Trinidad and Tobago’s senior men’s football team has faced significant criticism following their underwhelming performance in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Former FIFA vice-president Dr. Jack Warner, speaking to Newsday after receiving his doctorate from the University of Trinidad and Tobago on November 18, expressed his belief that the team did not deserve to advance to the World Cup. Warner highlighted the team’s inability to secure victories against Jamaica and Curaçao, stating, ‘If a team can only beat Bermuda in a group of four and can’t beat Jamaica and Curaçao, they don’t deserve to be in a World Cup.’ He emphasized that the nation should be relieved to avoid further embarrassment on the global stage. Despite his disappointment, Warner, who played a pivotal role in TT’s historic 2006 World Cup qualification, offered his assistance to help rebuild the team, stating, ‘Whenever they ask me, I am here. I have no bitterness.’ TT finished third in Group B with six points, securing only one win against Bermuda. Head coach Dwight Yorke has taken full responsibility for the failed campaign, acknowledging that he could have made different decisions but praised the players’ efforts. As TT concludes their qualifiers against Bermuda, Jamaica and Curaçao vie for the group’s automatic World Cup spot, with Curaçao poised to make history as the smallest nation to qualify.
博客
-
Dr Warner: Education has no shelf life
Jack Warner, the 82-year-old former FIFA vice president, has added another milestone to his diverse career by earning a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Entrepreneurship and Commercial Studies. The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) conferred the degree on November 18 during its 2025 graduation ceremony held at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port of Spain. Warner’s doctoral thesis, titled ‘Corporate Entrepreneurship and Disruptive Business Model Innovation for Adoption in the Local Print Media,’ explored the challenges faced by the print media industry in adapting to digital transformation. Drawing from his experience as the publisher of the weekly Sunshine newspaper, Warner proposed innovative strategies to help traditional media remain competitive in a digital-first era. His research emphasized the importance of diversifying revenue streams and maintaining credibility in an evolving media landscape. Warner’s academic journey was supervised by Professor Prakash Persad, Minister of Tertiary Education and Skills Training, and Professor Pooran Bridgemohan. Accompanied by his supervisors, Warner received a warm reception from President Christine Kangaloo and acting UTT president Rean Maharaj. He was among seven PhD graduates during the morning session and made history as UTT’s oldest doctoral recipient. Warner, who holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Diploma in International Relations from the University of the West Indies, expressed his elation, stating that his achievement proves ‘education does not have a shelf life.’ He credited his professors, family, and colleagues for their unwavering support during challenging moments. Warner also shared his hope that his accomplishment would inspire young people in Trinidad and Tobago to pursue their dreams relentlessly. Currently studying law, Warner continues his educational journey, demonstrating his commitment to lifelong learning. His son, Daryll, expressed pride in his father’s determination and success, vowing to follow in his footsteps. Warner’s academic triumph comes after a decade-long extradition case related to corruption charges during his FIFA tenure collapsed in the High Court on September 23. Justice Karen Reid ruled that the extradition process was ‘flawed,’ marking a significant legal victory for Warner. Reflecting on his journey, Warner emphasized his mission to rebuild his life and reputation.
-
TPP closes screening for THA elections
The Tobago People’s Party (TPP) concluded its intensive screening process for nominees on November 17, marking a significant step toward the upcoming Tobago House of Assembly (THA) elections. The final day of screenings, held at the Shaw Park Cultural Complex, saw a vibrant display of support for candidates, including Trevor James, who arrived with a motorcade, music trucks, and enthusiastic flag-waving supporters. The screening, led by Chief Secretary Farley Augustine, began on November 13, following the dissolution of the assembly to pave the way for fresh elections scheduled between January 12 and February 12, 2026. Among the nominees vying for seats in key electoral districts such as Scarborough/Mt Grace, Mt St George/Goodwood, and Signal Hill/Patience Hill were Trevor James, Arnel Keron Des Vignes, and Gerad Sebro. James, the Secretary of the Division of Infrastructure, Quarries and Urban Development, expressed confidence in his re-selection, emphasizing his commitment to developing a new sporting ecosystem and advancing the Scarborough Development Plan. Other candidates, including Megan Morrison and Marlon Radgman, highlighted their priorities, ranging from infrastructure improvements to addressing coastal erosion and unemployment. The final list of 15 successful nominees is expected to be announced by the end of the week, setting the stage for a competitive election season.
-
Moonilal hits ‘alarmist’ Rowley: Paria not for sale
Energy Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal has launched a scathing critique against former Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley, accusing him of spreading propaganda and creating unnecessary turmoil as part of a strategy to re-enter the political arena. Moonilal asserted that Rowley is positioning himself as a counter to what he described as a “very weak” opposition leader, Pennelope Beckles. Moonilal emphasized that there has never been any discussion about selling Paria Fuel Trading or its assets, stating, “We have always spoken about reopening the refinery, and therefore that matter does not arise.” He referenced a 2019 incident where the PNM government issued a request for proposal (RFP) for the sale of Paria, only to withdraw it later, describing the move as “sheepish and embarrassing.” Moonilal also dismissed Rowley’s claims about potential risks to energy installations due to US initiatives in the Caribbean, labeling them as “irresponsible and alarmist.” He highlighted that multinational corporations already have robust contingency plans in place. Moonilal criticized Rowley’s track record in the energy sector, citing the closure of 13 energy plants under former Energy Minister Stuart Young, which led to the lowest oil and gas production in a generation. He also pointed to the NiQuan debacle, where safety lapses resulted in a fatal explosion in 2023, and the financial struggles that led to the plant’s closure. Moonilal accused Rowley of undermining national security by returning helicopters purchased under the People’s Partnership and failing to establish a broader border-protection agency. He concluded by urging Rowley and his associates to refrain from spreading misinformation and undermining confidence in the energy sector.
-
Second man freed of Arouca businessman’s 2021 murder
In a significant legal development, Andrew Sutton, a Malabar resident accused of the 2021 murder of Arouca businessman Nicholas Mohith, has been acquitted by the High Court. Justice Nalini Singh delivered the verdict following a judge-only trial at the Hall of Justice in Port of Spain. Sutton had been charged with the fatal shooting of Mohith, who was killed at his business premises on March 11, 2021. The incident occurred when an unidentified gunman entered the establishment and shot Mohith before fleeing the scene. Another individual, Renaldo Thomas, was also charged in connection with the murder but was discharged earlier this year due to the prosecution’s failure to present sufficient evidence. Thomas’s case faced repeated delays due to the State’s non-compliance with disclosure requirements, leading to multiple adjournments. Ultimately, Master Sarah De Silva ruled that no further extensions would be granted, and with no evidence presented, Thomas was discharged under Section 24 of the Administration of Justice (Preliminary Inquiries) Act. Sutton was represented by attorneys Delicia Helwig-Robertson and Sara Julien, while the prosecution was led by Shervon Noriega and Cassie Bisram.
-
Caesar’s Army head on PM’s stadia ban: The show must go on
The future of Carnival 2026 in Trinidad and Tobago remains uncertain as two major venues—the Hasely Crawford Stadium (HCS) and the Jean Pierre Complex—have been banned from hosting fetes for most of the season. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced on November 18 that these venues will only be available for a nine-day window, from the Thursday before Carnival Monday to the Saturday after, with strict operating hours from 12 noon to 10 pm. This follows the earlier decision to prohibit events at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy (BLCA) in Tarouba. Persad-Bissessar emphasized the need to balance cultural traditions with community well-being, addressing concerns over noise pollution. The National Carnival Commission has been tasked with improving sound systems to mitigate noise issues. Promoters are now scrambling to find alternative venues, with some events likely to be canceled. Jules Sobion, a prominent event producer, remains optimistic, stressing the importance of delivering a memorable Carnival experience. Meanwhile, Woodbrook residents have expressed support for measures to control noise, advocating for coexistence with disciplined event planning.
-
Proman welcomes removal of US tariffs
Proman, Trinidad and Tobago’s (TT) sole producer of Urea Ammonium Nitrate (UAN) and the second-largest exporter of UAN to the United States (US), has welcomed the US government’s decision to eliminate tariffs on fertiliser exports. This move is expected to strengthen TT’s position as a reliable global supplier in the fertiliser and energy sectors. Managing Director Anand Ragbir highlighted the significance of this development, stating that it ensures price stability for farmers and safeguards critical export revenues for TT. Proman, a major tenant and employer at the Point Lisas Industrial Estate, is one of the top ten fertiliser producers globally, supplying UAN to farmers worldwide to enhance crop yields. The US remains TT’s largest trading partner and Proman’s primary export market for UAN. The tariffs, initially imposed by former US President Donald Trump in April, subjected several TT exports to a 15% duty, excluding energy products. However, following negotiations and adjustments, Trump expanded the list of exempted goods on November 14, including agricultural products and fertilisers. This decision reflects progress in trade talks, domestic demand, and production capacity. The exemption list now includes coffee, tea, tropical fruits, cocoa, spices, bananas, oranges, tomatoes, beef, and additional fertilisers. Reuters reported that this tariff rollback impacts over 200 food products, with recent US consumer price index data showing significant price increases for items like ground beef and steaks, despite claims of minimal inflation.
-
Doctor jailed 30 years for criticizing Maduro in WhatsApp message
A Venezuelan court has handed down a 30-year prison sentence to a doctor for allegedly criticizing President Nicolas Maduro’s government in a WhatsApp audio message, according to human rights organizations. Marggie Orozco, a 65-year-old physician, was convicted of charges including treason, incitement to hatred, and conspiracy after local community leaders reported her for what was deemed a disloyal communication. The specifics of the message and its intended recipient remain undisclosed. Orozco was arrested in August 2024 in San Juan de Colon, a town in western Venezuela, during a period of political turmoil following Maduro’s controversial reelection. The opposition and numerous international entities have labeled the election as fraudulent. Maduro’s disputed victory sparked widespread protests, leading to the arrest of 2,400 individuals, though most were released within months. In the aftermath, Maduro called on his supporters to identify and report so-called “fascists,” a term frequently used to describe opposition members. Orozco has reportedly suffered two heart attacks while in detention, according to Venezuela’s JEP rights NGO. The Foro Penal NGO estimates that approximately 882 individuals are currently held as “political prisoners” in Venezuelan jails.
-
Roman Oost-West: Liefde in tijden van dictatuur
On the eve of the 50th anniversary of Srefidensi, Professor Guno Jones, holder of the Anton de Kom Chair, received the first copy of the novel ‘Oost-West’ by Morales Wijngaarde (1961–1992) in Amsterdam. The book launch, held in a packed venue, was attended by notable figures including Ernestine Comvalius, Henry Does, Raoul de Jong, Ricardo Wijngaarde, Caroline Mulder, and Noraly Beyer. The novel narrates the love story between two young individuals during the early years of the Republic of Suriname. At a university party, Marius, a politically conscious Afro-Surinamese student raised in the multicultural environment of Paramaribo, meets Chandra, a teacher training student from a traditional Hindu background in the rice district of Nickerie. Their relationship faces resistance due to cultural differences. Noraly Beyer, in her review on the book’s back cover, praised the novel for its precise depiction of daily life in Suriname, drawing parallels to the famous 1976 Surinamese film ‘Wan Pipel’. She highlighted the grim backdrop of the 1980s military dictatorship, which she personally recognized. Morales Wijngaarde, a sociology graduate from the Anton de Kom University of Suriname, was a student leader and editor of the leftist weekly ‘Mokro’. He left Suriname after the December Murders, during which ‘Mokro’ founder Bram Behr was killed and the publication was banned. Wijngaarde continued his work as a journalist and writer in exile in Amsterdam until his death. ‘Oost-West’ was published by Nijgh & Van Ditmar, the same publisher that released works by Albert Helman. Raoul de Jong wrote the foreword, and Henry Does provided the introduction. The author dedicated the novel to Bram Behr, stating, ‘For Bram. They destroyed your fragile body, but they could not tame your restless spirit.’
-
CARILEC Thanks APUA and Regional Lineworkers for Supporting Jamaica After Hurricane Melissa
The Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC) has extended its heartfelt gratitude to the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) and regional lineworkers for their unwavering support in restoring power across Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. The devastating hurricane left widespread destruction, crippling infrastructure and leaving thousands without electricity. APUA, alongside a dedicated team of lineworkers from across the Caribbean, swiftly mobilized to assist Jamaica’s recovery efforts. Their expertise and tireless work were instrumental in repairing damaged power lines and restoring essential services to affected communities. CARILEC highlighted the importance of regional collaboration in disaster response, emphasizing that such partnerships are vital for building resilience in the face of increasingly severe weather events. The organization also commended the lineworkers for their bravery and commitment, often working in challenging conditions to ensure the safety and well-being of others. This collective effort underscores the spirit of solidarity within the Caribbean region, demonstrating how shared resources and expertise can make a significant difference in times of crisis.