Trinidad and Tobago’s emerging track cycling sensation, Makaira Wallace, has described her inaugural appearance at the UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Santiago, Chile, as a profoundly inspiring and motivating experience. Competing for the first time as a senior rider, Wallace marked a significant milestone in her burgeoning career.
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7 new members appointed to NIF board as 4 resign
The National Investment Fund Holding Company Ltd (NIF) is undergoing significant changes as four board members have resigned, and seven new members have been appointed. The resignations, effective from October 28, include Chairperson Jennifer Lutchman, along with board members Nadira Lyder, Dexter Jaggernauth, and Cindy Pierre. The vacancies have been filled with the appointment of Dr. Sandra Sookram as the new chairperson, Patrice Jameela Ayoung-Chee as deputy chairman, and Aiden Boodoo, Shivanand Maharaj, Vandanna Singh-Maharaj, and Dexter V. Ragoonath as board members. The new board will serve a two-year term starting October 28. Established in 2018, the NIF was created to manage assets received by the government from Clico’s shareholdings, following a $4 billion government bailout in 2009. The fund has since repaid the bailout and made significant interest distributions, totaling $2.4 billion since its inception. Notable assets under the NIF include Republic Financial Holdings Ltd, One Caribbean Media Ltd, West Indian Tobacco Company Ltd, Angostura Holdings Ltd, and TT Generation Unlimited. The NIF has also made multiple coupon payments to bondholders, including a recent $9 million payment under the NIF 2 bond offer launched in 2022.
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Nakhid wants six-month SSFL season
The Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL), a cornerstone in nurturing young football talent, is under scrutiny for its limited three-month duration. David Nakhid, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs and former national football captain, has voiced concerns that this short season stifles the potential of emerging players. Speaking on TV6’s Morning Edition on November 5, Nakhid emphasized the need for innovation in Trinidad and Tobago’s football system, drawing parallels to transformative changes in countries like Germany and Belgium during the 1990s. He highlighted the importance of integrating technology and extending the SSFL season to six months, a proposal supported by SSFL President Merere Gonzales. Nakhid underscored the league’s significance, noting its role in securing scholarships for students to attend US universities and its widespread engagement among parents, students, and stakeholders. He envisions a system where more young footballers gain recognition from international scouts, thereby enhancing their opportunities for both athletic and academic advancement.
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TTFA, Ato Boldon plan relief efforts for Jamaica
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impact on Jamaica, the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) and Olympic legend Ato Boldon have stepped up to spearhead relief efforts. The Category 5 storm, which struck on October 28, unleashed winds exceeding 185 mph, causing widespread devastation and leaving numerous communities in ruins. The death toll in Jamaica has surpassed 30, with Haiti also reporting over 40 fatalities.
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Red Force vs TT Bolivarian XI practice match abandoned
The highly anticipated second practice match between the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force Super50 Cup squad and the Trinidad and Tobago Bolivarian XI was abruptly called off due to persistent rain at Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain on November 5. Despite the Red Force posting an impressive total of 358/5 in 44.2 overs, the weather intervened, cutting short the day’s play. After winning the toss and electing to bat first, the Super50 team showcased their batting prowess. Middle-order batsman Jyd Goolie was the standout performer, delivering a blistering 151 not out off just 81 balls, including 22 fours and five sixes, before retiring. Captain Joshua Da Silva also contributed significantly with a solid 89 off 54 balls, featuring seven fours and seven sixes. Opener Navin Bidaisee added a steady 71 from 80 balls. However, with Joshua James (18 not out) and Bryan Charles (5 not out) at the crease and just over five overs remaining, heavy rain forced the match to be abandoned. Earlier, Goolie and Bidaisee had built a formidable 133-run partnership, while Da Silva and Goolie added 113 runs together. In the first practice match on November 3, the Super50 team secured a five-wicket victory, chasing down a revised target of 304 after the Bolivarian XI had posted 317/9 in 44 overs.
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Mucurapo West grab late winner over ‘Pres’ Chaguanas in SSFL ‘Big 5’
In a nail-biting encounter on November 5, Mucurapo West Secondary School clinched a dramatic 3-2 victory over Presentation College Chaguanas in the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) First Citizens Boys’ ‘Big 5’ championship playoff. The match, held at Presentation College’s grounds in Chaguanas, saw Mucurapo bounce back from a recent defeat to secure their second win in three matches. This victory keeps them in contention for promotion to the 2026 SSFL premier division season, alongside east zone leaders Hillview College, who also have six points. The game began with a quick exchange of goals, as Nazim Skinner put Mucurapo ahead in the fifth minute, only for Hassan Edghill to equalize for Presentation two minutes later. Amenhotep Harper restored Mucurapo’s lead, but Aaron Bynoe leveled the score again for Presentation. The decisive moment came in stoppage time when Caleb Jacob, named Man of the Match, scored the winning goal, marking his third goal in the tournament. Meanwhile, the match between Palo Seco Secondary and Speyside Secondary was postponed, leaving Speyside yet to make their tournament debut. Hillview College currently leads the standings on goal difference, having secured a dominant 7-0 victory over Presentation and a 3-0 win against Mucurapo. The Big 5 tournament resumes on November 8, with Speyside hosting Mucurapo and Hillview facing Palo Seco.
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Volunteer Defence Force members sue State over pension
Forty-three members of Trinidad and Tobago’s Volunteer Defence Force (VDF) have initiated a constitutional motion against the State, alleging decades-long violations of their fundamental rights due to the government’s failure to provide pension and terminal benefits. The case, presided over by Justice Avason Quinlan-Williams, centers on claims that the State breached the claimants’ rights to property, legal protection, and equality under sections 4(a) and 4(b) of the Constitution. The claimants, led by Andy Greaux, argue that despite serving as permanent staff within the VDF—a recognized formation of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF)—they were denied pension deductions and superannuation benefits afforded to other TTDF members. Attorney Arden Williams, representing the claimants, emphasized that the State’s failure to enact regulations governing the VDF has left generations of servicemen without pensions or terminal benefits, despite their equivalent duties and pay structure. Williams described the omission as “irrational, arbitrary neglect,” accusing the State of failing to act on repeated representations by the claimants. The State, represented by Mary Davis, countered that the VDF members are not entitled to superannuation benefits under the Defence (Pensions, Terminal and Other Grants) Regulations, as no deductions were made from their salaries into the Consolidated Fund. The State also argued that any unequal treatment is justified by statutory and administrative distinctions. Justice Quinlan-Williams has reserved judgment, which will be delivered on January 29.
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US appeal court upholds US$131m Piarco airport judgment
The Florida Third District Court of Appeal has reaffirmed a $131 million judgment against businessman Steve Ferguson, marking the conclusion of a 19-year legal saga. Ferguson was accused of orchestrating a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme tied to the construction of Trinidad and Tobago’s Piarco International Airport. In a November 5 ruling, judges Thomas Logue, Monica Gordo, and Fleur Lobree upheld a Miami-Dade County jury’s verdict, which found Ferguson guilty of civil fraud, conspiracy to commit fraud, and violations of Florida’s Civil Remedies for Criminal Practices Act and the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). The court dismissed Ferguson’s argument that the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago failed to prove a ‘domestic injury,’ a critical requirement under federal RICO law. The judges highlighted evidence of bribes, bid manipulation, and money transfers through Miami-based companies and bank accounts, establishing Florida as a central hub for the fraudulent activities. The court also noted the use of Florida corporations to inflate bids, funnel kickbacks through Bahamian shell accounts, and purchase Miami properties for government officials involved in the conspiracy. The ruling emphasized Florida’s role as a global financial and business hub, underscoring the state’s interest in addressing criminal enterprises operating within its jurisdiction. The case, which began in 2004, saw most defendants settle or be dismissed before trial. In 2023, Ferguson and two co-defendants were found jointly liable for $32 million in damages, later tripled under Florida’s RICO provisions and increased to $131.3 million with prejudgment interest.
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Stakeholders on PM’s project-based funding: What is Tobago’s vision?
Businesswoman Diane Hadad, former chair of the Tobago branch of the TT Chamber of Industry and Commerce, has praised the government’s initiative to shift towards project-based budget allocations for Tobago. This proposal, unveiled by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar during a special sitting of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) on November 4, aims to replace the current population percentage-based budgeting system with a more equitable and transparent model. However, Hadad emphasized the necessity of a comprehensive development plan for Tobago before any fiscal policy changes are implemented. Speaking to Newsday on November 5, she highlighted the island’s lack of a clear strategy for its 116 square miles, which she believes has hindered its progress. “Tobago needs to articulate its vision and goals before discussing autonomy or funding,” she stated. Hadad compared the situation to seeking a bank loan, where a solid business plan is essential to secure investment. She also criticized the past two decades of PNM-led governance, noting that Tobago’s infrastructure and human capital have not significantly improved despite budget allocations. Meanwhile, Mariano Browne, former trade minister and current CEO of the Arthur Lok Jack School of Business, cautioned that the Prime Minister’s proposal lacks detailed implementation strategies. He pointed out the nation’s strained fiscal capacity, with expenditures exceeding revenues, and questioned the feasibility of additional funding for Tobago. Browne explained that an equalization fund aims to redistribute resources to reduce regional disparities but stressed the importance of objective criteria for project selection and funding. He raised concerns about project viability, including technical, financial, operational, market, and legal considerations. While the shift to project-based budgeting is seen as a positive step, both Hadad and Browne agree that meticulous planning and transparency are crucial for Tobago’s sustainable development.
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Morris slams PM’s ‘mamagism’, Duke excited
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s inaugural address to the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) on November 4 has sparked a spectrum of reactions among stakeholders. Speaking at the Assembly Legislature in Scarborough, Tobago, the Prime Minister unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at bolstering the island’s financial autonomy and economic prospects. Key among these was the introduction of an export licence to market Tobago’s aggregate regionally, a move designed to generate foreign exchange and stimulate economic growth. Additionally, Persad-Bissessar pledged to implement a fair-share model for budgetary allocations and collaborate with the THA to establish a localised police force to address crime on the island. However, THA Minority Leader Kelvon Morris dismissed the speech as politically motivated, accusing the Prime Minister of prioritizing the upcoming THA elections over pressing issues affecting both Tobago and Trinidad. Morris criticized the lack of progress on autonomy, labeling the address as a repetition of long-standing promises. In contrast, Progressive Democratic Patriots (PDP) leader Watson Duke praised the initiatives, describing them as significant steps toward greater self-determination. He highlighted the potential economic benefits of the export licence and the enhanced security a localised police force could bring. The Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce also welcomed the focus on Tobago, though it emphasized the importance of effective implementation and transparency.