Trinidad and Tobago’s golf team showcased exceptional talent at the Caribbean Golf Association Four-Ball Championships, held at the Cinnamon Hill Golf Club in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The team secured an impressive haul of three gold and two bronze medals, marking a triumphant performance on the regional stage. The Trinidad and Tobago Golf Association (TTGA) expressed profound gratitude to its sponsors, whose support was instrumental in this achievement. In the women’s 25 and over division, Victoria Seenath and Tori De Freitas-Baptiste clinched gold, successfully defending their title against strong contenders from Jamaica and Bermuda. Gabriel Vanososte and Ryan Gomez, despite slipping to second place on the final day, claimed the overall gold in the mid-amateur men’s category, outperforming teams from Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. Wayne Baptiste and Richard “Pecos” Camacho also secured gold in the super senior men’s division, despite relinquishing their lead on the final day. Ingrid Seeberan and Emilie Ramsahai earned bronze in the women’s 45 and over category, while Clint Alfred and John Rampersad tied for third with Barbados in the senior men’s division. However, the men’s 70 and over team faced stiff competition and finished at the bottom of their category. The TTGA acknowledged the vital role of sponsors, including the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs, SportTT, TSTT, and others, in ensuring the team’s success. Their contributions enabled the athletes to compete with pride and precision, underscoring Trinidad and Tobago’s commitment to sporting excellence.
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TikTok star Fritz awaits date for bail
Elias Fritz, a 19-year-old TikTok influencer with over 300,000 followers, must wait until mid-November to discover if he will be granted bail on charges of attempted murder and armed robbery. Known online as “Jaido World,” Fritz appeared before Senior Justice Cheryl Grant Thompson, who announced that the bail decision will be delivered on November 12. Fritz and a 16-year-old co-defendant are accused of attempting to rob Theodore Fernander of his white Honda Odyssey on August 11 and trying to kill him during the incident. Additionally, both face charges of firearm and ammunition possession and the attempted murder of two police officers. The arrests followed a high-speed police chase that ended when the suspects’ vehicle crashed into a utility pole on Eastern Road. Officers from Operation Black Scorpion initially spotted the suspects speeding near Ida Street and Robinson Road in a white Japanese vehicle without headlights. When police attempted to stop the car, the suspects fled, leading to a pursuit. During the chase, another patrol unit encountered a motorist on Robinson Road who had been shot by occupants of a vehicle matching the one being pursued. Three suspects, including Fritz, were arrested at the scene. Fritz’s voluntary bill of indictment is scheduled for service on November 21 before Senior Magistrate Shaka Serville.
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Residents back plan to split constituency in West GB and Bimini
Residents of Bimini and West Grand Bahama are expressing strong support for the Constituency Commission’s proposal to divide their combined constituency, a move they believe is long overdue. The commission is reportedly recommending the creation of two new constituencies by separating Killarney and West Grand Bahama from Bimini, with the proposal expected to be presented to the Prime Minister shortly. The current West Grand Bahama and Bimini constituency, which has over 6,000 registered voters, has faced criticism for merging two islands with distinct challenges and priorities since its formation after the 1997 general election. Many Bimini residents feel their island has been neglected, with resources and political attention disproportionately focused on Grand Bahama. Lorrick Roberts, a Bimini resident, emphasized the need for Bimini to have independent political representation, citing issues such as stalled airport upgrades and a sharp increase in boat fees that have negatively impacted tourism. Oral Ellis, another resident, suggested that pairing Bimini with the Berry Islands would provide a fairer balance. James Vega, a West Grand Bahama resident, echoed the sentiment, stating that one Member of Parliament cannot effectively serve two islands. Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper, a member of the Boundaries Commission, recently highlighted the commission’s progress in ensuring equity among constituencies. If approved, the move would restore Bimini’s status as a separate constituency, a change many residents argue should have been implemented years ago.
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PM: We will rebuild after storm in affected islands
As Hurricane Melissa wreaked havoc across the central and southeast Bahamas, Prime Minister Philip Davis assured the nation of the government’s unwavering commitment to rebuilding and recovery. Addressing Parliament, Davis emphasized the resilience of the Bahamian people and the government’s preparedness to provide relief once the storm subsided. Forecasters indicated that Melissa, which had weakened to a Category Two hurricane, was expected to leave Bahamian waters by early morning. ‘We know the toll these storms can take, but we also know the strength of our people,’ Davis declared. ‘Whatever happens, we will rebuild, recover, and rise again.’ The hurricane, which had previously devastated Jamaica and Cuba, prompted one of the largest evacuations in recent Bahamian history, with 1,485 residents relocated before flights were suspended. While some evacuees reported challenges such as long waits and poor communication, Minister of Disaster Risk Management Leon Lundy affirmed the success of the evacuation process, highlighting the discipline and coordination involved. Davis also expressed solidarity with Jamaica and Cuba, acknowledging their support during past crises like Hurricane Dorian. He underscored the storm as a stark reminder of the urgent threat posed by climate change and reiterated his commitment to advocating for climate justice and fair financing for small island states. Lundy noted that shelters were well-stocked and communication systems remained operational throughout the crisis.
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Hillview, Mucurapo West start SSFL ‘Big 5’ on winning note
The 2025 First Citizens ‘Big 5’ championship division playoffs kicked off with a bang on October 29, as Hillview College and Mucurapo West Secondary School delivered commanding performances in their respective matches. Hillview College, the east zone champions, made a resounding statement with a 7-0 thrashing of central champions Presentation College (Chaguanas). Olando La Fleur emerged as the star of the match, securing a hat-trick and leading his team to a dominant victory. Hillview’s relentless attack saw them score three goals in the first half, followed by four more in the second, extending their unbeaten streak this season. Meanwhile, Mucurapo West Secondary School overcame an early deficit to defeat southern champions Palo Seco Secondary 3-1. After trailing in the opening minutes, Mucurapo rallied with goals from Caleb Jacob and Eli Williams, showcasing their resilience and tactical prowess. Both teams now look forward to their highly anticipated clash on November 1, which promises to be a thrilling encounter. The ‘Big 5’ playoffs determine the top three teams that will advance to the 2026 premier division season, adding high stakes to every match.
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Maharaj: PCA investigations ongoing into Tobago shootings
Justice Minister Devesh Maharaj has provided updates on the ongoing investigations by the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) into two police-involved fatal shootings that occurred in Tobago earlier this year. The incidents, which took place on April 25 and May 30, involved the deaths of Ronell Marcelle, 34, and Frank Allen Sammy, 74, respectively. During a Senate session on October 29, Maharaj responded to inquiries from Opposition Senator Melanie Roberts-Radgman, detailing the progress of the investigations. In the case of Marcelle, the PCA has secured the police investigative file, which includes witness statements, video footage, and a post-mortem certificate, though some information remains pending. For Sammy’s case, the PCA has obtained extracts from police records and conducted interviews, including securing a witness statement, but additional details are still awaited. Maharaj emphasized the PCA’s commitment to thoroughness in these investigations, underscoring the importance of accountability and transparency in such sensitive matters.
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Browne questions government’s deferral of questions
During the Senate session on October 29, Dr. Amery Browne, Leader of Opposition Business, raised concerns over the government’s lack of clarity regarding the deferral of several questions on the Senate’s order paper. Browne questioned whether a two-week deferral was being sought for inquiries directed at Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander, who was absent from the session. He noted that alternative options, such as having another minister respond, were also available. Browne, who previously served as Leader of Government Business, has utilized both approaches in the past. Darrell Allahar, the current Leader of Government Business, acknowledged Browne’s points and requested deferrals for questions to Alexander and Defence Minister Wayne Sturge. The inquiries to Alexander, filed by Opposition Senator Faris Al-Rawi, pertained to virtual court hearings at police stations, while Sturge’s question focused on safety measures at high-risk beaches. Additionally, Attorney General John Jeremie was unable to provide a timeline for the presentation of the government’s official legislative agenda, citing incomplete preparations. The session also saw PNM deputy leader Sanjiv Boodhu sworn in as a temporary opposition senator, replacing Foster Cummings, who was absent due to illness.
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AI Minister: Committee will fight online scams
In a significant move to combat the rising tide of AI-generated disinformation and deep-fake scams, Trinidad and Tobago’s government has established an Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee on Cyber Security and AI. This initiative, approved by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar on September 11, aims to address the growing threat of online fraud, which has recently targeted prominent public figures and financial institutions.
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‘Bahamasair abandoned us in Jamaica’
A Bahamian woman stranded in Jamaica has accused Bahamasair of failing its passengers after abruptly canceling flights as Hurricane Melissa approached. The traveler, a survivor of Hurricane Dorian, described the ordeal as a traumatic experience, reminiscent of her past struggles during natural disasters. She was among a group of approximately 50 Bahamians who traveled to Jamaica for a wedding but found themselves trapped as the Category Five storm made landfall. Their scheduled return flight on Bahamasair was canceled with minimal notice, leaving them stranded at the Dreams Rose Hall Resort & Spa in Montego Bay. The Davis administration stepped in to cover accommodations for some group members who could not afford extended stays. The traveler expressed frustration, stating, ‘As a flag carrier, you let us down again. There’s so much more you could’ve done.’ Bahamasair officials did not respond to requests for comment. Hurricane Melissa caused significant damage across Jamaica’s western region before weakening as it moved toward Cuba and The Bahamas. The storm’s impact led to chaos at the resort, including a collapsed roof and a fire, forcing guests into panic mode. The group remains uncertain about their return, as Jamaica’s main airports sustained substantial damage. Tourism Minister Chester Cooper assured that Bahamasair would resume flights once airports reopen and assist with recovery efforts. Bahamas Consul General Alveta Knight confirmed no injuries among Bahamians in Jamaica and praised local telecom companies for providing phone credit to stranded students. She emphasized the need for regional relief efforts and thanked the Bahamian community for their support.
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Six years after Dorian, anger at state of Treasure Cay airport
Residents of Abaco, Bahamas, are voicing their frustration over the prolonged neglect of the Treasure Cay International Airport, which remains in disrepair six years after Hurricane Dorian devastated the region. The Category Five storm, which struck in September 2019, reduced the airport to rubble, leaving it without a functional terminal. Visitors are reportedly forced to wait in a makeshift plastic shed and use portable toilets, highlighting the dire conditions. Bishop Cedric Bullard, a member of the North Abaco Pastors Association (NAPA), described the airport as overgrown with grass and primarily used by private planes. Customs and Immigration staff have been operating from two trailers for the past five years, enduring uncomfortable conditions, including encounters with snakes. Mr. Bullard emphasized the need for immediate repairs, including rebuilding the terminal, resurfacing the runway, and providing a functioning ambulance. He noted that the airport’s poor condition has led Bahamasair and US carriers to cease operations, redirecting travelers to the Marsh Harbour Airport. The NAPA recently held a meeting to address the lack of progress on the airport, the North Abaco Port, and the island’s deteriorating roads. Residents argue that rebuilding the airport is crucial for revitalizing the local economy. Despite being included in the government’s Family Island Airports Renaissance Programme, a public-private partnership initiative to upgrade 14 Family Island airports, the Treasure Cay Airport’s revitalization remains stalled. Mr. Bullard expressed the community’s sense of neglect, stating, ‘Honestly, we feel neglected. The airport is sitting there. It’s a long runway, it’s a safe runway. It’s in a good area, it’s near the world’s best beach, and they refuse to prepare it. It is a slap in the face.’
