The Trinidad and Tobago (TT) women’s football team is set to face Jamaica in a high-stakes friendly match on October 28 at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva. This encounter marks TT’s first significant test after an extended hiatus, serving as a vital preparation for the upcoming 2025/26 Concacaf W Qualifiers. The TT Football Association officially announced the venue and kickoff time via a social media post on October 20. Jamaica’s head coach, Hubert Busby, unveiled a 20-member squad on October 16, featuring key foreign-based players such as goalkeepers Sydney Schneider (Tampa Bay Sun FC) and Rebecca Spencer (Chelsea WFC), defenders Tiffany Cameron (Halifax Tides) and Tianna Harris (Damaiense FC), midfielder Vyan Sampson (INAC Kobe Leonessa), and striker Shania Hayles (Newcastle United WFC). On the TT side, former men’s team coach Angus Eve has been preparing a 35-member training squad, including seasoned players like goalkeeper Kimika Forbes, defender Victoria Swift, midfielder Asha James, and attackers Kennya Cordner and Nikita Gosine. However, James is rumored to miss the final squad selection following a controversial social media post on October 20. The friendly is a strategic move for both teams as they gear up for the Concacaf W Qualifiers, which kick off next month. TT is placed in Group F alongside Barbados, El Salvador, and Honduras, while Jamaica is in Group B with Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Guyana, and Nicaragua. TT’s campaign begins on November 30 against Barbados at the BFA Technical Centre in Bridgetown, while Jamaica starts their journey on November 29 against Dominica at the Daren Sammy Cricket Stadium in St. Lucia. The top six group winners from the qualifiers will advance to the 2026 Concacaf Women’s Championship, joining powerhouses Canada and the United States.
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Eve resigns from Trinidad and Tobago women’s football team
In a surprising turn of events, Angus Eve, the newly appointed head coach of Trinidad and Tobago’s women’s football team, has resigned before overseeing his first match. The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) confirmed Eve’s resignation on October 21, following social media reports that he had submitted a resignation letter to Jinelle James, the TTFA’s director of women’s football. Eve, a former national standout, was officially appointed on September 30, with Densill Theobald named as his assistant coach. His departure leaves the team without a permanent head coach once again, just as they prepare for the Concacaf Women’s qualifiers next month. The team is scheduled to play a friendly against Jamaica on October 28 at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva. Efforts to reach TTFA officials for further comments were unsuccessful. In his resignation letter dated October 19, Eve expressed gratitude for the opportunity and offered to assist in the transition process. The team recently played a practice game against Naparima College’s under-14 team and is finalizing its squad for the upcoming friendly. Key players in the training squad include veterans Karyn Forbes, Naomie Guerra, Victoria Swift, and strikers Kennya Cordner and Nikita Gosine. Trinidad and Tobago will face Barbados in their first Concacaf qualifier on November 30.
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Witco announces change in directors
The West Indian Tobacco Company Ltd (Witco) has witnessed a significant change in its leadership as Luis Verenzuela resigned from his position as a director, effective October 10. Verenzuela, who joined the board in July 2023, is set to transition into a new role within the British American Tobacco (BAT) group. His departure was officially announced on the TT Stock Exchange website on October 21. Taking over Verenzuela’s responsibilities is Gustavo Gonzalez, who assumed the role of director on October 16. Gonzalez boasts an impressive track record, having spent over two decades with the BAT group, most recently serving as the operations director for Latin America North and Caribbean. The board of directors expressed gratitude for Verenzuela’s contributions and extended a warm welcome to Gonzalez, highlighting his extensive experience and expertise.
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Supreme Court to hear Buchanan’s application for judicial review
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Supreme Court has set Tuesday, November 18, as the date to hear an application for Judicial Review concerning a contentious decision made by the Constituted Authority in the St Andrew West Central election dispute. The application was initiated by Paul Buchanan, the People’s National Party’s candidate, who contested the September 3 general election and later sought to nullify the results. His request was previously denied by the Constituted Authority, leading to this legal challenge. During a recent case management hearing, the court characterized the matter as both serious and unprecedented, particularly due to its direct implications for the actions of the Constituted Authority. The presiding judge has mandated that legal documents be served to Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness, the Jamaica Labour Party’s candidate for the constituency, as well as the Attorney General, who will represent the Constituted Authority in the proceedings.
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Fight against breast cancer in the west
Breast cancer continues to be a leading cause of death among women in Jamaica, particularly in the western region where Westmoreland has the highest incidence. The Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA) is spearheading efforts to combat this crisis through prevention campaigns, enhanced awareness, and improved diagnostic resources. Health officials across the island emphasize that early detection is critical to saving lives, a message reinforced by Dr. Christopher Tufton, Jamaica’s Minister of Health and Wellness. He has urged women to prioritize early screening to ensure the disease is caught at its most treatable stage. In Westmoreland, the situation is dire, with many patients presenting at advanced stages, limiting treatment options. Dr. Lincoln Cox, a general surgeon at Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital, highlighted the challenges of inadequate diagnostic tools and the financial burden of accessing radiological investigations in Montego Bay. The Misty Blue Foundation, supported by the Sandals Foundation, has been pivotal in driving awareness and providing screenings. Their efforts have expanded to include health education in schools, aiming to empower the next generation with knowledge about prevention and early detection. The recent Faith Gifford Breast Cancer Symposium, endorsed by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, underscored the importance of aligning national policies with local action to address this public health crisis. As Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed in October, Jamaica remains committed to reducing mortality rates through education, accessible screening, and timely treatment.
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Failure to implement national breast cancer screening leaves Bahamian women at risk
The Bahamas faces a critical health challenge as the absence of a national breast cancer screening policy continues to expose women to the risks of late diagnoses, warns Consultant Surgical Oncologist Dr. Wesley Francis. Despite some stabilization in recent years, the country still records some of the highest breast cancer rates in the region. Dr. Francis’s remarks coincide with Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, which highlights the urgent need for early detection and intervention. Data from the Bahamas National Cancer Registry reveals that the incidence rate peaked at 103.6 per 100,000 in 2018 and 101 in 2019, before dropping to 71 in 2020 due to reduced screenings during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rates have since stabilized between 65 and 77 per 100,000. Dr. Francis emphasized that while the registry’s data collection has improved, breast cancer screening in the Bahamas remains opportunistic, with no formal guidelines mandating mammograms at specific ages. This lack of policy leaves many women unscreened until they discover lumps, shifting the focus from prevention to diagnosis. Dr. Francis called for stronger public education and a nationwide screening program to ensure earlier detection, particularly as breast cancer in the Bahamas tends to affect younger women, often between 40 and 50 years old, compared to 60 to 70 in the United States. He attributed this trend to genetic factors prevalent in the country. A survival analysis of 960 cases diagnosed since 2018 revealed a median age of diagnosis at 57, with 68% of patients over 50. At the time of review, 22% of patients had died, with an average survival of 62 months and a five-year survival rate of 74%. The study underscored that while breast cancer remains a significant national concern, improving early detection and treatment access could enhance outcomes.
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WATCH: Manchester farmer killed by gunmen posing as police
In a shocking act of violence, a 30-year-old Manchester farmer, Ojay Gooden, was fatally shot during a home invasion in the Canewood district of Comfort Hall, Manchester, in the early hours of Tuesday. According to police reports, the assailants, posing as law enforcement officers, forcibly entered Gooden’s residence around 1:05 am and unleashed a barrage of gunfire, leaving him with multiple gunshot wounds. Following the attack, the perpetrators set ablaze Gooden’s grey 2003 Toyota Corolla, further intensifying the tragedy. Authorities are currently investigating whether this incident is connected to a previous murder that occurred in the same area on October 12. Local Councillor Rohan Kennedy, representing the People’s National Party in the Mile Gully Division, expressed deep concern over the incident, noting that Canewood is typically a peaceful community. This brutal killing has sent shockwaves through the region, raising questions about safety and security in rural areas.
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Murally appointed Carib managing director
In a landmark appointment, Leesa Murally has been named the first female managing director of Carib Brewery Ltd, a subsidiary of the Ansa McAL group, effective November 1. This historic move underscores the company’s commitment to diversity and leadership excellence. Murally, who currently serves as the beverage sector’s chief financial officer and corporate secretary to the board of Caribbean Development Company Ltd (CDC), brings a wealth of experience in finance, risk management, and corporate governance. Her career spans key roles at CDC and Witco, and she currently sits on the boards of CDC, Bayside Towers, and Community Chest. Murally’s academic credentials include an MBA in strategic planning from Heriot-Watt University, and she is a Fellow of the ACCA and a Certified Internal Auditor. Known for her people-centered leadership style, Murally has a proven track record of driving continuous improvement, fostering data-driven decision-making, and enhancing governance and cybersecurity. In addition to Murally’s appointment, Ansa McAL announced David Welch as the new managing director of AMCO, effective November 1. Welch, with over 25 years of experience in the FMCG industry, previously served as managing director of Carib Brewery and marketing director at CBL. The group expressed confidence that both leaders will play pivotal roles in advancing the beverage and distribution sectors’ growth and success.
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CAL provides 3,200 more seats for Tobago carnival
In response to the soaring demand for the Tobago Carnival, the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) has announced a significant increase in flight capacity to facilitate smoother travel for both locals and tourists. From October 22 to 29, Caribbean Airlines Ltd (CAL) will add 3,200 extra seats to its existing inventory, supplementing the already available 18,792 seats. To support this expansion, an additional Boeing 737 aircraft will be deployed to enhance the airbridge between Trinidad and Tobago, alleviating travel congestion and ensuring more people can partake in the festivities.
The decision to bolster air travel was the result of persistent advocacy by key figures, including Chief Secretary Farley Augustine, Tobago West MP Joel Sampson, Tobago East MP David Thomas, and Secretary for Culture and Antiquities Zorisha Hackett. In a media release on October 21, the THA also acknowledged the contributions of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, line minister Davendranath Tancoo, Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Eli Zakour, and the CAL board. Their collaborative efforts have led to a tangible improvement in airlift services during one of Tobago’s most cherished cultural events, ensuring a seamless experience for all attendees.
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Ministry: Minimal impact from tropical wave
The Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government reported that a tropical wave passing through Trinidad and Tobago on October 19 caused only short-term street flooding in some communities, with no significant widespread impact. By October 21, the weather system had moved away, and conditions across most areas had improved. The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) discontinued its adverse weather alert, but disaster management units (DMUs) across all 14 municipal corporations remain on high alert, particularly in flood- and landslide-prone areas. Minister Khadijah Ameen praised the swift coordination of first responders, DMU personnel, and community volunteers, crediting their efforts and mitigation work by the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure (MOWI) for minimizing potential damage. She expressed gratitude for the absence of major losses and emphasized the ongoing commitment to citizen safety. The ministry urged residents to remain vigilant during the rainy season, secure their properties, and stay informed through official TTMS updates and DMU hotlines for assistance.