October 24 marks United Nations Day, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the UN under the theme ‘The Future We Want: The UN We Need: Reaffirming Our Collective Commitment to Multilateralism.’ This year’s celebration holds particular significance for the Caribbean, following the historic Eighteenth Meeting of the Contracting Parties (COP18) to the Cartagena Convention, held in Kingston, Jamaica, from October 13-16. The event brought together over 80 delegates from 20 nations and 15 observer groups, including youth representatives, to address the pressing challenges facing the Caribbean Sea. The central message was unequivocal: the health of the Caribbean Sea is intrinsically linked to the livelihood and identity of its people, making united action not just desirable but essential. COP18 was groundbreaking in its integrated approach, combining discussions on the Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife (SPAW) protocol and the Land-Based Sources of Marine Pollution protocol into a single, cohesive agenda. This innovative structure enabled delegates to tackle cross-cutting issues such as pollution control, species protection, and coral reef restoration in a unified framework. The outcomes of COP18 are transformative, aligning with the Regional Seas Strategic Direction (RSSD) for 2026-2029, which envisions healthy, productive marine ecosystems that support a sustainable ocean economy and combat biodiversity loss, pollution, and climate change. Key decisions included the approval of an action plan to address sargassum inundation and the development of conservation management plans for species like the silky shark and oceanic whitetip shark. Additionally, the meeting operationalized a workplan and budget for 2026-2027, focusing on three core goals: securing biologically diverse and climate-resilient ecosystems, enhancing knowledge management and science-policy dialogue, and elevating the global profile of the regional seas program. The event also strengthened regional partnerships, exemplified by collaborations with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on oil-spill response and the Caribbean Wildlife Enforcement Network. However, the urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. Reports presented at COP18 revealed that the Caribbean’s coral reefs, vital to tourism and fisheries, are under severe threat from heat stress, disease outbreaks, and mass bleaching events driven by rising ocean temperatures and acidification. The decisions made in Kingston mark a pivotal shift from passive defense to active restoration, emphasizing the need for stronger national coastal frameworks and species management plans. As the Caribbean commemorates UN Day, the spirit of COP18 serves as a beacon for sustained effort and stronger partnerships. The Caribbean Sea is not merely a body of water; it is the lifeblood of the region. Through the Cartagena Convention, the Caribbean has reaffirmed its shared duty to protect, restore, and sustain this precious resource for future generations.
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Nicholas Paul 12th in 1K time trial…begins quest for sprint medal at UCI World Cycling Champs
Trinidad and Tobago’s star cyclist Nicholas Paul has redirected his attention to the men’s sprint event following an underwhelming performance in the men’s 1K time trial at the 2025 Tissot Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Track World Championships in Santiago, Chile. On October 24, Paul finished 12th in the qualifying round with a time of 1:00.206, failing to secure a spot among the top eight cyclists who advanced to the final. The qualifying round was dominated by Dutch cyclist Harrie Lavreysen, who set an impressive time of 57.681 seconds, followed by Great Britain’s Joseph Truman (58.807) and another Dutch rider, Jeffrey Hoogland (58.962). Lavreysen ultimately clinched gold in the final, with Hoogland taking silver and Truman earning bronze. This setback comes after Paul’s seventh-place finish in the men’s keirin on October 23, where Lavreysen once again emerged victorious. Paul will now compete in the men’s sprint qualifying round on October 25, alongside his compatriot Njisane Phillip, in a field of over 30 cyclists. Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago’s endurance rider Akil Campbell faced challenges in the men’s points race, failing to complete the event. Campbell will seek redemption in the men’s omnium on October 25, while rising sprint star Makaira Wallace will represent the nation in the women’s 1K time trial.
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Christmas tree eggless sugar cookies
As the holiday season approaches, many are eager to dive into festive baking. Naomi Anderson, founder of Unicakery, shares a beginner-friendly recipe for eggless Christmas tree sugar cookies that are soft, buttery, and perfect for decorating. This recipe is ideal for those looking to create festive treats without the use of eggs, making it accessible to a wider audience.
To make the dough, you’ll need 3 cups of all-purpose flour, ¾ tsp of baking powder, ¼ tsp of salt, 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 2 tbsp of milk (with an optional extra tablespoon if needed), and 1 tsp of vanilla extract. Start by sifting the dry ingredients together. Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy, then add the milk and vanilla. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels dry, add a bit more milk.
Once the dough is ready, divide it in half, wrap it, and refrigerate for at least an hour. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), roll out the dough to ¼-inch thickness, and cut into Christmas tree shapes. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are golden. Let the cookies cool before decorating with royal icing, sprinkles, or powdered sugar.
Naomi Anderson, a seasoned pastry chef with over 12 years of experience, founded Unicakery in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago. Her studio offers workshops and classes, inspiring bakers of all levels to create beautiful desserts. Follow her on social media @unicakery or visit www.unicakery.com for more culinary inspiration.
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Alta announces Arlene Wallace-Romero as new CEO
Alta, a prominent non-governmental organization dedicated to literacy development in Trinidad and Tobago, has announced the appointment of Arlene Wallace-Romero as its new Chief Executive Officer. Wallace-Romero succeeds founder Paula Lucie-Smith, who will now focus on advancing the Alta programme. Since its inception in 1992, Alta has been offering free reading, writing, and spelling classes to both youth and adults, significantly impacting the community.
Wallace-Romero brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having held senior management positions at Carib Brewery and the Point Lisas Industrial Port Development Corporation (Plipdeco). Her journey with Alta began in 1999 as a volunteer, and over the years, she has taken on various roles, including class coordinator, tutor trainer, workplace administrator, and board member. With 26 years of involvement, she is deeply familiar with Alta’s mission and operations.
In a statement, Wallace-Romero expressed her admiration for Alta’s systematic approach to education, emphasizing how her management expertise aligns with the organization’s goals. She highlighted her commitment to protecting Alta’s legacy and expanding its reach, particularly through Alta Online, an interactive literacy programme designed for individuals aged nine and above. Wallace-Romero envisions a society where basic literacy skills are as valued as learning to play a musical instrument or swim.
Founder Paula Lucie-Smith praised Wallace-Romero’s dedication and leadership, noting that her industry experience is crucial for Alta’s next phase of growth. The board of directors has warmly welcomed her appointment, confident that her leadership will drive innovation and further the organization’s mission. Alta continues to invite individuals to join its classes, volunteer as tutors, or support its initiatives through sponsorship. For more information, contact Alta at 624-2582 or Altapos.tt@gmail.com, and follow their updates on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn under Alta TT.
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Tancoo: Build wealth, don’t depend on NIS
Finance Minister Dave Tancoo has issued a stark warning about Trinidad and Tobago’s rapidly aging population, emphasizing its profound implications for the country’s economic stability. Speaking at the TT Stock Exchange’s Capital Markets and Investor Conference in Port of Spain on October 24, Tancoo highlighted the urgent need for reforms to the National Insurance System (NIS) and initiatives to mobilize domestic capital. He revealed that the proportion of citizens aged 65 and older has surged from 5% in 1980 to over 11% today, with projections indicating it will exceed 26% by 2060. This demographic shift, he cautioned, threatens the sustainability of the NIS, which is already paying out more in benefits than it collects in contributions. Tancoo warned that without immediate action, the National Insurance Fund could be depleted by 2032, leaving thousands of retirees without support. To address this, the government plans to increase NIS contribution rates by 3% in 2026 and 2027, gradually raise the retirement age starting in 2028, and deepen the country’s capital markets. Tancoo also announced the launch of a $1 billion National Investment Fund bond and a state-sponsored Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) to encourage domestic investment and unlock value in public assets. These measures, he stressed, are essential to ensuring financial security for retirees and fostering long-term economic growth.
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SSFL title race heats up with pair of top-five showdowns
The 2025 Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division season is heating up as four pivotal matches are set to unfold on October 25, starting at 3:30 pm. These games could significantly influence the title race, with the top five teams all in action.
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Protesters condemn US ‘imperial arrogance’ in Caribbean
On October 24, approximately 20 demonstrators gathered peacefully outside the US Embassy in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, to protest what they termed as US aggression in the Caribbean. The protest, held at Queen’s Park Savannah, was organized by activists and representatives from various civil society organizations, who called for the protection of regional sovereignty and the preservation of the Caribbean as a “zone of peace.”
Among the participants was Abeo Jackson, a radio/television host and new mother, who expressed deep concern over the future of her child in a region she believes is under threat. Jackson condemned the extrajudicial killing of 43 men by US forces in the Caribbean, which the US justified as an attack on narco-trafficking. She described the incident as a violent desecration of regional sovereignty and criticized the Trinidad and Tobago government for its silence on the matter.
“This is not about drugs. It is about natural resources, oil, and power,” Jackson asserted. She accused the government of aligning with US military objectives, calling it a betrayal of the Caribbean consensus that the region must remain a zone of peace. Jackson emphasized that Caribbean sovereignty is not for sale and that Caribbean lives should not be treated as collateral damage.
Shan-Nia Lewis, a young protester, delivered an impassioned speech linking global conflicts to regional vulnerability. She expressed frustration over the government’s silence following the deaths of two Trinidad and Tobago nationals allegedly killed in recent US airstrikes. Lewis warned that young people would bear the brunt of any escalation in regional tensions.
Zakiya Uzoma-Wadada, Chairman of the Emancipation Support Committee (ESC), also condemned US military operations in regional waters, describing them as a threat to peace and sovereignty. Wadada criticized the US’s intensified military buildup off Venezuela’s coast, calling it a reassertion of the Monroe Doctrine and a smokescreen for broader geopolitical objectives, including possible regime change in Venezuela.
David Abdulah, political leader of the Movement for Social Justice (MSJ), commended former Caricom heads of government for issuing a joint statement rejecting military intervention and reaffirming the region as a “zone of peace.” He condemned the recent docking of a US destroyer off Trinidad’s coast, calling it an “abomination” and warning that any attempt at regime change in Venezuela would destabilize the entire region.
The protesters collectively demanded an end to US military intervention in the Caribbean, urging regional unity and the protection of sovereignty and peace.
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SSFL hit with sponsorship cuts, travel issues…league working to improve shortcomings
The Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) has encountered significant hurdles this season, including financial constraints, sponsorship cuts, and logistical issues. Despite these challenges, SSFL President Merere Gonzales has reassured the public that the league is actively addressing these problems to maintain its integrity and competitiveness. The 2025 season began with over 100 schools registering, though some withdrew due to logistical difficulties. Gonzales emphasized that withdrawing before fixtures are released is the honorable approach, as post-release withdrawals can result in a two-year ban. The league has also faced issues with the quality of school home venues, particularly in the championship and lower divisions. In one instance, a team in the Central Zone attempted to mark their field with flour minutes before a match, which the referee deemed unacceptable. Many schools without corporate sponsorship struggle to prepare their grounds adequately. Gonzales highlighted the need for more support from relevant authorities to ensure playable and credible standards. Financial challenges have been exacerbated by the withdrawal of sponsorships from the National Gas Company (NGC) and Shell, which has impacted the league’s operations, including the planned inaugural girls premiership. The TT Football Association (TTFA) is collaborating with the SSFL to ensure the girls premiership launches in 2026. Additionally, First Citizens has narrowed its sponsorship to the boys championship, while Coca-Cola remains the title sponsor of the Intercol competition. Traveling schools, particularly those moving to and from Tobago, now have to fund their own travel, leading to postponed games and fixture congestion. The SSFL is also facing broadcasting hardships following the shutdown of SportsMax, but is forming partnerships with Digicel, Rush, and TT Television (TTT) to broadcast matches. In the interim, matches are being broadcast on Tiger Tanks International, 360TV, and Tobago Sports Live. Despite these challenges, the SSFL remains committed to building student-athletes across all divisions. The league has introduced monthly off-season activities, including nutrition, performance, and mental health workshops, to keep schools engaged and prepare student-athletes for the next season.
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Family Planning Association, Feminitt applaud period poverty initiative
The Family Planning Association of Trinidad and Tobago (FPATT) and the non-governmental organisation Feminitt Caribbean have welcomed the government’s announcement of a $5 million women’s health fund aimed at addressing period poverty. The initiative, set to launch in January 2026, will focus on providing free menstrual kits in educational institutions and promoting menstrual health education to dismantle societal stigmas. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo revealed the fund during the October 13 budget presentation, highlighting its collaboration with the Ministry of the People, Social Development and Family Services and other stakeholders to ensure sustainability. FPATT Executive Director Jill De Bourg praised the initiative, emphasizing that access to affordable menstrual products is crucial for women and girls to participate fully in educational, social, and economic activities without barriers. The fund will also include educational programmes targeting men and boys to foster inclusivity. Feminitt Caribbean’s Safe Cycle Initiative, launched in 2020, has already made strides in menstrual health education and service delivery, including the establishment of the Safe Cycle Care Bank in 2021. Dr. TeHilla Paul, Feminitt’s Safe Cycle programme lead, called for further legislative measures, such as a Menstrual Equity Act and a ‘Period Card,’ to ensure access to free gynaecology services. The issue of period poverty was also addressed in a December 2023 joint select committee, which recommended comprehensive measures, including menstrual health education, product provision in schools, and cross-ministerial coordination.
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Thomas-Clarke retains Tobago calypso crown
Nicole Thomas-Clarke has emerged victorious at the Tobago October Carnival Calypso Monarch finals, held on October 23 in Scarborough. Her win has fueled her determination to secure a spot in the National Calypso Monarch finals next year. Thomas-Clarke, who scored 460 points and won the $100,000 first prize, performed her song ‘Sacrifice,’ which critiques society’s reluctance to work hard for their desires. ‘It is no longer by the sweat of thy brow, they want it now for now,’ she sang, emphasizing the theme of her performance. Dressed in a striking silver and white ensemble, she highlighted the need for genuine effort and sacrifice in achieving success. Thomas-Clarke, a loans officer at Republic Bank Ltd, attributed her victory to a collaborative team effort, ensuring that the presentation, music, and lyrics harmonized perfectly. She expressed optimism about the future of calypso, noting the strong interest shown by the 50 participants in the auditions. The event also saw notable performances from her siblings, Wendy Garrick and Dillon ‘Dilly Suede’ Thomas, who placed second and fourth, respectively. Garrick’s song ‘Family’ addressed the destructive forces of selfishness and greed within families, while Dilly Suede’s ‘One Man’s Trash Is Another Man’s Treasure’ resonated well with the audience. Other standout performers included Giselle ‘GG’ Fraser, who took third place with her social commentary ‘No Village Can’t,’ and Delanie Baynes, who placed fifth with ‘I Dare You,’ addressing recent socio-political issues. The competition, which featured a mix of seasoned and emerging calypsonians, tackled a variety of themes, from Tobago’s quest for autonomy to the importance of respecting the steelpan. The event concluded with performances by veteran calypsonians Lord Nelson, Benjai, Johnny King, Myron B, and King Unique, leaving the audience thoroughly entertained.