American Airlines causes problems for T&T Rugby team

Thursday 16 October 08-Port-Of-Spain-   The Trinidad and Tobago Rugby Football Union (TTRFU) faced with American visa challenges and cautious of potential travel problems via Caracas opted to send the T&T rugby team to Brazil in two groups one via Caracas and the other via Miami on American Airlines. The Miami route was thought to be less taxing on the players.   The 14 members who traveled via Caracas with team manager Curtis Nero have arrived in Brazil and will have a light training session later today.   Coach Rhett Cheeping and 11 other members encountered problems with American Airlines and in a determined effort to ensure that his group reached Brazil on time for Saturday's crucial second leg 2011  Rugby World Cup encounter with Brazil. Cheeping took a Spirit Air Charter to Ft.Lauderdale so that his  group could make a midday connection flight to Sao Paulo where they will arrive at 9pm tonight .   Originally scheduled to arrive in Brazil this morning . TTRFU officials said Cheeping and his group got to the Piarco Airport at 11am yesterday(Wednesday) for a 2pm flight, they were in the Airport up to  midnight last night. The scheduled  American Airline flight had  problems. In light of this the group took a Spirit Air Charter to Ft. Lauderdale in an effort to get on a mid day Miami/ Sao Paulo connection that will arrive at 9pm tonight.   Meanwhile Nero said that those team members already in Brazil have settled in at the team hotel-Comfort Inn in Sao Jose de Campos.   "The situation with American Airlines is unfortunate but it is just another challenge  to overcome. The good news is that we will have a full team here in time for the game.The players already here will have a light work out later today .The priority with the others arriving late tonight is by the time they get settled in we may need to allow them to rest for most of Friday ."said Nero.    For team related information-Curtis Nero at Comfort Inn in Sao Jose de Campos. The number is (12) 39477666 .             The Caracas group got in as scheduled today and did not see the Miami group at the airport as expected.  We enquired from AA and found out that there were problems out of Trinidad.  The email below explains the rest.   I called Rhett before I saw this email and explained that we planned to have a run out session today to give the guys a blow out.   I left the cheque book with Colin Peters.  I am not sure what the balance was after the bills, but Colin can sort out.   Caracas turned out o.k.  The only challenge was that we were made to leave and check back in and therefore incurred an airport tax charge of US$53 per person (14 persons). The was no intransit arrangement at the airport because of the length of the layover. Other than that, things went smoothly.   We are staying in Comfort Inn in Sao Jose de campos. The number is (12) 39477666.  I am in room 708.   Regards,   curtis     ----- Original Message ---- From: Brian Lewis <briaclew@yahoo.com> To: jose.nivet@ansamcal.com; Leslie Figaro <figa9489@wasa.gov.tt>; Lisa Williams <lisa@williams.co.tt>; Anthony Laurence <alaurence@trinpet-its.com>; Derek Cumming <derekcumming@hotmail.com>; Curtis Nero <nero9@yahoo.com>; Colin Peters <colpetrugby@yahoo.com> Cc: TTRFU <contact@ttrfu.com> Sent: Thursday, October 16, 2008 9:28:06 AM Subject: Re: FLIGHT PROBLEMS Derek, Thanks for the update. I will inform the travel agent used for the travel arrangements so that they can contact AA.   TTRFU may not be able to make a refund today.But as has happened in the past in short term negative cash flow situations we find benefactors to cover until cash situation improves.I will discuss with the TTRFU VP.   BL   --- On Thu, 10/16/08, Derek Cumming <derekcumming@hotmail.com> wrote: From: Derek Cumming <derekcumming@hotmail.com> Subject: FLIGHT PROBLEMS To: jose.nivet@ansamcal.com, "'Leslie Figaro'" <figa9489@wasa.gov.tt>, "'Lisa Williams'" <lisa@williams.co.tt>, "'Anthony Loregnard'" <anthony.loregnard@tt.rbtt.com>, briaclew@yahoo.com, alaurence@trinpet-its.com, rgittens_2000@yahoo.co.uk, b.wallace@bouygues-construction.com, "'Colin Peters'" <colpetrugby@yahoo.com>, kencita-csas@mail.tt, "Chee Ping, Rhett" <rcheeping@gordongrant.com> Date: Thursday, October 16, 2008, 9:43 AM I have been in touch with Rhett since last night, the group travelling through Miami have been made to suffer. The group got to the Airport at 11am yesterday for a 2pm flight, they were in the Airport still at midnight last night, apparently there was engine problems followed by the flight crew time expiring. In light of this Rhett took a decision to take a Spirit Air charter to Ft. Lauderdale for USD165. a person which he paid for personally. If he had not done this he would not have caught the mid day Sao Paulo connection today. As it stands they got to Ft. Lauderdale and traveled to Miami they have checked in on the Sao Paulo flight and will get there at approx. 9pm tonight. Couple things: TTRFU need to follow up with AA for compensation for the inconvenience, etc. Rhett should be refunded today so i can get his credit card paid in case of any other emergency (USD165. x 12) Please let me know if a cheque can be prepared so i can sort this part out in the case of any further chaos. I hope Figgy receives this so he is aware of their situation

 

TTFF NEWS - Valuable point for Warriors, Post game comments

Valuable point for Warriors

Issued by Shaun Fuentes, TTFF Media Office, October 12,2008

Trinidad and Tobago came away with a valuable point in a courageous 0-0 draw
with Guatemala on Saturday night to keep their chances of securing a spot in
the CONCACAF Final round very much alive.

Playing before a partisan home crowd at the Estadio Mateo Flores, skipper
Dwight Yorke and his men, forced to play with ten men after defender Cyd
Gray way given marching orders for a second bookable offense, held on with a
gritty display which saw them almost snatching a late winner when Yorke free
kick came back off the near left post.

Before the start of the match, upon arrival some 90 minutes before kick off,
the venue was almost entirely filled by a vocal Guatemalan crowd which
jeered Yorke and company as they walked out on the pitch to get an early
feel of the expected intimidating atmosphere.
T&T had a bright first half, holding off the hosts for long periods and
should have gone ahead had Carlos Edwards and Jason Scotland done better
with their chances.

Scotland enjoyed a solid game overall while Edwards as a force throughout in
the right defensive position.

Veteran midfielder Russell Latapy had to sacrificed at the break following
Gray's sending off, to allow Clyde Leon to enter in a more defensive role
with Cornell Glen joining Scotland up front. Francisco Maturana said after
the match that Latapy was willing to play further time but he had no choice
but to introduce the defensive midfielder due to T&T then being a player
short.

Chris Birchall was a workhorse throughout and had two decent tries at goal,
one in the first half which was blocked and another in the second half which
flew over bar.

Goalkeeper Clayton Ince kept it even with some timely saves well supported
by more tidy work by Keyeno Thomas, Dennis Lawrence and Avery John.

The players and technical staff, feeling the value of the point, embraced
each other at half pitch. Russell Latapy jogged off with clenched fists in
the air as the T&T team was cheered off the field by the section of the
Guatemalan crowd above the players tunnel.
Next up, the "Soca Warriors" will host USA on Wednesday night at the Hasely
Crawford Stadium. Anthony Wolf, on two yellow cards and Gray will miss that
encounter.

The T&T team, which was met by President George Maxwell Richards and TTFF
Special Advisor Jack Warner before the game at the team hotel will arrive
back with those two and 150 fans on a charter flight at 10pm on Sunday

Post Match quotes

Francisco Maturana

"We played a very good game. I give credit to the players for fighting very
had and playing to the end. It was not easy especially after we had Cyd sent
off but our tactical game was very good tonight.

It was the kind of result that we deserved after a game like this. We played
with a lot of heart. In the game we had the more clear cut chances to score
and maybe the result could have been different if we made use of these. But
when the player got sent off it made us have to change our game tactically
and we had to take two players off. All my players did very well. Russell
Latapy too. He had to come off because at this stage for the second half we
had to put on the defensive player in the middle. He (Latapy) wanted to stay
on but I had to make the change," Maturana told TTFF Media.

Clayton Ince

It was a good result and good to see all the guys put on such a performance.
It was a tremendous fight by us after going a man down away from home. It
was very important for us not to lose this game and that's exactly what we
did. We kept shape throughout the game and we also put them under pressure
with a few good scoring chances of our own. It was a tricky affair but every
player held their own exactly how you need to in a qualifying match of this
nature. We played as a team whether it was with ten or eleven men. I think
with this kind of confidence in the camp we can definitely go on to get a
result against the States on Wednesday," Ince told TTFF Media

Chris Birchall

"It was vital for them that they won seeing that it was their home game and
vital for us not to lose so I think we came out the better team. I think
this the best I have felt fitness wise since the World Cup. There was a lot
of running and defending involved tonight and we did it well as a tea. We
were hoping for the three points but it became a lot harder after we got the
man sent off. But we showed a lot of grit and spirit. They had unbelievable
support and the Guatemala fans were clapping us off the pitch after the game
which was credit for our performance. Now is the one time we can be
confident that we can really give America a game and not just a good game
but also get three points. We will be going all out on Wednesday," Birchall
told TTFF Media.

Nero:T&T have not given up and will go to Brazil determined to come good

The Trinidad and Tobago rugby team´s technical staff led by head coach Rhett
Cheeping met yesterday to discuss the way forward for T&T as they head to
Sao Paulo,Brazil for the return leg of their 2011 Rugby World Cup qualifier.

T&T lost 31-8 to Brazil on Saturday afternoon at the Larry Gomes
Stadium,Malabar Arima.

Curtis Nero team manager said it is a steep hill to climb as the T&T team
travel to South America having to make up a 23 point difference.

" It is a tough task but our battle is mental.On Saturday we did not handle
the occasion very well and made far to many errors".

Nero indicated that the technical staff went back to the drawing board and
reviewed evry aspect of Saturday´s game during Sunday´s post mortem.

" We have not given up and will travel to Brazil knowing that we have
everything to play for"

TTFF NEWS - Latapy: Let's do it our way

Latapy: Let's do it our way

Issued by Shaun Fuentes, TTFF Media Officer, October 13, 2008

Veteran Trinidad and Tobago midfielder Russell Latapy is quietly optimistic
of this country's chances in pulling off a desired three points in
Wednesday's crucial World Cup qualifying encounter against United States.

Latapy, appointed as player/coach by the TTFF earlier this month, made a one
half appearance in T&T's 0-0 draw with Guatemala on Saturday but had to be
sacrificed at half time due to Cyd Gray's sending off. Nonetheless he was
delighted to be involved and contribute towards the team's showing.

"Fantastic point for us. We knew that if we didn't get at least a point
here then it would make things really difficult for us so I must say
congrats to everyone involved. We showed a lot of character, determination
and spirit as well to hold on with the two men.

"It wasn't the best surface that was conducive to the way that we want to
play football and the way we've always played football which is to get the
ball down and passing it. But again you have to adjust to whatever opponent
and surface and we got a point. It puts us in the driving seat now," Latapy
told TTFF Media on Sunday.

The former FC Porto man emphasized on his current role in the team.

"Well there are a couple of reasons why I'm back obviously. I'm never going
to turn my back on Trinidad and Tobago... I never have and I never will. I
think that I can still make a positive contribution at my age. I'm happy to
be playing at this level. I love football and I'll always play football and
be involved. It's a good opportunity to come back but most importantly is
making a contribution to Trinidad and Tobago football and to the team. It's
just good experience and the knowledge of the game... helping the younger
players understand what their roles are is important. I think spending more
time around the team will allow for a better understanding for the younger
players.

"I've only been here in reality for five days. First and foremost the aim is
to get us to the other round. My input as a coach has been very little so
far. It's been more my input as an experienced player and bouncing things of
management as an experienced player. Asking what I think as far as the type
of trainings, organising training sessions, getting us to a play at a
certain intensity and at a high rhythm. I haven't been involved a great deal
in that way. Bt saying that it's difficult being back for five days and
making one hundred percent changes.

"In my opinion, the ability, talent and experience that we have around... we
shouldn't be in the situation we are. But again we are here and we have to
deal with it and once we get into the other round there will be more time to
make improvements," Latapy added.

Following his half time exit. Latapy looked on at the remainder of the game
and spurred on from behind the T&T goal which was closed to the players
tunnel. And as the team walked off the pitch after the final whistle cheered
by the Guatemalan crowd, the "Little Magician" jogged with clenched fists in
the air.

He explained his reason for such a reaction.

"I think I've always been a winner in everything I did. It happens a lot in
football with players speaking to each other and I think Guatemala treated
us with a lot of disrespect in terms of some of the things they were saying
to us. I'm not really a big fan of speaking about referees but he had a lot
of wrong calls. He made a lot of home side decisions, so with us holding
out... that was saying to me that okay we've beaten the odds here under a
really harsh, difficult and aggressive atmosphere... we have put ourselves
in the driver's seat. We have to depend on nobody but ourselves so that is
one of the things I was excited about especially when you say things to
young players and they (are) now having the experience of seeing it and
experiencing it."

Three points is the definite aim on Wednesday, he added.

"We don't want to leave it coming down to the last game. I know on paper
everybody is thinking that if it comes down to the last game then we are
going to win against Cuba at home. We need to go into every game with the
same mentality that we are going to win, especially when we play at home
which is why we have home advantage. In playing against the States at home
we want to impose the type of football that we play... how Trinidadians play
football and show our technical ability and the way we have played ever
since. The essence of Trinidad and Tobago football is what we want to show
and obviously we want to come out with three points," Latapy concluded.

A FITTING END JAMAICA'S HOMECOMING CELEBRATIONS

A FITTING END TO JAMAICA'S HOMECOMING CELEBRATIONS

The Digicel hosted Olympians' Homecoming Gala Dinner got off to a good start
and the mood was kept mellow by the Wray and Nephew Bar accompanied by the
lovely Jessica Yap on violin.

Monday, October 13- Kingston, Jamaica: Digicel on Friday October 10 hosted
what was an exceptional soiree for the Beijing 2008 Olympians that saw some
of the Jamaica's most influential and noted personalities coming out to pay
tribute to Jamaica's Olympic heroes at Vale Royal. The gala was a
culmination of a week of activities that saw the Olympians being honoured
with national recognition and numerous other awards.

Dubbed the Olympians' Homecoming Gala Dinner and hosted by Digicel, the
guest list featured all the Olympians who took part in the 2008 Beijing
Olympics, Special Olympics and Paralympics. The Guest list included Prime
Minister of Jamaica The Hon Bruce Golding, U.W.I Distinguished Fellow Edward
Seaga, Mr and Mrs Douglas Orane, MVP President Bruce James, Digicel Jamaica
CEO Mark Linehan, JAAA President Howard Aris, Minister of Sport Olivia
Grange and several top representatives of the private and public sector.

The Digicel hosted Olympians' Homecoming Gala Dinner got off to a good start
and the mood was kept mellow by the Wray and Nephew Bar accompanied by the
lovely Jessica Yap on violin. There were also popular renditions by the
Gumption Band who would later back Digicel 2008 Rising Star Cameal Davis and
reggae Icon Freddy McGregor as they gave tributes to the Olympic Heroes.

The food was exquisite with caterers Ciao Bella going all out to present a
golden treat. The over six hundred patrons feasted on succulent Beef
Tenderloin, Mahi Mahi Fish seasoned to perfection and Pumpkin Bisque. The
meal was topped off with Dessert Medallions, Puff Pastry and decadent
Chocolate Truffles.

The Olympians' Homecoming Gala Dinner saw the athletes getting more
recognition with Triple Gold Medallist and world record holder Usain Bolt
receiving a large painting from renowned Jamaican artist Richard Hall. All
the athletes including the Special Olympians and Para-Olympians received
personalised engraved high end phones such as the Samsung U600, the Samsung
Tocco and the Samsung G600. There was also a silent auction towards the
Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association with the target of 1.6 million dollars
being far exceeded.

Successful bidders won prizes such as weekends at Sandals, Air Jamaica
flights and trips to New Jersey. The top prize for the auction was a trip
for two to the exquisite 5 Star Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Miami, Florida
plus air fare and 2000 US Dollars spending money; a prize donated by Digicel
Chairman Denis O'Brien.

All guests who attended the Digicel hosted Olympians' Homecoming Gala Dinner
got a framed 11/17 replica of a collage of pictures featuring Usain Bolt in
full flight signed by Usain Bolt. The nights events did not end at Vale
Royal; everyone who attended was invited to the after party at Red Bones
where international reggae band Rootz Underground and reggae star Beres
Hammond further serenaded the athletes and guests.

Digicel is proud to have hosted such an affair and by the reviews chronicled
it was a night to remember and a fitting end to Jamaica's Olympic Homecoming
Celebrations.

TTFF NEWS - Spann gets the call for Wednesday's clash

Spann gets the call for Wednesday's clash
Issued by Shaun Fuentes, TTFF Media Officer, October 13,2008

Wrexham's Silvio Spann has been called up by head coach Francisco Maturana
for Wednesday's crucial 2010 World Cup qualifier against United States at
the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
Spann, who last played in a 0-0 draw with Guadeloupe in February,is
scheduled to arrive on Monday evening and will join the team camp at the
Crowne Plaza.
Meantime, there is some doubt over Cornell Glen who is carrying a hamstring
problem and he will be monitored closely up until Tuesday. There is better
news for Dennis Lawrence who picked up a strain in the 0-0 draw with
Guatemala, has been given the all clear to train and play. Southampton
striker Stern John also has the green light for Wednesday's match after
nursing a hamstring strain.
Spann, in as a fill with Cyd Gray and Anthony Wolfe suspended, was
delighted with the call which came from the airport in Guatemala prior to
the team's departure. The TTFF was able to confirm Spann's travel
arrangements.

"I got a phone call late on Sunday afternoon," he said.

"After that it was a bit of a panic to get in touch with the gaffer to clear
it with him and then sort out flights.

"The TTFF officials were still traveling home from Guatemala on Sunday, so
they couldn't organise my travel. Hopefully, everything will drop into place
and I will be back in Trinidad late on Monday.

"That will give me time to prepare myself for the game on Wednesday evening.

"This is a very important game for my country and it's get to be involved
again."

Due to the times of return flights from the Caribbean, Silvio will head back
to Wrexham on Thursday evening, arriving back at lunchtime on Friday.

Manager Dean Saunders was happy for the player.

"Silvio has been down a bit of late, but playing against York and now being
recalled by his country has given him a lift," said the manager.

"This is exactly the sort of thing I was trying to point out to the players,
if you put in the work, then you will get your rewards.

"It is a long trip for him, but he's used to it and it's great to see him
smiling again."

Warner doubles up

Meantime TTFF Special Advisor Jack Warner and President of the Republic His
Excellency George Maxwell Richards were all smiles as they greeted captain
Dwight Yorke and the T&T team prior to boarding the Dominican Airways
charter flight out of Guatemala City on Sunday.

Warner relayed to the team earlier in the day that the TTFF would double the
players' match wage.

"What a show of character, determination, fight and belief. What those guys
displayed out there is what we need more of in our country... to be able to
combat the problems we are facing today. We are all proud of the efforts.
Never before did one point have so much value," Warner said.

"I have told them that their match fees have been doubled for what they did
against Guatemala and they deserve every bit of it."

Stanford 20/20 in doubt

The $20 million Twenty20 match between England and the 'Stanford Superstars' is in doubt after the West Indies Cricket Board lost a High Court battle with their sponsors Digicel.

The decision by the court to order the WICB to withdraw its sanction for the match means that it could be called off, or if it goes ahead, will feature a severely weakened West Indies line-up.

The Windies board had argued that, because the 'Stanford Superstars' was not an official West Indies team, the sponsors' rights were not affected, and therefore made all its contracted players available for selection.

Digicel's case claimed that if the match was officially recognised by the WICB, as its official sponsor it would have branding and other commercial rights associated with the deal.

And the court upheld their appeal, ruling that the board must withdraw its sanction or be guilty of a breach of contract with Digicel.

The match, inspired by billionaire businesman Allen Stanford, is due to take place in Antigua on November with the winning side pocketing the $20 million, including $1m per player. The losers walk away with nothing.

 

TTFF NEWS - Doubts over Carlos Ruiz and James

Doubts over Carlos Ruiz and James

Issued by Shaun Fuentes, TTFF Media Officer, October 1, 2008

Toronto FC has reported injury doubts over Trinidad and Tobago defender Julius James and Guatemala’s ace striker Carlos Ruiz.

The club’s coach John Carver is hoping that Ruiz and James will be fit enough to return to full training by the end of the week. Ruiz missed Saturday's clash against Houston Dynamo with a knee injury whilst James had a hamstring strain. Both players have been called up by their respective countries for the October 11 World Cup qualifier in Guatemala City.

"Carlos is day to day," said Carver. "He is getting better all the time and hopefully he will be able to join in training towards the end of the week. He's very close to being back. Julius did some training this morning. I don't think he will play in the reserve game on Tuesday morning but we will assess him by the end of the week. If those guys aren't available for us on Saturday, they won't be going away on international duty.”

Ruiz netted a double in Guatemala’ come from behind 4-1 victory over Cuba in their last World Cup qualifier in Guatemala City last month.

James, once passed fit, is carded to be in Trinidad on October 6 in time for the friendly international against Dominican Republic at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on October 8 from 5pm. Joe Public takes on Canada’s Montreal Impact from 8:11pm in a CONCACAF Champions League encounter in the second fixture.

Meantime Sunderland manager Roy Keane also noted that Kenwyne Jones has made “good progress” in his recovery from a knee injury but will need at least another three weeks before returning to action. "Both Kenwyne and Martyn Waghorn are making brilliant progress. They both saw the surgeon last week and he was absolutely delighted with the two of them," Keane said.

Jones started running last month and had targeted either the first week of October for a return but it now looks likely that he may have to wait slightly longer.

“I’m slowly getting back there. I had targeted the game on Saturday (vs Arsenal). I’m not going to push it too much but I’m just thankful to God that I can be back on my legs again and get back to training. I want to be playing but I want to make sure I am one hundred percent and I will be working totally towards that,” Jones told TTFF Media.