In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impact on Jamaica, a beacon of hope emerges from Trinidad. Under the theme ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – The World is One Family,’ a major fundraising concert is set to take place on November 8 at the Divali Nagar outdoor auditorium in Chaguanas. This event, a collaborative effort between five organizations from Trinidad and Jamaica, aims to support relief and rebuilding efforts in the hurricane-ravaged nation. The concert will showcase Trinidad and Tobago’s top East Indian performers, all volunteering their talents for an evening dedicated to unity, love, and humanitarianism. The driving force behind this initiative is Ravi Rambarran, a Trinidad-born, Jamaica-based philanthropist and retired CEO of Sagicor Southern Caribbean, who has called Jamaica home for the past 29 years. Rambarran, deeply moved by the devastation caused by the Category 5 hurricane, which struck on October 28, quickly rallied support from partners in both countries. The event marks a historic first, with five organizations uniting across borders for a single humanitarian cause. The concert will feature performances by renowned artists and dance troupes, supported by digital innovations like WiPay, a Trinidadian-built platform enabling global donations. Rambarran and Surujdeo Mangaroo, president of the National Council of Indian Culture, emphasize the importance of Caribbean solidarity, urging citizens to contribute to this noble cause. Tickets are available online, and the concert will be streamed live, offering a global audience the chance to participate in this act of compassion and unity.
博客
-
Windies fall just short in 2nd T20 against New Zealand
In a nail-biting encounter at Eden Park on November 6, New Zealand narrowly defeated the West Indies by three runs in the second T20, leveling the five-match series at 1-1. The match was a high-scoring spectacle, with New Zealand setting a formidable target of 207/5, thanks to a blistering 78 off 28 balls by Mark Chapman. The West Indies, despite a valiant effort from their middle to lower order, fell just short, finishing at 204/8. Rovman Powell (45) and Romario Shepherd (34) spearheaded a late surge, but the visitors couldn’t cross the line. Mitchell Santner (3/31) and Ish Sodhi (3/39) were pivotal in New Zealand’s defense. Shepherd, reflecting on the loss, emphasized the team’s resilience and batting depth, while looking ahead to the next match at Saxton Oval on November 8. The series remains finely balanced, with both teams eager to gain the upper hand.
-
Trinidad and Tobago grouped with Costa Rica for Concacaf Men’s U-20 qualifiers
Trinidad and Tobago’s (TT) men’s Under-20 football team has been drawn into a challenging group for the Concacaf Men’s Under-20 qualifiers, set to take place from February 23 to March 4, 2026. The team, led by coach Randolph Boyce, will compete in Group E alongside Barbados, Bermuda, Costa Rica, and Sint Maarten. The qualifiers, which include 32 Concacaf member nations, are divided into six groups, with the winners advancing to the 2026 Concacaf Under-20 Championship. This championship, scheduled for July 25 to August 9, 2026, will feature 12 teams, including six pre-seeded nations: Cuba, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, and the United States. The tournament will not only determine Concacaf’s representatives for the 2027 FIFA Men’s Under-20 World Cup but also serve as a qualifier for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Costa Rica, one of the host nations for the qualifiers, is expected to be the strongest contender in Group E. TT, placed in pot two based on the Concacaf Under-20 men’s rankings as of August 5, 2024, will need to overcome this formidable opponent to progress. Last year, the team, then coached by Brian Haynes, was eliminated in the first round after finishing second to Canada. With Boyce now at the helm, TT aims to improve on their previous performance and secure a spot in the championship.
-
Trinidad and Tobago women’s football team to feature in Mayaro League opener
The Trinidad and Tobago (TT) women’s football team is intensifying its preparations for the upcoming 2025/26 Concacaf Women’s Qualifiers with a series of practice matches and exhibition games. On November 8, the team will participate in an exhibition game against the Mayaro XI, a men’s team, at the Mayaro Resource Centre. Although the TT team is not competing in the Mayaro Football League, this match serves as a crucial opportunity to fine-tune their skills ahead of the qualifiers. The team recently faced a 4-1 defeat against Jamaica in a practice match on October 28, despite a promising 1-1 tie at halftime. Jinelle James, the TT Football Association’s director of women’s football, revealed that the team has scheduled additional practice games against boys’ Secondary Schools Football League teams and is working to arrange matches against regional opponents. The qualifiers will kick off on November 30 with an away game against Barbados. TT is placed in Group F alongside El Salvador and Honduras, with matches scheduled against Honduras on March 4 and El Salvador on April 17. The top six group winners will advance to the eight-team Concacaf Women’s Championship, joining pre-seeded teams Canada and the US. Meanwhile, the team’s coaching situation remains under review, with Densill Theobald and Damian Briggs currently serving as co-coaches following the unexpected resignation of former coach Angus Eve last month.
-
T&TEC claims ‘misrepresentation’ by ex-legal counsel in doctor’s battle over power lines
The Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) is embroiled in a legal controversy after its legal department admitted to misrepresentations in court regarding the existence of key policy documents. The case stems from a dispute with Dr. Fayard Mohammed, who challenged T&TEC’s installation of high-tension power lines on his private property without disclosing the governing policy. T&TEC’s legal officer, Candace Price, filed an affidavit on October 30, acknowledging that previous statements to the court about the non-existence of these documents were inaccurate. Price emphasized that the commission deeply regretted the misstatement and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and compliance with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The disclosure of the policy was made on October 24, following a court order by Justice Frank Seepersad, who ruled that T&TEC had breached its statutory obligations under the FOIA by failing to respond to Mohammed’s September 26, 2024, request. Seepersad expressed concern over the implications of the misrepresentation and the delay in providing the policy, questioning why it was not available during earlier hearings. Senior Counsel Anand Ramlogan, now leading T&TEC’s legal team, admitted to a “changing of the guards” within the commission’s legal department and pledged to uncover the truth. Seepersad dismissed T&TEC’s arguments that its refusal was justified under the sub judice rule or to prevent a “fishing expedition,” calling them “devoid of merit.” He ruled that T&TEC’s delay violated multiple sections of the FOIA and undermined public trust. The judge awarded costs to Mohammed and stressed that FOIA applications are essential for citizens to access public information, not mere litigation tactics. The case has been adjourned to November 24 for further proceedings.
-
Phillip, Roach in Windies high-performance camp ahead of New Zealand Tests
The West Indies cricket team is leaving no stone unturned in their preparations for the upcoming three-match Test series against New Zealand, scheduled from December 2 to 22. A high-performance camp, currently underway in Antigua, is bringing together a select group of regional players to fine-tune their skills and strategies. The camp, which runs from November 4 to 18 at the Coolidge Cricket Ground, is spearheaded by Ramesh Subasinghe, head of the West Indies Academy, and assistant coach Rohan Nurse. They are joined by CWI senior talent manager Jamal Smith and former Windies wicket-keeper/batsman Shane Dowrich, who is serving as a pathway coach. The focus of the camp is on technical and tactical refinement, match simulation, and mental readiness. CWI director of cricket Miles Bascombe emphasized the importance of the camp, stating that it is designed to address the specific challenges of playing in New Zealand. Batsmen will work on areas of vulnerability and adapt to local conditions, while bowlers will focus on managing workloads and identifying effective lengths and areas. The camp also includes wellness oversight and gym-based strength and conditioning programs, aligned with CWI’s high-performance protocols. Notable participants include veteran pacer Kemar Roach and Trinidadian seamer Anderson Phillip, alongside batsmen Kevlon Anderson, John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Kavem Hodge, and wicket-keeper Tevin Imlach, as well as fast bowlers Johann Layne and Ojay Shields. Roach, who last played for the West Indies in January during their Test tour to Pakistan, is a strong contender for the New Zealand series due to injuries to frontline seamers Alzarri and Shamar Joseph.
-
Family of slain granny, 75, wants closure
As the fifth anniversary of Daiyke “Meera” Mongroo’s tragic murder approaches on November 11, her family continues to seek justice and closure. The 75-year-old grandmother was found brutally murdered in her home at Papourie Road, Diamond Village, San Fernando, on November 11, 2020. Her husband, Ramjewan Mongroo, discovered her lifeless body upon returning from errands. An autopsy revealed she had been beaten, bound, and strangled. Relatives remember her as a caring, loving, and humorous woman who was full of life. Despite ongoing investigations by the Homicide Bureau of Investigations, Region Three, no arrests have been made. The family remains hopeful for justice, but the wait has been agonizing. Adding to their grief, the widower’s brother and sister-in-law passed away earlier this year within a month of each other due to natural causes. The family continues to support one another, clinging to hope and prayers for a resolution.
-
Murder accused at Teteron Barracks complains of inhumane detention
A remand prisoner held at the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force’s (TTDF) Teteron Barracks in Chaguaramas has filed a writ of habeas corpus, alleging his detention is unlawful and inhumane. The individual, facing multiple murder and firearm charges, is seeking justification for his continued confinement at the military facility. The case is set to be heard next week before Justice Carol Gobin. Teteron Barracks was designated as a prison in July 2025 under a state of emergency to house high-risk inmates transferred from the Maximum Security Prison in Arouca. However, not all detainees are held under Preventative Detention Orders (PDOs). The prisoner claims he was forcibly removed from the Port of Spain Prison on August 20 by masked officers, blindfolded, zip-tied, and transported to Teteron without a detention order. Initially, the Commissioner of Prisons stated he was held under a PDO, but this was later retracted, with the State confirming no such order exists. The inmate’s affidavit details harsh conditions at Teteron, including confinement in a small, poorly ventilated cell, limited access to water and sanitation, and inadequate food for his lactose intolerance. He also alleges restricted access to legal counsel and family visits, with virtual meetings monitored by prison staff. The prisoner, awaiting trial for multiple murders, claims his mental health has deteriorated and fears his detention could prejudice his upcoming trials. He is represented by a legal team including Ravi Rajcoomar, SC, Ryan Rajcoomar, Alejandro Gocking, and Enrique Singh. The Ministry of Homeland Security has denied complaints about conditions at Teteron, stating that refurbished cells include bunks, bathrooms, and ventilation, with inmates having access to daily medical services, meals, and water.
-
Accused drug trafficker wants extradition to US reversed
Shurlan Guppy, a 47-year-old Trinidadian accused of drug trafficking, has petitioned the High Court to order his return to Trinidad and Tobago (TT) after being extradited to the United States on August 5, 2025. Guppy, currently held in federal custody in Pennsylvania, faces 11 charges related to heroin and cocaine trafficking, with the alleged crimes valued at approximately $1 million. His legal team argues that his extradition violated procedural safeguards and breached his constitutional rights. The case has sparked a legal battle involving multiple jurisdictions, including the Privy Council in London, where a special leave application remains pending. Guppy’s attorneys contend that his extradition occurred prematurely, while his appeal was still active, despite assurances from state attorneys to wait. At a recent High Court hearing, Guppy’s legal team objected to the State’s request for an adjournment, accusing authorities of disregarding the rule of law. State attorneys, however, maintain that the extradition was lawful and occurred after the agreed-upon 56-day appeal window had expired. Justice Jacqueline Wilson adjourned the matter to January 26, 2026, pending the Privy Council’s decision. Guppy’s indictment in the U.S. alleges that he conspired to distribute controlled substances, including heroin and cocaine, from 2017 to 2022, using various methods such as delivery services and encrypted communication apps like WhatsApp. If convicted, he faces a potential life sentence with a mandatory minimum of 10 years. In Trinidad, Guppy’s claims of entrapment, selective prosecution, and disproportionate interference with his family life were dismissed by both the High Court and the Court of Appeal.
-
Signal Hill earn 1-0 win over St Mary’s in SSFL
Signal Hill Secondary made a significant leap in the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division standings with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over St Mary’s College on November 6. The match, held at Signal Hill grounds in Tobago, saw J’meke Watkins deliver the decisive goal in the second half, ensuring a triumphant result for the home team. This win propelled Signal Hill from tenth to seventh place in the standings, overtaking St Mary’s, Queen’s Royal College, and Arima North Secondary. All three teams are now tied with 19 points, but Signal Hill holds a superior goal difference. Despite having six matches postponed earlier in the season, Signal Hill remains optimistic about their chances of breaking into the top three if they secure victories in their remaining games. Meanwhile, St Mary’s College slipped to tenth place with 18 points, leaving them with only one match to salvage their season. The current league leaders include St Benedict’s College (33 points), followed closely by Naparima College and Presentation College San Fernando, both with 31 points. Defending champions Fatima College trail in fourth place with 29 points. As the season nears its conclusion, the competition intensifies, with several teams vying for the top spots in this highly contested league.