NETBALL

Barbados, Jamaica, Windwards score wins in Women’s Super-50 Cup

West Indies representative Natasha McLean struck 33 not out and teammate Rashada Williams hit 32 as Jamaica overhauled the Leeward Islands in a sixwicket victory in the opening round of the Women’s Super-50 Cup in St Kitts on Monday

The knocks by the two helped Jamaica to 121-4 to beat the Leewards who were dismissed for 120 at St Paul’s Sports Complex

Captain Stafanie Taylor struck 22 in a 44-run partnership of the third wicket with Williams

Terez Parker got 33 runs and her teammate Divya Saxena got 30, as Celina Whyte snared five for 31, earning her the Player-of-the-Match honors emotional day watching one man celebrated as he put our small country on the map just by following the dream he had as a kid”

Lara said that Trinidad and Tobago, like many other countries, faces challenges with youth involvement in crime and that the issue of youth crime has been a concern for many years and is driven by a range of complex social, economic, and cultural factors

“Young people from low-income families may feel pressure to engage in criminal activities to earn money or support their families This invariably leads to involvement in drug trafficking, gang activity, and other criminal behavior

“Yes, I understand, but still I look back with a vivid memory of my first indulgence, stealing cocoa and oranges and quiver at the consequences if I was found out I had such big dreams that these small misdemeanors were quickly brushed aside because of my steadfast focus on my commitment to become someone my village and country would be proud of…the next Hasely Crawford of cricket,” Lara said

He said another factor is the breakdown of family structures, which can lead to a lack of guidance and supervision for young people

“The absence of parental figures or positive role models can leave young people vulnerable to negative influences and peer pressure, which can lead to criminal behavior I was blessed with two wonderful parents who kept all eleven of us in line and motivated to make something of our lives

“I don’t think there is a parent that wants a