PEREZ: SELWYN Kenneth of 50 Abbe Poujade Street Carenage died on Friday 18th September 2015 at 1.43am at the age of 68. He was the Husband of Ann Perez. Father of Nikisha and Darion. Father In Law of Regina Perez and Alvin Lewis.

Grandfather of Shaquille, Antonio, Kareem, Nickomi, Nialah, Nickolai, Alexia and Darion Jr. Brother of Winston, Leon, Cynthia, John (Deceased) Reynold (Deceased) Harold (Deceased). Brother In law of Jean, Claire, Winston, George, Victor, Frank, Donna and Gail. Uncle of many.

Friend of many. Funeral Service for the late Selwyn Kenneth Perez will be held on Wednesday 23rd September at 2.00pm at Westend Pentecostal Church Corner of Constabulary and Francois Street Carenage and Thence to Carenage Cemetery.

​For enquiries, call C&B 625- 1170. To send condolences please visit www.clarkandbattoo. com

Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi has finally signed off on the United States extradition request for corruption accused former Fifa vice president Jack Warner. 

The announcement was made this morning as Warner reappeared in the Port-of-Spain Magistrate’s Court. 

While Al-Rawi’s decision went unchallenged by Warner’s lawyer, Fyard Hosein SC, he took issue with the fact that Al-Rawi missed the last Wednesday’s deadline for doing so. 

Although Hosein acknowledged that Al-Rawi had written to Chief Magistrate Marcia Ayers Caesar seeking an extension he noted that none had been approved. As a result Hosein claimed that his client was entitled to be automatically discharged. 

Lead counsel for the State James Lewis QC submitted that such a move would be strictly academic as Warner would be immediately reindicted. 

Lewis claimed that by signing the authority to proceed in the case the proceedings against Warner changed rendering the deadline null and void. He indicated that Warner should have applied for the discharge immediately upon the expiration of the deadline last week. 

In response, Hosein admitted that proceedings against his client could be reinstated if he is discharged but revealed that his client may require the discharge for future legal proceedings against the extradition.

Ayers Caesar was absent from the hearing which was chaired by Deputy Chief Magistrate Mark Wellington. Wellington adjourned the case to Friday when he will make his ruling.

“I am troubled by the difference if opinion between the parties on this point and I need time to consider all that is before me,” Wellington said.

This morning’s hearing is the first time since Al-Rawi fired six members of the State’s legal team in the case last Friday. In addition to Lewis, Senior Counsel Pamela Elder and attorney Brent Hallpike, the only two locals to be kept on the team, were present as was Central Authority head, Netram Kowlessar.

Reputed gang leader Rajaee Ali and 11 members of his family’s Carapo mosque accused of killing Senior Counsel Dana Seetahal reappeared in court this morning for the continuation of their case. 

During their brief hearing before Deputy Chief Magistrate Mark Wellington, attorney Criston J Williams informed the court that he required additional time to prepare an application for the recusal of Chief Magistrate Marcia Ayers-Caesar from the case. Wellington held for Ayers-Caesar, who is currently overseas. 

In a previous hearing of the case, Williams had claimed that the application was similar to another in relation to Ali’s separate charges for conspiring to murder radio announcer Kevaughn “Lurbz” Savory in December, last year. In that application which Williams claimed that Ayers-Caesar handling of the case may be tainted by the fact that she was being guarded by officers of the the Criminal Gang and Intelligence Unit (CGIU) who also charged Ali in Savory’s case. It was eventually granted by Ayers-Caesar. 

In making submissions today Williams explained that he had made a series of applications under the Freedom of Information Act for information required for the secondary application. 

“This usually takes a long time,” Williams said, as he asked proscecutor Tricia Hudlin-Cooper if the State was willing to release the names of the police officers from the unit who participated in the investigation into Seetahal’s murder.  

Hudlin-Cooper declined as she said the request will only be facilitated after the application is filed. 

The case was then adjourned to October 8. 

Seetahal was shot dead behind the wheel of her SUV after being ambushed by gunmen along Hamilton Holder Street, Woodbrook, on May 4. She was returning to her home at One Woodbrook Place after spending time at Ma Pau Casino, Ariapita Avenue. The group was eventually charged in June, this year. 

The accused:

Those charged with murdering Seetahal and with gang offences: 

1. Rajaee Ali, 29, of Rose Drive, Carapo;

2. Devaughn Cummings, 29, of Poui Lane, Malabar, Arima;

3. Ishmael Ali, 30, of Pinewood Drive, Carapo, Arima (brother of Rajaee Ali);

4. Ricardo Stewart, 30, of Rose Drive, Carapo, Arima;

5. Earl Richards, 48, of Waterhole, Cocorite;

6. Stephan Cummings, 33, of Rose Drive, Carapo;

7. Gareth Wiseman, 33, of Caledonia Road, Lange Park, Chaguanas;

8. Hamid Ali, 34, of Melodians Crescent, Malabar, Arima, (brother of Rajaee Ali);

9. Kevin Parkinson, 28, of Waterhole, Cocorite;

10. Leston Gonzales, 28, of Malabar, Arima;

11. Roget Boucher, 29, of Rose Drive, Carapo; 

Those charged with only gang offences:

1. Stacy Griffith, 29, of Malabar, Arima (wife of Rajaee Ali);

2. Deon Peters, 35, from Malabar and Carapo, Arima;

3. David Ector, 35, of Bon Air Gardens, Arouca.

BALROOP; Nandalal devotee of Sri Ganapati Sachchidanda Swamiji passed away on 20th September, 2015 surrounded by loved ones. He was the son of Mr. & Mrs. Rambharose Balroop (deceased) of Tamana. Husband of Savitri Helen. Father of Reahla and Rishi. Father-in-law of Ravita. Brother of seven.

​Son-in-law of Mr. & Mrs. Cecil Chune (deceased). Brother-in-law of 13. Uncle of many. Funeral at 9.30 a.m. on Wednesday 23rd September, 2015 at the house of mourning, 353 Zev Ben Eliaser Street, New Yalta, Diego Martin followed by a private interment. For enquiries, call C&B 625-1170 or visit clarkandbattoo.com

BAPTISTE JULIEN: Elvira formerly of Marac Village Moruga departed this life peacefully on Thursday 17th September, 2015 at the age of 87. She will be lovingly remembered as the Wife of: Evris Julien (Deceased) Daughter: The late Qjas & Hetti Baptiste Mother of: Daisy, Lee, Rawle Baptiste,& Glenwyn Baptiste.

Sister of: Tan, Norbert, Cecil, Etina (dec), Rebecca, Mena, Metrina, Ennis. The funeral service for the late Elvira Baptiste Julien will take place at 3:00 pm on Tuesday 22nd September, 2015 at Marac Baptist Church followed by interment at La Lune Public Cemetery.

​Enquires can be made at Belgroves Funeral Home & Crematorium at 223- 2178. To extend condolences to the family of Elvira Baptiste Julien please logon to www.belgroves.com

WHARTON, Winston Hugh aka Smokey. Son of the late Veronica Wharton. Father of Roxanne Sultar, Marlon Wharton, Malika Wharton, Anisha Joseph-Young and Rashad Joseph. Grandfather of 13. Brother of Cecil, Vernon, Felix, Jeffrey, Jasmine Wharton, Allison Ming, Lance Leonard and Algernon Wharton.

​Former Husband of Susan Wharton and Best friend of Annette Joseph and many others. Funeral Wednesday 23rd September, 2015 at 1:00 pm from Tranquility Methodist Church, Victoria Venue, Port of Spain thence to the Lapeyrouse Cemetery. To send condolences please visit www.clarkandbattoo.- com For enquiries; call C&B: 625- 1170

GEORGE; Jimmy Gerald of Ellerslie Park, St. Clair passed peacefully at his home on Sunday 20th September, 2015 at the age of 80. Husband of the late Zulaikha George. Father of Gina George-Phagoo. Father-In-Law of Daniel Phagoo. Brother of Tony George, Peter George and Marie Aboud.

Brother-In-Law of Mauna George, Antoinette George, Maurice Aboud, Farouk Emamali and Verona Woodhouse. Uncle of John, Michael and Edgar Aboud, Jasmin Sabga, Anthony, Terry, Lincoln and Sharon George, Lisa and Suzette Aboud, Peter George Jr., Natalie Sabga, Karen and Jackie Aboud and Leslie Chamely.

​Funeral at 10.00 a.m. on Wednesday 23rd September, 2015 at Church of The Assumption, Maraval, followed by a private interment. In lieu of flowers a collection will be taken up for Vitas House. For enquiries, call C&B 625-1170 or visit clarkandbattoo.com

PEREZ, Selwyn Kenneth of 50 Abbe Poujade Street Carenage died on Friday 18th September 2015 at 1.43am at the age of 68 . He was the Husband of Ann Perez. Father of Nikisha and Darion. Father In Law of Regina Perez and Alvin Lewis .

Grandfather of Shaquille, Antonio, Kareem, Nickomi, Nialah, Nickolai, Alexia and Darion Jr. Brother of Winston, Leon, Cynthia, John (Deceased) Reynold (Deceased) Harold (Deceased). Brother In law of Jean, Claire, Winston, George, Victor, Frank, Donna and Gail. Uncle of many.

Friend of many. Funeral Service for the late Selwyn Kenneth Perez will be held on Wednesday 23rd September at 2.00pm at Westend Pentecostal Church Corner of Constabulary and Francois Street Carenage and Thence to Carenage Cemetery.

​For enquiries, call C&B 625-1170. To send condolences please visit www.clarkandbattoo.com

LAYDOO, RUPERT Stanislaus passed away peacefully at the age of 85 on Friday 18th September 2015 in Whitney Point, New York, USA. Son of Samnarace and Savitri Laydoo (both Dec.). Husband of Esther. Former husband of Lynette Da Silva. Father of Richard, Petar, Jerome and Anne Marie Laydoo.

Fatherin- law of Elizabeth and Jodie. Grandfather of Larissa (& Clark) Boylan (USA), Jillian Laydoo, Janine (& Delano) Ribeiro, Katrina, Zoe and Gabriella Laydoo. Greatgrandfather of Isabella Ribeiro, Norah and Chloe Boylan (USA). Step-father of Suzanne (& Robert) Burns, Deborah (& Derek) Lauer and Kevin (& Sarah) Phillips (USA).

​Step-grandfather of Bobbi, Jennifer and Katie Burns (USA). Cousin of Indra (& Govind - Dec.) Sukhu (UK), Shelley (& Martin) Persaud (Canada), Kay (& Wilfred) Holder, Mohini (& Roy) Rinc (US), Dev, Shoba and Lochanie. Former teacher at Presentation College, San Fernando. Funeral mass takes place at 11.00am on Wednesday 23rd September, 2015 at St. Patrick's RC Church, Whitney Point, NY, USA

ORTIZ: Keith Our dearest Keith Ortiz departed this life on Wednesday 16th September 2015 (former director of RBC Royal Bank). Son of Felix and Myra Ortiz (both deceased). Devoted husband of Angela Ortiz (nee De Montbrun). Beloved father of Rene, Carolyn, Stephen, Lisa, Andrew, Joel and Brendan.

Father in-law of Marisa, Claudia, Loc, Alicia and Karl Nassief. Loving grandfather of Alexandra, Giovanni, Shane, Natalia, Ethan, Tristan, Maya, Christian, Daniel & Preston. Caring brother of Vera Perreira and Monica Ruck. Brother in law of Trevor (deceased) and Luis.

Loving uncle to many nieces and nephews and cousin to many in particular the Paty Family. Funeral service for the late Keith Ortiz takes place at 10:30am on Wednesday 23rd September, 2015 at St. Finbar's R.C. Church, Morne Coco Road, Diego Martin. Interment at Lapeyrouse Cemetery.

Keith will be fondly and lovingly remembered. He was an inspiration and a great mentor to his friends and everyone he encountered. May he rest peacefully in the loving arms of the Lord. A special collection will be taken up for Vitas House Hospice.

​For enquiries, please contact R. M. de Souza Memorial Chapel Limited, 223-2007/637- 2009.

SOOKHAI: Meena (fondly know as Doodol/ Granny) of 50 Saddle Road San Juan died on 19/09/2015 Wife of the late Sankar Sookhai. Daughter of the late Mano Dass and Poptie Maragine. Sister of Monica Gill and the late Enid Dass and Balo Dass. Sister in law of Iris Dass.

Mother of Indra Ali, Vishnu Sookhai (Chotie), Rajnauth Sookhai, Kassie Sookhai and Deo Sookhai. Mother in law of Indra Sookhai, Marilyn Sookhai, Thersa Sookhai, the late Geeta Ramdass and Therene Paris. Grand mother of; Julie, Maurice, Elissa (Molly), Vishal, Seesha, Seema, Reah, Ravi, Anillia, Anesh, (Brandon), Leeanna and Avinash.

​Grandmother in Law of Pandora Khan-Sookhai, Ravi Doodnath and Bishwani Sookhai. Great Grandmother of 7. Funeral of the late Meena Sookhai (fondly known as Doodol/ Granny) will be held on Wednesday 23rd September 2015 at 9;00am from the house of mourning, 50 Saddle Road San Juan and thence to the Caroni River where the body will be cremated according to hindu rites for 22/09/2015

The killing of three men last night have brought the murder toll to 319.

Police said one of the victims, Sean "Drugs" Joseph, was liming near his Mon Repos, Morvant home around 9 pm when a gunman approached him and shot him before running off. 

Police said Joseph, a known drug offender, was killed because of his life of crime. He was described as a "community leader" Police could not give a definitive age for Joseph, only that he was in his 40's. 

Earlier, Kadeem Blake, 28, a construction worker of Paradise Heights, Morvant was at the Unipet gas station along the Eastern Main Road, opposite Fernandes compound, Laventille when he was shot dead. 

Morvant police said they received a call around 7.30 pm that gunshots were heard near the gas station and found Blake's body in front his Nissan B-15 car. No motive has been given for the shooting.

In a separate incident, a 23-year-old man, who police said was a witness in a recent murder and received threats to his life, was shot dead at Valencia. 

At about 12.10 am Terrence Mendoza, of Pineapple Drive New City, Valencia, was waiting along Alexander Street in the vicinity of JC's Minimart when he was approached by a man in dark clothing and carrying a fire arm.

The man approached Mendoza, fired several shots at him and then made his escape. 

The police was informed of loud explosions by residents and they found the deceased lying on the roadway with gunshot wounds on his head and about his body. 

He was taken to the Sangre Grande District Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds at about 1.50 am.

Mendoza informed his father that he receiving death threats. 

Details to follow. 

Stay tuned to T&T Guardian for more info. 

Former West Indies Youth World Cup captain and T&T senior cricketer Zaheer Ali believes that in order for the decline in West Indies cricket to be halted, the board cannot just change leadership alone but also engage in an analysis coupled with intelligent and critical thinking in order to ascertain the factors that have and continues to contribute to the decline.

“It is easy to select a “person” to lead the West Indies Cricket team perhaps even the last born child in the Caribbean could fulfil that task. 

“The issue and the question that should be answered is whether the person chosen possesses the necessary attributes and qualifies to be a consistent member of the team in order to command the respect of his fellow cricketers, the people of the Caribbean and most importantly, whether he has the capacity and ability to consistently lead the team to success.

“We must appreciate as a cricketing fraternity that a team that is not scoring four hundred (400) runs consistently in an innings of a Test match or not being able to get twenty (20) wickets in a timely manner consistently, would most times be on the side of defeat and this may have little or nothing to do with captaincy apart from winning an important toss which comes down to faith.

“It is therefore important for us to recognise that there must be holistic decision making in order to be effective in addressing the challenges and not just make decisions to demonstrate that you have responded to the decline in West Indies cricket by changing the leadership for example.”

Ali, who is actively involved in national youth and community development through the Zaheer Ali Foundation admits that at regional and national levels there is a need to invest in the bank of quality and competent leaders and it is imperative that we adopt measures that will seek to achieve this objective but more importantly, to pave the way for succession planning. 

“We must make certain that our leadership capacity is sufficiently developed to meet our future demands.” Ali, who is pursuing his Legal Education Certificate (L.E.C.) at Hugh Wooding, went on to highlight that the West Indies captains are not adopting a student approach and hence the lack of apparent knowledge and competence in managing cricketing issues both on and off the field. “They must be able to read the game in order to respond effectively to the particular situation. We have not being seeing this and hence the results. I advise that the management should revisit their strategies as the present approach is not reflecting a clear vision coupled with a process that would be fair and just to both the outgoing and the incoming captain.”

Tobago-born trio Shontelle Yearwood, Asia Joseph and Kerdisha Sutherland all attached to the University of T&T have been named in a 12-member T&T women’s senior volleyball team due to depart tomorrow to contest NORCECA Continental Championship Olympic Qualifiers in Michoacan, Mexico from Sunday to October 3.

The team which will be led by newly appointed captain Renele Forde also included three other newcomers in Hannah Floyd, Rejanne Wallace and Shernice De Four.

The regulars in the team and who a lot will rely on are captain Forde, who makes her return after a lengthy injury layoff, overseas-based quartet Sinead Jack (Russia), Channon Thompson (Turkey), Darlene Ramdin (Hungary) and former captain and ace spiker Krystle Esdelle.

The trio of Jack, Thompson and Ramdin will link up with the team in Mexico, while Esdelle who last played in Romania has been in training with the team for some time at home having declined an overseas deal this season. 

Among the notable absentees are former captain Kelly-Anne Billingy, Courtnee-Mae Clifford, and Jalicia Ross-Kydd, all of whom have taken a break from the sport.

At the eight-team event, T&T which placed sixth last time out after losing to Mexico in the fifth placed playoff, will compete in Pool B with the host, Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic, who are the two-time reigning silver medal winners and 2009 champion.

Seven-time champions USA (1981, 1983, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2011, 2013) head Pool A which also features Costa Rica, Cuba and Canada.

Team USA has won five of the last seven editions and reached the podium in 21 of the 23 editions since the tournament began in 1969. 

The local women’s team which will be coached by former two-time Cuban Olympic women’s volleyball winning gold medal player Idalmis Gato is due to depart tomorrow and held another training session at the Jean Pierre Complex, Mucurapo, on Monday.

However, prior to the training session, T&T Volleyball president, Daymian Stewart and captain Forde paid a courtesy call on the Ministry of Sports, Permanent Secretary Gillian Mac Intyre to finalise the release of funds to assist the team in getting to the tournament.

Speaking, following the meeting at Ministry of Sports Office, Abercromby Street, Port-of-Spain, Stewart said he was very hopeful that the Ministry now under the leadership of Minister Darryl Smith would come through for the women as well as the men’s team, both reigning Caribbean champions, after capturing the titles on home soil last year.

 Stewart said, “We at the T&TVF managed to raise $180,000, but we still require a further $400,000 to cover the travel expenses of both teams.

“The T&TVF planned for these events in the new financial year starting October 1, but the Continental body (NORCECA) confirmed that the women’s event would take place from September 25-October 3 while the men run from October 3-11.

“This tournament which is the first step in Olympic qualifying fell in a very rough period as T&T is now coming off general elections and some transformation is taking place and one would expect some pressures.”

Despite the challenges financially, the long serving volleyball official said he remained confident that the team can represent T&T and the Caribbean creditably.

“It’s a very tough tournament where all the top teams in NORCECA and the winner of this event is expected to be a major contender for the gold medal at next year’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

“But for us, we are going through somewhat of a transition phase with a few new players coming into the team and our level will be measured against Mexico and Costa Rica, who are closer to us in the world rankings.

With regards to the new players, Stewart noted that it will be very critical in their development.

This will be T&T’s fifth appearance at the Continental Championship since making its debut in 2005 at home with an eighth placed finish. This was followed by a sixth place showing in 2007 (Mexico), eight in Puerto Rico (2009) and seventh of nine teams, its best outing two years in Caguas, Puerto Rico after outplaying Costa Rica, 26-24, 25-21, 25-12.

It will be the third international outing of the year for T&T senior women’s team as they also topped their Second Round Norceca FIVB Women’s World Championship Qualifiers at St Augustine in May and will resume their quest for a spot in Italy next year.

More Info

T&T women’s team: Krystle Esdelle, Channon Thompson, Sinead Jack, Darlene Ramdin, Renele Forde (captain), Hannah Floyd, Shontelle Yearwood, Asia Joseph, Kerdisha Sutherland, Afeisha Olton, Rejeanne Wallace, Shernice De Four.

Technical staff: Idalmis Gato (coach), Francisco Cruz (assistant coach/technical director)

Group A:

n September 27: Costa Rica vs USA, 1 pm;  Cuba vs Canada, 5 pm

n September 28: Cuba vs Costa Rica, 2 pm; USA vs Canada, 6 pm,

n September 29: Canada vs Costa Rica, 2 pm; USA vs Cuba, 6 pm

Group B:

n September 27:  Dom Republic vs Puerto Rico, 3 pm; Mexico vs T&T, 8 pm

n September 28: T&T vs Dom Republic, 4 pm; Mexico vs Puerto Rico, 8 pm

n September 29: Puerto Rico vs T&T,  pm; Mexico vs Dom Republic, 8 pm

Quarterfinals:

n September 30: 2nd B vs 3rd A, 6 pm; 2nd A vs 3rd B, 8 pm

October 1:

n Classification fifth to eighth, 2 pm & 4 pm

n Semifinals first to fourth, 6 pm & 8 pm

October 2:

n Seventh spot playoff, 2pm

Fifth spot playoff. 4pm

Third, 6pm 

Final, 8pm

The 2015 NGC CNG Trinidad Derby which will be run off tomorrow at Santa Rosa Park in Arima is sure to attract turfites and the casual fan from throughout T&T and possibly Jamaica and Barbados, who both field representatives.

There is also the Derek Cozier Memorial Classic which is open to West Indian bred three-year-olds over a distance of 1,200 metres. 

It was somewhat surprising to see this race scheduled for the same day as the Derby but it reflects the recognition by race organisers and connections of quality three year olds that their charges did not have the stamina for the big race itself. 

It was also an opportunity for some of these animals since the Derby does remove some would-be contenders from the fray. 

The line up for the Derek Cozier 

Memorial is as follows:

Princess Britney N Samaroo 51.5; Faith R Ali 54.5; Hail The Chief K Khelawan 54.5; Turn Me Loose N Abrego 57; Eatmydust S Rodrigo 54.5; Mikeisback R Walcott 54.5; Swept Away W Galviz 54.5; Beterlatethannever E Trujillo 54.5; US Marshall J Boodramsing 57; Blue Oracle P Badrie 57; Delightful R Angnoo 51.5; Serengeti B Boodramsing 51.5.

This is a very competitive and open race with the stand out horses being Swept Away and Blue Oracle. There is a lot of early speed (Hail the Chief, Turn Me Loose, Delightful, Serengeti) which could set it up for stalkers (Beterlatethennever, Faith or Mikeisback). 

It should be a fascinating race that is decided in the final 100 metres as there are really only a couple that can be ruled out with confidence (Princess Britney and Eatmydust).

The NGC Diamond Stakes will be run over 1350 metres for the Imported and West Indian bred three year old and over horses. 

The field comprises:

Holy Man P Badrie 55; Nominee D Khelawan 55; Coroneo E Trujillo 51; Control Unit W Galviz 51; Princess Popstar B Boodramsing 47; Bigman In Town N Abrego 57; Thisonesforron S Ellis 57.

Predictably, the Diamond Stakes is not competitive. Turfites will have the pleasure of seeing the best horses in the country race but there is a chasm between Bigman in Town and the others, with the possible exception of Princess Popstar. This filly has rebounded to her best form in her comeback races and is still improving. It will be very interesting to see if she can take the fight to Bigman in Town who seemed almost vulnerable, two starts back, when narrowly getting the better of Transpire.

The field for the NGC CNG Trinidad Derby to be run over 2000 metres for the West Indian bred three year olds is as follows:

War Maker N Abrego 57; Criminal Intent K Khelawan 57; Kronus S Ellis 57; Cloud Nine S Muir 54; Royal Pioneer L Ramos 57; Risky Trial R Ali 57; Legal Adviser W Galviz 57; Star Sapphire O Walker 54; Charismatic Groom E Trujillo 57; Man To Come N Samaroo 57; Bergeron Boy P Barie 57; Morning Calm N Mohammed 57; Poetic Licence R Walcott 54.

This is probably the most open Derby since Free Passage won three or four years ago. There is no colt or filly in the race for which an overwhelming argument can be made. 

The horse with the best profile is Bergeron Boy since he did have a valid excuse when his saddle slipped in the Breeders Classic. His negative would be his breeding (son of Settle Up) but he has outperformed that so far. 

The openness of the race does engender the intrigue and most connections will go to Arima tomorrow believing that their horse has some sort of chance. 

The race could come down to riding tactics and that may explain why some connections have gone for overseas based riders. 

Poetic License and Star Sapphire are likely to want to be close to the early lead and that could compromise Bergeron Boy who has a distinct preference for the lead. 

Criminal Intent would have preferred a slow early pace so that if the decision is to remain close to the lead, he may use up too much of his suspect stamina. 

Man to Come has good tactical speed and could benefit from a cutthroat battle at the front end and he has displayed a nice turn of foot that could see him outspeed the likes of War Maker and Cloud Nine in the closing stages. Legal Adviser, Charismatic Groom and Risky Trial have to improve on what they have shown so far but not by very much to be competitive. 

Morning Calm and Royal Pioneer will undoubtedly be ridden to pick up any pieces at the end. 

Kronus is unknown but has not looked special in Jamaica. All in all, a fascinating race is in prospect.

Attorney Keith Beckles, director of studies at K Beckles & Associates, addressed new students at his school’s orientation session on September 12, a release said. 

In his address, he spoke about the school’s rich heritage and the work being done by the school’s past students, who he said are making a positive contribution in the development of T&T.

He boasted about the contribution being made by the students within the Magistracy, the office of the DPP, the office of the AG, the UWI and protective services and as legal advisors and corporate secretary in the various conglomerates.

Beckles urged the incoming students to abandon mediocrity, free themselves from the “shackles of laziness and to be in pursuit of excellence at all times.” He said law was a noble profession and they must approach the study of law with the necessary sacrifice, be principled, be focused, and display a sense of integrity.

Also speaking at the orientation was the director of Academic Affairs Dr Janet Stanley-Marcano, guidance officer Ann Maria Alleyne and organisational and development consultant Anthony Watkins.

At the session, it was also revealed that K Beckles & Associates is the only institution in the Caribbean that has been granted permission by the University of London to conduct the Diploma in Law (higher certificate in Common Law), the LLB degree and the LLM degree.

“I just wish everyone around me can experience this joy that I have,” the words of a veteran calypsonian of 30 years known for her big hits like Woman is Boss and Nah Leaving, a former chronic smoker, drinker, gambler and limer. 

Denyse Plummer has left the life she once led and has made a decision to serve God with her singing. Her new songs are now praise and worship in gospelypso and soca rhythms.

Also crossing the calypso monarch stage into the Gospel arena are names such as Chris “Tambu” Herbert, Delamo (Franz Lambkin) and Luta (Morel Peters). Following his encounter with Christ, Tambu who won Road March King titles in 1988, 1989 and 1990 says he is sold out to the Lord and is singing for Him only. Former 1994 calypso monarch title holders Delamo and Luta have both been heavily involved in singing anointed calypsoes. 

They may not be on the calypso monarch stage again, but Denyse Plummer, Luta, Tambu and Delamo will all take to the stage of Faith Centre Ministries as Monarchs Sing to the King, a celebration of T&T in a cultural fusion of song, dance and music. 

A release from the organisers said Monarchs Sing to the King 2015 is a signature event to celebrate God that will incorporate T&T's indigenous sounds—calypso, tassa, chutney.

Monarchs Sing to the King takes place tomorrow, Republic Day at Faith Centre, corner Keate and Prince of Wales Street, San Fernando.

Tickets for the event are $100 for two people, and they can be purchased by calling 657-0649.

For the years of exploring mental health and mental illness as global phenomenon, I’ve learned a great part of the problem with governments’ inaction is politicians’ personal prejudice and overarching ignorance, which they bring to the job and the issue.

In countries where there are members of government with the requisite information and the necessary compassion or where the politician or his/her family is affected and lobby is loud, action is higher.

I was having a discussion on Sunday with two young men who were both expressing frustration about the fact that the church does not understand and is not seeking to have better knowledge about mental health/illness.

One spoke of a member who had left the congregation and how having met her after felt so hurt when she told him her reasons for leaving. 

She indicated that she lives with depression and got tired of Christians instructing her to be happy; quoting scriptures about selflessness and joyfulness when she was in crisis and crying, and disciplining her telling her to “snap out of it,” he said disapprovingly.

He said she told about becoming frustrated with people’s lack of care. I deduced that most of it came from ignorance which perpetuates insensitivity where the main message should be love and compassion, but where people are biasedly focused on sin and repentance.

I mention this because they were listening about my challenges living with mental disorders for most of my adult life. And in response to their concerns about the lack of care and understanding in T&T and the church, I heard myself say, “The church like the State draws its leaders from the same gene pool of ignorance. So that, if as a country we are backward in our understanding and information then all our responses to mental illness would be backward.”

My heart sank at the heaviness of my statement which caused me to reflect on who in this current group of politicians is sufficiently informed and up to trending global issues of social and economic development as it pertains to health, specifically mental health, to embrace this issue.

To date, all governments here have ignored mental health/illness. Each continue to perpetuate “negative cultural attitudes towards mental illness” by their silence and inaction while emphasising the “creation or retention of wealth” over the promotion of societal wellbeing. Budgets have persistently ignored mental illness and mental health and that is the main indicator of how little concerned we remain.

Meanwhile, the health and human rights of those living with mental health issues remain inappropriately protected. The fact that we cannot access service or interventions in our health “care” “system” is a shame while billions are squandered and embezzled.

We understand that many people the world over would be happier if the community of people living with mental and psychosocial illnesses of varying order all remained silent; if it were possible to just give everyone a shot in the arm and “quiet” them down or, in fact, find some kind of isolation for “those people” and their issues. But mental illness is so pervasive that every one of us will soon encounter an experience that demands our attention. It is becoming more predominant in every country, every city, town, village, household, and in everyone’s life, every day.

And, “for each year of inaction and underinvestment, the health, social and economic burden will continue to rise. Doing nothing is therefore not a viable option. Mental health (should) be considered a focus of renewed investment not just in terms of human development and dignity but also in terms of social and economic development” (http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/).

The World Health Organisation’s Investing in Mental Health report says, “There are sound arguments that support greater attention to and investment in mental health, including the protection of human rights, improved health and well-being, reduced social inequalities, and enhanced economic productivity and efficiency.” 

It posits that, “As the ultimate guardians of population health, governments—in partnership with other key stakeholders—have a lead role to play in the enactment of national mental health action plans, including: the provision of better information, awareness, and education about mental health and illness; (and) improved services.

“Governments have a lead role to play in reshaping the debate about mental health, addressing current barriers and shortcomings, and responding to the escalating burden of mental disorders.” 

Key actions that would mark a commitment to promote, protect, and restore mental health in T&T include government’s establishment of some sort of appropriate and embracing national inquiry into the mental health/illness/wellness of this country. Actions must include the reversal of the financial prejudice imposed on our community which requires better social services and enhanced legal, social, human rights, and financial protection.

Three more murders have been recorded overnight around the country, including one in Tobago

One murder was in Caroni, one in South Trinidad, and the body of one woman was found on the beach in Point Fortin. However, it is yet to be classified as a homicide.

Police from the Central Division are investigating the murder of a man who was found stuffed inside the trunk of a car in Caroni.

The body of Quacy Young, 23, of Robert Street, Woodbrook, was found in the trunk of a silver Axio Corolla around10.20 pm last night.

Cpl Manbode and PC Dharoo were doing a routine patrol in the Caroni police district. When they were in the vicinity of the La Paille Gardens, they saw a car parked just off the west-bound lane of the Southern Main Road in Caroni.

The officers saw a man standing at the back of the car making strange movements with his right leg. They found Richard White, of East Dry River with his hands were bound behind his back with a tie strap. He had gunshot wounds to his neck and face.

Police found Young’s body in the trunk. He was shot several times.

White was taken to the Eric Williams Sciences Complex, Mt Hope, where he underwent emergency surgery and was listed as being in stable condition. 

Four spent shells were recovered at the scene and the car was taken to the Chaguanas Police station. 

A post mortem is carded to take place today at the Forensic Science Centre, St James.

In a separate incident, Police in Tobago, were called in to investigate the shooting death of a teenager last night at Mt St George. The victim was identified as 17-year-old Shanice Roberts, a former student of Pentecostal Light and Life High School.

Police in the Southern Division are investigating a murder in La Romaine.

Last night at about 11 pm, officers responded to an altercation that occurred on the Southern Main Road in front of the Top Games Members Club where man chopped another man to death.

The body of Simon Duntin, 51, of Peter’s Road, La Romaine was found at the scene. 

The chopping took place of a number of witnesses. From the description of the assailant, the police believe the killer may be the same man who chopped to death an unidentified man who was stealing avocados on September 11, in La Romaine.

In a separate incident in Point Fortin, the unidentified body of a woman of African decent washed up on a beach at the end of Chin Kit Street. The woman was clad in blue underwear, and was in an advanced state of decomposition. 

Police officers believe that she may have been in the water for approximately three days. 

Another woman has been reported as missing in the country. Cristal Maria TyWang, 34, from Westmoorings has been missing from her home since Sunday last. 

TyWang was last seen leaving her Westmoorings home around 7 am. 

She is described as a mixed caucasian woman, with blonde hair, five feet, five inches in height, slender built and brown eyes. 

The Mode Alive Trading Co, owned by Gary Aboud, is offering a $10,000 cash reward for anyone who has information leading to the recovery of TyWang. 

Any reliable information or leads an call Corporal Campbell at the Four Roads Police Station at 637-3860.

The Anti Kidnapping Unit are investigating. 

San Fernando businesswoman Carolyn Katwaroo, who went missing on September 11 is still missing.

As well, Costaat lecturer Glenda Charles-Harris, who disappeared on July 27, is still missing.