The West Indies cricket team is leaving no stone unturned in their preparations for the upcoming three-match Test series against New Zealand, scheduled from December 2 to 22. A high-performance camp, currently underway in Antigua, is bringing together a select group of regional players to fine-tune their skills and strategies. The camp, which runs from November 4 to 18 at the Coolidge Cricket Ground, is spearheaded by Ramesh Subasinghe, head of the West Indies Academy, and assistant coach Rohan Nurse. They are joined by CWI senior talent manager Jamal Smith and former Windies wicket-keeper/batsman Shane Dowrich, who is serving as a pathway coach. The focus of the camp is on technical and tactical refinement, match simulation, and mental readiness. CWI director of cricket Miles Bascombe emphasized the importance of the camp, stating that it is designed to address the specific challenges of playing in New Zealand. Batsmen will work on areas of vulnerability and adapt to local conditions, while bowlers will focus on managing workloads and identifying effective lengths and areas. The camp also includes wellness oversight and gym-based strength and conditioning programs, aligned with CWI’s high-performance protocols. Notable participants include veteran pacer Kemar Roach and Trinidadian seamer Anderson Phillip, alongside batsmen Kevlon Anderson, John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Kavem Hodge, and wicket-keeper Tevin Imlach, as well as fast bowlers Johann Layne and Ojay Shields. Roach, who last played for the West Indies in January during their Test tour to Pakistan, is a strong contender for the New Zealand series due to injuries to frontline seamers Alzarri and Shamar Joseph.
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Family of slain granny, 75, wants closure
As the fifth anniversary of Daiyke “Meera” Mongroo’s tragic murder approaches on November 11, her family continues to seek justice and closure. The 75-year-old grandmother was found brutally murdered in her home at Papourie Road, Diamond Village, San Fernando, on November 11, 2020. Her husband, Ramjewan Mongroo, discovered her lifeless body upon returning from errands. An autopsy revealed she had been beaten, bound, and strangled. Relatives remember her as a caring, loving, and humorous woman who was full of life. Despite ongoing investigations by the Homicide Bureau of Investigations, Region Three, no arrests have been made. The family remains hopeful for justice, but the wait has been agonizing. Adding to their grief, the widower’s brother and sister-in-law passed away earlier this year within a month of each other due to natural causes. The family continues to support one another, clinging to hope and prayers for a resolution.
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Murder accused at Teteron Barracks complains of inhumane detention
A remand prisoner held at the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force’s (TTDF) Teteron Barracks in Chaguaramas has filed a writ of habeas corpus, alleging his detention is unlawful and inhumane. The individual, facing multiple murder and firearm charges, is seeking justification for his continued confinement at the military facility. The case is set to be heard next week before Justice Carol Gobin. Teteron Barracks was designated as a prison in July 2025 under a state of emergency to house high-risk inmates transferred from the Maximum Security Prison in Arouca. However, not all detainees are held under Preventative Detention Orders (PDOs). The prisoner claims he was forcibly removed from the Port of Spain Prison on August 20 by masked officers, blindfolded, zip-tied, and transported to Teteron without a detention order. Initially, the Commissioner of Prisons stated he was held under a PDO, but this was later retracted, with the State confirming no such order exists. The inmate’s affidavit details harsh conditions at Teteron, including confinement in a small, poorly ventilated cell, limited access to water and sanitation, and inadequate food for his lactose intolerance. He also alleges restricted access to legal counsel and family visits, with virtual meetings monitored by prison staff. The prisoner, awaiting trial for multiple murders, claims his mental health has deteriorated and fears his detention could prejudice his upcoming trials. He is represented by a legal team including Ravi Rajcoomar, SC, Ryan Rajcoomar, Alejandro Gocking, and Enrique Singh. The Ministry of Homeland Security has denied complaints about conditions at Teteron, stating that refurbished cells include bunks, bathrooms, and ventilation, with inmates having access to daily medical services, meals, and water.
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Accused drug trafficker wants extradition to US reversed
Shurlan Guppy, a 47-year-old Trinidadian accused of drug trafficking, has petitioned the High Court to order his return to Trinidad and Tobago (TT) after being extradited to the United States on August 5, 2025. Guppy, currently held in federal custody in Pennsylvania, faces 11 charges related to heroin and cocaine trafficking, with the alleged crimes valued at approximately $1 million. His legal team argues that his extradition violated procedural safeguards and breached his constitutional rights. The case has sparked a legal battle involving multiple jurisdictions, including the Privy Council in London, where a special leave application remains pending. Guppy’s attorneys contend that his extradition occurred prematurely, while his appeal was still active, despite assurances from state attorneys to wait. At a recent High Court hearing, Guppy’s legal team objected to the State’s request for an adjournment, accusing authorities of disregarding the rule of law. State attorneys, however, maintain that the extradition was lawful and occurred after the agreed-upon 56-day appeal window had expired. Justice Jacqueline Wilson adjourned the matter to January 26, 2026, pending the Privy Council’s decision. Guppy’s indictment in the U.S. alleges that he conspired to distribute controlled substances, including heroin and cocaine, from 2017 to 2022, using various methods such as delivery services and encrypted communication apps like WhatsApp. If convicted, he faces a potential life sentence with a mandatory minimum of 10 years. In Trinidad, Guppy’s claims of entrapment, selective prosecution, and disproportionate interference with his family life were dismissed by both the High Court and the Court of Appeal.
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Signal Hill earn 1-0 win over St Mary’s in SSFL
Signal Hill Secondary made a significant leap in the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division standings with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over St Mary’s College on November 6. The match, held at Signal Hill grounds in Tobago, saw J’meke Watkins deliver the decisive goal in the second half, ensuring a triumphant result for the home team. This win propelled Signal Hill from tenth to seventh place in the standings, overtaking St Mary’s, Queen’s Royal College, and Arima North Secondary. All three teams are now tied with 19 points, but Signal Hill holds a superior goal difference. Despite having six matches postponed earlier in the season, Signal Hill remains optimistic about their chances of breaking into the top three if they secure victories in their remaining games. Meanwhile, St Mary’s College slipped to tenth place with 18 points, leaving them with only one match to salvage their season. The current league leaders include St Benedict’s College (33 points), followed closely by Naparima College and Presentation College San Fernando, both with 31 points. Defending champions Fatima College trail in fourth place with 29 points. As the season nears its conclusion, the competition intensifies, with several teams vying for the top spots in this highly contested league.
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High Court dismisses ‘Presidential wine’ defamation lawsuit
The High Court has dismissed a defamation lawsuit filed by former presidential aide Pramati Noe, her husband Antonio Piccolo, and their company, Italian Import & Export Ltd, against Trinidad Express Newspapers Ltd. Justice Robin Mohammed ruled that the articles in question were not defamatory and were protected under the principle of responsible journalism. The case originated from five articles published by the Express between September 21 and 29, 2016, which alleged that Noe and Piccolo’s company supplied wine to then-President Anthony Carmona’s official residence and that Noe was dismissed as his private secretary after ten months of employment. Noe, who served as the President’s private secretary from 2013 to 2016, claimed the reports falsely implied cronyism and misconduct, damaging her reputation and that of her company. The Express defended its reporting, stating the stories were in the public interest and protected under the Reynolds privilege, which safeguards fair and responsible reporting on matters of public concern. In his ruling on November 5, Justice Mohammed noted that the claimants failed to identify specific defamatory passages and instead summarised alleged falsehoods. He also found that while two articles could suggest impropriety, a later report, which included President Carmona’s public denial of any wrongdoing by Noe or her company, effectively removed the defamatory sting. Justice Mohammed concluded that the Express’ journalists acted responsibly, relied on credible sources, and reported on a legitimate issue concerning procurement practices at the Office of the President. He dismissed the claim in full and ordered costs payable to the media house.
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CCJ hears case of Trini political analyst’s detention in Suriname
The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) commenced hearings on November 6 regarding a high-profile case involving political analyst Derek Ramsamooj, who claims he was unlawfully detained in Suriname. The case, titled *Derek Ramsamooj v The State of Suriname*, is being adjudicated at the CCJ’s headquarters in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, with proceedings set to conclude on November 7. Ramsamooj, a Trinidadian citizen, asserts that his fundamental rights under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas were violated during his detention, which spanned from October 2020 to September 2022. He alleges that Surinamese authorities denied him access to legal representation and medical care throughout this period. Additionally, Ramsamooj claims he was coerced into signing documents written in Dutch, a language he does not comprehend, which were subsequently presented in court as a confession. The case has drawn significant attention due to its implications for human rights and cross-border legal accountability within the Caribbean region.
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Ministry intervenes after Barataria North Sec brawl
In the wake of a violent altercation on November 4 involving male and female students outside Barataria North Secondary School, the Education Ministry has swiftly responded by bolstering security measures. Education Minister Michael Dowlath announced on November 6 that additional police patrols have been arranged for several priority schools, including Barataria North Secondary, to ensure student safety. The ministry expressed deep concern over the incident, emphasizing its commitment to addressing indiscipline and disruptive behavior within educational institutions. The school, which had previously been selected for on-campus police presence, is now under heightened scrutiny. The ministry has mobilized various units, such as the School Supervision Division and the Student Support Services Division (SSSD), to implement interventions aimed at fostering a safe and conducive learning environment. An ongoing investigation into the brawl is being conducted, with the ministry advocating for a ‘whole-of-community approach’ to student discipline. This includes engaging parents, guardians, and other stakeholders to reinforce behavioral support systems and encourage positive student engagement. The school’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA) has urged students with relevant information to report it to trusted staff members and reminded them of their responsibility to uphold the school’s reputation. The PTA also cautioned against sharing or posting recordings of such incidents on social media, stressing the importance of handling evidence responsibly.
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Bodoe denies EWMSC blackout affected services
Health Minister Dr. Lackram Bodoe has confirmed that critical medical services at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EWMSC) in Mt Hope remained uninterrupted despite an alleged hour-long power outage on November 6. Speaking at the TT Revitalisation Blueprint event in St. Ann’s, Dr. Bodoe stated that he had been in contact with North Central Regional Health Authority (NCRHA) chairman Dr. Tim Gopeesingh, who assured him that backup systems functioned as intended. ‘There was no impact at all. Hospitals always have a standby backup supply, and I’m informed backup supply services were able to continue,’ Dr. Bodoe told reporters. He added that the TT Electricity Commission (T&TEC) was on-site during the incident and that a full report has been requested from the NCRHA chairman. ‘The matter is being investigated, and I will get a full report from the chairman,’ he said, declining further comment until the report is received. The TT Registered Nurses Association (TTRNA) had initially reported the outage on its Facebook page, posting photos of darkened hallways with a caption suggesting that the entire hospital was in darkness, including the intensive care unit, and that generators failed to start. TTRNA president Idi Stuart described the incident as ‘deeply concerning’ and called for a transparent investigation. ‘No hospital in TT should suffer something like what went on today,’ he said, hinting that the association has information about the blackout but will wait for the RHA’s official statement before commenting further. Stuart emphasized that critical care units must never lose power and commended the nurses and medical staff for their tireless efforts to protect patients during the outage. He reiterated the association’s call for a comprehensive investigation and a public report to ensure the issue never recurs. The NCRHA recently announced the completion of the first phase of a major electrical and lighting upgrade at the EWMSC, supported by the TTEC, with the second phase currently underway to replace defective light poles and add new fixtures for full campus illumination.
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Kamla’s master plan: PM unveils revitalisation agenda, eyes job explosion
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has officially launched the TT Revitalisation Blueprint, a sweeping national infrastructure plan aimed at creating over 50,000 jobs and fundamentally transforming Trinidad and Tobago. The ambitious initiative, unveiled at the Diplomatic Centre in St. Ann’s on November 6, includes 129 construction projects designed to modernize key areas such as the Port of Spain and San Fernando waterfronts, Invaders Bay, and Queen’s Park Savannah. The Port of Spain port is also slated for a significant expansion.
Works Minister Jearlean John detailed the plan, emphasizing its potential to make the country “unrecognisable” within a decade. Among the standout projects are the demolition of prisons in Port of Spain, Golden Grove, and Carrera Island, with plans to relocate inmates to a state-of-the-art “justice centre” in Tamana. The vacated sites will be repurposed into an arts and cultural centre, a new housing community, and an offshore luxury resort, respectively.
The blueprint also features a 100-mile road network connecting San Fernando to southeastern communities like Mayaro, alongside the development of four five-star hotels, a 400-berth marina, and a convention center at Invaders Bay. Downtown Port of Spain will see the introduction of a multi-modal transportation hub, enhancing connectivity across the capital.
To facilitate the plan, the government launched Udecott’s electronic tender portal, inviting businesses to bid on projects until January 2026. Contracts are expected to be awarded shortly thereafter, with construction slated to begin by August 2026.
Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar emphasized the project’s transformative potential, calling it a “declaration of intent” rather than a mere vision. She highlighted Trinidad and Tobago’s strategic advantages, including its location outside the hurricane belt, a skilled workforce, and a stable democracy, as key factors to attract investors.
Addressing concerns about funding, Persad-Bissessar assured that the government would collaborate closely with private investors and explore various financing models. Minister John remained optimistic about foreign investment, dismissing geopolitical tensions as a barrier.
The TT Revitalisation Blueprint represents a bold step toward economic diversification and national development, aiming to leave a lasting legacy for future generations.