Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Junior Benjamin is set to assume the role of acting Commissioner of Police for the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), as indicated in the Order Paper for the House of Representatives’ session on October 10. The document, published online on October 9, also revealed that Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Curt Simon will temporarily fill Benjamin’s position as DCP. The first agenda item for the House session involves a paper to be presented by Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander, which includes the nomination of Benjamin for the acting Commissioner role and Simon’s confirmation as acting DCP. Speculation surrounds the duration of these appointments and the reasons for the absence of substantive Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro, who could not be reached for comment on October 9. The Order Paper also outlines two motions for these nominations, to be debated by Members of Parliament (MPs). The motions reference Section 123 of the Constitution, which grants the Police Service Commission (PSC) the authority to appoint individuals to act as Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner. The PSC forwards nominees to the President, who issues notifications subject to parliamentary approval. President Christine Kangaloo issued Benjamin’s notification on October 3, with similar provisions for Simon. Additionally, Attorney General John Jeremie, SC, will introduce The Administration of Justice (Indictable Proceedings) (Amendment) Bill, 2025, for debate. The House will also review reports from the Auditor General’s office, led by Jaiwantie Ramdass, concerning the delayed submission of annual financial statements by three regional corporations. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo will present these reports and propose their referral to the Public Accounts Committee.
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White House says Nobel Trump omission was ‘politics over peace’
The White House has strongly criticized the Norwegian Nobel Committee following its decision to award the 2024 Peace Prize to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, bypassing U.S. President Donald Trump. Steven Cheung, the White House Director of Communications, expressed his disapproval on social media platform X, stating, ‘The Nobel Committee has demonstrated that they prioritize politics over peace.’ Cheung further praised Trump, asserting that the President would continue his efforts to broker peace agreements, end conflicts, and save lives, describing him as a humanitarian with unparalleled determination. Since his re-election in January, Trump has repeatedly claimed he deserved the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in resolving multiple global conflicts, a claim many experts have dismissed as exaggerated. On the eve of the prize announcement, Trump highlighted his recent involvement in brokering a ceasefire in Gaza, which he described as the eighth war he had ended. Despite his assertions, Trump downplayed the significance of the award, stating, ‘Whatever they do is fine. I know this: I didn’t do it for that, I did it because I’ve saved a lot of lives.’ Nobel Prize experts in Oslo had previously indicated that Trump’s ‘America First’ policies were inconsistent with the ideals of the Peace Prize, as outlined in Alfred Nobel’s 1895 will.
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Flash flooding threat as Tropical Storm Jerry makes its way across the Leeward Islands
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) — Tropical Storm Jerry, the 10th named storm of the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season, is projected to pass north of the Leeward Islands on Friday morning before moving away later in the day. The Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued warnings for residents to prepare for potential flash flooding caused by heavy rainfall. Currently located approximately 80 miles north-northeast of the Northern Leeward Islands, Jerry boasts maximum sustained winds of 50 mph. A tropical storm warning is active for St Barthelemy, St Martin, Sint Maarten, Guadeloupe, and adjacent islands, while a tropical storm watch remains in place for Saba and St Eustatius. The government of Antigua and Barbuda has lifted warnings for Barbuda, Anguilla, Antigua, St Kitts, Nevis, and Montserrat. Jerry is moving northwest at 17 mph, with a northward turn expected tonight into Saturday, followed by a north-northeast trajectory through the weekend. The NHC forecasts four to six inches of rain for Barbuda and two to four inches for other Leeward and Virgin Islands, raising concerns of flash flooding in urban and steep terrain areas. Additionally, swells generated by Jerry are creating life-threatening surf and rip current conditions across the region, with impacts expected to spread to the Greater Antilles on Friday.
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Seals, birds under threat in new ‘red list’ of endangered species
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — Arctic seals and bird populations are facing escalating threats primarily driven by climate change and human activities, according to the latest update from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The IUCN’s updated Red List, released on Friday, highlights the precarious status of these species, with habitat loss, global warming, and maritime traffic identified as key factors.
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Digicel staff join buddy walk in support of inclusion
In a vibrant display of solidarity and support, over 40 Digicel employees and their families participated in the Buddy Walk 2025, an event organized by the Down Syndrome Family Network (DSFN) on October 5. The event, which has become a cherished annual tradition for the company, celebrated inclusion, awareness, and the unique abilities of individuals with Down syndrome.
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Why we are struggling in crime war
In a heartfelt letter to the editor, Tesse Wilson of Marabella highlights the urgent need for a collective and apolitical approach to addressing crime in Trinidad and Tobago. Wilson argues that crime has become a political tool, exploited by the two main political parties, which distracts from the real suffering of victims and their families. She emphasizes that citizens must set aside political differences and demand that authorities act impartially to ensure swift justice for perpetrators. Wilson stresses that crime is a societal issue that affects everyone, particularly vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly, and calls for zero tolerance toward injustice. To effectively reduce crime, Wilson advocates for adequate resources for law enforcement, proactive policing, a fair judicial system, public cooperation, prison reform, and rehabilitation programs. Additionally, she underscores the importance of addressing community and family dynamics, as these environments shape individual character. Wilson concludes with a plea for the nation to uphold respect for law, order, and the sanctity of life, urging a united, God-fearing approach to tackling crime.
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Road crash witnesses not reliable
The recent hit-and-run incident on the Churchill-Roosevelt Highway near the O’Meara intersection has sparked urgent calls for improved road safety measures. The tragic event, which occurred at 6:30 am on October 5, claimed the life of Simone Rose, leaving her family and friends devastated. Witnesses reported that the vehicle involved was white, but no further details, such as the make, model, or registration number, were provided. Shockingly, even 36 hours after the incident, no additional information about the vehicle or the driver had surfaced. This lack of critical details underscores the pressing need for functional surveillance cameras at key intersections and major roads across the country. The absence of CCTV footage in this case has severely hindered the investigation, leaving authorities with limited leads. The incident also raises questions about the reliability of eyewitness accounts in such situations. A personal anecdote shared by the author highlights how crucial detailed observations can be in resolving such cases. The author emphasizes that law enforcement cannot solely depend on witness testimonies and must explore other means of gathering information, such as installing cameras and offering monetary rewards to jog the memory of potential witnesses. The tragic loss of Simone Rose serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proactive measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
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50 years of keeping it clean, real — Paul Keens-Douglas: Ent Dat Nice
For five decades, Paul Keens-Douglas has been a cornerstone of Caribbean storytelling, blending humour, language, and cultural pride into family-friendly performances. This weekend, the acclaimed writer, dramatist, poet, and producer marks this extraordinary milestone with ‘Ent Dat Nice,’ a special 50th-anniversary edition of his iconic Tim Tim show, held at the Central Bank Auditorium in Port of Spain. The event celebrates a journey that began in 1975 at the Little Carib Theatre, where a simple reading of poems and stories evolved into a cultural phenomenon. Keens-Douglas’s work has transcended borders, reaching audiences worldwide through books, CDs, DVDs, and international storytelling festivals. His beloved characters, such as Tanti at de Oval and Vibert, have become staples of Caribbean folklore, embodying the region’s wit and wisdom. Over the years, Keens-Douglas has remained committed to clean, family-oriented storytelling, earning the trust of generations of fans. His contributions have been recognized globally, including a Carifesta Award for his lifetime achievements in regional arts. ‘Ent Dat Nice’ not only honours his body of work but also celebrates the audiences who have supported him. The show features guest performers like Avion Crooks, Miguel Browne, Candice Alcantara, and saxophonist Tony Paul, continuing the tradition of live music in his performances. As Keens-Douglas reflects on his journey, he remains dedicated to his craft, currently working on his memoirs and continuing to perform with the same passion that has defined his career. ‘Ent Dat Nice’ is a testament to the enduring magic of Caribbean storytelling and the joy it brings to audiences worldwide.
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Caribbean culture takes centre stage — Trinis illuminate Disney’s Diwali Dance Fest
The Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, is set to illuminate with the vibrant rhythms and cultural richness of Diwali as it hosts the Diwali Dance Fest 2025 from October 9 to 11. This three-day extravaganza will bring together hundreds of performers from across the globe, with a special spotlight on Caribbean artists, including Trinidad and Tobago-born creators and dancers. Among them are cultural ambassador Natasha Laggan and the Devyani School of Cultural Arts, a troupe featuring dancers of Trinidadian, Guyanese, and Jamaican descent. For Laggan, this event holds profound personal significance. ‘I’m honoured to have been invited to cover it,’ she shared. ‘Seeing the Caribbean represented in such a major celebration fills me with pride.’ Laggan will document the event for her global audience, describing it as ‘a true privilege’ to witness Caribbean artistry on such a prestigious stage. The Devyani School of Cultural Arts, founded in 2009, will perform a fusion of Bharatanatyam, Indian folk, and chutney dance. Founder Priya Persaud emphasized the cultural affirmation behind their performance, stating, ‘We’re not just performing – we’re representing, educating, and inspiring.’ The event, now in its third consecutive year, follows the success of the 2024 festival, which garnered international attention and featured performances by over 300 artists. This year’s festivities include a welcome party, an international dance showcase, and a grand Diwali parade, marking a powerful shift toward cultural inclusion and appreciation.
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Patience Hill stay perfect, surge into Tobago T10 Windball semis
The Tobago T10 Community Windball Championship witnessed thrilling quarterfinal clashes on October 5 at Parade Grounds in Bacolet, Tobago, with Patience Hill Mumbai emerging as the standout team. Continuing their flawless run, Patience Hill secured a resounding 79-run victory over Buccoo United, advancing to the semifinals in style. The team’s top-order batsmen delivered a masterclass, propelling them to an imposing total of 160 for nine. Opener Ancil Nedd set the tone with a quickfire 25 off 11 balls, while Daveon Shangie (78 off 25) and Olando James (45 off 14) combined for a crucial 91-run partnership. Despite losing partners regularly, Shangie’s explosive innings, featuring five fours and eight sixes, ensured a dominant score. Buccoo United struggled in reply, managing only 81 for seven, with Elton Cruickshank (3 for 18) and Alana Smith (2 for 14) leading Patience Hill’s bowling attack. In other matches, Kabs Solutions Roxborough Gunners overpowered Betsys Hope Scrape Up, posting 133 for three and restricting their opponents to 62 for nine. Jahron Alfred’s 61 off 22 balls, including eight sixes, was the highlight. Meanwhile, Jade Monkey Belle Garden Cuzins and Goodwood Knight Riders also secured semifinal berths, with Shane Ali’s unbeaten 46 and Keron McPherson’s all-round performance (57 not out and 2 for 13) proving decisive.