In a renewed twist to the long-standing saga of CL Financial (CLF), a High Court judge has halted the sale of a key asset of the defunct conglomerate, prompting Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro to direct the Anti-Corruption Investigation Bureau (ACIB) to probe the transaction. This development, reported on October 13, marks another chapter in the tumultuous history of CLF, which collapsed in 2009, leading to a $28 billion state bailout. The ACIB’s investigation comes over a decade after it first launched a criminal probe into former CLF executives for their role in the company’s downfall. This time, the bureau is examining allegations of irregularities in the sale of group assets, including the Trincity Mall, which was sold for $505 million in 2024. Shareholders and creditors have raised “grave concerns” about these transactions, which occurred even after the Central Bank relinquished control of Clico, CLF’s former insurance arm, in 2022. The public’s demand for transparency grows as questions linger about the ACIB’s recent transfer from the police to the Office of the Attorney General. Past investigations, such as the Colman Enquiry initiated by former Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, have yielded little accountability, with key figures like CLF’s Lawrence Duprey passing away before justice could be served. As Ms. Persad-Bissessar returns to power, there is hope that the findings of the Colman Enquiry will finally be published, though concerns remain that this latest probe may follow the same inconclusive path as its predecessors.
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CAL ‘nineyears late’troubling
In a recent development that has raised significant concerns about governance and accountability, the audited financial statements of Caribbean Airlines Ltd (CAL) for the year 2016 were tabled in the House of Representatives—nine years after their due date. This delay, highlighted in a letter to the editor by Motilal Ramsingh, underscores a broader issue of systemic negligence within public sector institutions.
The financial documents were referred to the Public Accounts (Enterprises) Committee, chaired by Senator Vishnu Dhanpaul, with MP Colm Imbert serving as vice-chair. Notably, both individuals have previously held the position of Minister of Finance and are well-versed in financial stewardship. Dhanpaul, who also served as a permanent secretary and a member of CAL’s board, is no stranger to the intricacies of corporate governance.
The nearly decade-long delay in presenting these accounts is not an isolated incident but rather indicative of a pervasive culture of weak accountability and a blatant disregard for statutory reporting obligations. Such lapses erode public confidence, impede effective parliamentary oversight, and undermine the credibility of financial governance across the public sector.
The situation is further exacerbated by the recent change in CAL’s board and the departure of key executives, which has laid bare the farcical nature of accountability within the organization. This episode serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for systemic reforms to restore public trust in institutions.
As Ramsingh aptly notes, this incident should not be met with wry amusement among those once responsible for oversight but should instead prompt serious reflection and corrective action. The restoration of public trust in governance mechanisms is imperative to ensure transparency and accountability in the future.
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Replacing VAT with sales tax requires care
In a groundbreaking move, Trinidad and Tobago’s Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo has announced a review of the Value Added Tax (VAT) regime, with plans to potentially replace it with a sales tax. This marks a significant departure from the fiscal landscape, where VAT has been a cornerstone since its introduction in 1989. The proposed shift aims to simplify the tax system, ensure revenue preservation, and promote equity, particularly for low-income households. However, the transition requires meticulous planning, including legal amendments, administrative restructuring, and IT reconfiguration, which will take considerable time. The budget also includes measures to make certain food items zero-rated, acknowledging that VAT will remain in place for the foreseeable future. The current VAT system has been a major revenue generator, contributing $6.6 billion in 2023, $9.5 billion in 2024, and an estimated $8.3 billion in 2025. These figures highlight the importance of careful implementation to avoid replacing one set of challenges with another. The idea of a sales tax is not new; it was first considered in the 1980s but was shelved due to administrative complexities. While businesses historically favored VAT, the proposed review signals a recognition of the need to address systemic inefficiencies, such as delayed VAT refunds and audit inefficiencies. A sales tax, applicable only at the point of transaction, could simplify the process and shift focus from what is being purchased to who is purchasing it.
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Rambarans, Bidaisee star in Red Force Super50 trials
The National Senior 50 Overs Cup, serving as trials for the upcoming regional Super50 Cup, witnessed standout performances on October 15, with players vying for attention from the TT Red Force selectors. At the National Cricket Centre (NCC) in Couva, the Cocrico Warriors secured a commanding 116-run victory over the Steelpan Titans in a rain-affected match. Shatrughan Rambaran starred with a century, scoring 111 off 101 balls, while Navin Bidaisee, a recent West Indies debutant, showcased his bowling prowess with four wickets for 29 runs in five overs. The Warriors posted 275 for four in 37 overs, with Crystian Thurton contributing a brisk 81 off 57 balls. The Titans, chasing a revised target of 297, were bowled out for 180. Meanwhile, at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy (BLCA) in Tarouba, the Soca Strikers triumphed over the Scarlet Blazers by 106 runs. Cephas Cooper (87 off 96) and Andrew Rambaran (65) anchored the Strikers’ innings with a 115-run partnership, guiding them to 250 in 48.1 overs. Aneal Rooplal and Terrance Hinds led the bowling attack, restricting the Blazers to 144. The final of the tournament is set for October 18 at the BLCA.
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Kellar, Molino in Caribbean Cup Best XI for first round
In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Defence Force captain Kevin Molino and central midfielder Cassim Kellar have been named to the Best XI for the group stage of the 2025 Concacaf Caribbean Cup. The dynamic duo played pivotal roles in securing their team’s advancement to the semifinals, showcasing their talent in a fiercely competitive Group B that included reigning champions Cavalier FC and 2024 runners-up Cibao FC. Defence Force finished second in the group, trailing only Cibao FC. The team’s journey to the semifinals was marked by a crucial 2-0 victory over Cibao on October 1, where both Molino and Kellar found the back of the net. Molino, 35, opened the scoring with a stunning long-range effort in the second minute, while Kellar, 29, sealed the win with a deflected free kick in the second half. Molino also scored the decisive goal in Defence Force’s 1-0 victory over Haiti’s Juventus des Cayes in August. According to Concacaf’s October 14 report, Molino completed 220 passes and registered six shots, four of which were on target, during the group stage. Kellar, known for his tenacity, made 190 passes, seven interceptions, and six successful tackles. Defence Force is set to face Jamaica’s Mount Pleasant Football Academy in the first leg of the semifinals on October 22 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium. Mount Pleasant, who dominated Group A with four consecutive wins, also had three players named to the Best XI, alongside three from Cibao FC and two from Universidad O&M FC.
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Molino, Spicer call for more ruthless approach in World Cup qualifiers
Trinidad and Tobago’s men’s football team faced a challenging 1-1 draw against Curacao in their FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifier on October 14, prompting calls for a more decisive approach in front of goal. Playmaker Kevin Molino and flanker Tyrese Spicer emphasized the need for greater consistency and focus to convert opportunities into victories. The match, held in Willemstad, saw Curacao take an early lead, but Spicer’s equalizer in the 58th minute, assisted by Molino, kept TT in contention. Despite dominating with seven shots on target compared to Curacao’s one, TT failed to secure the win, leaving them third in Group B of Concacaf’s final qualifying round. Curacao, now second, trails Jamaica, who surged to the top with a 4-0 victory over Bermuda. Spicer highlighted the team’s potential but stressed the importance of maintaining structure and capitalizing on momentum. Molino, returning from suspension, echoed these sentiments, noting the team’s tendency to concede avoidable goals. With crucial home matches against Jamaica and Bermuda in November, TT remains optimistic about their chances. Molino urged fans to continue their support, promising a relentless effort to secure the necessary points for qualification.
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Trinidad and Tobago golfers putt three gold, two bronze Four Ball Champs
Trinidad and Tobago’s golf team delivered an impressive performance at the 2025 Caribbean Golf Association Four Ball Championships in Jamaica, securing three gold and two bronze medals. Despite narrowly missing the overall title by a single point to Jamaica, the team showcased exceptional skill across various categories. In the women’s 25 and over division, Victoria Seenath and Tori De Freitas-Baptiste defended their title with a dominant display. Gabriel Vanososte and Ryan Gomez clinched gold in the mid-amateur men’s 35 and over category, while Wayne Baptiste and Richard “Pecos” Camacho triumphed in the super senior men’s division. The women’s 45 and over team of Ingrid Seeberan and Emilie Ramsahai earned bronze, as did Clint Alfred and John Rampersad in the senior men’s category. Despite facing stiff competition in the men’s 70 and over division, the team’s overall performance was celebrated by the TT Golf Association, which praised their resilience and reaffirmed Trinidad and Tobago’s standing as a powerhouse in Caribbean golf. The association also extended gratitude to sponsors and government bodies for their support.
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Eastern Connect out Maloney’s perfect run in EFA
In a dramatic showdown on October 12, Eastern Connect FC (16 points) ended FC Maloney’s (18 points) six-game winning streak in the 2025 Eastern Football Association (EFA) season with a 4-3 victory at Clayton Ince recreation grounds. The match, brimming with intensity, saw Eastern Connect take an early lead with first-half goals from Cadeem Jackie and Corie Dhanoolal, who scored twice. Despite Maloney’s valiant efforts to level the score, Sean Labadie delivered the decisive blow in stoppage time, securing the win for Eastern Connect. Meanwhile, Wallerfield United (13 points) solidified their third-place position in Group B with a commanding 4-0 victory over USC Hummers, fueled by Revaldo Patrick’s double and contributions from Emmanuel Phillip and Kevin Thornhill. FC Porto Arima (12 points) climbed to fourth place after defeating Trincity Nationals 3-1, with Wesley Lewis, Rivaldo Patron, and Mikheil Peters on the scoresheet. Maracas United (11 points) fell out of the top four following a goalless draw with CG Poseidon. In Group A, Heatwave FC (11 points) clinched fourth place with a 2-1 win over Malabar FC, overtaking La Horquetta XF. The stage is now set for the ‘Big 8’ knockout phase, commencing October 26, with the EFA champions set to earn $15,000.
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Fatima, ‘Pres’ land contrasting wins in RBC Royal Slam basketball
Fatima College continued their impressive run in the RBC Royal Slam College Basketball tournament with a commanding 92-36 victory over St Francis Boys’ College on October 12 at the Eastern Regional Indoor Sporting Arena in Tacarigua. This win marked their second consecutive triumph, solidifying their position at the top of Group A with six points from two games. The standout performer of the match was twelve-year-old guard Jakeem King, who delivered a remarkable double-double with 17 points and ten steals, complemented by six assists. His exceptional play was pivotal in Fatima’s dominant performance. Meanwhile, in Group B, Presentation College (San Fernando) secured a hard-fought 94-80 win over St Anthony’s College on October 11, thanks to a stellar showing by Michael McCarthy. McCarthy, who had previously scored 42 points in a loss to St Mary’s College, proved his mettle once again with an astonishing 46 points and 29 rebounds, along with three blocks, four assists, and four steals. St Anthony’s College, led by Amir Balgobin and Jahiem McLeod, who scored 28 and 17 points respectively, couldn’t contain McCarthy’s brilliance. In another match on October 11, Queen’s Royal College handed St Francis their first loss in two days with an 82-56 victory. Talib Daniel’s 24 points and six rebounds, combined with Kevani Boatswain’s double-double (16 points, 11 rebounds), were instrumental in QRC’s success. The tournament will resume on October 25, with Holy Cross College facing QRC at 4 pm and St Anthony’s taking on St Mary’s at 6 pm. On October 26, St Francis will clash with Holy Cross, while QRC will challenge the northern powerhouse, Fatima College.
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Trinidad and Tobago U-17 women to face Curacao, El Salvador in 2026 Concacaf qualifiers
Trinidad and Tobago’s under-17 women’s football team is gearing up for a challenging journey in the first round of the Concacaf qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup. The qualifiers, scheduled from January 24 to February 2, 2026, will see TT face off against Curacao, El Salvador, Guadeloupe, and Barbados in Group F. All Group F matches will be hosted in Willemstad, Curacao, with other host nations including Aruba, Bermuda, and Nicaragua. TT will kick off their campaign against Curacao on January 24, followed by matches against Guadeloupe (January 26), Barbados (January 28), and El Salvador (February 1). The team will play four intense games within nine days. The first round features 30 teams divided into six groups of five. The top six group winners and the two best second-placed teams will advance to the final round, where they will join Concacaf’s top-ranked teams: Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the United States. TT, ranked 11th in the Concacaf Under-17 women’s rankings as of April 2025, were placed in Pot Two alongside Bermuda, Cuba, Guatemala, Jamaica, and Nicaragua. This comes after a disappointing performance in the 2025 qualifiers, where TT finished at the bottom of their group, which included El Salvador, Honduras, and the US, and suffered a 4-0 defeat to El Salvador in April. Further details on the final round of qualifying are yet to be announced.