The stage is set for the 2026 Concacaf Under-20 Men’s Qualifiers, with the draw scheduled for November 6. Trinidad and Tobago (TT) are among the 32 teams vying for a spot in the 2027 FIFA Men’s Under-20 World Cup. The qualifiers, set to take place from February 23 to March 4, 2026, will see teams divided into six groups based on their rankings as of August 5, 2025. TT finds itself in Pot 2, alongside Antigua and Barbuda, Curacao, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, and Suriname, while Pot 1 features powerhouses like Canada, Costa Rica, and Jamaica. The qualifiers will be hosted across venues in Costa Rica, Curacao, and Nicaragua, with the top team from each group advancing to the Concacaf Under-20 Championships in July 2026. There, they will join six pre-qualified teams: Cuba, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, and the United States. The championships will feature 12 teams divided into three groups, with the top two from each group and the two best third-placed teams progressing to the quarterfinals. At the 2024 Concacaf Under-20 Championships, Mexico triumphed over the US in the final, while Cuba and Panama secured third and fourth places, respectively. However, both Mexico and the US were eliminated in the quarterfinals of the 2025 FIFA Under-20 World Cup, with Morocco claiming the title. TT’s journey in the 2024 qualifiers ended in disappointment after a loss to Canada. Under the guidance of newly appointed coach Randolph Boyce, TT is hopeful for a favorable draw and a strong performance in the upcoming qualifiers.
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AI Minister: Committee will fight online scams
In a concerning development, a fabricated Newsday article, generated by artificial intelligence (AI), has been circulating on social media, falsely implicating Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo in promoting a fraudulent investment scheme. Newsday has confirmed that no such article was published. This incident is part of a broader trend of AI-driven misinformation targeting media outlets and public figures in Trinidad and Tobago (TT).
Minister of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence, Dominic Smith, addressed the growing threat of online scams and deep-fake technology in the Senate on October 29. He highlighted the establishment of an inter-ministerial committee on September 11 by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to combat these issues. The committee aims to address the misuse of AI in creating deep-fake videos, which have been used to impersonate prominent figures such as former president Anthony Carmona and Republic Bank’s former chairman Ronald Ramkissoon.
Independent Senator Anthony Vieira, who raised the motion, emphasized the dangers of deep-fakes, which exploit images, voices, and likenesses to deceive the public. He warned that such technology poses significant risks to public trust, intellectual property, and the creative industries. Vieira called for legislative measures akin to the UK’s proposed protections for artists and the US’s Elvis Act, which criminalizes unauthorized AI-generated impersonations.
Vieira also urged TT to collaborate with international bodies like Caricom and the World Intellectual Property Organisation to adopt best practices in combating AI-driven fraud. He suggested public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on identifying and reporting deep-fakes.
Minister Smith reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing AI-related risks, noting that AI disinformation is now a top global concern. He highlighted the proactive steps taken by the government, including the establishment of the inter-ministerial committee, which will coordinate national cybersecurity policies and enhance law enforcement capabilities to tackle AI-driven scams.
Smith emphasized the importance of regional collaboration, citing his role as president of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU), which has formed a task force on AI and risk. He assured that the government is focused on ensuring AI serves as a tool for development rather than exploitation, aligning with global efforts to safeguard digital infrastructure and public trust.
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Tension, fear among Venezuelans in Trinidad and Tobago
Venezuelan migrants in Trinidad and Tobago (TT) are grappling with heightened anxiety as recent government measures and escalating tensions between the two nations have sparked widespread concern. The Ministry of Homeland Security’s announcement of a deportation plan and the temporary suspension of supervision permits for asylum seekers has left many families fearing arbitrary detentions or forced repatriations. On October 27, the ministry confirmed the detention of over 200 irregular migrants, predominantly Venezuelans, who are slated for repatriation. The suspension of supervision orders, which previously allowed refugees and asylum seekers to remain in TT without detention, has further exacerbated the situation. Authorities justify these measures as necessary to enforce immigration laws. La Casita Hispanic Cultural Centre, an advocacy group for immigrants’ rights, has expressed deep concern over the potential human rights violations and psychological toll on migrant communities. The organization emphasized the need for migration policies to uphold principles of human dignity, non-discrimination, and international protection, citing treaties such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 1951 Refugee Convention. La Casita also warned against the risks of violating the principle of non-refoulement and the potential rise in xenophobic acts. Migrants like Mariela Torres, a mother of two, and Luis Carlos Gómez, a cook in Port of Spain, shared their fears of sudden deportation and the disruption of their lives. Carolina Pérez, a small business owner, stressed that Venezuelan migrants seek stability and the opportunity to contribute to TT’s economy and culture. As tensions between Caracas and Port of Spain persist, social organizations urge governments to prioritize dialogue and humanitarian considerations in addressing migration challenges.
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Trinidadian, 44, gunned down in Tobago
Tobago has witnessed its sixth homicide of 2025 following the fatal shooting of Ronald Alleyne, a 44-year-old Trinidadian man, in Calder Hall on October 28. Known by the alias ‘Butcher,’ Alleyne was reportedly socializing near the intersection of Calder Hall Main Road and Friendsfield Road in Scarborough when multiple gunshots were heard around 11:15 pm. A relative discovered Alleyne lying on the road, severely wounded, and rushed him to Scarborough General Hospital. Despite immediate medical attention, he was pronounced dead at 11:42 pm. His body has been transferred to the hospital’s mortuary for an autopsy. Javon Thompson, President of the Calder Hall village council, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, emphasizing the personal pain of losing someone he knew well. Thompson urged the perpetrator(s) to reconsider their actions, highlighting the irreversible consequences of gun violence. He advised against succumbing to the allure of a reckless lifestyle and encouraged striving for a better future. Authorities are actively investigating the case.
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Minor damage to National Stadium after Melissa passage
Major Desmon Brown, General Manager of Independence Park, has announced that Jamaica’s National Stadium incurred only minor damage following the onslaught of Hurricane Melissa. The Category 5 hurricane, which struck the island on Tuesday with winds reaching 185 miles per hour, caused widespread devastation across several communities and severely impacted national infrastructure. However, an initial assessment of the National Stadium revealed limited harm, primarily involving broken windows and a malfunctioning well pump. Brown emphasized that a detailed review is still underway to evaluate the full extent of the damage. The National Arena, which served as a temporary shelter for 113 to 166 individuals during the storm, has since been vacated. Brown expressed concern about the inability to assess damage at Trelawny Stadium due to communication challenges. Despite these issues, he expressed relief that the National Stadium’s field remains largely intact, a critical factor as Jamaica prepares to host its final World Cup qualifier against Curaçao on November 18. The US National Hurricane Center reported that Hurricane Melissa made landfall on Jamaica’s southwest coast, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
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Body blow for Black River
St Elizabeth, Jamaica, faced catastrophic destruction on Tuesday as Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, tore through the parish, leaving the historic capital of Black River in ruins. Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness provided a detailed update on Wednesday after conducting an aerial survey of the affected areas earlier in the day. He reported that between 80 to 90 percent of the roofs in the region were destroyed, with a significant number of buildings severely damaged. The devastation was particularly evident in Black River, where critical infrastructure, including the Black River Hospital, historic buildings, churches, the courthouse, and the parish council building, were completely destroyed. The hurricane also wiped out the entire electricity grid and severely disrupted the telecommunication system, leaving the community in a state of disarray. Despite the overwhelming destruction, Holness praised the resilience and positive outlook of the local population. He emphasized the government’s commitment to providing emergency relief, starting with clearing roadways to facilitate the delivery of essential supplies and aid. Holness also expressed a vision for rebuilding Black River stronger and more resilient, taking the opportunity to reorganize the town and address vulnerabilities in its infrastructure. The satellite image of Black River from February 9, 2025, starkly contrasts with the current devastation, highlighting the scale of the disaster.
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THIS ONE’S FOR JAMAICA
In a heartfelt international friendly match held in Couva on Tuesday night, Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz secured a commanding 4-1 victory over Trinidad and Tobago (T&T). Head Coach Hubert Busby dedicated the win to Jamaicans worldwide, who are grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, a catastrophic Category 5 storm that ravaged the island earlier that day. The match saw standout performances from Jodi Brown, who netted two goals in the 11th and 84th minutes, alongside contributions from Natasha Thomas (52nd) and Tiana Harris (67th). T&T’s lone goal came from Nikita Gosine in the 13th minute. Despite the competitive nature of the game, Busby emphasized the emotional significance of the victory, stating, ‘This game was about going out there and making sure we can give something, not just to Jamaicans on the island but Jamaicans worldwide who are going through a lot right now.’ He praised the team’s resilience and execution, particularly after halftime adjustments. T&T’s Head Coach Damian Briggs, though disappointed with the result, expressed pride in his team’s energy and adaptability. The Reggae Girlz now turn their focus to the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers, beginning with a match against Dominica on November 29 in St Lucia.
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UK providing urgent hurricane relief to Caribbean
The United Kingdom has announced a £2.5 million emergency funding package to aid recovery efforts in the Caribbean following the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa. The British High Commission in Jamaica confirmed the allocation on Wednesday, emphasizing its role in facilitating a swift humanitarian response. The funds will be utilized to distribute essential supplies, including shelter kits, water filters, and blankets, aimed at mitigating injuries and preventing disease outbreaks. These resources have been strategically pre-positioned in Antigua for rapid deployment to the most affected areas. Additionally, the UK is deploying humanitarian and technical experts to assist with coordination and aid delivery. British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper highlighted the UK’s commitment to supporting Jamaican authorities in disaster relief efforts, with specialist teams already stationed in the region to provide consular assistance to affected British nationals. British High Commissioner to Jamaica Alicia Herbert expressed solidarity with the Jamaican people, praising their resilience and pledging continued support during the recovery process. The Royal Navy ship HMS Trent is also on standby in the region to offer maritime disaster response, while a pre-deployed Ministry of Defence team in the Turks and Caicos Islands is aiding in disaster management. A Rapid Deployment Team from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has been dispatched to Miami to provide consular support to British nationals. The UK is collaborating with tour operators, Jamaican authorities, and international partners, including the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency and the Red Cross, to ensure effective humanitarian assistance reaches the most vulnerable populations.
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Devastation
The full extent of the devastation wrought by Hurricane Melissa became painfully clear on Wednesday as rescue teams and government officials arrived in Black River, the capital of St Elizabeth, Jamaica. Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness somberly referred to the town as ‘ground zero,’ a stark reminder of the hurricane’s catastrophic impact. The once serene coastal town, located on Jamaica’s south-eastern shore, now lies in ruins, having borne the full force of the Category 5 storm. Holness, after conducting an aerial survey of the area, reported that Black River’s electricity grid and essential infrastructure had been completely obliterated. ‘Everything necessary for modern living has been destroyed here,’ he stated. Despite the overwhelming destruction, the Prime Minister noted the resilience and optimism of the local population, vowing that the government would undertake the monumental task of rebuilding the town. Meanwhile, the death toll from the hurricane was confirmed at four. In a related development, Norman Manley International Airport reopened on Wednesday afternoon to facilitate relief flights, with commercial operations set to resume on Thursday morning. The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa has left the Caribbean grappling with unprecedented destruction, prompting urgent international aid efforts.
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Melissa’s muddy mark
Montego Bay, St James — Communities in Catherine Hall and Westgreen faced a daunting cleanup effort on Wednesday after Hurricane Melissa unleashed torrential rains and fierce winds on Tuesday. The storm caused the Barnett and Pye rivers to overflow, inundating homes with mud and water. Residents recounted harrowing experiences as they grappled with the aftermath.
Devon, a Catherine Hall resident, described the terrifying moment when floodwaters engulfed his home. ‘Everything was flooded,’ he lamented, noting that he narrowly escaped by climbing to an upper floor. The floodwaters, which rose higher than a person’s height, destroyed furniture and belongings before receding on Wednesday.
Another resident, who chose to remain anonymous, estimated that over 800 properties in Catherine Hall and Westgreen were affected. The cleanup process was further complicated by a lack of water, forcing residents to rely on a single pipe to wash mud from their homes and belongings.
The hurricane’s impact extended beyond residential areas. Vehicles were displaced by the floodwaters, with one car lodged against another and a trailer stuck against a median. The National Water Commission’s Bevin Avenue facility also suffered damage, as did the walls of the Catherine Hall Entertainment Centre, MegaMart complex, and Grand Depot Supermarket.
Herbert Morrison Technical High School, a 49-year-old institution, was not spared. Sections of its roof were torn off, and a nearby road was compromised. Utility poles along Alice Eldemire Drive were downed, adding to the widespread destruction.
As residents worked tirelessly to restore their homes and lives, the scale of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation became increasingly apparent. The storm’s aftermath highlighted the urgent need for resources and support to aid recovery efforts in Montego Bay.