Two-time World Championship bronze medallist Kelly-Ann Baptiste delivered a powerful message of empowerment and perseverance at the National Association of Athletics Administrations’ (NAAA) annual women’s seminar-workshop, Accelerate-Her. Held on November 8 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo, the event aimed to inspire young female athletes to pursue their dreams with confidence and determination. Baptiste, a celebrated sprinter, shared her personal journey, highlighting the challenges she overcame to achieve success in her sport. The workshop attracted over 60 in-person participants and 143 virtual attendees, fostering an inclusive environment focused on self-esteem, motivation, and personal growth. A creative vision board activity allowed participants to visually map their goals, reinforcing the importance of focus and visualization. Attendees praised the event as transformative, offering practical tools for success both on and off the track. NAAA president Ephraim Serrette reaffirmed the association’s commitment to supporting female athletes, addressing attrition rates and ensuring their continued engagement in athletics. The event also featured a dynamic session by sport psychologist Amanda Johnson, who emphasized confidence, self-esteem, and motivation. The NAAA expressed gratitude to sponsors and volunteers for their support in making Accelerate-Her a resounding success.
作者： admin
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Molino: Hurricane trauma will spur on Jamaica
Trinidad and Tobago’s senior men’s football team captain, Kevin Molino, is acutely aware of the heightened stakes as his team prepares to face Jamaica in a pivotal Concacaf Group B FIFA World Cup qualifier on November 13. The match, set to take place at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo at 8 pm, carries significant implications for both teams. A victory would bring either side closer to securing a spot in the 2026 World Cup, to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. However, the encounter is more than just a football match for Jamaica, as the nation seeks to uplift its citizens following the devastation wrought by Hurricane Melissa two weeks ago. The Category 5 storm left widespread destruction, including damaged homes, downed electricity poles, and a shortage of clean water. Molino acknowledged Jamaica’s added motivation, stating, “They have a chip on their shoulder, coming here to fight and also put a smile on the Jamaicans’ faces.” He emphasized the need for Trinidad and Tobago to improve their performance in the final third of the pitch to secure a favorable outcome. Molino also addressed the absence of key players Rio Cardines and Molik Khan due to injuries, highlighting the importance of a collective effort. “It’s going to take a whole group, not just one or two players,” he said, expressing confidence in the team’s depth and preparation under the guidance of coach Dwight Yorke and assistant coach Russell Latapy. Currently, Trinidad and Tobago sit third in Group B with five points, while Jamaica leads with nine points and Curacao follows closely with eight. The group winner will secure direct qualification to the World Cup, with the runner-up advancing to the intercontinental playoffs for another shot at qualification.
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Fatima, Holy Name PoS aim to defend 3×3 basketball crowns
Fresh off their triumphant victory at the RBC Royal Slam College Basketball tournament on November 9, Fatima College is poised to defend their titles as the TT Schools Basketball Association (TTSBA) annual 3×3 basketball tournament kicks off on November 14. The competition will commence at the Eastern Regional Indoor Sporting Arena in Tacarigua before moving to the Maloney Indoor Sporting Arena on November 15. This year marks the debut of the boys’ under-15 division, adding a new layer of excitement to the event. Fatima College, the reigning champions in both the under-17 and under-20 divisions, will face stiff competition from over 15 teams in each category. Notable participants include Arima North Secondary, Hillview College, Queen’s Royal College, and St Benedict’s College. In the girls’ open division, Holy Name Convent Port of Spain, the defending champions, will face a determined Bishop Anstey High School, alongside other contenders like East Mucurapo Secondary and St Francois Girls’ College. Last year’s finals saw Fatima narrowly defeat Trinity College East 14-12 in the under-17 category and Hillview 13-11 in the under-20 division. Holy Name Convent secured the girls’ title in a thrilling best-of-three series against Bishop Anstey. The tournament promises to be a showcase of young talent and fierce competition.
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Jackie Hinkson launches Sketchpad Collection at Nalis on November 12
The National Library and Information System Authority (Nalis) has partnered with renowned artist Jackie Hinkson to present an interactive exhibition featuring The Jackie Hinkson Sketchpad Collection. The event, scheduled to commence on November 12, will be held at the Rotunda, National Library of Trinidad and Tobago, located at 23 Abercromby Street, Port of Spain, starting at 5:30 pm. This exhibition will display over 210 sketchpads, offering a glimpse into Hinkson’s creative process and preliminary artistic perspectives. Among these, 60 items were generously donated by Hinkson and are now part of The University of the West Indies’ collection. For more than six decades, Hinkson has significantly enriched Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural landscape through his street art, large murals, and wood sculptures. His contributions were internationally recognized in 2010 when over 100 of his sketchpads were inscribed by UNESCO into the Local Memory of the World Register. Additionally, he was awarded the Chaconia Medal (Gold) for his outstanding contributions to the nation’s cultural heritage. Hinkson believes that drawing is the most direct and intimate way to respond to the physical and social environment, and he aims to inspire future generations of artists through his work. The exhibition will remain open to the public until November 22, during regular library hours at the Rotunda, Nalis.
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Final chance to see Yuh Doh Leave Fowl To Watch Corn!
After months of captivating audiences with its uproarious humor and sold-out shows, RS/RR Productions’ acclaimed play, ‘Yuh Doh Leave Fowl to Watch Corn!’, is set to conclude its run with two final performances on November 15 and 16 at Cipriani College. The play, a riotous comedy, takes viewers through a day of escalating chaos, featuring women waking up in the wrong beds, men vehemently denying their involvement, and a maid who struggles to keep secrets. As the Trinidadian proverb suggests, leaving a fowl to watch corn is a recipe for disaster, and this production delivers an evening of unbridled mischief and laughter. The stellar cast includes Richard Ragoobarsingh, Leslie Ann Lavine, Zo Mari Tanker, Kala Neehall, Benita Wilson, and Andrew Friday, under the co-direction of Debra Boucaud Mason and Ragoobarsingh. The box office opens on November 12 from 12 pm to 6 pm, with showtimes scheduled for November 15 at 8:30 pm and November 16 at 6:30 pm. For ticket inquiries, contact 481-2185, 338-6024, or 744-7581.
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Tobago Visual Arts Association elects new executive board
The Tobago Visual Arts Association (TVAA) has unveiled its newly elected executive board for the 2025-2027 term, following a pivotal election held at the historic Kimme Museum in Mt Irvine, Tobago. The election, conducted on October 5, underscores the association’s unwavering commitment to nurturing and promoting the visual arts and artists of Tobago. The newly appointed leadership includes Martin Superville as president, Arletys Arias Valdespino as vice president, Natasha Amber Shaw as secretary, Latoyaa Roberts-Thomas as assistant secretary, Duneski Lora Pileta as treasurer, Nicolas McKenna and Kemo De Leon as ordinary members, and Dr. James Armstrong as immediate past president. Martin Superville, a self-taught artist with over three decades of experience and the owner of an art gallery in Tobago, expressed his enthusiasm for his new role. ‘It is an honor to lead the Tobago Visual Arts Association during such a transformative period for our creative community,’ Superville remarked. ‘My goal is to fortify the connection between Tobago’s artists, our institutions, and the broader Caribbean art world. Together, we will continue to narrate our stories through color, movement, and imagination, celebrating Tobago’s unique spirit with every brushstroke.’ The TVAA extended its gratitude to the outgoing members and past leadership for their invaluable contributions to the local arts community. The new board has vowed to enhance creativity, collaboration, and opportunities for Tobago’s artists through exhibitions, educational initiatives, and advocacy for the visual arts sector. The association remains steadfast in its mission to cultivate a vibrant and inclusive artistic community that mirrors Tobago’s cultural richness and diversity. For more information, contact the TVAA via email at tobagovisualarts@gmail.com, call 771-5455 or 709-9988, or visit their Facebook page.
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More nauseating US visa rules
The Trump administration has introduced stringent health-based criteria for legal migrants, sparking controversy and criticism. According to a directive reportedly issued on November 5 to US embassies worldwide, individuals seeking to immigrate to the United States through formal channels can now be denied entry based on pre-existing medical conditions or obesity. The guidelines cite conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, respiratory illnesses, cancers, diabetes, and mental health disorders, which could potentially incur significant healthcare costs. This move has drawn sharp scrutiny, particularly given President Donald Trump’s own history of obesity and his recent diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency, a cardiovascular condition. Despite his health challenges, Trump has consistently portrayed himself as fit and capable of fulfilling his presidential duties. Critics argue that the new policy reflects a double standard, as Trump’s ailments are deemed inconsequential, while migrants with similar conditions are labeled as burdens on the public healthcare system. Public health experts have countered this narrative, with a July 2024 analysis by Drishti Pillai and Samantha Artiga revealing that immigrants generally incur lower healthcare costs than US-born citizens. The policy also raises concerns about the arbitrary nature of decision-making, as visa officers, rather than medical professionals, are tasked with assessing applicants’ long-term health viability. This development marks another chapter in the Republican Party’s contentious approach to immigration, which has increasingly targeted legal migrants, including college students and others, under the guise of fiscal responsibility.
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Legal obstacles to revitalisation plan
The success of any revitalisation plan, particularly one aimed at attracting substantial domestic and foreign investment, hinges on a supportive legal and regulatory framework. In Trinidad and Tobago (TT), the Exchange Control Act, Foreign Investment Act, and the role of the Industrial Court are pivotal components of this framework. However, these legal instruments, while designed to protect national interests, may inadvertently create barriers for potential investors. This analysis delves into how each of these mechanisms can hinder investment flows and the broader revitalisation agenda.
The Exchange Control Act, established to regulate the flow of foreign currency, aims to protect reserves and maintain economic stability. Yet, stringent controls on profit repatriation, capital transfers, and currency conversion can lead to uncertainty and operational challenges for investors. Delays in profit repatriation, limited access to foreign exchange, and increased administrative burdens can deter both local and foreign investors, prompting them to seek more flexible environments.
The Foreign Investment Act, intended to regulate foreign participation in TT’s economy, particularly in sensitive sectors, introduces several obstacles. Ownership caps, approval requirements, and policy unpredictability can discourage large-scale investments and joint ventures. These limitations may lead foreign investors to perceive TT as a less open and predictable market, diverting capital to more liberalised jurisdictions.
The Industrial Court, crucial for maintaining industrial harmony and upholding workers’ rights, can also present challenges for investors. Rigid labour regulations, delays in dispute resolution, and increased operational costs can deter investors who prioritise labour flexibility and certainty. While the court’s mandate is to ensure fairness, the perception of a pro-worker bias and unpredictable outcomes may hinder investment.
In summary, while the Exchange Control Act, Foreign Investment Act, and the Industrial Court serve important national objectives, their cumulative effect can obstruct investment into revitalisation plans. Regulatory uncertainty, administrative burdens, and perceived inflexibility may drive potential investors to seek alternative destinations. To attract and retain investment, policymakers may need to reassess these instruments and consider reforms that balance national interests with the need for economic dynamism and growth.
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Latapy: We’re building and getting better
As Trinidad and Tobago’s men’s national football team prepares for a pivotal Concacaf World Cup qualifier against Jamaica on November 13, assistant coach Russell Latapy reflects on the team’s progress under head coach Dwight Yorke. Appointed just over a year ago, Yorke has instilled a new philosophy and style of play, aiming to achieve two primary objectives: qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and restoring stability to the nation’s football. Currently third in Group B with five points, the team faces a must-win match at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo to keep their World Cup dreams alive. The top team in each of the three final-round groups will secure a spot in the World Cup, with the two best second-placed teams advancing to an intercontinental playoff. Latapy emphasized the importance of defensive solidity and clinical finishing, acknowledging the team’s improvement but highlighting the need for better conversion of chances. Despite scoring only four goals in four matches, compared to Jamaica’s ten and Curacao’s six, Latapy expressed satisfaction with the team’s progress and their commitment to Yorke’s methods. The inclusion of uncapped forward Roald Mitchell and other fresh talents underscores Yorke’s strategy to strengthen the squad. With the ultimate prize of World Cup qualification still within reach, Latapy remains optimistic about the team’s potential to achieve their goals.
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Shaw Peters on show at Studio Joli
Studio Joli is proud to present Shawn Peters’ latest exhibition, ‘I Think in Line and in Colour,’ opening on November 13. Now in his 50s, Peters is widely regarded as an established and accomplished artist, with a career spanning over two decades. His works are prominently displayed in prestigious locations such as the Prime Minister’s Diplomatic Centre, various government departments, and major collections across Trinidad and Tobago, including Angostura, the Central Bank, and the National Museum. Peters has also showcased his art internationally, with exhibitions in the Caribbean, including Cuba, and around the globe.
Throughout his artistic journey, Peters has collaborated with and been influenced by renowned artists such as Emheyo Bahabba, Guy Beckles, the Boothman brothers, Edward Bowen, Holly Guyadeen, Shastri Maharaj, Gregory Williams, and Che Lovelace. He has also maintained friendships with artists from Barbados, Suriname, and other regions. Leroy Clarke, Carlisle Harris, Ken Crichlow, and Makemba Kunle are among his key mentors, shaping his unique artistic voice.
Peters’ work is characterized by distorted figures and cubist tendencies, a signature style that has earned him recognition and acclaim. As Kunle once noted, ‘He is meticulous in his rendering of line, colour, and texture, often achieving a sleek appearance. For those who know him, slickness is his dress code.’
When asked for his artist statement for this collection, Peters offered a profound reflection: ‘I would not wish myself on anyone else, and yet, I would not wish to be anyone else but myself.’ This sentiment encapsulates the individuality and authenticity that define his art.
The exhibition will run from November 13 to November 27 at Studio Joli, located at 21 Henry Pierre Street, St James. Opening hours are 10 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday and 10 am to 2 pm on Saturdays. For more information, contact 705-7907 or 705-7909, email studiojoli.tt@gmail.com, or visit their website at www.studiojoli.net.