The Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) boys’ zonal semifinals delivered high-octane drama as Fatima College and St Anthony’s College secured their spots in the north zone intercol final, while San Juan North Secondary triumphed in the east zone. On November 21, at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo, Fatima College edged out St Mary’s College in a nail-biting penalty shootout, winning 4-3 after a 3-3 draw in regulation time. Seth Hadeed opened the scoring for Fatima with a 52nd-minute penalty, but St Mary’s fought back valiantly, with Jaylon Roberts and Josiah Hunte leveling the score late in the game. In the shootout, Fatima overturned a 3-2 deficit to clinch the victory. Earlier, St Anthony’s College dominated Malick Secondary with a commanding 3-0 win to set up a thrilling north zone final against Fatima. Meanwhile, in the east zone on November 22, San Juan North Secondary overcame Arima North Secondary 5-4 on penalties after a 2-2 draw. Arima North had taken a 2-0 lead in the first half, but San Juan’s Jahdel Chase-Charles equalized late to force the shootout, where San Juan held their nerve to advance. They will now face St Augustine Secondary, who defeated St George’s College 2-0 in the other semifinal. These results set the stage for two highly anticipated zonal finals, showcasing the resilience and skill of these young footballers.
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Club Sando score six again, jump to TTPFL summit
Club Sando has solidified its position as a powerhouse in the TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) with two consecutive six-goal victories. On November 21, they delivered a commanding 6-1 win against last season’s runners-up, MIC Central FC Reboot, at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva. This triumph followed their 6-0 demolition of Terminix La Horquetta Rangers just two days prior. The Angus Eve-coached team showcased their attacking prowess, scoring five unanswered goals in the first half against Central FC before adding a sixth late in the second half. This victory propelled Club Sando to the top of the 12-team league table with 12 points, edging out Prisons FC on goal difference. The team’s attackers, Real Gill and Tarik Lee, were instrumental in the win, each scoring twice in the first half. Lee continued his impressive form after a four-goal performance against Rangers. Keron Cornwall and captain Shervohnez Hamilton also contributed to the scoreline. Central FC’s defensive errors were ruthlessly exploited by Club Sando, with Gill opening the scoring in the 17th minute after capitalizing on a loose pass. Cornwall doubled the lead in the 25th minute, and Lee’s brace in the 29th and 35th minutes sealed the game. Gill added his second goal in the 37th minute, making it 5-0 before halftime. Despite a better second-half performance from Central FC, Daniel David’s 86th-minute goal was a mere consolation, as Hamilton completed the rout with a sharp finish in the 88th minute. In another TTPFL match, San Juan Jabloteh and Caledonia AIA played to a thrilling 2-2 draw. Jabloteh led 2-0 at halftime thanks to striker Malachi Webb’s brace, but Caledonia’s Keron Cummings equalized with a penalty and a spectacular volley in the second half. The TTPFL action continues with more matches scheduled at the Ato Boldon Stadium.
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Lutchmedial: FAA warning on flights over Venezuela airspace, a pre-caution
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a precautionary advisory to US airlines regarding potential risks when flying over Venezuela, citing a ‘worsening security situation and heightened military activity.’ The notice, released on November 21, requires airlines to provide 72 hours’ advance notice of planned flights but does not impose a complete ban on overflights. Ramesh Lutchmedial, former director general of civil aviation and a Newsday columnist, emphasized that this measure is a standard precaution in conflict-prone areas and does not signal imminent military action. He highlighted that the FAA’s advanced aerial navigation and intelligence systems enable it to assess such risks effectively. Lutchmedial also noted that US airlines are permitted to transit Venezuelan airspace under the International Air Transit Agreement (IATA), which includes over 170 signatory nations, including the US, Venezuela, and Trinidad and Tobago (TT). He cited examples of no-fly zones in Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Syria, where hostilities have led to similar restrictions. Lutchmedial stressed that the advisory is a routine safety measure, allowing the FAA to evaluate flight paths and advise airlines accordingly. Should the situation escalate, designated no-fly zones could be established. The FAA’s notice comes amid ongoing US-Venezuela tensions in the southern Caribbean, marked by recent US military strikes targeting suspected narco-traffickers and the deployment of naval assets, including the USS Gerald R Ford strike group. Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has supported the US anti-narcotics efforts but assured that TT would not serve as a launchpad for any attack on Venezuela.
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Gadsby-Dolly: PM must apologise for threat to ‘cuff down’ Imbert
St Ann’s East MP Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly has publicly criticized Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar for what she described as a violent threat directed at Diego Martin North/East MP Colm Imbert during a House of Representatives session on November 21. Gadsby-Dolly, a former education minister, called for an immediate apology from the Prime Minister, emphasizing the inappropriateness of such behavior from a national leader. In a video from the session, Persad-Bissessar is heard saying, ‘Don’t point at me,’ followed by a comment that was obscured by loud reactions from government MPs. Gadsby-Dolly expressed her disappointment in a Facebook post, stating that the Prime Minister’s conduct was embarrassing and set a poor example for young women and aspiring female politicians. She accused Persad-Bissessar of threatening to ‘cuff down’ Imbert, a statement made in full view of the Parliament. Gadsby-Dolly stressed that this incident transcends party politics and warned that such language sows seeds of violence. She questioned how the Prime Minister could advocate for non-violence among students while engaging in such behavior. The PNM’s Women’s League echoed these concerns, urging Persad-Bissessar to reflect on the impact of her words and the example they set for the nation. This incident follows a previous controversy involving then-energy minister Stuart Young, who apologized for disparaging remarks made about Persad-Bissessar and other UNC MPs during a House meeting last October.
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Regional development banks launch debt-for-resilience initiative at COP30
In a landmark move to enhance disaster resilience and alleviate debt burdens, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) have unveiled the Caribbean Multi-Guarantor Debt-for-Resilience Joint Initiative. Announced during COP30, this regional program aims to leverage guarantees from multilateral development banks (MDBs) and private sector partners to create fiscal space for Caribbean nations, enabling investments in resilience measures without escalating debt levels. The initiative focuses on three core objectives: scaling up debt-for-resilience swaps, strengthening coordination among MDBs, governments, and private sector partners, and improving transparency and monitoring standards to attract further investment. A dedicated facility under a Framework Agreement will be established to coordinate guarantors in debt-for-resilience swap transactions, ensuring alignment with national development priorities and sovereign debt management strategies. The initiative also plans to develop common principles for guarantee terms, shared taxonomies, and key performance indicators (KPIs) for resilience investments, aligned with global benchmarks. By simplifying multi-guarantor debt swaps, the program aims to attract new guarantors, reduce costs, and accelerate execution. Each transaction will include a regional public-goods component to bolster collective resilience across the Caribbean. The IDB, CAF, and CDB, with their extensive experience in sustainable development and regional integration, are well-positioned to drive this transformative initiative.
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Israel kills at least 28 Palestinians in wave of Gaza ‘ceasefire’ attacks
In a significant escalation of violence, at least 28 Palestinians have been killed in a series of Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip, according to medical sources cited by Al Jazeera. This marks one of the most severe breaches of the US-brokered ceasefire that took effect last month. The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza reported that 77 others were wounded in the bombardment, with the toll expected to rise. The strikes targeted key areas, including southern Gaza’s al-Mawasi region, a junction in eastern Gaza City’s Shujayea district, and a building in the Zeitoun neighborhood, where an entire family was among the victims. Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud described the attacks as intensifying panic across Gaza, where daily horrors persist despite the ceasefire. Israel justified the strikes as a response to alleged fire on its troops in Khan Younis, a claim Hamas dismissed as a pretext for further violence. The Palestinian group accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of seeking to resume a ‘genocide’ against Palestinians. Meanwhile, tensions flared in Lebanon following Israeli bombings of a Palestinian refugee camp, killing over a dozen people. The violence coincides with the UN Security Council’s recent resolution endorsing a US-backed peace plan for Gaza, which Hamas and other Palestinian factions have rejected, calling it a threat to Palestinian self-determination. Critics argue that Israel’s repeated violations of the ceasefire—totaling at least 393 incidents since October 10—undermine international efforts for peace. Khaled Elgindy of the Quincy Institute warned that without US enforcement, the ceasefire risks becoming a facade for continued war.
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Kalia Wyllie awarded BOSVG Netball Scholarship
Kalia Wyllie, a standout graduate of St. Vincent Girls’ High School, has been named the 2025 recipient of the BOSVG Netball Scholarship. Wyllie, who captained her school’s championship team during the 2024 Schools’ Netball Tournament, has consistently demonstrated exceptional talent and leadership in the sport. Her achievements were further recognized at the school’s 2025 graduation ceremony, where she was honored as the Most Outstanding Netballer. Additionally, she was awarded the title of Most Promising Player at the conclusion of the 2025 BOSVG National Netball Tournament and was selected to represent St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the 2025 Windward Island School Games. Beyond her athletic prowess, Wyllie’s academic excellence was highlighted by her outstanding performance in the CSEC examinations, showcasing her dedication and discipline. The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Netball Association (SVGNA) expressed confidence in her ability to excel both academically and in netball. Patricia John, Marketing and Communications Manager at BOSVG, presented Wyllie with a cheque for EC$4,000 to support her college journey, emphasizing the bank’s commitment to empowering talented young women. Natasha Baptiste, President of the SVG Netball Association, praised the bank’s partnership, noting its dual focus on sporting excellence and academic advancement. Wyllie’s achievements serve as an inspiration, and she is poised to make the most of this significant opportunity.
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The changing outlook of contemporary trade unions
Modern trade unions appear to have lost much of their former vigor, a stark contrast to their dynamic presence in previous decades. This decline can be attributed to a confluence of factors, with ineffective leadership emerging as a central issue. The current state of trade unions suggests a movement in crisis, struggling to adapt to contemporary challenges. Historically, trade unions thrived under strong, visionary leaders who commanded respect from members, employers, and political figures alike. While not all current leaders are ineffective, many have been criticized for their silence on critical issues affecting workers and society at large. Traditionally, unions played a crucial role as societal watchdogs, overseeing social, economic, and political policy changes. However, their vigilance and passion seem to have waned over time. The reasons for this shift remain debated. Some attribute it to a lack of enthusiasm among leaders, while others point to a disengaged membership that fails to hold leadership accountable. Critics argue that many union leaders have failed to evolve, clinging to outdated strategies and parochial concerns. This resistance to change has created tension between older leaders and younger workers, who bring fresh perspectives but often feel marginalized. The generational divide poses a significant challenge, with younger members advocating for succession planning and modernization, while entrenched leaders resist relinquishing control. Bridging this gap is essential for the survival of the labor movement. Additionally, trade unions must address their public image, often marred by perceptions of bureaucracy and self-interest, which hinder efforts to attract new members and gain public support. Dennis De Peiza, a Labour & Employee Relations Consultant at Regional Management Services Inc., highlights the urgent need for unions to adapt and rebuild their relevance in today’s rapidly changing world.
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Drag Racing Community Mourns Jerome Marsh After Fatal Parham Crash
The drag racing community is mourning the loss of Jerome Marsh, a passionate enthusiast who tragically lost his life in a devastating two-vehicle collision in Parham on Friday night. According to police reports, Marsh was behind the wheel of a yellow Toyota Vitz when it collided with a Toyota Noah van. Emergency responders utilized specialized equipment, commonly referred to as the ‘jaws of life,’ to extricate Marsh from the wreckage. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead shortly after the incident. Marsh’s 14-year-old son, who was a passenger in the vehicle, sustained injuries and remains hospitalized. The driver and a passenger of the Toyota Noah were also injured and are currently receiving medical care at Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre. Authorities have confirmed that investigations into the crash are ongoing, with further details expected to be released in due course.
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Medicinal Cannabis Authority Establishes Committee to Address Substance Misuse in Schools
The Antigua and Barbuda Medicinal Cannabis Authority (MCA) has taken decisive action to address the growing issue of substance misuse among students by establishing a specialized committee. This initiative underscores the MCA’s dual commitment to fostering a regulated medicinal cannabis industry while safeguarding public health. During its statutory meeting on November 20, 2025, the MCA Board expressed grave concerns over increasing reports of substance abuse in schools and resolved to tackle the issue head-on.