The Trinidad and Tobago Hockey Board (TTHB) has ushered in a new leadership era following its 28th annual council meeting held at the National Racquet Centre in Tacarigua on November 17, 2025. The elections marked a significant transition as the board appointed its executive for the 2025–2027 term. Cindy Martin-Faustin of Paragon Hockey Club was unanimously elected as president, leaving her previous role as an elected member vacant. This position was subsequently filled by Natakii Bua, who was also elected unopposed. The election saw five key positions contested, including president, second vice-president, third vice-president, honorary treasurer, and assistant secretary. Rob Wyatt of Prosport secured the second vice-president role without opposition, while Akil Nancoo of Notre Dame Hockey Club triumphed in the only contested race for third vice-president. Riger Gomes of QPCC and Teresa Lezama of Malvern Sports Club were elected unopposed as honorary treasurer and assistant secretary, respectively. The meeting, which commenced at 6:54 p.m., also addressed the transition of several officer positions whose terms concluded in 2025. The newly elected executive will serve until 2027, with some roles continuing from their 2024–2026 terms. The TTHB’s leadership now includes Cindy Martin-Faustin as president, Garth Baptiste as first vice-president, Rob Wyatt as second vice-president, Akil Nancoo as third vice-president, Riger Gomes as honorary treasurer, Anthony Marcano as assistant treasurer, Reyah Richardson as honorary secretary, Teresa Lezama as assistant secretary, Ayanna McClean as an elected member, and Natakii Bua as an elected member.
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Lara begins new innings with 277 restaurant
West Indies cricket icon Brian Lara has stepped into the food and hospitality industry with the grand opening of his first restaurant, 277, located at the upscale Millennium Lakes Golf and Country Club in Trincity. The official launch took place on November 15, attended by a select group of guests, including family, former teammates, business partners, and supporters. Lara, alongside his business partner Shane Sagar, marked this venture as a significant milestone in his post-cricket career, describing it as a new chapter in his professional life.
The restaurant’s name, 277, pays homage to Lara’s historic innings during a 1993 Test match against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground, where he scored his maiden Test century. Lara reflected on this pivotal moment, stating it was the first time he truly believed in himself as a cricketer. He emphasized that the name symbolizes his journey and breakthrough, making it a fitting choice for his inaugural business venture.
277’s menu showcases a fusion of international cuisines, crafted by a diverse culinary team featuring chefs from England, Trinidad and Tobago, and India. The dishes incorporate local ingredients, blending global flavors with regional influences. A standout offering is the chadon beni chimichurri, a unique blend of Trinidad’s popular seasoning herb with the traditional Argentine-Uruguayan sauce, served with grilled meats, poultry, fish, and vegetables.
Lara likened the restaurant’s launch to a cricket campaign, expressing confidence in his team’s preparation and readiness to deliver exceptional dining experiences. He credited Sagar as the driving force behind the project, acknowledging his pivotal role in conceptualizing and executing the restaurant’s design and operations.
The event also featured former West Indies opener Desmond Haynes, who reminisced about Lara’s iconic 277 innings and expressed optimism for the restaurant’s success. Lara shared a humorous anecdote from the 1992-93 tour, recalling how he defied cricketing superstitions by ordering crispy duck the night before his historic performance.
Lara concluded his address by emphasizing his commitment to quality dining, ambiance, and entertainment at 277, inviting patrons to provide feedback as the restaurant begins its operations. He also recognized key individuals, including Faria Hassanali, Marvin Holder, and his close friends Dwight Yorke and Russell Latapy, for their unwavering support throughout this new endeavor.
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Khan urges UTT graduates to help improve society
At the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) graduation ceremony held on November 18, 2025, Attorney Israel Khan SC, a distinguished legal figure and president of the Criminal Bar Association of TT, received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree. The event, hosted at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port of Spain, saw Khan addressing the graduates with a powerful message: to leverage their education for the betterment of society. Khan emphasized the critical role of the justice system, highlighting the plight of over 300 individuals languishing in legal limbo for more than a decade while awaiting trial. He described this as a moral failure, unfair to both the accused and the victims’ families. Additionally, Khan pointed to the unresolved inquests of more than 1,000 police-involved shootings over the past 30 years, calling it a miscarriage of justice. He urged the graduates to take action against systemic inequalities and to uphold the principles of fairness and accountability. Khan also reminded the graduates of their roots, encouraging them to support future generations and perpetuate a cycle of progress. Alongside Khan, other honorees included businessman and fashion designer Peter Elias, educator Jamwant Maharaj, and songwriter Gilman Figaro, each recognized for their contributions to their respective fields.
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Rene Simoes seeks third Reggae Boyz stint
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Rene Simoes, the Brazilian coach who famously guided Jamaica to their historic FIFA World Cup qualification in 1998, has expressed interest in taking charge of the Reggae Boyz once again. This time, he aims to lead the team through the Intercontinental play-offs scheduled for March 2026. Sources close to Observer Online reveal that Simoes, now 72, has garnered support from several members of the iconic 1998 squad and has formally communicated his intentions to the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF).
The coaching vacancy emerged following the abrupt resignation of Englishman Steve McClaren on Tuesday. McClaren stepped down after Jamaica’s disappointing 0-0 draw against Curacao, which left them second in their group with 11 points, narrowly missing an automatic qualifying spot for the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Jamaica’s next challenge will be against New Caledonia in March 2026, with a potential follow-up match against the Democratic Republic of Congo, the winner of which will secure a World Cup berth.
Simoes’ legacy with Jamaica is marked by his historic achievement in 1998, when he led the Reggae Boyz to their first and only World Cup appearance. The team secured a memorable 2-1 victory over Japan in their final group-stage match, despite earlier losses to Croatia and Argentina. However, his second stint with the national team in 2008 was less successful, culminating in his dismissal after a 2-0 defeat to Honduras.
In the interim, the JFF is expected to appoint a temporary coach by Friday, with Rudolph Speid, the coach of Premier League champions Cavalier and chairman of the Technical Committee, reportedly being a top contender. Speid has played a pivotal role in recent coaching decisions, including the dismissal of Theodore Whitmore and the appointments of Heimir Hallgrimsson and McClaren.
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Gov’t denies report about appointment of new Consul-General to New York
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica has refuted recent media claims regarding the appointment of a new consul-general to New York, following the passing of Alsion Marie Wilson. In an official statement released on Friday morning, the ministry addressed the reports, emphasizing the steps taken to ensure the seamless operation of the Consulate-General of Jamaica in New York. The ministry clarified that Mrs. Ariel Bowen, the acting Under-Secretary for Diaspora, Consular and Protocol and Consular Affairs, has been temporarily assigned as the Officer-in-Charge at the consulate. This interim measure aims to maintain operational continuity while the government prepares to initiate the formal process of appointing a permanent replacement for the late consul-general. Wilson, who had served diligently, passed away earlier this month after a prolonged battle with breast cancer at the age of 64. The ministry assured the public that the established procedures for such appointments would be followed at the appropriate time.
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Pan, powder and mas in San Fernando on November 22
San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago, is currently immersed in a month-long celebration of its rich cultural heritage, culminating in the highly anticipated Steelpan and Powder Parade. This vibrant event, now in its second year, is a collaboration between Pan Trinbago and the San Fernando City Corporation, marking the city’s 37th anniversary since gaining city status in 1988. The festivities kicked off with the Heritage Skiffle Steel Orchestra’s performance on November 16, 2024, setting the tone for a series of events that celebrate the national instrument—the steelpan. The J’Ouvert parade, scheduled for November 22, 2025, will begin at 2 am, winding through the city’s streets and culminating in a grand street party. Mayor Robert Parris emphasized the city’s commitment to responsible entertainment, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees. The Steelpan and Powder Parade, a highlight of the celebrations, will feature performances by renowned steelbands such as Heritage Petroleum Skiffle, NLCB Fonclaire, and Trinidad All Stars, among others. Pan Trinbago President Beverly Ramsey-Moore described the event as a landmark cultural showcase, blending the infectious rhythms of steelpan with the vibrant tradition of powder festivities. The parade, which begins at 6 pm on Coffee Street and concludes at Skinner Park, promises an evening of color, rhythm, and unity. This celebration not only honors Trinidad and Tobago’s musical traditions but also aims to boost tourism and diversify the economy through the orange economy. Mayor Parris invited locals and tourists alike to experience the unique southern blend of steelbands and southern hospitality, making this event a must-attend for steelpan enthusiasts and cultural aficionados.
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Tancoo calls on banks to absorb asset levy
Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo has reassured the public that the newly introduced 0.25% asset levy on commercial banks and insurance companies, effective January 1, 2026, will not adversely affect customers. Speaking at the ICATT conference held at the Hyatt Regency in Port of Spain, Tancoo emphasized the importance of the Central Bank’s role in ensuring that financial institutions absorb the levy without passing additional costs onto consumers. He highlighted that the combined asset base of commercial banks and insurance companies exceeds $230 billion, and the levy is expected to generate approximately $5 billion annually from banks and $75 million from insurance companies. Tancoo also addressed concerns raised by critics regarding the lack of safeguards to prevent cost transfer to customers, stating that the Central Bank would maintain strict oversight. Additionally, he outlined the government’s strategy to reduce the budget deficit by enhancing the efficiency of the Board of Inland Revenue (BIR) and Customs and Excise, aiming to curb tax evasion and improve revenue streams.
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Cepep contractor suffers defeat as court upholds stay of ‘termination’ lawsuit
The Court of Appeal has affirmed a stay of proceedings in a legal challenge initiated by Eastman Enterprises Ltd, a former contractor of Cepep Company Ltd, regarding the termination of over 300 contracts shortly after the April 28 general election. However, the appellate court overturned the High Court’s directive to refer the matter to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). In a written ruling delivered on November 21, Justices Peter Rajkumar, James Aboud, and Ricky Rahim emphasized that Eastman was obligated to adhere to the contract’s alternative dispute resolution (ADR) procedures before pursuing litigation. The court found that the ADR mechanisms were sufficiently detailed and enforceable, rendering the lawsuit premature. Justice Rajkumar, who authored the decision, noted that while the Arbitration Act allows for court intervention in urgent cases, such relief should be sought within the arbitration framework agreed upon by the parties. He criticized Eastman for bypassing the ADR process entirely, stating that the trial judge’s decision to stay the claim was justified. The court also deemed the referral to the DPP as ‘premature and plainly wrong,’ citing incomplete and untested evidence. Eastman, which supplied 29 laborers to Cepep, argued that the termination caused significant hardship to both the company and its workers. Cepep, however, maintained that the contracts were terminated under a clause permitting such action without cause. The case is one of two legal challenges filed against Cepep’s decision to cancel 336 extended contracts, with the other initiated by PNM MP Stuart Young, SC, seeking judicial review against the Cabinet and Cepep’s leadership.
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Market Bag: Escallion buyers get slight reprieve as price falls to $800, but…
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Shoppers at Coronation Market are experiencing another week of unpredictable price fluctuations, with hot pepper prices soaring to as much as $1,500 per pound. Meanwhile, escallion has seen a modest decline, now priced at $800 per pound by most vendors. This ongoing volatility has left both vendors and consumers grappling with the economic impact of these shifts.
In a recent episode of ‘Market Bag,’ host Brittania Witter revisited the bustling downtown Kingston market to speak with ‘Mama,’ a seasoned vendor who has been a fixture at the market for decades. Her insights shed light on the challenges faced by vendors amid these turbulent times.
Vendors attribute the sharp rise in hot pepper prices, which had already surged in previous weeks, to a combination of adverse weather conditions and reduced supply from key farming regions. These disruptions have led to significant shortages, driving prices to unprecedented levels. Currently, hot pepper is being sold at $1,200 to $1,500 per pound, depending on quality and availability.
Many vendors are warning that unless there is a swift improvement in supply conditions, consumers should brace for continued price instability in the coming weeks. This could result in a particularly costly holiday season, with Christmas shopping likely to be affected by these rising costs.
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Vaz expresses sorrow over death of 10-year-old student in JUTC incident
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The nation is in mourning following the tragic death of 10-year-old Shamaire Sharpe in an incident involving a Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) bus on Wednesday. Minister of Energy, Transport and Telecommunications, Daryl Vaz, expressed profound sorrow and extended heartfelt condolences to the child’s family, emphasizing that the entire country stands in solidarity with them during this devastating time.
In an official statement, Vaz confirmed that he has been in direct communication with the JUTC to ensure that all necessary support systems are activated for the affected family. He also announced that a thorough investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The minister reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to road safety, particularly for children who depend on public transportation for school.
Vaz highlighted that JUTC buses and drivers are rigorously trained to meet stringent safety standards, and the company’s operational and mechanical protocols are designed to protect passengers at all times. However, he assured that these systems will be thoroughly reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation.
“I am truly heartbroken by this tragedy. No parent should ever have to endure such pain, and no school community should face the loss of a child in this manner,” Vaz stated, extending his sympathies to the student’s parents, relatives, teachers, and classmates.
The Ministry of Energy, Transport and Telecommunications reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing road safety policies, improving enforcement measures, and reducing traffic-related injuries and fatalities across Jamaica. Vaz urged the public to remain calm as police investigations continue, describing the incident as “deeply unfortunate” and reiterating his support for the grieving family and school community.