Trinidad and Tobago’s cycling sensation, Teniel Campbell, showcased her exceptional talent at the Caribbean Elite Road Cycling Championships in Belize, securing a remarkable double victory. On October 12, Campbell triumphed in the grueling 112.5-kilometer women’s road race, adding to her earlier gold in the individual time trial on October 11. The race, which tested the endurance of 17 elite cyclists, saw Campbell cross the finish line in 3 hours, 6 minutes, and 20 seconds, a commanding 31 seconds ahead of Bermuda’s Gabriella Arnold, who claimed second place. Cuban cyclist Evelyn Diaz Matos rounded out the podium in third. Seven participants were unable to complete the demanding course. Campbell’s dominance was further highlighted in the time trial, where she clocked an impressive 28 minutes and 39.4 seconds, leaving her competitors trailing by over three minutes. In the men’s events, Trinidad and Tobago’s Jadian Neaves secured third place in the Under-23 category, while Akil Campbell, Teniel’s brother, finished 11th in the senior division. The championships underscored the rising prominence of Caribbean cycling talent, with Campbell’s performances cementing her status as a regional powerhouse.
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TTCB election of candidates
Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) President Azim Bassarath has emphasized the critical role of cricket clubs in revitalizing the national team’s performance. Speaking at the TTCB premiership awards ceremony, Bassarath highlighted that the future success of Trinidad and Tobago cricket hinges on the ability of clubs to become well-organized, accountable, and sustainable. He stressed that strong clubs foster competitive environments, which in turn build robust national teams. However, achieving this vision is no simple task, requiring meticulous planning and structural reforms. Bassarath acknowledged the challenges, particularly financial constraints, that have hindered clubs from reaching their full potential. He also took accountability for the national team’s prolonged underperformance, noting that Trinidad and Tobago has not won the regional first-class competition since 2006. With six West Indies territories competing annually, Bassarath argued that Trinidad and Tobago should, at minimum, secure victory once every six years. He called for a renewed commitment from club administrators and board members to implement effective strategies and ensure the national team’s success. The upcoming TTCB meeting on October 25 is expected to address these pressing issues and chart a path forward for Trinidad and Tobago cricket.
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PSA ready to talk to CPO after 10% wage hike promise
In a significant development following the October 13 budget presentation, the Public Services Association (PSA) has expressed readiness to commence immediate negotiations with the government. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo announced a revised ten per cent wage offer aimed at resolving long-standing public sector wage disputes, which have persisted for nearly a decade. PSA President Felisha Thomas emphasized the urgency of the matter, stating that the union has already proposed dates for talks as early as October 16. ‘Our membership has waited long enough,’ Thomas remarked, underscoring the need for swift action. This marks Thomas’s first budget as PSA president, having been elected in March 2025. Tancoo described the government’s move as a ‘bold and historic step’ to address years of stagnation and restore dignity to public sector workers. He also revealed plans to ratify collective agreements with various public sector bodies, including the Teaching Service and the Defence Force, at an estimated annual cost of $214 million, with arrears totaling $730 million by December 2025. Additionally, Tancoo announced reforms to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), including a gradual increase in the retirement age from 60 to 65 by 2036 and phased contribution hikes starting in January 2026. While Thomas acknowledged mixed reactions to the NIS changes, she reiterated the PSA’s commitment to prioritizing wage negotiations. ‘Now is the time to get the job done,’ she concluded.
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Mental Health Awareness Month: No one is exempt from mental health issues
October marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to fostering understanding and support for mental health issues. Clinical and organisational psychologist Kelly Mc Farlane underscores the significance of this observance, noting that mental health challenges can affect anyone, whether through stress, loss, or anxiety. These issues impact individuals, families, workplaces, and communities in both positive and negative ways. Mc Farlane emphasizes that understanding mental health is the first step toward protecting it, and global observances like World Mental Health Day on October 10 provide opportunities for collective reflection and practical change. This year’s theme, ‘Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,’ is particularly relevant in the Caribbean, where natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic have left lasting emotional scars. Mc Farlane highlights the need for increased awareness of available mental health resources, including public sector clinics and hospital mental health departments. She acknowledges that while stigma around mental health is decreasing, it remains a significant barrier to care. Social support, she notes, plays a crucial role in recovery, and she advocates for more campaigns and education to reduce stigma. Mc Farlane also points to encouraging trends, such as increased openness to mental health conversations among younger people and men. For those hesitant to seek help, she advises starting the conversation with someone they trust or a mental health professional. Dietitian Dana Chong adds that nutrition plays a vital role in mental health, with foods like green leafy vegetables, fatty fish, and walnuts boosting brain health. She warns against the negative effects of poor nutrition and processed foods, recommending a balanced diet rich in probiotics and prebiotics. Chong also stresses the importance of hydration and cautions against excessive caffeine and sugar intake. As Mental Health Awareness Month continues, both Mc Farlane and Chong urge individuals to prioritize their mental and physical well-being.
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Presentation College, Chaguanas robotics team heads to Panama
For the fifth consecutive year, Trinidad and Tobago will be represented at the prestigious First Global Robotics Challenge. The Presentation College Chaguanas Robotics Team, comprising five students and two teachers, is set to compete in Panama City, Panama, from October 29 to November 1, 2025. This marks their fourth participation in the event, following their virtual debut in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The competition, which draws nearly 200 countries, challenges young innovators to design and program robots addressing real-world issues, with this year’s theme centered on ‘Eco Equilibrium.’ The team has already garnered accolades, including the Video and Storytelling Award, Helping Hands Award, Social Media Award, and a third-place finish in the joint alliance at the 2024 event in Athens, Greece. Teacher and adviser Tricia Singh revealed that the team has been tirelessly refining their robot, which simulates sustainable energy production and management, aligning with the competition’s focus on renewable solutions. For the first time, Presentation College has collaborated with St. Augustine Girls’ High School, supported by a network of local mentors, engineers, government officials, and educators. Singh emphasized that the project transcends competition, fostering collaboration and community spirit. As the team prepares for Panama, national pride is building, with supporters planning to watch the event live on the First Global YouTube channel. Regardless of the outcome, Trinidad and Tobago’s participation is celebrated as a significant step in promoting STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) enthusiasm nationwide.
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Alberto Sautúa returns to Horizons Art Gallery
Horizons Art Gallery is thrilled to announce the return of acclaimed Cuban artist Alberto Sautúa with his latest exhibition, *Images of the Subconscious*. Following the success of his 2022 showcase, Sautúa’s new collection promises to mesmerize art enthusiasts with its unique fusion of realism and fantasy. Born in Havana in 1976, Sautúa honed his craft at the prestigious San Alejandro National Academy of Visual Arts and later specialized in xylography at the Higher Studies Art Institute. His career has spanned the globe, with exhibitions in Cuba, the United States, Mexico, Belgium, Germany, Canada, Argentina, Switzerland, Spain, and Sweden, earning him international recognition for his imaginative and distinctive style. Sautúa’s work is deeply rooted in Cuba’s art community, where he has contributed to cultural and social projects, including anti-smoking campaigns and initiatives to democratize access to art. His creations, often described as ‘fairy tales for grown-ups,’ feature ethereal figures touched by nature, inviting viewers into a world of pure imagination. The exhibition, which runs from October 14 to October 25, offers a glimpse into Sautúa’s subconscious, with each painting serving as a fragment of thought and emotion. The opening night on October 14, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm, is free to attend at 37 Mucurapo Road, St James. For more information, call 628-9769 or visit www.horizonsartgallery.com.
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PM on UNC government’s first budget – ‘All about fairness and equality’
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar emphasized fairness and equality as the cornerstone of her UNC government’s 2025-2026 budget during a press briefing at the Red House rotunda on October 13. The fiscal package, presented by Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo, introduced several measures aimed at rebalancing economic disparities and ensuring accountability. Among the key announcements was a 0.25% levy on the assets of banks and insurance companies, alongside a landlord business surcharge targeting undeclared rental properties. Persad-Bissessar clarified that the surcharge was not a property tax but a mechanism to protect both landlords and tenants while boosting public revenue. She also highlighted a reduction in the price of super gasoline by $1 per liter, which she estimated would save consumers $500,000 annually. Additionally, the removal of VAT on agricultural inputs was framed as a move to empower farmers. The Prime Minister contrasted her government’s $3 billion budget deficit with the former PNM administration’s $16-$18 billion deficits over a decade, attributing the improvement to diligent management. Other measures included a 3% increase in National Insurance Scheme (NIS) contributions, expected to raise the National Insurance Board’s annual collections by 23%. Persad-Bissessar also addressed the dire state of the NIS, warning that without immediate action, funds for pensions and benefits would soon be depleted. She praised Tancoo’s allocation of $2.96 billion for the Tobago House of Assembly’s development plan, which represents 5% of the national budget, and an additional $763 million through various ministries, bringing Tobago’s total allocation to $3.7 billion. In response to a reporter’s question, the PM identified 8,000 public sector vacancies, promising better job opportunities.
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Tancoo’s ‘give & take’ budget
The United National Congress (UNC) government, led by Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo, presented its inaugural national budget for 2025-2026, striking a balance between relief measures and revenue-generating policies. The budget, delivered in the House of Representatives on October 13, 2025, was framed as a ‘give and take’ fiscal package aimed at fulfilling election promises while addressing economic challenges. Key highlights include a $1 per litre reduction in super gasoline prices, a 10% wage increase for public servants, and the removal of VAT on essential food items—measures designed to ease the financial burden on citizens. However, the government also introduced new levies, such as increased customs duties on alcohol and tobacco, a 3% hike in National Insurance System (NIS) contributions, and a landlord surcharge, targeting big businesses and commercial entities. Tancoo emphasized that the budget reflects the UNC’s commitment to ‘putting the people of Trinidad and Tobago first,’ with a projected expenditure of $59.232 billion and revenue of $55.367 billion, resulting in a $3.865 billion deficit. The budget also allocated significant funds to Tobago ($3.724 billion) and prioritized sectors like education ($8.766 billion), health ($8.214 billion), and national security ($6.366 billion). Additionally, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar will oversee a newly established Financial Oversight & Appropriations Committee (FOAC) to ensure transparent management of state resources. The budget debate is set to begin on October 17, with Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles expected to respond.
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Flash flooding in south, central Trinidad
Heavy rainfall on the afternoon of October 13 led to sudden flash floods in multiple regions of central and south Trinidad, prompting urgent warnings from disaster management authorities. The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) issued a 4 pm update, highlighting significant flooding in the Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo and Princes Town municipalities. In the central area, residential flooding was reported along Hermitage Road in Claxton Bay, while Pine Avenue in Fairview Park, Freeport, and Macaulay Trace Junction faced street flooding. In Princes Town, Guaracara Tabaquite Road near the Williamsville Community Centre and Piparo Junction were also affected. Fortunately, no property damage was reported. The ODPM urged residents in flood-prone zones to secure household items, relocate vehicles to higher ground, and avoid walking or driving through floodwaters to ensure safety.
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John Procope starts journey to swim around Tobago
Endurance swimmer John Procope embarked on a monumental challenge on October 13, aiming to swim around the island of Tobago within 48 hours. The grueling endeavor began at Pigeon Point, where Procope was met by a group of supporters, including Wane Clarke, the Secretary of Community Development for the Tobago House of Assembly (THA). A support vessel equipped with essential supplies like food and water will accompany him throughout the journey. Additionally, two fellow swimmers, Jacob Cox and William Carr, will join Procope for portions of the swim to provide moral and physical support. Procope’s ambitious goal is to complete the circumnavigation by 9 a.m. on October 15. This is not the first time Procope has taken on such a daunting task. In October 2024, he successfully swam from Tobago to Trinidad in approximately 25 hours, showcasing his exceptional endurance and determination. This latest challenge further cements his reputation as a pioneer in the world of extreme swimming.