Acting Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin has confirmed that tactical police units in Trinidad and Tobago are on heightened alert following a security advisory issued by the US Embassy. However, Benjamin firmly denied rumors circulating online that senior public officials, including the Prime Minister and Attorney General, have been relocated to safe houses. He emphasized that such claims are baseless and urged the public to rely only on credible sources for information. The US Embassy’s alert coincides with increased US military presence in the South Caribbean, reportedly targeting anti-narcotics operations. Recent incidents include the destruction of five small boats and a narco-submarine off Venezuela’s coast, resulting in 29 fatalities. President Trump’s designation of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro as a narco-terrorist, accompanied by a $50 million bounty, has fueled speculation about potential US intervention in Venezuela. Benjamin reassured the public that the heightened alert is a precautionary measure and that there is no cause for panic. Defence Minister Wayne Sturge echoed this sentiment, stating that Trinidadians need not worry. The US Embassy has advised US nationals to avoid government facilities and remain vigilant, while also recommending enrollment in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for updates. Opposition MP Stuart Young has called on the Prime Minister to address the nation and provide clarity amid growing concerns.
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China and US agree to fresh trade talks
In a significant development aimed at de-escalating trade tensions, China and the United States have agreed to hold another round of negotiations in the coming week. This decision comes as the two global economic powerhouses strive to avert another round of retaliatory tariffs that could further strain their already fraught relationship. The announcement follows a recent phone call between Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, described by both sides as “candid, in-depth, and constructive.” The talks are expected to take place in person, with both parties emphasizing the urgency of resolving their ongoing trade dispute. The backdrop to these negotiations includes Beijing’s recent imposition of stringent controls on its rare earths industry, a move that prompted US President Donald Trump to threaten 100% tariffs on Chinese imports. Trump had also previously hinted at canceling his planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea. However, in a recent interview with Fox News, Trump confirmed that the meeting with Xi would proceed, acknowledging that the proposed tariffs were unsustainable. The rare earths issue remains a critical point of contention, as these materials are essential for a wide range of technologies, from smartphones to military equipment. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer also participated in the call, underscoring the high stakes of the negotiations. Both nations appear to be cautiously optimistic about finding a resolution, though the path forward remains uncertain.
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OpenAI halts MLK videos as deepfakes of dead celebrities spark outrage
OpenAI has temporarily suspended its Sora 2 artificial intelligence tool from creating videos featuring civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. following complaints from his estate about disrespectful depictions. The decision was announced in a joint statement by OpenAI and King’s estate on Thursday, emphasizing the need to strengthen safeguards for historical figures. This move comes amid growing outrage from families of deceased celebrities and leaders over the tool’s ability to generate realistic videos without consent. Reports from The Washington Post revealed that some users had created offensive content, including videos of King making monkey noises during his iconic ‘I Have a Dream’ speech. Since its launch on September 30, Sora 2 has been used to reanimate other deceased figures such as Bob Marley, Malcolm X, Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, and Amy Winehouse, sparking widespread criticism. OpenAI acknowledged the importance of free speech but stated that public figures and their families should have control over how their likenesses are used. The company has introduced a mechanism allowing authorized representatives or estate owners to request the exclusion of their likenesses from AI-generated videos, referred to as ‘Sora cameos.’ OpenAI expressed gratitude to Bernice King, King’s daughter, businessman John Hope Bryant, and the AI Ethics Council for facilitating constructive dialogue. The tool, which has topped download charts since its release, has faced backlash from Hollywood and the creative industry over its opt-out policy for copyrighted content. Disney, in particular, sent a strongly worded letter to OpenAI asserting its copyright rights. Amid the controversy, OpenAI has pledged to provide more granular control to rights holders. While the tool has reportedly refused requests for videos featuring Disney or Marvel characters, clips from other franchises and Japanese anime series continue to circulate widely.
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Tobago West MP: CEPEP and URP to continue in Tobago
Tobago West MP Joel Sampson has confirmed that the Community-Based Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programme (Cepep) and the Unemployment Relief Programme (URP) will persist in Tobago, despite plans to phase them out in Trinidad. Speaking during the budget debate in Parliament on October 17, Sampson emphasized that these initiatives remain under the jurisdiction of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), which has no intention of discontinuing them. He highlighted that URP is managed by the Division of Infrastructure, Quarries and Urban Development, while Cepep falls under the Division of Community Development, Youth Development and Sport. Sampson noted that since the THA took office in 2021, the programmes have been restructured to produce meaningful outcomes, including revenue-generating workshops and agricultural units. He acknowledged that central government funding has been insufficient, but the THA has creatively addressed the shortfall using unspent balances. Sampson reassured Tobagonians employed in these programmes that their jobs are secure, emphasizing that they operate under a proper structure rather than a political contract. This announcement comes after Finance Minister Devendranath Tancoo revealed plans to eliminate Cepep and URP in Trinidad to curb state funding of criminal gangs, promising better-paid, full-time jobs for affected workers. Sampson also praised the government’s budget, calling it one of the most comprehensive in THA history, with Tobago receiving $3.724 billion, or 6.3% of the national budget.
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Romain: Insurance premiums to increase over levy
Malabar/Mausica MP Dominic Romain has issued a stark warning that insurance companies are preparing to hike premium prices in response to the government’s proposed 0.25% levy on their assets. Speaking during the budget debate in Parliament on October 17, Romain, who also serves as the president of the TT Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, revealed that he had met with leaders of major insurance firms to discuss the levy. He stated, ‘Based on what was said, preliminary numbers have been crunched, and increases are coming. It’s just a matter of how much and when.’
Romain’s comments came in response to Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo’s call for companies to share the burden of the new measures and for citizens to resist cost pass-throughs. Romain argued that companies are unlikely to absorb the levy, as they have obligations to their shareholders, customers, and clients. ‘When the government intends to pick the pockets of these entities, you are in fact robbing the citizens as well,’ he emphasized.
The levy, announced by Tancoo on October 13, targets commercial banks and insurance companies due to their profitability, high liquidity ratios, and strong asset growth. Tancoo highlighted that despite these institutions’ financial health, average citizens face exorbitant fees and minimal returns on savings and investments. However, institutions operating under the Special Economic Zones Act will be exempt from the levy, which takes effect on January 1, 2026, and is projected to generate $575 million annually.
Romain also criticized the Finance Minister for portraying financial institutions as predatory, noting that many engage in corporate social responsibility and contribute to the community. He warned that applying the levy to institutions like Republic Bank, which is part of the National Investment Fund, would harm shareholders, including senior citizens relying on investment income for retirement expenses.
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Dowlath slams PNM’s vacation remedial programme
Education Minister Dr. Michael Dowlath has launched a scathing critique of the People’s National Movement (PNM) administration’s vacation remedial programme, labeling it as an ‘expensive illusion’ marred by financial mismanagement and lack of accountability. Speaking during the budget debate in the House of Representatives on October 17, Dowlath refuted claims by former Education Minister Dr. Nyan Gadsby-Dolly that the current government had discontinued the programme. He revealed that the PNM’s initiative, titled ‘Re-Re-engaging For Success,’ left behind over $3.5 million in unpaid teacher stipends, $1.3 million owed for snacks, and $10.5 million in pending costs, with no verifiable impact data or clear objectives. Dowlath also highlighted the absence of four critical reports from various educational support divisions, further underscoring the programme’s inefficacy. In contrast, Dowlath introduced the government’s new Priority Schools Project, a data-driven initiative targeting 56 secondary schools and 187 primary schools for intensive support based on academic, attendance, and behavioral indicators. The project integrates literacy and numeracy recovery, teacher training, parental engagement, and school leadership development, all monitored through key performance indicators. Additionally, Dowlath praised the ministry’s July-August vacation repair programme, which completed a record 458 major and emergency repair projects across schools, addressing issues such as leaking roofs, rewiring, and sanitation. He also defended the government’s decision to extend the July-August school vacation by one week, emphasizing its role in ensuring curriculum balance and supporting the mental and emotional well-being of students and teachers.
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Defence Force leaders get instruments of appointment
In a significant move to bolster national security, the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) has witnessed a series of high-level leadership appointments. The Office of the Attorney General confirmed that the instruments of appointment were formally presented to senior officers earlier this week, underscoring the government’s commitment to enhancing the nation’s defence capabilities.
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Anorrah Brown is first Mini Miss Kingston and St Andrew Heritage Queen
In a historic moment, eight-year-old Anorrah Brown has been crowned the inaugural Mini Miss Kingston and St Andrew Heritage Queen. The competition, designed to foster cultural awareness and self-expression among Jamaica’s youth, showcased Anorrah’s remarkable poise, talent, and intellect. Her victory not only marks a personal achievement but also signifies a significant milestone for the event, which continues to grow in influence across the island, celebrating confidence, heritage, and self-worth.
An elated Anorrah expressed her gratitude, stating, ‘It’s an incredible honour and a dream come true. I am filled with so much excitement and gratitude to be given such an opportunity to represent my parish Kingston and St Andrew and showcase my talent and creativity.’
An aspiring lawyer with a passion for justice, Anorrah has set her sights on practicing family law. Deeply concerned about the impact of crime on society, she envisions addressing the issue by teaching conflict resolution, empathy, and emotional intelligence in schools. Additionally, she plans to organize community programs, support groups, and mentorship initiatives. ‘But most importantly, I would address the root causes, which I believe is poverty, and I would work alongside the relevant agencies to reduce poverty and its related spinoffs, such as corruption, bullying, inequality, and social injustice,’ she added.
Behind Anorrah’s success is her mother, who serves as her unwavering pillar of support. Overjoyed and proud, her mother shared, ‘I feel incredibly proud and overjoyed having my daughter win the Mini Miss Kingston and St Andrew Heritage Queen Competition. It’s a big deal! It’s definitely a dream come true, and I’m grateful for the opportunity given to her to showcase her talent, beauty, intelligence, and heritage on such a prestigious platform.’
The Mini Miss Kingston and St Andrew Heritage Queen Competition is the latest addition to a series of cultural pageants founded by Damion Duckett, entrepreneur and CEO of DDPromotions (Double D Promotions). Originating in St Ann over two decades ago with the Mini Miss St Ann Heritage Queen Competition, the initiative celebrates Jamaica’s rich heritage while empowering young girls to embrace their individuality.
Anorrah’s crowning moment underscores the competition’s mission to inspire confidence and self-respect in the next generation, demonstrating that beauty and purpose can coexist. Organizers emphasized that her victory serves as a powerful reminder that with support and encouragement, young people can overcome challenges and become symbols of hope and pride for their communities.
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United Way of Jamaica announces 40th Anniversary Gala, ‘The Ruby Thread’
The United Way of Jamaica (UWJ) is set to commemorate its 40th anniversary with a grand gala titled ‘The Ruby Thread’ on November 8, 2025. The event, themed ‘Honouring the Hearts and Hands that Give,’ will be a black-tie affair held at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in Kingston. This milestone celebration will honor four decades of resource mobilization and transformative impact across Jamaica, while also celebrating the nation’s culture of service and generosity.
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US Embassy warning puts Trinidad and Tobago on edge
A recent advisory issued by the US Embassy in Port of Spain has stirred significant concern among Trinidad and Tobago’s (TT) population, already uneasy due to the presence of US warships in the southern Caribbean. The embassy’s warning, issued on October 18, urged US nationals to avoid government facilities during the Divali holiday weekend, citing a heightened state of alert. This move has fueled speculation and anxiety, particularly in light of ongoing US military operations in the region, including the destruction of a narco-submarine off Venezuela’s coast, which resulted in 29 fatalities. Acting Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin sought to calm public fears, denying rumors that high-ranking officials, including the Prime Minister and Attorney General, had been relocated to safe houses. He emphasized that police tactical units were on high alert as a precautionary measure, but assured the public there was no cause for panic. Meanwhile, opposition leaders criticized Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar for her silence on the matter, accusing her of neglecting her duties and isolating TT within the Caribbean Community (Caricom). The Caricom statement, which reaffirmed the region as a zone of peace, highlighted TT’s decision to ‘reserve its position,’ raising questions about the government’s foreign policy stance. US President Donald Trump’s recent comments on Venezuela, including a $50 million bounty on President Nicolas Maduro, have further intensified regional tensions. The British High Commission in TT stated that the US travel advisory was a matter for the US, while reaffirming its commitment to updating its own travel advice as needed.