The 2025 UWI International Half Marathon, held on October 26 in St. Augustine, witnessed remarkable performances from distance runners Alex Ekesa and Aniqah Bailey, who clinched the overall men’s and women’s titles, respectively. Ekesa, representing the Trinidad and Tobago Road Runners Club, secured his first-ever UWI Half-Marathon victory with an impressive time of 1:08.33 over the 21.1-kilometer course. Bailey, from Pace and Performance Factory, crossed the finish line in 1:30.36, marking a significant improvement from her fourth-place finish in 2024. Both athletes showcased their dedication by surpassing their previous year’s performances. In the men’s division, Tafari Waldron of UTT Patriots claimed second place with a time of 1:08.58, while Nicholas Romany of TTRRC secured third in 1:11.06. The women’s category saw Alexia John of Pacelink Elite finish second in 1:33.09, followed by Samantha Shukla of TTRRC in third with 1:33.33. The event also highlighted team achievements, with Ekesa, Romany, and Donnell Francis leading TTRRC to the overall team prize. Additionally, the 5K race featured standout performances from unattached runners Kerry McLaren, Zidan Hamid, and Triston Bessor in the men’s category, while Praveen Ramdeo, Reeta Mathai, and Ziya Hosein Livingstone dominated the women’s division. The marathon underscored the growing talent and competitive spirit in long-distance running.
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One Seed for Change Initiative redefines youth empowerment
The One Seed for Change Initiative, founded by Dr. Lorraine Waldropt-Ferguson, is redefining youth empowerment across the Caribbean through innovative, purpose-driven programmes. This NGO, supported by partners like the Digicel Foundation and Shell Caribbean, focuses on fostering sustainable livelihoods, climate resilience, and community engagement. At its core is the Youth Apprenticeship and Entrepreneurship Movement (YAEM), a national model designed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical, real-world skills. YAEM equips young people aged 12-25 with entrepreneurial mindsets and hands-on experience in critical sectors such as Food and Agriculture, Media and Communication, Visual and Performing Arts, and Environment and Nature-Based Enterprises. Dr. Waldropt-Ferguson, an agricultural economist and lecturer at UWI, emphasises the importance of experiential learning and community-driven projects. YAEM’s holistic approach not only prepares youth for employment but also cultivates livelihoods that create meaningful impact. Programmes like Reach, Kairi Rise, and Agro-ecological Field Experiences empower participants to design and execute projects that address food security, environmental conservation, and social issues. The initiative also includes Loud, a youth media empowerment programme that teaches storytelling and digital ethics, enabling young people to amplify their voices and advocate for community issues. Supported by partnerships with government agencies, local businesses, and international collaborators, YAEM is expanding across the Caribbean, inspired by the Netherlands’ model of linking agriculture, education, and entrepreneurship. Dr. Waldropt-Ferguson and YAEM facilitator Khalil Joseph envision a future where Caribbean youth lead with purpose, creativity, and resilience, transforming their communities and building sustainable futures.
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Arrow ignites reading revolution in North East Trinidad
Over 200 students from 13 primary schools across North East Trinidad recently participated in a vibrant Literacy Day Extravaganza, hosted at the Toco Regional Complex. The event, themed ‘Pages of Enchantment,’ was organized by the Arrow Foundation and sponsored by Perenco Trinidad. It aimed to foster a love for reading through interactive activities such as literacy games, puppet shows, and storytelling sessions. The day also featured the distribution of free books and hampers to students and teachers, symbolizing the community’s commitment to literacy development. Dr. Alicia Lucien Baptiste, representing the Ministry of Education, emphasized the foundational role of literacy in unlocking learning potential and building stronger citizens. The event is part of a broader literacy initiative endorsed by the Ministry, which includes brain-based technology software, workshops for parents and teachers, and home support for students. Christopher Bonterre, managing director of the Arrow Foundation, highlighted the program’s success, noting that 92% of SEA students from participating schools passed their exams, with 96% showing significant improvement in literacy skills. The collaboration between the Arrow Foundation, Perenco, and the Ministry of Education continues to inspire curiosity, creativity, and a renewed passion for reading among young learners.
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Kenderson Noray presents Rhythm of My Heart at Horizons Art Gallery
Horizons Art Gallery in Trinidad and Tobago is set to unveil ‘Rhythm of My Heart,’ a captivating solo exhibition by Kenderson Noray, one of the nation’s most celebrated contemporary artists. The exhibition, which opens on October 28, promises to showcase the rhythm and emotional depth of Noray’s creative journey. Born and raised in Paramin, a village renowned for its steep hills, fertile lands, and vibrant Parang music, Noray’s art is deeply rooted in his cultural heritage. His paintings vividly depict the serene charm of his people and the stunning landscapes of his homeland. Noray, a graduate of the University of the West Indies with a degree in visual arts, has honed his craft over the years, excelling in both painting and filmmaking. His works, characterized by bold brushstrokes and vibrant color palettes, pulsate with life and movement, reflecting his technical prowess and profound connection to his subjects. The exhibition draws inspiration from Rod Stewart’s song ‘Rhythm of My Heart,’ with Noray emphasizing the emotional intensity of the creative process. ‘Rhythm of My Heart’ continues Noray’s exploration of identity and spirit through vivid oil compositions featuring poui trees, the female form, and narrative scenes that resonate with cultural identity and shared human emotion. Noray’s art has garnered international acclaim, with his works featured in private collections across the US, UK, Canada, Germany, China, and the Caribbean. The exhibition will run until November 8, with free admission to all visitors. For more information, contact Horizons Art Gallery at 628-9769 or visit www.horizonsartgallery.com.
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Bellingham fuels Liga leaders Real Madrid Clasico win over Barca
In a high-stakes La Liga showdown, Real Madrid emerged victorious with a 2-1 win over arch-rivals Barcelona, extending their lead at the top of the table to five points. The match, held at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday, saw Jude Bellingham play a pivotal role, scoring the decisive goal. This marked a significant turnaround for Real Madrid, who had lost all four encounters against Barcelona last season. Under the guidance of new coach Xabi Alonso, the team showcased resilience and tactical prowess. Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring for Madrid, but Fermin Lopez equalized for Barcelona. Bellingham’s strike before halftime proved to be the match-winner. The game was marred by tensions, culminating in the dismissal of Barcelona’s Pedri for a second yellow card. Real Madrid’s victory solidifies their strong start to the season, with nine wins in their first ten league matches. Despite missing key players like Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski, Barcelona struggled to capitalize on their possession. Madrid’s dominance was evident, with Mbappe and Bellingham creating numerous chances. The win not only boosts Madrid’s title aspirations but also highlights Alonso’s impact as a coach. Barcelona, led by assistant Marcus Sorg in Hansi Flick’s absence, remain optimistic about their season despite the setback.
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Arteta sees room for Arsenal improvement as Eze haunts Palace
Arsenal continued their impressive Premier League campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. Eberechi Eze’s first Premier League goal for the Gunners proved decisive, as the England midfielder struck late in the first half to secure three crucial points. The win extended Arsenal’s lead at the top of the table, with the team now four points clear of second-placed Bournemouth and six ahead of Manchester City, who suffered a surprising 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa. Liverpool’s 3-2 loss to Brentford further bolstered Arsenal’s position, leaving the defending champions in turmoil after four consecutive defeats. Despite the victory, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta emphasized the need for improvement, stating, ‘It’s very early, we’re still in October. The emotional state is really high, but there are a lot of things to get better.’ The match also saw injury concerns for Arsenal, with Declan Rice limping off in the second half and William Saliba unable to continue after the interval. Arsenal’s defensive solidity remained a highlight, as they recorded their 10th clean sheet of the season, conceding just three goals in 13 games across all competitions. Eze’s goal, a product of Arsenal’s renowned set-piece prowess, marked their 11th set-piece goal this season, a record in Europe’s top five leagues. The victory further fueled optimism among Arsenal fans, who are hopeful that this could be the season the club ends its 20-year Premier League title drought.
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Star sprinter Ka Ying Rising wins world’s richest turf race, The Everest
In a spectacular display of speed and skill, Hong Kong’s superstar sprinter Ka Ying Rising, ridden by renowned jockey Zac Purton, clinched his 14th consecutive victory at The Everest 2025, the world’s richest turf race, held at Sydney’s Royal Randwick. The David Hayes-trained five-year-old surged ahead in the final 100 meters, securing a decisive win by a length and claiming the staggering prize of Aus$7.0 million (US$4.7 million) for a race that lasted just over a minute. Tempted, with Craig Williams aboard, finished second, followed by Jimmysstar, ridden by Ethan Brown. Ka Ying Rising, now hailed as the planet’s premier sprinter, boasts an impressive record of 15 wins in 17 starts, including 14 consecutive victories, most of which were under Purton’s expert guidance. The gelding’s only two losses were second-place finishes. Purton, who flew in from Hong Kong to pilot Ka Ying Rising from barrier seven, noted the horse’s initial restlessness in the gate but praised his performance: ‘He still began well and had a beautiful run in the race.’ Jimmysstar led early, but Ka Ying Rising’s relentless pace in the final stretch sealed the victory. Purton, 42 and nearing the end of his illustrious career, expressed deep emotion: ‘It makes you a little bit emotional. I’ve been really lucky to have this horse come along now, and it’s a great way to close my career.’ The Everest, a 1,200-meter race featuring 12 elite sprinters under weight-for-age conditions, is the crown jewel of the Sydney Spring Carnival, offering a total prize pool of Aus$20 million (US$13 million). It is the second-richest thoroughbred race globally, trailing only the Saudi Cup. Even the last-placed horse, Magic Time, earned Aus$700,000. Trainer David Hayes described the win as a ‘crowning moment’ in his career, while owner Leung Shek-kong celebrated the triumph. The race’s innovative format, inspired by the Pegasus World Cup, involves buyers purchasing Aus$700,000 slots and partnering with owners and jockeys to secure top horses, with prize money shared among participants.
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Severe damage expected
As Hurricane Melissa, now projected to make landfall on Tuesday, approaches Jamaica, the island’s major utility providers have warned that the storm’s intensity could lead to unprecedented damage, potentially requiring extensive rebuilding rather than mere restoration. Speaking at a joint media briefing on Sunday, Hugh Grant, CEO of the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS), emphasized the severity of the situation. ‘A Category Four hurricane passing through the island could cause unprecedented damage to our facilities. At JPS, we’re likely looking at a rebuild, not just a restoration,’ Grant stated. He added that the company has bolstered preparations by securing additional resources, including bucket trucks, crane trucks, and overseas line workers, to ensure a swift and safe response post-storm. Grant also urged the public to exercise patience during potential service disruptions, acknowledging the inconvenience but stressing the importance of safety. Meanwhile, telecom providers Flow and Digicel have also ramped up their readiness. Stephen Price, Flow’s vice-president and general manager, highlighted the vulnerability of their infrastructure to the storm’s intensity, noting that some areas may require rebuilding. Digicel’s CEO, Stephen Murad, appealed to Jamaicans to protect critical infrastructure, citing past incidents of theft and vandalism that hampered recovery efforts. The National Water Commission (NWC) and the National Works Agency (NWA) have also mobilized to maintain essential services and clear roads, though disruptions are inevitable. With predictions of extreme flooding and landslides, Jamaica’s utility providers and emergency services are on high alert, preparing for the worst while urging public cooperation and patience.
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Erratic Melissa leaves Jamaica in limbo
Jamaica is on high alert as Hurricane Melissa, a Category 4 storm, threatens to unleash catastrophic storm surges and torrential rainfall across the island. Evan Thompson, principal director of the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, issued a stark warning on Sunday, emphasizing that southern coastal communities could face waves as high as 13 feet. ‘Storm surge is expected mainly over the southern side of the island, particularly in Clarendon, St Catherine, Kingston, and western St Thomas,’ Thompson stated during a press conference at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) in St Andrew. He highlighted Portland Cottage in Clarendon as the area most vulnerable to the highest storm surges. Thompson also projected intense rainfall, with 20 to 30 inches expected in eastern and south-central regions, likely triggering widespread flooding. Despite a slight westward shift in the hurricane’s path, Thompson stressed that Jamaica should prepare for a direct hit, with landfall anticipated between Monday night and Tuesday morning. Minister of Water, Environment, and Climate Change Matthew Samuda assured the public that emergency protocols are in place to restore potable water swiftly. The National Water Commission (NWC) has collaborated with the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) to prioritize electricity restoration for critical water pump stations, particularly those serving hospitals and emergency distribution points. Samuda, alongside other government officials, urged residents in low-lying areas and near river courses to relocate to safer zones immediately. As Jamaica braces for Melissa’s impact, the government has mobilized resources to mitigate the hurricane’s devastating effects.
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Callous criminals
Jamaica’s efforts to recover from the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa are being severely hampered by criminal activities targeting critical infrastructure. Local utility companies, including major telecommunications providers, have reported significant thefts of essential equipment and resources, which are delaying the restoration of services across the island.