Topics

31

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

32

Football / Thread for T&T vs Saint Lucia Game (31-May-2022)

« on: May 30, 2022, 11:36:11 AM »

As usual, any updates/scores, shout-outs, reports, predictions, views, etc, on the International Friendly between T&T and Saint Lucia at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium, from 3pm on the 31st of May 2022 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:

Jabari St Hillaire (Terminix La Horquetta Rangers), Denzil Smith (W Connection);

Defenders:

Joshua Alexander (Maloney Mavericks), Andre Ettienne, Paul Rondel, Isaiah Garcia (all Deportivo PF), Radanfah Abu Bakr (Sure Sports FC—USA), Jameel Neptune (Las Vegas Legends—USA), Ross Russell Jr (Terminix La Horquetta Rangers);

Midfielders:

Nathaniel Garcia (Deportivo PF), Kevon Goddard, Justin Sadoo (both Defence Force), Michel Poon-Angeron (AC Port of Spain), Keron Cummings (Real West Fort), Mickaeel Gordon, Jabari Mitchell (both Police FC), Che Benny (AC Port of Spain), Duane Muckette (Unattached), Mark Ramdeen (Deportivo PF);

Forwards:

Justin Araujo-Wilson (FC Vysocina Jihlava—Czech Republic), Nicholas Dillon (Central Soccer World), Akeem Roach (CD Real Sociedad—Honduras).

Coach - Angus Eve (TRI).

St Lucia Squad

Coach - Stern John (TRI).

33

General Discussion / Cruise Ships Thread.

« on: May 11, 2022, 01:24:41 PM »

2,000 jobs available to nationals on Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships
By Geisha Kowlessar-Alonzo (T&T Guardian).

Close to 2,000 T&T citizens will soon have a chance at employment with Royal Caribbean International as the Ministry of Tourism will sign a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Royal Caribbean International.

According to Tourism Minister Randall Mitchell the MOU will be signed during a ceremony at the Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre .

The Tourism Minister will represent the Government and representing Royal Caribbean International will be Russell Benford, VP Government Relations, Americas and Wendy MacDonald, VP Government Relations, Caribbean.

Once this MOU is signed, the process of accepting applications begins.

And this Mitchell said, will pave the way for a major recruitment drive which will enable nationals to work on any of the company’s 24 vessels.

Additionally, they will be a part of the workforce for the second largest cruise line in the world.

“Apart from being on an aggressive drive to recruit staff for its growing fleet, Royal Caribbean International has shown a keen interest in Trinidad and Tobago as a tourism destination and as a partner in the development of the local cruise sector and its stakeholders,” Mitchell explained.

Additionally, he said citizens can apply for over 500 jobs in various categories adding that places will be available in casinos, culinary arts, food and beverage management, financial management, guest services and guest relations, hotel management and entertainment.

Also, the Tourism Minister said those in marine services can be environmental officers, staff captains, chief officer safety and ordinary seaman just to name a few.

“This MOU will give many people a chance at employment as DJs, activity managers, pastry chefs, sports manager, plumbers, upholsterers, bartenders and waiters.

“The recent release and repatriation of seafarers from various cruise ships highlighted the fact that cruise lines need to engage in re-employment exercises,” Mitchell further explained.

He emphasized that this seafarer’s recruitment drive will allow citizens greater access to jobs on Royal Caribbean vessels and open up numerous opportunities that may not have been readily available before.

Royal Caribbean International deepens ties with T&T

After an absence of 24 years, Royal Caribbean International has recently developed a strong relationship with destination Trinidad and Tobago, Mitchell noted.

And this year, he said, the Rhapsody of the Seas will bring approximately 2,500 visitors over 24 calls to the destination starting in November. These calls were a direct result of Mitchell’s meeting with Royal Caribbean executives at the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association in 2019 which focused on the return of the line to the country and other opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships.

Apart from including T&T on its 2022/2023 itinerary, the cruise line will provide all the necessary training so that applicants are able to perform effectively in their jobs, Mitchell added.

Citing that over the past two years, as with rest of the world, the pandemic has had a negative impact on employment including T&T, Mitchell said the recruitment drive therefore, is very timely as it provides opportunities for 2,000 skilled and unskilled locals to access gainful employment.

Further, he said this will provide a “trickle down and indirect impact” to the economy from remittances and also provide hope for those who may have lost jobs or just in need of a new career adventure.

“There are those who were employed in the tourism sector and lost jobs because of the pandemic. This is an opportunity for them to be employed in areas for which they were trained or have experience,” Mitchell added.

He also noted that this country has a “pool of talent that is unmatched” arising out of its robust educational offerings in the areas of tourism and hospitality.

And for this reason, the Tourism Minister said this opportunity is one that can benefit a qualified tourism and hospitality workforce.

“A Trinbagonian seafarer workforce is recognised to represent the best of what the Caribbean has to offer and the best to a brand like Royal Caribbean,” Mitchell added.

Who should apply

Those interested should apply using the company’s portal at https://rclctrac.com where they can get up to date information on available positions.

The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts in partnership with Royal Caribbean International will also host three recruitment fairs between June 7 to 9 to be held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, in San Fernando at the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts and the Shaw Park Cultural Complex, Tobago.

Once applicants complete the online application form and upload the relevant documents, they will be contacted for interviews.

Mitchell underscored that there is no application fee and that the process has no ‘middle-men” and will be done through the company’s portal and subsequently at the recruitment fairs only.

Basic criteria include an up-to-date Police Certificate of Character, a valid passport, ability to successfully apply for the relevant Visa and good interpersonal skills..

Successful applicants will then receive training in safety and awareness, skills, competency and in the case of marine applicants, seaman book training.

“All reports are that the naturally welcoming disposition of Trinidadians and Tobagonians make them a desirable option for employment in the hospitality industry.

“Many of our citizens who are employed with cruise lines often excel and are able to use the training and experience once they return to T&T,” Mitchell said.

34

Football / High Performance Programme Thread

« on: May 10, 2022, 04:57:49 PM »

TTFA holds screening for High Performance Teams.
TTFA Media.

The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association will be hosting screening sessions for Girls between the ages of 13-15 years old and boys between the ages of 12-14 years old both in Trinidad and Tobago geared towards selection on the TTFA High Performance teams.

Player eligibility is as follows

Girls U- 15 – Born after Jan 1 2007 – Dec 31 2009
Boys U-14 – Born after Jan 1 2008 – Dec 31 2010

The training Dates, Venues and Times are as follows:

GIRLS U15- TRINIDAD

Saturday 14 May – Ato Boldon Training Field
(Registration 8:00am -8:45am;Training 9:00am – 11:00am)
Monday 16 May – Ato Boldon Training Field (3:30pm – 6:00pm)
Wednesday 18 May- Ato Boldon Training Field ( 3:30pm – 6:00pm)
Saturday 21 May – Ato Boldon Training Field (8:00am – 12:00noon)
GIRLS U15 – TOBAGO DWIGHT YORKE STADIUM
Registration 3:30 pm- 4:00pm /Training 4:00pm-6:00pm

Monday 16 May
Wednesday 18 May
Monday 23 May
Wednesday 25 May

Girls are encouraged to attend all screening sessions if possible.

BOYS U14- TRINIDAD

Saturday 14 May – LARRY GOMES STADIUM
(8:00AM-8:45am registration Training: 9:00am -12:00 NOON)
Sunday 22 May – ATO BOLDON TRAINING FIELD
(8:00AM – 8:45am registration/Training 9:00 am -12:00 NOON)
Sunday 29 May – MANNIE RAMJOHN TRAINING FIELD
(8:00am- 8:45am registration/Training 9:00am -12:00 Noon)
BOYS U14 TOBAGO/DWIGHT YORKE STADIUM-
Registration 3:30 pm- 4:00pm/Training 4:00PM-6:00PM

Tuesday 17 May
Thursday 19 May
Tuesday 24 May
Thursday 26 May

All interested players must use the relevant link below to register

Girls U15 TRINIDAD– https://forms.gle/gHk7kCGiNhgKzjba8
Girls U15 TOBAGO–  https://forms.gle/KXoCiuPBgncBhhUR7
Boys U14 TRINIDAD – https://forms.gle/nqCBuQ3UJmSczzSQ6
Boys U14 TOBAGO–  https://forms.gle/vAK4srtaP96eEjhx9

All Players shall attend the sessions with one Red jersey and one White jersey. If there are any questions, please feel free to contact us at 364-0489

35

Cricket Anyone / Nicholas Pooran Thread.

« on: May 05, 2022, 05:50:04 AM »

Pooran: WI captaincy is 'the highlight of my career'
T&T Newsday Reports.

NEW West Indies T20 and ODI captain Nicholas Pooran said he feels honoured to be handed control of the limited-overs teams.

Pooran succeeds his Trinidadian compatriot Kieron Pollard who resigned from international cricket last month.

Pooran said, "I am truly honoured to be appointed captain of the West Indies team. I am following the footsteps of several giants of the game who have created an amazing legacy for West Indies cricket. This is indeed a prestigious role, a pivotal position in the West Indian society, as cricket is the force that brings us all West Indians together. To be named captain is indeed the highlight of my career so far and I want to drive the team forward to accomplish great things on the field for our fans and loyal supporters.”

His first outing as captain will be the three away ODIs against the Netherlands in Amstelveen starting May 31 which form part of the ICC World Cup Super League.

CWI president Ricky Skerritt congratulated Pooran on his appointment saying, “Nicholas Pooran is a specially gifted cricketer, and the right person to take over the white-ball captaincy. We are confident that he will continue to climb the leadership learning curve speedily, and successfully. I appeal to all West Indies cricket stakeholders to give Nicholas the support and encouragement that he deserves.”

RELATED NEWS

Nicholas Pooran named West Indies limited-overs captain
by  Cricbuzz Staff

Nicholas Pooran has been named as the replacement of Kieron Pollard, who retired recently, as the new captain of West Indies' ODI and T20I teams. Pooran had already served as Pollard's deputy over the last year and has also been a stand-in captain leading West Indies against Australia in a T20I series in 2021.

"Shai Hope has been recommended to stand as vice-captain of the ODI team," said a statement from Cricket West Indies (CWI).

Commenting on the appointment, Pooran was quoted as saying, "I am truly honoured to be appointed captain of the West Indies team. I am following the footsteps of several giants of the game who have created an amazing legacy for West Indies cricket. This is indeed a prestigious role, a pivotal position in the West Indian society, as cricket is the force that brings us all West Indians together. To be named captain is indeed the highlight of my career so far and I want to drive the team forward to accomplish great things on the field for our fans and loyal supporters."

Pooran will take over full-time captaincy from West Indies' tour of Netherlands later this month. His appointment was also backed by Jimmy Adams, CWI's Director of Cricket.

"We believe Nicholas is ready for the challenge of leading our white-ball teams given his experience, performances, and the respect he has within the playing group. The Selection Panel believes that Nicholas has matured as a player and were impressed with his leadership of both teams when Kieron Pollard had been absent. The experience he has gathered playing in various franchise leagues around the world was also a factor in the decision to recommend him for the T20 Captaincy."

36

Cricket Anyone / 2022 CPL Thread

« on: April 04, 2022, 12:42:26 PM »

Guyana’s 3-year deal to host CPL finals a boost for the sport–Cricket Board boss.
T&T Guardian Reports.

GEORGETOWN, Guyana – The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) says the country securing a three-year deal to host the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) finals is not only a significant achievement but will be a major boost to cricket development and tourism.

GCB president Bissoondyal Singh said the development was an indication of the value government is placing on sports.

It has been announced that Guyana will host the culmination of the tournament in 2022, 2023 and 2024. This season, Guyana will host seven group games, three knockout matches and the Hero CPL final which will take place on September 30 at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence.

The Hero CPL final will be the climax of festivities surrounding these games taking place in Guyana. The government of Guyana, in collaboration with the local private sector, will also stage two weeks of events which will form a Cricket Carnival.

Commending the government for its emphasis on sport, as demonstrated in the unprecedented GUY$2.2 billion (US$10.5 million) allocated for sport in the national budget, in 2022, Singh said this emphasis on sport has catapulted the development initiative in the country.

“The approach by government to ensure these CPL matches are assigned to Guyana over the next three years, underscores government’s comprehensive understanding of the value of sport to society,” he said.

“Apart from the career pathway for cricketers, the game provides for several cricket-related jobs. Further, this historic announcement on the playing of CPL semi-finals and finals over the next three years will enable Guyana to explore avenues for sports tourism.

“Additionally, with the expected influx of foreigners to Guyana for the matches, Guyana will benefit economically from the historic CPL investment,” the GCB president added.

Speaking at the announcement of Guyana hosting the finals for the next three years, the country’s President Irfaan Ali said “cricket is much more than a game for us in Guyana, it is a passion, part of our culture and a unifying force”.

“The hosting of the CPL final will be an energizing force. We are building a product that will be spectator-focused, integrated with our regional partners for a global market. Cricket carnival is a fusion of entertainment and celebration that will be mind-blowing and unbelievably different from any other global cricketing event,” he promised.

Hero CPL’s CEO Pete Russell said the tournament organisers were very grateful to have such a positive relationship with the government and cricket authorities in Guyana, and thanked them for “helping us come to this hugely exciting agreement”.

37

Football / 2024 SSFL Girls Premiership League Thread.

« on: April 03, 2022, 12:09:28 AM »

Inaugural SSFL girls' premiership pushed back to 2023.
By Jonathan Ramnanansingh (T&T Newsday).

THE INAUGURAL Secondary Schools’ Football League (SSFL) Girls’ Premiership Division will be hosted in 2023.

The new inter-school tourney was initially scheduled to kick off in 2020 but the pandemic continues to be the primary reason for its lengthy delay.

However, the 2022 SSFL season will resume in full, with the boys’ premiership and boys’ and girls’ championship divisions, in September.

SSFL president Merere Gonzales confirmed the postponement of this venture, which he said falls in line with FIFA's vision for more emphasis to be placed on women’s football in the country.

“Due to some immediate constraints, the premiership division girls’ will unfortunately not be able to materialise this year. But certainly, for 2023, we would be embarking on it.

“This is an initiative on the front burner for the SSFL, but because of different scenarios which have unfolded within recent times, along with the pandemic, we are certain to get under way in 2023. In the interim, they resume regular championship competition,” he said.

On Monday, the Ministry of Education confirmed that all school sporting/extra-curricular activity and inter-school competitions could resume, thanks to the government’s recent roll-back of covid19 restrictions.

Gonzales welcomed the return to nationwide inter-school sports and competitions.

The SSFL has already started contacting schools to find out which competitions they would be interested in participating in from September.

“I’m also reminding principals to apply to play in the lower divisions such as Under-14, Under-15 and Under-16 competitions.

“Based on the responses we get from these various schools, only then we’d be able to know which of the divisions we’d be able to accommodate, based on the numbers,” he added.

Gonzales anticipates favourable responses.

“Most likely, there will be a high demand and great need to get back on to the field of play with these student-athletes. I am optimistic most, if not all divisions, would resume in the 2022/2023 term," he said.

From now until the season starts, the SSFL will host some off-season activities such as a ball-dribbling competition; either online or physical, among others. It also  plans a pilot project for an inter-school futsal competition and even a beach soccer programme, by 2023.

Additionally, the board will host several educational webinars for coaches and students on the many aspects of the game, both on and off the field.

38

Cricket Anyone / 2022 Women's CPL Thread.

« on: March 14, 2022, 11:33:15 PM »

Venues unconfirmed but CPL announces women's tourney in 2022 edition
JOEL BAILEY (T&T NEWSDAY).

TRINIDAD is yet to be confirmed as a venue for the 2022 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) season but, for the first time since the tournament began in 2013, there would be a Women's CPL (WCPL).

When asked on Monday morning if Trinidad will be staging matches in this year's edition of the CPL (dubbed the Biggest Party in Sport), Peter Miller, the CPL's head of communications, replied "to be confirmed."

In a media release on Monday, the CPL announced that the 2022 competition will take place from August 30 to September 30.

As far as the WCPL is concerned, there will be three franchise teams, which, according to the media release, "will showcase the best women’s cricketers from across the Caribbean with overseas stars rounding out the teams.

"The three teams who will compete in the inaugural WCPL will be Barbados Royals, Guyana Amazon Warriors and Trinbago Knight Riders," the media release continued. "The women’s tournament will take place during the men’s event inside the Hero CPL tournament window which this year will run from 30 August and 30 September."

There has not been a regional women's cricket tournament in the Caribbean since the start of the covid19 pandemic in March 2020.

"Hero CPL will be played across more countries this year, with three Caribbean countries being selected for the group stages and fourth venue being chosen for the finals," said the media release. "CPL anticipates that this four-venue structure could become the norm for future seasons."

39

Football / 2022 Concacaf U-17 Women's Championship Thread

« on: March 13, 2022, 11:16:28 AM »

Spence prepares U-17 Women for Concacaf series.
TTFA Media.

Trinidad and Tobago Women’s U-17 head coach Jason Spence gave an update on Thursday on the current state of preparations of the Women’s U-17s ahead of the CONCACAF U-17 Women’s Championship scheduled for Santo Domingo from April 23rd.

T&T is in Group E alongside Mexico, Panama and Nicaragua

The first round of qualifying for the 2022 CWU17 took place from October 20 to November 1, 2021, at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL, USA. The 10 participating teams were split into three groups. After round robin play, the three group winners; Saint Kitts and Nevis (Group A), Curaçao (Group B) and Honduras (Group C), as well as the best ranked second-place finisher (based on a weighted points system), Guyana (Group B), advanced directly to the Knockout Stage of the 2022 CWU17.

The CWU17 Championship will be disputed in two rounds, beginning with a 16-team group stage. After round robin play, the top three teams in each group will advance to the knockout stage joining the four best teams from CWU17 Qualifying.

The Groups are as follows:

Group E: Mexico, Trinidad & Tobago, Panama, Nicaragua

Group F: Canada, Jamaica, Bermuda, Dominican Republic

Group G: United States, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Grenada

Group H: Haiti, Guatemala, El Salvador, Cuba

The knockout stage of the competitions (round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, third place match and final) will all be played in a single match direct elimination format.

At the conclusion of the event, the champion, runner-up and third place finisher will qualify for the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in India in October of 2022.

The United States is the current champion (fourth title overall) of the CWU17 following a 3-2 win over Mexico in the 2018 Final.

Watch Spence prepares U-17 Women for next month's CONCACAF Championship

40

Football / Unified Football League Thread

« on: February 21, 2022, 12:58:24 AM »

Sancho wants Unified Football League scrapped.
T&T Guardian Reports.

"Do away with the proposed Unified Football League." Brent Sancho, owner of Pro League club Central FC, has suggested.  

He believes at this time of obvious little resources, that priority should be placed on a top-tier tournament, regardless of what name it is called, to ensure the production of players for the country's national teams, particularly the senior national team, preparing for World Cups, CONCACAF Nations Leagues and other top tournaments.

The FIFA-installed Normalisation Committee, which manages the T&T Football Association (TTFA) has set the Unified League as a major tournament this year, following more than two years of ongoing talks between the T&T Pro League and the T&T Super League, the country's top-ranked and second-ranked tournaments, with input from officials from CONCACAF, UEFA and football's world governing body FIFA, but still it has failed to result into anything meaningful.

Guardian Media Sports has been told that the idea of the unified league was put into the hands of normalisation committee chairman Robert Hadad and its members.  

Yesterday, however, Sancho said there was initially a belief that the unified league would have provided financial stability but the goalpost has now been shifted.

"The idea and understanding that the T&T Pro League has its shortcomings are very clear but I am sure the pros outweigh the cons as it relates to the pro league. The history will show you that from a statistical point of view that a vibrant pro league has produced some of the best results in T&T football.

"Even before the pro league, the top tier system of football saw us coming close to a World Cup in 1989 and then close to a World Cup in the 1970s.

"Moving forward, with the limited resources that we have we can only look at the current state of football with respect to the national teams, the mere fact that they cannot play friendlies because they lack financial resources.

"All of that comes down to the fact that they have not been able to engage anybody in corporate T&T to assist in a significant way, as well as as the fact that the government of T&T has not assisted in a significant way which leads me to believe that there is meagre to little resources.

"So it makes no sense trying to spread those resources across 30-plus or 20-plus clubs. We should be focusing on what's important in terms of the clubs that would have had a history and are more geared towards playing top-flight football or professional football. Those are the ones you should be looking at, and with all respect to the super league, because they have their role to play but right now, at this critical juncture, I do believe that the little funds that seem to be within the pool of things, should be put in the right place.

"How does it get to the right place, you need a conversation among the stakeholders which is all the different chambers in T&T, the persons within the pro league, the persons within the super league because they have their role to play, although maybe not as significant a role as is being suggested, and of course, the normalisation committee and the government of T&T," Sancho explained.  

Sancho, who is on a committee attempting to put together a Caribbean Professional League, said he believes the normalisation committee should not be given the responsibility to put on a unified league as its workload is already too much.

The Central FC owner called for all stakeholders to be on the same page where football development is concerned, taking a swipe at the government for its reluctance to offer grants to local professional footballers during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, as was done for all other industry of workers.

Sancho also lashed out at the normalisation committee, which he said did not provide any form of financial relief to local players and clubs from the FIFA-distributed COVID relief funds, as was done in many other FIFA Member Associations. 

41

General Discussion / Trade and Industry Minister Thread.

« on: July 08, 2021, 03:14:14 AM »

Gopee-Scoon: $78m spent on luxury foods in three years
CLINT CHAN TACK (T&T NEWSDAY).

TRADE and Industry Minister Paula Gopee-Scoon has said Trinidad and Tobago spent approximately $78 million a year over the last three years on the importation of luxury food items. She was responding to a question in the Senate on Tuesday.

Gopee-Scoon recalled that Finance Minister Colm Imbert indicated in his 2021 budget statement in the House of Representatives last October that "the full value added tax (VAT) rate of 12.5 per cent would be applied to a wide range of luxury imported foods, with the intention of reducing the high local demand for luxury foods and subsequently the demand for foreign exchange."

She said the Finance Ministry "is reviewing the list of luxury food items that will come under this initiative.

"It should be noted," she said, "that over the last three years...2018-2020...imports of selected luxury items such as smoked salmon, lobster, grapes, apples, pears, strawberries, peaches other fruits...(were) valued at approximately $78 million per annum, on average."

Gopee-Scoon said increasing domestic food production and export promotion were among the strategies being used to reduce TT's food import bill.

"With the food import bill valued at approximately $5.7 billion per annum, the Government recognises the importance of investing in the expansion of the local agriculture and food and beverage sectors."

She reminded senators there is a $500 million stimulus package for agriculture in the budget.

Gopee-Scoon also said there are currently four tenants at the Moruga Agro-processing and Light Industrial Park, which the Prime Minister opened last July. She said there is a list of ten potential tenants for the park which is currently being reviewed.

On the InvestTT website, the park is advertised as offering leasable space for the growth and expansion of operations in the processing of primarily agro products, and light manufacturing.

As he opened debate on the Finance Bill later in the sitting, Imbert supported Gopee-Scoon's earlier comments on luxury food imports. He said the tax imposition on them does not require any legislative amendment, but can be done by ministerial order and under the VAT Act, and this order would be published in due course.


Minister of Trade and Industry Paula Gopee-Scoon

42

Football / Thread for T&T vs Mexico (10-Jul-2021)

« on: July 07, 2021, 03:19:05 PM »

As usual, any updates/scores, shout-outs, reports, predictions, views, etc, on the T&T vs Mexico Concacaf Gold Cup Group A game at the AT&T Stadium in Texas from 10pm on the 10th of July 2021 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.

Fox Sports 1, FuboTV, TUDN USA, Univision.

Trinidad & Tobago Squad

Goalkeepers:

Adrian Foncette (Police FC), Nicklas Frenderup (Ranheim Il—Denmark), Marvin Phillip (Unattached);

Defenders:

Radanfah Abu Bakr (Unattached), Aubrey David (Deportivo Saprissa—Costa Rica), Justin Garcia (Defence Force), Curtis Gonzales (Defence Force), Jelani Peters (Pittsburgh Riverhounds—USA), Triston Hodge (Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC—USA), Alvin Jones (Unattached), Ross Russell Jr (Terminix La Horquetta Rangers), Jesse Williams (Unattached), Mekeil Williams (Pittsburgh Riverhounds—USA), Noah Powder (Real Salt Lake—USA);

Midfielders:

Hashim Arcia (Defence Force), Andre Fortune II (Memphis 901 FC—USA), Duane Muckette (Unattached), Molik Khan (Club Sando), Kevin Molino (Columbus Crew—USA), Neveal Hackshaw (Indy Eleven—USA), Khaleem Hyland (Al Batin—Saudi Arabia), Judah Garcia (Unattached);

Forwards:

Marcus Joseph (Unattached), Isaiah Lee (Terminix La Horquetta Rangers), Reon Moore (Defence Force), Ryan Telfer (Atletico Ottawa—Canada).

Coach - Angus Eve (TRI).

Mexico Squad

Goalkeepers:

Alfredo Talavera (Pumas), Rodolfo Cota (Leon), Jonathan Orozco (Tijuana)

Defenders:

Nestor Araujo (Celta de Vigo), Hector Moreno (Monterrey), Luis Rodriguez (Tigres), Jesus Gallardo (Monterrey), Kevin Alvarez (Pachuca), Carlos Salcedo (Tigres), Osvaldo Rodriguez (Leon), Gilberto Sepulveda (Chivas)

Midfielders:

Hector Herrera (Atletico Madrid), Edson Alvarez (Ajax), Erick Gutierrez (PSV Eindhoven), Jonathan Dos Santos (LA Galaxy), Orbelin Pineda (Cruz Azul), Erick Sanchez (Pachuca), Efrain Alvarez (LA Galaxy), Alan Cervantes (Santos),

Forwards:

Hirving Lozano (Napoli), Jesus Corona (Porto), Rogelio Funes Mori (Monterrey), Alan Pulido (Sporting Kansas City)

Coach - Gerardo Martino (ARG).

43

Football / Thread for T&T vs El Salvador (14-Jul-2021)

« on: July 07, 2021, 03:19:00 PM »

As usual, any updates/scores, shout-outs, reports, predictions, views, etc, on the T&T vs El Salvador Concacaf Gold Cup Group A game at the Toyota Stadium in Texas from 7:30pm on the 14th of July 2021 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.

Fox Sports 1, FuboTV, TUDN USA, UniMas.

Trinidad & Tobago Squad

Goalkeepers:

Adrian Foncette (Police FC), Nicklas Frenderup (Ranheim Il—Denmark), Marvin Phillip (Unattached);

Defenders:

Radanfah Abu Bakr (Unattached), Aubrey David (Deportivo Saprissa—Costa Rica), Justin Garcia (Defence Force), Curtis Gonzales (Defence Force), Jelani Peters (Pittsburgh Riverhounds—USA), Triston Hodge (Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC—USA), Alvin Jones (Unattached), Ross Russell Jr (Terminix La Horquetta Rangers), Jesse Williams (Unattached), Mekeil Williams (Pittsburgh Riverhounds—USA), Noah Powder (Real Salt Lake—USA);

Midfielders:

Hashim Arcia (Defence Force), Andre Fortune II (Memphis 901 FC—USA), Duane Muckette (Unattached), Molik Khan (Club Sando), Kevin Molino (Columbus Crew—USA), Neveal Hackshaw (Indy Eleven—USA), Khaleem Hyland (Al Batin—Saudi Arabia), Judah Garcia (Unattached);

Forwards:

Marcus Joseph (Unattached), Isaiah Lee (Terminix La Horquetta Rangers), Reon Moore (Defence Force), Ryan Telfer (Atletico Ottawa—Canada).

Coach - Angus Eve (TRI).

El Salvador Squad

Goalkeepers:

Mario Gonzalez (Alianza), Kevin Carabantes (FAS), Oscar Pleitez (Isidro Metapan).

Defenders:

Romulo Villalobos (Municipal Limeno), Roberto Dominguez (Chalatenango), Eriq Zavaleta (Toronto FC), Ronaldo Gomez (Aguila), Alexander Larin (Xelaju), Alexis Renderos (Alianza), Bryan Tamacas (Alianza).

Midfielders:

Isaac Portillo (Alianza), Jairo Henriquez (Chalatenango), Alex Roldan (Seattle Sounders), Amando Moreno (New Mexico United), Darwin Ceren (Houston Dynamo), Narciso Orellana (Alianza).

Forwards:

Joshua Perez (Ibiza), Walmer Martinez (Hartford Athletic), Juan Carlos Portillo (Alianza), Joaquin Rivas (FC Tulsa), David Rugamas (Once Deportivo), Marvin Marquez (Isidro Metapan).

Coach - Hugo Pérez (SLV).

44

Football / Thread for T&T vs Guatemala (18-Jul-2021)

« on: July 07, 2021, 03:18:51 PM »

As usual, any updates/scores, shout-outs, reports, predictions, views, etc, on the T&T vs Guatemala Concacaf Gold Cup Group A game at the Toyota Stadium in Texas from 10pm on the 18th of July 2021 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.

Fox Sports 2, FuboTV, Galavision.

Trinidad & Tobago Squad

Goalkeepers:

Adrian Foncette (Police FC), Nicklas Frenderup (Ranheim Il—Denmark), Marvin Phillip (Unattached);

Defenders:

Radanfah Abu Bakr (Unattached), Aubrey David (Deportivo Saprissa—Costa Rica), Justin Garcia (Defence Force), Curtis Gonzales (Defence Force), Jelani Peters (Pittsburgh Riverhounds—USA), Triston Hodge (Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC—USA), Alvin Jones (Unattached), Ross Russell Jr (Terminix La Horquetta Rangers), Jesse Williams (Unattached), Mekeil Williams (Pittsburgh Riverhounds—USA), Noah Powder (Real Salt Lake—USA);

Midfielders:

Hashim Arcia (Defence Force), Andre Fortune II (Memphis 901 FC—USA), Duane Muckette (Unattached), Molik Khan (Club Sando), Kevin Molino (Columbus Crew—USA), Neveal Hackshaw (Indy Eleven—USA), Khaleem Hyland (Al Batin—Saudi Arabia), Judah Garcia (Unattached);

Forwards:

Marcus Joseph (Unattached), Isaiah Lee (Terminix La Horquetta Rangers), Reon Moore (Defence Force), Ryan Telfer (Atletico Ottawa—Canada).

Coach - Angus Eve (TRI).

Guatemala Squad

Goalkeepers:

Nicholas Hagen (Sabail), Ricardo Jerez (Municipal), Braulio Linares (Antigua).

Defenders:

Kervin Garcia (Coban Imperial), Gerardo Gordillo (UTC), Moises Hernandez (Antigua), Matan Peleg (Hapoel Kfar Saba), Wilson Pineda (Guastatoya), Jose Carlos Pinto (Comunicaciones), Stheven Robels (Comunicaciones).

Midfielders:

Rudy Barrientos (Municipal), Marvin Ceballos (Leones Negros), Marco Dominguez (Antigua), Luis Martinez (Guastatoya), John Mendez (Municipal), Jose Ruiz (Coban Imperial), Oscar Santis (Comunicaciones), Rodrigo Saravia (Comunicaciones).

Forwards:

Jairo Arreola (Antigua), Robin Betancourth (Coban Imperial), Darwin Lom (California United Strikers), Jose Carlos Martinez (Municipal), Jorge Vargas (Guastatoya).

Coach - Rafael Loredo (MEX).

45

Other Sports / Cyclists Thread

« on: June 27, 2021, 12:38:01 AM »

Historical gold, silver for T&T cyclists at Pan Am
By Walter Alibey (Guardian)

There were moments of history-making, coupled with gold and silver medal performances on the opening two days of the Elite Pan American Track Cycling Championships in Lima, Peru on Friday and Saturday.

Day two yesterday alone, saw Akile Campbell became only the first T&T rider to win a gold medal in the Scratch Race of the Pan Am, as he held off a more-than-competitive field that included Jamol Eastman (Barbados), Julio Padilla (Guatemala), Leonidas Novoa (Ecuador), Pablo Seisdedos (Chile), Emiliano Mira Fuentes (Mexico), Lucas Piano (Uruguay), Luis Gomez (Venezuela), Ivan Ruiz (Argentina), Steven Ruiz (Peru) and Julian Osorio of Colombia in the 15-kilometre event.

On the opening day, T&T's cycling team of Njisane Phillip, Keron Bramble and Zion Pulido claimed the silver medal on Friday.

They just missed out on defending the title they won back in 2019, as they were pipped by in the final by Colombia 45.227, while the men in red, white and black clocked 45.442

The two teams drew swords from as early as the preliminary rounds, as Colombia's 44.933 put them as the fastest team heading into the quarterfinal round. T&T, led by the multi-talented and well experienced Phillip, was the second-fastest team at 45.822, while Argentina (45.939), Mexico (46.314), Peru (47.356), Venezuela (47.454), Ecuador (48.083) and Chile rounding off the top eight teams.

But there was no getting away from a final showdown between the top two teams at the end of the day, as T&T got the better of Ecuador in the first of two semifinals in 44.9 while Colombia's team defeated Argentina for the title ride, which the Colombians won.

After the race coach Gregory Dandrade said he was extremely happy with the performance of the team: "I'm happy to work with the youths, we were under a lot of pressure because two of our top cyclists were out because of the Olympics. We were able to do a development programme with the youths, bringing in Pulido as a newcomer, and we performed, they executed, it was excellent to get the silver medal," Dandrade told Guardian Media Sports.

According to Dandrade, a former national rider turn coach, there was room for improvement but they had a young guy in the team, as well as an anchor in Bramble who has never anchored a team before.

Meanwhile, Alexi Costa also secured a silver medal in the Scratch Race behind the eventual winner Ambar Joseph of Barbados and Mexico's Victoria Fuentes Velasco. Dandrade said Costa was excellent, improving so much under Andy Sparks, who is also helping the T&T team.

Yesterday the pair of Phillip and Bramble was in search of another silverware in the keirin event after both advanced from early rounds. Needing to be among the top two in the heats, Bramble later progressed from the repechage after a third-place finish in heat one, which comprised Colombian Kevin Quintero, the eventual winner, Luis Cordon (Guatemala) who finished second, Brandon Reid (Jamaica), Francesco Bone (Ecuador) and Daniel Palmer of Jamaica.

Phillip on the other hand was second in his heat behind Santiago Ramirez of Colombia.

46

Cricket Anyone / 2021 CPL Thread

« on: May 01, 2021, 12:51:38 AM »

TKR trade DJ Bravo to St Kitts & Nevis Patriots
JONATHAN RAMNANANSINGH (T&T NEWSDAY).

Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) has agreed to trade former captain Dwayne Bravo to the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots for the 2021 Caribbean Premier League.

In return, the four-time champions will receive veteran wicketkeeper/batsman Denesh Ramdin from the Patriots.

A statement issued by T&T franchise, on Friday, said Bravo, who had been with the team since CPL inception in 2013, made the switch in search of a new challenge.

Bravo said, “At this stage in my career, I needed a new challenge, which is to work with the young talent for the benefit for Cricket West Indies.

“I want to thank TKR for respecting my wishes and for all their support over the years. I also appreciate everything they have done for T&T in general.”

TKR director Venky Mysore also heaped praise on Bravo’s contribution, which played an integral role in affirming the squad as one of the most feared and respected CPL teams.

He said, “DJ Bravo has not only been instrumental in building TKR into a champion team but also captained the team which earned three championships in 2015, 2017 and 2018. We are sad to see him leave but we respect his wishes and his desire to help Caribbean cricket.”

The TKR statement also credited captain Kieron Pollard, who led the team to victory at last year’s edition, which was played in a bio-secure bubble in Trinidad without spectators.

They also announced that Sunil Narine will serve as vice-captain of the squad.

“We welcome back Denesh Ramdin to the TKR family and look forward to the 2021 season and defending our title.”

This year, the CPL will be hosted in its entirety at Warner Park in St Kitts, bowling off on August 28. The 33-match tournament will allow fans to attend at up to 50 percent capacity of the 8,000-seat venue – once proof of covid19 vaccination is presented.

47

Football / European Super League Thread

« on: April 18, 2021, 05:32:28 PM »

Man United, Liverpool among clubs in $6 billion European Super League talks - sources
By Mark Ogden
Senior Writer, ESPN FC

Fifteen of Europe's biggest clubs are in talks to launch a European Super League, planned to start in time for the 2023-24 season, with a $6 billion (£4.3 billion) fund backing the project, sources have told ESPN.

If the initiative is successful, it would threaten the existence of the Champions League -- football's biggest club competition -- with UEFA due to announce on Monday a new 36-team format for the tournament designed to stave off attempts by the game's top clubs to break away.

As reported by UK newspaper The Times, English top-flight clubs Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham are among 11 European teams to have signed up to the Super League plan.

ESPN has been told by a person familiar with the blueprint that the proposed framework involves a total of 20 teams, with 15 permanent members who cannot be relegated.

A further five teams will be rotated in and out of the competition, based on performance, but the permanent members will include six Premier League clubs, three from La Liga, three from Italy's Serie A, two from the Bundesliga and one from France's Ligue 1.

Sources have told ESPN that New York-based investment bank JP Morgan will underwrite the project, with $6 billion distributed as loans to the teams.

Under pressure from the European Club Association, UEFA has drawn up plans to reshape the Champions League format, with the new-look competition due to be unveiled Monday, ahead of UEFA's executive committee summit in Switzerland this week.

UEFA criticised the plans in a statement and said: "UEFA, the English Football Association and the Premier League, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and LaLiga, and the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and Lega Serie A have learned that a few English, Spanish and Italian clubs may be planning to announce their creation of a closed, so-called Super League.

"If this were to happen, we wish to reiterate that we - UEFA, the English FA, RFEF, FIGC, the Premier League, LaLiga, Lega Serie A, but also FIFA and all our member associations - will remain united in our efforts to stop this cynical project, a project that is founded on the self-interest of a few clubs at a time when society needs solidarity more than ever.

"We will consider all measures available to us, at all levels, both judicial and sporting in order to prevent this happening. Football is based on open competitions and sporting merit; it cannot be any other way.

"As previously announced by FIFA and the six Federations, the clubs concerned will be banned from playing in any other competition at domestic, European or world level, and their players could be denied the opportunity to represent their national teams.

"We thank those clubs in other countries, especially the French and German clubs, who have refused to sign up to this. We call on all lovers of football, supporters and politicians, to join us in fighting against such a project if it were to be announced. This persistent self-interest of a few has been going on for too long. Enough is enough."

Planned to come into force in 2024, the remodelled Champions League would involve 36 teams playing 10 group games rather than six. The biggest clubs would also receive an increased share of prize money.

Sources told ESPN that UEFA plan to press ahead with their announcement Monday, and that any breakaway league remains a distant prospect, with national associations UEFA and FIFA both needing to sanction the proposal.

Meanwhile, the European Clubs' Association issued a statement in which it reiterated commitment to working with UEFA on competition reform, adding that a "closed super league model ... would be strongly opposed."

Serie A called an emergency board meeting on Sunday to discuss a newspaper report saying broadcaster DAZN is involved in new plans for the breakaway league, a source told Reuters.

The meeting was called by league president Paolo Dal Pino, and Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport reported that DAZN, which is owned by billionaire Len Blavatnik's Access Industries, has been working on the formation of the league for some time.

The report claims the meeting is being attended remotely, with the three Serie A clubs who could potentially be part of the new project: Juventus, Inter Milan and AC Milan.

FIFA has earlier said that players who feature in any breakaway European Super League would be banned from playing in FIFA competitions, including the World Cup.

It caps a tumultuous week for Serie A after seven clubs submitted a written request for Dal Pino to resign over issues that include his management of plans to sell a stake in the league's media business.

The plans to expand the Champions League are also likely to meet opposition from supporters; ESPN reported last week that fans' groups have already registered their anger over UEFA's proposed changes.

On Sunday, a statement from the Premier League condemned the breakaway plans.

It read: "The Premier League condemns any proposal that attacks the principles of open competition and sporting merit which are at the heart of the domestic and European football pyramid.

Fans of any club in England and across Europe can currently dream that their team may climb to the top and play against the best. We believe that the concept of a European Super League would destroy this dream.

"The Premier League is proud to run a competitive and compelling football competition that has made it the most widely watched league in the world. Our success has enabled us to make an unrivalled financial contribution to the domestic football pyramid.

"A European Super League will undermine the appeal of the whole game, and have a deeply damaging impact on the immediate and future prospects of the Premier League and its member clubs, and all those in football who rely on our funding and solidarity to prosper.

"We will work with fans, The FA, EFL, PFA and LMA, as well as other stakeholders, at home and abroad, to defend the integrity and future prospects of English football in the best interests of the game."

RELATED NEWS

UEFA and leagues vow to fight breakaway European Super League: What this means
By Gabriele Marcotti
Senior Writer, ESPN FC

On Sunday, the European game was rocked by revelations that a number of leading clubs -- anywhere from 12 to 15 -- had either signed an agreement or expressed interest in joining a breakaway league that would effectively be a direct competitor for the UEFA Champions League. Among them are Manchester United, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Juventus and Barcelona.

It's not the first time such rumours have emerged, but the timing is what makes this situation different.

On Monday, UEFA are expected to approve changes to the Champions League that will include an expanded format, more games and tweaks to the revenue distribution. These changes were agreed only on Friday after protracted negotiations with Europe's leading clubs and the European Club Association (ECA). (They also voted to approve it, sources told ESPN.) All of this would now be overshadowed -- and rendered potentially meaningless -- if Europe's biggest clubs renege on that agreement and are really ready to walk out as early as 2022, as some have reported.

The implications, though, go far beyond this. UEFA isn't merely a competition organizer; it's a confederation whose job is to redistribute revenue and develop the game across the continent. The Champions League is its biggest cash cow, and a severely weakened competition would have a serious impact on the sport throughout Europe, which is part of the reason one UEFA executive told ESPN they were prepared to "fight until the end."

Q: Haven't we been here before? Didn't you write back in October about how we were ripe for this sort of change?

A: I did, but it appeared that the genie went back in the bottle during the ECA's negotiations with UEFA over the expanded Champions League. The ECA wanted more teams and more games (to generate more revenue); they also wanted more governance and oversight over how the Champions League is run commercially, and they wanted changes to the revenue distribution. It took a long time -- originally, UEFA were hoping to announce this reformatting last month -- and it was a tough negotiation, but at the eleventh hour late on Friday, the ECA hammered out a deal with UEFA. So you can imagine that when UEFA found out the potential breakaway on Sunday, they weren't best pleased ... especially since ECA president Andrea Agnelli also happens to be the Juventus president. And Juventus are reportedly one of the signatories to this deal.

Q: How would the new Super League work, anyway?

A: Details are still sketchy -- there are different versions of this floating around, and all of it subject to negotiations. But for it to work, you'd imagine up to 20 teams playing each other regularly, most likely with a league format followed by playoffs. But more than the format, what matters here is that the clubs would not be playing in the UEFA Champions League and would, instead, share the revenue among themselves. That's a huge departure from the basic model of European team competitions, in any sport, which is obviously different from the models used in American sports.

Q: How so?

A: Take the NBA as an example. There are 30 teams, and each owner is effectively a shareholder in the league. They split the revenues among themselves and put in salary caps and luxury taxes to stay profitable. They don't need to ask USA Basketball or FIBA (basketball's equivalent of FIFA) for permission when they want to do things.

But in European football, clubs play in national leagues that are sanctioned by national federations. In England, the Football Association sanctions the Premier League, and UEFA is a governing body of which the FA is a member that organises competitions for clubs. The bulk of the revenue generated goes back to the clubs, but the rest gets redistributed among national federations, smaller clubs and for grassroots development.

Q: And the breakaway clubs have a problem with this?

A: There's no question that the "breakaway clubs" generate a disproportionate amount of the revenue. After all, more people (and sponsors) will pay to see Barcelona vs. Manchester United than Dinamo Zagreb vs. Club Brugge. They argue they should be entitled to a bigger piece of the pie (and have been arguing this for years, progressively getting more and more). But some also question why revenues that they generate should be redistributed to smaller clubs and FAs. And they say it's about votes and keeping the gravy train going, which to some degree is true. There are more small federations than big ones, and some of the smaller ones would struggle to survive without UEFA funding.

A number of the breakaway clubs also feel that if they ran the competition themselves, they could be more agile and innovative in generating more revenue, perhaps by playing on weekends or taking it on the road to Asia or North America. After all, these are global brands.

I guess it comes down to whether you view a football club primarily as a business to be grown and whose revenues ought to be maximized, or whether you see yourself as part of a greater whole, with a duty of solidarity to others. As I see it, the former is somewhat short-sighted. After all, the next great Real Madrid or Manchester United star could come from Moldova or Northern Ireland, but if there's no functioning FA there because grassroots funding has been pulled, well ...

Q: So what happens Monday?

A: UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin basically has two options. The vote on the Champions League reform is on the agenda. He can cave in and remove it from the agenda. This would kick the can down the road, and probably lead to more negotiations with the big clubs -- this time, presumably, without the ECA, since we saw how far it got them last time -- and perhaps more concessions in their favour, maybe a greater share of revenue or direct control over the competition or guaranteed places or whatever.

Or he can stand tall and call their bluff. Approve the Champions League format, call them out by name. They issued a joint statement with the English, Spanish and Italian Football Associations as well as the Premier League, Italy's Serie A and La Liga in Spain saying they will "remain united" in their efforts to stop "a cynical project" that is "founded on the self-interest of a few clubs." And they reminded everyone that clubs joining a breakaway league would be banned from playing both international competitions, like the World Cup, and domestic leagues as well.

Q: Wow, that's extreme. So if, say, Manchester United broke away, they couldn't play in the Premier League, FA Cup or League Cup?

A: In theory, yes. They have the power to do that, though it would likely end up in court. There's a legal case to be made that if you're a governing body and a competition organiser (which FIFA, UEFA and the FAs are), you can't exclude somebody from participating. So that part remains to be seen. But I think their best strategy, if they want to stop it, is to wait it out ...

Q: What do you mean?

A: For a start, even though 2022 has been mooted for the inaugural "breakaway season," I don't see how they can make it happen. Even if they're somehow not kicked out of their domestic leagues, there are a bunch of legal and regulatory hurdles that clubs need to jump through.

At clubs like Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern and Borussia Dortmund (the two German clubs haven't signed on to this, but a breakaway without them is hard to imagine) they would be subject to member votes. They're rumoured to have big financial backing and a global deal in place with a broadcaster (not ESPN), but would that be enough to offset potential losses in the short term?

More broadly, I just don't know that the appetite is there from fans closest to the clubs -- the people who go week in, week out.

Q: But isn't the game global?

A: It is, but the reality is that clubs generate more revenue from the creatures of habit who trudge down to the stadium every week than they do from equally passionate fans halfway around the world. In Germany and England especially, there is bound to be a backlash.

Right now, stadiums are closed, but fans will be back before the end of the season at, say, Old Trafford. The Glazers aren't exactly popular there; imagine if their own supporters let them know just what they think of the idea. Optics matter. Unless the breakaway owners can convince them that this is about something other than personal greed, it's going to be very rough for them.

I'll leave you with this quote released today from Sir Alex Ferguson, somebody whose Manchester United credentials are unimpeachable: "Talk of a super league is a move away from 70 years of European club football. Both as a player for a provincial team in Dunfermline in the 1960s and as a manager at Aberdeen winning the European Cup Winners Cup."

"For a small provincial club in Scotland it was like climbing Mount Everest. Everton are spending £500m to build a new stadium with the ambition to play in the Champions League. Fans all over love the competition as it is."

48

Football / Thread for T&T vs Montserrat Game (2-July-2021)

« on: April 09, 2021, 03:42:36 AM »

As usual, any updates/scores, shout-outs, reports, predictions, views, etc, on the T&T vs Montserrat preliminary round of the Concacaf Gold Cup game at the Inter Miami CF Stadium in South Florida on the 2nd of July 2021 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:

Adrian Foncette (Police FC), Nicklas Frenderup (Ranheim Il—Denmark), Marvin Phillip (Unattached);

Defenders:

Radanfah Abu Bakr (Unattached), Aubrey David (Deportivo Saprissa—Costa Rica), Justin Garcia (Defence Force), Curtis Gonzales (Defence Force), Neveal Hackshaw (Indy Eleven—USA), Jelani Peters (Pittsburgh Riverhounds—USA), Triston Hodge (Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC—USA), Alvin Jones (Unattached), Ross Russell Jr (Terminix La Horquetta Rangers), Jesse Williams (Unattached);

Midfielders:

Joevin Jones (InterMiami CF—USA), Kevin Molino (Columbus Crew—USA), Hashim Arcia (Defence Force), Khaleem Hyland (Al Batin—Saudi Arabia), Andre Fortune II (Memphis 901 FC—USA), Duane Muckette (Unattached), Michel Poon-Angeron (Unattached), Judah Garcia (Unattached), Molik Khan (Club Sando);

Forwards:

Marcus Joseph (Unattached), Isaiah Lee (Terminix La Horquetta Rangers), Reon Moore (Defence Force), Ryan Telfer (Atletico Ottawa—Canada).

Coach - Angus Eve (TRI).

Montserrat Squad

Goalkeepers

To be updated.

Defenders

To be updated.

Midfielders

To be updated.

Forwards

To be updated.

Coach - Willie Donachie (SCO).


Updates to follow as we get more info, so keep checking back.

49

Football / VAR Thread

« on: April 08, 2021, 02:16:25 PM »

Concacaf confirms plans to rollout VAR in 2021 club and men’s national team competitions.
CONCACAF.COM

- Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League Semifinals and Final will include VAR.

- Confederation confirms VAR will be used in both Concacaf Nations League Finals and 2021 Gold Cup

Concacaf has today confirmed that Video Assistant Referees (VAR) will be used in several of its 2021 competitions.

In the 2021 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League, which begins this week with eight first leg Round of 16 matches, VAR will be used in the competition for the Semifinals and the Final. The two legged Semifinals will feature the final four teams in the tournament and will be played between August 10 and August 26. The single leg Final will be played on October 28, 2021.

Concacaf has for the past two years been working towards introducing VAR in its competitions with several training and development opportunities for elite referees in our region. The process was delayed slightly due to COVID-19 related challenges, but last week the Confederation was able to enter the final stages of its planning to introduce the technology.

With the support of Fedefutbol – the Costa Rican Football Federation – Concacaf was able to organize a VAR certification process in Costa Rica for 22 elite referees from across the region. This included 40 competitive matches played between March 31 and April 5 solely for the purposes of VAR training and development.

In the impressive surroundings of the Complejo Deportivo Fedefutbol Plycem Facility in Costa Rica, FIFA’s VAR Project Leader Mike Van Der Roest and FIFA VAR Greg Barkey instructed and completed the VAR certification for the 22 Concacaf referees from 15 Central American and Caribbean federations.

With Concacaf now having a large enough pool of VAR qualified referees, the Confederation can confirm that in addition to being used for this year’s Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League Semifinals and Final, the technology will be introduced to Concacaf’s 2021 men’s national team competitions. In a boost to what should be a fantastic summer of football, the inaugural Concacaf Nations League Finals, scheduled for June 3 and June 6, and the 2021 Gold Cup, which will be played from July 2 to August 1, will both include VAR to support the on-field referees.

50

Other Sports / Volleyball Thread.

« on: March 23, 2021, 01:16:03 AM »

Honore’s Benfica cruises into title match.
by Nigel Simon (T&T Guardian).

T&T volleyballer, Marc-Anthony Honore and SL Benfica advanced to yet another Portugal Volleyball Federation A-1 Division final after completing a 3-0 semifinal series sweep of Sporting CP on Sunday.

SL Benfica enjoyed its best display thus far in the playoffs by easing past Sporting CP 25-15, 25-17, 25-20 for a third straight win in their best-of-five-matches semifinals.

It was also sweet revenge for SL Benfica after they were beaten by Sporting CP in the Portugal Volleyball Federation Cup final earlier this month, Benfica won Game One in five sets 25-23, 25-22, 22-25, 24-26, 17-15 on March 13 followed by Friday's Game Two win 25-16, 25-17, 25-22.

In the final series, Benfica will be going after a ninth league crown against AJF Bastardo who also swept 18-time league champions SC Espinho.

AJF Bastardo won its third straight playoff clash with Espinho, 26-28, 25-15, 25-17, 25-21.

This after AJF Bastardo won Game One 25-19, 19-25, 25-20, 25-19 and then Game Two 25-19, 25-19, 25-20, 25-19.

Winners of the Super Cup last November for a third straight year, and record tenth time overall, SL Benfica will go into the final series as slight underdogs after ending the eight-team second round of the campaign with a 12-2 win-loss record and 35 points, two behind AJF Bastardo (12-2), one of only two clubs to beat Benfica in their last 60 domestic matches.

Sporting CP ended with an 11-3 record and 32 points for third while fourth-placed SC Espinho (8-6) tallied 24 points.

The quartet of Esmoriz (7-7), Castelo Maia (3-11), Viana (3-11) and Caldas (0-14) with 21, eighth, eighth and three points respectively complete the table.

Before the start of the eight-team Second Round series, SL Benfica ended the shortened regular-season due to the coronavirus pandemic with a perfect 13-0 record and 39 points, nine clear of Sporting CP and Viana, (10-2) who both had a match in hand.

In European competition, Benfica was beaten in the quarterfinal of the CEV Challenge Cup by Turkey’s Halkbank, 25-21, 18-26, 16-25, 21-25.


T&T's Marc-Anthony Honore connects with a spike through the pipe for SL Benfica during their Game Three semifinal against Sporting CP in the Portugal Volleyball Federation Honda Men's A-1 Division.

Photos: Cátia Luís / SL Benfica

51

Other Sports / Nicholas Lau Thread.

« on: February 26, 2021, 01:38:08 AM »

Lau competes at World Ski Champs
JELANI BECKLES (T&T NEWSDAY).

T&T skier Nicholas Lau opened his Nordic World Ski Championships campaign in Oberstdorf, Germany, on Wednesday.

Lau, competing in the men's 10K event, finished 73rd among the 85 participants that completed the event. Lau ended in 34 minutes and seven seconds (34:07.0). Winning the event was Mark Chanloung of Thailand in 24:23.8, Campbell Wright of New Zealand was second in 24:53.2 and Martin Moeller of Denmark took third spot in 25:17.0.

Brazilian Victor Santos was the only competitor not to finish the race.

"It was a tough one, (but) it was okay. There were pros and cons let's say as there always are," Lau told Newsday following his opening event.

He added that the slopes were more suitable for skiing on Wednesday compared to previous days. "Conditions were actually pretty good. A lot of us were concerned this week because the conditions were not good. They were too warm and the snow was wet and soft which is not good for cross country skiing.

Thankfully the weather cooled down just a little bit and they moved the race from 2.30 in the afternoon to 10.30 in the morning. That made a difference actually, so it was okay in the end."

Lau will compete in his second and final event on Thursday when he lines up in the men's sprint event over 1.5K.

Lau, now in his early forties, left T&T at two and lived in the USA (Boston and Texas), before moving to Switzerland in 2007.


T&T skier Nicholas Lau. - PHOTO COURTESY TT SNOWSPORTS FEDERATION

52

Trinbago, NBA & World Basketball / FIBA 3x3 Under-23 Nations League Thread

« on: February 18, 2021, 02:03:35 AM »

T&T seeking four spots at FIBA 3×3 U-23 Nations League
T&T Guardian Reports.

T&T's men's and women's national teams has been invited to participate in the upcoming FIBA 3x3 Under-23 Nations League (U23NL).

Through the the National Basketball Federation of T&T's (NBFTT) successful hosting of local 3×3 tournaments in 2019, T&T earned eligibility for International Basketball Federation (FIBA) 3x3 Official National Team Competitions, this year.

The U23NL is a FIBA 3x3 Official Competition comprised of several conferences of six teams per gender. Each conference sees a series of tournament stops, with the same six teams per gender playing every stop.

Through the Nations League, National Federations (NFs) earn high ranking points which prove valuable to participating countries for their various World Cup and Pre-World Cup qualifications.

NBFTT president Claire Mitchell said “The quality of ranking points earned from this qualification will put T&T in a better position to participate in the Commonwealth Games 2022 and other upcoming qualifier events.

“Qualification for and participation in the U-23 Nations League Tournament is a gateway for T&T to qualify for all of the major upcoming 3x3 events. The best teams of the U-23 Nations League will be offered direct access to FIBA's Pro Circuit for Men and the FIBA 3x3 Women's Series.”

Due to the strong interest and based on the request of the NFs, FIBA has offered participating countries the opportunity to sign up a second set of teams per gender, with the second teams being strictly U-21.

With this tournament widely viewed as an opportunity for NFs to develop new players and stars that can be the future of their 3x3 national teams, according to Mitchell, T&T will be seeking to maximise on rewards made available through participation.

“This window is critical to our entry into the 3x3 circuit. As a result, the NBFTT is currently working towards this opportunity as it can auger well for T&T basketball,” said Mitchell.

For more information call Mitchell at 393-2894 or Arnold Thomas, NBFTT 3x3 Coordinator at 498-4304.

53

General Discussion / The Lottery Thread

« on: February 17, 2021, 03:37:27 PM »

She won $188M Powerball. Now her ex-fiance is suing her from prison, NC lawsuit says
Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Marie Holmes was 26 years old and working five jobs to support her children when she won the $188 million Powerball jackpot in 2015 — the largest jackpot winnings in North Carolina history at the time.

She had big plans for the money, which totaled $87.9 million after taxes, according to the N.C. Education Lottery. Holmes told lottery officials she planned to give some of the prize money to charities and religious organizations, as well as put it toward finishing her college degree and buying her mother a house.

But according to her ex-fiance Lamarr Andre McDow, the winnings also went to generous gifts for him that she allegedly gave away or sold after they split up.

Now he’s suing to get them back.

McDow, 36, accused Holmes of breaching her fiduciary duty when she reportedly gave away his 77-acre dirt bike track, his car repair shop and tens of thousands of dollars worth of clothing and jewelry while he was in prison, according to a lawsuit which moved to federal court earlier this month.

Attorneys representing McDow and Holmes did not immediately respond to McClatchy News’ request for comment. But Holmes said in court filings the gifts were never in McDow’s name and legally belonged to her.

“This case is the embodiment of the phrase ‘[w]hat’s yours is mine and what’s mine is my own.’ The problem here, however, is that McDow has nothing of his own,” Holmes’ defense attorneys said in a motion to dismiss the case. “Instead, McDow is Holmes’ disgruntled, currently imprisoned former fiancé with multiple criminal convictions and an unfortunate desire to pursue meritless litigation against Holmes, whose generosity after winning the Powerball lottery is at the heart of this litigation.”

Spending her winnings

According to the complaint, McDow and Holmes started dating in 2012 and had two daughters together. McDow was arrested in November 2014 and charged with drug trafficking.

Two months later, Holmes won the lottery.

McDow was convicted in April 2016 and sentenced to 10 years in prison. He remains incarcerated with a projected release date of June 2, 2023, Department of Public Safety records show.

Holmes is from Shallotte, a small town on the coast of North Carolina less than 15 miles from the South Carolina border. According to the Education Lottery, she was working at Walmart, Food Lion, KFC, McDonald’s and Subway when she won the Powerball jackpot on Feb. 11, 2015.

Her odds of winning were 1 in 175 million.

“I started screaming and jumping around,” Holmes told lottery officials at the time. “I said to my kids, ‘You just don’t understand what this means.’”

In the months that followed, Holmes reportedly bought multiple houses — including a plantation in Brunswick County — and designer cars.

Before McDow reported to prison, the complaint said Holmes bought him a $250,000 Chevy Stingray, two dump trucks totaling $125,000, $100,000 worth of clothes and jewelry, a $600,000 automotive shop and 77 acres in Ashe County for a dirt bike track costing $80,000, among other gifts.

McDow made Holmes — then his fiancee — his power of attorney.

Holmes appeared on a reality TV show on the Oprah Winfrey Network called Iyanla: Fix My Life, in which inspirational speaker and author Iyanla Vanzant tried to help Holmes overcome challenges from the “financial windfall” of winning the lottery.

The episode, which aired in October 2016, was titled “Lotto Drama.” McDow also appeared in the episode, which his attorney cites in the lawsuit.

An acrimonious split

Holmes had their second daughter while McDow was in prison, but the two reportedly split up in August 2017. Eventually McDow heard through a friend that Holmes was dating someone new and had given away his clothing and the dirt bike track, in addition to shutting down the car repair shop, the complaint said.

“Ms. Holmes’ unconditional obligation to act in the best interests of Mr. McDow didn’t stop because Ms. Holmes and Mr. McDow’s relationship ended,” his attorney said in court filings, citing her power-of-attorney status.

The lawsuit makes claims for breach of fiduciary duty, conversion and breach of bailment. McDow is seeking a jury trial and more than $25,000 in damages.

But in a motion to dismiss filed Thursday, attorneys for Holmes said there numerous deficiencies in his complaint.

They said Holmes — who has lived in Washington state for “several years” — was never properly served with the lawsuit, which was given to a third party in Shallotte “who does not live with Holmes and who has no authority to accept service of process on Holmes’ behalf,” the motion to dismiss says.

Defense attorneys also said the lawsuit was filed outside the three-year statute of limitations, which expired last year, and that McDow never legally owned the property in question, worth more than $1.4 million.

McDow has not responded to the motion to dismiss, court filings show.


Hayley Fowler
Tue, February 16, 2021, 5:09 PM

54

Other Sports / Great Race Thread.

« on: February 04, 2021, 08:59:32 AM »

International interest builds for Great Race 2021
JELANI BECKLES  (T&T NEWSDAY).

THE 2021 TT Great Race is already getting international interest as three teams from the US have shown their willingness to compete in the annual powerboat race.

“The only thing I could tell you is that we have three boats (from the US) already requesting to come for the Great Race on August 21, but again that all depends on covid and our borders,” said Roger Bell, director of public relations and international racing at the TT Powerboat Association (TTPBA). The TT borders have been closed since March last year as people must be granted an exemption to enter.

The TT Great Race has had international competitors before, but the event has never had three foreign entrants in one year. “They have requested to come, but we have written to them and said we would love to have them but at the current time our borders are closed until further notice, but we will keep them abreast.”

Prior to the 2021 TT Great Race on August 21 multiple regattas will be held over the coming months to get the boats and participants prepared for the anticipated event in August.

Motul Monster, four-time winners of the Great Race, will make a return to competitive action this year and will make an appearance in the first 2021 TTPBA Regatta in the Gulf of Paria, from 12.30 pm, on Sunday.

Speaking about the return of Monster, Bell said, “What we are excited about is the return of Motul Monster in the 130 mph class...Monster has won the Great Race four times and the last time being during the 50th running of the Great Race in 2018 where they ascertained the UIM (Union Internationale Motonautique) record to Tobago which they still hold.”

The UIM is the international governing body of powerboating.

On Sunday, Monster will compete in the 130 mile per hour (mph) class against Mr Solo Too. Close to 20 teams are expected to participate including boats in the 60 mph, 70 mph, 80 mph, 95 mph and 120 mph classes. Stampede will compete in the 120 mph class and Global Warmer will line up in the 95 mph category.

Sunday’s regatta will be the first of the 2021 National Championship season. “We expect to have five of those (regattas), but due to covid and all the protocols, the regatta will be held out in the Gulf (of Paria). It will be not at any base like Yacht Club per se. The covid protocols will be in effect. There will be no rafting up, no tying up on any jetties. The race boats will have one service boat and all protocols concerning the amount of people allowed on vessels and face masks will be in effect.”

The 2020 Great Race was postponed because of covid19 as it was held on September 26 instead of August when it is normally held.

55

Cricket Anyone / Local Cricket League Thread

« on: February 03, 2021, 06:02:49 PM »

TTCB eager to resume domestic competition
JONATHAN RAMNANANSINGH (T&T NEWSDAY).

The TT Cricket Board (TTCB) anticipates a swift return to the domestic season after over ten months of inactivity.

Administrators, clubs and cricketers initially thought they would be allowed to resume training and competition at the start of the new year.

But with a resurgence in global coronavirus cases and discovery of new covid19 variants, the Ministry of Health opted to delay the sport’s reopening.

To date, only national teams and athletes preparing for major international competition are allowed to use national sporting facilities.

Although TT successfully hosted the Caribbean Premier League T20 tournament in a bio-secure bubble smack in the middle of the pandemic last year and the West Indies (WI) currently on their third international tour, local enthusiasts eagerly await the green light from the health ministry.

Three months ago, the cricket board unveiled its annual schedule of regional and domestic events for the 2021 season in anticipation of a January restart.

However, since they were blanked by ministry officials, the previously scheduled January zonal tournament will now be held later down in the year.

TTCB president Azim Bassarath still believes domestic cricket should be given the go-ahead. The board has a clear outline of how players and staff will coordinate their respective training and competitive regimen.

According to him, the TTCB has been proactive in creating and implementing their required covid19 guidelines.

“We’re happy for the news that cricket should restart soon. We hope that, at least, the cricketers would be able to get back on the park and all the different programmes we have in place would be implemented.

“We’ve already gotten sponsors for a number of new tournaments and we’re waiting to unleash and give the youngsters the opportunity to play cricket so we can improve on the stock that would be available to WI cricket,” he said.

Bassarath thinks permission should be granted swiftly since cricket is not a contact sport. He also called on authorities to let good sense prevail since the TTCB has already formulated a feasible plan to ensure all players, staff and administrators adhere to its mandatory health regulations.

“We already have our dates and programmes set out for cricket so any resumption of cricket, the TTCB will appreciate that. We want that to happen. We think enough information has been sent out to the various stakeholders letting them know about the protocols that are involved. We have appealed to them to make sure they adhere to all protocols,” he added.

The postponed January zonal 50 0ver tournament was originally intended to serve as a pre-cursor for national team selection for the CG Insurance Super50 Cup squad. It was supposed to feature local cricketers from four zones – North, South, Central and East/Tobago.

He concluded, “We feel cricket is not so much of a contact sport and permission could be granted once everything is in place for the cricketers and officials observe the necessary protocols.”

In a press release issued by the TTCB, on Sunday, Bassarath said that the TTCB has been moving ahead with its plans to proceed as soon as the covid19 restrictions are lifted.

He has even written to the Ministry of Health requesting permission to get preparatory competitions for the TT Red Force to take place.

Bassarath remains optimistic that cricket will be played in the 2021 season but is urging the entire cricket community to exercise patience and responsibility in the interest of the sport and public health.

56

Entertainment & Culture Discussion / Kaiso fraternity says goodbye to Singing Sandra

« on: February 03, 2021, 05:58:38 PM »

Kaiso fraternity says goodbye to Singing Sandra
MELISSA DOUGHTY (T&T NEWSDAY).

Many stories were told in song and word on Wednesday of the late Sandra “Singing Sandra” Des Vignes-Millington’s generosity of spirit to younger artistes, her love for her community and country and her willingness to use her voice to tell the stories of those often unheard.

In a cultural farewell at Queen’s Hall, St Ann’s Road, Port of Spain, family, calypsonians, politicians, friends and well-wishers paid tribute and said goodbye to the two-time Calypso monarch. She died on January 28 at 64.

Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts Randall Mitchell, National Carnival Commission (NCC) chairman Winston “Gypsy” Peters, Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organisation (TUCO) president Lutalo “Brother Resistance” Masimba, Oilfield Workers' Trade Union (OWTU) president general Ancel Roget, Michael “Sugar Aloes” Osuna, former calypso monarch Karene Asche and songwriter Christophe Grant were among those paying tribute.

Minister of Social Development and Family Services Donna Cox and MP for Laventille East/Morvant Adrian Leonce also attended and Leonce also paid tribute to her. Rapso performer and actor Wendell Manwarren gave a eulogy.

The ceremony began at 10.20 am with a member of Witco Desperadoes playing the national anthem.

Nydia Byron and Christopher Sheppard did a dance in her honour.

Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts Randall Mitchell said while her passing was a great loss to TT, the artform and culture were the beneficiaries of Singing Sandra's lifelong contributions.

He said the Government was implementing a national cultural policy to ensure that artistes are appreciated for their work. Mitchell said the policy had been laid in Parliament and “seeks to facilitate a thriving, inclusive and dynamic cultural environment.”

He added that it will be pursued through institutional arrangements designed “to engage in a genuine partnership” between the Government and cultural community.

“Ultimately, we would like to identify cultural awards, ambassadors and legends. It is my hope that together we continue to provide a nurturing environment which demonstrates to our artistes that we really, really do care about them,” Mitchell said.

The verbal tributes were interspersed with those in song. Asche sang Singing Sandra’s Voices From the Ghetto, Sugar Aloes did a special version of the Mighty Sparrow’s Memories, and reigning National Calypso Queen Makeda Darius sang Singing Sandra’s 2003 winning hit Ancient Rhythm. Stephen Marcelle also sang her song Nobody Wins a War.

Brother Resistance, in ripping poetic form, said he wanted to bring a joyful note, and it was important to do so because those gathered came to celebrate the power of a woman who walked in the spirit of the oral tradition.

“Calypso raised she up, lift she up and showed her the world,” he said, ringing his bell.

Resistance said Sandra was majestic and still humble.

“Sometimes in TT, we can’t deal with that. All now she saying, 'Who is all these people gather here to celebrate me and when I was around some of them didn’t even care for me?' She saying that, that is the message I getting,” he said, drawing applause from the audience.

He said the foundation of the Kaiso House calypso tent was laid by Singing Sandra and the rest of the United Sisters, and there would be a void in Kaiso House with her departure.

Calypsonian and former United Sisters member Marvah “Marvellous Marva” Joseph called for a monument to be put up by the Government to honour Des Vignes Millington. She sang Singing Sandra’s 1987 Sexy Employers (Die With my Dignity) and the United Sisters' Ambataila Woman.

Joseph said she met Singing Sandra in 1984 at the Mighty Sparrow’s Young Brigade tent, as well as the other United Sisters members Tigress (Joanne Rowley) and the late Beulah “Lady B” Bobb.

“We travelled all over the world on a donkey," she said, in reference to their hit soca song. "We lived in suitcases. A lot of people say they know Sandra. They know Sandra.

"You know who know Sandra? God know Sandra. Lady B know Sandra. Beulah Bobb deceased, Tigress – Joanne Rowley, Marvellous Marvah..we know Sandra because we been there.

“We live together, we sleep together, we eat together for years...

“Mr minister, I am asking you one favour: we have to have a monument for Sandra. Build a monument for Sandra,” she said, as the crowd vigorously applauded.

The farewell ended at 12.30 pm. Des Vignes Millington's funeral takes place on Thursday at Hirondelle Basketball Court, Morvant.


CATCHING UP: Veteran calypsonians Austin "Superblue" Lyons and Michael "Sugar Aloes" Osuna have a chat at the cultural tribute for the late Sandra "Singing Sandra" Des Vignes-Millington at Queen's Hall, St Ann's on Wednesday. - SUREASH CHOLAI

57

General Discussion / 100 Below Stores T&T.

« on: January 18, 2021, 05:55:42 PM »

100 Below Expands to T&T
T&T Guardian Reports.

100 Below is a new mega department chain in the Caribbean who’s mission statement is “Delivering great everyday customer value in our mega facilities by offering of an ever changing assortment of quality, fashionable, brand name and designer merchandise at prices generally $100 and below ”

Their decades of off-price experience, global sourcing and buying power paired with a flexible business model has provided distinct advantages for the chain. Strategically acquiring American Expos’s four locations in Trinidad, situated in The Centre of Excellence in Macoya, The Rig compound in Gulf View San Fernando, South Haven Shopping Center in Debe and Anand Low Price Compound in Fyzabad, 100 Below and its world-class logistics organization is committed to bringing unprecidented value, modern concepts and desired items to the local market.

During a brief interview, Operations Manager Leo Diaz stated “Our pledge is for our customers to shop comfortably in a safe, spacious, modern environment where they get quality world class products at prices that are beyond fair … The biggest bang for your buck “

Their doors will be opened to the public on Thursday 21st January 2021 from 10am. You can visit all 4 locations each with its own unique offering, seven days a week from 10am to 7pm.

58

Football / National Football League Thread

« on: January 17, 2021, 08:11:45 PM »

TTFA National Football League taking shape.
By Walter Alibey (T&T Guardian).

A group of selected persons with a mandate to put the National Football League initiative into operation is expected to be appointed soon.

The initiative could cost an estimated $10 million annually, with investments from to come from the FIFA Forward Project, the corporate sector, government and owners of the clubs, this according to a source close to the developments who spoke to Guardian Media Sports yesterday on the condition of anonymity.

The source said that for the League to be a success, there must be the involvement of television, via live matches or recorded packages that can reach a wide audience, or else it will not make to much sense.

Last week, the Minister of Sports and Community Development, Shamfa Cudjoe said that her government will await a proposal from the information coming out of the meetings before they can decide between whether or not to support the football league.

This latest development followed a stakeholders meeting on Friday that involved the T&T Pro League, the T&T Super League and the administrators of T&T football, the FIFA-appointed Normalisation Committee which met virtually to further discussions on the way forward for T&T football.

In December, the Robert Hadad, the chairman of the Normalisation Committee (NC) held meetings with the Pro League and Super League to map out a plan to move the sport forward.

The new group to be formed will be similar to the football commission that was formed to restructure T&T football back in 2018, on the advice of the sport's world governing body FIFA, UEFA and CONCACAF.

Like the commission, a marketing and human resource professional will be recruited, as well as an operations person to do fixtures etc, Guardian Media Sports understands.

Before the conclusion of the meeting, which comprised Pro League representatives Colin Wharfe of Club Sando, David John-Williams of W Connection and Brent Sancho, the acting Pro League chairman; while the Super League was led by its new president Clayton Morris and vice president Jameson Riques and Eddie Dean Club Sando, while the TTFA was represented by Dion LaFoucade, the TTFA Technical Director, Richard Piper, Ameil Mohammed and Hadad.

Guardian Media Sports was also reliably informed that while it was unanimously agreed for a new National League, there was no agreement whether or not it will be called the 'T-League' and what form the structure and intention of the League will be.

The source said: "I don't know if it would be a joint venture of the Pro League and Super League which will be extremely difficult, or if both the Pro League and the Super League will be run separately as Tier 1 and Tier 2, with a third league as Tier 3."

The source explained: "The discussions were framed around starting the tournament to be a supplier to the country's national teams, which is not what should happen. While national teams will benefit from the formation of these Leagues, they are all really run as a business. This is essentially what FIFA is looking for and to ultimatly have it aligned to the other big leagues around the world. Also, because FIFA has plans of running a FIFA Club World Cup in the near future. This could bring a team from every country into action."

59

Football / 2021 SSFL & Inter-Col Thread.

« on: January 09, 2021, 05:04:10 AM »

Football skills challenge to replace SSFL.
By Walter Alibey (T&T Guardian).

A football skills challenge is being proposed as an alternative for this year's Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) if the League is unable to be held due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic which continues to affect sports in Trinidad and Tobago.

The tournament was cancelled last year, among all other sports when the pandemic hit countries across the globe, but the former teacher and FIFA referee, who is also a contender for this year's SSFL Elections Merere Gonzales is putting forward a challenge with the skills of the game to suffice, should the ravaging effect of the coronavirus continues this year.

The skills of football include heading, dribbling the ball, shooting, passing, and trapping or collecting the ball, all of which will be on display for the students/players to show their skills in.

Gonzales told Guardian Media Sports on Friday that,"At this point in time, for almost 10 months now, in a season which was abandoned because of the COVID-19, players, the student-athletes, especially those who are knocking on the doors either for national selection, or scholarship or even those who may wish to go straight on and pursue a professional contract, there are a lot more obstacles and constraints now.

So I think what has to be done, despite the turmoil of the sport between the TTFA and the FIFA, that the SSFL has remained the shining light in the country, and in light of that, I think it is imperative and necessary that if there's any semblance of revamping, the SSFL needs to also be instrumental in doing that by providing the platform for the student-athletes. If things remain as they are, and the threat of life and limb continues to remain, I feel we can engage the student-athlete, even if it is a skill challenge competition."

Gonzales, who will be one of two candidates to challenge interim president Phillip Fraser for the top spot in the SSFL annual general meeting (AGM) in March, said interested persons will be updated on the virtual platform.

The challenge could first begin at the various zones and will progress afterwards, similar to what is done in the regular season.

He made it clear, this is providing that the SSFL, is unable to have the normal 11 versus 11 play, saying: "So at least the football fraternity and the football body, and in this case, the SSFL, will still be making a meaningful input to engage the students and athletes."

The former referee believes the COVID-19 situation has led to a build-up of anxieties which have also triggered fear and doubt and could lead to loss of interest.

60

Football / 2022 T&T Pro League Thread

« on: January 03, 2021, 01:02:47 PM »

Pro League wants partnership with corporate T&T.
By Walter Alibey (T&T Guardian).

Corporate T&T and the government will be called upon and lend a helping hand towards the development of football in Trinidad and Tobago with funding in 2021 and beyond.

Brent Sancho, Acting Chairman of the T&T Pro League said the time is now to jumpstart T&T football, which includes facilitating an avenue by which young footballers, officials, vendors and administrators, among other professionals, can earn a living, while all the country's national teams, from junior to senior levels, will be adequately supplied, he told Guardain Media Limited on Thursday.

The former national defender now turns sports administrator dismissed claims that corporate T&T and government have been reluctant to pump money into football because of the perceived 'bacchanal in the sport', saying there is bacchanal in sports all over the world, yet corporate citizens inject funds to support.

He said: "It is time for everyone to put the country first and out young people first and better yet out sportsmen and sportswomen. You always hear the phrase there is too much bacchanal in football but guess what everything has bacchanal. It's time for corporate T&T to get involved and start being the co-pilot in the new narrative."

The former Minister of Sports said: "This is not a time for government or corporate T&T to take a stand-off approach concerning funding sports to ensure our young sportsmen and women have a future in something they like outside of the traditional academic side of life. It is a time for all hands to be on deck as we figure out how we move the sport of football and other sports, forward. We have reached a defining moment for 2021."

Only last week global communications network Digicel signed a partnership deal with the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) to the tune of US$1.4 million, which is the equivalent of 200 million Jamaican dollars. Sancho, in an immediate response to this, said it is an indication that corporate T&T do not support sports the way corporate Jamaica does which is sad.

The T&T Pro League navigated a much-needed restructuring in 2019, before the passage of the COVID19 pandemic coupled with a feud between the T&T Football Association and the FIFA, sunk football to its lowest in many years.

Sancho believes the solution to the T&T Pro League will come from a change in the existing structure, where only club owners make up the panel of decision-makers at the Board level.

"Too many clubs are getting involved in the decision-making or administrative level, and you cannot blame them for wanting to do so because clubs in T&T put out a lot of money. Somehow, however, we need to create a system where there is some level of independence. For instance, as acting chairman of the League, I think the League needs an independent chairman urgently, because at this level we need the right people, with the right skill-sets and right abilities to take the sport to a position where it can be sustainable, as well as where it can be comparable with the international standard."

The Board of Directors of the T&T Pro League meets regularly, and it will meet again on Saturday to decide whether a change in the formats of the top flights T&T Pro League and Super League, to a more National League Structure, as recommended by the team of UEFA/FIFA and CONCACAF officials in 2019, should be signed-off on or not.