In a heartwarming gesture to celebrate the Yuletide season, Dr Roodal Moonilal, Member of Parliament for Oropouche East and Minister of Energy, provided financial assistance to nine primary schools within his constituency. On November 26, at his constituency office in Debe, Dr Moonilal presented representatives from these schools with what he described as a ‘token of help.’ These funds are intended to support the schools in organizing Christmas treats, snack bags, and other festive activities. While the exact amount of the financial aid was not disclosed, the MP emphasized the importance of supporting community initiatives during the holiday season. Dr Moonilal explained that his office receives numerous requests for assistance from schools, temples, churches, and other organizations each year. Although he acknowledged the challenges of attending every event, he expressed his willingness to make brief appearances when possible. The schools that benefited from this initiative include Monkey Town Government, Debe SDMS, Mohess Road SDMS, Ramai Trace SDMS, Debe Presbyterian, Canaan Presbyterian, Hermitage Presbyterian, Picton Presbyterian, and Cedar Grove Private Primary. Representatives from these schools expressed their gratitude, with one stating that the support would ‘go a long way in putting smiles on many faces.’
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Contraband stashed in Maximum Security prison air vents
A significant operation at the Maximum Security Prison (MSP) in Arouca on November 25 revealed a substantial cache of contraband items concealed within the prison’s air vent system. The raid, conducted between 5:30 PM and 9:00 PM, was part of an intelligence-driven initiative involving multiple units from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) and the Prisons Service. The operation was coordinated by Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro, Acting Commissioner of Prisons Hayden Forde, Deputy Commissioner of Police Suzette Martin, and other senior officers. Senior Superintendent of Prisons Lee Davis led the effort, supported by specialized units including the Northern North Gang Unit and the Prison Emergency Response Unit. The search uncovered an extensive array of illicit items, including cell phones, drugs, weapons, and various electronic devices. Acting Prisons Commissioner Forde highlighted the ongoing challenges in combating contraband, particularly through drone deliveries, and stressed the urgent need for drone interception technology. He emphasized the severe risks posed by these items, which could fuel criminal activities both inside and outside the prison. Despite the lack of immediate arrests, investigations into the smuggling network continue. Forde urged prison officers to remain vigilant and committed to their mission of ensuring public safety.
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Chief Sec in dark about US troops in Tobago
Chief Secretary Farley Augustine of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) has confirmed that a US Air Force aircraft refueled at the ANR Robinson International Airport in Tobago on November 26, but he remains unaware of any broader US military presence on the island. The aircraft’s early morning departure at 5:53 am from Crown Point airport startled local residents, with one anonymous source describing the loud noise as initially mistaken for rain. Augustine stated that he is investigating the incident, emphasizing that he only learned of it through social media and WhatsApp groups. He acknowledged ongoing collaboration between the Trinidad and Tobago (TT) government and the US but sought further details on the aircraft’s purpose. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar clarified that there are no US military forces or assets in TT, and her government has not been asked to support any military action against Venezuela. This statement came amid speculation following recent joint training exercises with US troops, which were scheduled to end on November 21. Persad-Bissessar also addressed concerns about US military vessels, stating they are in international waters. She reiterated her administration’s focus on anti-trafficking cooperation with the US and denied any discussions about Venezuela during her meeting with General Dan Caine, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff. The Prime Minister dismissed fears of regional instability, urging calm and emphasizing her government’s commitment to the people of Venezuela. Venezuelan activist Yesenia González, who presented Persad-Bissessar with a bouquet of flowers, expressed confidence in US protection for TT, stating, ‘America will protect Trinidad. They will never allow anything bad to happen here.’
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Blind independent senator’s appeal: Assist, protect the disabled
Independent Senator Alicia Lalite-Ettienne, who is legally blind, has made a compelling call for the government to fulfill its constitutional and international obligations towards persons with disabilities. During a Senate session on November 26, she tabled a private members’ motion, marking the first such motion in the current session. Lalite-Ettienne emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive national strategic plan, including a legislative framework, to dismantle barriers faced by disabled citizens within the next year. She criticized the existing national policy as ineffective, likening it to ‘a dog with no teeth,’ and stressed the necessity of enforceable legislation to protect against discrimination and ill-treatment. Lalite-Ettienne highlighted ongoing societal barriers in education, banking, housing, and social services, and reminded the government of its previous commitments to empower the disabled community. In response, Minister of the People, Social Development and Family Services Vandana Mohit assured that the Persons with Disabilities Bill is in development and will soon be reviewed by the legislative committee. Mohit also detailed increased disability support through higher grant allocations, rental assistance, minor house repair grants, educational support, and funding for small businesses under the SEED programme. She provided figures showing significant financial support to adults and children with disabilities and announced the establishment of an inter-ministerial committee to review the Standard Means Test following complaints. The debate on the motion was adjourned to prioritize the Virtual Assets and Virtual Asset Service Providers Bill, 2025.
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Winner takes all: ‘Naps,’ Signal Hill clash with SSFL title on the line
The 2025 Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division season is set for a dramatic conclusion on November 27, with three teams in contention for the championship. Naparima College, Signal Hill Secondary, and St Benedict’s College are all in the race, with Naparima and Signal Hill tied at 34 points each. The decisive match will take place at Lewis Street in San Fernando, where Naparima and Signal Hill will face off in a winner-takes-all encounter. A draw could open the door for St Benedict’s, who need a victory in their simultaneous fixture against Trinity College East to claim the title. Signal Hill’s journey to the final has been marked by resilience, overcoming scheduling challenges and a late surge in form. Coach Downie Marcelle emphasized the significance of winning the title for Tobago, stating it would be a historic achievement for the school and the island. Naparima, seeking their fifth premier division title, are focused on maintaining their consistent performance. Both teams have shown remarkable form, with Naparima boasting a +33 goal difference and Signal Hill close behind at +32. The match promises to be a tightly contested affair, with both sides aiming to capitalize on their opponent’s mistakes. Meanwhile, at the bottom of the table, Scarborough Secondary and San Juan North will battle to avoid relegation. The SSFL season has been a testament to the competitive spirit of school football, with the final day set to deliver high-stakes drama.
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Jangoo returns as Red Force face must-win Super50 clash
The Trinidad and Tobago Red Force are set to face the Leeward Islands Hurricanes in a pivotal CG United Super50 Cup match on November 27 at Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain. With the Red Force currently second in the standings with 22 points, this encounter is crucial for their chances of advancing to the final on November 29. A victory would secure their place in the title match, where they would compete for the coveted championship. The Red Force’s position is precarious, as leaders Barbados Pride (27 points) and third-placed Windward Islands Volcanoes (17 points) remain within striking distance. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes, sitting fourth with eight points, are desperate for their first win after two losses and two rain-affected matches. The tournament has been marred by persistent rain, with seven of the past 12 matches ending in no results and one decided by the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method. TT head coach Rayad Emrit expressed frustration over the weather disruptions, emphasizing the team’s readiness and the importance of securing a win. The Red Force have bolstered their squad with the inclusion of wicketkeeper-batsman Amir Jangoo, who replaces the injured Kjorn Ottley. Jangoo, fresh from international duty with the West Indies, brings valuable experience to the team. Despite limited playtime in recent weeks, the Red Force remain optimistic, with Emrit praising the squad’s professionalism and mental preparedness. The Hurricanes, though resilient, face an uphill battle against a determined Red Force side. Elsewhere, Barbados Royals aim to maintain their top spot against Guyana Harpy Eagles, while Windward Islands Volcanoes seek a crucial win over Jamaica Scorpions.
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$4.4m in Colombian ‘creepy’ ganja seized
In a significant crackdown on illegal drug trafficking, officers from the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) of the North Eastern Division successfully arrested one suspect and confiscated a substantial quantity of marijuana valued at over $4.4 million. The operation, conducted between 6 am and 11 am on Wednesday, was led by Senior Superintendent Edwards, Superintendent Etienne, and Assistant Superintendent Lynch, with crucial support from the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF). During the mission, law enforcement intercepted a vehicle traveling west along the Churchill Roosevelt Highway, near the Ibis Building opposite Courts. A thorough search of the vehicle revealed 40 packages of compressed Colombian ‘creepy’ marijuana, weighing a total of 20.74 kilograms. Inspector Ammon coordinated the ground operations, leading to the arrest of a male suspect. Investigations into the case are ongoing as authorities aim to dismantle the broader drug network involved.
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Ian Atherly cycling meet closes San Fernando City Month celebrations
The San Fernando City Month celebrations will reach their grand finale on November 30 with the Ian Atherly Cycling Meet, set to take place at Skinner Park. The event, which kicks off at 4 pm, will be held on the cycling track named in honor of the former San Fernando mayor and celebrated cyclist, Ian Atherly. This one-day, day-night meet will feature a mix of sprint and endurance races, with 49 events contested by clubs from across Trinidad and Tobago. Atherly, who won a bronze medal in the match sprint at the 1974 Commonwealth Games, emphasized that this juniors and open cycling meet is a fitting tribute to the sport’s rich history in southern Trinidad. He also revealed that he postponed the first anniversary of Ian Atherly Day (September 7) to commemorate it at this event. Since retiring from competitive cycling over two decades ago, Atherly has remained a passionate advocate for the sport’s development. The meet will include categories ranging from youth development (Under-7 to Under-11) to elite and masters, with races for both male and female cyclists. The evening will conclude with a 30-lap invitational race featuring participants from juniors to masters. Atherly acknowledged the support of personal friends who sponsored the event and highlighted that several races will honor San Fernando’s cycling legends, including Pyo Lyons and the late Ronnie Ragoonanan. Additionally, a vintage car display will be held in the car park, starting at 4 pm. Admission to the event is free, as Atherly aims to inspire the younger generation to embrace cycling. The meet marks the end of San Fernando City Month’s sports-focused celebrations, which also included the Premier Sports Club’s Football Tournament, Sando Run 5k, the Mayor’s Charity Golf Tournament, and the King of D Bois stickfighting event on November 28.
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‘Green Machine’ snatch East Zone Intercol title, Five Rivers cop girls’ crown
In a thrilling finale at the Larry Gomes Stadium on November 26, St Augustine Secondary ended a ten-year drought by clinching the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) boys’ East Zone intercol title with a dramatic 2-1 victory over San Juan North Secondary. The match, which seemed destined for a penalty shootout, took a decisive turn in the dying moments of stoppage time. San Juan defender Mathyyas Charles’ costly error near the penalty area allowed St Augustine’s star midfielder Giovanni Hospedales to capitalize. Hospedales, who had already scored earlier, skillfully maneuvered along the byline and netted the winning goal with a precise right-footed shot that ricocheted off the post and goalkeeper Elijah Lawrence before crossing the line. The victory sparked wild celebrations among the St Augustine players and coaching staff. Earlier in the match, San Juan had taken the lead through Jaheem Danclar in the 31st minute, but Hospedales equalized in the 47th minute. Despite being reduced to ten men after Michael Charles’ red card in the 73rd minute, St Augustine held firm, with goalkeeper Tyrese Henry making a crucial save moments after the winning goal. The triumph marked St Augustine’s first East Zone title since 2015, when veteran coach Michael Grayson led them to glory. Grayson, now an assistant coach, and head coach Tacuma Jones celebrated the hard-fought victory in a challenging season for the team. In the girls’ final, Five Rivers secured a 1-0 win over San Juan, with Hackeemar Goodridge’s 18th-minute strike proving decisive.
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AG hits Opposition hypocrisy on Stand Your Ground– Gun-toting PNM MPs
In a heated session of the House of Representatives on Wednesday, Attorney General John Jeremie, SC, made a startling accusation against the Opposition while presenting the Home Invasion (Self Defence and Defence of Property) Bill 2025. Jeremie claimed that ‘practically all’ Opposition MPs possess multiple firearms, some owning up to four or five, yet oppose the bill that would make it easier for law-abiding citizens to access legal firearms for self-defence. He labelled this stance as hypocrisy, arguing that the Opposition denies ordinary citizens the right to protect themselves while securing firearms for their own use. The bill, which aims to address rising crime rates, including home invasions and murders, has sparked intense debate. Jeremie cited alarming statistics, noting that annual homicides increased from 420 in 2015 to 624 in 2024, while serious reported crimes rose from 825 to nearly 1,000 per 100,000 people. The proposed legislation, inspired by self-defence laws in the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom, seeks to empower citizens to use deadly force if necessary during home invasions. However, Opposition figures, including former police commissioner Gary Griffith and Port of Spain South MP Keith Scotland, SC, have criticized the bill as draconian and socially reckless. Griffith accused the Opposition of hypocrisy, recalling instances where PNM members sought firearms for personal use. Scotland, meanwhile, argued that the bill could endanger homeowners by exposing them to murder charges and lengthy remand periods. He urged the government to focus on law enforcement and social investments rather than introducing new legislation.