The Fathers’ Association of Trinidad and Tobago (TFATT) has demanded immediate legislative reforms following alarming data revealing that one in every three men tested over a five-year period was not the biological father of the child they believed to be theirs. TFATT President Rhondall Feeles disclosed that between January 2020 and September 2025, 440 paternity tests were conducted, with 143 men (approximately 33%) discovering they were not the biological fathers. Feeles emphasized the emotional and legal ramifications of such revelations, citing cases where men faced legal troubles over child maintenance for children they later discovered were not biologically theirs. One notable case involved Marlon Thompson, who paid TT$35,000 in maintenance for a child later proven not to be his through DNA testing. Despite the maintenance order being revoked, Thompson still faced legal consequences due to an unresolved warrant, which was eventually quashed by a High Court Judge two years later. Feeles also highlighted a 2019 case where a man learned during a custody hearing that the two children he had been supporting were not his. The magistrate dismissed the wife’s maintenance application, but the man was left emotionally devastated. TFATT is urging policymakers to revisit the 2018 Joint Select Committee (JSC) recommendations, which called for mandatory DNA testing before maintenance orders are issued. The association has written to Attorney General John Jeremie and Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh, proposing legislation to criminalize paternity fraud, mandate DNA testing, and provide compensation and counseling for affected fathers and children. While Jeremie expressed interest, Feeles acknowledged that legislative changes would take time. The Chief Justice’s office has indicated that the matter is under consideration.
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Antigua denies presence of US military on the island
The Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) has categorically refuted claims of unauthorized American military operations on the island, clarifying that the presence of Canadian military personnel is linked to preparations for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) scheduled for 2026. In an official statement, the ABDF emphasized that there has been no confirmation or authorization of U.S. soldiers conducting surveys or activities in St. John’s or elsewhere on the island. The Canadian officials are engaged in collaborative planning and preparatory exercises to bolster local readiness, coordination, and security for the high-profile international event. The ABDF reaffirmed its dedication to working with regional and international partners to ensure the safety and seamless execution of CHOGM 2026. The public was urged to rely on official ABDF communications and avoid spreading unverified reports. Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey, who arrived in Antigua and Barbuda for planning meetings, expressed enthusiasm for the event, highlighting its potential to foster collaboration and shared prosperity among the 56 member states. During her visit, she is scheduled to meet with Governor General Sir Rodney Williams and Prime Minister Gaston Browne. Antigua and Barbuda’s High Commissioner to the UK, Karen-Mae Hill, underscored the summit’s significance in enhancing trade, investment, and partnerships across the Commonwealth.
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Former US vice president Dick Cheney dies at 84
WASHINGTON, United States — Dick Cheney, the 46th Vice President of the United States, passed away at the age of 84, as confirmed by his family in a statement reported by US media on Tuesday. Cheney, who served under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009, succumbed to complications arising from pneumonia, cardiac disease, and vascular conditions.
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Police in schools: Is it helping?
Two months into the government’s initiative to deploy police officers to ‘high-risk’ schools, the program’s effectiveness remains under scrutiny. This measure was introduced to combat the escalating trend of school violence, but its outcomes have been inconsistent. While the Education Minister has noted a decline in suspensions, school principals report varying levels of success. Some schools have seen improved student discipline, while others have experienced minimal reductions in violence. The lack of clear guidelines defining the role and responsibilities of police officers in schools has emerged as a significant concern. Principals, who are legally accountable for school safety, cannot directly supervise or instruct these officers, creating ambiguity in their operational framework. Additionally, the inexperience of newly trained special reserve officers in handling the unique dynamics of school environments has hindered their effectiveness. Addressing the root causes of school violence, such as socio-economic factors and community normalization of abuse, remains critical. While initial assessments suggest some progress, stakeholders emphasize the need for continuous dialogue and program refinement to address these deep-seated issues.
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Benign prostatic hyperplasia: Breaking the silence on men’s health
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, affects nearly all men as they age, with incidence nearing 100% by the age of 90. Dr. Vimal Seetahal, a consultant urologist, is urging men to pay closer attention to this condition, which often goes undiagnosed due to cultural attitudes toward men’s health in the Caribbean. Symptoms include frequent urination, urgency, nocturia, and a weak urinary stream, which many dismiss as a normal part of aging. However, untreated BPH can worsen over time, leading to severe complications. Risk factors include age, genetics, and lifestyle choices such as obesity and diets high in red meat. Diagnosis involves ultrasounds, CT scans, and PSA blood tests. Treatment options range from medication to surgical procedures, including the innovative laser prostatectomy. Dr. Seetahal emphasizes the importance of lifestyle changes, such as reducing alcohol and caffeine intake, exercising, and using natural remedies like saw palmetto, to manage early-stage BPH. He also highlights the need for early detection and a cultural shift in how men approach their health, advocating for routine PSA testing over invasive rectal examinations. Public education and family support are crucial in encouraging men to seek timely medical attention.
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Digicel Foundation hosts internal staff blood drive
In a commendable effort to address the critical need for blood donations, the Digicel Foundation collaborated with the North West Regional Health Authority (NWRHA) Port of Spain General Hospital Blood Bank to organize an internal staff blood drive on October 28. Held at the Digicel TT head office, the initiative aimed to strengthen the nation’s blood bank reserves and promote a culture of volunteerism among employees.
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Towards future WI success
The West Indies cricket team secured a resounding 3-0 victory over Bangladesh in a T20 series on October 31, showcasing their dominance on the field. This clean sweep, achieved on Bangladeshi soil, marks a significant milestone for the Caribbean side, which had been languishing at ninth place in the international T20 rankings prior to the series. While the triumph is commendable, it underscores the long road ahead for West Indies cricket to regain its former glory. The series win, however, serves as a testament to the team’s potential and the importance of taking incremental steps toward improvement.
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Franklyn Seechan cops masters crown at Trinbago Youth Masters table tennis tourney
The National Racquet Centre in Tacarigua witnessed an exhilarating display of skill and determination as Harvard’s Franklyn Seechan emerged victorious in the masters division of the Trinbago Youth Masters table tennis tournament. The two-day event, held over the weekend, showcased intense competition across various age categories, with Seechan’s performance standing out as a highlight. In a gripping final against Powergen’s Anil Ramlakhan, Seechan clinched the title with a commanding 11-8, 13-11, 11-3 victory, demonstrating both resilience and precision. Earlier in the tournament, Seechan navigated a challenging path to the final, defeating formidable opponents such as Jerry Joseph, David Gopaul, and Satash Jodhan in the semi-finals, quarter-finals, and opening rounds, respectively. Meanwhile, Ramlakhan’s journey to the final included victories over Harnarine Moonasar, Ishwar Sookoonsingh, and Vasdev Roopnarine. The youth categories also saw remarkable performances, with Crusaders’ Malik Gopaul and QPCC’s Jordan Thong claiming top honors in the boys and girls singles, respectively. Other notable winners included Crusaders’ Nirav Basant and Mateo Mollineau in the boys U17 and U13 divisions, Blasters’ Elizabeth Rajah in the girls U13 singles, and Samir Radge Coomar in the boys U11 category. The tournament concluded with Central’s Ishta Ramdatt securing victory in the girls U9 singles, capping off a weekend of thrilling table tennis action.
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‘Naps’ rise to second after 2-0 win over SSFL leaders St Benedict’s
The Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premiership is heating up as Naparima College delivered a crucial 2-0 victory against league leaders St Benedict’s College on November 3. The match, held at Lewis Street in San Fernando, saw Naparima climb to second place in the standings, keeping their title aspirations alive. Strikers Jabari Rodriguez and Riquelme Phillips were the heroes of the day, scoring quick-fire goals in the 65th and 67th minutes, respectively. The win not only ended St Benedict’s impressive run of form but also tightened the race at the top of the 16-team table. Naparima now boasts two games in hand, making their title chase even more compelling. The game started cautiously, with both teams failing to capitalize on chances in the first half. However, Naparima emerged as a transformed side after the break, showcasing relentless attacking pressure. Phillips, despite missing an earlier opportunity, redeemed himself by capitalizing on a defensive error to score the second goal. St Benedict’s struggled to break through Naparima’s solid defense, with their attempts consistently thwarted. In another match, Malick Secondary School secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over St Anthony’s College, thanks to Jahda Riley’s match-winning strike in extra time. The SSFL premiership continues to deliver thrilling encounters as teams vie for the coveted title.
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A messy situation
Last Friday, the nation was thrown into a state of widespread panic as unverified rumors of a potential attack or war spread rapidly across social media and traditional news outlets. This led to the premature closure of schools, businesses, shops, and offices, causing massive traffic congestion on roads and highways. Grocery stores saw a surge in panic buying, with items like toilet paper becoming highly sought-after. Deputy Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin revealed that the police executive, relying on information from these platforms, decided to cancel the leave of all officers. This reaction to unverified information highlights a concerning dependence on media sources for critical decision-making. The incident raises questions about the role of social media in spreading misinformation and the adequacy of the police’s response mechanisms in such scenarios.