Former Sports Minister Gary Hunt came under fire for awarding a contract to the Sport Company of T&T for a $2 million national flag which was hoisted at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo. But it was to the flag that feature speaker Col Kenrick Maharaj, Commanding Officer Of the T&T Regiment, looked for inspiration when he addressed the children at the Post Sea En To To (In Total) Project in the VIP Lounge of the stadium yesterday.
The pupils were drawn from schools in the Port-of-Spain area.
Maharaj said: "Did you notice anything when you came into the stadium." Right on cue, the children said: "The flag." Emblazoned in its red, white and black colours, Maharaj reminded the children they should develop a sense of patriotism. He said: "You have to develop a sense of national pride. My flag, my country must mean something to me. Don't be afraid to give national service in your community. It would give you a sense of belonging to your community."
Youthful participants also were addressed by director of En To To Jo Anne Harroo-Blackman and her husband Michael Blackman, retired Brigadier Carl Alfonso, Nicole Dyer-Griffith and Zarim Ali, director of construction, Ministry of Works. Ali was deputising for Works Minister Jack Warner who was busy attending meetings. Each speaker wished the children well since they would be receiving their SEA results today and entering secondary schools in September. Alfonso told them to "look in the mirror and give yourselves a big-up. Knowledge is power."
Dyer-Griffith encouraged them to get involved in the national beautification drive on Sunday. Blackman reminded them that peer pressure could be positive and it "was okay to do the right thing." Among those present were Laventille Boys' School principal Judy Bedayse, who said: "It was a very encouraging project. The boys have learnt a great deal. They needed exposure and they got it by meeting other children." About 200 children also got a holistic education on etiquette, protocol, saving, counselling and preparation for secondary school.
awards
Carrem Webster – Pt Cumana Govt Primary – basketball (male);
Emmanuel John – Laventille Boys' Govt Primary – basketball (male);
Jewel Bharath – St Catherine's Primary – basketball (female);
Overall best girl, outstanding player – Miguel Joseph – Sacred Heart Boys' RC;
Tionne Baksh – Patna/River Estate Govt Primary – basketball male;
Leah Maharaj – Patna/River Estate Govt Primary – basketball female;
Orlando Baird – Laventille Boys' Govt Primary – Overall Best Boy;
Bernandette Antoine – St Catherine's Girls' Primary –
football, female;
Kieanne Blackman – St Catherine's Girls' Primary – football, female);
Tishann Pierre – Laventille Girls' Govt – football, female;
Tenesha Zamore – Pt Cumana Govt Primary – basketball, female; and.
Kkrumah Patrick – Sacred Heart Boys' RC – football, male.