Bill Newman, famously known as ‘The Mighty Crooner,’ achieved a historic sweep at the annual Canadian Calypso Competition on July 26, hosted by The Organization of Calypso Performing Artists (OCPA). His winning composition, *The 51st State*, not only earned him the prestigious title of Calypso Monarch by the judges but also secured the People’s Choice award through audience votes. Newman’s triumph extended to every major category, including Best Melody, Best Lyrics, Best Composition on a Local Topic, Most Humorous, and Best Rendition. Renowned Canadian calypso scholar Roger Gibbs praised Newman as ‘an unstoppable force,’ highlighting his signature suave style, clear diction, and topical compositions. *The 51st State* cleverly addresses Canada’s resolute rejection of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestion that Canada become the 51st state. The song’s chorus, ‘No Donald no, we want to let you know, we don’t want to be the 51st state,’ resonated deeply with audiences, reflecting Canada’s commitment to sovereignty and independence. Newman’s performance was further elevated by the masterful arrangement by Ozzy Gurley, his long-time collaborator. Born in Guyana and later moving to Toronto, Newman’s journey into calypso began decades ago when he attended a competition and was inspired to perform. Known for his humorous calypsos, Newman’s latest work has sparked widespread interest, with calls for performances across Toronto. *The 51st State* is now available on YouTube and major streaming platforms.
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Garcia scores for Spartak in Russian Cup quaterfinal win
Trinidad and Tobago’s star forward Levi Garcia delivered a stellar performance for Spartak Moscow in their 3-1 victory over Lokomotiv Moscow in the first leg of the Russian Cup quarterfinal on November 6. The 27-year-old opened the scoring just four minutes into the match, capitalizing on a rebound after Lokomotiv’s goalkeeper Daniil Veselov initially saved his header. Garcia’s quick reflexes set the tone for Spartak’s dominant display. The Trinidadian was also involved in Spartak’s second goal in the 49th minute, albeit unintentionally, as a shot from Brazilian teammate Marquinhos Costa deflected off him and Lokomotiv defender Lucas Fasson before finding the net. Costa added a third goal with a clever flick at the near post, showcasing Spartak’s attacking prowess. Lokomotiv managed to pull one back in the 67th minute through Aleksey Batrakov, but their hopes of a comeback were dashed when Batrakov’s penalty was saved by Spartak’s goalkeeper Ilya Pomazun in the 80th minute. The return leg is scheduled for November 26. Meanwhile, Garcia, who has scored six goals in 16 matches this season, is expected to play a pivotal role in Trinidad and Tobago’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Jamaica and Bermuda on November 13 and 18, respectively. His recent form bodes well for coach Dwight Yorke’s squad as they aim to secure crucial victories in Mucurapo.
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Hillview win again, clinch SSFL premier division spot
Hillview College has cemented its place in the 2026 Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) Premier Division after a thrilling 2-1 victory over Palo Seco Secondary on November 8. The match, held at Hillview’s home ground in Tunapuna, marked the culmination of a stellar season for the east zone champions. With this win, Hillview completed a perfect run in the First Citizens Boys’ “Big 5” playoffs, securing nine points from three consecutive victories. The team had previously triumphed over Presentation College Chaguanas and Mucurapo West Secondary, showcasing their dominance in the championship division. The game against Palo Seco was a tense affair, with Hillview taking the lead in the 40th minute through Ky’Mani Prieto. However, Palo Seco equalized in the 66th minute after Akil Baptiste capitalized on a goalkeeping error. Despite Palo Seco goalkeeper Kristan Woods’ heroic saves, which earned him the MVP award, Hillview’s Jahmarley Ellis sealed the win with an 82nd-minute goal. This loss marked Palo Seco’s second consecutive defeat in the tournament. The Big 5 playoffs will continue on November 12, with Hillview hosting Speyside Secondary and Palo Seco facing Presentation College Chaguanas. Speyside, the Tobago championship division winners, are yet to play a match due to postponements. The top three teams in the Big 5 will advance to the 2026 SSFL Premier Division.
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Pleasantville girls begin SSFL ‘Big 5’ title defence
Pleasantville Secondary is set to defend their Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) Girls’ ‘Big 5′ title as they face Chaguanas South Secondary in the 2025 quarterfinal. The match will take place at Lewis Street in San Fernando on November 9 at 3 pm. Pleasantville has been a dominant force in the south championship division, winning all six matches, scoring 62 goals, and conceding none. Their impressive run included a 15-0 victory over Moruga Secondary and a 3-0 win against St Stephen’s College in their final championship match on October 23. This season, Pleasantville has already secured the Girls’ Super Cup with a 2-1 triumph over St Joseph’s Convent Port of Spain (SJCPoS) in September. Last year, they clinched the Big 5 title by defeating Five Rivers Secondary 3-0 in the final at Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva. However, their quest for a national double was thwarted by SJCPoS, who defeated them 5-3 on penalties in the national intercol final. To retain the Big 5 title, Pleasantville may have to overcome SJCPoS again, as the two schools could meet in the semifinals if Pleasantville advances past Chaguanas South. The semifinals are scheduled for November 13, with Signal Hill Secondary facing Five Rivers Secondary in the other semi. The final will be held on November 16.
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THA to host first-ever Men’s Debate
The Tobago House of Assembly (THA) is set to make history on November 10 with its inaugural International Men’s Debate at the Assembly Legislature in Scarborough. Scheduled to commence at 10 am, the event will focus on critical issues surrounding mental health and male identity, engaging men and boys from diverse societal sectors to take on the roles of assemblymen and councillors in what promises to be a dynamic and thought-provoking session.
Media professional Akinlabi Holder will assume the role of chief secretary, while Keigon Denoon will serve as minority leader and Akiel Andrews as presiding officer. The event, conceptualized months ago by the Assembly Legislature’s staff, was significantly influenced by Ajay Alleyne, a former Tobago Day youth debater. Justin John, one of the coordinators, highlighted that while the Legislature has historically marked International Women’s Day and hosted youth debates, this marks the first initiative exclusively tailored for men.
THA Presiding Officer Abby Taylor endorsed the concept, paving the way for a structured programme. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with significant public and staff engagement. John noted that the training sessions revealed stark gender disparities in gender-based programmes, emphasizing the lack of initiatives targeting men in Tobago. While programmes like the Division of Health, Wellness and Social Protection’s Blue Room initiative exist, stakeholder sessions have underscored the need for more equitable attention to men’s issues.
The debate aims to address the challenges men face, including mental health struggles, substance abuse, and societal pressures, particularly in light of recent suicide statistics. Experts from various fields have been enlisted to provide insights and data, revealing alarming trends such as higher male mortality and suicide rates in Trinidad and Tobago. The event also seeks to foster a supportive community for men, encouraging open dialogue and mentorship.
John hopes the debate will inspire policymakers to allocate more resources to gender-based programmes, ensuring equitable funding and support for men’s development. The initiative aspires to create a sustainable, multi-sectoral programme to empower men and boys, equipping them with coping mechanisms and a stronger sense of identity.
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Naps class of ’68 donate funds for science lab, young student battling cancer
In a heartwarming display of loyalty and compassion, the Naparima College class of 1968 revisited their alma mater on November 7, bringing with them gifts of hope, legacy, and love. The group, now pensioners, returned to the school where they once walked as eager teenagers, participating in the morning assembly, singing the school hymn, and reciting its pledge with renewed vigor. Their visit was marked by the presentation of two significant cheques: one for the refurbishment of the school’s physics lab and another to support Kristopher Mohamed, a 20-year-old medical student and former head prefect, who is courageously battling stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The donations followed a three-day reunion in August, aptly named “68 of ’68,” where the alumni gathered for fellowship, fun, and fundraising. The event raised approximately $58,000 through various activities, including a dinner at the school’s auditorium and personal contributions from the alumni. Trevor Rex Badaloo, speaking on behalf of the group, emphasized their desire to celebrate their journey while making a tangible contribution to the institution that shaped them. Of the total raised, $46,317 was allocated for the physics lab refurbishment, and $10,000 was donated to assist with Mohamed’s medical treatment. For Hayden Koylass, Mohamed’s grandfather and a member of the class of 1968, the gesture was deeply personal. Kristopher’s mother, Joelle Koylass, accepted the cheque on his behalf, expressing heartfelt gratitude for the support that will significantly aid his treatment, which could exceed $1 million. Kristopher, now a first-year medical student at the University of the West Indies, St Augustine, sent a voice note of appreciation to the school assembly, thanking the alumni for their invaluable contribution and unwavering support. Diagnosed in May 2025, Kristopher’s life took an unexpected turn, but he remains determined to overcome his illness and continue pursuing his dream of becoming a doctor. His treatment involves gruelling immunochemotherapy sessions every two weeks, yet he remains focused on his studies, driven by a newfound interest in oncology. Principal Roger Ali praised the alumni for their enduring commitment to the school, highlighting their previous contributions to the digitization of the school’s magazine and improvements to the audio-visual room. For Kristopher, the alumni’s generosity is more than financial aid; it is a testament to the enduring spirit of “being your brother’s keeper” that thrives at Naparima College. As he continues his fight against cancer, Kristopher embodies the school’s motto, A posse ad esse – from possibility to actuality, holding on to faith, purpose, and gratitude.
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Grace Jerk Festival to support hurricane recovery today
The much-anticipated Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival (GJJF) makes its grand return to South Florida on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at Miramar Regional Park. This year’s event not only promises a vibrant showcase of Caribbean culture, delectable cuisine, and pulsating reggae and soca music but also serves as a rallying point for hurricane relief efforts in Jamaica. The festival has partnered with Connex Air Cargo and SSMC Xpress International Couriers to collect and deliver urgently needed supplies to communities devastated by Category 5 Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica two weeks ago. Attendees are encouraged to contribute by donating essential items at the festival or through designated collection points. The first shipment of relief supplies is set to depart Miami in the coming days, carrying food, water, clothing, and hygiene essentials directly to Kingston. On the entertainment front, the festival will feature electrifying performances by reggae legend Romain Virgo, dancehall icon Mr Vegas, and soca sensation Destra Garcia, alongside The Wailers, who will perform timeless Bob Marley classics. Culinary enthusiasts can look forward to interactive cooking demos, celebrity chef appearances, and innovative Caribbean dishes. Festival organizers emphasize the importance of community support, urging South Florida residents to stand with Jamaica during this challenging time. Eddy Edwards, president and CEO of Jerk Festivals USA, highlighted the festival’s dual purpose: celebrating Caribbean heritage while aiding recovery efforts. Jamaican Consul General Oliver Mair echoed this sentiment, calling for solidarity and generosity. Connex Air Cargo’s chairman, Luke Hamilton, and SSMC Xpress International’s Florida operations manager, Christopher Morris, reaffirmed their commitment to facilitating timely and secure delivery of donations. As the largest Caribbean food festival in the U.S., GJJF continues to unite people through culture, cuisine, and compassion.
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No hiding from Melissa
Ackeeno Cole, a determined farmer from St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, has vowed to rebuild his life and livelihood after Hurricane Melissa, a catastrophic Category 5 storm, ravaged his farm. Despite losing nearly all his livestock and crops, Cole remains steadfast in his resolve to recover and continue his agricultural pursuits.
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Melissa leaves tour guides stranded
The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa has left Jamaica’s tourism industry in shambles, with cancelled trips, shuttered attractions, and tour guides forced to sit idle. The Category 5 hurricane, which made landfall on Jamaica’s south-western coast, caused widespread destruction across western and north-western parishes, severely impacting the island’s tourism sector. O’Brien Sterling, operator of O’Brien and Sons Ja Tours in Montego Bay, is among the many guides whose livelihoods have been disrupted. Sterling, who connects visitors with Jamaica’s culture, history, and natural beauty, has seen his main source of income wiped out. ‘Everything just get stuck right now because I do tours, but now nothing nah gwaan. Tourism, for now, to how me see it, it on a pause,’ he lamented. Sterling had 12 visitors booked for November, but all cancelled due to the storm. He believes the industry will take time to recover, and tourists would not enjoy their visits given the current state of the island. Sterling, who also runs a car wash business, highlighted the struggles of his peers who rely solely on tourism. Delroy Dove, caretaker of Johns Hall Adventure Tours, faced personal devastation as his home and business were destroyed. ‘Right now, everything on pause because the place mash down,’ Dove said, pointing to the ruins of his property. Despite his injuries and the near-death experience of being trapped in his collapsing home, Dove remains hopeful for the sector’s recovery. ‘To them [tourists] Jamaica is a blessed country, so they will want to come look and give a little help,’ he said. The storm’s impact has been devastating not only for businesses but also for the people who depend on tourism for their livelihoods. Devral, another caretaker, expressed the dire situation: ‘If this never happened, we would have had tours going on.’ The road to recovery for Jamaica’s tourism industry remains uncertain, with guides and attractions grappling with the extensive damage left by Hurricane Melissa.
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Raging water, broken rigs
Truck operators in southern St James are urgently appealing for government assistance to recover from the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, which struck on October 28. The relentless floodwaters not only damaged their vehicles but also exposed underlying issues exacerbated by poor drainage from a nearby highway construction project. Clyde Maxwell, owner of Maxwell Trucking in Irwin, St James, emphasized that the disaster was not purely natural. ‘It’s since the highway started being built. It’s not the hurricane that did this, it’s the water,’ he stated. Maxwell reported that at least 11 trucks in his garage, along with several others nearby, were ‘totally damaged,’ with approximately 21 motorcars also affected. The truckers, numbering about 20, primarily haul construction materials and containers for their livelihoods. While a full assessment is pending, Maxwell estimated losses in the millions of dollars, with his own repair costs alone reaching $2 million. Small operators, who rely solely on their trucks for income, are particularly vulnerable. Maxwell stressed that they are not seeking charity but rather loans to repair their vehicles and resume operations. ‘We wouldn’t mind if we could get somebody to talk to us. We are not looking for a handout, but if we could get support, if you can give each man a loan, I know every man would repay it,’ he said. Franklin Garrison, another trucker, called on the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Industry, Investment, and Commerce to consider duty-free concessions or shell licences to facilitate the import of replacement vehicle parts. ‘We need some type of waiver,’ he urged. The truckers are now left in a state of uncertainty, unsure how to rebuild their businesses and livelihoods in the aftermath of the disaster.