Trinidadian left-arm spinner Khary Pierre has been added to the West Indies squad for their upcoming three-match T20 series against Bangladesh, scheduled from October 27 to 31. The 34-year-old, who recently participated in the One-day International (ODI) series against Bangladesh, will replace the injured Shamar Joseph. Pierre, who played all three ODIs and claimed one wicket, will now team up with fellow left-arm spinners Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie in the 15-man T20 squad. Shamar Joseph, a promising fast bowler, has been sidelined due to a persistent shoulder injury, which also caused him to miss the Test series against India earlier this month. Cricket West Indies announced on October 20 that Joseph has been advised to consult a specialist in England for rehabilitation. Pierre, who last played a T20 for West Indies in 2020 against Ireland, has taken seven wickets in ten T20 matches with an economy rate of 9.60. The series will kick off in Chittagong on October 27, followed by matches on October 29 and 31. Pierre’s inclusion comes after an impressive 2025 First-Class season with Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, which earned him his first Test cap during the recent series against India. The West Indies T20 squad, led by Shai Hope, includes notable players such as Jason Holder, Roston Chase, and Romario Shepherd.
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KFC serves up $650k sponsorship for Clarke Road United
Clarke Road United, a prominent cricket club in Trinidad and Tobago, has secured a significant sponsorship deal with KFC TT, marking a pivotal moment ahead of the 2025 Premiership season. The fast-food giant has committed $650,000 over the next two years, rebranding the team as KFC Clarke Road United. The partnership was officially announced at KFC’s Gulf View branch in La Romaine, with key figures like club president Baldath Mahabir and KFC TT vice-president Roger Rambharose in attendance. Rambharose emphasized the collaboration as an investment in community development and the future of West Indies cricket. He highlighted the club’s legacy of nurturing talent, including international stars like Nicholas Pooran, and expressed optimism about the partnership’s potential to inspire young cricketers. The deal, initially set for two years, could extend further, reflecting KFC’s commitment to holistic cricket development. Rambharose also noted KFC’s broader involvement in cricket, including support for the Trinbago Knight Riders and local academies. Mahabir celebrated the partnership as a milestone in the club’s 40-year history, recalling its humble beginnings in Penal and its role in fostering regional cricket talent. The club’s community spirit was further underscored by Penal Debe Regional Corporation chairman Gowtam Maharaj, who shared a story of players halting a match to help extinguish a nearby house fire. This act of selflessness, he said, epitomizes the values of Clarke Road United, a club that excels both on and off the field.
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Education Ministry: Book grant review doesn’t mean discontinuation
The Ministry of Education has announced a comprehensive review of its School Supplies and Book Grant initiative, a program designed to support students in government and government-assisted primary and secondary schools. This review is part of the ministry’s broader efforts to modernize education in line with the Education Strategic Plan 2025-2030, a national framework guiding education reform over the next five years. The initiative, which provides essential learning materials to students, will not be discontinued but will be enhanced to ensure equity, efficiency, and alignment with emerging technologies, including AI-supported textbooks and adaptive digital resources. Education Minister Dr. Michael Dowlath emphasized that the review reflects a deliberate, evidence-based approach to improving education support systems. He stated, ‘Our responsibility is to ensure that every dollar spent delivers measurable improvement in student learning outcomes.’ The decision to review the program follows a period in which no allocations were made in the annual budget, prompting the ministry to seek funding through the mid-year budget process. In the 2024 cycle, approximately 27,000 applications were received, with 20,000 grants disbursed. The ministry secured funding for 20,000 grants of $1,000 each during the 2025 mid-year budget review. The current review aims to strengthen the program’s design and delivery, ensuring timely and efficient allocations that align with national education priorities. The ministry reiterated its commitment to fiscal prudence, transparency, and accountability in all education spending.
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Verrse retains Soca Titans crown
In a vibrant celebration of Tobago’s cultural heritage, Jahiem Thomas, popularly known as Verrse, clinched the Soca Titans title for the second consecutive year. The event, held on October 22 at the historic Market Square in Scarborough, Tobago, saw Thomas deliver a mesmerizing performance that captivated the audience and judges alike. Dressed in a striking yellow suit and adorned with a replica crown, Thomas performed ‘Paradise,’ a song that pays homage to Tobago’s rich traditions. His performance earned him 415 points and the grand prize of $75,000. The competition, which featured ten talented artists, was a testament to the island’s thriving soca music scene. Among the notable participants were Kedane O’Connor, who secured second place with ‘Shake It,’ and Tam Tam (Bernardo Thompson), who took third with ‘Lean.’ The event also highlighted the contributions of female artists, with Nikia Scott’s ‘Carnival Is A Woman’ earning her the fourth spot. The night was filled with lively performances, cultural tributes, and a strong sense of community, underscoring the importance of soca music in showcasing Tobago’s artistic talent to the world.
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Government, opposition argue over hospitals
A heated debate unfolded in Trinidad and Tobago’s House of Representatives as Health Minister Dr. Lackram Bodoe and Diego Martin North/East MP Colm Imbert clashed over a $100 million budget allocation for the Couva Hospital and Multi-Training Facility (CHMTF). The dispute occurred during the Standing Finance Committee’s deliberations on October 23, which aimed to approve a $7.04 billion budgetary allocation for the Health Ministry. Imbert questioned the significant funding for the CHMTF, which the opposition UNC plans to rename the Couva Children’s Hospital, while noting the absence of allocations for hospitals in Arima, Point Fortin, and Sangre Grande. He criticized the government for what he termed political discrimination, arguing that hospitals built under the former PNM administration were being neglected. Bodoe defended the allocation, stating that the Couva hospital had been neglected under the PNM and required substantial investment. He highlighted issues discovered during a post-election visit, including underutilization and non-functional medical equipment. The debate also touched on 515 vacancies in the Health Ministry, with Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo attributing the issue to the previous PNM government. Imbert further questioned the allocation of $16 million to pay lower-level employees at the North West Regional Health Authority, suggesting potential inefficiencies. The session grew contentious, prompting Speaker Jagdeo Singh to call for order. The exchange underscores the ongoing political tensions and challenges in Trinidad and Tobago’s healthcare sector.
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Nutrien shuts down operations as port fee talks collapse
Global nitrogen and agrochemicals producer Nutrien has ceased operations in Trinidad, resulting in the layoff of 600 employees. This decision follows the breakdown of last-minute negotiations with the National Energy Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago (National Energy) over port and pier facility fees. National Energy asserted that Nutrien and other clients had been paying significantly below-market rates for decades, depriving taxpayers of over $500 million in revenue. The dispute escalated when Nutrien’s 2006 Pier User Agreement (PUA) expired in December 2020, and the company demanded even lower rates than those previously enjoyed. National Energy proposed fairer rates, but Nutrien refused to negotiate unless a $28 million invoice was withdrawn. Amid the standoff, Nutrien threatened to shut down its plants, prompting National Energy to offer temporary use of facilities at legacy rates until December 31, 2023, while urging negotiations for a new PUA. Despite this proposal, Nutrien proceeded with the shutdown, citing unresolved issues with future gas supply. National Energy emphasized that neither it nor the National Gas Company (NGC) is responsible for subsidizing Nutrien’s operations. The closure is expected to significantly impact employees and their families, though National Energy and NGC are working to minimize disruptions by reallocating gas supplies to other downstream plants.
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Supermarkets, utilities, and fuel firms go into storm mode ahead of Melissa
Jamaica is on high alert as Tropical Storm Melissa threatens to unleash days of heavy rainfall, flooding, and potential landslides. The storm, which could intensify into a Category 1 hurricane, is expected to linger over the island from Saturday through midweek, according to Evan Thompson, principal director of the Meteorological Service of Jamaica. The slow-moving system has prompted essential service providers to activate contingency plans to ensure minimal disruption to supplies and infrastructure while safeguarding employees and customers.
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Trainer Jason DaCosta unearths promising talent in foreigner Dothraki
Renowned trainer Jason DaCosta is brimming with cautious optimism following the remarkable debut of his four-year-old American-bred bay colt, Dothraki. The colt, specifically imported for the prestigious Mouttet Mile in December, clinched a commanding victory in the Vassel “Jolly Man” Najair Memorial Cup on Sunday, October 19, 2025. Competing in the Overnight Allowance category, Dothraki outpaced the field by a length and a quarter over 5 ½ furlongs (1,100m), clocking an impressive time of 1:05.4 (23.2 x 47.1 x 59.3).
DaCosta, a three-time champion trainer, lauded Dothraki as ‘something special,’ though he noted the colt is only halfway to peak condition. ‘He looks like something special. He’s about 50 per cent prepared, so this is a significant achievement,’ DaCosta remarked. ‘I was nervous he might tire, but his class carried him through.’
With this stellar performance, DaCosta is already setting his sights on the Port Royal Sprint as Dothraki’s next challenge, followed by the coveted US$300,000 Mouttet Mile. ‘He can only get better from here. As he gets fitter, anything is possible,’ DaCosta added.
From the starting gates, Dothraki swiftly took the lead, maintaining a steady rhythm and outpacing competitors Incredible Jo (Raddesh Roman) and A Gift From Ben (Ramon Nepare) into the half-mile turn (800m). Jockey Robert Halledeen expertly guided Dothraki through the final stretch, securing a decisive victory. Digital One (Dane Dawkins) and Teflon Don (Shaheem Gordon) finished second and third, respectively.
Bred by Into Mischief out of the Empire Maker mare Vanquished, Dothraki is owned by Carlton Watson. Groom Garth Pennant led the colt around the Parade Ring ahead of the race, setting the stage for a triumphant debut. (Photo: Naphatli Junior)
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Supernatural Power shines in the The Viceroy Trophy, eyes Mouttet Mile
Philip Feanny’s exceptional three-year-old American-bred grey filly, Supernatural Power (Cross Traffic – Urquia), has emerged victorious in The Viceroy Trophy on Monday, October 20, 2025, setting her sights on the upcoming Mouttet Mile in December. Ridden by Panamanian jockey Dick Cardenas, the filly showcased her dominance in the Open Allowance race for three-year-olds and upward, securing a comfortable two-length win over one mile (1,600m) with an impressive time of 1:36.2 (23.4 x 46.2 x 1:11.1 x 1:23.3).
Feanny expressed his satisfaction with the win, emphasizing its significance as a preparatory race for the Mouttet Mile. “This was a nice race. It’s a prep towards the major objective, which is the Mouttet Mile,” he remarked. “Unfortunately, the recent Gold Cup prep didn’t go as planned, so we had to find another opportunity. This was her final race before the Mouttet Mile.”
Breaking smoothly from the gates with the addition of a visor, Cardenas strategically held Supernatural Power back, allowing Mamma Mia (Jerome Innis) and Major Danger (Dane Dawkins), a stablemate, to set the early pace. As the race progressed, the filly settled into a steady rhythm, biding her time until the half-mile (800m) turn, where she surged forward effortlessly, overtaking her rivals.
Tiz Tok, ridden by Raddesh Roman, emerged as a strong challenger, briefly taking second place as Supernatural Power seized the lead. However, when Tiz Tok mounted a fierce challenge in the final stretch, Supernatural Power responded with determination, pulling away decisively to claim victory. Tiz Tok finished second, with Major Danger securing third place, 19¾ lengths behind.
The win marks a significant milestone for Supernatural Power as she prepares for the Mouttet Mile, with trainer Philip Feanny and jockey Dick Cardenas reflecting on their successful strategy and the filly’s promising potential.
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Masicka plugs UNO Fiesta
Jamaican dancehall sensation Masicka is set to mark a dual milestone with the launch of his inaugural event, UNO Fiesta. Scheduled for December 20 at Bay Beach in Ocho Rios, St Ann, the celebration will coincide with both his birthday and the release of his highly anticipated new album. The event promises to be a vibrant fusion of music, camaraderie, and tropical vibes, offering fans an unforgettable day-to-night experience.