National Freestyle Champion Akeem ‘Preedy’ Chance has recently returned from Japan, where he showcased his soca talents during the Soca in Japan festivities. Now, he is gearing up for his highly anticipated Acoustic Experience event, set to take place on November 2 in St Clair, Trinidad. Preedy expressed his pride in seeing soca music transcend borders, noting its ability to inspire and uplift people worldwide. Reflecting on his time in Japan, he described the culture as respectful and deeply appreciative of soca’s vibrant energy, which brings warmth and joy to its listeners. Despite the Japanese emphasis on calmness and control, Preedy observed that soca music serves as the perfect catalyst for moments of uninhibited celebration. His recent single, ‘Jammin,’ released ahead of Miami Carnival, has already garnered over 265,000 views in less than two weeks, signaling its widespread appeal. Preedy also teased an upcoming collaboration, hinting that attendees of the Acoustic Experience might get an exclusive preview. The event promises a unique, intimate connection with his audience, offering a fresh take on his beloved songs. For more details, fans can follow @iland_boy_preedy on Instagram and other social media platforms.
作者： admin
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Calypso History Month: Telling our stories through calypso
In the midst of global challenges, the timeless art of calypso remains a unifying force, celebrated during Calypso History Month in October 2025. This year’s theme, ‘Calypso Unleashed: Boundless Harmonies,’ highlights the genre’s unique ability to educate, entertain, and unite. Declared in 2002, Calypso History Month honors the rich legacy of calypso, a musical tradition deeply rooted in Trinidad and Tobago’s culture. The Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organization (TUCO) has played a pivotal role in preserving this art form, which traces its origins to the 1950s with legendary artists like Atilla the Hun, Lord Kitchener, and The Mighty Sparrow. Calypso, often described as ‘the voice of the people,’ has documented pivotal moments in the nation’s history, from political movements to social issues. Its educational value is unparalleled, with calypsonians like David Rudder and Brother Resistance using their lyrics to critique society and inspire change. Over the decades, calypso has addressed themes such as Caribbean unity, taxation, and global events, making it a powerful medium for storytelling. As the world grapples with modern challenges, calypso continues to resonate, offering a unique lens through which to view history and culture. With its enduring relevance, there is a growing call to integrate calypso into educational curricula, ensuring its legacy thrives for generations to come.
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Pan and Powder in Tobago
The streets of Scarborough came alive on October 25 as the annual Pan and Powder event marked a highlight of the Tobago carnival festivities. The celebration featured electrifying performances by renowned steel orchestras, including Hope Pan Groovers, Plymouth Bethesda Steel Sensations, T&TEC New East Side Dimension, Katzenjammers Steel Orchestra, RBC Redemption Sound Setters, Massy Trinidad All Stars Steel Orchestra, Steel Xplosion Steel Orchestra, NLCB Buccooneers Steel Orchestra, and bp Renegades Steel Orchestra. Pan Trinbago president Beverly Ramsey-Moore joined the festivities, showcasing her enthusiasm for the vibrant cultural tradition. Newsday photographer Alva Viarruel captured the essence of the event, documenting the energy and joy of pan enthusiasts as they followed the orchestras along Calypso Rose Blvd. The event not only celebrated Tobago’s rich musical heritage but also brought together locals and visitors in a spirited display of unity and creativity.
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The silent storm: TT grapples with rising tide of stroke, especially in the young
Stroke, once considered a condition primarily affecting the elderly, is now increasingly striking younger adults in Trinidad and Tobago, with devastating consequences for individuals, families, and society. On World Stroke Day (October 29), medical professionals are raising the alarm about this growing crisis, emphasizing that stroke is no longer confined to older populations. The two main types of stroke—ischaemic and haemorrhagic—are both on the rise, driven by factors such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and unhealthy lifestyles. Ischaemic strokes, caused by blood clots blocking brain vessels, account for 85% of cases, while haemorrhagic strokes, resulting from ruptured blood vessels, make up the remaining 15%. Both types share common risk factors, with uncontrolled hypertension being the most significant. The trend is particularly alarming among adults in their 30s, 40s, and 50s, who are increasingly falling victim to stroke due to poor diets, sedentary habits, and unmanaged stress. This shift not only imposes heavy medical costs but also leads to lost income, emotional trauma, and a decline in the nation’s productive workforce. To combat this, the BEFAST campaign—which stands for Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, and Time—is being promoted as a critical tool for recognizing stroke symptoms and seeking immediate medical attention. Advances in treatment, such as thrombolysis and thrombectomy for ischaemic strokes, and neurosurgical interventions for haemorrhagic strokes, offer hope, but timely action is essential. The medical community is calling for a national effort to raise awareness, manage risk factors, and promote healthier lifestyles to prevent and treat stroke effectively.
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Ramdoo, Cooper, Govia star in Red Force trial match
The TT Red Force coaching staff, led by Rayad Emrit, faces a challenging task in finalizing their squad for the upcoming CG United Super50 tournament following an intense trial match at the National Cricket Centre in Balmain, Couva, on October 28. The match, which showcased exceptional performances from multiple players, ended in a nail-biting finish with the Bryan Charles XI edging out the Vikash Mohan XI by a mere one run.
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Joshua Davis stars for Mohan XI in Red Force trial match win
Off-spinner Joshua Davis delivered a standout performance during a Red Force trial match at the National Cricket Centre (NCC) in Couva on October 26, earning Man of the Match honors and catching the attention of head coach Rayad Emrit and chairman of selectors Rajendra Mangalie. Davis’ spell of four for 25 was instrumental in securing a ten-run victory for the Vikash Mohan XI over the Terrance Hinds XI, marking their second consecutive win in the trial series. The matches are part of the preparation for the upcoming 2025 CG United Super50 competition, set to take place in Trinidad from November 19 to 29. Davis claimed key wickets, including those of Yannic Cariah, Crystian Thurton, Terrance Hinds, and Jason Mohammed, disrupting the Hinds XI’s chase of a modest 213-run target. Despite a late surge from the Hinds XI, the Mohan XI held their nerve to clinch the win. Earlier, captain Vikash Mohan led the batting effort with a solid 59, supported by Jyd Goolie’s patient 46, as the Mohan XI posted 212 for eight. The Hinds XI’s Shatrughan Rambaran top-scored with 40, but their innings faltered under pressure. Another trial match was scheduled for October 28 as the teams continue their preparations.
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Judge rules detention of 2 men in Maloney robbery probe was lawful
In a recent ruling, Justice Frank Seepersad dismissed a false imprisonment lawsuit filed by two men who claimed they were wrongfully detained by police during a 2021 robbery investigation in Maloney, Trinidad. Kenya Pitman of San Juan and Michael Joseph of Barataria argued that their four-to-five-hour detention was unjustified. However, the court found the police’s actions reasonable given the circumstances of the investigation. Justice Seepersad emphasized that the officers acted with commendable speed and diligence based on the information available at the time. While acknowledging the discomfort endured by the claimants, the judge highlighted the broader societal context of crime and the public’s expectations of law enforcement. The court ruled that the officers had “reasonable and probable cause” to detain the men and deemed the lawsuit “devoid of merit.” However, neither party was ordered to pay the other’s legal costs. The case was represented by Tricia Ramlogan for the State and Christophe Rodriguez and Randy Tikah for the claimants.
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Zonal winners start SSFL Boys’ ‘Big 5’ journey
The 2025 First Citizens Boys’ Big 5 championship division playoffs commenced on October 29, marking the start of an intense battle for promotion among four Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division hopefuls. The five zonal winners—Hillview College (east), Mucurapo West Secondary (north), Palo Seco Secondary (south), Presentation College Chaguanas (central), and Speyside Secondary (Tobago)—are vying for a spot in the 2026 premier division season. Speyside enjoyed a bye on the first matchday, while the other teams took to the field. Presentation College Chaguanas hosted Hillview, and Mucurapo faced Palo Seco, with both matches kicking off at 3:30 PM. The competition will continue on November 1, when Speyside makes its debut by hosting Presentation in Tobago, and Mucurapo takes on the undefeated Hillview. Mucurapo narrowly clinched the north zone title by a single point, while Presentation dominated the central zone, finishing five points ahead of Chaguanas North Secondary. However, Presentation faced a tense wait as the league’s appeals committee dismissed Chaguanas North’s appeal regarding an abandoned match on September 22. The disciplinary committee awarded Presentation a 3-0 win due to poor field preparation by Chaguanas North, a decision upheld by the appeals committee on October 24. Palo Seco also benefited from a similar ruling, securing three points for an abandoned match against Rio Claro West Secondary. Palo Seco topped the south zone with 22 points, while Hillview and Speyside dominated their respective zones with commanding performances. The top three teams in the Big 5 competition will earn promotion to the 2026 premier division.
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Fatima, ‘Saints’ among schools into RBC Royal Slam semis
The RBC Royal Slam College tournament has reached its climactic stage, with Fatima College, Presentation College (San Fernando), Queen’s Royal College, and St Mary’s College securing their spots in the final four. The group phase concluded on October 26 at the Eastern Regional Indoor Sporting Arena in Tacarigua, setting the stage for an intense semifinal showdown.
In Group A, Fatima College demonstrated their supremacy with a commanding 112-67 victory over Queen’s Royal College (QRC), clinching the top spot. The trio of Williams Francis, Zachary Julien, and Idriis Martin spearheaded the win. Francis delivered a stellar triple-double performance with 25 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 steals, while Julien contributed 29 points, six rebounds, and five steals. Martin added 23 points and eight steals to the tally. Despite a valiant effort from QRC’s captain Talib Daniel, who scored 29 points and grabbed nine rebounds, Fatima’s dominance was undeniable.
Holy Cross College secured third place in Group A with a 71-36 win over St Francis Boys’ College, led by Zion Redwood’s 17 points, eight rebounds, and six steals. However, Holy Cross had previously suffered a heavy defeat against QRC, where Daniel’s 35 points and 13 rebounds propelled QRC to an 85-56 victory.
In Group B, St Mary’s College emerged victorious with a 96-83 win over St Anthony’s College. Nkobi Ince shone with 35 points, eight rebounds, and six steals, while Zane Peters added 31 points to secure the Saints’ semifinal berth. Despite strong performances from St Anthony’s Amir Balgobin (33 points, eight rebounds) and Jahiem McLeod (29 points), they fell short against their northern rivals.
The semifinals are set for November 8, with St Mary’s facing QRC and Fatima taking on Presentation College. The tournament’s final will be held on November 9, with all matches taking place at the Tacarigua venue.
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Griffith urges unity as US, Venezuela tensions rise
Former Trinidad and Tobago Police Commissioner Gary Griffith has called for national unity and preparedness in light of the escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela. In a video message shared via WhatsApp on October 28, Griffith emphasized the need to move beyond political divisions and focus on the potential fallout from the geopolitical standoff. He warned that the public discourse had devolved into political bickering, urging citizens and the government to prioritize readiness over blame or propaganda. Griffith, who also served as national security minister and is a retired military officer, highlighted the direct implications for Trinidad and Tobago, including possible security threats and a surge in Venezuelan migrants if the situation deteriorates. He advocated for the Ministry of Defence to play a more proactive role in national preparedness, referencing a framework he developed in 2010 for such scenarios. Griffith proposed the formation of an advisory committee comprising retired senior military officers to guide the government’s response. He named several former defense leaders, including retired generals John Sandy, Carl Alfonso, Ancil Antoine, and Edmund Dillon, as valuable contributors. Additionally, Griffith called for immediate recruitment drives for the Defence Force, particularly the Coast Guard, and stressed the importance of mental and operational readiness among personnel. He emphasized the need for maintaining military assets and utilizing the National Operations Centre (NOC) to ensure coordination among security agencies and combat misinformation. Griffith warned that a regional conflict could trigger a mass exodus of Venezuelans, overwhelming Trinidad and Tobago’s health, education, and security systems. He also condemned attempts to show allegiance to foreign powers, particularly Venezuela’s accusation that Trinidad and Tobago harbors terrorists, which he labeled as a threat to national sovereignty. Griffith concluded by urging unity, preparation, and strong leadership, stating, ‘When the storm comes, TT must stand ready together.’