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  • Gemini Browne Charged with Unlawful Possession of Crack/Cocaine

    Gemini Browne Charged with Unlawful Possession of Crack/Cocaine

    In a targeted anti-narcotics operation, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has formally charged 40-year-old Perry Bay resident Gemini Browne with unlawful possession of controlled substances. The arrest occurred on Thursday following strategic police interventions in the Grays Green area, where law enforcement officials intercepted Browne and discovered 0.7 grams of crack cocaine in his possession.

    The charges stem from an ongoing initiative to combat illicit drug activities across local communities. Police authorities have confirmed that Browne was taken into custody and processed according to standard judicial procedures. Investigations remain active as law enforcement continues to pursue related leads.

    This arrest forms part of the Royal Police Force’s broader campaign to enhance public safety and disrupt drug distribution networks throughout Antigua and Barbuda. Officials have reiterated their commitment to sustained operations targeting narcotics trafficking and associated criminal behavior.

    The police administration has called for increased public cooperation in these efforts, urging community members to report suspicious activities through official channels including the Criminal Investigations Department and the anonymous Crimestoppers tip line. This collaborative approach aims to strengthen community-police relations while addressing drug-related crimes more effectively.

  • Playwrights Workshop starts monthly series on January 7

    Playwrights Workshop starts monthly series on January 7

    The Playwrights Workshop of Trinbago (PWT) will inaugurate its 2026 monthly readers theatre series with a special presentation featuring foundational member and accomplished playwright Judith Theodore. The season opener will showcase cold readings of Theodore’s two distinctive works: ‘Don’t Be Late’ and ‘The Big Debate’ on January 7 at the Trinidad Theatre Workshop in Port of Spain.

    ‘Don’t Be Late’ presents a comedic examination of personality conflicts, focusing on the dynamic between an extremely punctual individual and someone who operates on their own schedule. The contrasting characters create a humorous exploration of human behavior and social expectations.

    The second work, ‘The Big Debate,’ transports audiences to a Scarborough guest house on Carnival Tuesday morning. Through the perspective of two maids going about their duties, the play captures the linguistic artistry of Speech Bands performers engaging in traditional verbal battles. The narrative cleverly incorporates the real-life controversy surrounding Sir Elton John’s scheduled performance at a Tobago jazz event, using this folk art form to examine the clash between religious leaders and event promoters.

    Theodore brings decades of artistic expertise to these works, having begun her career as a dancer with the Repertory Dance Company under Astor Johnson before transitioning to acting in theater, film, and television. Her credits include performances in ‘One of our Sons is Missing,’ ‘Belle Fanto,’ and the popular local series ‘Westwood Park.’

    The playwright has honed her craft through prestigious workshops including the Cropper Foundation Residential Writing Workshop and the Trinity-in-Trinidad Playwright Workshop with the late Tony Hall. Her literary accomplishments extend beyond theater with published short stories in ‘Trinidad Noir’ and ‘Sixteen,’ plus her own anthology ‘Told by the River.’

    The monthly series, held on the first Wednesday of each month at 7 pm, continues its mission of providing playwrights with opportunities to hear their scripts performed aloud and receive valuable audience feedback. Admission to the January 7 event is free, offering public access to these cultural works.

  • Don’t die before you are dead – live fully for 2026

    Don’t die before you are dead – live fully for 2026

    As we enter 2026, psychologist Dr. Margaret Nakhid-Chatoor presents a profound reflection on the dualities of human existence, emphasizing that true living involves embracing both joy and sorrow, triumph and failure. The new year represents an opportunity for personal renewal, yet for many, it evokes complex emotions ranging from hopeful anticipation to profound despair and isolation.

    The poignant phrase “Don’t die before you’re dead” serves as a powerful manifesto against emotional surrender, urging individuals to actively choose purposeful living despite life’s inevitable challenges. Dr. Nakhid-Chatoor emphasizes that genuine well-being transcends mere avoidance of mental health crises, requiring instead the conscious cultivation of resilience, meaningful connections, and daily courageous choices.

    Drawing from Viktor Frankl’s profound insights as a Holocaust survivor, the commentary highlights how humans can discover purpose even amidst unimaginable suffering. Frankl’s observations from concentration camps revealed that those who found meaning demonstrated greater resilience and maintained their humanity under extreme conditions.

    The analysis addresses contemporary mental health challenges, particularly noting how social media platforms can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy, loneliness, and negative self-perception through constant exposure to curated perfection. Dr. Nakhid-Chatoor recommends mindful social media usage and prioritization of authentic, face-to-face relationships.

    The new year offers a metaphorical blank canvas for personal transformation, encouraging active engagement with life rather than passive endurance. The psychologist advocates for conscious awareness of emotional numbness and deliberate reconnection with personal values and meaningful relationships.

    Ultimately, the message affirms the inherent value of each individual’s life and the transformative power of choosing one’s response to suffering. This choice represents the fundamental difference between merely existing and truly living—where endurance becomes courage, pain transforms into wisdom, and isolation evolves into genuine connection.

    The commentary concludes with an inspirational charge for 2026: to choose courage over fear, connection over isolation, and meaning over emptiness, carrying Frankl’s enduring wisdom into the new year.

  • Near-death experience leads singer to music, God

    Near-death experience leads singer to music, God

    A profound spiritual awakening emerged from the brink of mortality for Trinidadian gospel artist Samuel George, whose medical crisis became the catalyst for both his religious devotion and musical career. The 28-year-old Aranguez native recently unveiled his newest single “Early in the Morning” on January 2nd, marking the latest milestone in an extraordinary journey that began with a life-threatening battle against pneumonia in 2024.

    During his three-day hospitalization, George experienced severe physical limitations that prevented him from swallowing solid food and could only consume minimal fluids. This medical emergency triggered an existential reckoning as he confronted the apparent absence of purpose in his life despite previous explorations through football, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts.

    “I refused to accept that my life would end without meaningful contribution,” George recalled during an exclusive interview. His desperate plea for a second chance at life was answered through an unexpected medium: divinely inspired music that began manifesting in his consciousness during recovery.

    Without any formal musical training, George suddenly found himself hearing complete compositions in his mind—melodies, harmonies, and rhythmic patterns that would form the foundation of his debut single “Lord You Break Barriers” in April 2024. This initial effort was developed with guidance from established gospel musicians including Jaron Nurse, Blessed Messenger, and David Barker of Ten Strings Media.

    George has since developed a distinctive musical signature by blending Trinidad’s indigenous soca rhythms with gospel messaging. His discography now includes six compositions spanning four gospelypso tracks and two worship songs. His latest work incorporates what he describes as “infectious, joyful rhythms of soca with a core message of faithful devotion,” specifically emphasizing the spiritual importance of beginning each day with prayerful dedication.

    “Choosing to pray early represents actively prioritizing our relationship with God before worldly distractions intervene,” George explained. “This sacred practice allows us to exchange anxiety for peace, confusion for direction, and weakness for strength.”

    The artist’s work has garnered positive reception across generational lines within religious communities. George attributes his creative process to quiet moments of worship during which he receives musical inspiration that later surfaces throughout his daily activities.

    Looking beyond music, George aspires to expand his ministry through evangelical work in churches, schools, and other venues. He offered pointed commentary on Trinidad and Tobago’s social landscape, suggesting that many leaders “rely on their own understanding rather than recognizing God as the solution to our chaotic state.”

    For individuals experiencing hopelessness, George emphasized: “Your value isn’t diminished because others fail to recognize it. God sees your worth even when you cannot. I encourage people to seek divine perspective on their identity and purpose.”

    The artist ultimately aims to propagate messages of hope through diverse musical genres while potentially traveling internationally to share transformative spiritual experiences with global audiences.

  • People flourish through Women Owned Media, Republic Bank

    People flourish through Women Owned Media, Republic Bank

    LONGDENVILLE – A transformative initiative bridging migrant and host communities celebrated its third graduation cohort on December 13 at the Longdenville Basketball Court. The Flourish: Empowering Resilience and Integration programme, funded by Republic Bank’s Power to Make a Difference initiative, successfully trained 40 participants in vocational skills and economic integration.

    Organized by Women Owned Media and Education Network (WOMEN) in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and corporate partners including Blue Waters, Kiss Baking Company, SMJaleel, Xtrafoods Cares, Domino’s Pizza, and Use My Services, the program provided hands-on training in three key disciplines: sewing, carpentry, and hydroponics. These technical skills were complemented by essential workshops in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and community integration strategies.

    WOMEN founder Lucia Cabrera-Jones emphasized the program’s core mission: “Flourish is designed to integrate migrants into local society with the support of host communities, proving that when international, corporate, financial institutions, communities, and individuals come together with shared purpose, transformation happens.”

    Republic Bank’s senior manager Davi Samaroo-Singh highlighted the institutional commitment to sustainable community development: “Partnerships like this matter because they unite institutions that believe in empowerment, inclusion, and opportunity for all. Through our Power to Make a Difference programme, we are committed to creating pathways for women, youth, and vulnerable groups to achieve independence, economic stability, and personal growth.”

    The graduation ceremony attracted significant community leadership presence, demonstrating strong local endorsement for initiatives that foster social cohesion and inclusive economic development. Program organizers noted that the comprehensive curriculum was specifically designed to equip participants not merely with income-generating skills, but with the holistic tools necessary to sustainably manage, grow, and integrate their livelihoods within their communities.

  • Dragon deal in doubt after Maduro’s removal

    Dragon deal in doubt after Maduro’s removal

    Following the dramatic extraction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by US military forces on January 3, Trinidad and Tobago faces significant uncertainty regarding its long-term energy arrangements with Venezuela. Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Sean Sobers addressed these developments at a January 4 press conference at the UNC headquarters in Chaguanas, acknowledging that the future of the Dragon gas field exploration agreement remains unclear.

    The previous PNM administration had secured a 30-year license for the Dragon gas project in December 2023, which was subsequently revoked in April 2024 following Donald Trump’s presidential election victory. The current UNC government obtained a six-month license extension in September 2025 after Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington, DC.

    Minister Sobers characterized the Dragon gas project, along with other cross-border energy initiatives including Cocuina-Manakin and Loran/Manatee, as “continuously developing situations” that require years of negotiation and development. He emphasized that none of these matters would be resolved immediately.

    The Trinidad and Tobago government has unequivocally expressed its support for the US National Security Strategy 2025 document, despite Sobers admitting unfamiliarity with its specific contents. The minister stated that the administration supports any policy ensuring population security against transnational criminal threats. This alignment with US strategy includes support for ongoing US military deployment in the Southern Caribbean, establishment of a US radar system in Tobago, and granting indefinite transit rights for US military flights through Trinidad and Tobago airports.

    Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar had previously declared the Dragon gas deal “dead” in May and indicated intentions to seek alternative gas supplies from Grenada, Guyana, and Suriname, though the feasibility of these alternatives remains questionable due to either limited availability or prior commitments.

  • Venezuelan Ambassador joins protest demanding Maduro’s release

    Venezuelan Ambassador joins protest demanding Maduro’s release

    PORT OF SPAIN – Venezuelan Ambassador Álvaro Enrique Sánchez Cordero stood alongside social activists and political leaders outside his nation’s embassy in Trinidad on January 4, delivering a fiery condemnation of the United States’ military operation that resulted in President Nicolás Maduro’s detention.

    The demonstration, organized by Movement for Social Justice leader David Abdulah and activist Abeo Jackson, brought together fewer than 30 protesters who expressed unwavering solidarity with Caracas’ leadership. Their gathering occurred just one day after U.S. forces entered Venezuelan territory to apprehend Maduro on narco-terrorism charges.

    Ambassador Cordero characterized the operation as “a political kidnapping designed to terrorise a nation that refuses to surrender.” In an impassioned address, he asserted that “Nicolas Maduro continues to be the constitutional president of Venezuela” and condemned what he described as years of economic warfare against his country.

    “This attack is the sharpest edge of a years-long war and illegal economic blockade designed to starve a people into submission,” Cordero declared, attributing the aggression to “neo-colonial arrogance” rooted in the Monroe Doctrine.

    The protest took on diplomatic dimensions as Trinidadian police maintained a conspicuous presence, questioning attendees and even requesting identification from the Venezuelan ambassador. Cordero complied with these requests while maintaining that the gathering violated no local laws.

    MSJ leader David Abdulah delivered a scathing critique of both American interventionism and the Trinidadian government’s perceived complicity. He drew parallels between Maduro’s detention and Israel’s military actions in Gaza, stating that both represented violations of international law.

    “As a patriot of TT, I am condemning the Prime Minister of TT for continued complicity in this regard with Trump,” Abdulah asserted, dismissing government claims of non-involvement as insufficient.

    Activist Abeo Jackson warned that Trinidad’s stance would have historical consequences, urging citizens to reject what she characterized as silent consent to American hegemony. “Our silence is not neutrality, it is consent,” she cautioned. “The future will be decided right now.”

    Participants dismissed international media coverage showing Venezuelans celebrating Maduro’s arrest as propaganda featuring “paid players.” Shabaka Kambon of the Caribbean Freedom Project reported contacting colleagues in Caracas who claimed to be participating in solidarity vigils, suggesting domestic support for the detained president remains strong.

    Despite the intimate size of the demonstration, the significant police presence highlighted regional tensions following the unprecedented cross-border military operation. Protesters ultimately arranged themselves along the embassy walls to avoid obstructing pedestrian traffic while maintaining their visible protest.

  • Eddie Hart remembered as a true patriot of local sport

    Eddie Hart remembered as a true patriot of local sport

    Trinidad and Tobago’s sporting community is mourning the passing of Eddie Hart, the pioneering football organizer and former parliamentarian who died on January 4 at age 89. Hailed as a national patriot and architectural force in local sports development, Hart’s legacy centers on his transformative Eddie Hart Football League, established over four decades ago as a grassroots initiative that became fundamental to the nation’s football ecosystem.

    Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Phillip Watts memorialized Hart as “a visionary who understood that sport is the most powerful tool we have for community transformation and youth empowerment.” Through his league, Hart created what Watts described as “a sanctuary for talent to flourish and for discipline to take root” on the savannahs of Tacarigua, where a playing field now bears his name.

    The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) confirmed Hart’s profound impact extended beyond sports into broader social development. Born into humble circumstances, Hart rose to serve as Tunapuna MP and Minister of State across multiple portfolios including Sport, Community Development, and Tourism. His football league provided structured competitive play while functioning as a developmental pipeline that propelled countless athletes toward professional careers.

    Hart’s philosophy centered on using football as vehicle for social empowerment. The TTFA noted his vision was “never merely about the game itself, but about giving young people direction, discipline, opportunity, and hope” in communities with limited access to organized sports. His league became particularly instrumental in identifying and nurturing talent from underserved neighborhoods.

    Officials pledged to continue honoring Hart’s developmental blueprint. The Ministry of Sport committed to ensuring “the seeds of excellence he planted continue to bloom in every corner of our nation,” while the TTFA acknowledged his enduring influence on both football infrastructure and national community cohesion.

  • Sando, Army keep chase as Police hold firm in TTPFL

    Sando, Army keep chase as Police hold firm in TTPFL

    The Trinidad and Tobago Premier Football League (TTPFL) reached its midway point with an electrifying round of matches on January 3, setting the stage for a tense championship battle. Miscellaneous Police FC preserved their precarious one-point advantage at the summit despite intense pressure from pursuing rivals.

    Facing bottom-dwelling Terminix La Horquetta Rangers, Police FC demonstrated championship mentality with a commanding second-half performance. The league leaders broke the deadlock through Joevin Jones’ 50th-minute penalty conversion, followed by decisive strikes from Jabari Mitchell (54th) and Martieon Watson (77th). This comprehensive 3-0 victory extended Rangers’ defensive woes, marking their 23rd concession this season.

    Club Sando maintained their pursuit with clinical efficiency, overcoming 1976 FC Phoenix 2-0 through late heroics. Shackeil Henry’s 85th-minute breakthrough preceded Luke Phillips’ injury-time finish, keeping the southern giants within striking distance while boasting the league’s superior goal difference at +19.

    Defending champions Defence Force FC navigated a stern challenge from San Juan Jabloteh, emerging 3-1 victors in a tactical duel at Couva’s Ato Boldon Stadium. Kaihim Thomas’ early penalty (4th minute) was neutralized by Isaiah Leacock’s equalizer just before halftime. The Army/Coast Guard combination showcased their championship pedigree with second-half dominance, as Isaiah Garcia’s 68th-minute finish and Kevin Molino’s 85th-minute clincher secured three crucial points.

    Prison Service FC reinforced their dark horse status with a 3-1 dismissal of Point Fortin Civic. Kyron Williams’ early opener was briefly canceled by Akeem Redhead’s penalty, but an immediate own goal and Weslie John’s 76th-minute sealer maintained Prisons’ fourth-place positioning.

    The Central FC versus AC Port of Spain encounter yielded a 1-1 stalemate that hampered both clubs’ title aspirations. Daneil Cyrus’ 19th-minute header was quickly neutralized by Maurice Dick’s equalizer, with substitute Jaeden Bobb squandering a golden opportunity for AC POS late.

    In a spectacular goal-fest, FC Eagles claimed their second consecutive victory by outlasting Morvant Caledonia United 4-3. Overcoming a two-goal deficit, the Cunupia outfit mounted a spectacular second-half resurgence through Dominic Douglas (57th), Josiah Edwards (66th), and veteran Ataullah Guerra (85th), surviving a nervy finale after Malachai Celestine’s stoppage-time consolation.

    The TTPFL resumes on January 9 with Round 12, as the title race continues to intensify.

  • PM: TT will work with any Venezuelan leader chosen in free elections

    PM: TT will work with any Venezuelan leader chosen in free elections

    Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has articulated a firm stance on Venezuela’s political turmoil, emphasizing that Venezuelan citizens must autonomously determine their leadership through democratic processes. This position emerged following the dramatic capture of former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro by US military forces on December 3rd, who now faces narcotrafficking charges in American courts.

    In a written statement to Newsday on January 4th, Persad-Bissessar clarified that her administration would collaborate with any transition government provided it commits to conducting legitimate elections. “I support free and fair democratic elections,” she asserted. “I do not support any specific person or organization.” This declaration gains significance given her previous designation as persona non grata by the Maduro administration, where current disputed leader Delcy Rodríguez served as vice president.

    The Prime Minister additionally endorsed US military involvement in the region, noting its contribution to enhanced security for Trinidad and Tobago. Her comments arrive amid contradictory signals from Washington, where President Donald Trump initially endorsed Rodríguez’s leadership while simultaneously declaring American oversight of Venezuelan affairs, while dismissing opposition figure María Corina Machado as lacking popular support.

    Political analyst Dr. Indira Rampersad provided critical context, noting the extraordinary nature of political alliances while expressing skepticism regarding Rodríguez’s viability as leader. “Rodríguez remains fundamentally aligned with Maduro’s ideology and governance approach,” Rampersad observed. She characterized Trump’s endorsement as potentially impulsive and questioned its implementation mechanics.

    Rampersad anticipates significant challenges for Rodríguez, predicting her leadership would prove transient due to overwhelming public demand for genuine change. With approximately eight million Venezuelan migrants worldwide experiencing newfound stability, she suggests widespread resistance to returning to previous governance models. The academic emphasized that only internationally observed elections producing a democratically elected government would establish the legitimacy necessary for meaningful international engagement.