In a landmark move, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has introduced a comprehensive 10-year infrastructural development plan, dubbed the TT Revitalisation Blueprint, aimed at transforming Trinidad and Tobago’s economic and physical landscape by 2035. The ambitious initiative, unveiled at a high-profile event attended by business leaders, foreign diplomats, and investors, outlines 129 major projects expected to generate over 50,000 jobs and address long-standing infrastructural challenges. The Congress of the People (COP) has lauded the plan, with Deputy Political Leader Imran Ali praising the Prime Minister’s vision and leadership. Ali emphasized that the blueprint reflects a much-needed commitment to inclusive and pragmatic development, focusing on infrastructure renewal, justice reform, and tourism. Key projects include the expansion of the Port of Spain port, redevelopment of waterfront areas, and the creation of a 100-mile highway network connecting San Fernando to Mayaro and Galeota. The plan also proposes a modern justice centre at Tamana and a national security complex in Mt Hope, replacing outdated prisons. Additionally, the government aims to boost tourism through luxury resorts and cultural investments, including a 400-berth marina and convention centre at Invaders Bay. Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar described the blueprint as a ‘declaration of intent’ to build enduring structures that will define the nation’s future. Financing will rely on partnerships between the state, local businesses, and foreign investors, with construction expected to commence by mid-2026. The COP expressed confidence in the plan’s potential to restore public trust in governance and drive sustainable development, calling it a pledge of renewed opportunity and shared prosperity for all citizens.
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Toll charges resume at midnight Monday
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of Energy, Telecommunications and Transport has announced that tolling on Highway 2000 will recommence at midnight on Monday. The suspension of tolls, which was implemented to facilitate easier access during Hurricane Melissa, will be lifted across all sections of the highway, spanning both East-West and North-South routes. Hurricane Melissa made landfall on October 28, prompting the temporary halt in toll collection to ensure public safety and accessibility. During the suspension, toll operators expressed concerns over bearing the full financial burden of the halted operations. Transport Minister Daryl Vaz explained that the decision to keep the tolls open was influenced by severe flooding on alternative routes, which made Highway 2000 a critical artery for travel. The resumption of tolling marks a return to normal operations, addressing both logistical and financial challenges faced by operators.
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McKenzie orders immediate clean-up of hurricane debris in Falmouth
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, the historic town of Falmouth in Trelawny, Jamaica, is grappling with extensive debris and blocked drains, prompting urgent intervention from the government. Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, has mandated an immediate cleanup operation to restore normalcy to the storm-ravaged area.
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Salt-N-Pepa, Outkast, Thom Bell and others inducted into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
In a star-studded ceremony held on November 8, 2025, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, hip-hop pioneers Salt-N-Pepa and Outkast were officially enshrined in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The event celebrated their monumental contributions to music and their enduring influence on the industry. Salt-N-Pepa, the groundbreaking New York hip-hop trio featuring Sandra ‘Pepa’ Denton, received the Musical Influence Award for their iconic tracks such as ‘Let’s Talk About Sex,’ ‘Push It,’ and ‘Shoop.’ These songs, which championed women’s empowerment and playful sexuality in a male-dominated genre, have left an indelible mark on hip-hop culture. Missy Elliott, a Grammy-winning artist, paid tribute to the trio, stating, ‘These three women are the bricklayers to the foundation that holds hip-hop together. They gave us their shoulders to stand on.’ Outkast, the Atlanta rap duo known for chart-topping hits like ‘Hey Ya,’ ‘Ms Jackson,’ and ‘The Way You Move,’ was honored with a heartfelt tribute from actor Donald Glover. Glover, who grew up listening to Outkast, expressed his gratitude, saying, ‘Atlanta is not the music Mecca it has become without you. There is no Childish Gambino without you. There is no South without you.’ The ceremony also celebrated other legendary inductees, including Thom Bell, a key figure in the ‘Sound of Philadelphia’ soul movement, Cyndi Lauper, the White Stripes, and Soundgarden. Lauper, known for her vibrant punk style and hits like ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,’ was praised for her unapologetic artistry and four-octave vocal range. The White Stripes, represented by their electrifying rock anthems such as ‘Seven Nation Army,’ were lauded by Iggy Pop, who described their music as ‘coming from a foundation of love, not revolution.’ The event underscored the profound impact these artists have had on shaping the musical landscape and inspiring future generations.
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KFC backs TTFA World Cup campaign with $100k sponsorship
In a significant move to bolster Trinidad and Tobago’s national football team, Prestige Holdings Limited, through its flagship brand KFC, has joined forces with the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA). This partnership aims to support the men’s national team as they face Jamaica on November 13 and Bermuda on November 18 in two critical 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. KFC has contributed TT$100,000 to aid the team’s preparation, covering essential aspects such as training, logistics, and operations at the Hasely Crawford Stadium. This investment underscores KFC’s commitment to sports development and its belief in the transformative power of football to unite and empower communities. Roger Rambharose, Vice President of KFC and Pizza Hut, emphasized the brand’s dedication to nurturing young talent and fostering national pride through sports. TTFA President Kieron Edwards expressed profound gratitude for KFC’s support, highlighting the importance of corporate partnerships in achieving the team’s goals. Head coach Dwight Yorke echoed this sentiment, urging the nation to rally behind the team as they strive to keep their World Cup dreams alive. The TTFA continues to strengthen its ties with corporate stakeholders, encouraging fans to show their support by attending the matches and wearing the national colors proudly.
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Lenny Wilkens, Basketball Hall of Famer as player and coach, dies
LOS ANGELES, United States — The basketball world mourns the loss of Lenny Wilkens, a revered figure in the NBA, who passed away at the age of 88, as confirmed by his family on Sunday. Wilkens, celebrated as both a Hall of Fame player and coach, left an indelible mark on the sport through his remarkable career and contributions.
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I wired a lamp and so can you
The pursuit of knowledge is a lifelong endeavor, encompassing what we must learn, what we desire to learn, and what the world expects us to learn. While the adage ‘you learn something new every day’ is often repeated, its truth is subjective. For some, like the author, the journey of learning has been a delayed but enriching experience. Reflecting on their youth, the author acknowledges that their younger self was more inclined to rebellion than education, questioning the value of formal schooling. Now, with the wisdom of age, they find joy in acquiring new skills, such as repotting plants and rewiring an old lamp—tasks once avoided due to parental influence or self-doubt. The author also grapples with the fear of learning a new language, a challenge they approach with trepidation but incremental progress. This narrative underscores the importance of continuous learning, particularly in later life, as highlighted by the National Institutes of Health, which suggests that late-life learning can mitigate age-related cognitive decline. The author concludes by emphasizing that age should never be a barrier to learning, urging readers to embrace new experiences and seek professional guidance when needed.
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Supreme Court to hear case of Rastafarian man seeking to sue prison officials for cutting his dreadlocks
The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear arguments in a pivotal religious rights case involving Damon Landor, a Rastafarian prisoner whose dreadlocks were forcibly shaved by guards in a Louisiana prison. The case, which raises questions about whether prisoners can sue prison officials for damages over violations of their religious beliefs, has garnered significant attention due to its implications for religious liberty and federal law enforcement.
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Guyana gas station bombing suspects appear in court
Seven individuals, including four Venezuelan nationals and three Guyanese, appeared in court yesterday to face terrorism charges linked to the October 26 bombing at the Mobil Gas Station on Regent Street. The attack resulted in the tragic death of six-year-old Soraya Bourne and left several of her relatives and others injured. The accused arrived at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court in handcuffs under stringent police security. Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty presided over the proceedings. The alleged mastermind, 33-year-old Venezuelan national Daniel Alexander Ramirez Podeomo, was charged with placing an explosive device at the gas station, causing death, instilling terror, and threatening the sovereignty of the State. He was remanded to prison. Three co-accused – 44-year-old Venezuelan Alexander Bettencourt, 27-year-old Venezuelan Johnny Boodram, and 33-year-old Guyanese-Venezuelan national Krystal LaCruz – were charged with aiding and abetting the commission of a terrorist act. They were not required to enter pleas and were also remanded until November 12, when the case will continue. The remnants of the car, which housed a young child at the time of the bombing, were a stark reminder of the devastation caused by the attack.
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Two Men Plead Not Guilty to Vehicle Break-In Charges from Soca Sangria Event
Two individuals, Omar Richards, 19, from Carnival Gardens, and St. Claire Simon, 26, from Barnes Hill, have entered not guilty pleas in connection with a series of vehicle break-ins during the Soca Sangria event on November 2. The duo appeared before Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel this week, facing multiple charges such as theft, malicious damage, and providing false information to law enforcement. According to prosecutors, the pair allegedly targeted several vehicles, stealing and damaging personal belongings valued at approximately $977. Among the items reported stolen were a Nissan Xtrail key, Versace perfume, and Apple AirPods. While Richards, who is also facing an additional theft charge, remains in custody, Simon has been granted bail. Both defendants are scheduled to return to court on March 4, 2026, for further proceedings.