Welcome to the Second Edition of the Carifin e-newsletter!
When Carifin was conceived over 15 years ago, it must have been viewed as a vehicle to foster greater camaraderie within the financial sector, even as we compete with each other on a daily basis. Fifteen years later, the question we must ask ourselves is whether that initial objective is being realized. If in fact this objective for Carifin remains, the challenge as we move forward in the 21st Century is how we make Carifin more relevant. At the moment, Carifin appears to be a one-off series of events with no objective other than encouraging participation by a broad range of institutions.
As the organizers of Carifin seek to redefine its role in the financial community, an innovation such as this e-newsletter is an important first step. The generation and dissemination of information on what is going on within the financial community from a health and fitness perspective must be developed further to include seminars on nutrition, wellness, fitness training and other such topics worthy of being emphasized. Assistance in achieving this objective should be sought from the umbrella institutions such as the BATT and ATTIC as well as the Central Bank.
In addition to the sharing of knowledge, there is a need for greater coordination of sporting activities within the financial sector such as the inter-bank football league, the inter-bank cricket league, Carifin and other events. Consideration should be given to bringing all of these events under one sporting umbrella body for the financial services sector. At the very least, Carifin’s activities need to be broadened to encourage participation throughout the year and by a broader array of individuals.
In this second edition of the newsletter, we will read about a number of individuals who have proudly flown the sporting flag both for their employer of choice and the industry in general. These flag bearers are worthy of salute, even as we look forward to their successes being emulated by others within the financial sector.
CariFin Personality of the Month
Because hard work should not go unrecognized CariFin Committee has come up with the Personality of the Month. The CariFin Personality of the month programme started in February and will run six months. The idea is to showcase people who exercise at least three times a week, and of course we would be looking for a personal interest story. All participants in the CariFin Personality of the Month would be posted on Fun, Fitness and Friendship blog (http://funfitnessfriendship.vox.com) and will be featured on our CariFin e- newsletter.
We are asking institutions to suggest or submit persons who exercise three times per week, be it walking, cycling, running, working out in the gym, swimming etc. I am looking for four persons to highlight per month. The decision about who to highlight will be taken by readers and me (until we could get volunteers to assist). If you want to vote for the CariFin Personality of the Month, please email your vote to me.
Each of the four persons whose story we publish will win a hamper and a CariFin Personality of the Month certificate. The overall winner also gets a trophy and gets a chance to star in a five minute video, based on an interview. The five minutes video would be feature on Fun, Fitness and Friendship blog, as well as Youtube and all the leading video sites.
The first entrants into the CariFin Personality of the Month Programme are Wendy D’arbaise (CBTT) and Karen Dowden (RBTT Bank). Wendy D’arbasie emerges as the more compelling story that lends credence to living the CariFin way in their personal life.
Once again we would like to congratulate Wendy D’arbasie of CBTT and Karen Downer of RBTT Bank for being part of CariFin Personality of the month. We would like mangers to suggest likely people that we can use for the CariFin Personality of the Month as well as looking for suggestions to make it a more interesting and effective programme.
CBTT Training Team shine at RWTC 5K Race
It was nice to see another good representation of Central Bank at a road running event. This time 13 runners faced the starting line for the RWTC 5K race. This race started in front of TGIF at the Queen’s Park Savannah (2.28 miles) and went in a clockwise direction, back to the start making one lap of a marked area inside the savannah.
It was a good day for CBTT Training Team and a good day for running in the bank, the man called Keston Wright better known for his footballing prowess and capability in the sprints than long distance running ability showed what one can do when one puts one’s mind to it.
He went out with the lead group which consisted of about twenty runner’s stretch out along the course, he showed poise and patience as he did what he was thought by his trainer (Carlos Wilson) in the training sessions.
Three quarter into the race Keston up the ante and started run in earnest, as he headed for the last segment of the race to the finish line, holding his own with some the regulars and much more experience runners on the day. Even beating Rodney Julien of ALGICO who had the edge on him at CLICO 5K where Rodney finished in 19.29 and Keston in 22.24. Keston running faster than two minutes at this race.
He made a race within a race by facing a tough challenge at the finish line with a runner, but prevailing by crossing the finish line first.
Keston finish the race in a time of 20.51.8 finishing overall in 18 spot from an overall total of 214 runners and placing third in his age-group.
Second in the men was Kerry Degannes in a time 24.32.1 and Shawn Edwards 26.20.8
Again it’s good to see a senior manager Mr. Allister Noel out and running, sharing in the team spirit, laughing and having fun along with the team.
Esla Anthony did 26.19 to be the first woman to cross the finish line for team CBTT, showing that style and consistency that she is becoming quite famous for. Darelle Rouse continues to show resilience, she shows determination to run the whole course in these 5k events… from a position where she had difficulty in even finishing a 5K.
Esla and Darelle placed first and second in their age-group.
Marsha Bishop did 31:57 and by running the full 5K course. When Marsha started at the gym her level of fitness would not allow her to run a comfortable five minutes but on this day some three months after she started working out at the gym she can stay active on her feet for a 5K and do a reasonable time of 31.57.4 minutes. Credit must go the gym staff and in particular the trainer who have been working with this group of runners, Carlos Wilson.
Also among the women were first timers in the 5K and running business Shanta Dhoray and Michelle Majid who did times of 33.10 and 33.12 respectively. I asked Michelle how the race was and she beamed, “Totally enjoyable, I enjoyed myself.”
Mayon Dragon has quite inconspicuously done both 5K and needs no encouragement to participate in a 5 K or a hike. Mayon has also participated in all CariFin’s Urban Challenge and Cross country Events from the time she has joined the bank.
It is good to see the Central Bank gym manager Lenwyn Headley and trainer Carlos Wilson out at every event so far and playing a major role in Team CBTT being organized and ready both physically and emotionally for these events.
The full times of the team are:
Keston Wright 20.51.8
Kerry DeGannes 24.32.1
Esla Anthony 26.19
Shawn Edwards 26.20.8
Allister Noel 28.59
Darelle Rouse 29.25
Marsha Bishop 31.57
Karen Ramjohn 32.51
Shanta Dhoray 33.10
Michelle Majid 33.12
Chelsea – Anne Phillips 37.14
Gervon Abraham 39.51
Mayon Dragon 42.09
The Buzz… about Dragon Boat Racing
There is a new event in Trinidad and it is causing quite a buzz. Scotiabank Women against Breast Cancer charity dragon boat festival 2007. A number of persons and institutions have participated in the event which took place on Sunday March 18th 2007 from 8.00a.m to 4.00 p.m at the Kayak Centre, Chaguaramas. The race started inside Williams Bay and runs out towards Alcoa. The distance of the race is 500 meters. Boats normally take an average of 2.5 minutes to complete the course.
This race is intended to draw awareness and raise funds for breast cancer in Trinidad and Tobago as well as to support United Way Trinidad & Tobago NGO initiatives. Proceeds will be shared between the Scotiabank Women against Breast Cancer Fund and United Way Trinidad & Tobago.
Dragon boat racing was first introduced in Trinidad in honor of the 200th anniversary of the Chinese presence in Trinidad and Tobago.
Dragon boat racing is one of the world’s oldest water sports, originating in China over 200 years ago. Today it is an international sport, recognized in many countries of the world and seems likely to be an accredited Olympic sport in the future.
A dragon boat is 48 feet long with a dragon head at one end and tail at the other. It accommodates 20 paddlers, a drummer and steers person. On July 28th 2007 at the Kayak Centre in Chaguaramas the sports was formally introduced to T&T.
The overall winners were: 1. Excellent Stores Titans. 2. Scotiabank and 3. Chinese Association.
The All female winners were Shark Fin and Dumpling – sponsored by Signwave.
The fastest aggregate time for the day – Angel & Saints sponsored by KFC
CariFin e-news spoke to Reena Panchorie, Assistant Manager – Public & Corporate Affairs at Scotiabank we inquired what stood out at the dragon boat racing that took place last weekend.
She offered, “There was great team spirit throughout, everyone had fun, absent was the normal competitiveness that you usually see at some events.”
The thing that I am here to investigate is what caused this buzz, what was the inspiration to all the teams that took part in this event what emotions stuck with them at the end of this event?
CariFin e-news spoke to Marcia Pierre of Guardian Life who is the captain of the all female team.
How would you describe you and your team’s (Team Oar Struck’s (GHL)) experience in the Scotiabank Dragon Boat race 2007?
She responded excitedly and said, “Our experience at the Dragon Boat Festival was an enjoyable and exciting one. We participated with an all female team, since the “cause” of the event (Brest Cancer) was one the main reasons for doing so. All in all the overall socializing and bonding experience was great, we’ve laughed together, learned from one another, enjoyed the camaraderie and welcomed the competition.”
Sunita Tiwari of RBTT had this response, “It was an amazing experience! We may not have done well in the race, but we won when it came to team spirit, everyone gave 110%, and that is really all you can ask for.”
The RWTC 5 K Race
Brian Maynard captures RWTC 5 K again!
The atmosphere was charged as runners moved about to warm up for the 5K. It was a good time for friends to meet one another and many were taking advantage of it.
The major part of the crowd was anxious to take off and the sky was overcast but humidity was still high. The weather was tolerable but you could enjoy running for half an hour to an hour in it if you had trained.
The race was under way at 1.33 pm and 200 plus racers were excited, as most are whenever you race.
This race gave runners the opportunity to run with the timing chip from the Odessey Timing Company. The chip makes running more exciting as you see your results printed out and up on a board a few minutes after the race or the convenience of looking at it on the internet almost instantaneously after the race.
During the race the lead bunch was spread out in about 12 runners, moving rather slowly. The more informed runners stayed away because they were preparing for the targeted races that they are training for. Running at the front was a very lack luster affair as there were guys running at 5.30 pace.
There was no Richard Jones who could push things along a bit faster (5.02 pace, giving you a time in the vicinity of 15.39). Even last year 2006, Maynard did a faster time… finishing 16.35, so you could see it was a below par day in terms of running performance. Actually, it was just a slow cruise, a situation that a lot of the runners were enjoying as it allowed them a higher placing as many of the better runners stayed away because of training commitments. This obviously would make their resume look more impressive.
Brian Maynard eventually won the event in a modest time of 17.08.1.
The second place finisher Kenrick Williams did 17.33.3 and third place Neil Francois followed in 17.40.9.
In the women category Kerticha John enjoyed the same kind of fortune as the other top females runners stayed away and she secured the first place in 21.13.0
Christine Regis did 22.31. to finish second and Rebecca John posted 22.56.6 to fill the third position.
The concept of the race is good, the starting and finishing point of the race, make a smaller loop in the Savannah making this 5K a unique event. Other accommodation like ambulance, secure coned area to run, and police etc was good.
The organizers need to find sponsors and offer a bigger and more indepth prize package to be able to attract more of the better runners to this event and generate better buzz about the event to get more runners talking about the race in a more positive light.
Nikosi of RBTT Bank first among the Financial Institutions at RWTC 5K
Nikosi Mc Leish of RBTT Bank was the highest placed runner from the financial services sector at the RWTC 5K which was held on Sunday March 11, 2007 around the Queen’s Park Savannah. The race started in front of TGIF and went one lap around the Queen’s Park Savannah back to TGIF and made a small loop within the Savannah and to the finish line opposite TGIF.
The race was put on by the Rainbow Warrior Triathlon Club, over 200 runners faced the starter. When the race started at 1.30 pm, the sun was out but obscured by clouds and a slight breeze was blowing across the Savannah which made the going cool for the 5K.
Nikosi made good use of the weather conditions though his time of 20.13 was a bit slower than his CLICO 5K time of 18.57 a few weeks ago, his 10th place overall was quite rewarding at this level.
It good to see that he is keeping at it and improving, it augurs well for his CariFin performance in the next three months. He is that kind of runner that is curious and always wants to learn about the sport and find new ways to improve on his performance.
Now is as good a time as any to remind you of Nikosi pedigree in CariFin – what he did at CariFin 2006.
In the overall cross country event at Sevilla, Nikosi placed second, in the first Urban Challenge – The One Lap Savannah 4th, Green Mile – 2nd, Mini Cross country at The Botanic Garden – 2nd.
CariFin e-news will be looking closely at Nikosi’s performance at all events that he enters for the rest of year.
CariFin e-news questioned Nikosi about his RWTC performance and this is what he had to say.
“I was disappointed with my performance; I was going for better time than 18.57 my CLICO 5K time, though the course seemed fast, the weather wasn’t to my liking and I felt the course longer than a 5K…. But I enjoyed the race”.
Review of RWTC Race
The 3rd road race for 2007 is schedule for Sunday March 11, 2007 at the Queen’s Park Savannah opposite T.G.I.F
After having no races to run in February the road running community of Trinidad and Tobago will have the RWTC 5K race to run on March 11, 2007.
What we could expect.
So far no other runners from the Caribbean or other foreign athletes have indicated their intention to participate in this race.
So look out for Richards Jones to pull this one off also. Richard is in good form at this time after winning the CLICO 5K in 15.39.
He did 15.39 for the CLICO 5K; it means that Richard pace for the 5K is about 5 mins. 02 seconds per mile and he is expected to go a faster with the training he have been doing.
He is just back from a cross country race in Dominica
Last year’s winner Brian Maynard will find the going very hard if he is not in better form than his winning time last year of 16.35 suggest. That is a 5.20 pace. Jules La Rode (16:09) and Elvis Turner (16:23) placed 2nd and 3rd in the CLICO 5K of course some of the other better runners were not in the 5K but in the marathon on that day so overall capability and form can’t be truly judged based on the timing of the CLICO 5K. We have to consider the guys who were in the marathon earlier in the morning. Hopefully runners like Curtis Cox, Errol Baldhead Williams and these guys would be participating in this event. If they are in then the race will be tougher for 2nd to 10th place.
In the women category thing would be a little different if all the top runner see the merit in coming out to this race, then you will have a compact race but not many changing of position taking place from the last CLICO 5K.
Judging from CLICO 5K Shermin Lasaldo (18:14) came in first and Samantha Shukla (18:36) came in second. USC student, Tonya Nero, copped the third place with a time of eighteen minutes, 43 seconds.
Last year this race had 162 participants that was because it was held before carnival, hopefully this year the 250 participation mark looks feasible as offices and teams are signing up to take part.
CBTT Participation
All ready 15 staff members have registered and we are hoping to get a few more. Our fastest female runner Wendy D’arbasie (25.09 at CLICO 5K) would not be participating so that leaves Esla Anthony (26.43) who have shown consistency in training and performance and Leigh-Ann Benjamin who tried the marathon for the first time this year, to occupy the top places for us.
Keston Wright will continue that good form (22.24 at CLICO 5K) to be the 1st CBTT Pacing team male member to cross the finish line for us, followed by Kerry Degannes (25.10) and Brian John in 2nd and 3rd place respectively. Dave Massiah who did 24.44 in CLICO would miss this one also Alister Noel who did 25.58 also at CLICO.
Everyone should take Esla Anthony of giving of drink lots of fluids, eat plenty complex carbohydrate, get a good night’s rest, and wear a cap and sunscreen.
The Course
5km - The 5km event will start in front of T.G.I.F. and proceed clockwise around the Savannah, occupying only the inside/right lane. After you have completed one lap, you will then follow the course onto the inside of the Savannah, where you will finish the required distance on a shorter course.
The Weather
The temperature would be in the vicinity of 90 °F / 32 °C with Scattered Clouds, winds would be blowing at 14 mph / 22 km/h / 6.2 m/s from the East.
Some tips on how to say cool at 55 degrees F or above
• Wear lighter garments – Loose-fitting clothes allow heat to escape. Don’t wear cotton clothing. Sweat soaks into cotton, causing it to cling to your skin, increasing heat buildup. Several materials will wick the perspiration away from your skin: Coolmax, polypro, etc. As moisture leaves your skin, you receive a cooling effect, and these types of materials are designed for this.
• Pour water over yourself – Up to 70 percent of the heat you can lose goes out through the top of your head so regularly pour water over your hair (even if, like me, you are hair challenged). Regularly pouring water on a light, polypro (or a similar material) singlet or tank top will keep you cooler.
• Drink cold water – Not only does cold water leave the stomach of a runner quicker than any type of fluid, it produces a slight physiological cooling effect – and an even greater psychological cooling effect. But don’t drink too much either.
Schedule for Team CBTT on the day
Arrival Time
12.30
Photo & Video 1.00 pm
Warm - up 1.05 pm
Prayer & Motivation 1.15 pm
Leave for starting line 1.20 pm.
After race group pics 1.45 pm
