »
FIFA considers proposal for six nations to host 2030 World Cup.
T&T Guardian Reports.


ZURICH, Switzerland – Any Caribbean Football Union (CFU) side fortunate enough to qualify for the 2030 FIFA World Cup tournament may rack up a chunk of air miles.

The council of football’s world governing body accepted on Wednesday a proposal that Spain, Portugal, and Morocco jointly host the tournament – but the three opening matches take place in South America to commemorate the tournament’s centenary.

“In a divided world, FIFA and football are uniting,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino said during the council meeting.

“The FIFA council, representing the entire world of football, unanimously agreed to celebrate the centenary of the first World Cup, whose first edition was played in Uruguay, in the most appropriate way.”

He added: “As a result, a celebration will take place in South America and three South America countries – Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina – will host one match each.

“The first of these three matches will, of course, be played at the stadium where it all began, in Montevideo’s mythical Estadio Centennario, precisely to celebrate the centenary edition of the FIFA World Cup.”

The proposal, if accepted, will mean the tournament being hosted in six countries across three continents, and FIFA will consider only bids from the Asian Football Confederation and the Oceania Football Confederation for the 2034 finals, with Concacaf giants, the United States, Canada, and Mexico set to host in 2026.

Uruguay staged the first World Cup in 1930 and won the tournament, and the capital of Montevideo is expected to stage the opening match under the 2030 proposal, to be followed by matches in Argentina and Paraguay.

Argentina was the runners-up in the 1930 tournament, and Paraguay was the traditional home of CONMEBOL, South American football’s governing body.

Under the proposal, which needs formal approval by the FIFA Congress, all three South American nations will automatically qualify for the tournament and play their opening matches on home soil.

The remainder of the 48-team tournament will then shift to North Africa and Europe under the proposal that was put forward by UEFA, European football’s governing body, the Confederation of African Football, and CONMEBOL.

Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago are the only two English-speaking CFU teams that have qualified for the World Cup tournament. - CMC


8
Football / 1976 FC Phoenix Thread
« on: September 01, 2023, 01:57:56 AM »
1976 FC Phoenix unveils new uniform, announces new sponsor.
T&T Guardian Reports.


Football club 1976 FC Phoenix has attracted sponsorship from the Rouge Restaurant and Sports Bar.

The establishment located at Shirvan Road, Buccoo, Tobago equipped the team with 60 sets of uniforms.

Amanda Joseph, managing director of Rouge Restaurant and Sports Bar officially presented the uniforms to management and players on Monday at Casino Royale Compound, Crown Point, Tobago. She expressed joy in supporting FC Phoenix and urged the team to represent their community and Tobago well.

Club secretary and general manager of the FC Phoenix team, Huey Cadette, appreciated the contribution made by Rouge Restaurant and Sports Bar, saying that the club will continue to pursue excellence and compete for trophies with determination and a winning mentality.

FC Phoenix is presently unbeaten in the T&T Premier Football League Tier Two. Coach Nigel De Souza and his team will next be in action at a date to be announced for a semifinal match. Fans will not be left out as efforts are being made for the provision of supporters’ jerseys.


9
New York street to be co-named Trinidad and Tobago Street
By Narissa Fraser (T&T Newsday).


T&T nationals in Queens, New York City, will soon have a street co-named in their homeland's honour, as 131st Street will also be called Trinidad and Tobago Street.

The Office of the New York City Council's Speaker confirmed this to Newsday.

The co-naming ceremony will be held on Sunday afternoon at the intersection of 131st Street and Liberty Avenue.

In a press release, the NGO Trinidadians and Tobagonians USA said it had been petitioning for the co-naming of the "commercially-bustling" street for "quite a few years."

The organisation's spokesman Dr Ashford Maharaj said this is "a fitting recognition of Caribbeanness," as this street is adjacent to another street named Little Guyana.

He added, "Interestingly enough, that section of Liberty Avenue is around the 131st Street area is dubbed Roti Avenue, given the number of Guyanese and Trinbagonian roti shops and (restaurants)."

Speaking with Newsday on Monday, consul general of T&T in New York Andre Laveau said he felt really proud of this development.

Laveau, born in San Fernando and raised in St Augustine, said, "I think it's a very positive development because Queens, together with Brooklyn, make up our main diaspora anywhere in the world."


10
Football / Girls U-14 Team Thread
« on: August 17, 2023, 01:12:55 AM »
Trinidad and Tobago U-14 girls off to CFU Series.
T&T Newsday Reports.


The T&T girls U-14 football team left Trinidad on Wednesday to contest the 2023 CFU Girls U-14 Challenge Series in Antigua.

The squad, under head coach Marlon Charles, will play four matches at the developmental tournament. They will face Jamaica twice on August 21 and 24 and Puerto Rico on August 19 and 22. All games will be played at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

This group of players has been part of the TTFA high performance programme which has been undergoing preparations under Charles and his staff since April.

Charles said one of the aims of the programme was to improve their technique.

"Passing, controlling and receiving balls. One of the thing that we have here in the programme is that we want everyone to be comfortable on the ball. This is a long-term goal for when they get to seniors.

"A lot of the times they play with their nose – everything is straight forward, but now when they put their foot on the ball they can see the options and make decisions."

He said incorporating a competitive game mentality is also essential.

"If I have the ball and I lose the ball, do I walk back or do I fight for it – do I help my teammates? These are the things we're trying to include in a culture for these kids so by the time they get to 17, 18 then all these things are just part of them."

Charles said the players have absorbed the knowledge and understand the importance of one-touch football.

"It's a process we are going through but it's very enjoyable."

Charles believes the current group has the potential to qualify for a FIFA Women's World Cup, if they are allowed to train consistently. "Imagine these girls continue this kind of work. By the time they get to senior level we should have a team just like the team that was one point away from a World Cup (in 2015). This is the whole objective for us right now."

According to the CFU, 20 teams will participate in the highly anticipated tournament. The tournament will see the teams divided into two tiers (Tier I & II) with 14 national teams from around the Caribbean competing in Tier II while six teams will do battle in Tier I for the coveted Challenge Series trophy.

T&T girls U-14 roster:

Akeila Marryshow, Goalkeeper, Gasparillo Youths

Amara Bhagan, Goalkeeper, Cox Coaching School

Hackeemar Goodridge, Midfielder, Trendsetter Hawks

Jayda Herbert, Forward, Trendsetter Hawks

Lexi Sankersingh, Midfielder, Queen’s Park Cricket Club

Mikalah Guerero, Midfielder, South Stars Princes Town

Timera Ottley, Defender, Fyzabad United

Shakila Hamilton, Midfielder, South Stars Princes Town

Jessica Nesbitt, Defender, Eastern Counties United

Taya Williams, Forward, San Juan Jabloteh

Daniella Paul, Defender, Gasparillo Youths

Kimani Wallace, Defender, Jewels Sports Club

Mia Lee Chong, Midfielder,Tampa Bay United (US)

Onesha Gregouir, Forward, Jewels Sports Club

Naima Julius, Defender, Diego Central United

Shivanni Saroop, Midfielder, NY Surf Soccer Club

Arielle Villaruel, Defender, Eastern Counties United

Scarlett Cole ,Forward, Pro Series

Zyesha Potts, Midfielder, Jewels Sports Club

Gyasi Lewis, Forward, Combined Ballerz Academy

Staff: Marlon Charles (Head Coach), Afiyah Matthias (Assistant Coach), Ricarda Nelson (Manager), Natalie Harper (Kit Manager), Cristal Bernard (Team Doctor), Kiren Johnson (Team Medic).


11
Football / 2023 TT Women's League Football Thread.
« on: August 16, 2023, 01:31:24 AM »
Defence Force win 19-0 in TT Women's League Football.
By Jelani Beckles (T&T Newsday).


The Army women put 19 goals past Atlas Athletic International Academy at the Trinity College East Grounds in Trincity in the Claire George Conference on Saturday. Defence Force women are trying to follow in the footsteps of the Army men who swept both titles in the TT Premier League, winning both the league and knock-out titles.

Club Sando also made a winning start in the TT WoLF tournament defeating PlayFit Football Academy 3-0 at Mahaica Sporting Complex in Pt Fortin on Saturday.

On Sunday at Eddie Hart Grounds in Tacarigua, Trincity Nationals edged Queen's Park 2-1.

Matchday two of the Claire George Conference will be played on Sunday and matchday four of the Jamilya Muhammad Conference will be contested in Tobago on Thursday.

Fixtures - Matchday two (Claire George Conference):

Saturday

Atlas Athletic vs St Augustine/Cunupia Utd, Manny Ramjohn Stadium, 4 pm

Police vs Defence Force, St Anthony's College Grounds, 4 pm

UWI vs Queen's Park, venue to be announced, 4 pm

AC POS vs Club Sando, venue to be announced, 6 pm

PlayFit vs Trinicity Nationals, venue to be announced, 6 pm

Matchday four (Jamilya Muhammad Conference):

Thursday

Black Panthers vs Combined Ballez, Signal Hill, 5.30 pm

Tobago Chicas vs Jewels, Montgomery, 5.30 pm



12
Cricket Anyone / Major League Cricket Thread
« on: June 16, 2023, 01:29:26 AM »
Pollard, Pooran sign on for MI New York.
T&T Guardian Reports.


NEW YORK CITY – MI New York have signed former West Indies white-ball captain Kieron Pollard to lead the franchise for the inaugural Major League Cricket season starting next month.

Pollard’s side will include fellow Trinidadian Nicholas Pooran who succeeded him as captain of the international side, but who subsequently quit the post less than a year later, following West Indies’ horror show at the T20 World Qualifiers last November Down Under.

The duo, along with Afghan superstar leg-spinner Rashid Khan, New Zealand left-arm seamer Trent Boult and marquee South Africa speedster Kagiso Rabada, were among nine players announced on Wednesday to complete the roster for the July 13-30 campaign scheduled for two venues in Texas.

Former South Africa international Robin Peterson will serve as head coach while former Sri Lanka fast-bowling star Lasith Malinga has signed on as bowling coach.

"We are thrilled to unveil team MI New York in the upcoming Major League Cricket season," said Mumbai Indians owner, Akash M Ambani.

"Stalwart Pollard is leading the team which has international superstars Rashid Khan, Nicholas Pooran, Trent Boult, and Kagiso Rabada. It is an extraordinary line-up of youth, experience, and power.

“Further, we have exciting talent in the form of Tim David and Brevis, while Jason Behrendorff and David Wiese are proven performers.

"Combined with the exceptional skills of our local US players, we are confident that MI New York will raise the bar of competition in the cricket ecosystem of the US. We are dedicated to providing our fans with the quintessential MI brand of cricket."

Pollard has been a feature of the Mumbai brand over the last decade, the 36-year-old having represented Indians in the Indian Premier League for 13 seasons before retiring last year.

Left-hander Pooran, meanwhile, also turned out for the brand in the International League T20 when he campaigned for MI Emirates.

Exiled West Indies stars Andre Russell and Sunil Narine will also play in the MLC season, having earlier this week signed for Los Angeles Knight Riders.

Russell and Narine are also part of the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, the Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League and the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the ILT20.

"We have assembled a strong and talented team for the debut season of MLC, who can compete at the highest level and bring joy to cricket fans around the world,” said Knight Riders chief executive, Venky Mysore.

"The Knight Riders group is poised to make a significant contribution to the growth of cricket in the United States and to bring our unique brand of cricket to new audiences around the world."

Four other teams – Texas Super Kings, Seattle Orcas, Washington Freedom and San Francisco Unicorns – will also do battle in the tournament. - CMC


13
Football / 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup Thread
« on: June 14, 2023, 01:17:06 AM »
Eve, players contented by Gold Cup qualification, ready to compete.
By Walter Alibey (T&T Guardian).


Feelings of contentment and achievement have consumed coach Angus Eve, his players, and his staff, following the announcement that the T&T Football Association's (TTFA) protest to FIFA against the Nicaraguan Football Federation's team use of an ineligible player Richard Rodriguez in the Concacaf Nations League, was upheld.

The disciplinary committee of football's world governing body, FIFA, issued a release on Monday night signed by general secretary Philippe Moggio, acknowledging its decision to sanction the Nicaraguan Football Federation and award T&T the top spot in Group C of League 'B'.

The release stated: "Today, the Concacaf Disciplinary Committee sanctioned the Federación Nicaragüense de Fútbol (FENIFUT) for severe violation of the applicable FIFA/Concacaf regulations by fielding an ineligible player in multiple matches of Concacaf competitions. Because of this serious violation, the Concacaf Disciplinary Committee decided to exclude the Nicaragua national team from competing in the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup and has also relegated it to League B of the 2023/24 CNL."

The release continued: "As a consequence of the decision of the Concacaf Disciplinary Committee, the Concacaf Council has made the following determinations regarding the impact of this decision on the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup and the 2023/24 Concacaf Nations League. The T&T National team, which was the team with the best second (overall) place finish of all League B teams in the 2022/23 Concacaf Nations League Group Stage, replaces the Nicaragua National Team in position A3 of Group A of the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup. Additionally, the Antigua & Barbuda National Team, which was the team with the highest points (overall) in League B of the 2022/23 CNL to not have qualified for the 2023 Gold Cup Prelims qualifies to position A of Prelims Matchup #1 against Guadeloupe."

The T&T team lost to the Nicaraguans in June last year 2-1 in its opening match of the Nations League and then drew with them 1-1 in a key match on March 27, which awarded Nicaragua the top spot in the group.

According to Eve, who will name his 23-player squad Wednesday to contest for honours in the Gold Cup starting on Friday, said, "When we started the Nations League, the objective was to qualify for the Gold Cup proper and also to qualify for the 'A' Division of the nations league which would have given us automatic qualification for the Gold Cup and also give us the opportunity to qualify for the CONMEBOL Cup and put us in a better position in the World Cup qualifying."

He added: "It was a bit deflating when we drew that match in Tobago, and then to get the news now that we didn't do anything wrong. Credit to the FIFA normalisation committee, because Robert Hadad called us when we were having dinner and it was a good moment for everybody who put out so much energy with respect to having our country be on one of the top stages in football.

"It's a feeling of contentment and it just goes to show that when you do the right things and you go through the process, the right things will happen for you."

The T&T players were eagerly expected to take the field on Friday (June 16) in a Gold Cup qualifying clash with Guadeloupe. Instead, they will play their opening match on June 25. The Soca Warriors defeated Guatemala 1-0 in their friendly international match in Pennsylvania, USA on Sunday night.

Eve, a former national standout, said the prize for hard work is more hard work and for a second time, called on corporate T&T to join in this project which is designed for a country and not only his staff and the normalisation committee.

He said, "Now, we have to refocus our energies as the prize for hard work is more hard work because now we're in a group which is a very hard group, but that's where we want to be, that's where we were aspiring to be, so we just want to take this opportunity now to represent our country in the right way. Because this shows that once you do things in the right way, and do it with integrity and pride, and trust the process, this is where you can be.

"I said before corporate Trinidad has to come on board, we need help, it can't be just the national team staff and the FIFA normalisation committee alone. This is a project for a country, and now where we were only to play two days here, now our first game is on the 25th, and we're on the 12th, so that's 13 days away. We have to pay the hotel for 30-something-odd people, organise practice fields, there are also a lot of logistics to be done, a lot of behind-the-scenes stuff. The hotel rooms are not cheap, so we have to actually since Concacaf sent the letter, have to put contingency plans in place," Eve explained.

WATCH  Day 2 in Ft Lauderdale - Gold Cup Training Camp

WATCH Eve's Reactions to T&T's Gold Cup '23 Inclusion

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Eve relishes Gold Cup test, appeals for corporate help.
T&T Newsday Reports.


HEAD Coach of the Trinidad and Tobago men's football team Angus Eve has expressed his delight and relief to have earned automatic qualification to this year’s Concacaf Gold Cup in the US.

T&T's advancement comes at the expense of Nicaragua, who were disqualified after a Concacaf investigation into the eligibility of one of the team’s players, Richard Rodriguez

Concacaf announced Nicaragua's Gold Cup expulsion on Monday, adding that they were also demoted to League B of the Concacaf Nations League.

Born in Uruguay, Rodriguez was not deemed to be a naturalised citizen by FIFA, yet the midfielder made 19 appearances for Nicaragua, which included several matches in the Concacaf Nations League.

He made a substitute appearance against T&T on June 3, 2022, a match that Nicaragua won 2-1 at home. The FIFA Normalisation Committee, which currently administers the TT Football Association (TTFA), discovered Nicaragua’s foul play and appealed to the region’s governing body.

Concacaf's Disciplinary Committee made the decision to axe the Central Americans "for severe violation to the applicable FIFA/Concacaf regulations by fielding an ineligible player in multiple matches of Concacaf competitions.”

T&T are now placed in Group A of the Gold Cup alongside Jamaica, USA, and one of Curaçao/St Kitts & Nevis/French Guiana/St Maarten who are to be determined by the prelims.

Antigua and Barbuda – the team with the highest points in League B of the 2022/23 Nations League not to advance – will now face Guadeloupe in Gold Cup qualification on Friday.

The Soca Warriors' promotion to League A of the Nations League keeps alive the opportunity to qualify for the 2024 Copa America, to be hosted by the US.

Eve expressed his joy in making it over the line. He said, “I don’t really have (much) words. When we started the Nations League, the objective was to qualify for the Gold Cup proper and also to qualify for League A (of the Nations League), which would have given us automatic qualification for the Gold Cup, the opportunity to qualify for the Conmebol (Copa) and be in a better position for World Cup qualifiers.

“It was a bit deflating when we drew the (last Nations League) match in Tobago. But to get the news that we didn’t do anything wrong… credit to the normalisation committee.”

He said Normalisation Committee chairman Robert Hadad informed the team while they were having dinner in Florida.

"It’s a feeling of contentment and this goes to show that, when you do the right things, the right things will happen for you.”

Noting the difficult challenge facing USA and Jamaica, Eve said the hard work that was put in by the team was rewarded with more hard work. He added that T&T relished the opportunity.

He also pleaded for the top local businesses to assist the team in their international ventures. “Corporate Trinidad has to come on board. We need help. It can’t just be the national team staff and the normalisation committee. This is a project for a country.”

He noted the logistical conundrum caused by the Concacaf disciplinary decision.

“We were only set to play two days here (in Fort Lauderdale), now our first game is on the 25th, which is 13 days away. So we have to pay hotel accommodation for 30-odd people, organise practice fields and there’s a lot of logistics to be done behind the scenes. Hotel rooms are not cheap. So we now have to put a contingency plan in place.

“We (also) don’t know if some of the clubs will want back their players back in the short term. (Nevertheless), the general feeling is one of great content and achievement for attaining something like this for our country.”

T&T will open their Gold Cup campaign on June 25 against the preliminary round winner – Curaçao, St Kitts & Nevis, French Guiana or St Maarten – at 3:30pm TT time. That would then be followed by a Caribbean derby against Jamaica on June 28 and the Warriors’ group stage run will be concluded against the US on July 2.

Nicaragua to appeal Gold Cup expulsion.
T&T Newsday Reports.


THE Nicaraguan Football Federation (Fenifut) intends to appeal a decision by the Concacaf disciplinary committee to strip the Central Americans of their place in the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup and demote them to Concacaf League B.

Nicaragua were punished by the regional governing body for fielding an ineligible player, Uruguayan-born Richard Rodriguez, for eight matches, including a League B clash with Trinidad and Tobago on June 3, 2022 in Nicaragua. Rodriguez entered the match in the 86th minute as a substitute. The match ended 2-1 to the hosts and helped secure Nicaragua's top spot in the group, automatic qualification to the Gold Cup and promotion to League A.

However, Rodriguez's participation was deemed illegitimate as Concacaf stipulates players must reside in a country for at least five years before they can be deemed a naturalised citizen. Rodriguez has not satisfied Concacaf's requirement, which the organisation considered a "severe violation," in a statement on Monday night.

Rodriguez began playing in Nicaragua in 2018-2019 for Real Estelí FC, but his service there has been interrupted with stints in the Paraguayan league for Deportivo Santani (2019) and most recently in Costa Rica for Municipal Liberia (2022).

Nevertheless, the Nicaraguan federation insists it has done nothing wrong. According to a statement published by La Prensa newspaper on Monday, it said, "In recent days, Fenifut received a communication from Concacaf regarding the possible improper alignment of a Nicaraguan player. From that moment on, despite the fact that the time was very short for Fenifut to present its position on the case, the necessary evidence was sent to demonstrate that in said scenario none of the articles established have been violated. Concacaf FIFA Disciplinary Codes and Regulations."

The federation added, "Fenifut is immediately presenting the corresponding appeal, so we call on Concacaf so that, as established in the regulations, its committee of appeal meets immediately for the due review of the case."


14
General Discussion / Elon Musk Thread
« on: June 09, 2023, 01:26:29 AM »
Elon Musk's Starlink coming to Trinidad and Tobago
RYAN HAMILTON-DAVIS
T&T NEWSDAY


TWO new mobile networks, one owned by billionaire businessman and CEO of Twitter Elon Musk will be coming to TT.

Musk’s network Starlink is expected to begin service in the second quarter of this year, while the Blue Mobile Network launches on Friday.

In a media release, Blue Mobile Network which is the official mobile network of STAR network said it will host a launch event at Level 2 Invaders Bay Tower in Port of Spain.

During the event attendees would be able to explore the features of the network. As part of the launch the Blue Mobile Network will distribute smartphones and laptops to new subscribers, for one dollar each.

“Trinidad and Tobago deserves a mobile network that truly understands the needs and aspirations of its people,” CEO Kerron Les Pierre said in the release.

“We are thrilled to introduce the blue mobile network designed to empower customers and deliver a premium mobile experience.”

Starlink, the company founded by Musk, received a ten-year concession from the Telecommunications Authority (TATT) to provide satellite broadband service.

The type 2 concession will allow the company to provide public domestic fixed telecommunications and was issued to Starlink Internet Services TT, based in Port of Spain.

The company uses a network of satellite to support services including streaming, online gaming and calls. Its service is expected to be available by the end of the second quarter of the year.


15
Football / 2023 T&T Premier Football League Tier 2 Thread
« on: May 21, 2023, 02:55:12 AM »
Cash-strapped TTPFL tier two clubs want more help.
By Jonathan Ramnanansingh (T&T Newsday).


Trinidad and Tobago Premier Football League (TTPFL) tier two clubs have proposed the formation of a joint committee with the TTPFL and TT Super League (TTSL) board, to source additional sponsorship for their participation in this year’s domestic second division, which kicks off on May 27.

In a letter to TT Football Association (TTFA) general secretary Amiel Mohammed from TTSL president Jameson Rigues, dated Thursday, Rigues said tier two clubs are cash-strapped and in need of assistance.

Rigues called on the TTFA “to have an open mind, to making a concerted effort, to sincerely working with us to achieving progress in our plight for support to the clubs participating in your TTPFL tier two.”

His letter came on the heels of Friday’s official launch of the TTPFL tier two competition, which is scheduled to feature 11 teams – nine from Trinidad and two from Tobago.

It proposed that the potential joint committee would assist clubs to “seek out sponsorship from private sector businesses and public sector companies or any possible entity towards the first and second season of the two.”

Rigues said clubs do not want to “fall into a situation of debt and unfulfilled promises to stakeholders” and “are fearful of making commitments to members of their coaching staff, players, suppliers and other stakeholders, where certain elements of operations cannot be avoided.”

And despite the TTFA, through its tier two executive committee, providing teams with inter-island transport to and from games, clubs believe more could be done to help offset their costs.

Rigues added, “While the commitment to assist with ground transportation is a step in the right direction, and while we recognise your efforts to cover inter-island airfare for tier two clubs, we still are a long way from the level of expenditure clubs are faced with to participate in your league.”

The TTPFL tier two season runs for 14 weeks culminating in August. Each team plays each other once and the top six teams enter a playoff round. The truncated season for both tiers means there will be no promotion or relegation at the end of the season.

Initially, the season was scheduled to be two rounds. But with the change, and a significant reduction in matches, Rigues suggested that some of the league’s savings could be pumped into tier two clubs to aid their participation.

“The new format would significantly decrease your (TTPFL) spend on inter-island airfare, referee and match commissioner fees, ambulance services, etc., which, some of the savings can now be directed to the clubs to assist in offsetting some of the clubs’ unavoidable expenses.

“To clarify the intent to receive financial support to tier two clubs, I wish to state that they are of the view that for some of the expenses, in addition to the direct cash support, a similar medium of processing tier one clubs’ players and staff payroll and other expenses as a viable option than can be utilised for tier two clubs.”

This year’s competing teams are Police FC, Guaya United, Harlem Strikers, QPCC, Matura Reunited, Petit Valley/ Diego Martin United, San Fernando Giants, Defence Force, UTT and Tobago’s Bethel United and Phoenix Sports Club.

Rigues wrote that “clubs are committed to participating in what we believe is a new dawn for local football, however, in the interest of compromise, clubs would be willing to let the prize money remain as is, but monies must be found for assistance to clubs participating in the tier two, as is the case with tier one clubs.”

Rigues said tier two clubs “own” the Super League “as members holding shares in a company” and that “each member had a vested interest to invest in the operations of the company tasked with the responsibility of executing the TTSL competitions and handling the affairs of its members.”


16
Cricket Anyone / Dream XI T10 Thread
« on: May 17, 2023, 12:19:29 AM »
Dream XI T10 stars could play in the US.
T&T Newsday Reports.


OUTSTANDING performers in the fourth edition of the Dream XI T10 Trinidad Blast tournament will get an opportunity to play cricket in the US.

This is an added incentive for the players in the shortest form of the game in the eight-team tournament from June 9 to 24 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba.

The announcement was made at Monday’s draft held at the Alloy Lequay Administration Centre of the National Cricket Centre at Balmain, Couva when franchise owners and their managerial/technical teams finalised their squads from the player pool.

Speaking on behalf of Cricket Council USA (CCUSA) and its president Muhammad Ahmed Qureshi was experienced journalist Vinode Mamchan who revealed that discussions have been ongoing between CCUSA and the TT Cricket Board.

“The objective is to deepen ties between both organisations and offer more opportunities for the cricketers who excel in the Dream XI T10 Trinidad Blast. CCUSA organises several competitions all around the continental USA so it is something for the cricketers to work towards,” said Mamchan.

The possibility of engaging in other cricket-related activities with CCUSA was confirmed by TTCB president Azim Bassarath who is also the newly elected unopposed vice-president of Cricket West Indies.

Earlier this year, Bassarath hosted CCUSA president Qureshi on a tour of the Balmain facility and the successful Pakistani-born American entrepreneur left very impressed with a pledge to cement cricket ties.

At Monday’s draft, representatives expressed satisfaction with the process used to finalise their 14-member squad.

Steelpan Players have in their line-up experienced spinner Imran Khan, former West Indies captain/wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin, along with Red Force batsmen Jyd Goolie and Isaiah Rajah.

The Soca Kings will be relying on solid middle-order batsman Jason Mohammed, IPL’s Kolkata Knight Riders mystery spinner Sunil Narine and former West Indies Under-19 vice-captain Kirstan Kallicharan.

Fides Ltd Scarlet Ibis Scorchers appear on paper a combination to put them in contention with the quartet of national cricketers comprising spinners Khary Pierre and Bryan Charles, all-rounder Tion Webster and Kamil Pooran who has impressed this season with the bat for Central Sports in local cricket.

Squads:

PARAKEET BUCCANEERS: Evin Lewis, Kjorn Ottley, Christopher Vincent, Jayden Seales, Leonardo Julien, Adrian Cooper, Ramesh Brijlal, Iqwe Craig, Akim Cgandler, Eric Garcia, Kiedel Glasgow, Vikash Rampersad, Jevon George, Damien Singh

BLUE DEVILS: Shannon Gabriel, Teshawn Castro, Daniel Williams, Rayad Emrit, Adrian Ali, Ewart Nicholson, Derone Davis, Vaaron Samaroo, Brandon Ramdial, Rakesh Seecharan, Stephawn Solomon, Samuel Roopnarine, Kristopher Ramsaran, Aaron Naithram

GIANTS TT BY MAQ GROUP: Mark Deyal, Damion Joachim, Justyn Gangoo, Saiba Batoosingh, Shatrughan Rambaran, Rivaldo Ramlogan, Akiel Cooper, Denzil Antoine, Suraj Seepaul, Clevon Kalawan, Kevin Ragbir, Vishan Jagassar, Andy Alexander, Suveer Ramsook

SOCA KINGS: Jason Mohammed, Sunil Narine, Kirstan Kallicharan, Jon Russ Jagessar, Dejourn Charles, Chadeon Raymond, Nicholas Ali, Justin Manick, Ansil Bhaggan, Jesse Bootan, Kern Ramdeen, Nickyle Jalim, Keegan Jagessar. Josh Telemaque

RUNGETTERS: Uthman Muhammed, Joshua James, Nicholas Sookdeosingh, Vikash Mohan, Kenroy Williams, Mikkel Govia, Hakeem Mitchell, Stephon Ramdial, Tevon Jadoo, Antonio Gomez, Jahrel Need, James Duncan, Sachin Butkoon, Matthew Patrick

STEELPAN PLAYERS: Imran Khan, Isaiah Rajah, Kashtri Singh, Denesh Ramdin, Jyd Goolie, Anderson Phillip, Rakesh Maharaj, Allan Laurent. Sidel Diaz, Mario Belcon, Rishaad Harris, Hanuman Moonsammy, Deon Wells, Brandon Maharaj

SWAMP ARMY COCORICO PLAYERS: Amir Jangoo, Shaaron Lewis, Cephas Cooper, Sion Hackett, Aamir Ali, Silus Cooper, Keon Isaac, Jordan Warner, Jeremy Solozano, Avinash Mahabirsingh, Brandon Phillip, Rahul Ali, Rikash Boodram, Jean Phillipe Barrie

FIDES LIMITED SCARLET IBIS SCORCHERS: Khary Pierre, Tion Webster, Kamil Pooran, Bryan Charles, Dexter Sween, Philton Williams, Kieshawn Dillon, Shakeel Johnson, Kyle Roopchand, Kissoondath Magram, Vikash Harrylochan, Joshua Da Silva, Joshua Ramdoo, Shiva McCoon.


17
Football / 2023 Women's League A Gold Cup Qualifier Thread
« on: April 30, 2023, 01:22:27 AM »
Women Warriors to contest League A Gold Cup qualifier.
T&T Guardian Reports.


The T&T Women Warriors, currently without a coaching staff will have no fewer than two bites of the cherry to qualify for the inaugural Concacaf Women’s Gold Cup to be played between February 17 and March 10, 2024, in the USA.

This was confirmed by Concacaf as it revealed details for the 2023 Road to W Gold Cup, which will serve as the qualifier for the inaugural Concacaf W Gold Cup.

The qualifying tournament is scheduled to take place during the FIFA Women’s International Match Windows of September, October, and November 2023 and will include the participation of 33 Concacaf Member Associations divided into three leagues.

The Concacaf W Gold Cup is the region’s premier competition for women’s senior national teams and is a key part of the “Concacaf W” women’s football strategy the Confederation launched in 2019.

According to Concacaf, following the conclusion of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in August, where a record six Concacaf Nations (USA, Canada Costa Rica, Haiti, Jamaica, and Panama) will participate, the road to the first-ever Concacaf W Gold Cup will kick off featuring 33 Concacaf women’s national teams, excluding the two who will compete in the 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games Women’s Football Tournament (USA and Canada or Jamaica).

The teams will be split into three leagues according to their Concacaf Women’s Ranking as of March 2023, as follows (listed in ranking order):

League A (nine top-ranked teams divided into three groups of three): Canada or Jamaica (Olympic Play-In loser), Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama, Haiti, T&T, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, and Saint Kitts and Nevis

League B (next 12 best-ranked teams divided into three groups of four teams): El Salvador, Guyana, Dominican Republic, Bermuda, Nicaragua, Antigua & Barbuda, Honduras, Suriname, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Martinique, Barbados, and Dominica

League C (lowest 12 ranked teams divided into three groups of four teams): US Virgin Islands, Belize, Curacao, Cayman Islands, Aruba, Grenada, Anguilla, Turks & Caicos Islands, British Virgin Islands, Guadeloupe, Bahamas, and Sint Maarten.

After home and away group stage play, within each League, in the FIFA Women’s International match windows of September, October, and November 2023, the top finishers in each of the League A groups (three teams) will qualify for the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup Group Stage.

Furthermore, the second-place finishers in each of the League A groups (three teams) and the first-place finishers in each of the League B groups (three teams) will advance to the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup Prelims (six teams in total).

The draw for each of the League A, B, and C will be made on Wednesday, May 1, in Miami, Florida at 7 pm and will be executed using a single-blind system involving three pots for League A, four pots for League B, and four pots for League C.

All Concacaf Member Associations participating in the 2023 Road to Concacaf W Gold Cup Group Stage have been allocated in a League pot based on the Concacaf Women’s Rankings as of March 2023.

The draw for each league will begin by randomly selecting a team from Pot 1 and placing that nation in Group A of their respective league. The draw will continue by selecting the remaining teams from Pot 1 and positioning them into a group in sequential order. The same process will be done for the remaining pots. At the end of each draw, each group will contain one nation from each pot.

RELATED NEWS

Haiti, Panama in T&T’s way.
T&T Express Reports.


Trinidad and Tobago Women’s Warriors will have to get past World Cup bound Haiti and Panama, if they are to book their spot in the re-branded CONCACAF W Gold Cup, which will be held in 2024, from February 17- March 24 in the United States.

There have been several versions of the CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup in the past. However, the governing body for soccer in North and Central America and the Caribbean on Wednesday announced the newly re-branded CONCACAF W Gold Cup.

The tournament will be contested by 12 teams. Eight CONCACAF national teams will qualify for the tournament, joined by invited guests Brazil, Colombia, Argentina and Paraguay, the top finishers in South America’s 2022 Copa America Femenina.

The United States, by winning the 2022 CONCACAF W Championship have already qualified, while Women’s Championship runners-up Canada and third-placed Jamaica will battle for another automatic spot. The Six other finalist will be decided via a qualifying process.

T&T’s route to the women’s Gold Cup sees then having to qualify. T&T are grouped in League A, which consists of the nine top-ranked teams, divided into three groups of three.

The Women Warriors are grouped with Panama and Haiti. The winners of that mini group, along with the two other League A winners, get a direct passage to the Gold Cup.

The three League A runners-up get a second chance to qualify via six-team Gold Cup prelims which are scheduled to take place during the FIFA Women’s International match windows of September, October and November 2023.

The six-team qualifying tournament offers the final three spots to the 2024 Gold Cup and will be fought among three League A runners-up and three winners of League B, which consists of the next 12 best-ranked CONCACAF Nations, divided into three groups of four teams. League B contain El Salvador, Guyana, the Dominican Republic, Bermuda, Nicaragua, Antigua and Barbuda, Honduras, Suriname, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Martinique, Barbados, and Dominica.


18
Football / Concacaf Caribbean Shield Competition.
« on: April 23, 2023, 05:30:07 AM »
The fifth edition of the second-tier Concacaf Caribbean Shield is set for August 3-13 in St Kitts and Nevis with 16 non-professional clubs participating.

Fifteen of the participants have been confirmed with the last club, from T&T, being confirmed by May 28. Already in are SV Dakota (Aruba), Scholars International SC (Cayman Islands), CRKSV Jong Holland (Curacao), Sagicor South East FC (Dominica), OyM FC (Dominican Republic), Solidarité Scolaire (Guadeloupe), AS Etoile De Matoury (French Guiana), Waterhouse FC (Jamaica), B1 Football Club (St Lucia), Golden Lion (Martinique), Metropolitan FA (Puerto Rico), St. Pauls United FC (Saint Kitts and Nevis), Junior Stars (Saint Martin), SV Robinhood (Suriname), and SWA Sharks FC (Turks and Caicos Islands).

Both Caribbean competitions are part of Concacaf’s club restructuring exercise announced in September 2021 and serve as qualifiers for Concacaf competitions.

“The ongoing growth and development of Caribbean club football is a major priority for Concacaf, and we are extremely pleased to announce the structure and format of the Caribbean Shield and the Concacaf Caribbean Cup which will qualify three teams into the new expanded Concacaf Champions League. We believe these competitions will elevate leagues and clubs across the Caribbean and we look forward with great anticipation to them commencing in August this year,” said Concacaf General Secretary Philippe Moggio.


19
Football / Caribbean Club Football League Thread
« on: April 23, 2023, 01:34:08 AM »
Caribbean comeback
By: Ian Prescott (T&T Express).


THREE Trinidad & Tobago Premier Football League (TTPFL) clubs will contest Caribbean club football competitions in 2023.

This will make it the first time football clubs from T&T will compete at Caribbean level in five years. Central FC was the last T&T club to compete at Caribbean level, having finished fourth in the 2018 Caribbean Club Championships, then held in T&T. T&T clubs had been banned from Caribbean club competitions for failure to meet club licensing rules.

Yesterday, Concacaf announced details of two Caribbean club football competitions which will take place in 2023, the new Concacaf Caribbean Cup for professional clubs and the second-tier Concacaf Caribbean Club Shield, open to amateur and semi-professionals clubs.

The champion and runner-up in the TTPFL top flight competition will contest the new 2023 Concacaf Caribbean Cup, a five-month long competition featuring 10 teams, with three teams qualifying for the new and expanded 2024 Concacaf Champions League. Meanwhile, winners of the yet-to-be-started TTPFL second-tier competition are eligible to compete in the Concacaf Caribbean Club Shield.

The new Concacaf Caribbean Cup is open to professional clubs from Caribbean countries with professional football leagues. Yesterday, Concacaf announced that six clubs have so far secured their participation in this competition. They are Cibao FC (Dominican Republic), Moca FC (Dominican Republic), Club Atletico Pantoja (Dominican Republic), Cavalier SC (Jamaica), Dunbeholden FC (Jamaica), and Harbour View FC (Jamaica).

The still to be confirmed remaining four participants will include the two TTPFL clubs and the champion and runner-up of the 2023 Concacaf Caribbean Shield. The first edition of the Concacaf Caribbean Cup will feature 10 Caribbean clubs divided into two groups of five. After round-robin play, where each club will play a total of four matches, two at home and two away, the two best clubs in each group will advance to the knockout stage, from which the top three will qualify for the 2024 Concacaf Champions League.

Meanwhile, the fifth edition of the second-tier Concacaf Caribbean Shield is set for August 3-13 in St Kitts and Nevis with 16 non-professional clubs participating. Fifteen of the participants have been confirmed with the last club, from T&T, being confirmed by May 28. Already in are SV Dakota (Aruba), Scholars International SC (Cayman Islands), CRKSV Jong Holland (Curacao), Sagicor South East FC (Dominica), OyM FC (Dominican Republic), Solidarité Scolaire (Guadeloupe), AS Etoile De Matoury (French Guiana), Waterhouse FC (Jamaica), B1 Football Club (St Lucia), Golden Lion (Martinique), Metropolitan FA (Puerto Rico), St. Pauls United FC (Saint Kitts and Nevis), Junior Stars (Saint Martin), SV Robinhood (Suriname), and SWA Sharks FC (Turks and Caicos Islands).

Both Caribbean competitions are part of Concacaf’s club restructuring exercise announced in September 2021 and serve as qualifiers for Concacaf competitions.

“The ongoing growth and development of Caribbean club football is a major priority for Concacaf, and we are extremely pleased to announce the structure and format of the Caribbean Shield and the Concacaf Caribbean Cup which will qualify three teams into the new expanded Concacaf Champions League. We believe these competitions will elevate leagues and clubs across the Caribbean and we look forward with great anticipation to them commencing in August this year,” said Concacaf General Secretary Philippe Moggio.


20
General Discussion / T&T first ever snow park opens.
« on: April 16, 2023, 12:51:54 PM »
Trinidad and Tobago's first ice rink/snow park opens in La Romaine.
By Clint Chan Tack (T&T Newsday).


THE opening of TT's first ice-skating rink and snow park in La Romaine attracted hundreds of people.

The facility is owned by Ice Caribbean Entertainment District (ICED).

The opening of the ICED facility was widely advertised on social media on Thursday. This saw large numbers of people gather outside of the building, located on the Southern Main Road, ahead of its scheduled 3 pm opening to the public on Friday.

While the media was allowed a brief tour of the facility, company representatives said a special event exclusively for the media would be held at a later date.

Some of the people who came to the opening were dressed in full winter clothing, with heavy jackets, boots, gloves and hats. Others came dressed for the typical local climate, not knowing what to expect inside.

The facility has three floors. The second and third floors have ice-skating rinks for teenagers and adults respectively.

On its website, ICED said it offers ice rink experiences for teens and adults. Each of these can be purchased at $85 per 20 minutes of ice time.

For $75, customers can enjoy a winter wonderland experience at the facility’s snow playground. There are two such playgrounds located on the ground floor in sealed glass rooms which are filled with ice delivered from chutes in the ceiling.

The surface of both rinks are also real ice.

Canadian World Figure Skating champion and Olympic medallist Elvis Stojko is listed as ICED's brand ambassador.

In a statement on the company's website, Stojko said,"Canada has a rich heritage in winter sports like hockey and figure skating so for me to have the chance to share my passion for the ice with Trinidad and Tobago is an amazing opportunity.”

Among the amenities being offered to customers at ICED are a premier beverage station, convenient parking, rental gear and equipment.

ICED also said it has experienced instructors to teach customers the basics of ice skating.

The company has also laid out several rules and guidelines for customers at its facility.

These include all skaters skate at their own risk; no food, beverages, chewing gum on the ice rink; no games and horseplay are allowed on the ice rink; children under the age of eight must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times; no dogs or pets of any kind are allowed on the ice; no electronics, phones, headphones, iPads, cameras on the ice; no shoes allowed on the ice; no throwing snowballs or any objects on the ice; no smoking allowed anywhere in the facility and anyone under the influence of alcohol is forbidden to participate in any ice-skating session.

ICED states that it will offer free membership for one year as part of its launch.

But membership will be valued on an “ICE credit system,” where members purchase credits that can be used to access different activities. Credits are added to membership cards upon purchase.

Through the use of cards and associated ID bands which are specific to each customer and cannot be used by anyone else, credits on the former are used to purchase services at the facility.

No cash, credit or debit cards are used on the premises for any purchases.



Lynice, eight, and her sister Lylah Maloney, five, are dressed in winter gear as they wait to enter ICED's new snow park and ice-skating facility at its grand opening in La Romaine on Friday. - Lincoln Holder


A group of children make their first attempts at ice skating at ICED's new snow park and ice-skating facility in La Romaine on Friday. - Lincoln Holder


A staff member assist this girl as she tries ice skating for the first time at ICED’s newly opened snow park and ice-skating faciltity in La Romaine on Friday. - Lincoln Holder


A staff member demonstrates the basics of ice skating to patrons at the Ice Caribbean Entertainment District (ICED) ice-skating rink at its opening in La Romaine on Friday. - Lincoln Holder


21
Football / Thread for T&T vs Guadeloupe Game (16-June-2023)
« on: April 15, 2023, 01:17:22 AM »
Soca Warriors to face Guadeloupe in Gold Cup qualifier.
By Nigel Simon (T&T Guardian).


T&T coach Angus Eve and his Soca Warriors will meet Guadeloupe, coached by former Guadeloupe-born France-international Jocelyn Angloma at the home of Inter Miami FC, the DRV PNK Stadium, in Fort Lauderdale on June 16/17 in one of six first round matches of the preliminary qualification to the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

This was determined via a live draw witnessed by Eve on Friday at the SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California, USA, and hosted by TUDN sportscaster Valeria Marin, Fox Sports Lead Soccer Analyst and US Men’s National Team legend Alexi Lalas and ESPN play-by-play commentator Fernando Palomo.

CONCACAF president and FIFA vice president, Victor Montagliani, participate in the event, alongside the teams’ head coaches and important guests inclusive of the quartet of CONCACAF legends in former men’s players Jared Borgetti of Mexico, Carlos Pavon of Honduras, Cobi Jones of the USA, and former women’s player Tashana Vincent of Jamaica who helped with the event by serving as Draw Assistants.

Should 104th-FIFA T&T manage to get past unraked Guadeloupe whom they have an even record of two wins, three defeats, and two losses against in their first-round match, then they next face the winner of the Jamaal Shabbaz-coached Guyana, ranked 170th versus the 175th-ranked Grenada first-round clash for a spot in Group D of the 16-nation main draw with top-seeded Canada, ranked 47th in the world, 116th-ranked Guatemala, and Cuba, ranked 165th.

Speaking following the draw, former national captain Eve said, "We would have pulled the hardest team out of the possible six teams we could play, but its competition football and you have to go with the positive mindset and play whoever team that you draw at that point in time”

When we look at the other part of the draw and the possibility of our next opponent it will be between Grenada and Guyana, who is coached by our own Jamaal Shabbaz and then if we get past that the group in the main draw (Canada, Cuba and Guatemala) is a good one.

Looking ahead to the preliminary qualifiers Eve added, “T&T’s most capped player said ‘We have to do our work from day one, but it will be a little bit difficult in terms of our preparations as we may only have our players two days before the first match to prepare. In saying that we will be doing our homework and preparation firstly for the Guadeloupe match as well as some preparation for Guyana, or Grenada,” stated Eve.

In their past meetings, T&T went under to Guadeloupe in their first two matches, 1-2 in 1966 and 0-2 in the 1989 Caribbean Cup which T&T won, but have since gone on a five-match unbeaten run versus the French-speaking Caribbean Island, drawing goalless in 1994 also at the Caribbean Cup, before securing a 3-2 win in the 1999 Caribbean Cup and a 1-0 win in the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2003, followed by a 2-2 draw and a goalless draw in 2007, and 2008 friendly internationals.

For the 2023 Gold Cup preliminary draw which was carried out using a single-blind system and one pot and based on the CONCACAF rankings as of March 31, 2023, the teams participating in the prelims were seeded into a Round One matchup or placed in Pot One, as follows Round One matchups (six highest-ranked teams): T&T (#1), Martinique (#2), Curaçao (#3), French Guiana (#4), Suriname (#5), and Guyana (#6), and today, they will be drawn against one of the teams from Pot One (Six lowest ranked teams) in Guadeloupe, St Kitts/Nevis, St Lucia, Grenada, Puerto Rico, and Sint Maarten for the first round of the preliminary round playoffs.

The Soca Warriors were forced to contest the preliminary round of qualification for the second straight Gold Cup campaign to qualify for the Gold Cup main draw group stage after failing to qualify directly from their four-team CONCACAF Nations League B Group C round-robin home-and-away series last month.

Eve’s men entered their final League B Group C match against table leaders Nicaragua at the Dwight Yorke Stadium, Bacolet, Tobago needing a win to secure the top spot in the group, promotion to League A of the CONCACAF Nations League, and automatic qualification to the Gold Cup.

However, Eve’s men could only muster a 1-1 draw to end with 13 points, one behind Nicaragua to miss out on being among the 12 automatic qualifiers for the 2023 Gold Cup, alongside Qatar, League A group winners: Canada, Mexico, Panama, and the USA, the four League A runners-up Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, and Jamaica along with the League B group winning quartet of Cuba, Guatemala, Haiti, and Nicaragua.

Guadeloupe finished second to Cuba in their CONCACAF Nations League B Group A series with three wins and as many defeats in six matches for nine points, six behind the table toppers and just ahead of Antigua & Barbuda on goal difference while Barbados ended in cellar-placed with three points.

In the other preliminary round match-ups, Martinique was pitted against St Lucia coached by former T&T World Cup striker with the winner to meet Suriname and Puerto Rico for a place in Group C alongside the Central American trio of Costa Rica, Panama, and El Salvador, while the third and final preliminary round pairings see Curacao and St Kitts/Nevis winners meeting French Guiana and Sint Martin winner for a place in Group A where USA, Jamaica, and Nicaragua awaits.

Group B of the main draw will feature Mexico, Hait, Honduras, Asian Champions and guest nation, Qatar.

The 17th edition of the Gold Cup is scheduled to take place between June 16 - July 16, 2023, with the Final at SoFi Stadium, on Sunday, July 16, which will crown CONCACAF’s best men’s national team and will conclude two months of elite football in the region that also include the 2023 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League Final and 2022/23 CONCACAF Nations League Finals.

T&T qualified to the Gold Cup preliminary qualifiers as a League B second-place finisher with French Guiana, Guadeloupe, and Guyana, together with League A third-place finishers, Curaçao, Grenada, Martinique, and Suriname, and League C group winners Puerto Rico, St Kitts/Nevis, St Lucia, and Sint Maarten


22
Cricket Anyone / 2023 CPL Thread.
« on: March 31, 2023, 01:10:37 AM »
Govt signs agreement with CPL for 2023
T&T Newsday Reports.


ACTING Ministry of Sport and Community Development Randall Mitchell has signed an agreement on behalf of the Government with the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

TT will once again host matches in two of the most eagerly anticipated T20 leagues – the men’s CPL 2023 and the women’s CPL (WCPL) 2023. The Men’s CPL will take place from August 16 to September 24 and the Women’s CPL from September 4 to 11, 2023.

On Tuesday, Mitchell signed an agreement with the CPL for TT to host ten of the 2023 matches.

The games in TT will comprise six regular season CPL games including four Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) men’s home games. Four WCPL games including three TKR women’s home games will also be held in TT.

The agreement gives the Government sponsorship rights as a regional tourism partner for the CPL and WCPL as well as significant advertising and promotional rights.

TT will benefit from choice sponsorship recognition across CPL’s social media/digital platforms, and access to premium tourism marketing through CPL’s website towards leveraging and building brand awareness of TT’s diversity, including but not limited to its cultural abundance and regional predominance as a sports tourism destination.

In a media release on Wednesday, Mitchell said, “I want to commend the Minister of Sports Shamfa Cudjoe for her commitment to the development of sports and sports tourism during the negotiation stage. This agreement better positions us to infiltrate the sports tourism market and further secures us as a regional leader for sports tourism. This partnership with CPL will undoubtedly bolster TT as one of the regional champions doling out unwavering support for and promotion of our beloved game, cricket.”

In 2022, TT hosted the CPL in one of the most successful sporting events to be seen in recent years. “This year, TT has become the mecca of regional sporting events and sport tourism as the Commonwealth Youth Games will be hosted at venues on both islands in the month before CPL 2023 bowls off.”


23
Football / Thread for T&T vs Jamaica Game (11 & 14 of March-2023)
« on: February 23, 2023, 12:43:23 AM »
As usual, any updates/scores, shout-outs, reports, predictions, views, etc, on the friendly games between T&T and Jamaica in Jamaica, on the 11th and 14th of March 2023 will be posted here, this way, we can maintain the message board and not make it look too scrappy with un-necessary or related headlines and postings on game day.

For the internet users, you can follow the game at:

To be updated.

Possible Online Streams.
To be updated.

Possible TV Station.
To be updated.

Trinidad & Tobago Squad

Goalkeepers:

Marvin Phillip (AC Port of Spain), Adrian Foncette (Police FC), Denzil Smith (W Connection);

Defenders:

Alvin Jones (unattached), Kareem Riley, Josiah Trimmingham (both Club Sando), Justin Garcia, Jelani Felix (both Defence Force), Jameel Neptune (AC Port of Spain), Andre Raymond (Dumiense FC—Portugal);

Midfielders:

Matthew Woo Ling, Michel Poon-Angeron (both AC Port of Spain), Noah Powder, Jesse Williams (both unattached), Justin Sadoo (Defence Force);

Attackers:

Jomal Williams (Once Deportivo—El Salvador), Joevin Jones (unattached), Kailé Auvray (Sporting Kansas City—US), Kadeem Corbin (Central FC), Reon Moore (Defence Force), John-Paul Rochford, Jomoul Francois (both AC Port of Spain), Nathaniel James (W Connection), Quesi Weston (Louisiana Krewe FC—US).

Coach - Angus Eve (TRI).

Jamaica Squad

Goalkeepers:

Jahmali Waite (Pittsburgh Riverhounds—USA), Kemar Foster (Waterhouse), Asher Hutchinson (Arnett Gardens);

Defenders:

Dexter Lembikisa (Wolves—England), Oshana Staple (Harbour View), Adrian Mariappa (unattached), Ricardo Thomas (Dunbeholden), Richard King (Cavalier), Jamoi Topey, Alwayne Harvey (both Mount Pleasant), Fitzroy Cummings (Vere United);

Midfielders:

Dane Cassanova (Tottenham—England), Delajo McCoy-Splatt (Fulham—England), Ravel Morrison (DC United—USA), Lamar Walker (Portmore United), Demario Phillips (Mount Pleasant), Jahshaun Anglin (Harbour View);

Attackers:

Dujuan Richards (unattached), Omari Hutchinson (Chelsea—England), Jourdaine Fletcher (Neroca—India), Tyler Roberts (Wolves—England), Collin Anderson, Dwayne Atkinson (both Cavalier), Trivante Stewart, Sue Lae McCalla (both Mount Pleasant).

Coach - Heimir Hallgrímsson (ISL).


24
Football / TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) Thread.
« on: February 03, 2023, 12:42:06 AM »
Trinidad and Tobago Premier Football League launches January 6.
By Jonathan Ramnanansingh (T&T Newsday).


The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) will launch the new TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) at the Hyatt Regency in Port of Spain on Monday.

TTPFL CEO Colin Wharfe believes the development of this league is moving in a positive and structured manner that should create excitement for fans, players and stakeholders alike.

“The TT Premier Football League team and I have been working to ensure that the foundation of this new enterprise is thorough and robust.

“We met with the clubs on Wednesday and provided updates and engaged in productive dialogue to ensure everyone’s readiness to kick off on this new adventure.

“These details will be announced to the public next week.”

The TTPFL will announce the clubs that have been successfully licensed under the club licensing system for the top division, competition structure, the kick off date of the top division and other details at the launch.


25
Entertainment & Culture Discussion / Soca Monarch Thread
« on: January 27, 2023, 01:47:46 PM »
Soca Monarch competition cancelled
... Govt blanks promoters’ request for $10M in funding
By Sampson Nanton (T&T Guardian).


There will be no International Soca Monarch competition this year, as its promoters have decided to cancel it after Government refused their request for funding to the tune of $10 million.

It represents the first time in 30 years that the Soca Monarch competition has been voluntarily cancelled.

Caribbean Prestige Foundation director Geoffrey Wharton-Lake confirmed the decision in a telephone interview with Guardian Media last night, saying it was based solely on their financial inability to host it.

“The 2023 edition of the Soca Monarch is definitely off,” Wharton-Lake said.

He said it was “not financially sustainable” based on the private and government funds available this year.

Wharton-Lake was unwilling to share the amount sought from Government.

However, Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts Randall Mitchell later revealed the figure when contacted.

“They are effectively asking for $10 million to run Soca Monarch,” he said.

“It is unconscionable for the Government to underwrite the full cost of an event that is privately owned,” Mitchell added.

Wharton-Lake told Guardian Media the intended first prize for the competition was $1 million and the sum of all prizes would have amounted to $2.5 million. In addition, he said it would have cost between $5 and $6 million to put on this year’s event.

Wharton-Lake said they had seen a lot of interest from artistes this year and the planning had reached a stage where they were ready to “press the button and go.”

However, the show was also facing a major competing event this year, as soca superstar Machel Montano, who won seven Soca Monarch titles—five Power Soca and two Groovy Soca—is due to hold the Machel Montano 40 One Show event on what would have been the same night of this year’s Soca Monarch.

Montano, who traditionally drew Carnival’s largest crowds in his previous Machel Monday concerts, has said One Show will be the only place he will perform for Carnival 2023.

Asked what role Montano’s event played in their event cancellation, Wharton-Lake said, “Nothing, absolutely nothing.”

He said his team will sit down after Carnival to determine the way forward, including whether to resume competition in 2024.

From his perspective, Minister Mitchell insisted to Guardian Media that Government could not fund the full sum the organisers were seeking to host what remains a private event.

He said Government had first chosen to let the National Carnival Commission (NCC) support the show.

“This year, the board of the NCC took a decision to offer $800,000. They too found it unconscionable that a private entity should be fully funded by the Government,” he said.

He noted that in 2020, Government helped fund the Soca Monarch to the tune of $5 million, as well as offer prize money, the venue and infrastructure. However, he argued that with other priorities such as the provision of water and paving of roads, Government had to cut down on the amount they could offer this year.

Yet, he said, apart from the NCC’s assistance, Government was still prepared to offer $3 million towards the show and provide the promoters with a venue, which he noted would have amounted to roughly another $2.5 million.

He said he was disappointed to hear views that the cancellation was solely due to Government’s “failure to support the culture.”

“I have always indicated that I support the culture. The Government supports the culture. I believe in soca. I would make a call for promoters and people hosting events next year to continue to proceed to do so,” he said.

Mitchell agreed the Soca Monarch was a “staple” in Carnival, yet noted, “but you will agree that it has been dying.”

He said over the last few years, other promoters saw that the show was becoming less important to fans and had started putting on private shows on the same night of the once-mega event.

He said given the show has served to develop and give a platform to upcoming soca artistes, the NCC is now considering hosting a similar soca competition next year, but would likely have to call it by another name.

Guardian Media also contacted NCC chairman Winston “Gypsy” Peters, but he opted not to comment on the topic before hearing the minister’s views.

He did say, however, that the NCC does not have money to fully fund major events but could lend some assistance.

The Soca Monarch competition began in 1993 with Austin ‘Superblue’ (formerly Blue Boy) Lyons winning with Bacchanal Time.

It continued annually until 2021, when Darryl ‘Farmer Nappy’ Henry won with BackYard Jam in a show significantly reduced due to the restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

There was no show last year during the mini celebrations known as the Taste of Carnival.

While the event had traditionally catered for ‘Power Soca’ songs, it was split in 2005 to include a ‘Groovy Soca’ category.

Both Montano and Superblue share the most wins—seven each—one of which was shared between them in 2013, when Montano performed Float and Superblue sang Fantastic Friday.

Aaron ‘Voice’ St Louis is the next most successful Soca Monarch artiste, with six wins, which included three Power Soca titles and three Groovy Soca crowns.


26
Football / Thread for T&T vs Saint Martin Game (29-Jan-2023)
« on: January 25, 2023, 01:41:45 PM »
As usual, any updates/scores, shout-outs, reports, predictions, views, etc, on the friendly game between T&T and Saint Martin at the Hasely Crawford Stadium (6pm), on the 29th of January 2023 will be posted here, this way, we can maintain the message board and not make it look too scrappy with un-necessary or related headlines and postings on game day.

For the internet users, you can follow the game at:

To be updated.

Possible Online Streams.
To be updated.

Possible TV Station.
To be updated.

Trinidad & Tobago Squad

Goalkeepers:

Marvin Phillip, Adrian Foncette, Isaiah Williams;

Defenders:

Alvin Jones, Isaiah Garcia, Jesse Williams, Ross Russell Jr., Leland Archer, Weslie John, Justin Garcia, Darnell Hospedales, Jameel Neptune;

Midfielders:

Neveal Hackshaw, Justin Sadoo, Michel Poon-Angeron, Nathaniel Garcia, Duane Muckette, Joevin Jones, Kaihim Thomas, John-Paul Rochford, Kevon Goddard.

Forwards:

Real Gill, Reon Moore, Kadeem Corbin, Jabari Mitchell.

Coach - Angus Eve (TRI).

Saint Martin Squad

Goalkeepers:

To Be Updated.

Defenders:

To Be Updated.

Midfielders:

To Be Updated.

Forwards:

To Be Updated.

Coach - Stéphane Auvray (GLP).


27
General Discussion / Maracas Bay Hotel
« on: January 13, 2023, 12:46:39 AM »
$70M investment into Maracas Bay Hotel
By Geisha Kowlessar-Alonzo (T&T Guardian).


T&T’s north coast will receive a $70 million investment as managing director of Qualitech Machining Services Deepak Lall and chief executive officer of Ramps Logistics Shaun Rampersad will be offering a modern, luxurious Maracas Bay hotel with a multitude of unique features.

The venture will not only increase the country’s room stock but will also create much-needed jobs and boost spin-off industries such as events, small business and agriculture among others.

Subject to statutory approvals construction is expected to begin in March this year and completion should conclude by the end of 2024.

But what led Lall and Rampersad-well-known in the energy circles-to venture into the hotel and tourism sphere?

Lall told the Business Guardian he first spotted the Maracas Bay Hotel for sale in 2017 but the price was out of his range at that time.

A couple of years after while on a trip to North Deck, Maracas he again enquired whether the property was still up for grabs.

And as luck would have it the listing was within his price range and he wasted no time in bringing his dream to fruition.

"Working in energy for the past 14 years this is my first tourism project. I try to look at things holistically and try to diversify my investment portfolio. In my business, Qualitech, we are heavily into the energy sector and being a service business we thought Trinidad is in need of a proper tourist destination and a hotel by the beach was therefore, ideal.

“This location is perfect because it is the most popular beach in Trinidad and again, as we are accustomed with the service sector and setting-up systems this is not too far-fetched for us,” Lall explained.

Not only managing people is important but finding the right people is also integral.

Being no stranger to Rampersad, Lall said the business partnership came naturally.

“I didn’t want to go into it by myself so I selected Shaun. We have similar thinking, similar values and similar business interests,” Lall added, noting that the 40-room property is well within their capability to manage.

Additionally, he also viewed the deal as a natural forex earner given the crunch businesses continue to face over the years.

“We thought this would be a new feeder for US revenue or foreign currency streams,” Lall further explained.

But this venture goes beyond building a world-class hotel and creating a local brand.

It is also developing the Maracas community and by extension the country’s pristine coast.

“Maracas has been the same over the years, just the upgrades with the vendors' huts but nothing really exciting. You see the development of Pigeon Point; the cabanas, the bars, the restaurants, the service where you can order food and drinks and the golf carts that will come to you and we know Maracas has a lot of opportunity for things like that,” Lall said.

For instance, he wants to create an “Oistins” environment with sumptuous dishes similar to those found in foreign countries like Barbados.

“We want to involve the community as much as possible. There are many fishermen on that side of the beach. Similar to the Oistins where there are fish fry-ups we could set a day to have that at Maracas where there can be macro food areas like those at Eddie Hart (Savannah). That’s the kind of area and ambience we want to create,” Lall explained.

Additionally, farm-to-table will also be key as obtaining fresh produce from nearby farmers will ensure guests are always served the best quality ingredients.

Apart from generating jobs and boosting linkage industries, it’s also about creating novel experiences that the modern-day traveller wants to embrace.

“The property will stand on its own but the idea is to really showcase what T&T has. We refer to Maracas as the gateway to the north coast because there’s Blanchisseuse, Paria Bay etc. Tourists can anchor themselves at the hotel for probably a week and do a number of things like hiking or even check out the chocolates in Brasso Seco.

"They can also book a tour with the fishermen to go out on the fishing vessel. They can cast a net themselves, pull the fish in; all these are experiences we want to create. These are what we want to offer to develop a holistic tourism product to showcase Trinidad’s finest,” Lall emphasised.

Other event offerings range from delivering drinks on the beach to hosting weddings.

“Our focus is also to develop the west side of Maracas which we think is under-utilised, from the river heading towards the fishing jetty,” Lall said, emphasising that quality customer service will be integral to the hotel's core vision.

While the target market will be foreigners Lall believes there’s huge potential for domestic tourism as well.

"We don’t anticipate having problems getting a booking for the weekends for instance. I am very optimistic. Companies have retreats with their employees and they go to Tobago, they go to another island so why not do that in Trinidad at Maracas?

"They can bring their families who can enjoy themselves on the beach while they go to their corporate meetings so hopefully that will take up a lot of the slack during the week,” Lall added.

Confident there will be smooth sailing in ensuring the project is brought to fruition he also praised key stakeholders for their efforts including Tourism Minister Randall Mitchell as well as the T&T Tourism Business Development Ltd (TTTBDL) which Lall said have certain guarantees which can help in obtaining a portion of the financing needed for construction.

He also detailed that Trinidad Tourism Ltd also assisted in duty-free exemptions on imported items and provided valuable insight into the local hotel industry.

"InvesTT also helped connect us with all the local stakeholders and follow up on applications, approvals etc," he added, noting the hotel was not a cash investment but was achieved via working with the bank.

"I believe in doing projects that will be successful and within my reach. One the entire country will benefit from," Lall added.




28
Football / Thread for T&T vs Bahamas Game (24-March-2023)
« on: January 12, 2023, 01:06:44 PM »
As usual, any updates/scores, shout-outs, reports, predictions, views, etc, on the Concacaf Nations League and Gold Cup qualifier between T&T and Bahamas in the Bahamas, on the 24th of March 2023 will be posted here, this way, we can maintain the message board and not make it look too scrappy with un-necessary or related headlines and postings on game day.

For the internet users, you can follow the game at:

To be updated.

Possible Online Streams.
To be updated.

Possible TV Station.
To be updated.

Trinidad & Tobago Squad

Goalkeepers:

To Be Updated.

Defenders:

To Be Updated.

Midfielders:

To Be Updated.

Forwards:

To Be Updated.

Coach - Angus Eve (TRI).

Bahamas Squad

Goalkeepers:

To Be Updated.

Defenders:

To Be Updated.

Midfielders:

To Be Updated.

Forwards:

To Be Updated.

Coach - Nesley Jean (BAH).


29
Football / Thread for T&T vs Nicaragua Game (27-March-2023)
« on: January 11, 2023, 04:36:08 PM »
T&T to face Nicaragua in Concacaf Gold Cup qualifier at Dwight Yorke Stadium, Tobago.
TTFA Media.


The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association on Wednesday announced that Trinidad and Tobago's Concacaf Nations League and Gold Cup qualifier against Nicaragua carded for March 27th, 2023 will be played at the Dwight Yorke Stadium, Bacolet, Tobago. Further details will be disclosed in due course.

T&T's senior team, under head coach Angus Eve are in training at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, three sessions per week with home-based and some overseas-based players. T&T faces Bahamas in their next Nations League qualifier in Nassau on March 24th to be followed by the clash in Tobago.

VIDEO Eve gives update on SMNT Preparations for Concacaf Nations League/Gold Cup qualifiers


30
Football / Player of the Year Thread
« on: December 24, 2022, 02:55:19 PM »
Short-list for TTFA player-of-the-year.
TTFA Media.


The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association today announces a shortlist of candidates for Male and Female Trinidad and Tobago National Team Players of the Year in the respective categories.

The shortlist was created following consultation between members of the TTFA Technical Department led by Technical Director Anton Corneal and the respective head coaches of the various national teams that were active in 2022.

Among the candidates in the senior men’s category are Greek-based forward Levi Garcia, Canadian-based forward Ryan Telfer and defender Aubrey David who won the 2021 TTFA Senior Male Player of the Year. On the women’s side, Asha James, Liana Hinds and Chelsi Jadoo are the nominees. Beach Soccer Women also includes Alexcia Ali who was voted “MVP” and took home the golden boot award in the Bahamas Beach Soccer Cup in November which T&T women captured the title. On the Futsal front, Che Benny, the Caribbean Games ‘MVP’ is among the nominees with Elijah Shade and Kalev Kiel

Members of the public and media are invited to click on the link below to cast their online votes.

CLICK HERE TO VOTE

THE NOMINEES

MEN SENIOR PLAYER OF YEAR

1. Levi Garcia
2. Aubrey David
3. Ryan Telfer

WOMEN SENIOR PLAYER OF YEAR

1. Asha James
2. Liana Hinds
3. Chelsi Jadoo

YOUTH MALE PLAYER OF YEAR

1. Molik Khan
2. Real Gill
3. Nathaniel James

YOUTH FEMALE PLAYER OF THE YEAR:

1. Maria-Frances Serrant
2. Sarah De Gannes
3. Marley Walker

FUTSAL

1. Che Benny (ALA)
2. Elijah Shade (GK)
3. Kalev Kiel (FIXO)

BEACH FOOTBALL FEMALE

1. Alexcia Ali
2. Tenesha Palmer
3. Tsai Ann Fernandez

BEACH FOOTBALL MALE

1. Jesse Bailey
2. Jordan Riley
3. Dominic McDougall


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