In a historic and unanimous decision on November 10, the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) endorsed a private motion aimed at improving the mental health and overall well-being of men and boys on the island. The motion, introduced by stand-in Minority Leader Keigon Denoon, was deliberated during the THA’s inaugural International Men’s Day Debate held in Scarborough. This landmark event, commemorating International Men’s Day on November 19, featured young boys and men assuming the roles of assemblymen and councillors in a dynamic and insightful three-and-a-half-hour session, presided over by Akeil Andrews. The motion advocates for the creation of sustainable, multi-sectoral programs to tackle critical issues such as mental health, positive male identity, and the development of healthy coping mechanisms. It also emphasizes the need for collaboration between governmental and non-governmental organizations to strengthen Tobago’s social fabric. Denoon passionately urged members to prioritize the welfare of men and boys over political affiliations, warning of the dire consequences of inaction. He highlighted the systemic neglect of men, calling for gender-specific interventions, including district-based mental health clinics, community mentorship programs, and annual scorecards to track progress. Stand-in THA Chief Secretary Akinlabi Holder supported the motion, stressing the importance of public education campaigns to dismantle harmful societal conditioning and improve men’s mental health. Holder underscored the societal benefits of raising healthy boys rather than repairing broken men, citing international studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of such initiatives.
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Ian Ramrattan gets the nod for T&TEC general manager
Ian Ramrattan, a seasoned professional with over three decades of experience at the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC), has been appointed as the new substantive general manager of the state-owned power company, effective December 1, 2025. The announcement was made by Minister of Public Utilities Barry Padarath during an address to a group of 25 T&TEC employees preparing for restoration and repair works in Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa. Ramrattan will succeed acting general manager Vijai Ramnanansingh. With a career at T&TEC spanning since 1990, Ramrattan has held various key positions, including distribution engineer, communications systems manager, and assistant general manager of administration. His leadership has been instrumental in significant projects, such as securing a lucrative contract with Digicel TT and overhauling T&TEC’s procurement processes to enhance transparency. Ramrattan holds a BSc in Electrical and Computer Engineering and a Master’s in Business Administration, underscoring his technical and managerial expertise.
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NPTA tells parents: Keep child in school until transfer is final
The Trinidad and Tobago National Council of Parent Teacher Associations (NPTA) has called on parents seeking school transfers for their children to adhere to the established procedures, despite the lengthy and bureaucratic nature of the process. NPTA President Walter Stewart expressed empathy for parents frustrated by the system, which has disrupted students’ education. This issue was spotlighted in a recent Newsday article, which detailed the case of a 14-year-old Arima teenager who had been out of school for two years due to transfer delays. The girl had been bullied by classmates in 2023, and her mother withdrew her from school after officials allegedly failed to intervene. Stewart emphasized that such cases are not isolated, citing another instance in September where a parent waited weeks for a transfer response. He urged parents to ensure their children remain in school while awaiting transfers, warning of potential legal consequences if they do not. Stewart advised parents to follow the proper channels, starting with the school supervisor, and escalating the matter to the Ministry of Education if necessary. He attributed delays to the manual processing of applications, which must physically move from district offices to the Ministry in Port of Spain. Stewart expressed hope that the Ministry’s ongoing digitization efforts would expedite the process. Addressing the persistent issue of bullying, Stewart cautioned parents against taking matters into their own hands, as such actions often exacerbate the situation. He recommended addressing concerns with school principals and following the chain of command. While acknowledging that the presence of police officers in schools has had some positive impact, Stewart stressed the need for stricter implementation of national discipline policies and codes of conduct to reduce violence and disorder. Meanwhile, former president of the TT Association of Psychologists, Kelly Mc Farlane, urged parents to remain attentive to their children’s emotional well-being. She highlighted that many bullying victims may conceal their experiences due to fear of parental reactions. Mc Farlane advised parents to listen to their children, validate their feelings, and collaborate with school officials to address bullying effectively. She also emphasized the importance of providing psychological support to both victims and bullies to tackle the root causes of such behavior.
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Hope pleased with Windies determination in New Zealand
NELSON, New Zealand (CMC) — Shai Hope, the West Indies’ white-ball captain, has expressed satisfaction with his team’s recent performances in the T20 International (T20I) series against New Zealand, highlighting their resilience and progress. His remarks followed the fourth T20I, which was abandoned due to rain after only 6.3 overs of play. The West Indies now face a decisive fifth match in Dunedin on Thursday, aiming to level the five-match series. Currently trailing 2-1, Hope emphasized the team’s determination and competitive spirit throughout the series. The West Indies arrived in New Zealand buoyed by a 3-0 victory over Bangladesh in their previous T20I series. Despite narrow losses in the second and third matches by three and nine runs respectively, Hope remains optimistic. He praised the team’s fighting spirit and progress, stating, ‘I think the guys have been playing really good cricket. It’s just about us trying to progress as a team, and it’s great to see the fight that we’ve been showing.’ Hope also acknowledged the missed opportunity in the rain-affected fourth match but reiterated the team’s focus on leveling the series in the final game. The West Indies’ captain’s confidence reflects a positive outlook as they prepare for the crucial encounter in Dunedin.
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Samuda confident of regional paralympic growth due to new Puma deal
Jamaica’s para-athletes are poised to experience significant advancements in their sporting careers following a landmark sponsorship agreement between German sportswear giant Puma and the Americas Paralympic Committee (AmPC). This development comes shortly after Christopher Samuda, President of the Jamaica Paralympic Association (JPA), was elected as vice-president of the AmPC, marking a pivotal moment for para-sports in the region. The partnership will see Puma providing both financial and technical support to enhance para-sports initiatives across the Caribbean, North America, and South America. Samuda emphasized that the collaboration transcends commercial interests, focusing instead on the aspirations and achievements of para-athletes who continue to inspire humanity with their remarkable feats. Carlos Laje, General Manager of Puma Latin America, highlighted the sponsorship’s critical role in elevating the paralympic movement. Puma will also serve as the primary sponsor for the Para Panamerican Games, set to take place in Lima, Peru, in 2027, where several Jamaican athletes are expected to compete. Samuda, who also heads the Jamaica Olympic Association, reiterated his commitment to prioritizing athletes’ welfare and interests in his new role. Earlier this year, the JPA, under Samuda’s leadership, partnered with the AmPC and the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean to establish a high-performance paralympic academy in Jamaica, the first of its kind in the region. Additionally, the JPA recently hosted its inaugural Grassroots Para Sport Festival, showcasing the talents of Jamaican para-athletes in various disciplines. Samuda expressed optimism for increased private and public investment in para-sports, urging stakeholders to view their contributions as long-term partnerships rather than mere financial transactions. He emphasized the importance of integrating innovative ideas to further amplify the impact of para-sports in Jamaica and beyond.
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THE SHOW MUST GO ON!
The Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) is working diligently to restart the Manning and DaCosta Cups, two of Jamaica’s premier high school football competitions, by the end of November. The tournaments were abruptly halted at the round-of-16 stage on October 24 due to the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm that severely affected southern and western Jamaica. Schools in these regions, along with their surrounding parishes, are still grappling with the aftermath, complicating efforts to resume the competitions.
ISSA’s executive body has held multiple meetings with stakeholders, including school officials, sponsors, and government representatives, to assess the feasibility of restarting the tournaments. While no definitive decision has been made, ISSA Competitions Officer Ewan Scott indicated that late November is the target timeframe. ‘We’re exploring all possibilities and aiming for a consensus,’ Scott stated. ‘The hope is to complete both the Manning and DaCosta Cups before the year ends.’
However, challenges remain. Some schools, such as Maldon High in St. James and Maggotty High in St. Elizabeth, have expressed concerns about player safety and readiness. Additionally, sponsors are hesitant to commit to immediate resumption, given the ongoing recovery efforts across the island. Many schools, including those participating in the DaCosta Cup, have yet to reopen for regular classes.
ISSA is also considering separate timelines for other competitions. The Under-14 and Under-16 tournaments, originally scheduled for late October, are likely to be postponed to January. Similarly, the Champions Cup, an all-island knockout competition, may also be pushed to early next year. The fate of the Walker Cup and Ben Francis Cup, urban and rural knockout tournaments, remains uncertain.
Despite these hurdles, ISSA remains optimistic. Scott emphasized that the organization is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants while striving to complete the competitions. ‘We’re looking at late November thereabouts,’ he said, ‘but we’ll continue to consult with all stakeholders to make the best decision.’
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Businesslike Boyz
The Jamaican national football team, affectionately known as the Reggae Boyz, commenced their preparations for the final round of the Concacaf World Cup Qualifiers with an intensive training session at Stadium East on Monday morning. The squad is set to face formidable opponents Trinidad and Tobago and Curacao in the upcoming matches. The majority of the overseas-based players arrived at Norman Manley International Airport on Monday evening, following their commitments with respective clubs over the weekend. The full team is expected to assemble for training today, marking a crucial phase in their preparation. The Reggae Boyz are scheduled to depart for Port of Spain on Wednesday afternoon, ahead of their highly anticipated clash with Trinidad and Tobago on Friday. Notable players such as winger Renaldo Cephas, forward Dujuan ‘Whisper’ Richards, and midfielder Jon Russell were actively involved in the training session, showcasing their skills and determination. Head Coach Steve McClaren was present, overseeing the session and strategizing for the upcoming challenges. The team’s focus and cohesion during this training session underscore their commitment to securing a spot in the World Cup.
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Pepsi and Red Stripe unite for Westmoreland relief effort
In a heartwarming display of corporate solidarity, a coalition of Jamaican companies, spearheaded by Pepsi-Cola Jamaica and Red Stripe, brought much-needed relief to the storm-ravaged communities of Westmoreland Eastern on Friday. The initiative, which also saw participation from Celebration Brands, Restaurants of Jamaica, and Vantage One, provided essential supplies including warm meals, bottled water, and care packages to residents of Whitehouse, Belmont, Bluefield, Retirement, and Aldair.
Bianca Fakhourie, Pepsi-Cola Jamaica’s corporate affairs representative, emphasized the collective effort required for the island’s recovery. ‘Pepsi is proud to stand alongside our partners to bring a bit of relief and hope to communities that have lost so much. It’s part of our corporate responsibility to Jamaica,’ she stated. Fakhourie also highlighted the resilience of the affected communities, vowing continued support in the ongoing recovery efforts.
The care packages distributed by Red Stripe included Malta beverages and essential items like toilet paper, toothpaste, and non-perishables. Pepsi contributed 500 cases of Crystal Punch water, benefiting nearly 1,000 individuals or approximately 400 families. Additionally, temporary charging stations and Internet connectivity were set up, enabling residents to reconnect with loved ones.
Local Member of Parliament Dr. Dayton Campbell and his executive assistant Shamil Brown were instrumental in coordinating the distribution. Campbell praised the corporate entities for their timely intervention, stating, ‘Today has been significant in reducing the misery index within the communities.’
Residents, including Wellesley Batson of Retirement, expressed profound gratitude for the support. Despite previous relief efforts, many had yet to receive assistance due to the overwhelming scale of need. ‘I am more than glad,’ Batson remarked, reflecting the sentiments of many others who found a glimmer of hope in the midst of devastation.
Diane Ashton-Smith, Red Stripe’s head of corporate affairs, underscored the long road to recovery ahead. ‘Every little bit is going to count. We’re going to have to clear houses, build houses, and rebuild. Whatever we can do to help these communities, every mickle will make a muckle,’ she asserted. The coalition remains committed to assessing needs and identifying further ways to support the affected communities in the challenging recovery period ahead.
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Dehumanising and insensitive
Two prominent advocacy organizations have strongly criticized the growing trend of aid donors sharing images and videos of children displaced by Hurricane Melissa on social media. They argue that such practices are not only insensitive but also pose significant risks to the long-term emotional and psychological well-being of the affected children. Africa Stephens, the executive founder of Fi We Children Foundation, emphasized in a recent statement that these actions strip children of their dignity, which is often the only thing they have left in the aftermath of such disasters. Stephens urged adherence to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, particularly Article 3, which mandates that the best interests of the child must always be a primary consideration. While documenting the rebuilding process is important, Stephens stressed that it should never come at the expense of a child’s dignity or safety. Priscilla Duhaney, a spokeswoman for Hear the Children’s Cry, echoed these concerns, highlighting the potential for children to become victims of exploitation, including paedophilia, due to the permanent nature of digital footprints. Duhaney also warned of the long-term mental health and emotional trauma that such exposure could cause, even if the effects are not immediately apparent. She called for a balanced approach to raising awareness, suggesting that protecting children’s identities by avoiding the use of their photos or names is crucial.
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‘Stars aligned for Starlink’
The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa has unexpectedly accelerated the adoption of Starlink satellite Internet services in Jamaica, potentially reshaping the nation’s connectivity landscape. Trevor Forrest, a cybersecurity consultant and former chairman of Jamaica’s Spectrum Management Authority (SMA), predicts that Starlink’s presence will persist long after the country recovers from the storm. The Category 5 hurricane left vast areas without power and traditional Internet services, prompting many Jamaicans to turn to Starlink devices and fuel-powered generators as temporary solutions. A special promotional offer providing free Starlink service has further introduced users to the benefits of satellite connectivity, raising questions about its long-term viability once users must pay for the service. Forrest believes that Starlink will complement rather than replace existing telecommunications providers like Digicel and Flow, filling gaps where traditional services fall short. He emphasized that Starlink’s convenience has been a game-changer, especially in rural areas, but acknowledged its limitations, including bandwidth constraints and potential security vulnerabilities. The Jamaica Cyber Incident Response Team (JaCIRT) has issued guidelines to ensure safe usage of Starlink systems, addressing concerns about data breaches. Forrest views the hurricane as a pivotal moment for Starlink, offering it a unique opportunity to establish itself in the Jamaican market. However, he cautions that its success will depend on practicality and user needs, drawing parallels to the adoption of solar energy, which often requires backup from traditional power sources during prolonged periods of low sunlight.