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Twenty-three people, most of them members of TT’s military service, are alive today after surviving an accident in which the army truck they were travelling in overturned while en route from Charlotteville, Tobago on Sunday night.

They were among the members of the TT Defence Force Rugby Team in Tobago for a game over the weekend. Two civilians and five members of the military remained hosptialised yesterday. Due to their injuries one soldier had to be warded at Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Port-of-Spain General Hospital (PoSGH) and another at Westshore Medical, Cocorite. The others injured were warded at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EWMSC), Mt Hope.

The driver of the truck, Lance Corporal Nicholas Marcelle, was yesterday commended by Minister of National Security Jack Warner, Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Kenrick Maharaj and Commanding Officer of the Regiment Anthony W J Phillips-Spencer for preventing loss of life.

A total of 23 persons— 17 soldiers, two sailors and four civilians — were injured in the accident. According to a release from the Defence Force headquarters, 17 of the injured were immediately transported to Scarborough Hospital, eight who sustained serious injuries were evacuated by National Security Operations Centre (NSOC), National Helicopter Service Ltd (NHSL) and Air Guard C26 aircraft to Trinidad for medical care.

A second release in the afternoon said, “the last update received indicated that six of eight persons evacuated to Trinidad are still hospitalised. The two most serious casualties (sic) were taken to Westshore and the other to PoSGH. The other four injured are warded at Mt Hope Medical Hospital.” It said a female soldier was still warded at Scarborough Hospital pending minor eye surgery. The other 14 (sic) admitted to the hospital were treated and discharged. They were expected to return to Trinidad yesterday morning on a military aircraft.

According to eyewitnesses in Charlotteville, Marcelle was pinned beneath the overturned vehicle and his agonising cries pierced the night as fire and emergency personnel worked to free him, eventually doing so in about 30 minutes of careful work.

Yesterday, Marcelle was one of the injured discharged from EWMSC. According to Tobago police reports at about 6.30 pm on Sunday evening, the driver of the army truck got into difficulty as he was about to negotiate a very sharp bend in the roadway known locally as Bark Hill. He tried to bank the truck which, in the process, flipped over on its side in the roadway.

A large crowd of villagers gathered on the scene as news of the incident spread. Several ambulances and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) vehicles from the Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) quickly converged on the scene along with police, fire and emergency personnel.

The injured were rushed to Scarborough hospital while several were airlifted direct to Trinidad via a helicopter from the Syd Gray Sporting Complex grounds at Roxborough, about 20 miles west of Charlotteville. The recreation ground at Charlotteville was also used as a transfer point.

Warner and other ministry and Defence Force personnel visited the injured at Westshore Medical, EWMSC and Scarborough hospital yesterday afternoon. Phillips-Spencer said two civilians and five soldiers were warded. He said a “thorough investigation” would take place into the accident. Based on the information received so far, Phillips-Spencer said the vehicle was returning from Charlotteville, where a rugby game had been played.

“In negotiating a hairpin bend, you know there are some sharp bends, the vehicle we understand came into contact with a part of the curb and somehow or other in the process of attempting to recover the driver did very well, if you know the road, in not having the vehicle go down the precipice, and took the vehicle more to the bank of the road, the vehicle turned over and if you are travelling in a truck you get some banging about and that has caused all the injuries,” he said in an interview at the EWMSC.

Maharaj also praised Marcelle for preventing a “greater tragedy.” He was comforted that “the driver of the vehicle did so well to at least keep some level of control, to have the vehicle manoeuvred out of the more dangerous path of the precipice and have it banked on the roadside.” Responding to a question, Maharaj said in 1996 there was a “similar occurrence” on the North Coast Road when persons were returning from a family day hosted by the rifle company stationed at Camp Ogden. In that incident, there were “four military fatalities” and civilians were injured. “In this case we are thankful,” said Maharaj.

Warner spoke to Marcelle yesterday and praised his “dexterity” in preventing loss of life. “For that we are eternally grateful,” he told Marcelle via telephone. At Westshore, Lance Corporal (LCpl) A Bodie was being kept at the ICU. He is being treated for broken ribs and a fractured left arm. Warner told media no cost would be spared in the treatment of the Defence Force personnel. Warner then visited the Adult Accident and Emergency (A&E) of the EWMSC where private S Gordon was being kept for observation. She received bruises to the chest and head fractures. During Warner’s visit she was lucid enough to respond to him as well as Maharaj and Phillips-Spencer. The next stop was the observation ward where Coast Guard sailor Keith Francis was warded. “Take it easy. Keep the faith,” Warner said as he patted Francis’ arm. The seaman was eager to leave the hospital and was expected to be discharged yesterday afternoon. Civilian Ian Brown had a bandage on the right side of his head and also has a broken right arm. Clinical Director of the A& E Dr Helmer Hilwig, who accompanied Warner during the visit at EWMSC, said Brown was stable and “should heal without any further complication.”

Asked the status of the soldiers and civilians hospitalised Phillips- Spencer said, “in some cases we have to wait a little bit more to get a clearer picture of how long the recovery will take but generally the feedback from doctors is that the outlook is positive so we continue to trust and support the care being given to the soldiers and sailors – we have a sailor in Tobago, we have a sailor here, we have one member of the Defence Force reserve.”

He commended the effective response to the accident by CERT, and TEMA, which coordinates with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management. The first responders — CERT, Fire Service and emergency health services Tobago examined the injured. They were supported by a medical professional who was at the site.

Phillips-Spencer said this helped with triaging (prioritising) persons who needed to be immediately evacuated via ambulance or evacuated via helicopter. Fifteen persons were taken via ambulance to the Scarborough Hospital and persons who had to be airlifted were “stabilised.”

Phillips-Spencer said, “what we witnessed here is within 12 hours we had more than just primary care, also secondary health care delivered to all 23 persons.” Warner commended the collaborative effort.

“The medical attention given to the injured soldiers and civilians have been first-class, they have assured me that they are doing their best in the circumstances except for one or two cases they have said the recovery would be almost immediate. We hope for the best.”

By Newsday Staff

Source: www.newsday.co.tt

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International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge is to have hip replacement surgery this week, it has been revealed.

The IOC claimed the operation is "routine" and that the 70-year-old Belgian will be discharged from the hospital after a few days.

It means Rogge, a former orthopedic surgeon, will miss the Closing Ceremony of the Paralympics in London on Sunday (September 9).

The event is intended to be a finale for the whole of London 2012 and not just the Paralympics.

Rogge had attended the the Opening Ceremony of the Paralympics in the Olympic Stadium last Wednesday (August 29).

He lso carried out several official functions  during his short visit to the Games, including attending the Visa Paralympic Hall of Fame, where a group of Paralympic athletes and coaches were inducted during a special ceremony, and watched the swimming at the Aquatics Centre on the Olympic Park.

Rogge was elected as President of the IOC in July 2001 when he succeeded Juan Antonio Samaranch.

He was re-elected for a new term at the IOC Session in Copenhagen in October 2009.

But he will step down at the next Session in Buenos Aires next September, where his last major function will be to read out whether Istanbul, Madrid or Tokyo have been awarded the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics.

The surgery means that Rogge will also miss an event in Germany tomorrow to mark the 40th anniversary of the Munich Olympics massacre.

A tribute to the 11 victims will be held at the Fuerstenfeldbruck air base, west of Munich, site of the tragic climax of the bloody hostage-taking by members of a radical Palestinian group "Black September".

Rogge faced international condemnation during London 2012 after he refused to hold a minute's silence during the Opening Ceremony to mark the anniversary.

As a conciliatory gesture, a minute's silence was held instead at the Olympic Village London for the signing of the Olympic truce on July 24.

By Duncan Mackay at the Main Press Centre on the Olympic Park in London

Source: www.insidethegames.biz

Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) executive director Nikolai Tolstykh has been elected as the new President of the country's football association and is set to play a leading role in the build-up to the FIFA World Cup there in 2018.

Tolstykh, 56 (pictured top), had previously served as the head of the Russian Professional Football League for 18 years until being forced from the role in 2010 when then Russian Football Union (RFU) President Sergei Fursenko outlawed the organisation. 

Tolstykh, former player with Dynamo Moscow between 1974 and 1983, then joined the ROC as deputy executive director before being promoted last year. 

Tolstykh won 148 votes, 24 more than his main rival, the Russian Premier League chief Sergei Pryadkin.

A second vote was needed after neither gained the two-thirds majority essential in the first round.

Five candidates in total had been eliminated in the first round of voting.

Tolstykh's support from the Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko helped him to succeed Fursenko, who quit after Russia's disappointing European Championship campaign this summer.

"I would like to thank everyone for the trust shown in me to head the Russian Football Union – and it is a union – of people who love football and are faithful to it," said Tolstykh, who was also the RFU's Vice-President.

"It's a huge responsibility, and I'll do everything that depends on me... to help Russian football develop successfully."

Tolstykh is believed to share many sympathies with some of the views of Mutko, who lambasted a number of measures taken by Fursenko during his time in charge.

As President, Tolstykh will lead the RFU through a crucial period as Russian football seeks to develop youngsters capable of being part of the national team at the World Cup in 2018.

Fursenko had said that the country should be aiming to win that competition, but with just two players – Alan Dzagoev and Aleksandr Kokorin – under the age of 25 selected for this summer's European Championship the prospect of that happening seems quite some way off.

The RFU also has a suspended six-point penalty hanging over the national team for qualifiers for the European Championship in 2016 after their supporters' behaviour during this summer's tournament.

Racism in Russian football has also been a prominent issue of late, with a  number of high profile incidents at Premier League games making headlines beyond the country – and that is something the RFU will be under pressure to help eliminate before 2018.

By David Gold

Source: www.insidethegames.biz

Mukhamdali Karimov (pictured), the secretary general of the Uzbekistan National Olympic Committee, has died at the age of 66, it has been announced. 

Karimov was also a member of the International Boxing Association (AIBA) Technical and Rules Commission.

"The loss of Mr Karimov is painful for all the sports society of Uzbekistan and for everyone who has ever known him. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. We all miss him dearly," said a statement from the Uzbekistan NOC.

The Uzbekistan NOC described him as a bright, passionate and enthusiastic sports leader, a true friend of every athlete and someone who had made a big contribution to all aspects of sports development in Uzbekistan.

"He played an important role in setting up the fundamentals of the Olympic Movement and an independent boxing school in Uzbekistan," added the statement.

"He was warmly regarded by colleagues, athletes and sports officials."

AIBA President CK Wu was among those who paid tribute to Karimov.

"In my capacity as President of AIBA, and on behalf of the entire boxing family, I would like to express my most heartfelt condolences and my deepest sympathy at the passing of one of our most esteemed colleagues and friends, Mukhamadali Karimov," said Wu.

"I share your sadness in these painful moments and would like to send to his family, the Boxing Federation of Uzbekistan and also the Uzbek National Olympic Committee, AIBA's affectionate support.

"We all know that his passing will leave a void in the hearts of all those who knew him, within the boxing family and the sports movement in both Uzbekistan and the whole of Asia.

"May he rest in peace."

By Tom Degun

Source: www.insidethegames.biz

Trinidad and Tobago Rugby Football Union (TTRFU) President, Leslie Figaro has expressed concern at the news that the entire Defence Force Rugby Team were involved in a vehicular accident in Tobago last night.

The Defence Force played and defeated Tobago Rugby Football Club 47-30 in a TTRFU Senior Division fixture on Saturday.  On Sunday evening the players were returning from Charlotteville when the accident occurred.

"Defence Force has been working very hard and diligently to rebuild their rugby programme after some tough years.  The thoughts and prayers of the entire fraternity go out to the players and their families at this time."

According to Figaro the TTRFU will do whatever it can to support the Defence Force rugby team.

“The priority is the full recovery of everyone from their injuries."

United States women's football coach Pia Sundhage, who led the country to a third successive Olympic gold medal in London this summer, is stepping down to return to her native Sweden.

The 52-year-old (pictured top) announced she would leave to become the new Swedish women's boss just before the US began an Olympic "victory tour" with a game against Costa Rica, which the hosts won 8-0, in Rochester, New York.

Sundhage took over as the American coach in 2007, leading the States to victory in Beijing 2008 – to follow its maiden triumph under April Heinrichs at Athens 2004 – and then at London 2012.

The US won its latest Olympic gold with a 2-1 win over Japan, exacting revenge for defeat to the same nation in the World Cup final of 2011.

Sundhage took charge of 104 matches for the US, winning a remarkable 88.

Her contract expires on November 30 and the Swedish Football Association has confirmed she will succeed Thomas Dennerby – who resigned as coach last month after eight years in the post – the following day.

"I have long dreamed of becoming Sweden coach and now I am so happy," Sundhage said.

"I want to thank all the players and all my assistant coaches for making me better.

"Before I took this [US] job, I always admired the spirit and character of the US team, but to experience that first hand on the training field and from the bench as coach was truly special and something I will treasure for the rest of my life."

Sundhage will complete her tenure with two games against Australia later this month before bringing down the curtain with a clash with Germany in October.

The US will now begin its search for Sundhage's replacement to lead the country to the World Cup in Canada in three years' time.

Sundhage enjoyed a glorious playing career with the Swedish international side, winning the European Championships in 1984 and a bronze medal at the 1991 World Cup while making 146 appearances and scoring 71 goals between 1975 and 1996.

She has previously coached the Swedish Under-19 team, as well as being a former assistant-manager of China.

Sweden reached the quarter-finals of this year's Olympics before losing to France, but will be one of the favourites to win the European Championships it hosts in 2013.

By David Gold

Source: www.insidethegames.biz

Australia's Olympic gold medallist Sally Pearson has called on Gold Coast City Council to repair the track she trains on because they have neglected it for so long even though the city is hosting the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Pearson, who won the 100 metres hurdles at London 2012, has been training at the Gold Coast Athletics Track at Griffith University for 14 years and claims that the situation is now becoming critical. 

"I just want it to get redone because it's been there since 1998 and it's starting to fall apart," she told the Gold Coast Bulletin.

"They've just built tennis courts and volleyball courts there, but we still haven't had our track done yet."

Pearson's treatment at home contrasts sharply with that that she received in the build-up to London 2012 at Tonbridge School, where Australia's athletics squad trained before the Olympics.

The school, one of the most famous in England, installed a mondo lane on its athletics track to cater specifically for Pearson's training regime.

Pearson's home track is also the base for the Gold Coast Victory Athletics Club, whose members include Olympic discus thrower Julian Wruck, the former Commonwealth Youth Games champion, and Katelyn Simpson, one of Australia's most promising young middle-distance runners.

"I know we've been asking for a reseal for a number of years now, so I'm not sure where it is in the process now, but I hope it is getting done." said Pearson.

"There's also other sports that come there as well, like triathletes come there, Olympians, I'm not the only Olympian that trains there," Pearson said.

Pearson claimed the work was even more important now that the Gold Coast is due to host the Commonwealth Games in six years.

"Especially when the Gold Coast is going to have the Commonwealth Games in 2018, it would be nice to have a new track for the athletes to train on," she said. 

Pearson was backed by Gold Coast City Councillor Dawn Crichlow.

"Sally is 100 per cent correct and this work should have been done five years ago," she said.

"The council is totally aware this needs to be done, but it has been delayed because we only have a short-term lease on the site.

"Griffith University have assured me the track is here to stay so we should press ahead with it as soon as possible."

By Duncan Mackay

Source: www.insidethegames.biz

While official figures stated that Beijing spent US$15 billion on the Olympic Games, some reports have claimed that this figure was actually closer to $40 billion. By contrast, the China Daily newspaper said that Nanjing has set a Games-related budget of $315 million. Indeed, Youth Olympics officials have visited London to see how the English city has utilised temporary facilities in its staging of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Nanjing Party chief and 2014 Games organising committee president, Yang Weize, told China Daily that the city would closely monitor spending on new competition and training venues, amid complaints from Nanjing residents that costs are already beginning to grow. “No new venues will be built if old ones can be renovated,” said Yang. “No new facilities will be purchased if old ones can be repaired, no equipment will be bought if (it) can be rented, and they won't be rented if they can be borrowed.”

Organisers stated that 25 of Nanjing 2014’s 34 venues will be redeveloped, with five temporary facilities taken down after the Games and a further four new venues being available for public use after the event. “Nanjing will spend no more than Singapore,” added Nanjing's public relations director Ding Ming.

Singapore staged the inaugural Summer Youth Olympic Games in 2010, while Nanjing headed off competition from the Polish city of Poznan to land the 2014 Games in February 2010.

By Matt Cutler

Source: www.sportbusiness.com

HUMBLED and excited.

That's the reaction of Lincoln "Tiger" Phillips after being honoured as one of Trinidad and Tobago's "50 Greatest Legends of Sport 1962-2012", at Trinidad Hilton, Port of Spain on Thursday night.

After the gala tribute dinner for the past and present sportsmen, former national goalkeeper Phillips told the Express that T&T has been blessed with so many special sportsmen and footballers, making it a big honour for him to be named among them.

"There are so many great football players outside there, and to be singled out as one of the legends...we had great goalkeepers like Clive Burnett and Joey Gonsalves…all these guys that I thought were just fantastic. To get the honour, I'm just excited."

Phillips, who was the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation technical director and is now goalkeeper coach at Loyola University in Chicago, USA, said the school was just as excited that he was being honoured.

Said Phillips: "I showed them the letter, and they said 'no you have to go'. It was a big thing for them. To come back with Sedley [Joseph, former T&T captain] and [former West Indies footballer and cricketer] Willie Rodriguez and all these guys, it's extremely fantastic."

Phillip hailed organisers All Sport Promotions and managing director Anthony Harford for the tribute and for remembering T&T's stars, old and young.

"It's 50 years, we've won a lot of things, done a lot in sport, we went wrong with different mistakes we've made with adminstration and playing, but [still] we did very well. It's now for us to look back in retrospect and see those mistakes and wrong turns that we made and correct them.

"We've done really well despite some bad decisions," Phillips added, "but [we must] recognise that sport is a business with a bottom line. You have to consistently and constantly evaluate yourself and see if you're successful."

Joseph called the experience "rewarding".

"I certainly feel honoured that recognition has been given to sportsmen of the past, and 50 years is a long time. Most of us would have played in the 60s and the 70s," he said. "I'm hoping some of the youngsters coming up will emulate some of the past players, both in the team sport and individual sport."

The ex-keeper also hopes young sportsmen will find inspiration in the players that have gone before them.

"…Contrary to what a lot of the youngsters think nowadays, there were good sportsmen and sportswomen before these last few years," he said. "While it is true we won our second gold medal this year at the Olympics, we have a lot of good sportsmen over the period of time for which this function was held."

By Kern De Freitas

Source: www.trinidadexpress.com

Kelly-Ann Baptiste sped to her first victory on the international circuit for 2012, winning the 100m dash at the ISTAF World Challenge Athletics Meet at the Olympic Stadium, in Berlin, Germany, yesterday. Baptiste crossed the line in 11.25 to win back to back titles, after capturing last year’s race. The 2011 World Championship bronze medallist finished just ahead of Jamaica’s former World and Olympic silver medallist, Kerron Stewart (11.27), and London Olympic 200m finalist Myriam Soumare of France (11.34). Baptiste improved on her second place finish in her season’s opening meet in Jamaica in May. The win was redemption after being disqualified for a false start in her last race in the Diamond League Wetklasse meet in Zurich on August 30.
Baptiste who finished sixth in the Olympic 100 metres final got off to a slow start but gradually worked her way alongside the fast starting Stewart, who led for most of the way. Baptiste eventually collared Stewart with about 20 metres left and was a comfortable winner in the end. In the men’s equivalent, Jamaica’s depth of sprint talent was evident as the relatively unknown Kemar Bailey Cole took the gold medal, from the very experienced Kim Collins of St Kitts and Nevis, with Frenchman Jimmy Vicault in third. Bailey Cole clocked 10 flat, while Collins, who led for most of the way, faded to finish in 10.07 with Vicaut, clocking 10.12.
In Italy, Cleopatra Borel missed out on a top spot in the women’s shot put at the 26th Meeting Internazionale Citta di Padova in Padua. The two-time World Indoor finalist was second, 9cm short of the top spot as Natallia Mikhnevich of Belarus won (18.80) with Russian Irina Tarasova on 3cm behind in third  (18.68). Borel’s distance is a new season’s best, improving on the 18.69 she threw in taking second at the Jamaican Invitational. Borel opened with a no throw, then threw 17.91 on her second effort to lie in third. She then got her best throw in the third to secure the runner up position.
SCOREBOARD Berlin Olympic Stadium Women’s 100m

1 Kelly Baptiste T&T 11.25
2 Kerron Stewart Jamaica 11.27
3 Myriam Soumare France 11.34
4 Aleen Bailey Jamaica 11.36
5 Alexandria Anderson USA 11.36
6 Bianca Knight USA 11.36
7 Mikele Barber USA 11.47
8 Samantha Henry-Robinson Jamaica 11..50
9 Anyika Onoura Great Britain 11.60
Internazionale Citta di Padova in Padua, Italy Women's shot put
1 Natallia Mikhnevich Belarus 18.80
2 Cleopatra Borel T&T 18.71
3 Irina Tarasova Russia 18.68
4 Chiara Rosa Italy 17.67
5 Laura Bordignon Italy 15.04
6 Francesca Stevanato Italy 14.58
By Clayton Clarke
Source: www.guardian.co.tt

The official celebration of the entire Olympic contingent by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago has been delayed until after the 2012 London Paralympics has been completed.

Minister of Sport, Anil Roberts, had previously indicated that September 3 (today) was the date a grand affair for the athletes would take place.

Roberts had stated, “a special gala celebration for the bronze medallists, Lalonde Gordon; the 4x400 (metre relay) team, even the substitutes of that team; for the 4x100 men, for every single athlete who made Trinidad and Tobago’s Olympic representation the most successful in history,” would be held.

But speaking to Newsday yesterday, Adrian Raymond, Communications Specialist, Sport Company of Trinidad and Tobago, revealed that the event had to be postponed till later this month.

“We want to make sure we have as many of the athletes here. I’ve been liaising with the athletes with respect to their availability. Once Shanntol Ince and Carlos Greene are finished at the Paralympics we will have everyone back. As you know Kelly-Ann Baptiste is still competing in Europe so we’re waiting on everybody,” he said.

Asked what date was being considered, Raymond hesitantly revealed that the function is likely to be held between September 10-18.

“It will happen before Republic Day (September 24) and after the Paralympics (September 9) so between September 10-18 is the most reasonable time period. We don’t have a date pinned down but I’m liaising with stakeholders and it will all depend on the availability of the athletes and the Prime Minister,” he concluded.

By Stephon Nicholas

Source: www.newsday.co.tt

Disagreement doesn't mean disrespect.

Not that it makes one iota of difference to the narrow-minded advocates of any particular issue or point of view. Still, it's worth highlighting the difference, if only as a matter of record. Maybe one of these good days we will advance to the point where almost every matter of public debate doesn't degenerate into a confrontation based on the protection of fiercely partisan interests. That obviously won't be anytime soon, though.

But we are not alone in this regard. Indeed, it is perversely reassuring to witness and listen to the unfolding (some will say unravelling) of the respective campaigns for the Presidency of the United States and recognise how seemingly intelligent, or at least well-educated and impressively-accredited people can portray such fanatical myopia over the credentials and policies of Barack Obama and Mitt Romney.

Of course in many respects it's just a show: people who actually know better but are performing their role as hired assassins with a compelling conviction and enthusiasm in the hope of convincing the undecided to opt for their man. And in the case of our Sports Minister and his strident defence of those selected as Trinidad and Tobago's "50 Greatest Legends" in sport in the Independence era, it's also about bluster and intimidation.

Love him or loathe him, Anil Roberts knows exactly what he is doing when he launches into a tirade against those who dare to question specific omissions from the list of people honoured last Thursday. It isn't about merely shouting down the dissenters, which he's very good at, especially when he teams up with someone of like mind and manner, like Jack Warner.

No sir, this is also about fuelling the notion that questioning the selections and the selection process amounts to disrespecting the "Legends", that it is about a mischievous and unpatriotic media who, rather than joining in the fulsome and wholesome celebration of our outstanding sporting achievers, would seek to discredit them by inference in their moment of richly-deserved glory. And to do this dastardly deed in the midst of the 50th anniversary of the nation's independence?

Well, we guttersnipes should all be ashamed of ourselves.

Anil won't succeed in silencing everyone, for the media environment is sufficiently expansive and varied as to ensure that some outlets will continue to tear into him for being farse and out of place, while others will just as stridently rally to his defence. Again, that is all part of the strategy—distraction.

What better way to divert attention from the fundamental issue than to take the matter on a detour that amounts to an argument about who likes or doesn't like the government of the day?

As a politician and unofficial megaphone of the People's Partnership administration, the Sports Minister is really performing no differently from his role as a bustling, barrelling centre-forward in his old Fatima College days. Then, as now, it was about distracting the defenders, throwing them off stride, being relentless and, if the opportunity arises, making the decisive strike that leaves the opposition mortally wounded and incapable of an appropriate response.

Those footballing moments were 25 years ago. Now, 25 years hence, he is still at his bullying best to the extent that some of us would prefer not to have to deal with him at all because, if he doesn't have the last word, there would have been enough words from him along the way—fluent, articulate, even gregarious and, of course, amplified—so rendering any crisp final rejoinder by the harangued interviewer as inconsequential.

Yet beyond the scoring of political points and putting the occasional media personality in his or her place, what does it achieve?

In this matter of the selection of the "50 Greatest Legends" it should be noted that there will never be unanimity on such a subjective issue. We can argue endlessly for this one over that one without ever really getting anywhere. Any collection of experts (hopefully without any political or other interference) making such decisions must know that it is not only a thankless task but also, as in this case, they will leave themselves open to accusations of being self-serving. So they deserve credit for even taking on the challenge.

But this is not some listing put up by the bar owner around the corner to stir debate and attract more customers. This is national in scope, defining of our nation at the 50th anniversary of independence and a supposedly authoritative acknowledgement for posterity. So it cannot be inappropriate to question the omission of someone perceived to be an outstanding performer, or ask if a criminal record—depending of course on the nature of the offence—should automatically debar world champion performers from consideration.

And how do administrators get into this? Is the work of any administrator over the past 50 years in this country deserving of "legendary" status ahead of at least four other sporting performers?

Even if there is an eventual conceding of this point, how does the team that made it to the 2006 World Cup football finals (although only a select few were apparently invited for Thursday night's event, but that's another story) get nominated but the official who recruited coaches and players and pressed for the region to get an extra half-spot via a playoff—which we used to get past Bahrain and qualify for Germany—is not named as an administrative "Legend"?

No amount of sound and fury from Anil will suppress those questions. fazeer2001@hotmail.com

By Fazeer Mohammed

Source: www.trinidadexpress.com

London 2012 chairman Seb Coe this morning met Lucy Fuller, the three millionth spectator to attend the Games at the Olympic Park.

The 12-year-old (pictured above, centre) from Stanford-le-Hope in Essex was presented with some special London 2012 gifts by Coe (pictured above, left) including a signed commemorative book, a mascot and a Links of London Team GB bracelet.

Fuller was entering the Olympic Park with her family – father Chris who is a roofer, mother Anna who is a teaching assistant and sister Abigail – when she was told by the ticket scanning team that she was the three millionth spectator to enter the Park.

The Fuller family was on its way to the Aquatics Centre to see Ellie Simmonds compete in the S6 400 metres freestyle heats.

"It's been so great being here on the Park today, watching the action in the Aquatics Centre and meeting Lord Coe," said Fuller.

"I've just got back from holiday so this is the best way to finish the summer before I go back to school.

"I can't wait to tell all my friends that I was the three millionth visitor."

Her father admitted he was stunned by the news.

"What a day it's been – we just wanted to be a part of the London 2012 experience and the atmosphere both in the venue and on the Olympic Park has been incredible," he said.

"Meeting Lord Coe has been the icing on the cake and something we'll be telling our friends and family about."

Coe himself said he was delighted to welcome the family.

"It was fantastic to meet the Fuller family today and I was delighted to be able to present them with some special London 2012 gifts," he said.

"It's great to see so many families on the Park and in our venues, soaking up the atmosphere and witnessing some great sport."

By Tom Degun at the Main Press Centre on the Olympic Park in London

Source: www.insidethegames.biz

ALEC BURNS, father of Trinidad and Tobago sprinter Marc Burns, yesterday expressed his delight upon hearing the news that his son will be bestowed the honour of the Humming Bird Medal Gold during the Independence Day Awards Ceremony at Queen’s Hall, St Ann’s.

Marc Burns was a member of the national men’s 4x100-metre relay team who got bronze at the recent Olympic Games in London, England, along with Keston Bledman, Emmanuel Callender and Richard Thompson.

The quartet, who were all part of the 4x100m relay team who claimed silver in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, got the Humming Bird Medal Silver during the 2008 Independence Day Awards. Alec Burns was pleased with the honour shown towards his son.

“A national award is always something that you feel proud of,” said the elder Burns. “Not (much) people get the honour to receive those things so when it happens you feel good. We are very elated, and it’s the second time that he’s actually got one.”

Marc Burns was named as the official flag-bearer by the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) for the opening ceremony of the London Games, as he was featuring in his fourth Olympics. “It’s a culmination,” was how Alec Burns described the honour. “Marc has been representing Trinidad from since a junior. Two medals he (got) in World Juniors, silver and bronze in the sprints, he has gotten World Championship medals (silver in the 4x100m relays in 2001, 2005 and 2009).

“It’s a model of consistency and you don’t really get that all the time from an athlete, so it’s something to be proud of,” he continued.

“His only individual medal was a Commonwealth (Games) bronze in Australia (Melbourne in 2006) but he has been serving Trinidad (and Tobago) well. We are very proud of him, on and off the track.”

By Joel Bailey

Source: www.newsday.co.tt

SHANNTOL INCE again found the going tough in the swimming pool as the 2012 Summer Paralympics continued yesterday at London, England.

The 17-year-old Trinidad and Tobago swimmer finished fifth and last in her first round heat, in the women’s 100-metre backstroke, in a slow one minute 22.14 seconds.

Ellie Cole of Australia won the heat in 1:10.74, with Elizabeth Stone of the United States (1:13.28), Longjuan Dun of China (1:14.99) and Emily Gray of South Africa (1:15.59) trailing. And, in the final, Cole cruised to victory in 1:09.42, followed by Stephanie Millward of Great Britain (1:11.07) and Stone(1:12.28).

Ince will be making her final entry into the pool on Tuesday to compete in the women’s 400m freestyle. Trinidad and Tobago’s other entrant at the Games is field athlete Ronald Carlos Greene, who will take part in the men’s discus on Sunday and the men’s shot put on Monday - both at the Olympic Stadium.

Source: www.newsday.co.tt

The following is the 50th Independence anniversary speech delivered by President George Maxwell Richards at Thursday night’s re-enactment of the raising of TT’s national flag in 1962 at Woodford Square, Port-of-Spain.

Citizens of our beloved Trinidad and Tobago!

When, on the night of August 30th 1962, the flag of independent Trinidad and Tobago was first raised, it represented more than our right to chart the way forward, for ourselves. That achievement of Independence represented the collective will of the people and, most importantly, our ability and willingness to eschew political differences and take a decision in the interest of all of our people.

The Marlborough House agreement spoke, significantly, to us and may well have been the symbolic platform from which we should launch our new nation.

It is a thought to which I return, 50 years later, with a tinge of nostalgia and encourage us all to ponder the positive effect of collaborative action, on the part of our leaders, action which set aside parochial self-interest, for a larger goal.

I speak of a goal that embraced a number of elements, not least the nurturing of future generations as confident, rooted people, secure in the knowledge that they are of the first order, capable of commanding respect and admiration, anywhere in the world. The accomplishments of our sons and daughters had, by then, left no room for doubt, in that regard.

Tonight’s event generates excitement, as it should. The occasion is as solemn, as it is pulsating.

But euphoria must not be allowed to cloud sober reflection, as reality will not go away.

We need to ask ourselves whether we are living up to the expectations of our freedom fighters, who did battle, not with guns, but with intellectual prowess, artisan skills, artistic brilliance, sport and diplomatic savoir faire to secure our place among the family of independent Nations.

Our answers must bear the hallmark of honesty, as we take responsibility for who we have become.

We have indeed done some things very well and we ought to congratulate ourselves, heartily, for that.

Without going into details in the myriad areas of our accomplishments, I cite, as example, the fact that, post Independence and particularly in the 60s and 70s, our people were much sought after, in other countries.

That could only have been so, because of the quality of persons that developed here, assisted by our education system and social environment.

Over time, however, money, particularly new money and modernity have taken their toll on proper style and civilisation. We have become modern, but are we civilised?

Without intending to steal our joy, I am constrained to warn that we are nurturing generations of children who are allowed not to take responsibility for their actions.

We are making too much room for non-thinkers, who take the easy, clever way out, once patronage, in any form, is available.

We deserve much better.

This ceremony, a re-enactment of that night, pregnant with hope and possibilities should gather us back to that place in time and to the mantle which we sought and peacefully obtained. While we must not allow anyone to put us down, simply because we are a small country, we must not be overtaken by the false notion that we can be the best, without strong effort on our part. We are not a nation of sheep and we need, as individuals, to become more aware of the power of one, to effect change, where change is necessary.

Moreover, we must be committed to integrity, in every aspect, not least integrity of our word.

We speak of constitutional reform, for example, but that is in stasis. In this context, Tobago, in 2012, should not have to ask, as Reggie Dumas, clearly speaking on behalf of a number of others, has done: “Constitutional development? Of Tobago? What constitutional development?” His scepticism resonates in the whole country.

Let us remind ourselves that a nation divided cannot stand and, while water separates our two islands, broken promises should not.

We made a promise to Tobago, a long time ago and, as Eric Williams said in Parliament with the joining of our two islands, administratively, one form of neglect was exchanged for another.

This is one of the major areas of brokenness that we can fix and must fix, if we are to proceed with dignity and vigour, in unity, over the next 50 years. Unity in diversity is only one, though very important, aspect of our national character.

Unity of purpose is critical. The togetherness that we see during our Carnival celebrations and at other times of national celebration, should not be ephemeral. It should be the seminal quality that defines our character as a people.

Nations become great because their people are so confident in themselves that they see no insurmountable obstruction to their accomplishments. They believe in themselves, passionately.

If we took the time to consider ourselves, we would recognise that we, too, are capable of great ideas, having also the capacity to learn quickly and to adapt to any environment.

We have the great advantage of being able to see the lighter side of situations, so, in the midst of the most daunting circumstances we are resilient, maintaining our joy. It is this infectious spirit of joie de vivre that draws people to us and secures for us a place in many a visitor’s heart. Let us not forget who we are.

We must savour this occasion, August 31st 2012, for years to come. Let us get to know ourselves better and have a much clearer understanding of the many things we can accomplish for our country, in our country, as we are diligent to do so.

Most of all, let us learn to love ourselves better.

Let us come to embrace the idea that unless all have crossed, none have crossed and some we have to carry.

I wish the national community a good future, with peace, wisdom and understanding at the heart of it.

May God bless our nation!

Source: www.newsday.co.tt

TRINIDAD’s Olympic gold medallist in javelin Keshorn Walcott, 19, will today be awarded the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, becoming the youngest person in this country’s history to receive the nation’s highest award.

And while the country, in this way, acknowledges the achievements of its youth, it also looks back to the legacy left by politicians past in the posthumus award of the Order to former Prime Minister George Chambers and former labour leader Adrian Cola Rienzi.

Also announced as recipients of National Awards this year are Trinidad and Tobago’s bronze medallists at the Olympics: Lalonde Gordon; Marc Burns; Keston Bledman; Emmanuel Callender; Richard Thompson; Ade Alleyne-Forte; Jarrin Solomon and Deon Lendore. All receive the Humming Bird Medal (Gold).

The Olympians were feted yesterday in a parade which was due to end at Woodford Square, Port-of-Spain.

Commenting on the award of the Order to Walcott, Brian Lewis, Secretary General of the TT Olympic Committee said, “Winning an Olympic gold medal is the pinnacle of an athlete’s career. Across the world, any Olympic gold medallist is given a high award by their country. It is a powerful statement of the role that sport can play in one’s society. For Walcott, it is well-deserved especially for a 19-year-old achieving victory at in his first Olympics.”

Of the award of the Order to Chambers, a former PNM Prime Minister, PNM political leader Dr Keith Rowley last night said, “It is a well earned acknowledgment of Chambers’ life of service to the population.”

“As a public servant and official he served as a minister and prime minister and he dedicated his life to that kind of public service and it is usual for that to be acknowledged and so this is very welcome and I congratulate his wife, Juliana.”

Of Chambers, Rowley said, “he was a very simple man who rose to one of the highest offices in the land. He is now recognised as one of the best ministers of finance this country has ever seen.”

Chambers is awarded in the field of public service. He is most remembered as the Prime Minister who followed PNM Prime Minister Eric Williams after his sudden death in 1981. At the time, Chambers was one of three Deputy Leaders and was appointed Prime Minister by then President Sir Ellis Clarke. He led the PNM to victory in the 1981 General Elections. In 1986, he led the PNM to its worst ever electoral defeat (winning only three of the 36 seats in Parliament). Following the defeat, Chambers resigned and was succeeded as PNM leader by Patrick Manning. Born on October 4, 1928, Chambers was a PNM MP for St Ann’s East, the seat held today by Joanne Thomas. He won that seat in 1996 and was appointed Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Finance. He also served as Minister of Public Utilities and Housing; Planning and Development Minister; Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security; Minister of Industry, Commerce and Agriculture and a Minister of Finance. He died on November 4, 1997.

Upon his death, an obituary in the UK’s Independent opened with the following paragraph, “George Chambers was always the quiet man of modern Caribbean politics. In a region where the early nationalist political leaders were often charismatic and nearly always loud and rumbustious, he was a distinctly low-key figure. This did not stop him rising from lower middle-class origins and an early position as a legal clerk to become Trinidad and Tobago’s second post-independence prime minister.” Noting the economic depression which Chambers faced in his tenure, after the frenzied boom days under Williams, the paper remarked, “His legacy was awkward in the extreme.”

Rienzi is awarded the Order for contributions to the field of labour. He was previously awarded the Public Service Medal of Merit (Gold) in 1972 (posthumous) for public service.

Rienzi, born Krishna Deonarine in 1905, was a trade unionist, politician and lawyer. He was first President General of the of the Oilfields Workers Trade Union (OWTU), and was involved in the establishment of three other trade unions. He was also the first president of the Trinidad and Tobago Trades Union Council, from its foundation in 1938 until 1944. Rienzi is also known as an advocate for the rights of Indo-Trinidadians. He lobbied for more employment of Indo-Trinidadians in the public service, the right to cremation, the recognition of Hindu and Muslim marriages and the establishment of schools by non-Christian religious groups. Rienzi also served four terms on the San Fernando Borough Council (three as Mayor of San Fernando) and represented Victoria on the Legislative Council from 1937-1944. He then worked in the public service as a Crown Counsel. He died on July 21, 1972.

“He, like others, is very deserving for their contributions for nation-building,” said OWTU President General Ancel Roget. “It is on their backs and shoulders that Trinidad and Tobago was born. The contribution of labour laid the foundation for what came in 1962; what we are celebrating today.”

By Andre Bagoo

Source: www.newsday.co.tt

The Olympic Caravan Country Tour rolled into Mayaro last Thursday with hundreds of fans greeting Olympic javelin gold medal winner, Keshorn Walcott, at the Mayaro Resource Centre.

Walcott, was the toast of residents of Mayaro and surrounding areas, including Guayaguayare, Mafeking, Newlands, Ortoire and Kernahan, who converged hours before in anticipation of the caravan's arrival. He was accompanied by fellow Olympians Roger Daniel, Mickel Thomas and Machel Cedenio.

The crowd was given more to cheer about when Member of Parliament for Mayaro Winston "Gypsy" Peters announced that an Olympic-size swimming pool was in the pipeline.

Peters said: "Mayaro has always been a rich source of talent and, inspired by the accomplishments of the athletes who represented our nation at the Olympics, it is up to us to ensure that our young people get the very same opportunity to shine.

"I see it as my sacred duty to serve the people of Mayaro and make those opportunities available to them. That is why I want to declare that by 2013, the people of Mayaro, especially the young athletes, will have access to a brand new Olympic-size swimming pool. It is as much for them, as it is for the future glory of Trinidad and Tobago," the minister declared.

Walcott put the occasion into context saying: "Having started off in Princes Town, it's been a long day for all of us, but with the welcome we received from Mayaro, we have all been re-energised.

"It is especially great to see how many kids came out to welcome us because they are the future stars of Mayaro and the nation. The joy on their faces makes this very much worth it for the entire team," he added.

Also on hand to welcome the athletes was chairman of the Mayaro/Rio Claro Regional Corporation Hazarie Ramdeen, who presented trophies of honour to Walcott for his accomplishment.

Source: www.trinidadexpress.com

Canada’s women blitzed all before them to win the North American Caribbean Rugby Association (NACRA) Sevens title on home soil and join neighbours USA at Rugby World Cup Sevens 2013.

The overwhelming favourites to secure the one place on offer at the NACRA regional qualifier, Canada did so by scoring 320 points and not conceding a single point in six matches at Twin Elm Rugby Park in Ottawa.

Canada picked up where they had left off on day one to add the scalp of Trinidad & Tobago to those of Mexico (62-0), Cayman Islands (50) and Jamaica 45-0 and qualify for the semi finals as top seeds.

Julia Greenshields and Bianca Farella both scored twice in the 39-0 win over Trinidad & Tobago which got day two of the NACRA Sevens underway on Sunday.

Next up for Canada was a rematch with Mexico, who had finished fourth in the five-team round robin. The margin was not as great this time, Ottawa local Julianne Zussman scoring two of Canada’s eight tries in a 42-0 victory.

In the other semi final, Trinidad & Tobago avenged a 19-7 loss in the round robin stages by beating Jamaica 22-5 with Kwanieze John scoring her side’s first two tries. Nicolette Panter and Jenliee Limada although touched down to confirm Trinidad & Tobago as Caribbean champions.

Mission accomplished

Trinidad & Tobago, though, were no match for the free-scoring Canadians in the final with captain Jen Kish grabbing a hat-trick to ensure her side realised their target of RWC Sevens 2013 qualification.

Zussman, Arielle Dubisette-Borrice, Magalie Harvery, Farella and Kaya Moleschi also got their names on the scoresheet in the final despite the plucky efforts of their opponents.

"The big one is that we are going to the World Cup, now we can prepare our players over the next months so they are successful next June in Moscow," said Canada coach John Tait.

"For me, one of the great things we got out of this tournament, other than winning and qualifying, was that we got to debut five new caps and they stepped onto the team pretty seamlessly, I thought they did very well."

Kish added: "We're going to a World Cup, we fought our way into it. It was a great victory and the girls learned a lot and I learned a lot about being a leader. Overall, it was just a great tournament for us."

Canada’s qualification for RWC Sevens 2013 now means that 11 of the 16 places in the women’s event have been filled, five by automatic qualifiers (Australia, New Zealand, USA, South Africa and hosts Russia) and five from the European qualifier (England, Spain, France, Netherlands and Ireland).

The remaining places will be filled through the Africa qualifier in Morocco on 29-30 September (one place), the Asia qualifier in India on 6-7 October (three places) and the South America qualifier in Brazil (one place) on 23-24 February 2013.

Day one results:
Canada 62-0 Mexico
Jamaica 17-0 Cayman Islands
Canada 50-0 Cayman Islands
Jamaica 19-7 Trindad & Tobago
Canada 45-0 Jamaica
Trinidad & Tobago 25-12 Mexico

Day two fixtures:
09:20 - Canada 39-0 Trinidad & Tobago
09:40 - Mexico 34-0 Cayman Islands
11:50 - Jamaica 24-0 Mexico
12:10 - Cayman Islands 0-36 Trinidad & Tobago
14:40 - Semi final - Jamaica 5-22 Trindad & Tobago 
15:00 - Semi final - Canada 42-0 Mexico
16:20 - Final - Trindad & Tobago 0-46 Canada

The NACRA Sevens men's event ran alongside the women's and there was double delight for Canada with their men's team beating neighbours USA 26-19 in the final. Both sides have qualified for RWC Sevens 2013 in Moscow.

Source: www.rwcsevens.com

It was the final everyone had expected between Canada and USA and it lived up to all expectations with Sean Duke scoring the winner with a minute on the clock to claim the North American Caribbean Rugby Association (NACRA) Sevens men’s title for Canada.

Both sides, by reaching the final, had already secured the region’s two qualification places for Rugby World Cup 2013 in Moscow but the chance to get one over their neighbours ensured the final was a battle to the finish with Canada edging it 26-19.

The Eagles started the brighter and nearly scored through Tai Enosa, but ultimately made the breakthrough when Luke Hume touched down in the corner at Twin Elm Rugby Park in Ottawa. Canada, though, hit back with tries from John Moonlight (2) and Conor Trainor to lead 19-7 at half time.

If the Canada fans thought their team had done enough to match the success of the women’s team then the USA had other ideas, speedster Carlin Isles racing in from 60 metres to score before Peter Tiberio’s try tied the scores at 19-19 after Enosa missed a tricky conversion.

USA thought they had snatched it when Hume sprinted clear again, but play was called back for a knock-on and instead it was Canada who grabbed the match-winner, Duke racing away on the left wing and stepping around the last defender to score under the posts.

This time there was no way back for USA, leaving Canada to celebrate victory in the first international Sevens tournament to be held in the country. The tournament, though, will have been good preparation for both with the HSBC Sevens World Series starting in October.

"We were up by a few tries after the first half, but the US was able to come back and score a couple of tries in the second, so it shows how unpredictable Sevens can be," said Duke. "We're happy with the outcome, and it feels amazing to be able to come away with the win."

Captain  Nanyak Dala said: "This was absolutely amazing, one of our goals was to come here and win it. It was a job well done, and a great start to the season. We still have nine tournaments to go before the World Cup, so we just need to focus and stay prepared as we get closer to next June."

Caribbean pride

USA had conceded just a single try en route to the final, against Mexico in a 33-7 semi final win, after beginning day two with another shutout, a 47-0 defeat of Bahamas with Hume and Jack Halalilo both scoring a brace in the first quarter-final.

Canada were equally impressive in reaching the title decider, overwhelming Barbados 45-7 in the quarter finals and then keeping Jamaica scoreless in the semi finals as five different players crossed the try-line in the 31-0 victory.

It had been left to Mexico and Jamaica to cause the upsets in the quarter finals, beating defending champions Guyana 17-14 and Pool C winners Trinidad & Tobago 19-5 respectively.

Mexico had raced out to a 17-0 lead with tries by Nazareno El Hom, Rodrigo Ramos and Pascal Naduad, but a yellow card gave Guyana chance to hit the comeback trail with two second-half tries.

Jamaica, who had delighted the crowd with their high octane Sevens over the two days, then saw off the challenge of T&T with tries from Agboola Silverthorn, Renaldo Wade and Orlando Jones keeping alive their hopes of RWC Sevens qualification.

Ultimately the pair would meet in the third place play-off for the pride of being the top Caribbean side, an honour which went to Mexico with a tight 17-12 win with Naduad again on the scoresheet.

Guyana finished with a flourish to beat Trinidad & Tobago 27-0 in the Plate final with Barbados overcoming Bahamas 29-0 to finish seventh of the 11 teams at the tournament.

Eighteen men’s teams have now qualified for RWC Sevens 2013 in the Russian capital, leaving just six places to be filled from the African, Asian and South American regional qualifiers over the coming months.

NACRA MEN'S SEVENS RESULTS

Day one - Saturday 25 August

Canada 41-0 Bermuda
Mexico 14-0 Bahamas
Guyana 10-0 Trinidad & Tobago
Cayman Islands 12-19 Barbados
USA 33-0 Jamaica
Canada 33-5 Bahamas
Mexico 19-0 Bermuda
Guyana 12-19 Barbados
Cayman Islands 21-24 Trinidad & Tobago
USA 57-0 St Vincent & The Grenadines
Canada 43-0 Mexico
Bermuda 12-17 Bahamas
Guyana 15-12 Cayman Islands
Trinidad & Tobago 17-0 Barbados
Jamaica 50-5 St Vincent & The Grenadines

Day two - Sunday 26 August

10:00 - St Vincent & The Grenadines 29-0 Bermuda
10:20 - QF1 - USA 47-0 Bahamas
10:40 - QF2 - Mexico 17-14 Guyana
11:00 - QF3 - Canada 45-7 Barbados
11:20 - QF4 - Trinidad & Tobago  5-19 Jamaica
12:50 - Plate SF - Bahamas 10-26 Guyana 
13:10 - St Vincent & The Grenadines 0-43 Cayman Islands
13:30 - Cup SF - USA 33-7 Mexico 
13:50 - Plate SF - Barbados 14-19 Trinidad & Tobago
14:10 - Cup SF - Canada 31-0 Jamaica
15:20 - Bermuda 7-31 Cayman Islands
15:40 - Bowl Final - Bahamas 0-29 Barbados
16:00 - Plate Final - Guyana 27-0 Trinidad & Tobago
16:40 - Third place play-off - Mexico 17-12 Jamaica
17:00 - Cup Final - USA 19-26 Canada

The NACRA Sevens will also see five women's teams vying for a spot at the second Women's Rugby World Cup Sevens. Canada, as winners of the first IRB Women's Sevens Challenge Cup, will be favourites to secure that with the USA having qualified automatically as semi finalists from Dubai 2009.

Source: www.rwcsevens.com