The two-time ICC T20 World Cup champions, West Indies, have been placed in a challenging group for the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Group C includes formidable opponents such as Bangladesh and fellow two-time champions England, alongside Nepal and first-time qualifiers Italy. The tournament, scheduled from February 7 to March 8, will see the Windies kick off their campaign against Bangladesh at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on February 7. They will then face England at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on February 11, followed by matches against Nepal on February 15 and Italy on February 19, both in Kolkata. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Eights phase, starting February 21. The 2026 edition will feature 20 teams, with co-hosts India and Sri Lanka leading their respective groups. India, the reigning champions, will face arch-rivals Pakistan in Group A, while Group B includes Australia and Sri Lanka. Group D features 2024 runners-up South Africa, Afghanistan, New Zealand, Canada, and the UAE. The West Indies, coached by Daren Sammy, had a strong group stage in the 2024 tournament but struggled in the Super Eights. Currently on a tour in New Zealand, the Windies have faced mixed results, losing the T20 and ODI series but securing a commanding T20 win in Bangladesh. Their recent encounters with Bangladesh and Nepal will be crucial as they prepare for the World Cup. Before the tournament, the Windies will play a three-match T20 series against Afghanistan in January. ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta and chairman Jay Shah have promised a thrilling spectacle, highlighting the tournament’s competitive nature and global appeal.
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TTR, Fire Services rescue injured hiker after complex operation
A challenging and intricate search and rescue mission culminated in the successful extraction of an injured hiker from the dense forests of Brasso Seco, Trinidad and Tobago. Fayyad Hosine, who sustained severe injuries during a hiking expedition, was rescued on November 24 after a three-day operation involving the Trinidad and Tobago Regiment (TTR) and the TT Fire Services (TTFS). The incident occurred near the Sombasson Waterfall, a location that posed significant challenges due to its rugged terrain and limited communication capabilities. Hosine, part of a group of five hikers, injured his left leg on November 21 during a demanding 19-pitch descent approximately 17 km inside Lalaja South Road. While the other hikers sought help, hike organizer Justine Ramdhanie remained with Hosine. The rescue operation, led by five soldiers from the TTR’s 1st Engineer Battalion, including a female medic, and supported by TTFS search and rescue specialist Joseph Mohanlal, involved navigating steep and treacherous terrain both day and night. The successful rescue highlights the effectiveness of Trinidad and Tobago’s multi-agency emergency response framework and the dedication of the TTR and TTFS in ensuring public safety.
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US to slap big surcharge on foreign visitors to national parks
The Trump administration has unveiled a new policy that will significantly increase costs for foreign tourists visiting some of the United States’ most iconic national parks. Effective from 2026, international visitors will be required to pay an additional $100 surcharge on top of the standard entry fees at 11 of the most popular parks, including the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone. Additionally, the annual pass for non-residents, granting access to all national parks, will more than triple in price, rising from $80 to $250.
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Senate pays tribute to late former senator Don Wehby
KINGSTON, Jamaica—The Jamaican Senate convened on Friday to honor the life and legacy of the late Don Wehby, former senator and Group Chief Executive Officer of GraceKennedy Limited, who passed away on July 26, 2025, at the age of 62. Wehby was celebrated as a visionary, patriot, and nation builder, leaving an indelible mark on Jamaica’s political and business landscapes. Senate President Tom Tavares-Finson led the tributes, describing Wehby as a “dear friend to all of us” and highlighting his distinguished service in the Senate for over a decade, including his tenure as Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service from 2007 to 2009. Tavares-Finson also emphasized Wehby’s transformative leadership at GraceKennedy, where he modernized the conglomerate and earned a place in the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica Hall of Fame. Acting Leader of Government Business, Senator Dana Morris Dixon, praised Wehby as “an exceptional man” and a “giant in Jamaican business,” noting his role in building global brands and businesses through GraceKennedy. Senator Abka Fitz-Henley, State Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, lauded Wehby’s strategic vision and unwavering patriotism, stating that his legacy would inspire future generations. Fitz-Henley also highlighted Wehby’s belief in the transformative power of sports and education, as evidenced by his pioneering work with the GraceKennedy Foundation. Acting Leader of Opposition Business, Senator Floyd Morris, acknowledged Wehby’s distinguished service to the Senate and the nation, describing him as a “giant in every sphere of his life.” Senator Lambert Brown echoed these sentiments, calling Wehby a visionary and patriot who served his country with dedication. The Senate observed a minute of silence in honor of Wehby and for the lives lost during Hurricane Melissa. Other senators who paid tribute included Kavan Gayle, Ramon Small Ferguson, Charles Sinclair, Alan Bernard, Sherine Golding Campbell, Keith Duncan, and Christian Tavares-Finson.
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OAS Secretary General calls for hemisphere to remain zone of peace
In a compelling address during the ‘Dialogue for the Americas: Conversation with OAS Secretary General,’ Albert Ramdin, the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), emphasized the critical need for Venezuela and the United States to resolve their disputes through diplomatic channels rather than military confrontation. Ramdin, who assumed his role on May 26, 2023, stressed that the Americas must remain a ‘zone of peace’ and warned against the devastating consequences of war.
Ramdin’s remarks come amid escalating tensions in the Caribbean, where the US has significantly increased its military presence. President Donald Trump has deployed an amphibious squadron, a nuclear-powered attack submarine, P8 Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft, destroyers, and the USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier to the region, ostensibly to combat Latin American drug cartels. However, Venezuela perceives this buildup as a threat to its sovereignty, accusing the US of attempting to oust President Nicolas Maduro.
The US military has conducted airstrikes on vessels in international waters, claiming they were involved in drug trafficking, though no evidence has been provided. These actions have drawn sharp criticism from the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, who condemned the strikes as violations of international human rights law and called for their immediate cessation.
Ramdin acknowledged the global consensus on combating transnational organized crime but cautioned that the methods employed must align with international law and human rights standards. He highlighted the inherent imbalance in the fight against crime, where governments are bound by legal constraints while criminal organizations operate with impunity. Ramdin advocated for a new legal framework that empowers governments to tackle crime more effectively while respecting human rights.
The Secretary General also addressed the divided stance within the Caribbean Community (Caricom) regarding the US military buildup. While Caricom leaders have discussed the issue, no unified position has been reached. Ramdin expressed optimism that Caricom would eventually find common ground, emphasizing the importance of dialogue to prevent escalation and maintain regional peace.
In conclusion, Ramdin reiterated his commitment to fostering a safer hemisphere, urging all nations to prioritize diplomacy and unity. ‘We must keep the hemisphere as a zone of peace,’ he declared, warning that failure to do so could lead to dire consequences for the region.
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Cuts to HIV funding ‘most significant setback in decades’— UN
GENEVA, Switzerland (AFP)—The global fight against HIV has been plunged into chaos following significant international funding cuts, the United Nations warned on Tuesday. The UNAIDS agency revealed that abrupt reductions in financial support, particularly from the United States, have destabilized the infrastructure for HIV treatment and prevention in numerous countries. This disruption has led to clinic closures, job losses for healthcare workers, and widespread interruptions in essential services such as testing, treatment, and prevention. UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima described the situation as the ‘most significant setback in decades.’ She highlighted the ‘abrupt pause’ in funding by the U.S., historically the largest contributor to global HIV efforts, following President Donald Trump’s return to the White House earlier this year. Other major donors have also slashed their foreign aid budgets, exacerbating the crisis. The UNAIDS report disclosed that in 2024, approximately 1.3 million people contracted HIV, a 40% decrease from 2010 but still three times higher than the target needed to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. Last year, 630,000 people died from AIDS-related illnesses, marking a 54% decline since 2010. However, Byanyima cautioned that the funding shortfall has exposed the fragility of past progress. Even before the crisis, the global AIDS response was underfunded, with $18.7 billion available in 2024—17% below the required amount. Last year, 9.2 million of the 40 million people living with HIV worldwide were not receiving treatment. In 13 countries, the number of people starting treatment has declined compared to the previous year. Byanyima expressed particular concern about the collapse of HIV prevention services, warning that failure to address this could lead to 3.3 million additional new infections by 2030. The funding crisis coincides with a deteriorating global human rights environment, with marginalized populations facing severe consequences. Criminalization of same-sex relations, transgender expression, and sex work in more countries could reduce HIV testing rates. Byanyima emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, ‘This is the moment to choose. We can allow these shocks to undo decades of hard-won gains, or we can unite behind the shared vision of ending AIDS. Millions of lives depend on the choices we make now.’
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Grenada PM: Sai Baba’s followers in TT helped hurricane recovery
Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell expressed profound gratitude for the love and support extended by followers of Sri Sathya Sai Baba in Trinidad and Tobago during the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl in 2024. Speaking at the vibrant centenary celebration of Sai Baba’s 100th birth anniversary at the Centre of Excellence in Macoya on November 22, Mitchell highlighted the rapid humanitarian response led by Sai devotee and Pennywise Cosmetics CEO Dalvi Paladee, who built and furnished 27 homes in Carriacou and Petite Martinique within three days. The event, hosted by the Paladee family and Pennywise Cosmetics, brought together regional leaders, diplomats, and devotees in a powerful display of unity and service. Mitchell praised the humility and selflessness of the Sai team, emphasizing that their actions restored hope, faith, and love to the affected communities. He described humility as a “superpower” essential for leaders and societies, urging a focus on service and purpose. Dalvi Paladee, in his address, called for a collective effort to address societal issues in Trinidad and Tobago, particularly crime, by infusing acts of service with genuine spiritual love. He emphasized that the nation is a “motherland” that cannot be abandoned in times of need. The celebration featured cultural performances and video presentations showcasing Sai Baba’s global humanitarian legacy and his principles of “Love all, serve all” and “Hands that help are holier than lips that pray.” Justice Minister Devesh Maharaj, representing Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, reiterated the government’s commitment to Sai Baba’s teachings, emphasizing that politics is fundamentally about service. Local Government Minister Khadijah Ameen echoed this sentiment, describing service as the highest expression of love. Sri Sathya Sai Global Council president Terry Maharaj outlined the organization’s ongoing humanitarian efforts, including building homes, feeding the needy, and conducting medical outreach. India’s High Commissioner Dr. Pradeep Singh Rajpurohit highlighted Sai Baba’s enduring message that “the world is one family,” which continues to inspire millions globally. The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks from Satnarine Paladee, who honored his late parents for instilling a lifelong devotion to service.
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Sanmerna Foundation, AFJ deliver major relief to marooned Hanover communities
In a significant humanitarian effort, the Sanmerna Foundation, in collaboration with the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ), executed a large-scale relief mission in Hanover, Jamaica, this week. The initiative saw the distribution of over 2,800 care packages to residents in Lookout, Haughton Meadows, and Orange Bay—communities severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa. Among these, Lookout, a remote hillside area rendered inaccessible due to collapsed roads and dangerous terrain, posed the greatest logistical challenge. Despite these obstacles, the mission successfully prioritized elderly individuals and persons with disabilities, who have been particularly vulnerable since the storm. The operation was further supported by key partners, including Food for the Poor, JetBlue, Dennis Shipping, and the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), whose collective efforts ensured that essential supplies reached families stranded for days. With this phase of relief completed, the Sanmerna Foundation has announced plans to extend its operations to other isolated communities, including Point in St James, Tangle River, Kensington, Springfield, and Summer Hill. The foundation also intends to release visual documentation of its ongoing recovery efforts through photos and videos.
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Signal Hill up to 2nd after SSFL disciplinary ruling
The 2025 Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division witnessed a significant off-field development on November 25, as Signal Hill Secondary ascended to second place in the standings following a pivotal decision by the league’s disciplinary committee. The committee, led by Essiel Seecharan, convened on November 24 to address St Augustine Secondary’s failure to appear for a rescheduled match against Signal Hill in Tobago on November 17. With the league season nearing its conclusion on November 27, the committee swiftly ruled in favor of Signal Hill, awarding them a 3-0 victory and three points. This decision has intensified the title race, as Signal Hill now stands level on 34 points with league leaders Naparima College, albeit with a slightly inferior goal difference. The final matchday on November 27 will see Signal Hill face Naparima in a decisive clash, while St Benedict’s College, currently in third place with 33 points, remains in contention for the title. Meanwhile, St Augustine Secondary faces relegation to the championship division, as their 12-point tally leaves them vulnerable. The 14th-placed San Juan North Secondary and 15th-placed Scarborough, both with 11 points, will battle to avoid the drop, with one set to survive at St Augustine’s expense. Efforts to contact disciplinary chairman Seecharan and St Augustine coach Tacuma Jones were unsuccessful, but it is understood that St Augustine plans to appeal the committee’s ruling within the 72-hour window.
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Opposition to file Privileges motion, demands 3 apologies
The opposition has announced plans to file at least one privilege motion during the November 26 parliamentary session, targeting a senior government official for allegedly offensive remarks made in the previous sitting. Arouca/Lopinot MP Marvin Gonzales revealed at a media conference on November 25 that he intends to bring a motion against Attorney General John Jeremie over an alleged homophobic comment captured on a ‘hot mic’ during the November 21 session. The remark, ‘Hush yuh mouth, boy. Go and take yuh lil man,’ was made during a pause in proceedings as MPs debated the Virtual Assets and Virtual Assets Service Providers Bill, 2025. The target of the comment remains unclear. Gonzales condemned the statement as ‘reprehensible,’ expressing the opposition’s lack of surprise at such behavior. Additionally, Diego Martin North/East MP Colm Imbert is considering a similar motion against Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. During the sitting, the PM warned Imbert to stop pointing at her, to which he replied, ‘Why not?’ Persad-Bissessar responded, ‘Because I will cuff you down.’ Imbert is yet to decide whether to proceed with the motion. Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath defended the PM, stating she meant to address Imbert politically and accused him of initiating the conflict through ‘political molestation.’ Imbert denied these allegations. The opposition has demanded apologies from Persad-Bissessar, Padarath, and Jeremie.