The Eastern Football Association (EFA) 2025 tournament witnessed intense quarterfinal action on November 2, with reigning champions Malabar Youngstars securing a hard-fought 2-0 extra-time victory over Wallerfield FC at the Arima Velodrome. The match remained scoreless during regulation time, but Malabar Youngstars showcased their championship pedigree in extra-time, with Kendell Boneo and Jeremiah Williams delivering crucial goals to seal their semifinal berth. Williams, last year’s Man of the Match in the EFA final, once again proved pivotal in the team’s success. Wallerfield FC, who finished fourth in Group B, put up a valiant effort but ultimately fell short. In another quarterfinal clash at the same venue, Athletic United triumphed over Eastern Connect FC in a dramatic penalty shootout (7-6) after a 1-1 draw in regulation and extra-time. Eastern Connect took an early lead through Avery Cabralis, but Marcus Griffith equalized for Athletic United, setting the stage for the nail-biting shootout. Meanwhile, at the Phase 2 La Horquetta Recreation Ground, FC Maloney dominated Heatwave with a commanding 4-1 victory, thanks to goals from Gary Bart, Isaiah Edwards, Saleem Henry, and Kerry Mitchell. In the other La Horquetta quarterfinal, CPC Athletic International Academy (AIA) edged out CG Poseidon 2-1, with Dalon Sankar and Isaiah Isaac scoring the decisive goals. The semifinals, scheduled for November 9 in La Horquetta, will see FC Maloney face Athletic United at 5 pm, followed by Malabar Youngstars versus AIA at 7 pm. The 2025 EFA champions will receive a $15,000 prize, with $10,000 and $5,000 awarded to the second and third-placed teams, respectively.
作者： admin
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Station closed as blaze leaves 15 homeless – Grande fire fiasco
A catastrophic fire in Vega de Oropouche, east Trinidad, on November 7 left three homes and a mini-mart in ruins, but the timely intervention of a vigilant neighbor saved 15 lives, including seven children. The blaze erupted around 3 am in a mini-mart, where LPG gas tanks exploded, rapidly spreading the inferno to adjacent homes. The neighbor, preparing for his market work, noticed the fire and immediately alerted residents by honking his car horn and shouting warnings. His actions prompted the frightened families to flee, though they lost nearly all their possessions. Tragically, a pet dog perished in the flames, and two vehicles were destroyed. Residents expressed frustration over the delayed response from the Sangre Grande Fire Station, which was reportedly locked and unmanned. Firefighters from Arima eventually arrived over an hour later to extinguish the blaze. Taryn Bhola, a resident severely burned while attempting to salvage belongings, described the ordeal as surreal and emphasized the need for better emergency services. Local officials provided immediate aid, including mattresses, food, and access to government grants for rebuilding. The incident has sparked widespread criticism of the fire service’s inadequacies, with Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander acknowledging systemic issues and pledging improvements.
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$137m for Carnival 2026
The vibrant streets of Port of Spain came alive on November 7 as Trinidad and Tobago officially launched Carnival 2026 at the Brian Lara Promenade. This year’s event, themed “Yuh Go Love This,” marked the beginning of a 100-day countdown to one of the Caribbean’s most celebrated cultural spectacles. The launch featured performances by renowned artists, including 2025 Chutney Soca Queen Reshma Ramlal, Preddy, and Aaron Duncan, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of steelpan and African drumming.
Culture and Community Development Minister Michelle Benjamin emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring adequate funding for the festivities. With an allocation of $137 million, up from $134.5 million in 2025, Benjamin assured that previous inefficiencies in fund distribution have been addressed. She highlighted the administration’s focus on empowering local artists and communities, ensuring that regional carnivals, often overlooked in favor of Port of Spain events, receive equitable financial support.
The decision to move the launch from the traditional Queen’s Park Savannah to the Brian Lara Promenade was praised for its cost-effectiveness and ability to bring the festival closer to the people. NCC Chairman Peter Kanhai noted that the new venue significantly reduced expenses while enhancing accessibility.
Looking ahead, both Kanhai and Benjamin expressed optimism for Carnival 2026, anticipating a strong international and diaspora presence. With accommodations and flights already fully booked, the government is implementing a system to track visitor numbers, using the data to inform future planning. Deputy NCC Chairman Kevan Gibbs also predicted a safer carnival season, citing a projected low murder rate.
In response to Jamaica’s ambition to become the Carnival capital of the Caribbean, Kanhai welcomed the competition, asserting that Trinidad and Tobago remains the pinnacle of Caribbean carnivals. He emphasized the importance of maintaining this status while supporting other nations in their efforts to elevate their own celebrations.
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Misleading statistics from single fathers group
In a recent letter to the editor, Arthur Dash critiques the misuse of statistics in a study cited by Rhondall Feeles of the Single Fathers’ Association of TT. Feeles referenced an unnamed laboratory study claiming that 143 out of 440 men who underwent paternity tests over five years were not the biological fathers of their children. Dash argues that extrapolating this statistic to the broader population is misleading, as it misrepresents the global rate of paternity discrepancies, which is realistically between one to four percent. Dash emphasizes that men seeking paternity tests often already suspect they are not the fathers, skewing the results. Moreover, even using Feeles’ data, two-thirds of the men tested were indeed the biological fathers, highlighting a troubling trend of men contesting child support responsibilities. Dash also points out that many women, especially those facing domestic violence or financial constraints, are reluctant to seek court orders for child support. The Caribbean Association for Feminist Research and Action (CAFRA TT) calls for addressing these issues to promote gender equality and respectful family relations. They advocate for readily available paternity tests without stigmatization and emphasize the importance of extended family networks in childcare. The letter concludes by urging society to reject harmful stereotypes and support families in navigating complex relationships.
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Remember ‘small-men,’ Minister
In a recent development, the United National Congress (UNC) has allocated a substantial $187 million to the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure’s Infrastructural Development Fund (IDF) as part of the 2026 development programme. This significant investment is poised to play a crucial role in advancing national development. However, with this funding comes a pressing responsibility to ensure that the benefits are equitably distributed across the economy. Arthur Dash, in a letter to the editor, has called on Minister Jearlean John to prioritize the fair allocation of construction contracts to micro and small contractors, who are often overshadowed by larger firms. Dash highlights the importance of supporting these smaller enterprises, which are the backbone of local communities, by implementing clear set-asides and support mechanisms within the ministry’s procurement processes. Drawing a parallel to the United States, where procurement policies are designed to ensure a ‘fair proportion’ of contract dollars go to small businesses, Dash emphasizes the need for similar measures in Trinidad and Tobago. By doing so, the $187 million investment could foster inclusive growth, bolster local entrepreneurship, and build a more resilient and distributed economy.
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No white elephants, please
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar recently unveiled the TT Revitalisation Blueprint at the newly renamed Delivery Centre in St Ann’s, presenting a bold vision for the nation’s future. The plan, showcased via a QR code, aims to address years of policy stagnation and introduce transformative projects. However, skepticism remains as critics question the feasibility and transparency of the initiative. Works Minister Jearlean John expressed optimism, suggesting construction could begin by August 2026, with a long-term outlook extending to 2035. Yet, past experiences with ambitious state projects, such as those under Patrick Manning’s Vision 2020, have left citizens wary of lofty promises and vague timelines. The government plans to fund these projects through public-private partnerships and government-to-government deals, avoiding direct strain on the public purse. While the blueprint has been praised for its ambition, concerns persist regarding environmental protection, local involvement, and job sustainability. The government’s lack of detailed implementation plans and concrete timelines has further fueled doubts. As the administration seeks to rally both domestic and international support, the success of this ambitious blueprint will hinge on its ability to deliver tangible results and maintain transparency.
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The perfect caramel sauce
Naomi Anderson, the founder of Unicakery, a renowned baking studio in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, has shared her cherished caramel recipe that has captivated her students and garnered rave reviews. This simple yet elegant recipe employs the dry method, akin to making browning but with a lighter touch, ensuring a smooth, glossy, and buttery caramel that is versatile enough for drizzling, filling, or flavoring a variety of desserts.
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup sugar
– ⅔ cup heavy cream
– 1 tbsp unsalted butter
– 2 tsp salt
– Dash of vanilla extract**Instructions:**
1. Place the sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously until it melts and turns a deep amber or copper color. Be vigilant to avoid burning.
2. Carefully pour in the heavy cream while stirring; the mixture will bubble up. Continue stirring or whisking until smooth.
3. Add the salt and remove from heat.
4. Stir in the butter until melted, then let the caramel cool slightly before adding the vanilla.**Chef’s Note:**
As the caramel cools, it thickens into a rich, velvety sauce, ideal for enhancing cakes, ice cream, pancakes, brownies, or even as a macaron filling.**Serving Ideas:**
Drizzle it over your favorite desserts, use it as a filling, or swirl it into buttercream. The possibilities are endless.Naomi Anderson, with over 12 years of professional pastry experience, has transformed Unicakery into a hub for specialty cakes, desserts, and hands-on culinary education. She continues to inspire through community-driven classes, mentorship, and creative desserts. For more information, visit @unicakery on all social media platforms or www.unicakery.com.
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The last chance
As the FIFA international match window approaches, Trinidad and Tobago (TT) men’s football team coach Dwight Yorke is leaving no stone unturned in preparing his squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. With critical matches against Jamaica on November 13 and Bermuda on November 18 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo, Yorke has been conducting intensive training sessions to ensure his team is in peak condition.
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Police, Army lock horns in servicemen’s TTPFL derby
The TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) is set to witness an early-season blockbuster as defending champions Defence Force face off against title contenders Miscellaneous Police FC on November 9 at the St Police Barracks. The match, scheduled for 7 pm, promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of the league’s most formidable teams. Police FC has begun the 2025/26 season in dominant fashion, securing back-to-back victories. They opened their campaign with a resounding 4-0 win over San Juan Jabloteh on October 24, followed by a hard-fought 2-1 triumph against MIC Central FC Reboot on November 1. In contrast, Defence Force has struggled to find their rhythm, starting their title defense with two consecutive draws. They were held to a goalless stalemate by 2023/24 champions AC Port of Spain in their opener and then squandered a lead to draw 2-2 with FC Eagles on October 31, conceding a late stoppage-time goal. Despite their slow start, Police FC coach Todd Ryan remains wary of the defending champions. ‘Police and Army, that’s probably the biggest rivalry in top-tier football,’ Ryan remarked. ‘We don’t care what start they got…they’re still unbeaten from last season. We need to ensure they stay at the bottom of us.’ Ryan emphasized the importance of this match, calling it a ‘local derby’ and a crucial step toward achieving their ultimate goal: qualifying for Concacaf football. Meanwhile, Defence Force’s interim coach Devorn Jorsling remains optimistic, dismissing their early struggles as a temporary setback. ‘When the smoke clears, we will be champions of the league,’ Jorsling asserted. The clash is part of a packed matchday, with Caledonia AIA vs. Terminix La Horquetta Rangers and AC Port of Spain vs. FC Eagles also set to take place on November 9.
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San Juan North, Trinity draw 1-1 in SSFL rescheduled tie
In a tightly contested rescheduled Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premiership fixture, Trinity College (Moka) and San Juan North Secondary played to a 1-1 draw at Trinity College Grounds in Maraval on November 7. San Juan North, currently positioned 13th in the 16-team league, took the lead in the first half with a goal from Malique Marrast. However, Trinity Moka quickly responded as Anton Joseph equalized before halftime. Despite both teams pushing for a decisive goal in the second half, neither could break the stalemate, resulting in a shared point. The outcome had minimal impact on the league standings, with Trinity remaining in sixth place and San Juan North holding onto their 13th position, just two points above the relegation zone. Both teams have one league match remaining to conclude their campaigns.