作者: admin

  • Miracle men and wild swimming

    Miracle men and wild swimming

    Richard ‘Richie’ Conybear’s life took a dramatic turn on May 26, 2023, when a boating accident during his swim near Booby Rock, Charlotteville, left him with severe injuries, including a broken pelvis and severed urinary tract. Despite the physical and emotional toll, Richie’s determination to reclaim his life and reconnect with the ocean became a beacon of resilience. His friend, John ‘Johnny’ Procope, played a pivotal role in his recovery, carrying him to the sea and reigniting his spirit. This act of compassion marked the beginning of Richie’s journey back to health and his passion for swimming. Johnny, a seasoned open-water swimmer, has since made headlines for his record-breaking feats, including a 60 km swim between Tobago and Trinidad in July 2024. On October 13, 2024, Johnny embarked on ‘Big Swim 2,’ an unprecedented attempt to circumnavigate Tobago, supported by friends like Richie and William Carr. The swim aimed to raise awareness and funds for marine conservation and swimming education initiatives. Despite the swim’s premature end due to strong currents, Johnny’s efforts have inspired global admiration and highlighted the potential for Tobago to become a hub for international open-water swimming events. However, the island must address critical safety concerns in marine activities to ensure sustainable tourism and prevent future accidents. Richie’s story and Johnny’s achievements underscore the power of human resilience and the importance of community support in overcoming adversity.

  • ‘Naps’ hold firm at SSFL’s top after beating QRC 2-0

    ‘Naps’ hold firm at SSFL’s top after beating QRC 2-0

    Naparima College solidified their position at the top of the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premiership standings with a commanding 2-0 victory over Queen’s Royal College (QRC) on October 18. The match, held at the QRC grounds in Port of Spain, showcased Naparima’s relentless pursuit of victory as they extended their unbeaten streak to nine games. Adasa Richardson opened the scoring in the 41st minute with a well-executed free kick, while an unfortunate own goal by QRC defender Xavier Caruth in the 82nd minute sealed the win for Naparima. Despite QRC’s persistent efforts, including a close attempt by Jahseem Pierre in the 87th minute, Naparima’s defense, led by goalkeeper Mikhail Clement, remained impenetrable. The victory propelled Naparima to 27 points, maintaining their lead in the 16-team league. In other SSFL matches, Fatima College suffered a surprising 3-2 loss to Signal Hill Secondary, while St Benedict’s College climbed to third place after a narrow 2-1 win over San Juan North. The league standings highlight Naparima’s dominance, with Fatima, St Benedict’s, and Presentation College San Fernando trailing behind.

  • Ex-TT/Windies all-rounder Bernard Julien hailed a hero, mentor and national treasure

    Ex-TT/Windies all-rounder Bernard Julien hailed a hero, mentor and national treasure

    The cricketing world gathered to honor the life and legacy of Bernard Julien, the former West Indies and Trinidad and Tobago all-rounder, at his funeral on October 18 at St Finbar’s RC Church in Diego Martin. Julien, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 75 after a prolonged health battle, was celebrated as a cricketing icon, mentor, and family man. His son, Bevon Julien, delivered a poignant eulogy, highlighting his father’s discipline, pride in his Carenage roots, and dedication to both cricket and family. Bevon shared anecdotes of his father’s legendary 121-run innings at Lord’s during his third Test match, a feat that remains etched in cricketing history. Julien’s contributions extended beyond the pitch, as he was known for his generosity and mentorship, including guiding young players like Michael Holding. Former teammates, including Deryck Murray, reminisced about Julien’s brilliance in the field, his ability to lift team morale, and his pivotal role in the West Indies’ 1975 Cricket World Cup victory. Dr. Nigel Camacho, president of Queen’s Park Cricket Club, praised Julien’s journey from humble beginnings to international stardom, emphasizing his resilience, discipline, and dedication to nurturing future talent. Though his later years were marked by illness, Julien’s courage and humility remained unwavering. His legacy as a cricketing great and a beloved figure in Trinidad and Tobago continues to inspire generations.

  • The woman on the dholak

    The woman on the dholak

    Renoka Ramnath, a pioneering female dholak player from Trinidad, has defied gender norms to become a celebrated figure in the traditionally male-dominated world of Indian classical music. Born and raised in Carolina Village, Couva, Ramnath’s musical journey began in childhood under the guidance of her father, Pundit Sham Ramnath. Her fascination with rhythm was sparked by the legendary singer Ramdhanie Sharma, and by the age of nine, she was teaching herself to play the dholak using her grandfather’s drum. Her father’s unwavering support and the gift of her own dholak marked a turning point in her life. Over the years, Ramnath honed her craft under the mentorship of veteran drummer Ramesar Sookhai, mastering the intricate rhythms of Trinidadian classical Indian music. Her performances, which blend local Indian classical, chutney, and folk rhythms, have earned her the affectionate title of ‘The Queen of Local Classical Drumming.’ Despite facing challenges as a female musician, including unequal opportunities and pay, Ramnath has persevered, earning accolades such as the Dholak Icon Award in 2014. She has performed on both local and international stages, accompanied by her sister Davika, who also played dhantal and dholak. Today, Ramnath is a full-time musician, dedicated to preserving the authenticity of the dholak, which she describes as a ‘living link to our heritage.’ She hopes to inspire other women to keep the Indian musical tradition alive and continues to draw strength from the memory of her late parents and sister. Her message for Divali is one of peace, prosperity, and happiness, rooted in her deep faith and cultural pride.

  • Danika Linton captures hearts at Republic Day awards

    Danika Linton captures hearts at Republic Day awards

    At just 19 years old, Danika Linton has already made a profound impact, not only through her advocacy but also by challenging societal perceptions of disability. Born with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC), a rare condition that limits joint movement, Linton has turned her challenges into opportunities to inspire others. Her recent appearance at the National Awards ceremony in St Ann’s, where she read the biography of an award recipient, showcased her eloquence and poise, leaving the audience in awe.

  • Men, Stop Proposing: Let Women Do It

    Men, Stop Proposing: Let Women Do It

    For centuries, the act of proposing marriage has been a male-dominated ritual, deeply rooted in patriarchal norms. Men have been conditioned to view it as both a duty and a declaration of love, a performative gesture that reinforces traditional masculinity. However, this practice is not as romantic as it seems; it is a relic of a bygone era when marriage was more about ownership and transaction than affection. Historically, proposals were contracts between families, with the man seeking the father’s approval rather than the woman’s consent. The ring symbolized not commitment but a transaction—a compensation for the transfer of guardianship. Love entered the equation only after commerce. By the 20th century, capitalism and De Beers’ diamond campaigns transformed this obligation into a cultural expectation, leaving men to shoulder the economic and emotional burden of proving their devotion while women remained gatekeepers. In a century obsessed with equality, this tradition persists, repackaged in hashtags and engagement reels. The imbalance remains: men kneel, women judge; men plan, women approve. But a woman who proposes doesn’t invert power—she equalizes it. She signals trust and mutual agency, choosing to lead beside her partner rather than waiting to be chosen. True equality isn’t about trading dominance; it’s about erasing outdated scripts that assign one partner perpetual initiative and the other eternal response. Men must question why they continue to bear the symbolic burden of pursuit in a world where leadership should be shared. Vulnerability should not be romanticized only when it’s male. If partnership is truly modern, the proposal must evolve. Imagine a world where women initiate commitment—it would be a cultural shock, but one that fosters empathy and balance. Men would learn the dignity of being chosen, and women would confront the courage required to risk rejection. The act of proposing is not trivial; it’s the thesis statement of a relationship, defining who holds initiative and who controls the tempo of commitment. To modernize love, we must modernize its symbolism. Men, retire the kneeling posture. The floor is not your place. If she believes in partnership, she’ll join you—not because she’s beneath you, but because she finally understands what it means to stand with you. The man who waits to be chosen isn’t weak; he’s wise enough to know that love, when equal, is not chased—it walks toward him.

  • VIDEO: Protests Call for Justice in Police Shooting of Kahleel Simon

    VIDEO: Protests Call for Justice in Police Shooting of Kahleel Simon

    Kelvin Simon, Member of Parliament for St. Mary’s South, has intensified his call for justice following the tragic police shooting of Kahleel Simon. Describing the incident as a profound loss, Simon emphasized the need for accountability and transparency in the ongoing investigation. Speaking at a community protest, he rallied residents and supporters, urging law enforcement to uphold their duty to serve and protect. “Kahleel’s life was taken far too soon,” Simon stated, adding that his family and community deserve answers and justice. The protest highlighted the community’s determination to ensure the matter is not forgotten. Simon stressed that the case is not just about one individual but about the broader principles of safety, trust, and the value of every life. He vowed to continue demanding answers, asserting that unity strengthens their call for justice. The incident has reignited discussions about public trust in law enforcement and the importance of transparency to prevent fear and injustice from shaping the community’s future. The investigation into the fatal shooting remains active, with no further details disclosed at this time.

  • Hope for young boy’s lifesaving surgery from energy firm’s gift

    Hope for young boy’s lifesaving surgery from energy firm’s gift

    At just 11 years old, Jiovanni Osbourne, a First Form student at Alleyne School in Barbados, has demonstrated remarkable bravery in the face of a rare and life-threatening condition. Diagnosed with beta thalassaemia major at the age of four, Jiovanni has endured years of medical treatments, including regular blood transfusions, to manage the severe genetic blood disorder that prevents his body from producing enough healthy red blood cells. However, the only long-term solution to his condition is a bone marrow transplant, a procedure that comes with significant medical and financial challenges.

  • VIDEO: PM Says Social Security Surplus Exceeds $30 Million

    VIDEO: PM Says Social Security Surplus Exceeds $30 Million

    In a significant parliamentary update, Prime Minister Gaston Browne revealed that Antigua and Barbuda’s Social Security Scheme has achieved a surplus exceeding $30 million. Addressing the Parliament, Browne emphasized that this figure is expected to grow as the government intensifies reforms aimed at ensuring the fund’s long-term sustainability. The announcement came in response to inquiries from the Opposition Bench, with Browne confirming that the audited financial statements and management accounts of the Social Security Board had been formally submitted to Parliament. Browne detailed the standard procedure, which involves sending these documents to the Ministry of Legal Affairs for inclusion on the parliamentary agenda. He assured that he had personally verified the inclusion of the latest financial records in the day’s agenda. When questioned further about the fund’s financial health, Browne described the surplus as a “moving target” that continues to improve due to ongoing government initiatives. This development underscores the administration’s commitment to bolstering the nation’s social security infrastructure and ensuring its resilience for future generations.

  • Air Peace to Begin Nigeria–Antigua Charter Service on December 21

    Air Peace to Begin Nigeria–Antigua Charter Service on December 21

    LAGOS, Nigeria — Air Peace, the largest airline in West and Central Africa, is set to introduce a groundbreaking monthly charter service connecting Lagos and Accra to Antigua and Barbados, with additional extensions to Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica. The service, scheduled to commence on December 21, 2025, marks a significant milestone in intercontinental travel, as Air Peace becomes the sole carrier offering direct flights from West and Central Africa to the Caribbean. This initiative is expected to foster enhanced tourism, trade, and cultural exchange between the two regions. The new route builds on Air Peace’s previous Caribbean operations, including the Lagos–Montego Bay charter in 2020 and the Abuja–St. Kitts and Nevis service in 2025. The airline’s strategic vision emphasizes bridging continents and expanding interregional travel opportunities. To cater to travelers, Air Peace has collaborated with Tour Brokers International of Nigeria, Sun Seekers Tours of Ghana, and Adansi Travels of Ghana to offer exclusive tour packages. Flight fares for Antigua, Barbados, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago are now accessible on the airline’s website and through accredited travel agents. This development underscores Air Peace’s commitment to innovation and its role as a key player in global aviation.