The Innovative Democratic Alliance (IDA) has announced its intention to compete in all 15 electoral districts during the upcoming Tobago House of Assembly (THA) election. Dr. Denise Tsoiafatt Angus, the IDA’s political leader, revealed that the party’s candidates will be unveiled by the end of November. This announcement follows the Tobago People’s Party (TPP) completing its candidate screening process, with its nominees expected to be disclosed shortly. Meanwhile, the People’s National Movement (PNM) has been introducing its candidates through its Community Conversations series, which concludes on November 25. The IDA expressed enthusiasm about its diverse and community-driven candidate selection process, emphasizing its commitment to grassroots democracy and inclusive leadership. The party highlighted that candidates are recommended by local communities rather than chosen by party executives, ensuring they genuinely represent the people’s interests. Additionally, the IDA has been enhancing its members’ leadership skills through workshops like ‘Reset to Rise: Unleash the Leader,’ aimed at fostering a new generation of competent and visionary leaders. Other parties, including the Tobago Liberation Movement and Unity of the People, have also signaled their participation in the THA election, while the Progressive Democratic Patriots’ stance remains uncertain.
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Art of the deal failure vs Venezuela
In a recent interview, philosopher and mathematician Darryl Naranjit provided a critical analysis of the US military build-up near Venezuela and its implications for global geopolitics. Drawing parallels to Winston Churchill’s decisive stance during World War II, Naranjit emphasized the resilience of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in the face of prolonged US pressure. He dismissed Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s optimistic view that Maduro would capitulate under US aggression, labeling it as delusional. Naranjit argued that Maduro’s unwavering commitment to Venezuela’s sovereignty over its oil resources makes any such capitulation unlikely.
Naranjit further contextualized the US-Venezuela conflict within the broader struggle between a unipolar world dominated by the US and an emerging multipolar world order represented by BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa). He highlighted the historical significance of the Caribbean, where the Western world order began with Columbus’s arrival over 500 years ago. Naranjit suggested that the current aggression against Venezuela could mark the birth of a new world order, challenging American hegemony.
He pointed out that Venezuela is not alone in this struggle, receiving substantial support from Russia and China, both of which have provided arms, technicians, and financial aid. This support underscores the conflict’s complexity, transforming it from a bilateral dispute into a global confrontation between unipolar and multipolar forces. Naranjit urged observers to recognize this larger context, emphasizing that the stakes extend far beyond Venezuela’s borders.
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74% of JPS customers now have electricity following Hurricane Melissa
WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — The Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) has announced significant progress in restoring electricity to areas devastated by Hurricane Melissa. As of Sunday, approximately 74% of affected customers have had their power reinstated, according to a media briefing held in Negril. Hugh Grant, President and CEO of JPS, highlighted the challenges posed by the Category 5 hurricane, which brought winds of 185 miles per hour to a grid designed for a Category 3 storm. Initially, over 540,000 customers were left without service, but efforts have now restored power to around 360,000, leaving fewer than 180,000 still in the dark. Key areas such as Hanover and Negril were re-energized three days ahead of schedule, with critical facilities like the Royalton Negril, Riu, Margaritaville, and the Negril town center now operational. JPS aims to restore power to the Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital by the second week of December. In Trelawny, power has been restored to the Falmouth Public General Hospital, the National Water Commission Martha Brae Treatment Plant, the Cruise Pier, and several hotels. Montego Bay in St James has also seen progress, with the Sangster International Airport, the University of the West Indies Western Campus, and hotels like Sandals and Riu now receiving electricity. St Mary and Portland have achieved 86% and 83% restoration rates, respectively, while St Ann, Clarendon, and Manchester are on track for 75% restoration by mid-December. However, St Ann remains particularly challenging due to severe damage to the transmission network.
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Reggae legend Jimmy Cliff has died
The music world mourns the loss of Jimmy Cliff, the iconic reggae musician who passed away at the age of 81. His family confirmed the news on Monday, revealing that Cliff succumbed to pneumonia following a seizure. His wife, Latifa Chambers, expressed her gratitude for the support of his family, friends, fellow artists, and fans worldwide, emphasizing how much their love meant to him throughout his illustrious career. Born James Chambers, Cliff played a pivotal role in bringing reggae to a global audience, particularly through his starring role in the groundbreaking film *The Harder They Come*. His journey began in Kingston, where he recorded several singles before achieving chart-topping success with *Hurricane Hattie*, one of his early works for Beverly Records. Cliff’s music blended pop and ska influences, and after moving to London in 1965, he expanded his sound to include soul and Rhythm and Blues, eventually solidifying his place as a reggae pioneer. By the late 1960s, he had gained international acclaim, with his album *Wonderful World, Beautiful People* becoming a global sensation. His contributions to *The Harder They Come* soundtrack, including classics like *Many Rivers to Cross* and *Sitting in Limbo*, cemented his status as reggae’s brightest star. Cliff’s legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike.
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Female Grande student traumatised after classroom beating
A disturbing incident of school violence at Sangre Grande Secondary School has left a Form Two student severely traumatized and fearful of returning to the classroom. The attack, which occurred on November 19, was captured on video by fellow students and later circulated on social media. The footage shows the victim being assaulted by another female student, with the altercation escalating when a male student hurled a metal chair across the room, striking the aggressor. The victim, who sustained a head injury, was subsequently stomped on and hit with the chair. She was rushed to Sangre Grande Hospital for treatment and has not attended school since the incident. An official from the school expressed deep concern over the event, stating that the presence of two police officers on campus did not prevent the violence. The official attributed the unruly behavior to a lack of parental guidance, noting that some parents tend to side with their children during disciplinary meetings. The incident reportedly began when the victim refused to give money to a male student, prompting his girlfriend and her friends to confront and attack her. Despite police intervention, the assailants appeared indifferent to the consequences of their actions. This incident is part of a broader pattern of violence in Sangre Grande schools, which has led to increased police patrols and officers stationed on school grounds. DCP Junior Benjamin acknowledged the challenges but emphasized that the initiative to place officers in schools has led to a reduction in violence overall. He called for a collective effort from families, religious institutions, and schools to address the root causes of such behavior and foster positive change among students.
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Government to roll out new crime-fighting initiative
The government of Trinidad and Tobago is set to unveil a significant crime-fighting initiative in the coming days, as part of a broader strategy to address the nation’s escalating crime rates. Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander revealed on November 23 that this initiative marks the beginning of an annual plan under the Kamla Persad-Bissessar administration. While specifics of the program remain undisclosed, Alexander emphasized its adaptability, stating it would undergo regular reviews and adjustments to ensure effectiveness.
Alexander acknowledged widespread public frustration with the current crime situation and called for citizen support in the government’s efforts. He highlighted the urgent need to rebuild the country’s law enforcement agencies, which he claimed were left to deteriorate under previous administrations. ‘Law enforcement was hampered in many ways,’ Alexander stated, criticizing the former regime for prioritizing nepotism over public safety.
The minister also addressed the impact of recent US-led operations targeting drug trafficking networks, which have reportedly led to the deaths of at least 80 alleged traffickers. While these efforts have improved safety in the waters between Trinidad and Venezuela, they have also sparked concerns among local fishermen. Many in northeastern communities, from Salybia to Matelot, are hesitant to venture far from shore, fearing they might become unintended targets of US strikes.
Alexander dismissed these fears, asserting that only those involved in illegal activities have reason to worry. ‘If you know you’re doing that type of activity, stop, and stop it right away,’ he warned. He also pointed out that many individuals engaged in illicit trade disguise themselves as fishermen, a fact he believes has been overlooked in media coverage of the US operations.
Despite the challenges, Alexander expressed optimism about the government’s ability to restore safety and security, urging citizens to remain vigilant and cooperative in the fight against crime.
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More RoRo, more problems
The government’s recent decision to extend the import age limit for used vehicles from three to eight years has sparked significant debate. While the move is framed as a benefit to average citizens by potentially lowering vehicle ownership costs, it carries notable social and economic implications. Visham Babwah, president of the TT Automotive Dealers Association (TTADA), has voiced concerns, citing risks associated with importing older vehicles. These vehicles, often past half their expected lifespan, may face challenges in securing loans or comprehensive insurance. Additionally, the influx of older, cheaper cars could exacerbate traffic congestion, with over 1.1 million registered vehicles already on the roads as of September 2024. The lack of clarity on how the policy affects electric vehicles further complicates the issue. Critics argue that without stringent inspection and verification processes, the policy risks flooding the streets with potentially unsafe vehicles. The used car market, which accounts for roughly a third of total car sales, remains a competitive sector, but the extended warranty period of only three months or 3,000 kilometers offers limited protection to buyers. The government must balance this policy with robust oversight to ensure road safety and consumer protection.
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Hinds, Jaipaul shine for Red Force as Motie keeps Guyana hopeful
In a thrilling Super50 Cup encounter at Tarouba on November 23, the Guyana Harpy Eagles orchestrated a stunning recovery from a precarious position to post a competitive total of 196 against the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force. Despite a dominant start by the Red Force, who reduced Guyana to 21 for 4 and later 79 for 6, the Harpy Eagles’ middle-order batsmen Gudakesh Motie and Keemo Paul spearheaded a spirited fightback. Motie, who was dropped from the New Zealand tour due to poor form, showcased his batting prowess with a gritty 65 off 58 balls, while Paul contributed a brisk 39 off 40. Their partnership of 65 runs off 64 balls shifted the momentum in Guyana’s favor. Earlier, the Red Force’s bowlers, led by Terrance Hinds (3 for 18) and Ricky Jaipaul (3 for 29), had dismantled the top order. Hinds, in particular, made crucial breakthroughs, including the dismissal of Guyana’s skipper Matthew Nandu for just 2. The match, delayed by heavy rains and reduced to 44 overs per side, saw the Red Force aiming to extend their dominance over Guyana, having won their last four encounters. However, the Harpy Eagles, determined to reverse their recent poor record against the Red Force, fought valiantly to set a challenging target. The stage is now set for an intriguing chase as Trinidad and Tobago look to secure their fifth consecutive victory over Guyana in the Super50 Cup.
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Double bronze for Trinidad and Tobago at RAN Sevens
The Trinidad and Tobago (TT) senior men’s and women’s rugby teams delivered impressive performances at the 2025 RAN Sevens tournament, held at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar on November 23. The men’s team triumphed over Bermuda with a commanding 29-5 victory, securing their qualification for the 2026 Caribbean American and Caribbean (CAC) Games. Meanwhile, the women’s team dominated their Bermudian counterparts with a resounding 27-0 win, earning a bronze medal. Despite their strong showing, the women’s team narrowly missed out on CAC Games qualification. The men’s team, led by standout performances from Jonathan Taylor, who scored a hat-trick, and Ruairi O’Farrell, who contributed two conversions, showcased their resilience after a semifinal loss to Canada. The women’s team, spearheaded by Fayola Jack’s two tries, demonstrated their prowess in the bronze medal match. Canada and Mexico emerged as the tournament champions in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively, with both teams advancing to the SVNS qualification pathway. TT Rugby Union Treasurer Chad Simeon expressed pride in the teams’ achievements and highlighted the union’s ambitions to establish TT as a premier rugby destination. The 2025 RAN Sevens, featuring 20 teams from 14 countries, was streamed globally on RugbyPass TV, further elevating the tournament’s profile.
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Central man killed by cops, Alexander warns of ‘slow singing, flowers bringing’
A police-involved shooting in Trinidad and Tobago’s Central Division on November 22 resulted in the death of Trevon Cumberbatch of Kelly Village and the seizure of two firearms along with ammunition. The incident occurred during an operation led by the Central Division task force, supported by air units and canine teams, in the Caroni area. According to a police media release, officers approached the residence of a 38-year-old suspect who allegedly confronted them with a weapon. The suspect reportedly pointed the firearm at the officers, prompting them to discharge their service weapons in accordance with the use-of-force policy. The suspect sustained injuries and was pronounced dead after being transported to the hospital. Authorities recovered a Glock 17 pistol and a magazine containing ammunition from the scene. The operation was coordinated by Senior Superintendent Bhagwandeen, Superintendent Glodon, and Assistant Superintendents Hernandez and Harrilal. In a separate operation on the same day, the Western Division Task Force conducted an exercise in Cocorite, where they discovered a Glock 19 pistol loaded with 13 rounds of ammunition. Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander praised the officers for their bravery, emphasizing the risks they face in confronting armed criminals. Alexander urged criminals to reconsider their actions, highlighting the impact on their families and society. He also warned that raising a weapon at law enforcement would inevitably lead to severe consequences.