In a passionate address during the House of Representatives’ budget debate on October 17, Laventille East/Morvant MP Christian Birchwood voiced his concerns over the 2026 national budget’s failure to include apprenticeship initiatives aimed at engaging youth from at-risk communities in state-funded projects. Birchwood, an engineer by profession, highlighted the Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo’s acknowledgment of a significant contraction in the labor market, with nearly 70,000 jobs lost over the past decade and labor force participation dropping from 62% to below 55%. Birchwood argued that these statistics should serve as a benchmark to evaluate the government’s employment initiatives and hold them accountable. He questioned the absence of targeted apprenticeship programs and community job centers in the new budget, which he believes are crucial for connecting young people from high-need districts to state-funded projects. Birchwood urged Tancoo to ensure that residents from Laventille and surrounding communities are employed in infrastructure and development programs across the northwest corridor. He emphasized the importance of linking public spending to local participation to prevent the Employment Fund from becoming a mere line item rather than a tool for empowerment. Birchwood also called for measures to guard against bureaucracy and ensure fair access for single-parent households, micro-entrepreneurs, and youth start-ups as the country transitions from the Cepep and URP models to the Employment Fund. He concluded by stressing that infrastructure projects should bring dignity to the people on the ground, not remain abstract statistics.
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Man Utd stretch Liverpool losing streak to four games
In a historic turn of events, Manchester United clinched a 2-1 victory against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, marking their first win at the iconic stadium in nearly a decade. This triumph also handed Liverpool their fourth consecutive defeat, a feat not seen in 11 years. Harry Maguire’s decisive 84th-minute header sealed the win, propelling United to their first back-to-back Premier League victories under manager Ruben Amorim. The match began dramatically, with Bryan Mbeumo scoring just 61 seconds into the game, only for Cody Gakpo to equalize late in the second half. However, defensive lapses allowed Maguire to capitalize on a Bruno Fernandes cross, securing the three points for United. Liverpool, now four points behind league leaders Arsenal, continues to grapple with squad integration issues despite a £450 million spending spree in the transfer market. The loss further complicates their pursuit of a record 21st English top-flight title, while United’s resurgence eases pressure on Amorim, who celebrated his most significant win in nearly a year at the helm.
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Manning Cup round of 16 groups decided
The ISSA Wata Manning Cup has reached a pivotal stage as the round of 16 teams have been determined following a series of intense matches on Saturday. Defending champions Kingston College (KC) experienced their first setback of the season, settling for a 0-0 draw against Tivoli Gardens High School. Despite this, KC secured the top spot in Zone B with 28 points, while Tivoli Gardens claimed second place with 21 points. Meanwhile, Charlie Smith clinched third place in Zone B with an 18-point tally after a narrow 2-1 victory over Haile Selassie High, who finished fourth with 14 points and missed the cut for the next round. In Zone A, St George’s College edged out Hydel High in a thrilling 4-3 encounter, securing second place with 21 points. Hydel, despite their fourth defeat, advanced as the best fourth-placed team with 16 points. Excelsior High emerged as Zone A leaders with 24 points after a hard-fought 2-2 draw with St Jago High, who slipped to third but still progressed. In Zone D, St Catherine High maintained a flawless record with 10 wins from 10 games, finishing top with 30 points after a 1-0 victory over Eltham High, who secured second place with 24 points. Campion College, third in Zone D, also advanced. The round of 16 has been divided into four groups, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the quarterfinals. Group 1 features Excelsior High, Tivoli Gardens, St Andrew Technical High, and Wolmer’s Boys. Group 2 includes KC, Calabar, Campion, and Hydel. Group 3 comprises St Catherine High, St George’s College, Charlie Smith, and Vauxhall High. Group 4, arguably the toughest, pits Mona High, Jamaica College, Eltham High, and St Jago against each other. The round of 16 kicks off on Tuesday, October 21, promising exciting matchups.
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Pundit at murdered mom, son’s funeral reminds of importance of family
The joint funeral of Gracelyn ‘Momin’ Ramberan, 48, and her son Randy ‘Jacks’ Rampersad, 26, held at Mosquito Creek, became a poignant moment of national grief. Pt Artma Maharaj, who officiated the ceremony, emphasized the profound sorrow not only for the bereaved family but for the entire nation. He urged the community to guide one another toward positive choices, stating, ‘It is important for us, as young people, as adults, as parents, as custodians, to make good choices, to advise our children and family to walk the path of truth.’ The tragic incident occurred on October 10, when gunmen stormed the family’s home in Friendship Village, San Fernando, fatally shooting the mother and son. Randy’s father, Vijay Rampersad, and his wife, Kimberly Rampersad, were also injured but survived. The funeral, held on the eve of the Divali holiday, saw the bodies cremated side by side at the Shore of Peace cremation site in La Romaine. Pt Maharaj reflected on the fragility of life and the importance of family unity, offering prayers for the grieving family. The Southern Division and Homicide Bureau of Investigations, Region Three, are actively investigating the case, but the perpetrators remain at large.
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Opposition MPs query budget figures, revenue streams
During a press conference held by the People’s National Movement (PNM) at Balisier House in Port of Spain on October 18, opposition MPs criticized the government’s 2025/2026 budget for alleged inconsistencies, inflated revenue projections, and biased allocations. Diego Martin North/East MP Colm Imbert highlighted discrepancies in the budget, including an overestimated oil price of $73.25 per barrel for 2026, compared to international agencies’ projections of $50-60. This, he argued, inflated revenue by at least $1 billion. Imbert also pointed out that the government understated debt service payments, allocating $7 billion instead of the actual $11-$13 billion required, which could lead to increased borrowing or cuts in planned expenditures. He further criticized the 45% increase in National Insurance contributions, arguing it was based on outdated actuarial reports from 2020 that failed to account for economic recovery. Arouca/Lopinot MP Marvin Gonzales accused the government of neglecting the North West Water Improvement Programme, diverting funds to other regions, and raising electricity rates despite campaign promises to the contrary. Diego Martin Central MP Symon de Nobriga highlighted biased allocations, with PNM-controlled constituencies seeing reduced funding while UNC areas received increased support. The opposition warned that these decisions would harm public services and impact upcoming local government elections.
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T&T opts not to endorse Caricom position amid US military strikes
In a notable divergence from its Caribbean Community (Caricom) counterparts, Trinidad and Tobago has opted not to endorse a unified regional stance on critical security and stability matters, particularly concerning the increasing presence of U.S. military forces in the Caribbean. This decision emerged during a recent Caricom meeting where regional leaders convened to address pressing issues, including the security buildup in parts of the Caribbean and its implications for member states. While other Caricom nations reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace and emphasized dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution, Trinidad and Tobago reserved its position, offering no immediate explanation for its dissent. The meeting followed a series of U.S. military strikes targeting suspected drug-trafficking vessels off the Venezuelan coast, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of two Trinidad and Tobago nationals. Caricom leaders also reiterated their dedication to combating narcotics trafficking and the illegal arms trade, underscoring the need for international cooperation and adherence to international law. Trinidadian Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has remained silent on both the regional security discussions and the fatalities, drawing criticism from opposition figures who have accused her of evading her responsibilities. Persad-Bissessar has previously expressed support for the U.S. military campaign, praising its efforts to curb drug trafficking and protect regional stability.
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Robbers steal French crown jewels from Louvre in 7 minute heist
In a brazen daylight robbery, thieves armed with power tools targeted the Louvre Museum in Paris on Sunday, making off with some of France’s most valuable crown jewels. The audacious heist, which lasted a mere seven minutes, saw the culprits flee the scene, leaving behind a damaged 19th-century gem-encrusted crown near the museum. Authorities have launched a manhunt, but the perpetrators remain at large. The incident forced the immediate closure of the Louvre, the world’s most-visited museum, which houses iconic treasures such as the Mona Lisa. Armed soldiers patrolled the area around the museum’s glass pyramid entrance, while evacuated visitors and tourists were kept at bay behind police tape. Witnesses described the scene as reminiscent of a Hollywood movie. The robbers reportedly used a powered, extendable ladder—typically employed for moving furniture—to access the gilded gallery housing the crown jewels. The stolen crown, belonging to Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III, is adorned with 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez confirmed that three or four thieves targeted two displays in the museum’s ‘Galerie d’Apollon,’ though the full extent of the stolen items remains unclear. The Louvre’s management stated that the closure was necessary to preserve evidence for the ongoing investigation. Experts fear the stolen jewels may be dismantled for their precious materials, as they would be ‘completely unsellable’ in their current state. This incident highlights a growing concern over museum security in France, following a series of high-profile thefts in recent months. French President Emmanuel Macron has pledged to enhance the Louvre’s security as part of a broader renovation plan.
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US defence chief announces another attack on alleged drug-running boat
In a decisive move against international drug trafficking, the United States has executed a targeted strike on a suspected narcotics vessel, resulting in the elimination of three individuals identified as ‘narco-terrorists.’ The operation, announced by US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth via a post on X, took place on Friday in international waters under the jurisdiction of the US Southern Command, which manages military activities across Latin America. The vessel, reportedly linked to Colombia’s ELN guerrilla group, was intercepted along a well-documented drug-smuggling route and was found to be carrying significant quantities of illegal narcotics. While Hegseth did not disclose the precise location of the strike, he emphasized the operation’s success in disrupting a critical node of the global drug trade. This action underscores the US government’s ongoing commitment to combating transnational organized crime and narco-terrorism in the region.
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NCB Foundation, UNICEF hand over $14.8m in WASH Shelter Kits to emergency shelters
In a significant move to enhance disaster preparedness and public health resilience, the NCB Foundation, in collaboration with UNICEF Jamaica, has donated 400 Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Shelter Kits to the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM). Valued at J$14.8 million, the kits were officially handed over during a ceremony at ODPEM’s headquarters last Tuesday. This initiative is part of the broader Strengthening WASH Resilience to Climatic Events Post-Hurricane Beryl Programme, a J$43.8 million project aimed at supporting vulnerable communities across Jamaica. Perrin Gayle, CEO of NCB Foundation, emphasized the importance of compassion and preparedness in disaster recovery, stating that clean water and sanitation are critical for rebuilding efforts. Food for the Poor (FFTP), the executing partner, sourced the kits, which include essential items like disinfectants, soap, and sanitary supplies. Nakhle Hado, Director of Operations at FFTP, highlighted the life-saving impact of ensuring clean water and sanitation in shelters. Michelle Edwards, Acting Deputy Director General of ODPEM, expressed gratitude for the donation, noting its role in safeguarding lives during crises. The kits will be distributed to municipal corporations for allocation to shelters island-wide. UNICEF Jamaica, serving as a technical advisor, is working with local parish councils to ensure sustainable management of these resources. Mohammad Mohiuddin, UNICEF Jamaica’s Officer-in-Charge, underscored the initiative’s alignment with global sustainability goals, particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). The project, funded by NCB Foundation, reflects a commitment to climate-smart, inclusive development and national disaster resilience.
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Tropical wave expected to move into Caribbean Sea, rain forecast for Heroes’ Day
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Hurricane Center (NHC) in the United States has issued a bulletin highlighting the movement of a tropical wave over the Windward Islands. As of its 8:00 am update on Sunday, the NHC anticipates heavy rainfall and gusty winds across the region. However, the system’s rapid progression is expected to hinder significant development over the next 24 to 48 hours.