The fourth edition of Scream, a Halloween-themed party, took place last Saturday at the Mas Camp venue, drawing a vibrant crowd of university and college students. Attendees showcased their creativity with an array of costumes, ranging from eccentric professionals to iconic superheroes. The venue was transformed into a spooky wonderland, with tunnels adorned with skeletons, bats, spiders, and other Halloween-themed decorations. The musical lineup was a perfect blend of Halloween classics and contemporary hits, including Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller,’ Bobby Pickett’s ‘Monster Mash,’ and Ray Parker Jr.’s ‘Ghostbusters.’ DJs like Jamdonn & TZ, Fyahman, and Vinchi kept the energy high with a mix of Afrobeats, dancehall, soca, hip hop, reggae, and pop. Micha’el Meggo, a University of the West Indies student dressed as the Mad Hatter, praised the event for its creative costumes and the moment of silence observed for Hurricane Melissa victims. Dajae Forrester, another student, highlighted the patrons’ commitment to their characters and the seamless music selection. Keifa Desnoes, the event’s director, expressed satisfaction with the growing support and creativity each year. Scream targets young adults and the working class, offering a unique Halloween experience in Jamaica. The event also collected donations for hurricane relief, demonstrating the community’s solidarity with those affected by the disaster.
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New mosquito challenge in St Ann
Leroy Scott, the Chief Public Health Inspector for St Ann, has called on residents to take immediate action to eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites in the wake of Hurricane Melissa and ongoing rainfall. Speaking at the St Ann Municipal Corporation’s monthly meeting on Thursday, Scott highlighted a concerning surge in mosquito breeding, particularly of the Culex species, which thrive in flooded areas, clogged drains, and stagnant water collections. Unlike the Aedes aegypti mosquito, Culex mosquitoes do not breed in containers but instead in debris, ponds, and natural water accumulations left by the storm. Scott emphasized that these mosquitoes attack in swarms and are persistent, making the situation particularly challenging. He urged residents to clear debris, unblock drains, and remove fallen trees and vegetation to mitigate the issue. The health department has intensified its efforts with larvicidal treatments, oiling of temporary water accumulations, and a rigorous fogging schedule over the next five weeks. Scott advised residents to protect themselves by staying indoors when possible, as the Culex mosquitoes are larger, darker, and more aggressive than other species.
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Chilling confession
In a shocking turn of events, Brandon Maine, a taxi operator implicated in the brutal murder of a St Catherine teacher and her teenage daughter, reportedly confessed to a relative before being found dead in Clarendon. The bodies of 29-year-old Tara Pinnock, a primary school teacher, and her 14-year-old daughter Tally Wright were discovered on Thursday at their Mount View residence in St Catherine. Police suspect the murders were domestic in nature, with no signs of forced entry at the scene.
Maine, who fled to Tweedside in Clarendon after the murders, allegedly admitted to the killings on Thursday night. A relative, speaking anonymously, revealed that Maine’s sudden appearance on Wednesday morning raised suspicions. ‘He came here acting normal, but later confessed to the gruesome act,’ the relative stated. Maine’s body was found hanging from a mango tree on Friday afternoon, with authorities investigating his death as a suspected suicide.
The relative recounted Maine’s chilling confession, detailing how he claimed to have killed Pinnock over a financial dispute involving $3.5 million he had saved to buy a bus. ‘He said he chopped the woman, and her daughter tried to save her,’ the relative added. Fearing for their safety, the relative and his family fled their home and alerted the police.
Senior Superintendent of Police Hopton Nicholson described the murders as ‘cowardly’ and emphasized that the investigation is ongoing. Maine, who grew up in Tweedside before moving to St Catherine, had a history of running a taxi service between Spanish Town and Naggo Head. His sudden return to Clarendon and subsequent actions have left the community in shock.
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THE RIGHT CHOICE
In a tense FIFA World Cup qualifying match in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica’s head coach Steve McClaren faced scrutiny following a 1-1 draw against Trinidad and Tobago (T&T). The result, which left Jamaican supporters frustrated, raised questions about McClaren’s tactical decisions, particularly his starting lineup. McClaren opted to start Rumarn Burrell over Shamar Nicholson, a striker known for his crucial goals against Caribbean opponents. Burrell struggled to make an impact, partly due to limited midfield support, while Nicholson remained on the bench. Additionally, Mason Holgate was deployed at right back instead of Dexter Lembikisa, a decision that backfired as Holgate was repeatedly tested by T&T’s Tyrese Spicer. McClaren defended his choices, citing the need to protect players with yellow cards ahead of their decisive home game against Curaçao. He expressed confidence in his team’s resilience, despite T&T’s late equalizer. Meanwhile, T&T head coach Dwight Yorke criticized Jamaica’s cautious approach, suggesting they relied on gamesmanship rather than their usual aggressive style. The draw leaves Jamaica needing a victory over group leaders Curaçao to secure automatic qualification from Group B.
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Disbelief
In a stark departure from its usual lively atmosphere, 83 Lane on Waltham Park Road in St Andrew was eerily quiet on Friday afternoon. The subdued environment followed the tragic shooting deaths of two off-duty police constables, Charles Stewart and Jemarey Gordon, the previous evening. Residents, still reeling from the incident, chose to remain indoors, leaving the area deserted.
The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) reported that the officers were attempting to mediate an altercation at a local business establishment when they were fatally shot. Witnesses recounted hearing a barrage of gunfire, prompting panic among those gathered outdoors. One resident described the harrowing scene, stating, ‘I saw someone lying in the road. It was Carlos [Charles Stewart]. He died in his uniform because he was coming from work.’
Constable Stewart, 30, was assigned to the Spanish Town Police Station, while Constable Gordon, 32, served in the Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch. Both officers were also involved in operating a car mart and motor vehicle parts business at 83 Lane. The JCF has since identified three individuals—Junior Brown, Macarius Munroe, and a man known only as Squidly—as persons of interest in the case.
The community has been left in shock, with many expressing grief and outrage over the senseless violence. A close associate of Stewart shared, ‘Charles was family. He had two kids and was just trying to make a better life.’ Another resident questioned the safety of civilians, asking, ‘If they shoot a man in his police uniform, what would they do to us?’
Police Commissioner Dr. Kevin Blake condemned the murders, vowing to bring the perpetrators to justice. ‘We will spare no effort, no resource, and no measure to ensure those responsible face swift justice,’ he declared. The JCF’s Chaplaincy Branch and Welfare Division are providing support to the families and colleagues of the slain officers.
The incident has cast a pall over the community, raising concerns about safety and the escalating violence in the area. As investigations continue, residents mourn the loss of two dedicated officers who were not only committed to their duty but also deeply embedded in their community.
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Windies look to rebound in ODIs against New Zealand
The West Indies cricket team is set to face New Zealand in the first of a three-match ODI series at Hagley Oval on November 15, starting at 9 pm TT time. This encounter follows a disappointing 3-1 loss in the T20 series against the Black Caps. The Caribbean squad is eager to turn their fortunes around in the 50-over format, despite a recent 2-1 ODI series defeat to Bangladesh in late October. This series marks the penultimate engagement for the West Indies in the 2025 season, with a three-match Test series against New Zealand scheduled for December to conclude their multi-format tour. The team has bolstered their lineup with the return of opener John Campbell after a six-year hiatus, along with the inclusion of fast bowlers Johann Layne and Shamar Springer, both making their ODI debuts. All-rounder Matthew Forde also rejoins the squad following a shoulder injury sustained during the T20 series. The Windies last tasted ODI success in August with a 2-1 victory over Pakistan in the Caribbean, following a 3-0 loss to England in May. A series win against New Zealand would mean the West Indies have secured two out of their four ODI series this year. The squad, led by captain Shai Hope, includes a mix of experienced players and fresh talent, all aiming to make a significant impact in the upcoming matches.
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Dwight Yorke defends tactics against Jamaica in World Cup qualifier
Trinidad and Tobago’s men’s football team faced a heartbreaking exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers after a 1-1 draw with Jamaica at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on November 13. Despite dominating the game, TT fell short of the crucial win needed to keep their qualifying hopes alive. Coach Dwight Yorke defended his tactical decisions, asserting that his game plan worked ‘incredibly,’ even though the team failed to capitalize on their opportunities. Yorke highlighted Jamaica’s defensive approach, which deviated from their usual style, as a key factor in the match’s outcome. The absence of regular captain Kevin Molino from the starting lineup raised eyebrows, though his late equalizer briefly reignited hope. Yorke’s strategy of deploying a physical midfield trio and inverting wingers to create attacking options showed promise but ultimately couldn’t overcome TT’s persistent goal-scoring struggles. With a goal-per-game ratio in the final round, Yorke acknowledged the need for a reliable striker, backing Levi Garcia as the best current option despite his limited output. The draw marked another chapter in TT’s quest for World Cup qualification, leaving fans and critics alike questioning what might have been.
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Unbeaten run, delayed fixtures keep Signal Hill in SSFL race
Signal Hill Secondary School is on the brink of making history in the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division. With four matches remaining, the Tobago-based team is uniquely positioned to challenge for the title, currently sitting fifth with 25 points from 11 games. Their fate is entirely in their hands: if they win their next three matches against St Augustine, Trinity College East, and Malick, they will level with current leaders Naparima College at 34 points. This would set up a high-stakes final showdown between the two teams on November 27, effectively making it a winner-takes-all decider. Signal Hill’s strong goal difference further bolsters their chances in case of a tiebreaker.
This is Signal Hill’s second year in the SSFL, and their journey has been marked by resilience and determination. Several of their matches were postponed earlier in the season due to logistical challenges, including unavailable flights and limited vessel seats between Tobago and Trinidad. However, this delay has now placed them in a favorable position to mount a late title charge.
Head coach Downie Marcelle remains cautious, emphasizing a game-by-game approach. ‘We are taking it one game at a time and not getting carried away,’ he said. Marcelle highlighted the importance of managing player fatigue and maintaining focus, especially with a packed schedule ahead. ‘We have to stay perfect or near perfect to win the league,’ he added.
Signal Hill’s recent form has been impressive, with an unbeaten run in their last seven matches. Marcelle attributes this improvement to their ability to capitalize on early chances, a weakness they addressed after struggling with finishing earlier in the season. The team’s continuity, with only three players lost from last year’s squad, has also played a crucial role in their success.
Meanwhile, other title contenders like St Benedict’s and Presentation College San Fernando remain mathematically in the race but are dependent on Signal Hill and Naparima dropping points. As the SSFL enters its final stretch, all eyes are on Signal Hill, whose performance in the coming weeks could culminate in their first-ever league championship.
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Senator Chote: There is a JP facing criminal charges
Independent Senator Sophia Chote, SC, voiced significant concerns during the Senate debate on the Administration of Justice (Indictable Proceedings) (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (AJIPA), particularly regarding the expanded powers granted to Justices of the Peace (JPs) to authorize search warrants. Chote, a former president of the Law Association, highlighted the lack of a comprehensive and up-to-date list of JPs, citing a Gazetted list from May as incomplete and potentially dangerous. She pointed out that there is no mechanism for the JP Association or the Ministry of Land and Legal Affairs to be informed if a JP becomes incapacitated, dies, or faces serious legal charges. Chote emphasized the risks of granting broad powers to JPs without proper background checks or accountability measures. She referenced a 1997 incident where JPs were accused of misconduct, leading to the creation of a handbook by then Attorney General Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj. However, Chote lamented that this guide is now outdated and largely unknown to many attorneys. She concluded that without a transparent and accountable system for JPs, she could not support the bill in good conscience.
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Alexander in dark about US Operation Southern Spear
Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander has stated that the Trinidad and Tobago (TT) government has no additional information regarding the US anti-narco terrorism operation ‘Southern Spear,’ announced by US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on November 13. Hegseth’s announcement on X emphasized the mission’s goal to defend the Western Hemisphere, remove narco-terrorists, and secure the region from drug-related threats. Alexander, speaking to the media outside Parliament on November 14, clarified that the TT government is only aware of the ongoing joint exercises between TT and US law enforcement agencies, which have been conducted for years. He acknowledged the positive impact of US air-strikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats between TT and Venezuela, citing a significant reduction in firearms, human trafficking, and illegal drugs entering TT. However, Alexander emphasized that the government has no further details on ‘Southern Spear.’ This revelation follows Attorney General John Jeremie’s announcement in a UK Financial Times article on November 13, stating that the US will ‘intensify exercises’ in TT in the coming days. The 22nd US Marine Expeditionary Unit arrived in Trinidad aboard the USS Gravely two weeks prior for military exercises with the TT Defence Force, held from October 26-30. Minister of Foreign and Caricom Affairs Sean Sobers confirmed upcoming joint exercises from November 16-21, aimed at enhancing local law enforcement capabilities. Meanwhile, concerns persist over the deaths of over 70 individuals, including Trinidadians Rishi Samaroo and Chad ‘Charpo’ Joseph, following US air-strikes on alleged drug boats. Their bodies remain missing, and while Sobers denied evidence linking their deaths to the strikes, relatives insist they were killed in the operation.