The Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) senior men’s national football team concluded their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign with a 1-1 draw against Jamaica on November 13 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium. Despite a spirited performance in front of a passionate home crowd, the result left the team with only six points, eliminating any chance of advancing to the World Cup. Their final qualifier match against Bermuda on November 18 will be a mere formality, as they cannot secure a top-two finish in their group. Jamaica opened the scoring in the 53rd minute, but T&T’s substitute Kevin Molino equalized just four minutes before the final whistle. A promising stoppage-time effort by debutant forward Roald Mitchell, a New York Red Bulls player, was cut short due to a hamstring injury. Statistically, T&T dominated the game with 62% possession, 17 shots on goal compared to Jamaica’s six, and 411 passes to Jamaica’s 257. However, their inability to convert opportunities into goals proved costly. Coach Dwight Yorke defended his strategy, emphasizing that it worked as planned despite the lack of goals. He called for a focus on developing a stronger squad and nurturing home-grown coaching talent. Yorke’s first year as coach has revitalized local interest in football, with increased fan attendance and sponsorship support. However, T&T remains at the early stages of building a competitive team. The government’s ‘grandfather clause’ to expand the pool of eligible players is a step forward, but long-term success hinges on investing in youth development programs like the Secondary Schools Football League and improving talent identification processes, such as the poorly handled National Under-17 trials on November 9. Yorke’s experience as a former professional player will be crucial in guiding the next generation of T&T footballers, ensuring a more competitive future World Cup campaign.
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Post-treaty tensions in Tobago
The Treaty of Paris in 1763 marked a significant moment for British control over Tobago, yet the aftermath was far from peaceful. The British administration faced immediate challenges, as France, though subdued at the negotiation table, harbored intentions to reclaim the island. Recognizing the precariousness of their position, the British prioritized security, understanding that their survival hinged on robust defenses. Their initial strategy involved increasing the British landowning population to bolster loyalty and defense against potential French incursions. However, this plan faltered, as the number of resident British landowners remained insufficient. The administration also established a militia to counter external threats, including French privateers and pirates, as well as internal resistance from the growing enslaved population. Despite these efforts, the island’s vulnerability persisted, particularly due to its numerous bays, which served as entry points for slavers and hideouts for pirates. The British sought to enhance security by appointing military ranks to defend the bays, but this proved inadequate given the limited human resources. Simultaneously, the administration focused on land division, creating plantations but neglecting essential infrastructure like roads. This oversight was later addressed through the imposition of a land tax and the enlistment of enslaved laborers for road construction. The ambitious plan aimed to connect the island’s parishes and improve communication, but progress was slow and hampered by resistance from enslaved Africans and the limited availability of qualified white men. Ultimately, the British administration’s inability to fortify Tobago’s defenses and establish effective communication networks left the island vulnerable. In 1781, France capitalized on these weaknesses, recapturing Tobago and dealing a significant blow to the British planting community.
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Family, friends mourn Alexia Trim – law student hailed for her humility, strength
The St Francis of Assisi RC Church in Belmont was filled with heartfelt tributes and profound grief as family, friends, and educators gathered to honor the life of Alexia Trim, a 23-year-old UWI law student who passed away in Colombia on October 22. Trim, who was set to graduate with first-class honors in Law from the University of the West Indies (UWI) St. Augustine campus, succumbed to complications from arteriovenous malformation, a rare condition affecting blood vessels in the brain.
Her funeral on November 15 was a poignant celebration of her life, marked by eulogies that highlighted her ambition, intelligence, humility, and unwavering faith. Trim’s mother, Marsha Trim, shared a moving tribute through her friends, recounting the joys of her daughter’s birth and her remarkable ability to face life’s challenges with grace and dignity. Despite enduring health struggles during her final year of studies, Trim remained optimistic about her future, eagerly anticipating her graduation and further studies in law.
Former teachers and peers also paid homage to Trim’s extraordinary character. Lisa Rodriguez, a former teacher at St. Joseph’s Convent, described Trim as a beacon of faith and humility, whose life radiated a divine light. Dr. Timothy Affonso, deputy dean of the Faculty of Law at UWI, praised her civic-mindedness and the positive impact she had on her peers and faculty.
Fr. Mikkel Trestrail, who delivered the homily, reflected on Trim’s acceptance of her fate, sharing that she had expressed peace with her journey just days before her passing. He likened the mourners to ‘lumps of dough transformed into donuts,’ emphasizing that Trim’s death had left a void in their hearts but also a lasting legacy of love and faith. Trestrail encouraged those present to deepen their relationship with God, assuring them that Trim’s love and the love of Christ would guide them through their grief.
The funeral concluded with a powerful message of hope, as Trestrail reminded attendees that Trim’s spirit would live on in their hearts and in God’s Kingdom, a testament to the enduring power of love and faith.
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Holy Trinity Cathedral hosts fundraising golf tourney
The Holy Trinity Cathedral, a cherished heritage site registered with the National Trust of Trinidad and Tobago, is set to host a unique Fundraising Golf Tournament aimed at supporting its ongoing restoration efforts. The event will take place at the prestigious St Andrews Golf Course in Maraval on November 16, commencing with an 8 am shotgun start. Participants will engage in a Two-Ball Better Ball – 85 per cent format, with registration fees set at $3,500 per team. Organizers are calling on the public, corporate partners, and golf enthusiasts to rally behind this significant initiative, which directly contributes to the preservation of one of Trinidad and Tobago’s historic architectural treasures. For registration or sponsorship inquiries, individuals can contact Christopher Skinner at 680-4110 or Kirby Anthony Hosang at 678-8770. Additionally, email inquiries can be directed to cathedralhtcgolf@gmail.com.
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No Jazz on the Greens for 2026
In a significant announcement, Production One Ltd (POL) has confirmed the cancellation of the Jazz Artists on the Greens event for 2026. The decision, disclosed on November 15, stems from the lingering uncertainties of the post-pandemic economy, coupled with state policies affecting the entertainment sector and its influence on private sector sponsorship. The company highlighted the minimal uptake of tax incentives for sponsorship by private entities as a contributing factor. Additionally, the recent national budget statement underscored public sector funding shortfalls, prompting a reevaluation of financial management strategies. POL emphasized its commitment to realigning its services and products to adapt to these new economic realities. After 22 successful editions—20 in Trinidad and two in Tobago—the company is rebranding and reassessing its business model. While the live event will not proceed, POL plans to commercialize recorded content from previous productions, pending negotiations with rights holders. The company assured patrons that the legacy of the event will endure through digital platforms, where performances, memorabilia, and branded merchandise will remain accessible. POL reaffirmed its mission to support local and Caribbean artists, focusing on recalibrating the jazz ecosystem and exploring new avenues for talent showcase. The company expressed gratitude to its patrons and partners, urging them to stay updated via its website. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced measures to address noise pollution, including halting fetes at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy and introducing enhanced noise pollution legislation by the end of 2025.
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‘Mommy, is that Melissa coming back?’
Marvanine Anderson and her seven-year-old son, Khalique Campbell, are grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which devastated their home in Retrieve, Hanover. The Category 5 hurricane, which struck last month, left their house precariously balanced on unstable columns, with Khalique’s bedroom completely destroyed. For 24 hours during the storm, Anderson and her son huddled in their kitchen, listening to the relentless wind and water eroding their land. The trauma lingers, as Khalique remains fearful of the storm’s return, often asking his mother if Melissa is coming back.
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After the storm: Young Jordan’s diabetes struggle
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, 13-year-old Jordan from Whitehouse, Westmoreland, faces unprecedented challenges in managing his type 1 diabetes. The storm’s destruction has disrupted his daily routine, particularly the storage of his life-saving insulin, which must be kept refrigerated between 2°C and 8°C. With power lines down and electricity unavailable, Jordan’s family has resorted to using an igloo filled with ice to preserve the medication. However, ice has become a scarce commodity, putting Jordan and others in a precarious situation as their insulin risks losing its potency.
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Disappearing houses
Horace McFarlane, a long-time resident of Content District in Manchester, Jamaica, is grappling with the aftermath of unprecedented flooding caused by rising groundwater. His home, now submerged, is a stark reminder of the community’s vulnerability to natural disasters. The flooding, which occurred days after Hurricane Melissa, has left 15 houses underwater, with only rooftops visible in some areas. McFarlane, who has lived in Content for over two decades, recounted how the water rose overnight, forcing his family to evacuate and scatter to different locations. Despite his efforts to save his belongings, including a newly installed zinc roof, the damage has been catastrophic. The phenomenon, explained by Peter Clarke of the Water Resources Authority, is due to a limestone aquifer filled to capacity, causing water to surface through sinkholes. The community, once a bustling district, now resembles a beachside, drawing curious onlookers and vendors. For McFarlane, however, the sight is a painful reminder of his loss. Suffering from health issues, he struggles to cope with the trauma, while his wife refuses to return to their home. The flooding has also revived memories of the 1979 disaster that reshaped the region. As residents and authorities work to address the crisis, McFarlane’s story highlights the human toll of environmental challenges.
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Sliding pains
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, a catastrophic landslide has wreaked havoc on the rural community of Newcastle in St Andrew, Jamaica, leaving local farmers in dire straits. The disaster, which occurred at the 17 Mile post, has not only eroded a critical section of the main road but also swept away acres of farmland, plunging farmers into a struggle for survival. Among the most affected are Alvin McNeish and Aston Henry, whose livelihoods have been severely disrupted by the destruction of their crops and the loss of access to their farms. McNeish, a 69-year-old farmer with over six decades of experience, has seen his four-acre property, once teeming with plantains, bananas, coffee, and other crops, reduced to rubble. The emotional toll of the devastation has left him in tears, as he grapples with the monumental task of rebuilding. On the other side of the landslide, Henry faces a similar plight. With the main road severed, he is forced to carry his produce on his back through treacherous terrain to reach the nearest vehicle, significantly limiting his earning potential. Both farmers express deep concern over the lack of immediate assistance and the uncertainty of their futures. McNeish, who resides two miles from his farm, fears further damage as residents now use his land as a makeshift bypass. Meanwhile, Henry, who has been farming for 30 years, has never encountered such devastation. Despite the overwhelming challenges, both men remain determined to rebuild their lives, relying on their faith and resilience to navigate the difficult road ahead. They are calling for urgent support from the government and the community to help them recover from this unprecedented disaster.
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Watson, DaCosta, Halledeen look to shine with Funcaandun and Dothraki on Jamaica Cup race day
The Jamaica Cup Race Day is set to be a monumental event for owner Carlton Watson, trainer Jason DaCosta, and jockey Robert Halledeen as they aim for a dominant double with their horses, Funcaandun and Dothraki, in the $6-million Jamaica Cup and the $2.5-million Port Royal Sprint, respectively. The trio is poised for success in two of the three major trophy events on the 10-race card, with high hopes of a triumphant day. Funcaandun, the reigning Horse of the Year, will face 11 competitors over nine and a half furlongs (1,900m), while Dothraki will take on eight rivals over six furlongs (1,200m). Both races are ‘Win and You’re In’ contests, offering a guaranteed spot in next month’s prestigious Mouttet Mile. Funcaandun, despite a disappointing sixth-place finish in the recent Gold Cup, boasts an impressive record with two wins from five starts this season. Carrying top weight at 57.0kgs (126 lb), the bay colt is a formidable contender with a proven track record in major races. However, the competition remains fierce, with Tiz Tok, Mojito, and H Two O posing significant threats. Tiz Tok has shown steady improvement, Mojito recently secured a victory over nine furlongs, and H Two O has been training exceptionally well. Meanwhile, Dothraki, a four-year-old American-bred colt, is making his second local appearance after a stellar debut win. He is the top pick for the Port Royal Sprint, though Rideallday and Desert of Malibu are expected to provide strong competition. Rideallday, a highly regarded horse, is eager to reclaim his winning streak after a setback in the Gold Cup, while Desert of Malibu has shown promise in recent training sessions. In the $1.5-million St Elizabeth Distaff, trainer Anthony “Baba” Nunes is confident in his top runners, Fearless Force and Linguist, who are strong contenders in the Overnight Allowance contest for three-year-old fillies and mares over one mile (1,600m). Fearless Force, unbeatable on paper, is the favorite, but Linguist, this year’s Jamaica Oaks winner, could challenge for the top spot. The Jamaica Cup Race Day promises thrilling competition and high stakes, with the potential for historic victories.