West Indies head coach Daren Sammy and ODI captain Shai Hope are confident as they prepare to face Bangladesh in the first of a three-match ODI series at the Sher-E-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on October 18. Despite Bangladesh’s recent struggles in ODI cricket, including a 2-1 loss to Sri Lanka in June and a 3-0 defeat against Afghanistan last week, Sammy and Hope emphasized that past results will have little bearing on the upcoming matches. West Indies, on the other hand, have had a mixed year, with a 1-1 series tie against Ireland in May, a 3-0 loss to England in June, and a 2-1 victory over Pakistan in August. The last encounter between the two teams in December 2024 saw West Indies sweep Bangladesh 3-0 at home. Sammy warned that Bangladesh remains a formidable opponent in their home conditions, urging his team to play exceptionally well to secure a win. The series is crucial for West Indies as they aim to accumulate points for automatic qualification for the 2027 ICC World Cup in South Africa. Hope highlighted the importance of adapting to the subcontinental conditions, noting that the pitch could be tricky. Despite some concerns, Sammy expressed satisfaction with the team’s preparation, which included a high-performance camp in Chennai. Hope assured that senior players would guide the younger ones through the challenging conditions, emphasizing the need to focus on the present rather than past results.
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TECU Credit Union donates $13,000 to St Peter’s Private Primary School
In a significant act of community support, TECU Credit Union Cooperative Society Limited has donated $13,000 to St Peter’s Private Primary School in Pointe-a-Pierre. This contribution comes in the wake of a devastating fire on August 28 that destroyed the school’s administrative building, including critical infrastructure, equipment, and irreplaceable documents. The donation aims to facilitate the systematic rebuilding of the school’s administrative capabilities, ensuring the restoration of essential operations. The cheque was formally presented by TECU President Sandra Matthews-Noel to Principal Georgette Medford during a ceremony held on October 15. Matthews-Noel emphasized that the partnership extends beyond financial aid, focusing on fostering youth development and financial literacy. ‘Our collaboration is about creating a comprehensive ecosystem for the next generation,’ she stated. Interim Chairman of the St Peter’s Parents Association, Andre Lee Ha, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the partnership’s potential to create sustainable opportunities for students. Principal Medford expressed profound gratitude, noting that the donation marks the beginning of a long-term relationship between the institutions. Beyond immediate recovery efforts, TECU plans to introduce educational programs on financial literacy, cooperative principles, and youth development, including workshops and mentorship initiatives. With an 80-year legacy and over 57,000 members, TECU continues to champion community development, leveraging this partnership to empower future generations through education and financial awareness.
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Tribute to Peter Tosh at Valhalla on October 18
Reggae enthusiasts are set to experience an unforgettable evening of roots, rhythm, and remembrance as SRP (Steppin Razor Promotions) hosts a tribute to the legendary Peter Tosh on October 18 at Valhalla, located at 113 Frederick Settlement, Old Southern Main Road. The event, running from 10 pm to 4 am, will feature a stellar lineup of performances and DJ sets dedicated to honoring the late reggae icon.
Headlining the event is Daniel Bless, who will deliver live renditions of Tosh’s classic anthems. He will be joined by renowned selectors Jah Blood, Royalty International, Solid Rock, Black Chariot, and 9 Miles International, ensuring a night filled with conscious music and Rastafari spirit. DJ Doctrine will kick off the evening with an early warm-up set, setting the stage for a celebration of Tosh’s enduring legacy.
Born Winston Hubert McIntosh in 1944, Peter Tosh was a founding member of The Wailers alongside Bob Marley and Bunny Wailer. Known for his militant advocacy for equal rights and social justice, Tosh’s music seamlessly blended fiery activism with profound spiritual conviction. After leaving The Wailers in the mid-1970s, he embarked on a solo career that produced iconic hits such as ‘Legalize It,’ ‘Equal Rights,’ ‘Get Up, Stand Up,’ ‘Johnny B. Goode,’ and ‘Maga Dog.’ His bold lyrics and revolutionary message continue to resonate with reggae fans across generations.
This tribute event not only celebrates Tosh’s musical genius but also honors his legacy as a fearless warrior for freedom, peace, and unity. His message, as sharp as a ‘Steppin’ Razor,’ remains relevant and impactful to this day.
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Eggless red velvet cake
Red velvet cake, with its striking color, delicate texture, and subtle cocoa flavor, has long been a favorite among dessert enthusiasts. This eggless version, shared by Naomi Anderson of Unicakery, offers a simpler yet equally indulgent alternative that’s perfect for home baking. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or savoring it as a personal treat, this cake is sure to impress. At Unicakery, a renowned baking studio in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, Anderson and her team teach this recipe and many others in their workshops, empowering bakers to create stunning and delicious cakes with confidence. The recipe, which serves as a half batch, includes accessible ingredients like all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, buttermilk (or almond milk), and red gel food coloring. The method is straightforward: mix dry and wet ingredients separately, combine gently, bake, and cool before frosting. Anderson also dispels a common myth about red velvet cake—it’s not merely chocolate cake dyed red. Its origins trace back to early 20th-century America, where its signature hue initially resulted from a chemical reaction between cocoa and acidic ingredients like buttermilk. Today, food coloring enhances its vibrant red appearance, making it a timeless dessert. Anderson, with over 12 years of pastry expertise, continues to inspire through her community-driven classes and creative desserts. For more, visit Unicakery’s social media or website.
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Windies Under-19 men to play seven Youth ODIs versus England
The West Indies men’s Under-19 cricket team is set to clash with their English counterparts in a high-stakes seven-match Youth One-Day International (ODI) series from November 16 to December 1 at the Grenada National Stadium in St George’s. This announcement, made by Cricket West Indies (CWI) on October 16, comes on the back of the Windies’ thrilling 4-3 series victory over Sri Lanka’s Under-19 team last month. The series is a pivotal part of the West Indies’ preparation for the International Cricket Council Men’s Under-19 World Cup, scheduled for January 2026. Originally planned for St Vincent and the Grenadines, the venue was shifted to Grenada due to scheduling conflicts with the National Sports Council. CWI director of cricket Miles Bascombe emphasized the importance of the series, stating that it aligns with the regional body’s strategy to expose young players to high-quality competition. ‘The recent win against Sri Lanka has already boosted the team’s confidence, and this series against England will further hone their skills and match awareness,’ Bascombe remarked. Both teams will arrive in Grenada on November 8, with three days of training and a warm-up match against a Grenada Under-25 select XI on November 12. All matches will commence at 9 am.
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Top teams look for separation in SSFL
The Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premiership is reaching a pivotal stage as the top four teams gear up for their round 11 matches on October 18, each aiming to secure three crucial points in their quest for the 2025 title. League leaders Naparima College, boasting an unbeaten record with 24 points, face a challenging encounter against fifth-placed Queen’s Royal College (QRC) at QRC’s home ground. Naparima, fresh off a dominant 4-1 victory over reigning champions Fatima College, are determined to maintain their flawless run and continue their defensive prowess, having conceded only two goals this season. Meanwhile, QRC, with 16 points, has struggled recently, suffering back-to-back 2-1 defeats to Fatima and Trinity Moka, and will need to regroup to challenge the league leaders. Second-placed Fatima College (22 points) seeks to rebound from their mid-week loss as they host Signal Hill Secondary, while third-ranked Presentation College San Fernando (21 points) faces a tough test against St Anthony’s College. Fourth-placed St Benedict’s College (18 points) also has a challenging fixture against San Juan North, who are coming off a 4-0 victory. Other matches in round 11 include St Mary’s College versus Trinity Moka, St Augustine Secondary against Scarborough Secondary, and Malick’s clash with Arima North. With the standings tightly contested, every match could prove decisive in the race for the championship.
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Opposition leader: UNC silent on refinery
Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles has criticized the United National Congress (UNC) for its silence on its campaign pledge to restart the former Petrotrin refinery in Pointe-a-Pierre, suggesting the party has realized it cannot deliver on this promise. Beckles made these remarks during her contribution to the 2025/2026 budget debate in the House of Representatives on October 17. She highlighted the absence of any mention of the refinery in Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo’s budget presentation on October 13, contrasting it with the firm agreement in place when the People’s National Movement (PNM) left office after the April 28 general election. Beckles accused the UNC of misleading voters during the election by promoting false hopes of new jobs and foreign exchange revenues from the refinery’s revival. She emphasized that the PNM had made significant progress in restarting the refinery through a competitive evaluation process, which led to the selection of Nigerian company Oando Trading DMCC to lease and operate the facility. Beckles noted that this approach ensured no taxpayer burden and provided a structured path forward. However, she claimed the UNC scrapped this process without building on the PNM’s groundwork. Beckles also referenced a committee formed to explore the refinery’s feasibility, which reportedly admitted to minimal progress due to high capital costs and financial uncertainties. She criticized Minister Ernesto Kesar for prematurely claiming the refinery was ready to restart, warning the government against bypassing procurement laws. Beckles vowed to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the legal consequences of breaching the Procurement and Disposal of Public Property Act. The refinery’s potential restart has been a contentious issue since the PNM’s 2024/2025 budget statement, which shortlisted three companies, including Oando, for the lease.
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Strikers crowned champs in 50-Over trial tourney
In a commanding display of cricketing prowess, the Soca Strikers clinched the Senior 50-Over trials final with a resounding nine-wicket victory over the Cocrico Warriors. The match, held at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba on October 17, saw the Strikers dismantle their opponents in a low-scoring affair. The Warriors, after winning the toss and choosing to bat first, were bowled out for a meager 89 runs in just 17.3 overs. Terrance Hinds, the Strikers’ fast bowler, was the standout performer, claiming four wickets for 29 runs. His aggressive spell, supported by Abdul-Raheem Toppin (2/32), Shaaron Lewis (1/10), and Damion Joachim (1/11), left the Warriors reeling at 51/6 after 11 overs. Only Joshua James (17), Navin Bidaisee (16), and Crystian Thurton (15) managed to reach double figures for the Warriors. In response, the Strikers’ top order made light work of the target. Opener Nicholas Sookdeosingh led the charge with a fearless 51 off 48 balls, including eight fours and one six. Cephas Cooper provided steady support with an unbeaten 30, while Leonardo Julien contributed five not out. The Strikers reached the target of 90 in just 15.2 overs, losing only one wicket. Terrance Hinds was named Man-of-the-Match for his pivotal role in the victory, while Abdul Raheem Toppin was awarded Player of the Tournament for his consistent performances throughout the trials.
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Joseph: ‘Ripple effect may extend to consumers’
In a significant move during the October 13 budget presentation, the government announced a sharp increase in excise duties on spirits, beer, and tobacco, leading to an immediate surge in retail prices. Dianne Joseph, President of the TT Coalition of Services Industries (TTCSI), highlighted the dual implications of this decision: a potential boost to public health by curbing harmful consumption and a strain on the alcohol and tobacco industries. Joseph emphasized that while the policy aims to reduce alcohol-related accidents, violence, and diseases, it also places substantial cost pressures on major manufacturers like Carib Brewery and Angostura. These companies, being significant employers, may have no choice but to pass the increased costs onto consumers, potentially leading to higher prices for events and hospitality services. Balliram Maharaj, CEO of ADM Import and Export Distributors Ltd and Mayor of Arima, noted that such tax hikes are a common revenue-generating strategy for governments, especially given the decline in foreign exchange. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo detailed the new excise rates: spirits now face a duty of $158.50 per litre of pure alcohol, up from $79.25, while beer duties doubled to $10.28 from $5.14. Cigarette excise also doubled to $10.52 per pack of 20. Local companies have already adjusted their prices, with Carib, Stag, and Pilsner bottles now retailing at $13, up from $10, and Angostura 1919 seeing a price increase to $349.99 for a 750ml bottle.
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Second victim, 16, dies after Brasso shooting
A second victim has succumbed to injuries sustained in a fatal shooting that occurred on October 15 in Brasso Village, central Trinidad. The incident initially claimed the life of a young construction worker and left two others critically wounded. Darias Shadrack, a 16-year-old student at Tabaquite Secondary School, passed away on October 17 while receiving treatment at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex in Mt Hope. A close relative revealed that Darias had lost a significant amount of blood and never regained consciousness after the attack. The shooting took place around 2 am at an unfinished wooden structure near his family’s home along Caparo Valley Brasso Road. Initially, police reported that Darias had died on arrival at the hospital, but further checks confirmed he was in a coma. Darias was among four victims targeted by gunmen. His schoolmate, Jerryl Ganness, 15, and brothers Christopher Ricardo “Ricky” Joseph, 20, and Colly Joseph, 23, were also shot. Christopher, a construction worker from Devenish Hill, Tabaquite, died at the scene. The other victims were rushed to the Chaguanas Health Centre and later transferred to Mt Hope. This tragedy adds to the family’s grief, as Darias’ brother, Kirdy Ramdhanie, was killed in a shooting in December 2024. Jerryl, who remains hospitalized in serious condition, had reportedly moved out of his Los Attajos home earlier this year due to family concerns about his behavior. Colly is also in serious condition. The Joseph family has also mourned the loss of Rajindra “Syo” Ramcharan, 33, their mother’s uncle, who was shot and killed in an orange field in Tabaquite in February. Relatives believe Ramcharan was lured to his death. The grieving parents of the Joseph brothers, Marsha and Smith Joseph, have urged police investigators to dedicate full effort to solving this fatal shooting and other unsolved crimes. Police from the Central Division and the Homicide Bureau of Investigations, Region Three, are continuing the investigation, with the motive believed to be drug-related.