Renowned guitarist, composer, and arranger Theron Shaw is set to captivate audiences this October with his highly anticipated concert, *Sankofa*. Scheduled for October 19 at 7 pm at Kafé Blue on Wrightson Road, Port of Spain, the event promises to be a soul-stirring celebration of Shaw’s illustrious career and the vibrant musical heritage of Trinidad and Tobago. Drawing inspiration from the Akan concept of *Sankofa*, which translates to “to go back and fetch it,” Shaw’s performance will reflect on his journey as a musician and educator, while honoring the milestones that have shaped his artistic path. Born in October, Shaw views this concert as both a personal gift and a shared experience with his audience. Known for his unique fusion of Caribbean rhythms, jazz, and original compositions, Shaw will reimagine his work with fresh arrangements, paying tribute to Trinidadian legends like the Mighty Shadow, Ras Shorty I, André Tanker, and Len ‘Boogsie’ Sharpe. The concert will feature a stellar lineup of collaborators, including Caribbean jazz singer Vaughnette Bigford, calypso artist Krisson Joseph, violinist Simon Browne, classical guitarist John Hussain, and saxophonist Michelle Henry. Shaw’s backing quartet, comprising master percussionist Tamba Gwindi, Rodney Harris (keyboards), André Jack (electric bass), and Jonathan Hensley (drums), will further elevate the performance. Shaw describes the evening as a blend of “good vibes and some different music,” offering a heartfelt celebration of artistry, collaboration, and cultural roots. For more information, contact 751-7623 or 477-2262.
作者： admin
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Tobago’s historic allocation
In a historic move, Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo has allocated 5% of the national budget to Tobago, amounting to $2.96 billion. This marks a significant departure from the past, where Tobago consistently received the bare minimum of 4.03% to 6.9% as recommended by the Dispute Resolution Committee in 2000. The allocation is not only higher in percentage terms but also in real value, surpassing previous budgets under both the current and former administrations. Ministerial spending on Tobago has also seen a notable increase, rising by 12.5% to $763 million, bringing the total spending to 6.3% or $3.72 billion. However, this has sparked criticism from Minority Leader Kelvon Morris, who labeled the budget as ‘smoke and mirrors,’ citing a decrease in development spending to $201.5 million and a lack of detailed breakdown of the $2.96 billion allocation. Despite the criticism, the Draft Estimates of Expenditure clearly outline the allocation, with $2.74 billion for recurrent expenditure, $201 million for development, and $28.5 million for Tobago’s Central Administrative Services. This increased allocation presents both an opportunity and a challenge for Chief Secretary Farley Augustine, as the focus on recurrent expenditure and institutional strengthening aims to drive economic growth. The move also strategically pressures the opposition PNM, which failed to significantly increase Tobago’s budget during its tenure.
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Promises kept, lives changed
The 2026 budget presented by Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo under the new UNC administration marks a pivotal moment for Trinidad and Tobago. More than a fiscal plan, it represents a bold declaration of national renewal, addressing long-standing issues and delivering tangible benefits to citizens. The budget, meticulously crafted and confidently unveiled, underscores the government’s commitment to fulfilling its mandate and addressing urgent national needs. It focuses on repairing the damage of the past decade, particularly for workers, retirees, students, and families who have been marginalized for years. The document acknowledges the financial challenges inherited, including rising debt, depleted savings, and weakened public services, but shifts the focus from blame to action. Within just 150 days, the administration has made significant strides: distributing land leases to former Caroni workers, repairing hundreds of schools, providing book grants and laptops to students, and revitalizing abandoned hospitals and flood-prone communities. The government has also taken steps to stabilize employment by transitioning Cepep, URP, and reforestation workers into permanent roles, while addressing public servants’ concerns through salary increases and job security measures. Retirees have not been overlooked, with over 6,000 pension applications being processed and private pension income now exempt from taxation. A notable measure is the $1 reduction in the price of super gasoline, directly benefiting working families and small businesses. Beyond immediate relief, the budget emphasizes long-term reform, modernizing the Inland Revenue Division and revitalizing the energy sector through agreements with Exxon Mobil and the development of the Dragon field. While the budget’s tone is firm and unapologetic, calling out past failures and demanding accountability, its focus on delivering real change has resonated with citizens. This budget is not just a fiscal document; it’s a responsible and transformative step toward national renewal.
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Hillview stretch perfect run in east zone of SSFL championship division
The Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) championship division is witnessing a thrilling battle as teams across five districts vie for a spot in the prestigious Big 5 playoffs. Scheduled for October 17, the upcoming matches will determine which schools advance to the promotional tournament, with the top three teams earning a place in the premier division next season. Hillview College and Speyside Secondary have emerged as dominant forces in the east and Tobago zones, respectively, while the central, north, and south zones remain fiercely contested. Hillview, boasting a perfect record with 21 points, recently demolished Holy Cross 9-0, with Jahmarley Ellis scoring a hat-trick. In the north zone, Mucurapo West and East Mucurapo are locked in a tight race, separated by just one point. The south zone sees Palo Seco Secondary leading by a narrow margin, while Presentation College Chaguanas tops the central zone on goal difference. Speyside, with an eight-point lead in Tobago, is poised to secure their Big 5 spot. As the competition intensifies, every match becomes crucial for teams aiming to make their mark in the SSFL.
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John Procope targets another attempt as swim around Tobago ends due to current
John Procope, a 49-year-old endurance swimmer, was forced to abandon his ambitious 100-kilometer swim around Tobago after battling strong currents for 33 hours. The swim, which began on October 13 at Pigeon Point, saw Procope accompanied by a support team, including a boat named Predator, a kayak, and fellow swimmers Richard Conybear, Jacob Cox, and William Carr. Despite completing approximately 68% of the journey, Procope and his team had to halt the mission off the coast of Delaford due to relentless currents that stalled his progress for extended periods. Procope expressed no regrets, stating he felt physically, mentally, and emotionally strong throughout the attempt. He has already set his sights on a second attempt, tentatively planned for September next year, citing calmer waters during that period as ideal for such a challenge. Procope’s swim aimed to raise awareness for marine conservation organizations SpeSeas and The Aqua-Smart Foundation. This is not his first major swimming feat; in October 2024, he successfully swam from Tobago to Trinidad after two previous failed attempts. Procope’s resilience and determination continue to inspire, as he remains undeterred by setbacks and committed to pushing his limits.
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Isabella Ramdeen cops AIB Ladies’ Golf title
In a display of resilience and skill, Trinidad and Tobago’s Isabella Ramdeen emerged victorious at the 2025 Ladies Golf Invitational, held at the St Andrews Golf Club on October 11-12. Despite relentless rainfall that plagued the Moka course over the two-day event, Ramdeen maintained her composure to secure the first flight title with a 15-over-par score across 27 holes, finishing four shots ahead of runner-up Elise Laborde. The tournament, sponsored by Agostini Insurance Brokers (AIB) Ltd, also saw Hailey Layne claim top honours in the net division, while Kahlan Francis delivered a commendable performance among the prize winners. Veteran golfer Joanne Bryden made a triumphant return to competitive play by winning the second flight, with Gail Rajack and Juliana Jodhan-Boodram securing second and third places, respectively. In the third flight, Symoniez Clouston edged out Brenda Clarke by three points under the Stableford format, while Ann Marie Forde of the Tobago Ladies clinched the newly introduced fourth flight. Despite the challenging weather, which forced early halts and shortened rounds, all four divisions successfully crowned champions. Now in its 30th year, the Ladies Golf Invitational remains a cornerstone of women’s golf in Trinidad and Tobago, showcasing inclusivity with expanded handicap ranges and tailored formats for players of all skill levels. St Andrews ladies’ captain Nicole Lawrence lauded the growing network of women’s golf groups for fostering participation and camaraderie, while AIB executive director Mark Henderson joined players in celebrating the event’s success. “The weather may have been wet, but the enthusiasm and friendship on display made for a truly memorable weekend,” Lawrence remarked.
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Carter looks to build on backstroke bronze from first leg of Swimming World Cup
Trinidad and Tobago’s swimming sensation, Dylan Carter, is set to continue his impressive run at the second leg of the 2025 World Aquatics Swimming World Cup in Westmont, Illinois, USA, from October 17-19. Fresh off a commendable performance in the first leg held in Carmel, Indiana, Carter is determined to build on his momentum. In Carmel, he secured a bronze medal in the men’s 50-meter backstroke and finished fourth and fifth in the 50m freestyle and 50m butterfly finals, respectively. Carter’s journey in Westmont begins with the 50m freestyle heats on October 17, where he will compete in lane four of heat six, aiming to qualify for the final scheduled later that evening. In Carmel, Carter clocked 21.42 seconds in the 50m freestyle heats, improving to 21.12 seconds in the final, narrowly missing a podium finish. The event was dominated by American swimmers Chris Juliano (20.83) and Jack Alexy (20.88), with Canada’s Ilya Kharun (20.89) taking bronze. Carter will face stiff competition in Westmont, including Kharun and Bahamian Lamar Taylor, who recently claimed silver at the Junior Pan American Games. Additionally, Carter is slated to compete in the 100m freestyle, 50m backstroke, and 50m butterfly heats over the next two days. The third leg of the Swimming World Cup will take place in Ontario, Canada, from October 23-25.
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Makaira Wallace is TT’s first female sprinter to seal Track Worlds debut
Trinidad and Tobago’s emerging sprint cyclist, Makaira Wallace, is set to make history as the first female sprint cyclist from her nation to compete at the 2025 UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Santiago, Chile, from October 22–26. Wallace, a product of the JLD Cycling Academy, has already broken barriers by becoming the first female sprint cyclist from Trinidad and Tobago to participate in a UCI Track World Cup earlier this year. At the Peñalolén Velodrome, she will compete in the sprint, keirin, and kilo time trial events, marking a significant milestone for women’s cycling in her country. Wallace described her qualification as surreal and expressed her excitement and determination to perform at her best. She has been intensively training in Canada, focusing on improving her speed and endurance. Wallace’s mother, Cori, has been a pillar of support, closely monitoring her progress and rankings. Wallace secured her spot through the UCI women elite sprint nation ranking system, finishing among the top 30 sprint nations globally, with Trinidad and Tobago ranked 21st. Joining her in Chile is her coach and former Olympian Njisane Phillip, who has come out of retirement to compete in the sprint and keirin events. Phillip, currently ranked 22nd in the UCI men’s elite sprint ranking, praised Wallace’s achievement as a breakthrough for women’s cycling in Trinidad and Tobago, highlighting the untapped potential within the local cycling system. Both athletes expressed gratitude to their sponsors, Pharmaco, for their support in their World Championships campaign.
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Chloe Fraser impresses despite World Table Tennis Youth Contender exit
Trinidad and Tobago’s rising table tennis star, Chloe Fraser, showcased her talent and determination at the World Table Tennis Youth Contender in Podgorica, Montenegro, before bowing out on October 16. Fraser’s journey in the Under-17 girls’ singles division came to an end in the round of 16 on October 14, followed by her elimination in the Under-19 singles round of 32. Despite her early exits, Fraser’s performances were commendable against some of the world’s most promising young players. Competing at the Verde Complex, Fraser began her campaign with a dominant 11-4, 11-3, 11-4 victory over Montenegro’s Katarina Franeta in Group Nine. She continued her strong form by defeating India’s Naisha Rewaskar 3-1 (11-8, 7-11, 11-8, 13-11) in her final group match. In the round of 32, Fraser displayed resilience with an 11-7, 11-5, 11-3 win over Israel’s Polina Ternovykh. However, her run was halted by Japan’s Yumiko Katori, who secured a straight-sets victory (11-6, 11-5, 11-6) in the round of 16. Undeterred, Fraser transitioned to the more challenging Under-19 singles division, where she secured one win out of three matches. After a tough opening loss to Japan’s Aoba Takahashi (7-11, 4-11, 7-11), Fraser bounced back with a commanding 11-3, 11-4, 11-1 win over Serbia’s Isra Milosavljevic. In the round of 32, Fraser started strong with an 11-5 first-set win against Spain’s Martina Sans, but Sans rallied to claim the match 11-4, 11-8, 11-4. Fraser’s participation in the tournament highlighted her potential and fighting spirit on the international stage.
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St Mary’s College cricket library opens
In a landmark move to blend education with sports, St Mary’s College has inaugurated a state-of-the-art cricket library at its Serpentine Road campus in St Clair. The facility, housed within the college’s Cricket Indoor Nets, aims to foster a deeper understanding of cricket’s rich history and techniques among aspiring players. The opening ceremony saw the presence of notable figures, including West Indies wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva, current St Mary’s cricketers Dariel Deonarine and Ryan Yearwood, and cricket coach Aaron Kurbanali. Also in attendance were former teacher Rudy Balwant, Bevon Julien, son of the late West Indies legend Bernard Julien, and Reshawn Guevara, Bernard’s nephew. The library was made possible through the generous donation of over 150 books and magazines by alumnus and cricketer Nasser Khan. Coach Kurbanali emphasized the library’s role in educating young cricketers about the golden era of West Indian cricket and its heroes. As part of their training, students will engage in research assignments utilizing resources such as coaching manuals by cricketing greats like Garfield Sobers, Malcolm Marshall, and Bryan Davis, ensuring their holistic development in the sport.