In a recent ceremony held in Manchester, Jamaica, the Manchester Empowerment and Recognition Programme honoured eight exceptional educators and three courageous firefighters for their significant contributions to nation-building and community resilience. The event, themed “I Am Built for Greatness: Igniting Passion in the Lives of Our Students,” was hosted by Garfield S Green, Custos Rotulorum for Manchester. Originally designed to recognise educators, the programme was expanded to include firefighters, acknowledging their vital role in safeguarding lives and properties. The eight educators received the Custos’ Award for Excellence in Education, celebrating their dedication to shaping character, inspiring excellence, and fostering national development through education. Similarly, the three firefighters were lauded as builders of bravery for their fearless service and unwavering commitment to protecting communities. Guest speaker Joan A Davis-Williams, an education consultant, delivered an inspiring address, urging attendees to reflect on personal growth and professional purpose. She used metaphors of life’s burdens and cutlery to emphasise the importance of staying sharp, polished, and ready to serve with excellence. The event was supported by key sponsors, including the British Council, Juici Patties, and Toyota Jamaica. In his opening remarks, Custos Green highlighted the transformative power of educators and firefighters, stating that greatness is not merely taught but ignited through their actions.
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Curacao coach Advocaat leaves camp for personal reasons ahead of Jamaica match
In a surprising turn of events, Curacao’s head coach Dick Advocaat has temporarily departed from the team’s training camp in Kingston, Jamaica, citing personal reasons. The announcement was made by the Curacao Football Federation on Saturday evening, just days before the decisive World Cup qualifier against Jamaica on Tuesday. The federation expressed its full support for Advocaat’s decision, with President Gilbert Martina stating, ‘We respect the decision of the head coach. The entire federation stands behind him.’
During Advocaat’s absence, assistant coaches Dean Gorré and Cor Pot will take charge of training sessions, match preparations, and other team activities. Despite his physical absence, Advocaat will remain actively involved in strategic decisions, maintaining regular communication with Gorré and Pot to ensure continuity in tactics and player management.
Curacao currently leads their World Cup qualification group with 11 points, just one point ahead of Jamaica. A draw in the upcoming match would secure Curacao’s automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup. The team previously defeated Jamaica 2-0 in their last encounter in Curacao, boosting their confidence ahead of this critical fixture.
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Grandstand tickets sold out for Reggae Boyz’ deciding World Cup qualifier
KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Reggae Boyz are set to face Curacao in a high-stakes match at the National Stadium on Tuesday, aiming for automatic qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The game, scheduled for 7 pm, has already seen the $8,000 Grandstand tickets sold out, though other seating options like Bleachers ($2,000), Premium Bleachers ($4,000), VIP ($12,500), and Skyline Seats ($25,000) remain available as of Saturday evening. This match is pivotal for Jamaica, as a victory would secure their second World Cup appearance, nearly three decades after their debut in 1998. The urgency follows a recent 1-1 draw with Trinidad and Tobago, which dropped Jamaica to second place in Group B with 10 points. Meanwhile, Curacao’s dominant 7-0 win over Bermuda has propelled them to the top of the group with 11 points, leaving Jamaica with no margin for error. Rudolph Speid, Chairman of the Jamaica Football Federation Technical Committee, has called for nationwide support, urging fans to don yellow and fill the 29,000-seat National Stadium. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter as Jamaica seeks to reclaim their position and secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup.
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Last dash for ‘Nash’: Molino to retire after final World Cup qualifier
Kevin “Nash” Molino, the talismanic captain of Trinidad and Tobago’s senior men’s football team, has declared that the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Bermuda on November 18 will mark his final appearance in national colors. The 35-year-old striker made the emotional announcement during a post-match interview with the TT Football Association (TTFA) on November 14, following the team’s elimination from World Cup contention after a 1-1 draw with Jamaica. Despite scoring a late equalizer in that match, Molino acknowledged that the team’s World Cup dreams had been dashed. Molino, who initially retired from international football in September 2023, was recalled to the squad a year later and has since been a key figure in the team’s campaign. He described his decision to step away as deeply personal, citing years of immense pressure and physical strain. Molino emphasized his pride in representing Trinidad and Tobago and expressed optimism for the team’s future under head coach Dwight Yorke. He urged young players to maintain the right mindset and attitude, believing the team has the potential to become a formidable force. Molino also highlighted the positive changes within the TTFA, including improved professionalism and fan engagement, which have revitalized interest in the national team. As he prepares for his final match, Molino remains focused on the collective success of the team, rejecting any notion of personal failure and instead framing his journey as a valuable learning experience for the next generation.
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Customs and Excise seize $11.2 million in ganja, meth
In a significant blow to the illicit drug trade, the Customs and Excise Division has confiscated narcotics worth over $11 million in a series of coordinated operations over the past week. The seizures included 38.998 kilograms of marijuana, eight ampoules of fentanyl, one vial of ketamine, and 0.606 kilograms of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). The marijuana alone has an estimated street value of $9,737,800, while the MDMA is valued at $1,515,000.
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Joint Dominican-US operation halts alleged cocaine-smuggling boat
In a significant joint operation, authorities in the Dominican Republic, in collaboration with the United States, intercepted a boat carrying approximately 500 kilograms of cocaine off the Dominican coast. The operation, conducted on Saturday, was part of the United States Southern Command’s initiative, Operation Southern Spear, aimed at combating drug trafficking in the region. The National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD) stated that the operation involved extensive efforts by air, sea, and land to capture the suspects and seize the narcotics. Two Dominican nationals were arrested, and 484 packets of cocaine were confiscated from the 27-foot-long boat, which was equipped with two outboard motors. The DNCD emphasized its close cooperation with the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in executing this operation. Operation Southern Spear, announced by US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, is part of a broader military deployment in Latin America to target drug-running operations allegedly managed by ‘narco-terrorist’ cartels. Meanwhile, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has accused US President Donald Trump of planning operations to overthrow his government. Since September, the US has conducted strikes on 21 suspected drug-trafficking boats in the region, resulting in at least 80 deaths. The US has also accused Maduro of leading a drug cartel and has offered a $50 million reward for his capture. On Friday, Trump hinted at having ‘sort of’ decided his next steps regarding Venezuela but provided no further details.
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Former Trump ally Marjorie Taylor Greene says she’s facing threats ‘fueled’ by president
WASHINGTON, United States — Marjorie Taylor Greene, a prominent Republican congresswoman and former staunch ally of Donald Trump, revealed on Saturday that she is facing a surge of threats following a public fallout with the former president. Greene, 51, who once championed Trump’s Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement, has recently distanced herself from him amid growing controversies surrounding the U.S. cost of living crisis and the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.
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Alcaraz secures ATP Finals showdown with great rival Sinner
In a highly anticipated clash, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner will battle for the ATP Finals title in Turin, Italy, after both players secured their spots in the final with commanding performances on Saturday. Alcaraz, the newly crowned year-end world number one, dominated Felix Auger-Aliassime with a 6-2, 6-4 victory, showcasing his relentless form. Meanwhile, Sinner, the Italian sensation, triumphed over Alex de Minaur 7-5, 6-2, continuing his impressive streak at the tournament. This final marks the culmination of a thrilling rivalry between the two young stars, who have shared the Grand Slam titles this season. Alcaraz holds a slight edge in their head-to-head encounters, winning 10 of their 15 matches, including four of their five meetings this year. However, Sinner’s historic Wimbledon victory over Alcaraz adds an extra layer of intrigue to this showdown. Both players have been in scintillating form, with Alcaraz recently clinching the US Open and Roland Garros titles, while Sinner has won his last 18 sets in Turin and boasts a 30-match winning streak on indoor hard courts. The final promises to be a captivating contest, as Alcaraz aims to cement his dominance, while Sinner seeks to cap off a remarkable year with a prestigious title.
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Young parranderos face off in El Dorado
The vibrant sounds of parang music filled the air at El Dorado East Secondary School on November 15, as the National Parang Association of Trinidad and Tobago hosted the primary school category of its Junior Parang Festival 2025. Under the theme ‘Somos Un Solo Pueblo’ (We Are One Village), 25 primary schools showcased their musical prowess in two key categories: Tribute to Icons and the musical face-off. The event highlighted the rich cultural heritage of parang, a traditional Trinidadian music genre, while nurturing the next generation of parranderos. Among the standout performances, Isoke Morgan led the Sacred Heart Girls’ RC School parang band, while Dominic Gooding and the Sacred Heart Boys’ RC parang band captivated the audience with their spirited renditions. The festival also featured a chac chac player, whose rhythmic beats added a dynamic flair to the performances. On November 16, the spotlight shifted to 15 secondary schools competing for top honors in the same categories. The Junior Parang Festival continues to be a celebration of unity, creativity, and cultural pride, fostering a deep appreciation for Trinidad and Tobago’s musical traditions.
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Works and Infrastructure ministry moves to fill 1,100 vacancies
The Ministry of Works and Infrastructure (MOWI) has initiated the second phase of its National Recruitment Drive, focusing on screening candidates to fill 1,100 vacancies across various operational and technical roles. The recruitment process, which began on October 19 at the National Cycling Velodrome in Balmain, Couva, saw an overwhelming response with over 28,000 applications submitted. Notably, approximately 6,800 applicants sought positions as laborers. Starting November 14, the ministry commenced mass screening for the first cohort of laborer candidates, a process set to continue until November 21. The ministry aims to interview 1,000 applicants daily, with shortlisted candidates expected to be deployed by December 1. Minister Jearlean John emphasized that this initiative fulfills the government’s promise to create employment opportunities and strengthen the ministry’s capacity to deliver impactful community projects. Successful candidates will undergo a probation period before being assigned to district offices nationwide to support priority infrastructure projects.