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  • Blissful Windies

    Blissful Windies

    In one of Test cricket’s most remarkable fourth-innings performances, West Indies batsman Justin Greaves engineered an extraordinary comeback to secure an improbable draw against New Zealand at Christchurch’s Hagley Oval. The dramatic turnaround unfolded on December 6th as Greaves, batting at number six, crafted an unbeaten 202 runs to defy New Zealand’s bowling attack and rescue his team from certain defeat.

    The match situation appeared hopeless when Greaves joined Shai Hope at the crease with the scoreboard reading 72/4, chasing an insurmountable target of 531 runs. With over two sessions remaining on day four and the entire final day to survive, even the most optimistic Caribbean supporters had conceded defeat. However, what followed was a masterclass in determination and technical proficiency.

    Hope provided crucial support with a magnificent 140 before his dismissal, but the real drama unfolded through Greaves’ partnership with unlikely hero Kemar Roach. The 37-year-old fast bowler, possessing a Test batting average below 12, displayed unexpected resilience as he supported Greaves through the critical final stages. Their partnership transformed from mere resistance to genuine match-saving brilliance.

    The match context made Greaves’ achievement particularly significant. West Indies had won the toss and elected to bowl first on a moisture-laden pitch that initially favored seam movement. New Zealand posted 231 in their first innings, with the visitors struggling to 167 in response. The Black Caps then dominated the second innings with Rachin Ravindra (176) and captain Tom Latham (145) building what appeared to be an impregnable position.

    Greaves’ innings marked him as only the seventh West Indian batsman to score a double-century in a Test match’s fourth innings. His performance demonstrated both sensible shot selection and growing self-assurance, particularly impressive given his recent inconsistent form. The Barbadian right-hander tempered his natural stroke-play with disciplined defense and selective aggression, showcasing the technical adaptability required for Test cricket’s varying conditions.

    The drawn result represents a significant moral victory for West Indies, whose Test performances in recent years have frequently drawn criticism. This display of character and resilience against one of world cricket’s strongest home teams suggests promising development within the squad. Greaves’ historic innings, supported by Hope’s consistency and Roach’s determination, provides a blueprint for future success and reinforces the timeless cricket adage about the game’s “glorious uncertainties.”

  • Kaleidoscope Paints brings Xmas joy to orphaned children

    Kaleidoscope Paints brings Xmas joy to orphaned children

    In a heartwarming display of corporate compassion, Kaleidoscope Paints Limited transformed its San Juan compound into a festive wonderland on Sunday, hosting approximately 300 children from 14 orphanages across Trinidad for an unforgettable Christmas celebration themed ‘Colour Joy into Children’s Lives 2025′.

    The event, running from 1 pm to 5 pm, created a magical atmosphere where children encountered Santa Claus, animated clowns, traditional moko jumbies, and captivating puppet shows. The compound buzzed with excitement as youngsters enjoyed face painting, bounced energetically on inflatable castles, and listened to traditional parang music. Particularly memorable were the horseback rides provided by the TTPS Mounted Branch and the specially curated petting zoo that introduced children to the beauty of wildlife.

    Notable attendees included Rural Development and Local Government Minister Khadijah Ameen, Justice Minister Devesh Maharaj, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Trade Dr. Colin Neil Gosine, NCC chairman Peter Khanhai, and Feroze Khan. All expressed profound appreciation for being part of the meaningful event, with Minister Ameen actively participating in activities with the children.

    CEO Dale Parsons, who also serves as President of the TT Manufacturers’ Association, emphasized the deeper significance of the celebration: ‘This is not merely about gifts or entertainment—it’s about reinforcing that every child is cherished, valued, and loved during Christmas and always. The joy shared today becomes hope carried into tomorrow.’

    The initiative, supported by Kaleidoscope Paints’ dedicated staff and business community partners, continued a cherished tradition established by the company’s late founder Stephen S. Parson in the 1970s and 1980s. Now upheld by second and third generations, this legacy of community compassion ensures that vibrant colors of joy continue to brighten the lives of society’s most vulnerable children.

  • Wallerfield beat Porto in East West Corridor football opener

    Wallerfield beat Porto in East West Corridor football opener

    The Eddie Hart Savannah in Tacarigua witnessed a spectacular inauguration of the East West Corridor Football League on December 6, marking the commencement of an ambitious grassroots football initiative. Spearheaded by former Trinidad and Tobago national team captain David Nakhid—now serving as Senator and parliamentary secretary at the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs—the league represents a strategic effort to revitalize community football through his David Nakhid Academy (DNA).

    The opening match saw Wallerfield United secure a decisive 3-0 victory against FC Porto Arima. Revaldo Patrick emerged as the standout performer, netting two goals and earning the player of the match honor. Teammate Ronaldo Estick contributed the third goal, completing the dominant performance.

    Government support was evident with several officials in attendance, including MP for St Augustine Khadijah Ameen, Defence Minister Wayne Sturge, and Minister in the Ministry of Housing Anil Roberts. The event also drew former national footballer Ron La Forest and entertainment figures such as soca artist Olatunji Yearwood, who expressed enthusiasm about potentially forming a team due to the substantial financial incentives.

    The league features unprecedented prize money at the grassroots level, with $120,000 awarded to the champion team, $70,000 for second place, and $50,000 for third. Beyond monetary rewards, the tournament offers developmental opportunities, including planned scouting involvement from Spain and the United States, with an all-star team scheduled to travel to Spain post-tournament.

    Organizer Travis Mulraine confirmed matches will continue across six regional divisions—east, northeast, north, central, south, and Tobago—with over 40 teams competing through May. The upcoming weekend will feature a full schedule of games across all zones on December 11, 13, and 14.

  • Hope, scepticism as Trinidad and Tobago doctors bound for Guyana

    Hope, scepticism as Trinidad and Tobago doctors bound for Guyana

    In a significant development for Caribbean regional cooperation, Trinidad and Tobago has initiated a groundbreaking medical partnership with Guyana. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced during the Couva Children’s Hospital re-dedication ceremony that approximately 50 Trinidadian doctors will form the inaugural contingent heading to Guyana.

    The Prime Minister revealed that while the Couva facility was originally envisioned as a regional medical hub, Guyana’s substantial investments in healthcare infrastructure have created new opportunities for collaboration. “Guyana will hire doctors from Trinidad and Tobago because we have so many well-trained doctors,” Persad-Bissessar stated, highlighting the surplus of medical professionals in her country.

    This initiative follows Guyana’s massive GY$4.6 billion investment in medical infrastructure, including a new 50-bed hospital in the Moruca Region equipped with advanced diagnostic technology, surgical facilities, and local oxygen production capabilities.

    The announcement has been met with enthusiasm by early-career medical professionals in Trinidad and Tobago. An anonymous neurosurgery trainee welcomed the initiative, noting the current market challenges where many junior doctors face unemployment or temporary contracts without benefits. Similarly, a young optometrist expressed hope that this would provide much-needed stability, acknowledging that “the industry isn’t expanding as fast as the students are graduating.”

    However, the initiative has raised concerns among nursing professionals. Idi Stuart, president of the Trinidad and Tobago Registered Nurses Association, warned of potential negative consequences for the nursing sector. While acknowledging the doctor surplus, Stuart emphasized the existing nursing shortages in specialized areas and expressed concern that competitive Guyanese salaries might attract Trinidadian nurses, exacerbating local shortages.

    Stuart questioned the allocation of educational resources, suggesting that funding should be redirected from medical programs to address nursing shortages. He criticized the approach of training professionals for export while the country faces financial constraints, stating that Trinidad and Tobago should be more judicious in aligning educational investments with domestic needs.

    The partnership represents both an opportunity for regional cooperation and a complex challenge in balancing domestic healthcare needs with international diplomatic initiatives.

  • Tobago Artist exhibition opens at Painters Art Studio

    Tobago Artist exhibition opens at Painters Art Studio

    The Painters Art Studio in Port of Spain will transform into a vibrant hub of Caribbean creativity with the inauguration of Tobago Artist 2025 on December 10. This groundbreaking exhibition showcases five exceptional visual artists who collectively represent the cutting edge of Tobago’s contemporary art movement.

    Curated to highlight diverse artistic approaches, the exhibition features Arletys Arias’ emotionally charged paintings exploring themes of memory and displacement, alongside Dunieski Lora’s vividly colored sculptural works that weave complex narratives through form and hue. Jason Nedd contributes technically refined pieces that capture the dual nature of island existence—both tranquil and multifaceted.

    Helen Evans pushes creative boundaries by merging traditional ceramic techniques with contemporary conceptual frameworks, while Martin Superville demonstrates his acclaimed expertise in portraiture and figurative works that have earned him recognition throughout regional art circles.

    The exhibition serves as a cultural bridge, designed to enhance the visibility of Tobago’s artistic community within Trinidad’s broader art ecosystem. Through a carefully selected array of paintings, sculptures, ceramic works, and mixed-media installations, the show presents both individual artistic journeys and shared Caribbean cultural heritage.

    Tobago Artist 2025 opens with an evening reception on December 10 from 5 PM to 9 PM at 45 Picton Street, Newtown, and will remain accessible to the public through December 14. Admission is free, providing an inclusive opportunity for art enthusiasts, collectors, and community members to engage directly with the artists and their creations.

  • Digital devices dilemma: Managing screen time during the holiday

    Digital devices dilemma: Managing screen time during the holiday

    As the holiday season approaches, pediatric experts are raising urgent concerns about the developmental risks associated with increased screen time among children. Dr. Melissa Rooplal, a consultant community pediatrician and child development specialist, emphasizes that the fundamental question isn’t about specific time limits but how digital devices displace essential childhood activities.

    Research reveals a troubling trend: children’s daily screen usage skyrocketed by approximately 84 minutes during the pandemic—a 52% increase from pre-pandemic levels—and these elevated patterns have persisted into the post-pandemic era. While traditional television viewing declines, children are consuming more fast-paced, highly stimulating content through platforms like TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and gaming applications.

    The developmental consequences are multifaceted. Early childhood learning, which thrives through hands-on experiences and social interaction, becomes compromised when screens dominate. Rapidly shifting digital content alters attention systems, making ordinary activities like story listening or toy playing seem dull by comparison. This neurological adaptation weakens children’s capacity for sustained attention, impulse control, and frustration management.

    Emotional regulation suffers when devices become primary soothing mechanisms, depriving children of opportunities to develop self-regulation skills. Social development falters as screen time reduces crucial face-to-face interactions necessary for learning empathy, sharing, and reading emotional cues. Physical health deteriorates through reduced active play, potentially contributing to obesity, poor posture, and sleep deficiencies—especially when evening screen use suppresses melatonin production.

    Dr. Rooplal recommends introducing screens only after 18 months, with strict adherence to slow-paced, educational content co-viewed with adults. She advocates for balanced tech gifting—prioritizing age-appropriate devices with parental controls alongside screen-free alternatives like puzzles, art supplies, and outdoor equipment. Critical strategies include device-free meals, screens only after outdoor activities, and mandatory screen blackouts one hour before bedtime.

    The expert concludes that intentional, informed parenting—focusing on consistent habits rather than strict elimination—can help children develop healthier relationships with technology while preserving essential developmental milestones.

  • Blind Welfare president appeals for protection of children’s sight

    Blind Welfare president appeals for protection of children’s sight

    In a powerful address that blended personal experience with national urgency, Trinidad and Tobago Blind Welfare Association president Deonarine Ragoo issued an impassioned call for immediate action on children’s vision care. Speaking at the Rapidfire Kidz Foundation’s Eyes Right Project ceremony on November 30, the visually impaired leader addressed an auditorium of students, parents, and officials at Naparima College.

    The event marked a significant milestone as 51 students from San Fernando Boys’ and Girls’ Government Primary Schools received prescription glasses through a collaborative initiative between the foundation and Republic Bank Ltd. This partnership represents a concerted effort to ensure that visual impairments don’t hinder educational opportunities or dim future prospects.

    Ragoo, who possesses firsthand understanding of vision loss having been born with only ten percent vision before losing even that fifteen years ago, framed the initiative as more than charity. ‘This function must be looked at in the context of bringing freedom, social justice and empowerment to our nation’s children,’ he declared, elevating the discussion from mere healthcare to fundamental rights.

    The statistics presented were sobering: an estimated 15,000-20,000 people in Trinidad and Tobago live with visual impairment, often due to delayed treatment caused by poverty or neglect. Ragoo emphasized that such delays frequently lead to reduced vision or permanent blindness—outcomes his organization has fought against for over a century.

    Beyond immediate optical care, the president highlighted technological barriers facing visually impaired students, specifically the critical need for Braille displays costing approximately $25,000 each. These devices enable access to digital educational content, representing what Ragoo termed ‘true empowerment’ that leads to ‘true freedom.’

    The foundation demonstrated its expanded commitment to youth development by also supporting athletic pursuits. A $30,000 donation from fundraising proceeds was presented to former West Indies bowler Samuel Badree for constructing cricket nets at the SB Cricket Academy’s facility in Tarouba, scheduled to open in early 2026.

    Republic Bank Ltd reinforced its partnership with a $90,000 pledge for the 2025-2026 period, ensuring the Eyes Right Project’s continued expansion. Since its 2012 launch, the initiative has distributed 1,401 pairs of glasses, addressing vision problems that might otherwise go untreated.

    Practical guidance accompanied the donations, as See View Optical general manager Premnath Sookdeo educated young recipients on proper eyewear maintenance, warning against dry wiping lenses to prevent scratches from accumulated particles.

    Foundation president Kevin Ratiram encouraged balanced lifestyles, advising students to complement their improved visual capabilities with outdoor activities and family time rather than excessive screen use.

    As students departed with clearer vision and broader opportunities, Ragoo’s closing wish encapsulated the event’s spirit: ‘I wish you a Merry Christmas, a prosperous 2026, and many decades of good sight.’

  • Fixing Trinidad and Tobago our duty

    Fixing Trinidad and Tobago our duty

    In a powerful public appeal, citizen Steve Alvarez has issued a compelling call to action for Trinidad and Tobago residents, drawing striking parallels between familial relationships and civic responsibility. Alvarez contends that while many citizens profess deep love for their nation, their actions frequently mirror those of dependent children who continuously extract resources from parents without reciprocating effort or value.

    The timing of this message coincides with the beginning of the Christmas season, presenting what Alvarez describes as an ideal opportunity for transformative community engagement. His practical recommendations include organizing volunteer initiatives to maintain public spaces, eliminating unauthorized garbage dumping, and providing assistance to vulnerable community members including the elderly and impoverished.

    However, Alvarez emphasizes that civic duty extends beyond aesthetic improvements to include active participation in governance processes. He encourages citizens to voice concerns about punitive legislation and contribute constructive suggestions regarding the government’s economic strategies for national survival and growth.

    The proposal outlines specific community-led interventions: residents collaboratively repairing potholes with temporary concrete solutions, promptly addressing water pipe leaks through coordinated reporting and basic repairs, and collectively purchasing sports equipment for youth development programs.

    Transcending political affiliations, Alvarez frames nation-building as a continuous process requiring daily commitment rather than merely electoral participation. He advocates for grassroots problem-solving as ultimately more impactful and rewarding than passive reliance on governmental intervention.

    The message concludes with a unifying vision: incremental national restoration through individual community transformations, positioning collective action as the foundation for Trinidad and Tobago’s revitalization.

  • Gifting shoes this Christmas? Look for quality, comfort

    Gifting shoes this Christmas? Look for quality, comfort

    As the Christmas shopping season reaches its peak, consumers face a critical purchasing decision: authentic branded footwear versus counterfeit alternatives. This choice carries significant implications for both personal wellness and economic integrity.

    Premium footwear manufacturers like Nike, Adidas, and Crocs have built their market dominance through decades of research and development. Their products incorporate engineered materials specifically designed for anatomical support, impact absorption, and long-term durability. The manufacturing processes undergo rigorous quality control measures to ensure consistent performance standards.

    Conversely, counterfeit footwear operations prioritize cost reduction over quality and safety. These unauthorized manufacturers typically utilize substandard materials that compromise structural integrity and comfort. The absence of proper biomechanical engineering in knockoff designs can lead to foot discomfort, improper alignment, and potential injury with extended use.

    From an economic perspective, authentic purchases support legitimate businesses that invest in innovation, employment, and consumer protection. Counterfeit transactions inadvertently fund unregulated operations that often violate intellectual property rights and labor standards.

    Consumer protection experts emphasize that branded footwear represents more than just a logo—it embodies scientific research into foot health, quality materials sourcing, and manufacturing accountability. The higher initial investment typically translates to longer product lifespan and better value per wear.

    This holiday season, consumers should consider that gifting footwear involves not just immediate satisfaction but long-term foot health and ethical consumption practices. While counterfeit options may present tempting short-term savings, they carry hidden costs in comfort, durability, and potential health implications.

    Industry professionals like Delicia Burris, owner of Glorious Touch Health and Wellness Spa, reinforce that footwear choices directly impact musculoskeletal health and overall wellbeing during seasonal activities.

  • Prisons, Club Sando fail to go top in TTPFL

    Prisons, Club Sando fail to go top in TTPFL

    The TT Premier Football League witnessed significant upheaval during matchday seven as leading contenders failed to capitalize on critical opportunities to claim the top position. The December 7 double-header at Arima Velodrome produced unexpected results that dramatically reshaped the league standings.

    Defending champions Defence Force delivered a spectacular second-half performance to overcome Club Sando 3-1. Despite Club Sando establishing an early advantage through Keron Cornwall’s 26th-minute strike, Defence Force mounted a stunning comeback with three unanswered goals in the final period. Elijah Seechan initiated the turnaround with a 61st-minute equalizer, followed by late goals from Joshua Araujo-Wilson (81st minute) and Caden Trestrail (87th minute) that secured victory for the reigning champions.

    In the subsequent match, Prison Service FC squandered their opportunity to claim pole position after being held to a 2-2 draw by San Juan Jabloteh. Jabloteh established an early lead through Andell Fraser’s 25th-minute goal, but Prison Service responded with second-half strikes from Nahshon Simon (47th minute) and Ricardo John (72nd minute). Their advantage proved short-lived as Malachi Webb equalized just two minutes later to secure a valuable point for Jabloteh.

    The surprising results propelled Miscellaneous Police FC to the summit of the table following their 1-0 victory over 1976 FC Phoenix at Dwight Yorke Stadium on December 6. Kadeem Hutchinson’s 88th-minute goal proved decisive in establishing Police’s narrow advantage.

    Current league standings show Police FC and Prison Service FC tied at 16 points each, with Club Sando trailing closely behind at 15 points. The postponed matches between Caledonia vs AC Port of Spain and Terminix La Horquetta Rangers vs Central FC Reboot will likely further influence the tightly contested championship race.