A total of 61 gymnasts have earned the honor of representing Trinidad and Tobago at the upcoming second Carifta Artistic Gymnastics Championships, scheduled to take place from December 6 to 7 at the National Cycling Centre in Balmain, Couva. The selection process was rigorous, with athletes competing in the Carifta trials held on October 11 and 12 at the National Cycling Velodrome in Couva. The trials were overseen by four international judges from the Pan American region, led by head judge Mabel Moreno from Colombia, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process. Among the standout qualifiers are Sidney Charles and Dailia Burke from Tots & Tumblers, who will compete in the FIG senior elite category for athletes aged 16 and over. Additionally, Zariah Dopwell-Gittens, Yliana-Rose Sancho, and Asia Ali from Olympic Wolfpack, along with Kaydence Fortune from Tots & Tumblers, will vie for honors in the PAGU 1 division for gymnasts aged nine to 11. The trials saw participation from 172 athletes across 12 local clubs, with eight clubs securing spots on the national team. The TT Gymnastics Federation emphasized the transparency of the selection process, with results announced immediately after each session and no disputes raised. The qualifying gymnasts achieved the highest all-around scores and met the minimum score criteria set prior to the trials. The event promises to showcase the talent and dedication of Trinidad and Tobago’s gymnasts on a regional stage.
作者： admin
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Dream Team, Merikins Youth Club start SFA Big 6 with wins
The Southern Football Association’s (SFA) ‘Big 6’ competition commenced on October 12 with a series of exhilarating matches, showcasing the prowess of local football teams. At the Moruga Sporting Facility, Merikins Youth Club secured a commanding 3-1 victory over Cedar Hill SC. Nikel Rawlins was the standout performer, netting two goals, while Kellon Williams added another to the tally. Cedar Hill’s lone goal came from Quinn Rodney, a former Shiva Boys’ Hindu College star. Meanwhile, at Union Hall, Dream Team edged out Moruga FC with a 2-1 win, thanks to goals from Duane Edwards and Jarelle Sutherland. Kieon LaRode managed to score for Moruga FC. In Erin, Trippy FC clinched a narrow 1-0 victory against Fyzabad FC, with Mickell Charles delivering the decisive goal. The excitement continued from the previous week’s SFA Executive Cup quarterfinals, where Charles also made his mark by scoring in Trippy FC’s 2-1 win over Cedar Hill. Attiba Marshall shone for Moruga FC, scoring twice in their 2-1 victory over Fyzabad FC. In other quarterfinal action, Mascall FA triumphed over Dream Team with a 3-2 scoreline, thanks to goals from Quacy Cooper, Matthew-Lee Cummings, and Tevin Turner. Ste Madeleine Strikers advanced to the next round by default, as Smart Football Aces were unable to compete, resulting in a 3-0 walkover.
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Schoolboys shot in Maloney, Brasso Caparo, residents concerned — Children under fire
Residents of Building 16 in Maloney Gardens were left in shock after a violent shooting incident on October 15. At approximately 4 a.m., two masked gunmen forcefully entered an apartment, targeting a man and his nine-year-old son. The father, initially mistaking the intruders for police, attempted to flee to his son’s room but was pursued and shot. The boy sustained a gunshot wound to his heel, while the father was hit in his toe. Both victims were rushed to the hospital and are reported to be in stable condition. Police recovered eight spent 9mm shell casings at the scene, highlighting the severity of the attack. The incident has left the community on edge, with many parents expressing fear for their children’s safety. A resident, speaking anonymously, described the situation as heartbreaking, emphasizing that gun violence has become a grim norm in the area. Another mother, who heard the gunshots, recounted how she instructed her children to lie on the floor while she prayed for their safety. The community, once considered relatively safe, is now grappling with escalating violence, prompting some residents to consider relocating. A teenage boy lamented the loss of order in the neighborhood, stressing that children should never be victims of such violence. Meanwhile, a long-time resident, known as “Mama,” reflected on the changing dynamics of the community, urging parents to prioritize their children’s safety. The incident underscores the urgent need for measures to address gun violence and restore peace in Maloney Gardens.
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World Food Day: Let us be better together
As the world commemorates the 80th anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on World Food Day, Dr. Qu Dongyu, FAO Director-General, reflects on the organization’s monumental achievements and the pressing challenges that lie ahead. Established in 1945, FAO’s mission has been to eradicate hunger and ensure global food security. Over the decades, the organization has made significant strides, from eradicating the rinderpest virus to establishing the Codex Alimentarius food safety standards and nearly tripling global rice yields. Despite these successes, chronic undernourishment persists, affecting 8.2% of the global population today, a stark contrast to the two-thirds who faced inadequate food supply in 1946. The world now produces enough calories to feed its population, yet disparities in access and distribution remain. Recent crises, such as the 2019 desert locust outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic, have underscored the interconnectedness of global agrifood systems and the need for international cooperation. FAO’s initiatives, including the Hand-in-Hand Initiative and the One Country One Priority Product program, aim to address these challenges by promoting sustainable agriculture, enhancing market access, and leveraging digital technologies. Dr. Qu emphasizes the urgency of collective action to combat transboundary threats like climate change, pests, and diseases, which threaten to reverse decades of progress. The FAO’s vision of ‘four betters’—better production, nutrition, environment, and life—guides its efforts to ensure no one is left behind. As Dr. Qu concludes, hunger is not inevitable, and with shared purpose and collaboration, the world can achieve a food-secure future for all.
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Opposition to Garvey’s visit
In 1927, the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) in Trinidad and Tobago eagerly prepared for Marcus Garvey’s anticipated visit. However, the Trinidad Guardian’s editorial on December 11, 1927, vehemently opposed his arrival, accusing Garvey of making extravagant promises during his visits to British Honduras and Jamaica. The editorial urged the government to bar Garvey, labeling him an ‘undesirable immigrant’ and warning of his potential to deceive the public for personal gain. This stance sparked outrage among the working class, with a letter to the Labour Leader condemning the editorial as a ‘gross insult to the Negro race.’ Garvey, undeterred, expressed his intention to visit Trinidad in 1928, dismissing the opposition as beneath his dignity. Despite his plans, the Legislative Council passed the Expulsion of Undesirables (Amendment) Ordinance, widely seen as an attempt to block his visit. Garvey ultimately canceled his trip. Nearly a decade later, in 1937, Garvey sought permission to visit Trinidad again, assuring Governor Murchison Fletcher of his non-political intentions. After consultations, Fletcher allowed Garvey to land, recognizing that existing evidence did not justify a ban. This decision marked a significant shift in the colonial government’s stance toward the prominent Afro-Caribbean leader.
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Another CL Financial probe
In a renewed twist to the long-standing saga of CL Financial (CLF), a High Court judge has halted the sale of a key asset of the defunct conglomerate, prompting Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro to direct the Anti-Corruption Investigation Bureau (ACIB) to probe the transaction. This development, reported on October 13, marks another chapter in the tumultuous history of CLF, which collapsed in 2009, leading to a $28 billion state bailout. The ACIB’s investigation comes over a decade after it first launched a criminal probe into former CLF executives for their role in the company’s downfall. This time, the bureau is examining allegations of irregularities in the sale of group assets, including the Trincity Mall, which was sold for $505 million in 2024. Shareholders and creditors have raised “grave concerns” about these transactions, which occurred even after the Central Bank relinquished control of Clico, CLF’s former insurance arm, in 2022. The public’s demand for transparency grows as questions linger about the ACIB’s recent transfer from the police to the Office of the Attorney General. Past investigations, such as the Colman Enquiry initiated by former Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, have yielded little accountability, with key figures like CLF’s Lawrence Duprey passing away before justice could be served. As Ms. Persad-Bissessar returns to power, there is hope that the findings of the Colman Enquiry will finally be published, though concerns remain that this latest probe may follow the same inconclusive path as its predecessors.
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CAL ‘nineyears late’troubling
In a recent development that has raised significant concerns about governance and accountability, the audited financial statements of Caribbean Airlines Ltd (CAL) for the year 2016 were tabled in the House of Representatives—nine years after their due date. This delay, highlighted in a letter to the editor by Motilal Ramsingh, underscores a broader issue of systemic negligence within public sector institutions.
The financial documents were referred to the Public Accounts (Enterprises) Committee, chaired by Senator Vishnu Dhanpaul, with MP Colm Imbert serving as vice-chair. Notably, both individuals have previously held the position of Minister of Finance and are well-versed in financial stewardship. Dhanpaul, who also served as a permanent secretary and a member of CAL’s board, is no stranger to the intricacies of corporate governance.
The nearly decade-long delay in presenting these accounts is not an isolated incident but rather indicative of a pervasive culture of weak accountability and a blatant disregard for statutory reporting obligations. Such lapses erode public confidence, impede effective parliamentary oversight, and undermine the credibility of financial governance across the public sector.
The situation is further exacerbated by the recent change in CAL’s board and the departure of key executives, which has laid bare the farcical nature of accountability within the organization. This episode serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for systemic reforms to restore public trust in institutions.
As Ramsingh aptly notes, this incident should not be met with wry amusement among those once responsible for oversight but should instead prompt serious reflection and corrective action. The restoration of public trust in governance mechanisms is imperative to ensure transparency and accountability in the future.
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Replacing VAT with sales tax requires care
In a groundbreaking move, Trinidad and Tobago’s Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo has announced a review of the Value Added Tax (VAT) regime, with plans to potentially replace it with a sales tax. This marks a significant departure from the fiscal landscape, where VAT has been a cornerstone since its introduction in 1989. The proposed shift aims to simplify the tax system, ensure revenue preservation, and promote equity, particularly for low-income households. However, the transition requires meticulous planning, including legal amendments, administrative restructuring, and IT reconfiguration, which will take considerable time. The budget also includes measures to make certain food items zero-rated, acknowledging that VAT will remain in place for the foreseeable future. The current VAT system has been a major revenue generator, contributing $6.6 billion in 2023, $9.5 billion in 2024, and an estimated $8.3 billion in 2025. These figures highlight the importance of careful implementation to avoid replacing one set of challenges with another. The idea of a sales tax is not new; it was first considered in the 1980s but was shelved due to administrative complexities. While businesses historically favored VAT, the proposed review signals a recognition of the need to address systemic inefficiencies, such as delayed VAT refunds and audit inefficiencies. A sales tax, applicable only at the point of transaction, could simplify the process and shift focus from what is being purchased to who is purchasing it.
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Rambarans, Bidaisee star in Red Force Super50 trials
The National Senior 50 Overs Cup, serving as trials for the upcoming regional Super50 Cup, witnessed standout performances on October 15, with players vying for attention from the TT Red Force selectors. At the National Cricket Centre (NCC) in Couva, the Cocrico Warriors secured a commanding 116-run victory over the Steelpan Titans in a rain-affected match. Shatrughan Rambaran starred with a century, scoring 111 off 101 balls, while Navin Bidaisee, a recent West Indies debutant, showcased his bowling prowess with four wickets for 29 runs in five overs. The Warriors posted 275 for four in 37 overs, with Crystian Thurton contributing a brisk 81 off 57 balls. The Titans, chasing a revised target of 297, were bowled out for 180. Meanwhile, at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy (BLCA) in Tarouba, the Soca Strikers triumphed over the Scarlet Blazers by 106 runs. Cephas Cooper (87 off 96) and Andrew Rambaran (65) anchored the Strikers’ innings with a 115-run partnership, guiding them to 250 in 48.1 overs. Aneal Rooplal and Terrance Hinds led the bowling attack, restricting the Blazers to 144. The final of the tournament is set for October 18 at the BLCA.
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Kellar, Molino in Caribbean Cup Best XI for first round
In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Defence Force captain Kevin Molino and central midfielder Cassim Kellar have been named to the Best XI for the group stage of the 2025 Concacaf Caribbean Cup. The dynamic duo played pivotal roles in securing their team’s advancement to the semifinals, showcasing their talent in a fiercely competitive Group B that included reigning champions Cavalier FC and 2024 runners-up Cibao FC. Defence Force finished second in the group, trailing only Cibao FC. The team’s journey to the semifinals was marked by a crucial 2-0 victory over Cibao on October 1, where both Molino and Kellar found the back of the net. Molino, 35, opened the scoring with a stunning long-range effort in the second minute, while Kellar, 29, sealed the win with a deflected free kick in the second half. Molino also scored the decisive goal in Defence Force’s 1-0 victory over Haiti’s Juventus des Cayes in August. According to Concacaf’s October 14 report, Molino completed 220 passes and registered six shots, four of which were on target, during the group stage. Kellar, known for his tenacity, made 190 passes, seven interceptions, and six successful tackles. Defence Force is set to face Jamaica’s Mount Pleasant Football Academy in the first leg of the semifinals on October 22 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium. Mount Pleasant, who dominated Group A with four consecutive wins, also had three players named to the Best XI, alongside three from Cibao FC and two from Universidad O&M FC.