The development of the agro-based sector constitutes an integral part of the mandate of the Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (Cariri) which is to enhance industrial capability and competitiveness, both locally and regionally, by providing a range of technical and technology based support services to the manufacturing and services sector.

As part of its ongoing efforts to build capacity in the food and beverage sector, the institute is undertaking to develop local capability through a series of workshops targeted to small food processors, housewives and even budding food entrepreneurs, a release said.

By keeping abreast of global food trends, Cariri is in a position to generate novel ideas that are incorporated into the workshops it offers to address the needs of the local consumer. Citizens can benefit greatly from cooking their own meals through supporting local farmers, saving money by preparing your own dishes, choosing healthier meal options for their family and most importantly stimulating creativity in the kitchen.

From a nationwide perspective as market share increases for food and beverage items and there is a reduction of imported items due to the scarcity of US currency, it is expected that Trinidadians will have to be more resourceful in the use of local produce. There can be tremendous potential for the use of these techniques in their Christmas preparations. Cariri believes this workshop aligns with the current local economic situation as well as the institute’s vision of being innovative in the food sector.

The Food Processing at Christmas workshop focuses on capturing flavors of a classic Christmas experience. People of all skill sets are invited to come and learn techniques that can translate from a scrumptious home meal to a commercial business.

The workshop takes place on November 10 at Cariri’s Centre for Enterprise Development, Innovation Avenue, Freeport and is intended to assist local processors as well as the general public in using information conveyed regarding the production of hams, sauces and beverages in their local Christmas preparations.

The workshop will demonstrate scientific principles in the production of the following items:

• Lamb curing

• Sorrel sauce

• Ponch a crème (eggless) with Chai flavor

One key factor of the workshop is the versatility of the techniques being demonstrated. The science that will be taught in the workshops can be applied to several different meal options. For example the brining/curing principle being demonstrated on a leg of lamb can easily be translated to other meats such as chicken, duck, pork and other meat hams.

The Sorrel Sauce is in keeping with our local tradition of sorrel and is an excellent substitute for cranberry sauce which accompanies our Christmas meats. The production principles that we intend to demonstrate can hold true to other sauces that require pasteurisation such as pepper sauce and even green seasoning.

For the ponch de crème we decided to mix it up with a fun spin by using a Chai flavor and also doing an eggless version which is highly requested. The technique demonstrated can be used on different flavors such as chocolate, coffee, coconut etc.

SME’s and members of the public can capitalise on the knowledge and preparation techniques in their thrust towards synchronising with the national efforts of #eatlocal #supportlocal.

Additionally, as part of continuing efforts to build awareness and educate the food and beverage industry on food safety there will be a discussion of proper food handling practices. Cariri welcomes everyone along the food production chain; from producer to consumer to attend as we all have a role to play in ensuring food security.

INFO

For more information or to register for our Christmas Workshop kindly contact: Jessica Ramoutar at 299-0210 ext. 5687 or jramoutar@Cariri.com

1 How many years have you been in business?

Over forty years ago, my career started at a tender age as the Company’s office boy. Whilst the exact date is a faint memory and although it may sound cliché, that was the first day of the rest of my life. The passion and drive in me since then still burns within. It dates back to the fond and rather exhaustive memories of using a pick axe to break stone to create aggregate long before the acquisition of rock-breaking equipment. No task was too big or too small for me to undertake and over the decades I worked tirelessly to achieve my current portfolio.

2 What has been your biggest success?

As a young and aspiring businessman, I succeeded to the Coosal’s business in 1991 and was appointed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Coosal’s Construction Company Limited. Along with an esteemed management team, we proudly developed the business into a Group of vertically integrated companies that are engaged in quarrying, manufacturing of concrete blocks and ready-mixed concrete, asphaltic concrete, general civil engineering contracting and more recently design-build projects to name a few. Despite the many peaks and troughs in business and more primarily the construction industry, it has been my greatest joy and ultimate success to be able to, over the years, provide employment to thousands of persons who have been with and who currently provide their service to the Group. I strongly believe when you provide employment to one person you provide a better way of living for up to four to five persons in the household as in some instances the employee is the sole breadwinner within a family. The most valuable asset of any business is its human capital. I hold steadfast to the reputation achieved over the decades to build upon the brand name “Coosal’s” and I am humbled to be able to expand the Group as the recent installation of our South Operations was realised. The commitment to excellence, integrity and transparency has always underpinned the Coosal’s brand.

3 Have you ever failed at any endeavour?

In most instances it is not very often you can achieve great success without failure at some point or another. But in times of despair, cohesion is critical to be able to weather the storms. Sometimes we need to accept there is a possibility that despite all your efforts, you may fail. The key is to never let failure be the requiem and choose to ignore the social stigma failure typically carries. It is half the battle when you come to the realisation you need to make mistakes for you to put things into perspective and finally reap the rewards. As Albert Einstein said “A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.”

4 What makes you decide whether you want to enter a new venture?

When you enter into a new venture there are so many uncertainties, but if you dwell on the associated risks, none will give birth to new accomplishments. My first point of reference when I decide to undertake a new venture is to determine if it will complement the Coosal’s Group of Companies by vertical integration. Our supply chain management is primarily within the Group which allows for minimal risks for delays as it is considered to some extent a one-stop shop. Our operations must be fluid, transition seamlessly with a stable flow of inputs as well as the ability to use mainly locally available raw materials in the production of the finished product as this is more efficient. Also, the acknowledgement as technology changes on a daily basis, there is an obvious need to embrace transformation to maintain the competitive edge and, in that regard all reasonable efforts are made to ensure we remain current.

5 Best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

I had the honour to be under the tutelage of a well-respected senior who saw the potential in me to be successful in business and channelled my appetite to succeed. He encouraged me with some salient words of advice: “Do not bite more than you can chew and more particularly, chew what you can swallow.” Being passionate about undertakings can easily transcend to being over-zealous in the ability to achieve with the existing resources, which without proper foresight can be limited. It requires a certain level of maturity to identify when you have reached that threshold.

6 Have you ever felt like you could lose it all?

I have felt like I could lose it all and did. Although I have tenacity coursing through my veins and I never give up—the most disturbing part of my life was during the 80s. It was very unfortunate. Our company had substantial sums of monies owed to us which were certified, yet we were not paid. At the time, a small percentage of amounts due to us on the Princess Margaret Highway project—now renamed the Uriah Butler Highway was sufficient to settle all our secured creditors, trade creditors and employees. Our company was put into receivership, as our Bankers at the time along with the receiver felt more comfortable to pursue the former rather than assist in the recovery of the legitimate claims to our company. If that was not painful enough, I had double measure with the loss of my eldest brother, Ajodha Persad Coosal during the process of the receivership. Ajodha was not only a brother to me but also my father figure as I lost my father when I was 18 months old. That life-experience along with the realisation, all our employees—who we considered part of the Coosal family—will now be on the breadline and how do we break the news to them was by far the deepest trough I ever had to endure. At that juncture, with the enormity of the existing situation we were faced with and despite valiant efforts by Management and a myriad of sacrifices both on a personal level as well as professional to keep the Company from going under, it was sadly inevitable. We knew you either get to the stage in life where you are one step away from desperation or know to yourself a conscientious commitment was required to rise above the ashes. Thankfully, I chose the latter

7 What drives you?

One simple word: “Passion!” There is no prodigious achievement by an individual or individuals where the impetus is not passion. I believe that is the stimulus for any remarkable success. I also believe strongly that although you may be successful with an initial undertaking, it is equally important in your decision-making processes to ensure diversity is factored in for the continuance of any business and is of paramount importance for a business to thrive, as diversity energizes development, improves corporate performance, and allows inclusion. While there may be limitation at times, determination is critical.

8 When did you recognise that you’d “made it”?

I can never say that I “made it.” My life experiences thus far is a hodge-podge of mixed emotions inclusive of a surreal sense of accomplishments that in life although you may fall, which I have and I dare say—sometimes truly hard—you will and can conquer adversity. Despite the circumstances you are presented with on a daily basis, it is imperative to cogitate and simply digest the sense of fulfillment and/or emotional turmoil as you are faced with different scenarios on a daily basis. I treasure the dawn of every morning and each day as you rise, it is and of itself a major accomplishment. The pure euphoria of commissioning any and every new project brings an overwhelming sense of joy of the knowledge that my efforts and sacrifices were not in vain and each successful venture propels me to the next new and challenging one

9 What do most people think about you that may or may not be true?

I am an impassioned person by nature with perseverance and tenacity—particularly enthusiastic about my business. This can sometimes be viewed as highly competitive but I can say without a doubt, the main person or character I am in competition with is myself. Every day l endeavour to be better than the last, but it can oftentimes be viewed by some as a negative attribute i.e, self-opinionated, over-confident, arrogant—to name a few, but I prefer to use the gentler description of being self-confident. I always strive to outperform myself as I have a personal standard that I am proud of and will continue to hold steadfast to. Each individual must have and must protect their identity.

10 What do you believe are the key factors to succeed in business?

Passion, labour, execution, strategic planning, support networks, integrity, (no long-term success is gained without honesty—a solid foundation of integrity, sound reputation and glowing character, as these qualities must be the axis to all decisions. As the saying goes, “Let your conscience be your guide.)” Joy, corporate social responsibility, (Real success is never the size of your bank account. It’s the number of people in whose lives you are able to affect positively. This is the measure of success we need to apply while we are on our journey to success) I categorise my life in four key areas: 1—spirituality, 2—family, 3— business, 4—social life/networking. Striking a balance: as it is often said, “all work and no play is never healthy.”

“If you come across some limes...make lime juice.”

This was how co-owner of Sweet Nothings Edible Arrangements Ltd, Marklan Moseley jokingly summed up his and his wife’s accidental foray into business and the strategies they have had to employ over the last eight years to ensure its continued success.

Moseley’s wife, Melissa, revealed how they ended up creating T&T’s first-ever edible arrangements gifting store.

The Arima native said, “It really started with a friend of mine who is diabetic and we wanted to get her a gift that was not too personal but also healthy at the same time.”

“I was looking online and saw these edible arrangements and decided to try one for myself, so I did and she loved it.”

The powerhouse couple, both aged 37—operate by the mantra “adapt or die.”

Speaking from their head office at the corner of Cyrus Trace and the Churchill Roosevelt Highway, the parents of a five-year-old girl said they began operating out of their kitchen in 2009.

Melissa, who was then employed with a major insurance company at the time said, “When my brother-in-law had his first child, we did a couple for their christening and everybody loved it.”

Glancing over at her husband seated next to her as she recalled the moment, Melissa added, “It was actually at that christening, that somebody asked how much does it cost?”

“And we felt like you know, it’s a potential business idea which we stumbled upon and we decided to go for it.”

Diving in head first, Melissa said they had to learn everything from the ground up.

She laughed as she recalled designing her own flyers and brochures and handing them out to friends, family and colleagues.

One major order from a company for a Christmas dinner signaled the need for them to set up their first retail location in Tacarigua.

Melissa said they later relocated to Trincity Mall and soon opened a second branch on Ariapita Avenue, Woodbrook.

However, the Avenue location didn’t work as well as imagined and they shuttered the branch.

Hardly discouraged, the couple decided on the move to El Socorro due to its proximity to Port-of-Spain as well as easy access to the Central and Southern districts.

Marklan said, “For us, it’s basically managing costs.”

“We are always trying to ensure we stay relevant and we stay current and feature items that customers can actually afford.”

Featuring fruit bouquets, candy bouquets and chocolate dipped fruits , Sweet Nothings Edible Arrangements pride themselves on providing unique gift items for customers.

Melissa said, “Everyday is somebody’s birthday or an anniversary, or someone just wants to say thank you, I’m thinking about you, I love you, don’t worry or send condolences.”

“We try to make sure we have something that will suit every possible occasion. It may not necessarily be a peak where you get hundreds of customers at a time, but there is something happening everyday of the week.”

She said they had also introduced the create your own gift Basket concept which carried the slogan, “Your Budget, Your Basket, You Build It,” as they sought to cater for any and all.

“If you have a budget of $100 or even $75, depending on what you can afford, we can help you to choose items based on what you think the recipient would like,” she said.

Holding a Bachelor’s in Computer Science and Post-Graduate Diploma in Strategic Business IT, she admitted their background had nothing to do with food, catering or food preparation.

Having resigned as Head of Operations, at a major telecommunications company in July, Marklan decided to join his wife full-time in the business to embark on the next stage of their expansion, which will be marked by the opening of a third branch at the C3 Mall, San Fernando, later this month.

Armed with Diplomas in Telecommunications and Electrical Engineering as well as an MBA, Marklan said their objective within the next five years was to be known across the Caribbean.

Offering a range of teas, chocolates, organic and gluten-free items, Melissa said, “We try to stick to the unique so we won’t give you run-of-the-mill items you would find in the grocery.

Focusing on how they could also help grow the local market, Melissa said, “We have a very big push now to support local and quite a lot of our items now in the store are from local suppliers.”

She explained, “We realise that Trinidadians in general are not familiar with the high quality that we produce locally, so we’re trying to educate our customers and alert the population to the many awesome and locally-produced items that are amazing.”

Melissa explained that they have had to be dynamic and innovative when it comes to working with what’s available in terms of fruits.

She said, “We have found that local fruits when they are in season get ripe too fast and are a little bit difficult to work with.”

As a result, they often work with pineapples, watermelons and lettuce, all sourced from local farmers.

The two admit it was a challenge to balance work and home, highlighting their commitment to do as much as they could with their daughter.

They also credited their extended support system for always being there.

“We also have a good support system as the grandparents on both sides are our number one supporters.

While there are several peak periods including Christmas and Valentine’s, Melissa said other occasions where orders tend to pick up include Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Administrative Professionals Week,wedding season, and even funerals.

Stating that, “Everything was a learning process as this was not a typical business, and we had no pattern to follow,” Melissa said the challenges consisted of learning where to source fruits and raw materials, how to put arrangements together, and market the correctly.

With no immediate plans to expand in Tobago, Marklan said while the unreliability of the sea-bridge was a deterrent, it would not prevent them from delivering to the sister isle once it was feasible.

Despite all the challenges involved in running a company, the couple encouraged anyone thinking about becoming an entrepreneur to, “Just start.”

Melissa said, “A lot of people think about it and think about it, and end up over-thinking and they get a lot of doubts as to whether it would work.”

“A number of things might end up popping into their head, so I would say just dive in and you will eventually find your way whether it’s to figure out that’s not going to work or to figure out ‘yes, it is something that will definitely work’ and you can develop it, build on it and keep it going.”

Marklan added, “The only way to know if it will work is to start.”

Asked how they continue to manage during these trying economic times, Marklan said they have chosen to maintain their pricing structure.

They admitted they have been absorbing rising costs, but sustaining their clientèle is their key focus.

Pleasantly surprised to learn they had been nominated by a customer for the T&T Chamber of Industry and Commerce 2017 edition of Champions of Business, Melissa and Marklan said it was never about winning accolades.

“We realize people are noticing us, but for the business community to acknowledge us on that level, it’s an honour.” Melissa said.

Looking ahead, Marklan said, “We want to be the equivalent of Edible Arrangements in the US and Canada. We want to be the equivalent of them in the Caribbean.”

Paying special gratitude to his father Stephen Moseley and brother Marsena Moseley, who have been with them since day one, the Moseley’s said they could not have gotten this far without the help of their respective parents and extended relative who continue to give a hand when it is needed.

In every country in the world, there are transactions that occur in the formal economy, and those that occur in the underground or “black” economy.

In a technical sense, many transactions that people take for granted make up part of the underground economy.

The underground economy therefore, can be defined in two ways: it can refer to outright illegal economic activity, or activity that falls outside of the tax loop of a country.

For example, if you pay your cleaner or builder in cash, or for some reason neglect to tell the tax authority that you were paid for a service rendered, you participate in the underground economy.

Similarly, activities that are banned by law such as drugs, prostitution and human trafficking also fall into the underground economy.

As such, members of the underground economy are typically a diverse bunch.

Because of its very nature, the underground economy is extremely difficult to measure - it is not subject to government oversight and does not generate tax returns or show up in official statistics.

That said, discrepancies in these statistics can indicate the approximate size of underground economies.

For example, a country’s income and its expenditure would in theory be identical, if every transaction were fully visible to the people compiling the data.

In practice, though, expenditures exceed income, because income from an illegal transaction will not appear in the data, but that money will show up in expenditures when it is used in a legal transaction.

The underground economy can be benign or harmful, depending on the perspective and economic context.

In developing countries, the share of the underground economy is relatively large compared to the developed economies.

This tends to be bad for the government of developing countries since they can often ill afford to forgo tax revenue on a large share of transactions.

That in turn is bad for citizens, including participants in the underground economy, which do not enjoy quality government services.

On the other hand, keeping income that might otherwise be taxed can benefit participants in the underground economy and boost economic activity overall through added demand.

That is especially true if tax revenues would just be siphoned off by corrupt officials rather than funding the government – another aspect of the underground economy.

In T&T, estimates vary about the size of the underground economy.

According to academic studies, the size of the hidden economy rose from a low of about 14 per cent of measured GDP in the early 1970s to a high of 36 per cent in 1980’s
It has been speculated that the size ranges between $15 billion and $60 billion today.

The National Secondary School Entrepreneurship Competition (NSSEC) is a collaborative effort proudly sponsored by Shell Trinidad, First Citizens and the Massy Foundation. The official education partner for NSSEC is the UWI–Lok Jack GSB, with official advisor PwC. Stone Brothers Limited is the partnering company for the creation and execution of the first simulation based entrepreneurial competition in Trinidad and Tobago.

Thus far, the students have completed 4 of the 6 decision-making periods. Student engagement has been fantastic along with very encouraging feedback from both the participating students and teachers.

Comprising of 8 different groups with 8 teams (5 students each), students have been operating their own business through the use of a business simulation software.

In the Shell Dolphin Group, Blue Marlin Technology (Scarborough Sec) is the current leader while BlueSquared tech (Arima North) tops the Shell Hibiscus Group. Just one point separates the top 2 of the Shell Poinsettia Group with Surge Tech (Arima Central) fending off Mercury Computers Ltd (QRC).

Future Technologies (Corpus Christi College) and St Stephens (WYN Technologies) currently top the First Citizens and Massy Foundation Groups respectively.

TechSavvy Incorporated (Waterloo), Tritech Inc (Trimont college) and PC Tech (Presentation College Chaguanas) currently hold the lead of the final three groups comprising of UWIALJ, Stone Brothers and PwC.

Prizes will be awarded to all group winners. The overall winner (5 students) will receive full scholarships to the Arthur Lok Jack School of Business who will be launching an undergraduate programme in 2018, along with partial scholarships to second and third place teams.

The last 2 quarters can bring many shifts in the leaderboard. The closing ceremony will be hosted at the Central bank Auditorium on November 7th at 9.30 am.

Five hundred and twenty-five thousand, six hundred minutes. That’s the measurement for a year of life. For Peggy Mitchell, one year meant being diagnosed with stage two breast cancer, having surgery to remove cancerous cells and being successfully treated for the disease.Mitchell, who turned 64 last week, is a retired laboratory technician who used to work at the Ministry of Health. For over ten years she has done yearly mammograms and health profiles to monitor her body.

“I started doing mammograms in my 50s because I kept hearing of a lot of people getting cancer. People I knew or who my friends and family knew,” Mitchell said in an interview with the Guardian on Sunday.

In January 2016, the time Mitchell usually did her routine tests, she decided that in addition to the mammogram, she would do a tumour marker, which is a diagnostic test for cancer.

The figures on the tumour marker was a little more elevated than it should have been so doctors advised her to do an ultrasound.

In March, after returning home from the United States, Mitchell, whose husband had done research and found Pink Hibiscus Breast Health Specialists, made an appointment to do an ultrasound.

“The initial test looked okay but they did another test and felt something on the side and advised that I do a biopsy. Even then, it didn’t seem like something to worry about, everything looked normal except for a slight change.”

When Mitchell did the biopsy, she was told there were malignant cancer cells in the tissue of her breast.

“I got the diagnosis and because of my relationship with the Lord, I didn’t take it hard. I always wondered how I would feel with that diagnosis but I was neutral and I said: ‘Lord, there is purpose in this thing, just show me. Help me to go through it.’ “

Her sense of calm on hearing the news, helped Mitchell to make some difficult decisions very quickly.

She asked her doctor for her options for treatment and was told she would need to do a lumpectomy to remove the tissue from her breast.

“I asked how quickly I could do it.”

Within two weeks, Mitchell was on an operating table.

“I remember we had a family vacation in May and I kept thinking I have to do this surgery so I would be able to go on the vacation.

“I asked the doctor to organise it as soon as possible. I did my pre-ops, CT Scans, MRIs and blood tests and went to WestShore and the surgery was done on March 15. I knew the Lord would help me, He gave me peace with it so the journey was not rough.”

Mitchell said her family was a praying and god-fearing one and credits her family’s support and God for making a big difference with the experience.

“God gave me peace, grace, and favour as He worked out every detail beautifully.”

After surgery, Mitchell went to the US to do radiation therapy at Stony Brook University Hospital where her sister worked.

“My sister was a source of comfort to me; she is a nurse in the patient’s advocacy department and every day as I went for radiation I would pass in her office to chat and after treatment sometimes we would go in the huge cafeteria for lunch.”

After six weeks of radiation, having already been told she would not have to do chemotherapy, Mitchell went on vacation with her family.

“My husband had to come back to Trinidad to work while I was doing the radiation. I never felt I was sick. Everything went well. While I was doing it we would go driving on weekend, I walked across the Brooklyn bridge. Because I didn’t have to do the chemo, the experience wasn’t bad for me.”

Mitchell said she was now an advocate for women getting tested early.

“I remember battling with fear to find out but I knew it was better I found out early. When you wait too long and get stage three or four it is so terrible. I knew that sometimes a mammogram wasn’t enough. If I hadn’t done the cancer marker I don’t know if I would be in the same situation.

“I would recommend that every woman gets tested because early detection is what saves your life. It doesn’t have to be a death sentence if you get it early. I know it isn’t a nice thing to deal with, people younger than me as well...”

One year later, tests show no evidence of disease in Mitchell’s body.

“I checked at Pink Hibiscus and they did an ultrasound and I believe I’m healed. Thank God. I claim my healing every day.

“I now live a life of thankfulness and gratitude to God, my family and friends. I am also more aware of taking care of my body...eating wholesome food, walking and keeping all my follow-up appointments.”

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The month is used as an annual international health campaign to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure. The campaign also offers information and support to those affected by breast cancer.

T&T is generally described as blessed due to our location on the southern fringe of the hurricane belt. Nonetheless, this year in particular, we have had cause to be alarmed by the intensity and frequency of tropical storms developing into hurricanes capable of completely destroying entire islands.

Our recent brush with Brett and widespread flooding last week due to persistent rainfall was an eye-opener to the fact that we are underprepared and our infrastructure sorely inadequate to cope with a natural disaster. Even 30 minutes of heavy rain these days results in major parts of the country coming to a complete standstill as trees blow down, landslips block roadways, roads turn into rivers, traffic builds up, electrical power gets cut, and we all end up literally spinning top in mud.

June 1 to November 30 is traditionally the period known as the hurricane season. This is the time for you to be extra vigilant about safety for your family, including your pets. In addition to preparing yourself in case of disaster, you need to plan ahead for your pets to keep them out of danger.

Familiarise yourself with any type of disaster than can affect the area in which you live. Are you on the plains where you will likely suffer from floods; is your house perched on the side of a hill prone to landslips; are you on the coast where storm surge is a possibility? Be prepared for the disruption of essential services such as electricity, telephones, fresh water supplies and local food sources for extended periods of time. Prepare a disaster plan with your veterinarian, which includes identifying your animals, assembling an animal evacuation kit and developing an evacuation plan for all of your animals.

Identification can be in the form of a collar tag, a microchip or a waterproof pouch attached to your pet’s neck collar. Reptiles can be marked with a permanent felt-tip marker and birds should have leg bands.

Identification should provide your name, home address, telephone number and your veterinarian’s name, location and telephone number.

An animal evacuation kid should include the following:

• Two-week supply of food (dry and canned)

• Two-week supply of water in plastic gallon jugs with secure lids

• Batteries (flashlight, radio)

• Cage/carrier (one for each animal, labelled with your contact information)

• Can opener (manual)

• Copies of veterinary records and proof of ownership

• Emergency contact list

• Familiar items to make pets feel comfortable (favourite toys, treats, blankets)

• First aid kit

• Flashlight

• Instructions for feeding: record the diet for each individual animal, including what not to feed in case of allergies.

• Medications: list each animal separately, including dose and frequency for each medication.

• Leash and collar or harness (for each animal)

• Litter, litter pan, litter scoop for cats

• Muzzles (dog or cat)

• Newspaper (bedding, litter)

• No-spill food and water dishes, dishwashing liquid and sanitiser

• Paper towels

• Radio (battery operated)

• Spoon (for canned food)

• Trash bags

It is important to familiarise your animals with evacuation procedures beforehand. An evacuation plan may take the following format:

• Evacuate your family, including your animals, as early as possible if necessary. By leaving early, you will decrease the chance of becoming victims of the disaster.

• Locate and prearrange an evacuation site for your family and animals outside your immediate area. Ideally, this will be a friend/relative that is willing to let your family and animals stay in the event of a disaster.

Other possible animal housing options include veterinary hospitals, boarding kennels, and animal shelters.

• Make sure all animals have some form of identification securely fastened to them or their cage.

• Place all small pets, including cats and small dogs, inside individual transportable carriers. When stressed, animals that normally get along may become aggressive towards each other.

• Secure leashes on all large dogs.

• Load your larger animal cages/carriers into your vehicle. These will serve as temporary housing for your animals if needed.

• Load the animal evacuation kit and supplies into your vehicle.

• Call your prearranged animal evacuation site to confirm availability of space.

In case you are not at home

• Pre-place stickers on front and back house doors to notify neighbours, fire fighters, police and other rescue personnel that there are animals are on your property and where to find your evacuation supplies.

• Provide a list near your evacuation supplies of the number, type and location of your animals, noting favourite hiding spots, in order to save precious rescue time.

• Designate a willing neighbour to tend to your animals in the event that a disaster occurs when you are not at home. This person should have a key to your home, be familiar with your animals, know your evacuation procedures and know where your evacuation supplies are kept

• You should also have a pre-signed veterinary medical treatment authorisation in your evacuation kit—this will aid your veterinarian if your animal must be treated during your absence.

Copyright © Kristel-Marie Ramnath 2017

• LOOK OUT FOR THE COACHING COLUMN NEXT WEEK

SEENATH, STANLEY of 189 Pepper Village, Fyzabad depart-ed this life on 26th October,2017. Husband of Sharda and Father of Amanda. He was the son of Joyce Seenath and the late Ramnarine Seenath. Brother of Winston, Hamlyn, Clydeand Shereene. Brother-in-law of Alison, Patrick, Eastlyn, Indra,Beta, Alicia, Pt. Khemraj, Pt.Ram, Rohini and many others.Uncle of Candice, Alex, Arianne, Alyssa, Kieran and many others. Nephew of Rampersad Gopeesingh, Errol Gopeesingh,Dr. Tim Gopeesingh, Yolande Maharaj and the late Meena Maharaj. Son-in-law of the late Mr. And Mrs. Hargobin Persad (Pt. Dos).

The funeral of the late Stanley Seenath will take place on Monday 30th October, 2017 at 10:00 am from the house of mourning and thence to the Mosquito Creek for cremation according to Hindu Rites.

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Oct 28, Half-centuries from left-handers Jonathan Carter and Anthony Alleyne helped Barbados Pride claim a narrow first innings lead, but purposeful bowling gave Trinidad & Tobago Red Force a chance for a second straight victory over them in the Regional 4-Day Championship on Saturday here.

Carter hit the top score of 85 and opener Alleyne made 84, as the Pride declared on 310 for nine – for a first innings lead of 10 – about 35 minutes before the scheduled close on the third day of their first-round match at Kensington Oval.

Veteran leg-spinner Imran Khan led the bowling effort to keep Red Force in the game, taking 3-68 from 33 overs, Daniel St. Clair grabbed 2-51 from 17 overs and leg-spinner Bryan Charles 2-63 from 23 overs.

Naturally, Red Force erased the deficit before the close, reaching 31 without loss in their second innings – for a lead of 21 when stumps were drawn – with Amir Jangoo not out on 19 and Jeremy Solozano not out on 10, setting up an intriguing final day on Sunday.

Earlier, Carter hit 11 fours and one six from 180 balls in close to four hours at the crease and Alleyne collected 14 fours fours and one six from 128 balls in just over 2 ? hours.

After the interval, Red Force met resistance from Carter in combination with Stoute before he was caught behind off St. Clair for 21 and then Williams, as the Pride reached 236 for five.

In the final period, the Red Force bowling tightened up with the lights in full effect, scoring became more difficult for the Pride batsman, and Williams cracked under the pressure when he was lbw playing back to Khan before Carter was run out looking for a needless second run.

Scores

T&T RED FORCE 300 (Denesh Ramdin 101, Ewart Nicholson 74, Jeremy Solozano 54, Amir Jangoo 26; Jomel Warrican 4-67, Justin Greaves 4-67, Kevin Stoute 2-27) and 31 without loss

BARBADOS PRIDE 310 for nine declared (Jonathan Carter 85, Anthony Alleyne 84, Kenroy Williams 27, Mario Rampersaud 24, Kevin Stoute 21, Ashley Nurse 20; Imran Khan 3-68, Daniel St. Clair 2-51, Bryan Charles 2-63)

Position: Red Force lead by 21 with all second innings wickets standing
Umpires: L Reifer Jr, J Williams (Jamaica)
Match referee: S Proverbs
Reserve umpire: K Sisnett

Jaguars beat Scorpions by 263 runs
GEORGETOWN, Guyana – Guyana Jaguars defeated Jamaica Scorpions by 263 runs on the final day of the opening round of the Regional four-day championship at the Guyana National Stadium, yesterday.
Scores

GUYANA JAGUARS 266 (Anthony Bramble 62, Chanderpaul Hemraj 60, Sherfane Rutherford 45, Rajendra Chandrika 25, Leon Johnson 20; Damani Sewell 3-69, Dennis Bulli 2-45, Derval Green 2-60) and 315 for eight declared (Keemo Paul 107, Rajindra Chandrika 35, Tagenarine Chanderpaul 33, Anthony Bramble 26; Dennis Bulli 5-104)

JAMAICA SCORPIONS 99 (Assad Fudadin 39, Paul Palmer 31; Veerasammy Permaul 6-29, Keemo Paul 2-20) and 219 (Romaine Morrison 68, Assad Fudadin 40, Brandon King 35, Dennis Bulli 32; Veerasammy Permaul 4-55, Keemo Paul 2-25)

Volcanoes, Hurricanes share points

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada Windward Islands Volcanoes drew with Leeward Islands Hurricanes on the final day of their first-round match in the Regional 4-Day Championship, yesterday at the National Cricket Stadium. (CMC)

Scores

WINDWARD ISLANDS VOLCANES 232 (Roland Cato 90, Kavem Hodge 41, Kirk Edwards 35, Tyrone Theophile 23; Jeremiah Louis 4-35, Mervyn Matthew 3-20) and 331 for three declared (Devon Smith 185 not out, Kirk Edwards 64, Kavem Hodge 56 not out).

LEEWARD ISLANDS HURRICANES 338 (Chesney Hughes 89, Keacy Carty 72, Nkrumah Bonner 69, Terrence Warde 28, Jacques Taylor 25; Sherman Lewis 3-50, Audy Alexander 3-67, Shane Shillingford 2-90) and 112 for six (Keacy Carty 48, Akeem Saunders 20; Liam Sebastien 2-12, Audy Alexander 2-39, Shane Shillingford 2-41)

Opener Hamilton Masakadza struck his fifth Test hundred and second against West Indies to rescue Zimbabwe, but rain curtailed a see-sawed opening day of the second Test at Queens Sports Club yesterday.

The 34-year-old was unbeaten on 101 when the forecast bad weather arrived half-hour after tea with the hosts on 169 for four, after winning the toss and opting to bat first.

Peter Moor, in for his first match of the series, supported with 52 but he fell just before the rain swept across the venue.

No other Zimbabwe batsman made it into double figures as surprisingly, West Indies seamers took prominence as they ruthlessly disposed of the top order inside the first hour of play.

Seamer Kemar Roach finished with two for 24 while new-ball partner Shannon Gabriel grabbed the other wicket in a productive first session as Zimbabwe reached lunch at 56 for three.

Hoping for a better outing following two disappointing displays with the bat in last week’s first Test, Zimbabwe enjoyed no such luxury, quickly finding themselves three wickets down inside the first hour.

Roach struck first in the day’s fourth over with four runs on the board, luring Solomon Mire (4) into a tentative prod at an away-swinger, with wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich taking the edge low down to his right.

Three overs later, Gabriel snapped Craig Ervine’s middle stump with one angled in to send the experienced right-hander on his way without scoring, with seven runs added to the total.

And the innings was in further turmoil when Brendan Taylor played on to Roach for one nearing the hour, leaving Zimbabwe tottering on 14 for three.

However, Masakadza combined with Moor to rescue the innings in a productive 142-run stand for the fourth wicket, to see Zimbabwe safely to lunch and keep West Indies wicket-less in the second session.

All told, the right-handed Masakadza struck nine fours and two sixes in a 171-ball knock while Moor, also a right-hander, faced 155 deliveries and counted three fours.

Masakadza gained a reprieve on 15 when he seemed to edge a mis-timed pull at a short one from Gabriel onto his body and into the hands of gully. He was given not out but when West Indies resorted to DRS, replays showed the bowler had over-stepped.

Along with Moor, he then navigated the last hour before lunch but not without alarm as twice edges fell just short of Dowrich as he lived a charmed life.

Unbeaten on 35 at the interval with Moor on 15, the pair put on 91 in the session without being separated, as the West Indies attack toiled in vain.

Masakadza reached his half-century with a pull for four off captain and seamer Jason Holder and celebrated in the following over by depositing leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo over the ropes at mid-wicket.

He strolled into the 60s by whipping Bishoo to the mid-on boundary, drove Gabriel to the straight boundary to move into the 70s before belting part-time off-spinner Roston Chase over mid-wicket for his second six, to edge towards the 90s.

Given out on 86 caught at short leg off Chase before having the decision overturned via DRS, Masakadza inched nervously to tea on 93, and raised three figures in the seventh over after the break with a single to long-on off Chase.

His previous century against West Indies came in 2001 in Harare in his debut Test.

Moor, unbeaten on 47 at tea with Zimbabwe on 147 for three, completed his third Test half-century in the third over following the resumption when he punched a Chase full toss to the cover boundary.

Zimbabwe were strengthening their position when Moor misjudged one from Chase two overs later and was bowled.

Rain ended play shortly afterwards leaving an early start on Monday’s second day with 98 overs scheduled.

SCOREBOARD

Zimbabwe vs WI – 1st day, 2nd Test
ZIMBABWE 1st innings
H Masakadza not out 101
S Mire c wkp Dowrich b Roach 4
C Ervine b Gabriel 0
B Taylor b Roach 1
P Moor b Chase 52
Sikandar Raza not out 9
Extras (nb2) 2
TOTAL (4 wkts, 61 overs) 169
To bat: M Waller, +R Chakabva, A Cremer, C Mpofu, T Chisoro.
Fall of wickets: 1-4, 2-11,
3-14, 4-156.
Bowling: Gabriel 13-3-37-1,
Roach 10-4-24-2,
Blackwood 4-1-8-0,
Holder 11-1-28-0,
Bishoo 14-2-46-0,
Chase 9-1-26-1.
WINDIES – J Holder, K Brathwaite, K Powell, K Hope, S Hope, R Chase, J Blackwood, +S Dowrich, K Roach, D Bishoo, S Gabriel.

A half-century from captain Shamarh Brooks failed to spark a batting revival for West Indies “A” and Sri Lanka “A” crushed their hopes of a series-clinching victory with a commanding, 10-wicket win in the decisive third and final “Test” on Saturday. Brooks, whose previous scores in the series were 19, 11, 7 and 4, saved his best for last, gathering a resolute 52, but the West Indies selection panel’s search for a few good, consistent batsmen ended in flames, as the Caribbean’s best second-tier players were bowled out for 118 in their second innings on the third day at Sabina Park.

No other Windies “A” batsman reached 20, as spin, the eternal blight, returned to haunt them, leaving them to wonder about where it all went wrong.

Off-spinner Shehan Jayasuriya bagged 6-60 from 17 overs to earn the Player-of-the-Match award and left-arm tweaker Malinda Pushpakumara took a miserly 4-19 from 11.3 overs, finishing the series with 27 wickets, the most of any bowler on the two sides.

A match and a series that promised so much for West Indies “A” was then brought to an anti-climatic conclusion, when the Sri Lankans, needing 27 for victory, reached their target in 5.5 overs with Nipun Karunanayake not out on 17 and Ron Chandraguptha not out on three.

The result meant that Sri Lanka “A” won the three-match series 2-1, after Windies “A” clobbered them by an innings and 13 runs inside three days in the opening “Test” three Saturdays ago at the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Complex, where they rebounded in the second “Test” to secure a resounding 280-run win inside the distance on the following Saturday.

The home team were looking to turnaround their fortunes in this “Test” in a bid to claim a home series victory and put to bed the bad memories of a similar result last year on Sri Lankan soil.

Following a day lost to rain and the feeble batting of West Indies “A” after they chose to bat, Sri Lanka “A” earned a hard-fought first innings lead of 92 on the back of half-centuries from their captain Dhanajaya De Silva and Roshen Silva.

This left Windies “A” with more than a day to erase the deficit and set a target, but their batsmen again failed to knuckle down and neutralize the Sri Lankans’ spin threat – and another ignominious batting collapse resulted.

The two teams will now play a three-match One-day series, starting on Wednesday under the lights again at this venue. (CMC)

SCOREBOARD

3rd day, 3rd “Test”
West Indies “A” vs Sri Lanka “A”
WEST INDIES “A” 1st Innings 181
SRI LANKA “A” 1st Innings
(overnight 132 for three)
R Chandraguptha
c Ambris b Joseph 16
N Karunanayake
c wkpr Hamilton b Joseph 26
D De Silva lbw b Thomas 64
C Asalanka c Hodge b Jacobs 4
R Silva retired hurt 52
S Weerakkody lbw b Cornwall 21
S Jayasuriya
c Cornwall b Thomas 36
W Hasaranga
c Singh b Leveridge 17
M Pushpakumara b Jacobs 5
K Rajitha b Leveridge 1
L Kumara not out 2
Extras (b10, lb7, w1, nb11) 29
TOTAL (all out, 76.2 overs) 273

Fall of wickets: 1-32, 2-80, 3-108, 4-157, 5-181, 6-234, 7-262, 8-270, 9-273.
NB: Silva retired hurt at 6-253.

Bowling: Joseph 12-2-43-2 (nb7, w1);
Thomas 16-1-54-2 (nb4);
Leveridge 13.2-2-25-2;
Cornwall 21-6-70-1;
Jacobs 14-1-58-2

WEST INDIES “A” 2nd Innings
J Campbell b Jayasuriya 13
M Hodge lbw b Jayasuriya 0
S Brooks b Jayasuriya 52
V Singh st Weerakkody
b Jayasuriya 32
S Ambris lbw b Jayasuriya 1
J Hamilton b Jayasuriya
R Cornwall c Hasaranga b Pushpakumara 15
D Jacobs lbw b Pushpakumara 5
K Joseph lbw b Pushpakumara 1
O Thomas not out 7
R Leveridge b Pushpakumara 0
Extras (b1, lb5, nb3) 9
TOTAL (all out, 37.3 overs) 118

Fall of wickets: 1-10, 2-22, 3-63, 4-67, 5-67, 6-90, 7-102, 8-110, 9-118

Bowling: Rajitha 4-0-17-0;
Kumara 5-0-16-0 (nb2);
Jayasuriya 17-0-60-6 (nb1);
Pushpakumara 11.3-3-19-4

SRI LANKA 2nd Innings (target: 27)
R Chandraguptha not out 3
N Karunanayake not out 17
Extras (b4, lb1, w1, nb1) 7
TOTAL (without loss, 5.5 overs) 27

Bowling: Leveridge 3-1-5-0;
Thomas 2.5-0-17-0 (nb1)

Result: Sri Lanka “A” won by 10 wickets
Series: Sri Lanka “A” win three-match series 2-1
Player-of-the-Match: S Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka “A”)
Umpires: P Gustard, V Smith
Match referee: M Ragoonath
Reserve umpire: R Samuels

Any attempt to address ‘youth at risk’ through ‘sport for development’ will require continuous analysis of the nature of social deviance and the effective monitoring and evaluation of any programme through the collection of robust and reliable data.

The ‘Development of Sport’ focuses on talent identification and the provision of resources- funding, training facilities, scholarship etc. - to athletes. Winning medals and establishing world records are the ultimate returns on such investments. The objectives, targets and outcomes of the ‘Development of Sport’ are clearly stated with measurable metrics.

‘Sport for Development’ accent sport as a means of building the social life of society especially as it relates to health, community integration and addressing social issues facing ‘youth at risk’ such as juvenile delinquency, gang activities and a general breakdown in the social fabric of the society. Although the objectives are clear, measuring the targets and outcomes of ‘Sport for Development’ is problematic.

Therefore, a number of questions have to be answered. Why is youth sport been identified as possessing the potential answer to the variety of social issues facing young people today? Is sport the best means to teach life skills? Is sport the focus? Are there other existing programmes which could be combined to provide greater opportunity to the participants? Is the technical expertise of psychologists, social workers etc. to be utilised along with sporting personalities? How are the programme outcomes to be measured? Is the implementation approach top-down or collaborative where participants are part of the decision making process? How is the data to be collected? How is the data to be used in the re-evaluation of the programme? Is it assumed that athletes, former and present sport are automatically effective coaches or mentors when dealing with ‘youth at risk’?

Furthermore, if the problems facing ‘youth at risk’ are related to structured economic decline and inequalities in the communities identified, to what extent will organised youth sport be effective? If at the end of the day the youth has to return to social and economic conditions that do not allow her/him to use their newly acquired skills, how will they view the programme? Additionally, the state involvement does not guarantee the continuity of any programme when there is a change of government.

As much as the intention may be good, those who want to use sport as a means of quieting social deviance, have to note that sport is only a tool in the development process and as such must not be expected to produce miracles on its own.

Maybride is dropped in grade by trainer Richard Fahey for division two of a ten-runner Fillies’ Novice Median Auction Stakes over six furlongs of ‘good to soft’ Leicester today, and so is her main time-handicap rival, Your Choice!

We’ve napped the latter three times, once at ‘Glorious Goodwood’ where she was unlucky to encounter Godophin-owned debut winner, Threading, a resounding six lengths winner; that sensational form was confirmed three weeks later when Mark Johnston’s charge landed the group two ‘Lowther’ at York!

Unfortunately Your Choice was somewhat lethargic and indeed disappointing in a fillies’ maiden on Kempton polytrack recently, continuing the moderate form of Laura Mongan’s yard, whereas Maybride achieved a ‘career-best’ last month when fifth in the prestigious Redcar 2-y-o Trophy dash at Redcar, beaten only three lengths by Darkanna, trained by Fahey!

Back in June at Royal Ascot this consistent, hitherto luckless Mayson filly contested the group two ‘Queen Mary’ and finished only five lengths down to Heartache.

Sentiment plays no part in racing, I’ll ‘suffer’ if Your Choice prevails but Maybride is marginally better, progressing, and hails from an in-form yard which is raging as Richard attempts to beat 235 winners, his previous best!

Fahey and Paul Hanagan also team up with Clubbable in division two, will this ever win?

Clubbable has been unlucky at least twice, seven furlongs might have been the reason in her last two races but the Malton-based ‘winning machine’ seems to be pressing the panic button, dropping her back in trip.

Realistically, apart from obvious danger, Not After Midnight, there isn’t another and so, each-way, Clubbable must be backed.

Nicola Currie is fabulous value for her 7lbs apprentice claim which Mark Usher utilises with Rainbow Jazz in a seventeen-runner Nursery Handicap over seven furlongs.

Significantly, when partnered by Nicola for the first time fifteen days ago Rainbow Jazz achieved a ‘career-best’ and is ‘thrown-in!’

Selections

Leicester, 9.45 Rainbow Jazz (e.w)
12.05 Clubbable (e.w)
12.40 Maybride (nap-e.w).

Nigel “Grovy” Grosvenor is a stalwart of the Secondary Schools Football League’s (SSFL).

Last year, the T&T Football Association (TTFA) recognised him as one of the SSFL’s top all-time coaches.

Among his accolades, he had led his former school St Anthony’s College to six national titles and countless other zonal titles.

However, last year after 34 years with the “Tigers” he chose to part ways with the school in pursuit of a change of scenery. He switched red for blue and title challenges for relegation battles when he opted to sign with Tigers’ North Zone rival Queens Royal College (QRC) in the Premier Division.

Guardian Media Sports met with “Grovy” after his team’s final match of the season, where his QRC outfit pulled off a miraculous 2-2 draw with title challenger Naparima College to go ninth in the 15-team table to survive relegation.

Jonathon Matouk went One-on-one with Grovy before his final SSFL duel in league for 2017.

Question: What was your first season as the head coach of QRC like?

Answer: “It was challenging, leaving St Anthony’s and coming to QRC and I knew it would have been a challenge. I suppose it brought back some sort of youth in me. I got revived, starting fresh and seeing what I could do so I was looking forward to it. The season was challenging but we worked on it.

When we came back from pre-season we were hit with an injury to both our starting and substitute keepers so we had to turn to our Under-15 keeper and he had no idea that he was going to play for the senior squad. This offset everything because your keeper is one of the main players in the squad.

He conceded soft goals due to inexperience and that happened throughout the season until our starting keeper returned to fitness. And we had injuries in between that to some of our other senior players.

“So I’m very satisfied that the guys stuck together despite the lack of confidence derived from the young guy between the sticks. Where we are now, I’m feeling so pleased that the boys stuck together despite all the adversaries we had and with where we are right now.”

Q: What drove you to make the initial decision to switch schools and has that decision brought you personal satisfaction?

A: “It was getting a little monotonous at St Anthony’s after coaching there for 34 years. Things were going good and I wanted to finish off my career with the school. I had a little sickness, which kept me back from coaching the team last year but I wanted to finish off my coaching career at the school.

Unfortunately, there were incidents that happened that meant I could not have done that. When I came to QRC I was really pleased to come here because QRC is an institution so it wasn’t a let down. Coming here was a step forward.”

Q: Is there a distinct difference in talent level between QRC and St Anthony’s?

A: “When I came here (to QRC), I saw that we only had about three or four quality players, the rest of the team were good but they weren’t into football like these other guys. What happened with QRC is that when the football season finishes, they’re finish. They don’t play football again until the following year. They are focused on their books, which is good but it was a challenge. When we play against teams like St Anthony’s and other title challenging teams the players for these teams play for Pro League teams when the season is finished. The QRC players do not do that.”

Q: What are the next steps for the continued development of the QRC football programme?

A: “The first goal is to stay in the Premier Division and start to build the programme after. The division is very difficult and when the season finishes 90 per cent of the other teams will have players playing for Pro League junior teams so when the season starts they are one step ahead of the school.

I had to start with the basics of football when preparation for the season starts. This makes it hard to challenge. What I am going to do is start an academy with everybody and start from the grassroots up with the Under-14s to have a foundation and start with the basics for the guys coming up next year. So when the season starts we will be on par with the other teams.”

Q: What’s next for Grovy?

A: “The principal of the school told me that he will have me coaching for the next two to three years. If they fire me or get rid of me, fine, but I am not going to leave on my own. I am a man of commitment, I came here and I like what I have experienced with the school and the kids. They are very disciplined they are concentrated and they show great commitment that’s why they stay afloat in the league. Once you have that commitment everything comes easy after that.”

LATEST SSFL STANDINGS

TEAMS P W D L F A GD PTS
1. St Anthony’s 13 9 3 1 42 20 22 30
2. Naparima 13 9 3 1 30 13 17 30
3. Presentation 12 8 2 2 28 14 14 26
4. San Juan North 14 6 6 2 35 16 19 24
5. Shiva Boys HC 12 7 1 4 29 18 11 22
6. Fatima 12 6 1 5 17 17 0 19
7. Trinity East 12 5 3 4 21 13 8 18
8. Carapichaima 14 5 3 5 3 21 2 18
9. St Mary’s 12 4 4 4 27 26 1 16
10. QRC 14 4 3 7 23 30 -7 15
11. St Augustine 13 4 1 8 24 32 -8 13
12. St Benedict’s 13 3 4 6 19 27 -8 13
13. Signal Hill 13 2 3 8 13 27 -14 9
14. Trinity Moka 11 2 2 7 13 30 -17 8
15. Speyside High 14 2 1 11 8 49 -41 7

CUBAN Richer Perez crossed the finish line in one hour, six minutes and 51 seconds to claim the 2017 edition of the University of the West Indies (UWI SPEC) International Half Marathon title from a field of 1,300 athletes that challenged for honours in St Augustine, yesterday.

Running in very humid conditions the field which included professionals, part-timers and leisure runners, commenced their journey in front of UWI SPEC Building, St Augustine at 5:30 a.m. on their 13.1 miles journey which took them onto the traffic-free Priority Bus Route (PBR) east to the La Resource Junction D’Abadie, before turning back to head for the finish at UWI SPEC.

The race which has been an annual affair since 2004 attracted runners from the Caribbean, USA, Latin America, Africa and Europe after it was started by Dr. Iva Gloudon, the former head of the UWI SPEC and Raffique Shah, a former T&T International Race organiser.

Perez, 31, the 2015 Pan American Games and 2014 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games gold medallist registered a comfortable victory ahead of his closest rival Kenya’s Ken Rotich who was second in 1:10.43 seconds, with compatriot Godfrey Mbihia, third in 1:11.30 seconds.

The time by Perez is the best by a Caribbean runner at UWI SPEC. His two victories, 2015 and this year, are the only two recorded by men Caribbean athletes as the Kenyans have accounted for 11 of the previous titles with one Ugandan winner in the 14-year history of the race.

Mathhhew Hagley was the top local finisher in fourth place in 1: 13.44 seconds with compatriot Curtis Cox fifth place in a time of 1:13.47.

The women’s title was secured by T&T’s Tonya Nero, who broke the event record for fastest woman. She stopped the clock at 1:16.31 seconds to finish tenth overall to deny Cuba’s Yeisy Alvarez, a clean sweep in the event. Alvarez clocked 1:25.00 for second, but had to settle for 26th position overall, while Mercy Chebwogen of Kenya, who campaigns here finished third in 1:25:30 and was 32nd overall.

Nero recorded her third victory and also her best time in the race. Her six month training stint in Wichita, USA, was displayed in the event.

YESTERDAY UWI HALF MARATHON RESULTS

Top 10 Men

1. RICHER PEREZ (CUB) 1:06:51
2. KEN ROTICH (KEN) 1:10:43
3. GODFFREY MBIHIA M KE 1:11:30
4. MATTHEW HAGLEY (TT) 1:13:44
5. CURTIS COX (TT) 1:13:47
6. ALEXIS PENA (VENE) 1:15:20
7. SHIRVAN BABOOLAL (TT) 1:15:30
8. JUNIOR ASTON 25 (VC) 1:15:34
9. KELVIN JOHNSON (TT) 1:16:17
10. Jassette Bromfield (TT) 1:17.29

Top 10 Women

1. 1 TONYA NERO (TT) 1:16:31
2. Yeisy Alvarez (CUB) 1:25.00
3. Mercy Chebwogen (KEN) 1:25:30
4. CéCILIA MOBUCHON (MF) 1:26:07
5. KATERINE GONZALES CABELL (VEN) 1:27:30
6. LARITZA MILACATL (MX) 1:27:30
7. SHARMA MARAJ (TT) 1:29:05
8. LINDA MCDOWLL (VC) 1:32:23
9. CéLINE LESTRADE (TT) 1:32:44
10. SAMANTHA SHUKLA (TT) 1:33: