Lt Commander Claudio Luces Smith, a 45-year-old Coast Guard officer and welfare officer for Trinidad and Tobago’s Defence Force, has dedicated over two decades to serving his nation and mentoring its youth. Known in the music industry as Naldinyo, Smith combines his passion for music with mentorship through his Never Give Up project, aiming to inspire young people to overcome challenges and make meaningful life choices. Growing up in Boyce Trace and Kernaham Trace, Chin Chin Cunupia, Smith’s early life was shaped by the values of hard work and discipline instilled by his parents. His journey from Madras Government Primary School to becoming head prefect at Presentation College, Chaguanas, laid the foundation for his unwavering determination. Smith’s career in the TT Defence Force began at 22, driven by a desire to serve his country. A pivotal moment came when he coordinated a life-saving medical evacuation, reinforcing his commitment to service. Beyond his military duties, Smith founded the Futuro Stars Football Academy and Youth Club in 2009, focusing on youth development. Recognizing the power of music, he launched the Never Give Up project, releasing five songs that blend mentorship with positive messaging. Smith’s work addresses critical issues faced by young men, including drug misuse, bullying, and mental health struggles. He emphasizes the importance of positive male role models in guiding youth toward better choices. As a father of four, Smith credits his family’s support and effective time management for balancing his responsibilities. On International Men’s Day, he encouraged young men to embrace determination and persistence, urging them to rise above setbacks and shape their destinies. Smith’s vision is to expand his initiative into schools and community programs, fostering self-belief and purpose among the youth. He also calls on society to celebrate and uplift positive male figures, whose stories can inspire the next generation.
博客
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Evening of parang raises funds for San Fernando West toy drive
San Fernando West marked the beginning of the Christmas season with a vibrant celebration of music, culture, and community spirit. On November 14, the constituency hosted its first Christmas fundraiser under the patronage of MP and Education Minister Dr. Michael Dowlath at the Naparima Bowl. The event, aimed at supporting the annual Christmas toy drive, brought together patrons for an evening of live parang music, local cuisine, and festive camaraderie. Singer Joel John opened the night with nostalgic renditions of Christmas classics, setting a warm and cosy tone. The energy escalated with Fuego Caribeño, a parang band from Vistabella, whose fiery performance in vibrant red outfits electrified the stage. Their set included a Spanish twist on ‘Dance with Me,’ Scrunter’s soca parang hit ‘That Eh Working Here Tonight,’ and their award-winning ‘El Annuncio,’ culminating in a lively rendition of ‘La Bamba.’ Una Solo Voz followed, offering a contrasting elegance in black attire. Their performance, accompanied by the legendary Clarita Rivas on the cuatro, showcased the band’s versatility and captivated the audience. Amid the festivities, Dr. Dowlath honoured four distinguished constituents for their contributions to society, including Sabrina Mowlah-Baksh, Dr. Catherine Ali, Ivan Toolsie, and Dr. Jamwant Maharaj. The evening concluded with outdoor celebrations, featuring food stalls and continued music, fostering a sense of community and Christmas cheer while raising funds for the toy drive.
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Trinidad and Tobago ruggermen set for RAN Sevens on home soil
The Trinidad and Tobago (TT) men’s rugby team is set to compete in the 2025 Rugby Americas North (RAN) Sevens tournament, scheduled to take place at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar from November 21 to 23. The 12-member squad includes nine players from last year’s team, which reached the final before falling to Canada. Notable returning players include Nigel Ballington, Shakeel Dyte, Keston Earle, Agboola Silverthorn, Keishon Walker, and dead-ball specialist Ruari O’Farrell. The tournament will feature teams from Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Guyana, Jamaica, Mexico, and defending champions Canada. The TT team will be led by coach Jonathan O’Connor and managed by Chad Simeon. The men’s tier one knockout matches will begin on November 22, with the final set for November 23. The women’s category will see TT compete against Barbados, Bermuda, Guyana, Jamaica, and reigning champions Mexico. The top three men’s teams (excluding Canada) and the top two women’s teams will qualify for the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games in the Dominican Republic. Additionally, the men’s tier two winner, if a full member union of RAN, will earn a promotion opportunity.
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This Day in History – November 19
As the 323rd day of 2025 unfolds, the world reflects on a tapestry of historical milestones and significant events that have shaped societies across the globe. Today marks the establishment of the Castleton Botanical Gardens in St Mary, Jamaica, in 1862, a testament to the enduring beauty of nature and human ingenuity. In 1915, the execution of labour organiser and songwriter Joe Hill by Utah state officials cemented his legacy as a folk hero in the American labour movement. The Soviet Government’s formal abolition of radio broadcasting by foreign correspondents in 1946 highlighted the tightening grip of state control during the Cold War era. A landmark moment in religious history occurred in 1965 when the ecumenical council adopted a declaration affirming freedom of conscience as Church doctrine, a decision that continues to resonate in theological discourse. The completion of the 12.9-kilometre Confederation Bridge in 1996, the longest bridge over ice-covered waters, stands as a marvel of engineering and a symbol of unity between Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick. In 1998, a historic moment unfolded as South Korean tourists entered North Korea for the first time since the division of the Korean Peninsula, marking a tentative step towards reconciliation. The release of the Nintendo Wii in 2006 revolutionised the gaming industry, while Amazon.com’s introduction of the Kindle in 2007 transformed the way people read and access literature. A 2009 study published in Nature revealed alarming trends in the world’s oceans’ ability to absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide, underscoring the urgency of addressing climate change. In 2010, the US Transportation Safety Administration exempted uniformed airline pilots from new screening procedures, a decision that sparked debates over security and privacy. The untimely death of New Zealand rugby legend Jonah Lomu in 2015 left the sports world in mourning, while Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe’s refusal to resign in 2017 marked a tumultuous chapter in the nation’s political history. The Weeknd’s 2019 hit single Blinding Lights achieved unprecedented success, becoming the longest-charting song on Billboard’s Top 100. Meanwhile, protests in Iran resulted in significant casualties, with Amnesty International reporting 106 deaths over five days. A 2020 inquiry exposed unlawful killings by elite Australian troops in Afghanistan, casting a shadow over the nation’s military operations. Austria’s 2021 decision to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations marked a bold step in pandemic response, while Malaysia’s 2022 general elections produced the country’s first-ever hung Parliament. In 2023, Brazil recorded its highest-ever temperature of 112.6°F, a stark reminder of the escalating climate crisis. Today also celebrates the birthdays of notable figures such as Ferdinand de Lesseps, Calvin Klein, Savion Glover, and Winston “Merritone” Blake, whose contributions have left indelible marks on their respective fields.
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JBG weighs exit from US meat business after $46-b fraud
Jamaica Broilers Group (JBG) is contemplating a strategic exit from its beleaguered US meat business following a significant fraud scandal that has shaken the company. The decision comes as JBG implements a sweeping overhaul to restore financial stability and operational efficiency. The fraud, which spanned nearly four years, involved the deliberate underreporting of costs to artificially inflate profits, leading to $46 billion in balance sheet adjustments and the erasure of shareholder equity. The scheme was uncovered after a whistleblower alerted management, prompting immediate action.
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Caribbean programmes give thumbs up to unified basketball tournament
The Caribbean region witnessed a groundbreaking event as the Special Olympics 3×3 unified basketball tournament took place in Guadeloupe from November 14 to 15. This historic competition, held at the Daniel Cassin gymnasium, marked the first of its kind in the region, bringing together athletes with and without intellectual disabilities to promote social inclusion. Delegations from Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, St Maarten, Trinidad and Tobago, and host nation Guadeloupe participated in the event, which is now being hailed as a potential permanent fixture on the regional sports calendar.
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Thank you for the fight, Reggae Boyz
Jamaica’s quest for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup ended in a bittersweet moment of pride and heartbreak as the Reggae Boyz fell short in their final qualifying match against Curaçao. Despite a valiant effort, the team now faces an inter-confederation play-off, a challenging path to secure their place in the tournament hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This outcome, while disappointing, underscores the resilience and potential of Jamaican football. The campaign, marked by moments of brilliance and nerve-wracking lapses, saw the team fight bravely but ultimately leave their journey more arduous than necessary by dropping crucial points earlier in the group stage. The pressure of a do-or-die finale proved insurmountable, yet the Reggae Boyz displayed unwavering heart and determination until the final whistle. Beyond the result, football in Jamaica remains a cultural cornerstone, uniting the nation amidst economic and social challenges. The campaign, though unsuccessful, reignited hope and collective belief. However, this near-miss highlights the urgent need for structural reforms in Jamaica’s football ecosystem. Investments in grassroots development, modern facilities, coaching standards, and long-term planning are essential to nurture talent and achieve consistent excellence. The Reggae Boyz’s journey should serve as a catalyst for change, inspiring a renewed commitment to building a sustainable footballing future for Jamaica. As the nation congratulates Curaçao, it also extends gratitude to the Reggae Boyz for their fight and unity, reminding Jamaica of its strength even in adversity. The next World Cup cycle begins now, with a clearer vision and a resolve to create the footballing legacy Jamaica deserves.
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Why Customs has become Jamaica’s scapegoat
The Jamaica Customs Agency has long been the target of public criticism over missing items, delayed baggage, and alleged inefficiencies. However, a closer examination reveals a more complex narrative. As a former employee of the agency, I have witnessed its ongoing transformation, including modernization of systems, stricter procedures, and efforts to eliminate loopholes that once facilitated illicit activities. While past shortcomings existed, the notion that Customs is solely responsible for missing goods from barrels is largely misplaced.
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HEARTBREAK
The National Stadium in Jamaica was engulfed in despair and disappointment on Tuesday night as the Reggae Boyz failed to secure automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. A goalless draw against Curaçao sealed their fate, sending them into the inter-confederation playoffs while their opponents celebrated a historic first-time qualification. Despite the support of 35,000 fervent fans, Jamaica couldn’t capitalize on their opportunities, hitting the woodwork three times and having a late penalty overturned. The night was further marred by Jon Russell’s red card and the resignation of Head Coach Steve McClaren, who stepped down after the match. Jamaica, once considered favorites in their group, now face an uncertain path to the World Cup, with potential playoff opponents including Iraq, DR Congo, Bolivia, or New Macedonia. Curaçao, on the other hand, reveled in their triumph, with Captain Leandro Bacuna and his team defying the odds to secure their place on the global stage.
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New springs won’t last, says Water Resources Authority
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which brought torrential rains to Jamaica’s south-west, residents in affected areas have found an unexpected lifeline in the form of newly surfaced springs. With tap water supplies disrupted, these natural water sources have become vital for hydration and daily needs. Popular spots include a pool in Seven Rivers, which has overtaken a major thoroughfare, and a spring near the under-construction Montego Bay bypass in West Green. While the springs have been celebrated for their beauty and utility, Peter Clarke, managing director of the Water Resources Authority (WRA), warns they are temporary and may pose health risks. Clarke explained that the springs emerged due to the ground’s saturation from heavy rainfall and will likely disappear as the water table recedes. He cautioned against consuming untreated water, noting potential contamination from nearby pit toilets or agricultural activities. Despite their temporary nature, the springs have provided a crucial stopgap for residents as national water systems recover from storm-related damage. Clarke emphasized that while the water can be used for domestic purposes after boiling, it should not be considered a long-term solution or tourist attraction.