In a significant ceremony held at the Diplomatic Centre in Port of Spain, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar distributed land leases to 110 former employees of Caroni (1975) Ltd. The event, timed to coincide with the Hindu festival of Divali, symbolized the triumph of light over darkness and justice over oppression. The Prime Minister emphasized the historical significance of the occasion, noting that many recipients had waited 22 years for this moment, a delay she attributed to the previous administration’s alleged neglect and mismanagement. Minister of Land and Legal Affairs Saddam Hosein played a pivotal role in preparing the land parcels, ensuring the long-awaited distribution could proceed. Persad-Bissessar highlighted the resilience of the Caroni workers, whose labor once supported Trinidad and Tobago’s economy, and framed the land distribution as a restoration of dignity and belonging. She also drew parallels between the workers’ journey and the story of Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya, underscoring themes of faith, perseverance, and renewal. The Prime Minister urged recipients to use their land wisely, viewing it as a foundation for future prosperity. Hosein later criticized the former government for neglecting the land sites, revealing that significant funds had been wasted on legal fees rather than development. The government plans to distribute a total of 2,000 lots, with the next phase set for Exchange, Couva. The ceremony concluded with a message of hope and unity, as Persad-Bissessar wished the nation a blessed Divali, invoking the blessings of Mother Lakshmi.
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Carib Brewery, Angostura announce increased prices
In a significant move impacting the local beverage industry, Trinidad and Tobago’s leading alcohol producers, Carib Brewery and Angostura, have announced substantial price increases across their product lines. This decision comes in response to the government’s recent doubling of excise duties on spirits, beer, and tobacco, as outlined in the 2026 national budget. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo revealed on October 13 that excise duties on spirits have surged from $79.25 to $158.50 per litre of pure alcohol, while beer duties rose from $5.14 to $10.28 by gravity. Cigarette excise also doubled to $10.52 per pack of 20, effective immediately. Excise duty, a tax levied on domestically manufactured goods, directly affects local producers like Carib Brewery and Angostura before similar adjustments are applied to imported products. Carib Brewery announced on October 16 that its new prices would take effect immediately, describing the move as a ‘responsible and measured response’ to the government’s fiscal policy. The company emphasized its efforts to minimize price hikes, adjusting only where necessary. Notable increases include Carib, Stag, and Pilsner rising to $13 per bottle from $10, while Royal Extra Stout now costs $15, up from under $10. Heineken and Guinness have jumped to $22 from under $16. Non-alcoholic beverages like Malta and Shandy have also seen price increases. Angostura, meanwhile, announced its price adjustments would take effect on October 17, citing the need to ensure business continuity and maintain its workforce of over 537 employees. The company expressed support for the government’s fiscal sustainability efforts while reaffirming its commitment to product quality and international market presence. The price hikes have sparked mixed reactions among consumers, with some criticizing the timing amid economic challenges, while others remain unfazed. Bar owners anticipate further price adjustments as new stock arrives. Finance Minister Tancoo defended the excise duty increase as a measure to boost revenue and promote responsible consumption, noting that the last major revision occurred nearly a decade ago. Both Carib Brewery and Angostura have pledged to continue supporting the local economy and maintaining product quality despite the new tax burden.
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Venezuela ambassador: Many may perish in US action
Venezuela’s Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, Alvaro Sanchez Cordero, has strongly criticized the recent US military strike on October 15, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of two Trinidadians and four others aboard a vessel allegedly involved in narcotics trafficking. Cordero described the incident as tragic but inevitable, citing the US government’s persistent disregard for international law. This marks the fifth such strike off Venezuela’s coast, bringing the death toll close to 30. Speaking at the University of the West Indies on October 16, Cordero emphasized Venezuela’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and refuted claims by US President Donald Trump that the country is a hub for narco-trafficking. He presented data showing that only 40% of Venezuela’s 90.64 million hectares of land is classified as drug-producing, and a 2025 UN report confirmed that the country is not a major drug trafficking route. Cordero highlighted Venezuela’s peaceful nature, stating that its 34 million citizens are focused on education, work, and enjoying life, not conflict. He accused the US of targeting Venezuela for its vast oil and gas reserves, the largest proven in the world. David Abdulah, an executive member of the Assembly of Caribbean People, also condemned the strike, calling it a war crime under the Geneva Convention. He urged Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to retract statements supporting the strikes and called for regional collaboration to maintain peace. Abdulah encouraged Caricom chair, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, to convene an emergency meeting to address the escalating tensions.
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Can anyone stop Sir Don in Princess Popstar Trophy?
The highly anticipated $1.09-million Princess Popstar Trophy, a Restricted Allowance I race for native-bred and imported two-year-olds, is set to take place tomorrow over 5 ½ furlongs (1,100m). The event has drawn a competitive field of six runners, with the spotlight firmly on the American-bred bay colt, Sir Don, who is making his second appearance on local soil. Sir Don’s dominant debut win, clocking an impressive 46.4 seconds over four furlongs, has established him as the clear favourite. His recent morning gallops indicate he is in peak condition, further solidifying his status as the horse to beat. Among the contenders, Tia Maria has shown promise with consistent finishes, while God’s Plan, a debut winner, is expected to challenge for second place. Infinity Star, Brody’s Unity, and Comuna Trece round out the field, with Comuna Trece likely to secure another runner-up finish given her previous performance against Sir Don. The Jamaica Observer’s Supreme Racing Guide provides an in-depth analysis of the runners and their prospects, highlighting Sir Don’s speed and class as key factors in his favour.
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JTC Bill again on the agenda
Jamaica’s Education Minister, Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon, has announced a pivotal meeting scheduled for November 11, where key education stakeholders will convene to address the long-debated Jamaica Teaching Council (JTC) Bill. This legislation, which has been in development for over two decades, aims to regulate and professionalize the teaching workforce through licensing and a formal code of practice. The meeting will bring together representatives from the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA), church groups, school principals, and parents to resolve outstanding issues and finalize the Bill. Dr. Morris Dixon emphasized the importance of inclusivity, stating, ‘We have to listen to everybody because everybody has an opinion on education.’ She acknowledged the extensive consultations conducted over the years but stressed the need to move forward, noting, ‘We don’t need to be trying to get the perfect Bill. We need to move forward.’ The JTA has raised concerns about certain provisions, particularly the composition of the JTC’s governing board, which allocates only six out of 31 seats to classroom teachers. Other contentious issues include the requirement for teachers to renew their licenses every five years, which the JTA argues could create administrative and financial burdens. Dr. Adrian Stokes, Chairman of the Education Transformation Oversight Committee, supported the extended consultation but cautioned against indefinite delays, stating, ‘We should not let the perfect be the enemy of the good.’ He also highlighted the need for higher entry standards for teacher training programmes and a more competitive compensation system, drawing parallels with Singapore’s highly regarded education system. The ministry plans to review feedback from the November meeting, make necessary adjustments, and reintroduce the Bill to Parliament, marking a significant step in Jamaica’s education transformation journey.
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Narado Williams to show out at Tosh Fest 2025
Following his cinematic debut as young Peter Tosh in the acclaimed Paramount Pictures biopic *Bob Marley: One Love*, Narado Williams is set to showcase his musical talents on October 19 in Bluefields, Westmoreland. The event, held at the Peter Tosh Memorial Garden, marks the second staging of a tribute to the legendary musician, who was tragically killed in 1987 at the age of 42. This year’s event coincides with what would have been Tosh’s 81st birthday.
Williams, who gained notable exposure through his role in the Marley biopic, has spent the past year honing his craft as a musician. His self-produced single *Step by Step*, released in August, reflects his growing clarity and purpose in music. Inspired by a jam session in Trench Town—the birthplace of The Wailers—the track embodies what Williams describes as ‘revolutionary spirited music,’ aimed at empowering Black communities.
Born in Tavares Gardens, also known as Payne Land, Williams is no stranger to the cultural and musical heritage of Jamaica. His journey from acting to music underscores his commitment to making a name for himself. The upcoming event, Tosh Fest 2025, will also feature performances by Andrew Tosh, Beenie Man, and Mutabaruka, further celebrating the enduring legacy of Peter Tosh and his impact on reggae music.
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Amber Group bets on AI, robotics for next decade
Jamaica-based technology firm Amber Group is positioning itself at the forefront of the next wave of artificial intelligence (AI) innovation, with a strategic focus on robotics and physical AI. CEO Dushyant Savadia unveiled the company’s ambitious plans during a ceremony marking its 10th anniversary at the AC Hotel Kingston. Savadia emphasized the rapid pace of AI advancements, describing generative AI as the first phase of evolution, followed by conversational AI, and now the imminent rise of physical AI. He envisions a future where robotics will autonomously perform tasks across industries, reducing the need for human intervention. Amber Group has already secured distribution agreements with leading robotics companies and established its Amber Robotics subsidiary to train Jamaican staff in robot programming and implementation for various applications, such as cleaning, sweeping, and food delivery. Savadia highlighted global examples, such as robotic surgery in India and Amazon’s automated warehouses, to underscore the transformative potential of physical AI. The company aims to position Jamaica as a global hub for robotics training and development, leveraging its international distribution network to expand services to South Africa, India, and Dubai. Parallel to its robotics venture, Amber Group is spearheading the creation of a Jamaica-specific generative AI model through the newly formed National Artificial Intelligence Lab of Jamaica. This initiative, a collaboration with the University of Technology, HEART/NSTA Trust, and the Ministry of Education, aims to cultivate local expertise in AI and robotics. Savadia outlined plans to train 50 students in AI engineering, with the goal of developing Jamaica’s own large language model (LLM) within a year. He envisions licensing this model to global AI firms, complementing rather than competing with established players like ChatGPT. Prime Minister Andrew Holness endorsed the initiative, emphasizing its role in Jamaica’s economic strategy and the need to upskill the workforce to embrace higher-value opportunities in AI and robotics. Savadia’s vision extends beyond technology, aiming to build a knowledge-based economy where Jamaicans can thrive through innovation and global digital participation.
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Larris Allen reaches 500th career win in Canada
Jamaican jockey Larris Allen has achieved a monumental milestone in his illustrious career, securing his 500th win on the international racing circuit on Monday, October 13, 2025. The historic victory took place at Lethbridge Racetrack in Canada, where Allen rode Pole to Pole, trained by Lyle Magnuson, to a commanding 4 ¼ lengths win in the six-furlong Allowance race. The triumph, completed in 1:10.1, solidified Allen’s status as one of the premier jockeys in the sport. Allen, who began his North American racing career in 2028, didn’t stop at this milestone. He went on to ride three more winners that day, showcasing his exceptional talent and consistency. In the second race, he guided Jacrodra’s, another Magnuson-trained horse, to a 1 ¼ lengths victory in 1:09.2. Allen’s dominance continued in the fifth race, where he piloted I Will Stand, trained by Jim Depew, to a 2 ¼ lengths win over seven furlongs in 1:25.2. The highlight of the day came in the seventh race, the CAN$10,900 Farewell Stakes, where Allen partnered with Chicle Sparks, trained by Monkumar Mohindee, to deliver a breathtaking performance. Chicle Sparks stormed to victory by an astonishing 5 ¼ lengths, finishing in 1:25.0. With this remarkable day, Allen’s career statistics now stand at 503 wins, 353 seconds, and 371 thirds from 1,949 mounts, with Stakes earnings totaling CAN$1,867,505. Meanwhile, fellow Jamaican jockey Oshane Nugent is also making waves on the international circuit. Nugent secured his latest victory on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at Lethbridge, riding Wocka Wocka, trained by Floyd Buffalo, to a dominant 6 ¾ lengths win in the CAN$13,050 Amote Open Derby. Wocka Wocka finished ahead of Reboso (Tevin Foster) and Tapologist (Ryan Nelson) with a time of 1:27.2. Nugent’s record for the year includes seven wins, seven second-place finishes, and three third-place finishes, earning CAN$38,022 in Stakes earnings. The performances of Allen and Nugent highlight the growing influence of Jamaican jockeys on the global racing stage.
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2026 BYD Seal AWD: More juice
The BYD Seal, already a standout in its single-motor configuration, takes performance to new heights with its dual-motor, all-wheel-drive (AWD) variant. The rear badge now proudly displays a ‘3.8,’ signifying its blistering acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds. This impressive feat places the Seal AWD firmly ahead of most competitors at the traffic light.
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Mystery death at UWI
The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona campus, was plunged into mourning following the tragic death of 20-year-old Victoria Brown Hanley, a student found deceased in her dormitory room on Thursday. Police investigators are meticulously examining all potential angles in what remains an unfolding case. Brown Hanley was discovered lying face-down with a scarf tightly wound around her neck by her roommate, who returned to their fourth-floor room in George Alleyne Hall after 6:00 am. Campus security was immediately alerted, and the Mona Police Post swiftly responded, confirming her death. Assistant Commissioner Michael Phipps, head of Jamaica Constabulary Area Four, emphasized that the investigation is in its preliminary stages, with detectives collecting statements, reviewing CCTV footage, and awaiting a post-mortem report to determine the cause of death. Phipps refuted early speculation of suicide, stating that the case remains classified as a death investigation until further evidence emerges. The incident has cast a somber shadow over the campus, with administrators mobilizing support systems, including counseling and chaplaincy services, to assist grieving students. Deputy Principal Dr. Tomlin Paul expressed profound regret, while Campus Registrar Dr. Donovan Stanberry reaffirmed the university’s commitment to its student body. Some students, however, voiced concerns about the perceived lack of accessible mental health resources on campus, urging the institution to establish more visible support networks. Guild President Roshaun Wynter countered these claims, highlighting existing mental health services, including a dedicated psychologist and health center support. Brown Hanley, remembered as a pleasant and humble individual, leaves behind a community grappling with loss and seeking answers.