The TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) is considering adjustments to its third match day of the 2025/26 season to facilitate the national men’s football team’s preparations for the upcoming FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Acting CEO Yale Antoine announced the potential changes in a memo to tier one clubs on November 3, following a request from national team coach Dwight Yorke. The proposed adjustments would see the national team engage in a practice match against a TTPFL select XI on November 7, while the league’s match day three fixtures are tentatively rescheduled for November 9. This move aims to provide the national team with crucial practice ahead of their qualifiers against Jamaica and Bermuda on November 13 and 18, respectively. The TTPFL has also been addressing logistical challenges, including flight delays that postponed the season’s opening match between Terminix La Horquetta Rangers and 1976 FC Phoenix. The league is working to finalize travel and accommodation arrangements for Phoenix, who are set to host MIC Central FC Reboot in Tobago. Antoine emphasized the importance of the qualifiers for Trinidad and Tobago’s football landscape, highlighting the opportunity to enhance the country’s standing on the regional and global stage. Further updates on the rescheduling and practice match are expected on November 4.
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Windies survive Santner scare, edge New Zealand in 1st T20
In a nail-biting encounter at Eden Park, Auckland, on November 5, the West Indies clinched a narrow seven-run victory over New Zealand in the first T20 of their five-match series. Despite a valiant late surge from New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner, who smashed an unbeaten 55 off just 28 balls, the West Indies held their nerve to secure the win. Sent in to bat first, the West Indies posted a competitive total of 164 for six, with Shai Hope leading the charge with a well-crafted 53 off 39 deliveries. Contributions from Rovman Powell (33 off 23) and Roston Chase (28 off 27) further bolstered the innings. The West Indies’ bowlers, spearheaded by Jayden Seales (3 for 32) and Man of the Match Roston Chase (3 for 26), initially dismantled the New Zealand batting lineup, reducing them to 107 for nine in the 17th over. However, Santner’s explosive hitting, including eight fours and two sixes, nearly turned the game on its head. Needing 20 runs off the final over, Santner managed a six off Romario Shepherd but fell short of the target as New Zealand finished on 157 for nine. This victory marked the West Indies’ first away win against New Zealand since 2008 and the lowest total successfully defended at Eden Park in T20 internationals. The second T20 is scheduled for November 6 at the same venue.
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No framework to attract films to The Bahamas
Leslie Vanderpool, founder of the Bahamas International Film Festival (BIFF), has highlighted the urgent need for policies and incentives to develop a functional film industry in The Bahamas. Speaking at the launch of BIFF’s 20th anniversary edition, Vanderpool emphasized that the country is losing significant opportunities to regional competitors due to the lack of a national framework to support filmmakers. She cited the film *The Queen’s Jewels*, which is set in The Bahamas but was entirely shot in the Dominican Republic, as a glaring example of missed potential. Vanderpool noted that the Dominican Republic’s robust tax incentives and skilled workforce have enabled it to produce over 50 films annually, while The Bahamas struggles to attract productions. She called for immediate action to create a competitive environment for filmmakers, pointing to past successes like the Bond films and *Into the Blue* as proof of the country’s potential. The 20th edition of BIFF, running from December 7 to 14, will feature screenings, tributes, and workshops, including a special screening of *The Queen’s Jewels*. Vanderpool also announced that Marvel star Anthony Mackie will receive the 2025 Sidney Poitier Award, and Sawyer Spielberg, son of legendary director Steven Spielberg, will be honored for his work. The festival continues to prioritize education and professional development, offering workshops, mentorship programs, and a writers’ residency to nurture Bahamian talent. Vanderpool urged corporate Bahamas to support the festival, emphasizing its role in fostering the local film industry.
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FNM candidate for West GB and Bimini says proposed boundary change would make little difference at polls
The proposed division of the West Grand Bahama and Bimini constituency has ignited a heated debate, with Free National Movement candidate Omar Isaacs asserting that the boundary changes will have minimal impact on voter sentiment. Isaacs argues that years of government neglect, unfulfilled promises, and stalled infrastructure projects have left residents deeply disillusioned. He cited unfinished developments, poor road conditions, and inadequate investments in education and healthcare as key issues eroding public confidence in the Davis administration. Isaacs emphasized that promises such as a new dock and police station in West End remain unaddressed, leaving many residents in limbo. While he expressed willingness to support the split if it aligns with residents’ wishes, he questioned the fairness of allocating equal constituency allowances to areas with vastly different population sizes. Several residents, including Bimini’s Lorrick Roberts and West Grand Bahama’s James Vega, voiced support for the division, arguing that Bimini has long been overshadowed and deserves its own representation. They suggested pairing Bimini with the Berry Islands to achieve a fairer balance. Isaacs also criticized the current MP for failing to account for the existing constituency allowance, despite repeated requests. The debate highlights broader concerns about governance, representation, and resource allocation in the region.
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Fire destroys house in Falmouth
In a fortunate turn of events, residents of Falmouth, Trelawny, Jamaica, expressed relief on Wednesday morning after discovering that an elderly, physically challenged woman was not present in her home at 3 Queen Street when it was engulfed by flames. The fire, which erupted around 8:00 am, completely destroyed the structure, leaving firefighters to battle the blaze of unknown origin. Remarkably, the woman had been relocated prior to the incident as a precautionary measure ahead of Hurricane Melissa, a decision that potentially saved her life. While the estimated cost of the damage remains undetermined, the incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by emergency responders in the region. Firefighters, supported by the Jamaica Defence Force, continue to clear roads blocked by debris in the aftermath of the powerful hurricane, highlighting the dual threats of natural disasters and unforeseen emergencies.
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Revealing column by Healy
In a recent letter to the editor published in Newsday, Kevin Baldeosingh critiques arts activist Dara E Healy’s column, ‘Time to meddle in fowl party,’ which praised writers and activists who supported Maurice Bishop’s New Jewel Movement (NJM) in Grenada. Healy highlighted figures like Merle Hodge, George Lamming, Nancy Morejon, Earl Lovelace, and Eintou Springer for their advocacy of Bishop’s vision of a people-centred ideology. However, Baldeosingh counters this narrative by pointing out the NJM’s authoritarian practices post the 1979 coup, including the suspension of Grenada’s constitution, suppression of media, and imprisonment without trial—actions he argues were never condemned by the intellectuals Healy lauded. Baldeosingh also scrutinizes Healy’s reference to calypsonian Atilla’s protest song ‘No Nationality,’ which criticized land leasing agreements between the British and Americans during World War Two. Notably, Healy omitted Atilla’s full sobriquet, ‘Atilla the Hun,’ a historical figure known for his invasions and destabilization of Roman frontiers. Baldeosingh’s critique underscores the need for a more critical evaluation of intellectual arguments regarding US influence in the Caribbean, questioning the validity of their historical and political perspectives.
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One Family declares support for govt led parade as rejecting JCNP’s independently planned rival event
A deepening divide in the governance of Junkanoo, a vibrant cultural festival in The Bahamas, has taken center stage as One Family, a prominent Junkanoo group, publicly declared its support for the government’s National Junkanoo Committee (NJC). This move comes in direct opposition to the Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence’s (JCNP) proposal to host independent parades this holiday season. The JCNP had announced plans to organize two separate community Junkanoo events on Bay Street in December and January, timed to avoid clashing with the official government-sponsored parades. One Family, initially listed as a participant in the JCNP’s events, has now distanced itself from the plan. Vernon Rolle, chairman of One Family, emphasized that the group’s decision was unanimous during a recent meeting. He stated, ‘We are mandated to participate in the parade that the government is a part of,’ citing the government’s financial support as a key factor. Rolle also criticized the JCNP’s approach, suggesting that the rivalry between the two entities is detrimental to Junkanoo and the Bahamian people. Meanwhile, the NJC has dismissed claims of major groups withdrawing from its parades, asserting that preparations are progressing smoothly. The JCNP, however, remains hopeful for a resolution, with plans to meet with the Prime Minister. John Williams, the JCNP’s public relations officer, expressed optimism, stating, ‘We just want to make sure that everybody is satisfied and we have participation for Christmas and the New Year.’
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US detainee abuse officers charged
Two police officers in the Bahamas are facing serious charges and potential dismissal following a disturbing incident involving the inhumane treatment of a detained American woman. Police Commissioner Shanta Knowles confirmed the charges to The Tribune, though specific details were not disclosed. The incident, which occurred in July, was captured in a graphic video that circulated widely on social media, sparking widespread public outrage. The footage shows a half-naked Caucasian woman pleading to use a bathroom while officers appear to mock her. Racial slurs were exchanged during the ordeal. The woman was ultimately forced to defecate on the police station floor, with officers audibly reacting to the smell. The video, believed to have been recorded on a personal device rather than a police body camera, has raised concerns about the conduct and professionalism of the officers involved. National Security Minister Wayne Munroe emphasized that the recording violated Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) policy and underscored the importance of treating detainees with dignity. Attorney Christina Galanos, a detainee rights advocate, condemned the incident as a severe violation of the woman’s rights and warned of the lasting harm the viral footage could inflict on her life and reputation. She also criticized the officers’ failure to de-escalate the situation, calling it a reflection of a troubling lack of professionalism. The US Embassy has called for accountability, urging the RBPF to ensure such incidents do not recur. The case has drawn international attention, with concerns about its impact on the Bahamas’ reputation and tourism industry.
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At least 9 dead after cargo plane crashes near Louisville airport
A tragic UPS cargo plane crash in Louisville, Kentucky, has resulted in at least nine fatalities, with fears of more casualties as search and rescue operations persist. The McDonnell Douglas MD-11, en route to Hawaii, crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport at approximately 5:15 pm on Tuesday. The aircraft burst into flames upon impact, devastating nearby businesses. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear described the incident as ‘heartbreaking’ and ‘unimaginable,’ expressing concern for the affected families. UPS confirmed three crew members were aboard but has not yet disclosed casualty details. This marks the deadliest crash in UPS’s history. The airport has since resumed operations, while investigations by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are underway. The crash has reignited concerns about the U.S. air traffic control system, already strained by staffing shortages and outdated equipment.
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Red Cross hopes Jamaica hurricane toll stays ‘low’, says disaster planning saved lives
GENEVA, Switzerland — The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has attributed the relatively low death toll from Hurricane Melissa to comprehensive disaster preparedness measures implemented by Jamaica. Despite being one of the most powerful hurricanes ever recorded, the storm resulted in 32 fatalities on the island, with a total of 76 deaths across the Caribbean.