The first-ever performance of the new duet ‘Bacchanal Mode’ by soca queen Patrice Roberts and National Freestyle Champion Akeem ‘Preedy’ Chance became the highlight of Preedy’s Acoustic Experience event on November 2 in St Clair. The intimate backyard venue, chosen for its lush ambiance, was filled with hundreds of patrons who were treated to an unforgettable evening of music and celebration. Roberts made a surprise appearance, joining Preedy on stage just after 9 pm, elevating the event to new heights of excitement and satisfaction. The duo’s performance, despite being a debut, was described as surreal and nostalgic, with Preedy reflecting on his journey as an artist. The event also featured opening acts by Aaron Duncan, Kimba Sorzano, and Tevin Hartman, who set the stage for Preedy’s grand entrance around 8 pm. Preedy, known for his charisma and vocal prowess, captivated the audience for over two hours, weaving musical stories and interacting passionately with fans. The night was further enhanced by performances from Kimi, reggae icon Isasha, and Freetown Collective, with music by Temperature The Band and chorale accompaniment by Armonias Magnificas. Roberts praised Preedy for his determination and growth, expressing pride in his achievements. The event also featured refreshing cocktails by HybridTT and delectable nibbles by Cup of Joe Cafe, with hosts Jynnyn and Akeem 5.0 keeping the entertainment flowing. International culture journalist Jeanette ‘JLova’ Mitchell highlighted Preedy’s role in cultural preservation and his growing artistry. ‘Bacchanal Mode,’ the song and music video, was released earlier this week, marking the beginning of a vibrant Trinidad Carnival season and an exciting 2026.
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Reflections 2 concert: Former monarchs go down memory lane
Former calypso queen Tameika Darius is set to captivate audiences with her upcoming production, ‘Reflections 2: Down Memory Lane,’ at the Little Theatre, SAPA, on November 9. Known for her iconic songs like ‘Ah Come Out to Equalise,’ ‘Now More Than Ever,’ and ‘Jahaji Bash,’ Darius has been a prominent figure in the calypso scene since her childhood. Recently returning from the Trinbago Toronto Festival, she is ready to showcase a blend of traditional calypso, jazz, gospel, and storytelling in this unique performance. Darius promises a heartfelt journey through her life experiences, emphasizing family roots, cultural preservation, and the intergenerational transmission of musical heritage. The event will also feature a surprise reveal of honorees and a special guest performer. Joining her on stage is her nine-year-old son, Xhaiden Darius, a prodigious talent who has already made waves as the reigning National Junior Calypso Monarch and Schools’ Intellectual National Chutney Soca Monarch. Xhaiden, who has performed at prestigious events like Barbados-Carifesta XV and the Trinbago Toronto Festival, will deliver several duets. Other notable performers include Roderick ‘Chuck’ Gordon, Vaughnette Bigford, Renee Fortune, and Freetown Collective. Darius describes the show as a celebration of community, continuity, and the enduring vitality of calypso, proving it remains a dynamic and evolving art form. The performance begins at 5 pm.
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Panorama 2026 launches November 9 at the Queen’s Park Savannah
The 2026 Panorama season, organized by Pan Trinbago, officially commenced on November 9 at the iconic Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain. This year’s theme, ‘Legacy: Ours to Love, Ours to Cherish,’ underscores the cultural and spiritual significance of the steelpan, an instrument born out of struggle, creativity, and community spirit. The event, described as a celebration of rhythm, resilience, and identity, featured libations, prayers, and performances by renowned steelbands such as Massy Trinidad All Stars, bp Renegades, and Republic Bank Exodus. Admission was free, with attendees encouraged to wave the national flag as a symbol of unity and pride. Pan Trinbago President Beverley Ramsey-Moore emphasized the festival’s role in empowering youth, engaging women, and preserving Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural legacy. However, the season faces challenges, including the withdrawal of sponsorship by the National Gas Company (NGC) from three bands and Pan Trinbago itself. Ramsey-Moore appealed for corporate and state support, highlighting the festival’s impact on community development. Despite these hurdles, she remains optimistic about the future of the steelpan movement, stating, ‘Pan will never die.’ The competition begins with single pan band judging on November 12, culminating in the Large Band finals on February 14, 2026.
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Army win 2nd leg 1-0, but miss out on Caribbean Cup final
In a thrilling second leg of the Concacaf Caribbean Cup semifinal, Mount Pleasant Football Academy secured their place in the final with a 5-2 aggregate victory over Defence Force, despite a 1-0 loss in Kingston, Jamaica, on November 5. Defence Force, the TT Premier Football League champions, fought valiantly but fell short of overturning the significant deficit from the first leg. Mount Pleasant now awaits the winner of the semifinal clash between Universidad O&M FC and Cibao FC, who are set to face off after press time on November 6. Defence Force’s captain Kevin Molino gave his team a glimmer of hope with a 13th-minute goal, but their reliance on counter-attacks and limited possession (32%) proved insufficient against Mount Pleasant’s solid defense. Goalkeeper Isaiah Williams shone for Defence Force with seven crucial saves, but Mount Pleasant’s first-leg dominance ensured their progression to the final and a spot in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup. Defence Force still has a chance to qualify for the Champions Cup through the third-place playoff against either Cibao FC or Universidad O&M FC.
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Christopher Mitchell, Alexia John win Tobago Subway Road Race
The inaugural Subway Road Race Tobago Edition, held on November 1 at the Parade Grounds near Dwight Yorke Stadium, brought together runners, walkers, and fitness enthusiasts for a vibrant celebration of health and community spirit. The event, a collaboration between Subway TT and Scarborough-based A+ Fitness Studio, aimed to promote an active lifestyle while raising funds for the Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
Christopher Mitchell emerged as the overall and men’s category winner, completing the 12K race in 50 minutes and 18 seconds. Kade Sobers and Kwame Gordon secured second and third places, respectively. In the women’s category, Alexia John led the pack with a time of 53:07, followed by April Francis and Kenya Muir.
The scenic race route, which passed through Bacolet, Scarborough, and both Subway restaurants on the island, was filled with positive energy as participants of all ages took part. Johann Mendoza, vice president of Subway TT, expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming community support, emphasizing the company’s commitment to fostering well-being beyond offering healthy food.
Proceeds from the race registration and fundraising efforts will directly benefit the Coalition Against Domestic Violence, aiding their critical work in providing support, advocacy, and safe housing for survivors and their families. Anthea Alfred of A+ Fitness Studio highlighted the event’s dual focus on physical health and community impact, calling it a perfect fit for their mission.
Organizers declared the event a resounding success and announced plans to make the Subway Road Race – Tobago Edition an annual fixture, further strengthening its role in promoting fitness and community solidarity.
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TTPFL matchday three set for November 9 to aid senior team prep
The Trinidad and Tobago Premier Football League (TTPFL) has rescheduled its third matchday to November 9, consolidating all six games into a single day across various venues in Trinidad. This adjustment aims to facilitate the training and preparation of the men’s national football team, led by coach Dwight Yorke, for their upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Jamaica and Bermuda on November 13 and 18, respectively. Originally, the matches were planned for November 7-9, including a double-header at the Dwight Yorke Stadium in Bacolet, Tobago. However, to accommodate Yorke’s request for a practice game against a TTPFL select XI on November 7, the league has shifted its schedule. While the venue for the practice game remains undecided, the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo or the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva are the likely options. TTPFL acting CEO Yale Antoine confirmed the changes on November 4, emphasizing the league’s commitment to supporting the national team’s World Cup campaign. The rescheduled matchday will feature key clashes, including Caledonia AIA vs. Terminix La Horquetta Rangers and Miscellaneous Police FC vs. Defence Force at the St James Police Barracks. Additionally, the postponed matchday one fixture between Phoenix and Rangers has been rescheduled for November 15 at the Dwight Yorke Stadium, following flight delays on the league’s opening night. The fourth matchday will now take place on November 19, instead of the originally planned November 14-16.
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Trinidad and Tobago women’s team named for RAN Sevens tournament
The Trinidad and Tobago Rugby Union (TTRU) has officially announced a 13-member women’s squad set to compete in the 2025 Rugby Americas North (RAN) Sevens tournament. The event will take place at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar from November 21 to 23. The team, revealed via a TTRU social media post on November 5, includes seasoned players such as Nicolette Pantor, Kalena Burke, Ornella George, Fayola Jack, and the versatile Ketara Munroe. The squad will be led by coach Richard Staglon. This year’s tournament will feature six women’s teams, including Barbados, Bermuda, Guyana, Jamaica, and reigning champions Mexico, alongside Trinidad and Tobago. The men’s competition will see eight teams in the tier one category, with six additional teams in tier two. Notably, the top three men’s tier one teams (excluding Canada) and the top two women’s teams will secure qualification for the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games in the Dominican Republic. Additionally, the tier two men’s winner, provided they are a full RAN member union, will earn a promotion opportunity. Last year, the Trinidad and Tobago men’s team finished as runners-up, while the women’s ‘A’ team placed third behind Mexico and Jamaica. The women’s ‘B’ team secured fifth place. The upcoming tournament promises intense competition as regional teams aim to challenge Canada’s dominance and secure coveted spots in future international events.
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Three killed in new US strike on alleged drug boat in Caribbean
In a recent development, US forces conducted another controversial strike in the Caribbean, targeting an alleged drug trafficking vessel and resulting in the deaths of three individuals. Pentagon spokesperson Pete Hegseth confirmed the operation, which has now raised the total death toll of Washington’s anti-narcotics campaign to at least 70. The strike, carried out in international waters, was part of a broader initiative launched in early September to combat drug trafficking in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific regions.
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Quarry operators accuse State of double standard
On November 6, members of the TT Aggregate Producers Alliance (TTAPA) staged a protest at National Quarries Ltd in Turure, Sangre Grande, calling for urgent government intervention to address what they describe as a ‘crippling’ regulatory vacuum. The protest, closely monitored by police, saw the arrest of at least one individual for disorderly conduct. TTAPA President Nigel Tenia led the demonstration, accusing the state-owned National Quarries of operating without a valid processing licence under the Minerals Act of 2000. Tenia emphasized that the alliance’s 24 members unanimously decided to suspend operations earlier this week to raise public awareness and protect themselves from potential criminal charges. He highlighted the sector’s precarious position, noting that legitimate operators are technically in breach of the law due to the absence of processing licences. Tenia called on Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal, Works and Infrastructure Minister Jearlean John, and Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro to investigate National Quarries’ licensing status and enforce regulations uniformly across the industry. Moonilal later issued a statement acknowledging receipt of TTAPA’s October 28 letter but denied the group’s claim that no company has obtained a processing licence. The Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries (MEEI) asserted that it has granted numerous licences in recent years and has actively engaged with operators to address licensing concerns. However, the ministry did not specify which companies hold licences or address TTAPA’s allegation that National Quarries continues to operate without one. TTAPA warned that the licensing impasse threatens thousands of jobs and could delay national construction projects, as the sector remains ‘suffocated by bureaucracy.’ The protest is set to continue until the government resolves the 25-year licensing void.
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3 to get honorary doctorates at UTT graduation
The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) has announced it will confer honorary doctoral degrees on three exceptional individuals during its 2025 graduation ceremony. The event, scheduled for November 18 at the Lord Kitchener Auditorium, National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port-of-Spain, will also recognize Gilman Figaro as an honorary distinguished fellow. The honorary doctorates will be awarded to Peter Elias (Doctor of Fine Arts), Israel Khan, SC (Doctor of Laws), and Jamwant Maharaj (Doctor of Science). Additionally, UTT will confer seven Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in education, entrepreneurship, commercial studies, and health administration. The ceremony will celebrate approximately 1,500 graduates across disciplines such as engineering, arts, sports, and fashion. UTT Chancellor President Christine Kangaloo will preside over the event. Peter Elias, a renowned fashion designer with over 30 years of experience, has significantly contributed to Caribbean culture through his work in Carnival design and the Miss Trinidad and Tobago Pageant. Israel Khan, a prominent legal figure, has served as president of the Criminal Bar Association of TT and is recognized for his contributions to international criminal law. Jamwant Maharaj, affectionately known as the ‘Chemistry Raja,’ has made significant strides in education through his publications and teaching. Gilman Figaro, a celebrated Caribbean cultural icon, has enriched the region’s artistic landscape through music, poetry, and dance.