This Newspaper was reliably informed that the three West Indies Selectors, Michael Findlay (Chairman), Joey Carew and Joel Garner as well as Roger Harper the West Indies coach will meet to select the captain very shortly and Carl Hooper is at the head of the list of candidates.

"The selectors have been holding discussions on the captaincy issue for a while and having meetings with several members of the West Indies Cricket Board about their opinions on the current state of leadership and it is clear that the consensus among the selectors is that Jimmy Adams must go," a source close to the WICB told the Independent from Antigua.

" There is a strong view to select the team first and then pick the captain and if that is done, then Jimmy cannot make the team, so there is no chance for him to lead the team, at this stage of our cricket with the batting so low, we cannot afford to carry any player, and for the last few series, Jimmy has not been performing with his bat,"he added.

"And as it is that Brian Lara has clearly stated that he does not want the captaincy and it may be too much of a risk to appoint the untested Ridley Jacobs in this position, because it could affect his form and at this time we cannot take this risk, so that is why Carl Hooper's experience and the fact that he can earn his place in the team given his recent showing in the Busta Cup is in his favour,"

"He is certainly the choice among the selector, but there is a fear that their nomination may be rejected by the West Indies Cricket Board when they meet, particularly as recently the President of the WICB, has stated that there should not be any surgery on the team,"he noted.

This newspaper understand that recently the selectors have been muzzled as well as some members of the WICB, by letters received from the powers that be in the WICB hierarchy," Already some of the selectoral team as well as Board members of the West Indies Cricket Board have received some harsh letters telling them about the need to watch what they say and how they speak.... the selectors have been told there job is to talk first with the CEO of the WICB and not to make a number of comments to the media,"

"It is all of these things that have the selectors fearful of a backlash if they sack Jimmy Adams and nominated someone else, there is still a feeling that the Jamaican influence on the Board could leave for a lot of favouritism towards Jimmy Adams,"he stated.

Five Years ago, the Independent Newspaper broke the story on how the then selectors headed by Wes Hall nominated Brian Lara for the job of West Indies captain, but this was overruled by the West Indies Cricket Board.

"There is a fear that just with the rejection of Brian Lara at first by the WICB, then a similar fate could befall Carl Hooper, and it is unclear if the current West Indies selectors can stand up to this."

"But at this moment Hooper has a lot of things in his favour as already he has the support of Guyana and it is also understood that Trinidad and Tobago are throwing their support behind Hooper's nomination, but there are still other member of the Board who have to be convinced that Hooper is going to be more dedicated this time."

"Also in Hooper's favour is that the first test is in Guyana, his hometown, so it will mean that he will have a soft landing as captain and will get a lot of hometown support, it is not very certain how the people of Guyana will react if someone else is given the nod, we have seen how Jamaica treated Lara in the past."

This Newspaper also learnt that already there are plans afoot by the WICB to form a -Presidential team -, a sort of committee to give advice to the WICB, to consist of players like Alf Valentine, Everton Weekes and Clyde Walcott.

"We have to remember that if we want to continue to expose the young players to the game of international cricket, we must leave room for the likes of Marlon Samuels, Ramnaresh Sarwan and Wavell Hinds in the West Indies team, and if already there is Lara, Hooper and the returning Chanderpaul, then there is no room for Jimmy Adams in this team."

Chairman of the West Indies selectors Michael Findlay confirmed that the captain of the team has to be named before the team assembles for a training camp before the first test from March 9 -15.

"The individual selectors along with coach Roger Harper will be at the four matches over this week, the last of the round, I will be at the Jamaica versus West Indies "B" encounter, Joey Carew will be at Barbados versus Trinidad and Tobago in Barbados , while Joel Garner will be at the Leeward Islands versus England 'A" match and Roger Harper will be out there for the Guyana versus Windward Islands and we will all have a talk, we also need to hear from the captain and coach from the Australian series, and then we will look at the team,"

"Normally what we will do is find a location which is central to all of us and meet there to select the captain and nominate him to the WICB, and when this is announced, we can all then get together to pick the team for the first test,"said Findlay

"As it stands now we may meet most likely after the last round matches are completed and just before the semi final matches of this round," said Findlay.

However the major threat to Trinidad reaping further success in the Gold Cup after 12 years without success is not the Barbados entry Peace Envoy, but rather -Blacksage Alley from Canada.

This colt is the first representative from outside of the Caribbean to participate in this prestigious event and brings with him quite an interesting performance.

The five-year-old chestnut horse comes into the race with a record of five wins, five seconds, four thirds and four fourths from 22 starts and earnings of US$233 642. .

In his last nine starts in 2000 he was never lower than fourth and that was in graded company.

However he has never raced on a grass track but has won at distances from six to nine furlongs. The fact that he has no experience on grass is not bothering his connections since he is bred for it. Equalize, a half-brother to his dam, was a top grass horse winning over $1.4 million. Also in his pedigree is the English Derby winner Santa Claus.

Blacksage Alley was bought for $105,000.00TT the 1998 Keenland Yearling sales and has done all of his winning in allowance company. He has, however, tackled Graded Stakes on two occasions, finishing fourth in the Grade 3 Baltimore Breeders Cup Handicap at Pimlico last June. Before that and back in 1999, he was fourth in the Grade 3 Bay Shore Stakes at Aqueduct.

Blacksage Alley has done most of his racing on the New York circuit at Belmont and Aqueduct, considered one of the most prestigious in the United States. He has won four times at Aqueduct and once at Belmont and his best form has been in $48 000 allowance races.

He likes to run on the pace or just off of it and his times have been quitegood,comparing favourably with previous Gold Cups. In his third last start he was second, beaten a length-and-a-half over nine furlongs in a time of one minute 49-1/5. That time was just outside the track record for the Garrison, which has been equalled by Adawar. He has also won over a mile in one minutes 37-3/5 seconds and has won over nine furlongs in one minute 50-3/5 seconds, getting home by a length-and-a-half.

The connections of Blacksage Alley are serious about winning the Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup and to ensure this they have enlisted the help of two Barbadian Gold Cup veterans, trainer Ronnie Burke and jockey Chris Griffith. Burke saddled the 1986 Gold Cup winner Bentom and also prepared Concorde Hero who was nosed out by Tinker's Image in 1984 in an all Bajan photo finish. Burke, a former champion trainer in Barbados is now based in Canada where his charges include the 1997 Gold Cup winner Incitatus.

Chris Griffith, who has been at the top of his riding game in Canada for several years, also knows the way to the Gold Cup winner's enclosure. Back in 1996 he upset the field with the Robert Sangster-owned, Sean Hall-trained Rambrino.

Griffith, a former top apprentice jockey in Barbados and Canada, has done well at Woodbine but has excelled at Fort Eyre where he has been champion on several occasions.

Dancing Brave: Hey Clapper!!! Here it is the middle of February , and I go to the racetrack in Arima today and it was empty.
Clapper: Strike.
Dancing Brave: Strike? What are you talking about, strike? This is not baseball, there are no strikes or a ball or a single or a home run. I went to see horses run and nobody was there.
Clapper: Oh, and did you introduce yourself to the New National Racing Commission Body.
Dancing Brave: Commission? How could I say hello to the commission if nobody was there?
Clapper: Because I'm sure they would have been happy to meet you.
Dancing Brave: Who?
Clapper: No, he's on the Arima Race Club Committee. Or at least he used to be before the strike. But I am not sure the members of the commission would have said hello to you.
Brave: What?
Clapper: The Betting Levy Board.
Brave: Wait a minute. Who were we talking about?
Clapper: Nobody, until you brought up the Arima Race Club and the Betting Levy Board.
Brave: That's right. Nobody. I went to the racetrack and saw nobody.
Clapper: Exactly, the New Racing Commission.
Brave: Nobody is the New Racing Commission?
Clapper: Now you're are starting to make some sense.
Brave: Make sense? I don't even know what I'm talking about. You must think I'm dizzy.
Clapper: No, I already know Dizzy. He's was at the beach yesterday, he runs one of the striking bodies. He says it does not matter if the punters are taken for a ride day in day out, they deserve their money on time, and he is even looking for an increase in jockeys fees.
Brave: You mean they are really doing that and he stops their services? Is he goofy?
Clapper: No, I already told you he's Dizzy. But Goofy is the guy who made Dizzy do it. Goofy works for all the striking bodies. He's their chief negotiator. Not a bad guy. Here's a picture of him.
Brave: What kind of Hat is that?
Clapper: Salary Cap. That's what all this is about. That's why there's no more horseracing and there may not be for a long time.
Brave: But isn't somebody in charge to stop the strike? vClapper: I thought I told you that Nobody was in charge. Somebody will be brought in, probably from San Fernando, to take over for Nobody. But it isn't a job for anybody now, so Nobody is going to do it until Goofy and Dizzy get the strike settled.
Brave: Amazing
Clapper: Oh, he's out of it now. Amazing was involved in this new plant in Arima, but he beat up on the owners, trainers, and jockeys like a rug so often, he retired and turned it over to Dizzy. Have you got it all figured out now?
Brave: I don't know
Clapper: He's the REINCARNATED Minister looking into racing. He has nothing to do with anything.He now has more on his plate, but may be calling for a meeting because of pressure from the Chopper. Now what have you got to say for yourself?
Bravest: I am confused.
Clapper: No, you are not. Not unless you are another Former Minister in the previous cabinet who favoured the Bookmakers but now prefers to play Pan.
Bravest: I Don't Know and Confused are Ministers?
Clapper: Why do you care?
Bravest: I don't care.
Clapper: He runs other businesses. He says it does not matter to him. He could be a dog or a cat.He just likes people to pet him.
Bravest: Now we are talking about animals.
Clapper: That's all they do at the races,drink and drink and watch each other with a cat eye and then fight each other like animals and then tell us the owners are going broke, which is part of the reason for the strike.
Bravest: Nonsense
Clapper: He bought several horses to try to win the Trinidad Derby, then spent money on the best facilities, then said horseracing is a mess financially and still would not leave except in a casket.
Bravest: Are you trying to misguide me dear sir? Clapper: As you have reminded me, by the way we are due to have dinner with the Bookmakers Association shortly. When are you free?
Bravest: As soon as the coast is clear and the children are asleep.
Clapper: Next year, then.
Clapper: Hear this Bravest, I have a crocked or crooked horse at home, do you want to watch this.
Bravest: Clapper, Lets not go there with crooked talk in local horseracing, okay, if you don't mind.
Bravest: Hey Clapper! If you are in the entertainment business and you sell seats to a movie or show and then leave in the middle of it, aren't you selfish?
Clapper: No, Selfish owns a heap of horses still and has been using others to get his way in racing since his fallout with the Southland.
Bravest: What I mean is, wouldn't the public be entitled to their money back? All their money back. I mean a lot of people invest time and money into horseracing. Where can I complain?
Clapper: This is Horseracing, so Nobody's home. Try him there.
Dancing Brave: Smart.
Clapper: Smart? I don't know anyone by that name in this sport.Do You?
Dancing Brave: Yeah Me!

FIFA, the world governing body for Football in the world invited every national coach to vote for their World Player of the Year, plus a second and third choice: 150 coaches responded. First place choices were awarded five points each; runners up three points and third places one point.

Latapy who plays for Scottish First Division team Hibernians finished in joint 33rd position on the list with one point, and was the only player selected on the prestigious list from the English speaking Caribbean.

However, the Independent can state, that Trinidad and Tobago's National team football coach, Scotsman Ian Porterfield, selected the following three players Zinedine Zidane (France) in first place, with Rivaldo (Brazil) in second and Luis Figo (Portugal) in third among his nominations. There was no room for Lataphy among his threesome which seems quite questionable based on the supposed high regard that Porterfield constantly claims he has for Latapy services. However recently Porterfield has openly hinted that he was looking around in England for a player who could fill the Latapy role if needed during the 10 crucial World Cup playoff matches this year.

It is unclear if any of this will disturb Latapy's preparation ahead of Trinidad and Tobago's first World Cup Qualifier against Jamaica on Ash Wednesday.

In Fact, Latapy's owes his esteemed position on the list due to his third place selection by Turks and Caicos Island technical Director, Charlie Cook who placed Latapy behind Figo and Rivaldo.

Jamaica's Brazilian born coach Clovis de Oliveira chose the following: Romario (Brazil), Figo and Zidane.

Barbados's coach Horace Beckles chose: Rivaldo, Gabriel Batistuta (Argentina) and Raul (Spain).

In the overall poll that was revealed by FIFA, Frenchman Zinedine Zidane finished with 390 points, with 59 first place selections, followed by Portugal's Luis Figo with 329 points from 38 first place selections, in third place was Rivaldo of Brazil with 263 points with 22 first places, Argentine captain Gabriel Batistuta was fourth with 57 points.

Okay Okay, enough requests about placing on this website, the story about horse-racing on Saturday 10th Feb 2001 have come in to my webmaster. So I will supply you here with the story that was broadcast by CANA and written by me.

The Maniram Maharaj owned and trained 4 year old American bred bay colt -Another Decision - sent out a strong signal for the upcoming Sandy Lane Gold Cup with a comprehensive victory in the Feature Stakes and Lower Handicap over 1800 metres on Day five of the 2001 Trinidad racing season at Santa Rosa Park, Arima, here on Saturday.

In a race built as the Dress rehearsal for the prestige Barbados event in March, there were four horses entered with nominations for the Gold Cup, in - Another Decision, Propane, City of Lights and Morgan Heritage -.

On a fast turf surface, and with a field of seven installed, the vast Arima crowd prepared for what promised to be a close contest.

From the off, it was clear that Badpayjamsee was going to test the stamina credentials of his competitors, as he opened up a three length lead on the field at the top of the straight with the other horses all jostling for position.

As Badpayjamsee continued to make hay with his lightweight of 47 kilograms, jockey Fazal Razack who noticeably made the -sign of the cross - before mounting his charge- Another Decision - was however cognizance of the speed of Badpayjamsee and separated himself from the bunch, to chase down the early leader.

At the halfway stage, Badpayjamsee was joined by Another Decision, with Morgan Heritage five lengths adrift in third followed by Propane, City of Lights, Boldon Express and Special Gem.

As the horses raced towards the 600 metres point, it was clear that Badpayjamsee early exertions were taking toil on him as he was coming under pressure and was smoothly passed by Another Decision with Razack just standing tall in the saddle on a tight rein. All this time, sensing the danger, leading apprentice Navin Mangalee unleashed Propane from the middle of the pack and he began to close rapidly on the two leaders.

Swinging into the short turf straight, Another Decision had kicked for home opening a two length victory on Badpaymjasee who seemed to find extra energy in the straight after getting a breather just before the bend from jockey Wendell Bharath. Propane now a closing third made a vain effort to catch Badpayjamsee for the runner up spot, but did not act on the turf as he does on sand and was sadly found wanting and could only finish third. City of Lights the 18-1 longshot came with a late run to snatch fourth position.

Another Decision eventually won by 1 1/4 lengths in a time of 1.49 2/5 and looks ready for the Gold Cup Challenge.

Propane, the winner of Trinidad Gold Cup in December over 2000 metres on the sand clearly does not relish the turf conditions which apply in Barbados and may not travel to Barbados after this effort.

Another possible for the Sandy Lane Gold Cup was Mandela also owned and trained by Maharaj and this Barbados bred four year put up a gutsy display in a losing effort, going down by 1/2 length to American Bred Jeb's Fantasy in seventh race over 1750 metres. Summer Deal also nominated for the Gold Cup was third 5 1/4 adrift.

For Maharaj it was a dream day winning four of the events on the 10 race card with Tango (Race 1), Woodbine (Race 2), Yankee (Race 4) and then Another Decision (Race 5).

Racing continued on Saturday February 17th, (in what might have been the last day of racing in t&T..more on that soon) before a three weeks break for Carnival.

Trinidad and Tobago's English based professional footballer Dwight Yorke introduced his new love , busty model Jordan to his parents BEFORE Christmas to prove his love but even that failed to woo her into bed.

A pal of Jordan added in a report in the Mail Weekend Magaizine "They came over from Tobago to spend Christmas at Dwight's and they got on really well with Jordan so who knows what will happen.

Reports are that Dwight is yet to score in bed with new girlfriend Jordan - despite hitting the back of the net for Manchester United earlier this week, MegaStar can reveal.

The busty model has been staying at Dwight's six-bedroomed luxury mansion since New Year's Eve and met his parents.

But although they are "besotted" with one another, they have yet to have sex.

That's because the former Page 3 model - who split with long-term love Dane Bowers last year - always waits months before jumping in the sack with a new boyfriend.

A friend revealed: "She's mad about Dwight and has stayed at his home all week but they've not made love yet.

"She always keeps boyfriends waiting for a while until she knows they like her for who she is."

"Obviously Jordan gets a lot of lads cracking onto her but most of them just want to say they've s**** her so she tends to hold back.

"She made Dane wait at least two months before she slept with him and will only sleep with Dwight when she feels it's the right time."

"She doesn't just sleep with anybody though. Jordan's still an old fashioned girl at heart but it's no secret she's mad on Dwight.

"He seems equally as keen on her and we reckon he won't have to wait too long before she gives in."

The lovebirds met last month after United's draw against Charlton Athletic. And even though the 29-year-old was left on the bench, he scored with the babe later on.

The couple were seen canoodling in central London's trendy Emporium nightclub and a McDonalds restaurant. Just three days later, the Daily Star revealed they were madly in love.

"Jordan and Dwight are really serious about each other," the friend continued. "None of us thought it would last at first. We thought it was just one of those drunken things but they've taken us by surprise."

But in another sensational report , Jordan has been stated to be excited about marrying Dwight Yorke.

"His Manager has asked him to get married and he has been talking to me about that and I feel he wants to settle down as soon as possible,"

The more the Manchester United hero scores on the pitch, the closer Jordan gets to her own goal - to rival Posh and Becks.

Jordan and Dwight are a match made in showbiz heaven - the randy Red Devil and the buxom babe once dubbed "the devil in disguise."

She had just been dumped by pop star Dane Bowers and he had split with former public schoolgirl Alicia Douvall, when they met at a showbiz bash two months ago and slipped out to share a midnight McDonalds together.

And last week as she sat in the VIP seats at Old Trafford on Monday, Jordan must have finally felt that she was on her way to the glory she craves.

Golden couple Posh and Becks are the undisputed king and queen of glamour, but Jordan reckons she and Dwight could form a wilder, naughtier pairing.

And taking some of the limelight away from Victoria and David would prove the perfect revenge on both the Spice Girl and Dane Bowers.

The former Another Level singer had planned to use Jordan's voice on his hit single Out Of My Mind.

But she was cruelly dumped in favour of established pop star Victoria.

It was the final nail in the coffin of her romance with Dane and they broke up after a series of bitter rows.

Now, she stands on the threshold of getting one over on Dane and Victoria.

She had a huge smile on her face as her new lover scored his first league goal since November 25.

A close friend of the player says: "He seems really content with Jordan they look like they're really having a blast"

Little more than three years ago Jordan was just a Brighton teenager called Katie Price. She had a dazzling smile, an electrician fiance and big ambitions. Then, thanks to her energetic, lovelife she began grabbing headlines.

Soccer ace Teddy Sheringham and Rasta showjumper Oliver Skeete both fell for her charms, she boasted - though both denied it.

Now, she still has a dazzling smile but even bigger boobs and ambitions.

It's been a rocky road including highlypublicised affairs with the likes of TV Gladiator Ace and pop idol Dane - and three boob jobs boosting her from 36C to a bra-busting 36F.

Her heartbroken fiance, electrician Gary Boling-broke, was dumped as soon as she stepped on to the ladder of success.

He branded her a man-eater who was the "devil in disguise."

Is this the woman that will walk down the aisle with our Dwight?

Thus began The Life of Brian.

And no sooner was he begot than his exultant followers begged him to deliver them from a century in the Wasteland, where all they had won was the one regional title in the 80's and none in the 90's in league competition, other than one day Caribbean Champions.

The local kings came to the stable and said: "Messiah, take these gifts and deliver us to the Promised Land of the Busta Cup or Red Stripe or whatever Cup they call it, just win something for Trinidad and Tobago.

"Make us a top team, lead us to one day cup finals, attract players from Barrackpore, Brazil and Canaan so we can treble our season-ticket sales, and never forsake us when ye face temptation from outside forces." And so it passed that miracles were worked by Brian. Straight away everyone believed that Trinidad and Tobago could win a title and reached the Promised Land. Then he was given the West Indies captaincy and he led them out of the stable, parted the insularity side of West Indies cricket and said "Look yonder at the temple they call Cellnet. There shall I deliver thee to top of respectability."

And lo! he almost delivered them. And lo! he failed them in the World Cup Finals and in several one day tournaments, and brought them disciples called Hooper, Stuart Williams, Arthurton, Kenny Benjamin, Chanderpaul, Mclean and Judas, sorry Dillon, and their season ticket sales soared downwards from 15,000 to 3,000.

And when Warwickshire said: "Come Messiah and join us," Brian said: "No, for I am a tired cricket man. And I will not rest until I have led my tribe into the Number one spot." Then he changed his mind and joined Warwickshire because the money was right.

And Pato the Lion roared with anger and all was not well in the land of Cellnet. But in the dawn of 1998 darkness fell. Though they were still in transition, the people did turn and hailed him a false prophet. Yea, like Richie Richardson, Andy Roberts and Rohan Kanhai before him involved with West Indies management

For Brian did commit the sin of dropping David Williams during a time when loyalty gave away to self-preservation. And the West Indian crowds bayed in unison: "You don't know what you are doing."

It got worse. A humiliating 5-0 whipping from South Africa when not even rain could save the West Indies, followed by a crippling loss to Australia in Trinidad, and neither a nail nor a cross could you find in any West Indies Do It Yourself (DIY) stores.

"Lose against Australia today," they heralded on Jamaica radio phone-ins, in newspapers and on websites, "and we'll take your wine order for the Last Supper, and ban your waist from all wining"

And the Lord surveyed what was happening to his son and he was angry.

And he spoke for everyone else in cricket when he said: "You cheeky b******s. Do you think because you have a new stadium, a wealthy chairman who runs West Indies cricket and a few flashy foreign accents by local Jamaican wisemen in your management team that all you have to do is write a cheque for your season ticket, sit back and wait until you've overtaken the Queens Park Oval?

"Sack my son and you will deserve your fate. Which will be a season or two fending off relegation in the new rating system of test teams before you depart this world and spend the rest of your days in limbo."

Oh yes, God was angry, and who could blame him.

Especially when you read quotes like this from DanDumb RajRamjatsingh, secretary of the Indian Supporters' Association of West Indies teams: "Brian doesn't seem to think things through. The Indian fans see Sachin Tendulkar doing so well at India and he doesn't have loads of money to spend and as much talent. That's partly why there's a growing anti-Lara faction."

Unbelievable! Does he realise why Tendulkar is doing so well? Because the fans stuck with him through his relegation to an ordinary player after his failure as captain, even though they despaired at his refusal to lure back Mohammed Azharuddin.

Lara comes from the same mould as his mate Tendulkar.

For Indian fans in the West Indies to even consider calling for his head is incredible and shows just how little many Indian know about cricket, with few having succeeded at the highest level.

Of course it hurts getting knocked out of the World Cup by teams from lower regions and Lara has to address his major problem: How six of the 14 players he picks are over 25 and with little experience.

He has to stop encouraging big-name has-beens like Hooper, Ambrose and Simmons to make a comeback and bring through quality youth.

But overall his initial ideas have been bold and impressive and he has recouped some of the pounds he has spent with a few good investments on colts and not goats.

For God's sake give him loyalty while he learns his trade.

And if you need proof of where loyalty can lead, look across at Australia today, where they celebrate the 5th anniversary of Mark Taylor/Steve Waugh's captaincy arrival.

Another Messiah who led his tribe out of the Wasteland. Most people think Taylor brought unbroken success to Australia. Wrong!

Between 1990and 1993 he won not a lot . Yet there was not one single murmur about sacking him until the end of his reign

He took Australia to the World Cup final against Sri Lanka in 1996, when they lost. If only Brian can lose and the following day 50,000 people turned up outside Piarco Airport to see his team come home empty-handed.

He would stand legs spread, fists clenched, eyes burning, chin thrust out, like a Roman general after victory.

And hopefully manage to convince us that he would return next time with the World Cup in his hands. So New Zealand knocked us out in the fourth round. It didn't matter.

Lara had made us happy. And we knew that one-day it would all come right because everything about him as a player, a man and a leader, said he was a winner. Just like Vivian Richards. Now we have lost to both England (3-1) and Australia (5-0) in consecutive away series, that no longer can we tolerate mediocre leadership as had under Saint Jimmy.

Keep faith. It's worth it. In 5 years you may yet still be honouring him as your Messiah maybe this time though with a deputy role as Carl Hooper leads the West Indies into the future.