A sudden fire broke out at the main venue of the 30th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, on Thursday morning, causing panic among delegates and temporarily halting critical negotiations. The blaze erupted in a pavilion within the conference’s ‘blue zone,’ an area under UN control, near the entrance of the summit site. Smoke quickly filled the corridors, prompting attendees to evacuate as emergency crews rushed to extinguish the flames. The fire, which tore a hole in the fabric roof of the venue, was brought under control without any reported injuries, according to Brazilian Tourism Minister Celso Sabino. The cause remains under investigation, with initial speculation pointing to a possible electrical malfunction. Jamaican Minister of Environment Matthew Samuda confirmed the safety of all members of the Jamaican delegation and extended well wishes to those affected by the incident. He also expressed gratitude to the emergency responders for their swift action. Samuda stated that the delegation is awaiting official communication to resume negotiations, which are expected to continue later Thursday evening. The fire occurred during a pivotal moment in the two-week conference, as ministers were engaged in intense discussions on fossil fuels, climate finance, and trade measures. Windyo Laksono, a member of the Indonesian delegation, noted that the incident would likely delay the negotiation process, emphasizing the critical nature of the final stages of the summit. Nearly 200 countries have been working to address key climate issues, including Brazil’s proposed roadmap for transitioning away from fossil fuels and concerns over emissions-reduction plans and trade barriers. Earlier in the day, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged negotiators to reach an ‘ambitious compromise,’ highlighting the global significance of the outcomes from COP30. The summit is scheduled to conclude on Friday evening, with nations awaiting a new draft-negotiating text.
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BAHIA PRINCIPE CLOSURE WAS PLANNED
Bahia Principe’s Managing Director, Jonay Guerra, has revealed that the resort’s year-long shutdown and redundancy plans were already in motion weeks before Hurricane Melissa struck. The storm did not trigger the closure but exacerbated an ongoing restructuring effort. In an interview with the Jamaica Observer, Guerra disclosed that consultations with the Ministry of Labour and the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union (BITU) began in September, outlining plans to temporarily close the Bahia Principe Grand for a full renovation cycle. The Luxury hotel, opened in 2015, was expected to remain partially operational during this period. The decision to close the Grand was driven by the property’s age and the need for significant upgrades to remain competitive. The planned renovation budget was $15 billion, approved before the hurricane. However, Hurricane Melissa caused extensive damage to both properties, adding $815 million in repair costs. Guerra emphasized that the resort aims to reopen with a significantly upgraded product but faces delays due to unstable utilities in St Ann. Despite the challenges, Bahia Principe sheltered 900 staff and their families during the storm and provided $80 million in assistance to employees with damaged homes. The resort is proceeding with redundancies to ensure staff receive financial benefits during the extended closure. Reconstruction will create over 1,000 temporary jobs, with opportunities for current staff with construction skills. Additionally, Bahia Principe plans to build a 350-room luxury villa-style hotel in Runaway Bay, a $30 billion investment expected to create 1,000 jobs once reconstruction stabilizes.
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Rideallday to change ownership before lucrative Mouttet Mile
In a dramatic development in the horse racing world, Solomon Sharpe, owner of the celebrated grey/roan colt Rideallday, has announced that the three-year-old American-bred horse will be sold to a new owner before the prestigious Mouttet Mile on December 6, 2025. Sharpe disclosed that while initial interest from potential buyers had waned, renewed enthusiasm has emerged, with offers now coming in at a premium. ‘This is my final run as Rideallday’s owner,’ Sharpe stated, emphasizing the heightened stakes. ‘Those who hesitated earlier are now eager to pay extra.’
Rideallday’s recent triumph in the Port Royal Sprint on November 16, 2025, has significantly boosted his market value. The Mouttet Mile, a Grade One event with a $300,000 purse, presents a golden opportunity for the new owner to compete against elite contenders. Under the expert guidance of jockey Ian ‘Dolly Baby’ Spence, Rideallday showcased his prowess by securing a thrilling victory in the Port Royal Sprint, overtaking rivals in a nail-biting finish. The win not only solidified his reputation but also guaranteed his participation in the upcoming Mouttet Mile.
Trainer Philip Feanny, while acknowledging the challenges Rideallday faced in the Port Royal Sprint, expressed confidence in the horse’s readiness for the Mouttet Mile. ‘The handicaps were against him, but this race served as a crucial sharpener,’ Feanny remarked. With seven wins from nine starts and over $6.7 million in Stakes earnings, Rideallday’s pedigree and performance have cemented his status as a top-tier competitor. As the racing community eagerly anticipates the Mouttet Mile, all eyes will be on Rideallday and his new owner to see if they can seize the moment and claim victory.
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TTPFL leaders Prisons stay perfect, Sando hit Rangers for six
Prisons FC solidified their position as the team to beat in the 2025/26 TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) with a narrow 1-0 victory over FC Eagles at the Ato Boldon Stadium on November 19. The win extended their flawless start to the season, marking their fourth consecutive triumph. A sixth-minute goal from centre back Weslie John proved decisive, keeping Prisons three points clear at the top of the 12-team table. Meanwhile, FC Eagles’ struggles continued as they dropped to the bottom of the standings. In the second match of the Ato Boldon double-header, Club Sando surged to second place with a commanding 6-0 victory over Terminix La Horquetta Rangers. Midfielder Luke Phillips opened the scoring in the third minute, followed by Tarik Lee’s hat-trick in the second half, which included a stunning own goal by Rangers’ Abdul Lezama. The La Horquetta Recreation Grounds witnessed two high-scoring encounters, with 1976 FC Phoenix edging San Juan Jabloteh 3-2 and AC Port of Spain drawing 3-3 with Miscellaneous Police FC in a dramatic clash. Police FC took an early lead through Kadeem Hutchinson, but AC Port of Spain’s Shackiel Henry stole the show with a first-half hat-trick. Despite Henry’s heroics, Police FC fought back, with Kwesi Allen scoring twice, including a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time. The weekend’s action also saw 1976 FC Phoenix climb to tenth place after a thrilling 3-2 win over Jabloteh, while two matches were postponed due to unplayable conditions. The TTPFL resumes this weekend with matches scheduled from November 21-23.
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Signal Hill drub Trinity East 9-1, keep SSFL title hopes alive
Signal Hill Secondary School delivered a commanding performance on November 20, thrashing Trinity East 9-1 in their penultimate rescheduled match of the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division. The victory, secured at their home grounds in Tobago, keeps their premiership title aspirations firmly alive. Immaual Wright, Kyle James, and Jedidiah Marcelle each scored twice, showcasing Signal Hill’s offensive prowess and tactical superiority. The match began with Wright assisting Morgan for the opening goal in the ninth minute, followed by Nickel Williams’ unexpected long-range strike two minutes later. James added a third in the 16th minute, and Wright capitalized on a defensive error in the 32nd to make it 4-0. Despite Trinity East’s goalkeeper Ishmael Wadi making several saves, Signal Hill continued to dominate, with Wright and James extending the lead to 6-0 by halftime. The second half saw Wright convert a penalty in the 58th minute, while Trinity East managed a consolation goal in the 71st. Marcelle sealed the emphatic victory with two late goals, bringing the final score to 9-1. Signal Hill now sits fifth in the standings with 28 points and two matches remaining. Their title hopes hinge on a pending disciplinary committee ruling regarding their November 17 fixture against St Augustine, which could potentially propel them to third place. A win in their final match against Malick on November 24 could set up a thrilling title decider against league leaders Naparima College.
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Kalicharan Mas set to Bedazzle for Carnival
On November 15, Kalicharan Mas, a renowned Carnival band, launched its 2026 presentation titled ‘Bedazzle at the Lobby’ at Paria Suits in La Romaine. The event was graced by San Fernando Mayor Robert Parris, bandleaders Sterlin Mahase and Ayana Kalicharan-Mahase, and a host of models. The band, originally founded by the husband-and-wife duo Ivan and Wendy Kalicharan, has an illustrious history, having won the San Fernando Band of the Year title 31 times. Tragically, Wendy Kalicharan passed away in May 2024 after a battle with cancer. Her daughter and co-bandleader, Ayana Kalicharan-Mahase, paid a heartfelt tribute, describing her mother’s life as ‘beautiful and glittery,’ which deeply influenced the designs for the upcoming Carnival presentation. The launch featured six distinct sections: Oro, Onyx, Mystic Quartz, Larimar, Bronzite, and Rose Quartz. Ayana emphasized that the theme transcends mere sparkle, aiming to evoke impact, emotion, and elevated beauty. She described ‘Bedazzle at the Lobby’ as a celebration of brilliance, both literal and metaphorical, connecting to gemstones to create a rich tapestry of meaning and emotional resonance. The event also served as a ‘thank you’ to loyal revellers, culminating in an after-party to honor their enduring support.
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Renalon Villafana wins gold award at Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition
Renalon Villafana, a 16-year-old form five business student from Tabaquite Secondary School in Trinidad and Tobago, has achieved a remarkable milestone by winning a gold award in the 2025 Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition (QCEC). This competition, one of the oldest and most esteemed international writing contests, saw a record-breaking 53,434 entries from 56 Commonwealth countries this year. Renalon’s winning essay, titled *The Haunting Tales of Claxton Bay*, creatively retold a local folklore about Maria, a tragic figure said to haunt the Solomon Hochoy Highway. Renalon’s narrative skillfully intertwined the tale of Maria, a Spanish foreman’s daughter who died tragically while trying to save her Indian lover, with themes of love, loss, and cultural heritage. Renalon, who is also a school prefect and budding entrepreneur, expressed his joy and gratitude for the recognition, attributing his success to divine guidance. Beyond his literary achievements, Renalon is the founder and CEO of Reon Graphics, a graphic design business that recently celebrated its first anniversary. He also runs a vehicle sales venture and hosts graphic design classes, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit. Renalon’s leadership extends to his role as student council president, where he has spearheaded community initiatives such as beach cleanups and visits to children’s and elderly homes. His parents, Sandy and Ronald Villafana, expressed immense pride in their son’s accomplishments, recalling his determination and academic excellence from a young age. Renalon aspires to study business management at university, aiming to further develop his entrepreneurial skills while continuing to inspire his peers with his mantra: ‘There are opportunities wherever you go. You have to know when to take them and trust in God.’
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Tribute to Cito Velasquez: Fun House blooms with Nature’s Paradise
In 2026, the Fun House Mas Band will make a triumphant return to the children’s Carnival stage with their latest presentation, ‘Nature’s Paradise.’ This vibrant portrayal of Caribbean flora is not just a celebration of the natural world but also a heartfelt tribute to the late Cito Velasquez, a legendary figure in Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival history. Velasquez, renowned for his innovative wire-bending techniques and imaginative costume designs, left an indelible mark on the art form, inspiring generations of masqueraders. Bandleader Rochel Tronchin emphasized that dedicating this year’s theme to Velasquez was a natural choice, as his work was deeply rooted in life, movement, and color—elements that resonate with the essence of nature. ‘This is our way of saying thank you and teaching the next generation about the pioneers who shaped Carnival,’ Tronchin explained. The band’s mission to inspire creativity, culture, and joy in the nation’s youth has been a driving force since its debut in 2025. Tronchin described Fun House as a safe, imaginative space where children can express themselves through color, costume, and culture. Last year, the band achieved notable success, securing top positions at various Carnival events, including first place at the Kiddies Carnival in Port of Spain. Building on this momentum, Fun House plans to expand its 2026 presentation with more intricate costumes, interactive elements, and a focus on storytelling. The band will also extend its outreach to include more children from underprivileged communities, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to participate in Carnival. ‘Nature’s Paradise’ features seven sections inspired by iconic Caribbean plants, each designed to capture the vibrancy and symbolism of the natural world. Acclaimed artist Makemba Kunle, who collaborated with Tronchin on the band’s designs, highlighted the importance of preserving cultural memory through children’s mas. ‘Carnival is living art,’ Kunle said. ‘By blending art and mas, we give children a tangible way to connect with cultural icons like Cito Velasquez.’ Both Tronchin and Kunle view children’s mas as a vital means of passing on Trinidad and Tobago’s rich cultural heritage. As Fun House prepares for its 2026 performance, Tronchin hopes audiences will feel the joy and wonder that inspired ‘Nature’s Paradise.’ ‘We play in Cito’s honor, we bloom in his memory, and we carry his spirit forward—one costume, one child, one step at a time,’ she expressed.
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Air Supply to bring A Gift of Love to Trinidad and Tobago
The iconic Australian-British soft-rock duo, Air Supply, is set to bring their 50th Anniversary Tour to Trinidad and Tobago on May 2, 2026, at the Queen’s Park Oval. Known for timeless hits like ‘Lost in Love’ and ‘The One That You Love,’ the band’s performance promises to be a nostalgic journey through five decades of music. Produced by Gemini Production and One Fete Inc., the event aims to fill a gap in the local entertainment scene by offering a family-friendly concert that spans generations. Derek Ragoonath, founder and CEO of the production companies, emphasized the universal appeal of Air Supply’s music, which continues to resonate with themes of love and heartbreak. The tour, which began in 2025, has already visited 11 countries, including the US, Canada, and Malaysia. The Trinidad and Tobago stop is particularly significant as it marks the band’s fifth visit to the region, symbolizing a ’50th and fifth’ milestone. Fans can expect a full-scale production featuring premium sound systems, elaborate décor, and surprise guest performers. Ragoonath also highlighted the event’s potential to boost tourism, with visitors expected from across the Caribbean and South America. Early bird ticket sales have already shown high demand, with VIP cabanas selling out months in advance. For more details, visit www.geminiproduction.com.
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Give cops their due rank
The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) is grappling with a deepening crisis as unresolved promotion disputes continue to undermine morale and efficiency. Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro recently shed light on the severe impact of these delays, emphasizing the loss of experienced officers due to mandatory retirements and the squandering of millions invested in succession planning. The issue, which predates Guevarro’s tenure, has reached a critical juncture, with legal battles further complicating the situation. On November 18, the Court of Appeal reserved its ruling in a lawsuit filed by 30 second-division officers, while a separate case involving 169 first-division officers remains adjourned. The promotion process, governed by a labyrinth of constitutional provisions, regulations, and departmental orders, is described as convoluted and often misunderstood even by senior officials. This has led to frequent rule violations, accusations of cronyism, and widespread demoralization within the force. With over 2,357 officers awaiting promotion and backlogs stretching for years, the system is in dire need of legislative reform. Commissioner Guevarro has called for urgent intervention to overhaul the process, ensuring fairness and efficiency in recognizing merit and service.