Cricket West Indies (CWI) has expressed profound gratitude to iconic players Brian Lara, Vivian Richards, and Richie Richardson for their pivotal roles in the ‘Mission India’ corporate engagement tour. This initiative aimed to foster corporate partnerships and enhance the global appeal of the West Indies cricket brand. The tour coincided with the West Indies’ two-match Test series in India from October 2 to October 14, with CWI officially acknowledging the legends’ contributions in a release on October 21. The delegation, led by CWI CEO Chris Dehring and chief commercial officer Rupert Hunter, visited Delhi and Mumbai to explore sponsorship and broadcast opportunities in the Indian market. The legends’ participation in numerous meetings generated significant enthusiasm, reigniting global interest in West Indies cricket. Dehring emphasized the legends’ unwavering dedication, stating, ‘Their willingness to give of themselves so freely speaks volumes about their love and passion for West Indies cricket.’ The tour also included a special golf day, where the legends interacted with current players and team management, further strengthening the bond between past and present cricketing generations. While the release did not confirm any immediate sponsorship deals, it highlighted the enduring influence of West Indies cricket and its legends on global audiences.
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New Chief Justice’s pledge: I will do my best
Justice of Appeal Ronnie Boodoosingh has officially assumed the role of Trinidad and Tobago’s ninth Chief Justice, succeeding Ivor Archie, who retired on October 22. Boodoosingh was sworn in by acting President Wade Mark at a ceremony held at the President’s House in St. Ann’s. The appointment followed the constitutional process outlined in Section 102, requiring consultation with the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition. While Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar expressed support, Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles criticized the consultation process as flawed. Boodoosingh, a seasoned jurist with over three decades of legal experience, pledged to serve with humility, diligence, and integrity. He paid tribute to Archie, highlighting his contributions to modernizing the judiciary, including the introduction of electronic filing and virtual courtrooms. Boodoosingh also acknowledged the sacrifices made by Archie’s family and expressed gratitude for his own family’s support. The ceremony was attended by key government officials, including Attorney General John Jeremie and Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander. Acting President Wade Mark praised the seamless transition, emphasizing the stability and independence of the judiciary. Boodoosingh’s appointment has been widely welcomed by the legal fraternity, with hopes that his leadership will enhance access to justice and restore public confidence in the judiciary.
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Carter continues hunt for third medal at Swimming World Cup
Trinidad and Tobago’s swimming sensation, Dylan Carter, is set to make waves at the 2025 World Aquatics Swimming World Cup as he prepares for the third leg of the competition in Toronto, Canada, starting October 23. The 29-year-old athlete has already showcased his prowess in the earlier stages of the tournament, securing two bronze medals and demonstrating consistent performance across multiple events. In the first leg held in Indiana on October 11, Carter clinched bronze in the men’s 50-meter backstroke. He followed this up with another bronze in the 50m freestyle final during the second leg in Illinois on October 17. Additionally, Carter has achieved notable placements, including fourth in the 50m freestyle and fifth in the 50m butterfly finals in Indiana, as well as a joint fifth-place finish in the 50m backstroke finale in Illinois. In Toronto, Carter will commence his campaign in the 50m freestyle, competing in lane five during the sixth and final heat, scheduled for 12.07 pm (TT time) on October 23, with the final set for 7.09 pm the same day. The competition promises to be fierce, with American Chris Guliano and Canada’s Ilya Kharun having already set impressive times in the previous legs. Carter will also participate in the men’s 50m backstroke heats on October 24 and the 50m butterfly heats the following day, as he continues his quest for glory on the international stage.
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Hillview, Mucurapo West clinch SSFL championship division titles
The 2025 Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) season has reached a thrilling juncture as Hillview College and Mucurapo West Secondary have secured their places in the prestigious Big 5 playoffs. These playoffs, set to commence on October 29, serve as the gateway to the premier division for the following season. Both schools clinched their respective zonal titles on October 21, showcasing their dominance in the championship division. Hillview College, representing the east zone, concluded their campaign with a flawless record, amassing 24 points and a commanding goal difference. Their emphatic 4-0 victory over El Dorado East in their final match solidified their status as east zone champions. Meanwhile, in the north zone, Mucurapo West Secondary edged out East Mucurapo by a single point, sealing their triumph with a resounding 9-0 win against Diego Martin Central. The south zone remains undecided, with Pleasantville Secondary temporarily leading after a 4-0 victory over Rio Claro West. However, Palo Seco Secondary, with two games in hand, remains the favorite to claim the title. Their postponed match against Point Fortin East, delayed due to a bee infestation, is set to be replayed on October 24. In the central zone, Presentation College (Chaguanas) awaits a ruling from the league’s Appeals Committee following an appeal by Chaguanas North Secondary regarding an abandoned fixture. Should the appeal be dismissed, Presentation will be crowned central champions. Speyside Secondary has already secured the Tobago zone title and is poised to begin their Big 5 campaign against the south zone winners. The upcoming Big 5 tournament promises intense competition as these top schools vie for promotion to the premier division.
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Playwrights Workshop hosts dramatic reading of Help by Kaithlyn De Gazon
Playwrights Workshop Trinbago (PWT), in partnership with the Trinidad Theatre Workshop (TTW) and Torch Theatre Company, is set to present a dramatic reading of Kaithlyn De Gazon’s poignant play, ‘Help,’ on October 24. The event will take place at the Trinidad Theatre Workshop, located at 6 Newbold Street, St Clair, starting at 7 pm. This monthly series of dramatic readings offers a platform for emerging playwrights to showcase their work and engage with the audience.
‘Help’ delves into the harrowing journey of a young girl grappling with the ghosts of her past and the emotional turmoil they evoke. The narrative explores how these internal struggles profoundly impact her relationships with those around her. The play, which marks De Gazon’s debut as a playwright, was first introduced in the PWT Monthly Readers Theatre Series (MRTS) in 2021 and later featured as a dramatic reading at the 2023 Bocas Lit Fest.
Kaithlyn De Gazon, a theatre arts teacher and graduate of the University of the West Indies (UWI) with a bachelor’s degree in theatre arts, has a rich background in the performing arts. Her journey began as a dancer in secondary school, eventually leading her to acting and technical theatre.
PWT is extending an invitation to actors, playwrights, directors, producers, and the general public to attend the reading and participate in a post-performance discussion. This dialogue aims to provide constructive feedback to assist De Gazon in further refining her script. The discussion will be conducted with sensitivity, given the play’s exploration of themes such as severe depression and suicide. Attendees are advised to exercise discretion due to the intense subject matter.
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The mystical oilbird
In a serendipitous encounter, an oilbird was discovered roosting at St. Benedict’s College in La Romaine, south Trinidad, far from its known colonies. This rare sighting provided a unique teaching opportunity for the school staff. The oilbird, a nocturnal marvel, is one of the most remarkable yet overlooked species in Trinidad’s rich biodiversity. Unlike the vibrant hummingbird or the powerful hawk-eagle, the oilbird’s unassuming appearance belies its extraordinary adaptations and ecological significance. Native to Trinidad, which shares much of its ecology with South America, the oilbird thrives in darkness, spending its days in lightless caves and emerging at night to forage. With a wingspan exceeding one metre, these birds embark on nightly journeys, sometimes covering over 100 kilometres in search of their exclusive diet of fruits from palms, laurels, and bursera trees. This dietary specialization makes them vital seed dispersers, ensuring the propagation of their food trees. Oilbirds possess unique sensory adaptations, including echolocation and an unparalleled sensitivity to light, with retinal rod densities of one million rods per millimetre—the highest among vertebrates. Their social structure is equally fascinating, with monogamous pairs raising broods in large colonies that can number in the thousands. Despite their ecological importance, oilbirds face threats from human exploitation, historically hunted for their oil and meat. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect this enigmatic species and its habitat, ensuring its survival alongside humanity.
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Padarath: No plan to fire WASA workers
In a heated session before the Standing Finance Committee of the House of Representatives, Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath assured that the government has no intention of dismissing workers at the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA). This declaration came as the committee approved a substantial budgetary allocation of $3.27 billion to the Ministry of Public Utilities. Padarath emphasized the administration’s commitment to retaining WASA employees and enhancing the authority’s financial viability, stating, ‘This administration is hell-bent on keeping WASA employees in their jobs.’ He also highlighted collaboration with the Public Services Association (PSA), which represents the majority of WASA workers and is aligned with the ruling United National Congress (UNC).
Opposition Chief Whip Marvin Gonzales, a former public utilities minister, criticized the UNC’s past actions, recalling that the People’s Partnership coalition, led by the UNC, had planned to lay off 30,000 workers during the 2010-2015 period. He credited the People’s National Movement (PNM) with thwarting this plan upon assuming office in 2015 and implementing a transformation strategy that improved water supply for many citizens. Padarath, however, dismissed these claims, asserting that the PNM’s efforts yielded no significant results and instead led to questionable state contracts benefiting certain individuals.
The session grew contentious as opposition MPs, including Stuart Young and Colm Imbert, questioned Padarath about potential job cuts at WASA, particularly in light of a review of National Insurance System (NIS) contributions. Padarath maintained that the review would not result in job losses, but Young expressed skepticism, accusing the government of planning significant workforce reductions. The debate escalated into personal jabs, with Padarath suggesting Imbert consult a psychiatrist and Imbert dismissing Padarath’s remarks as irrelevant. Speaker Jagdeo Singh intervened multiple times to restore order.
Padarath also addressed concerns about a $50 million reduction in contract employment at WASA, asserting that vacant positions would be filled through the government’s National Recruitment Drive, which aims to create 20,000 jobs in its initial phase. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo, in his recent budget presentation, announced the termination of the Cepep and URP programs, pledging to replace them with better-paid, full-time employment opportunities funded by a $475 million Employment Fund. The government’s focus remains on ending state funding of criminal gangs and improving public utility services.
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‘Pres’ blow SSFL title race open with win over rivals ‘Naps’
In a thrilling encounter at the Naparima College Ground on October 22, Presentation College San Fernando delivered a significant blow to Naparima College’s unbeaten streak in the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division, securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory. The decisive moment came in the second minute of first-half extra time when Josiah Bain’s audacious long-range effort from just outside the center circle found the back of the net, albeit with a stroke of luck. The ball ricocheted off the crossbar, evaded goalkeeper Mikhail Clement’s grasp, and ultimately bounced into the goal, sending the Presentation supporters into a frenzy. Despite Naparima’s relentless efforts to equalize in the second half, including opportunities for substitutes Adasa Richardson and Ryan Radellant, they were unable to break through Presentation’s resilient defense. The result narrows the gap between fourth-placed Presentation (24 points) and league leaders Naparima (27 points), reigniting the title race. Presentation’s coach, Dunstan Williams, expressed satisfaction with the outcome but acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating that their title hopes hinge on other teams’ performances. Meanwhile, defending champions Fatima College capitalized on the situation, moving within two points of the top after a high-scoring 6-4 victory over Arima North. The league now heads into its final phase, with several key matches scheduled for October 25, promising intense competition as teams vie for the coveted title.
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‘Natty’ James scores double in historic Portland win
In a spectacular display of skill and teamwork, Portland Hearts of Pine delivered a resounding 6-1 victory over Spokane Velocity in their USL League One match on October 21. The star of the match was Trinidad and Tobago striker Nathaniel “Natty” James, who scored two stunning goals to set the tone for his team’s dominant performance. The match, held at Fitzpatrick Stadium in Portland, drew a record-breaking crowd of 6,440 spectators, who witnessed Portland’s relentless attack and clinical finishing. James opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a precise left-footed shot into the top corner, following a brilliant assist from Jay Tee Kamara. Ollie Wright extended the lead with a penalty in the 35th minute, but Spokane managed to pull one back in the 41st minute. James quickly restored Portland’s two-goal advantage with another left-footed strike from outside the box. Nathan Messer and Titus Washington added to the tally, while Kamara capped off the scoring with a stylish finish in the 67th minute. This historic win keeps Portland in playoff contention with one game left in the season.
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Homeland Security Minister: Police will lease, buy vehicles
During a heated session at the Standing Finance Committee of the House of Representatives on October 22, Minister of National Security Roger Alexander outlined a dual strategy for police vehicle procurement: purchasing and leasing. The latter, he emphasized, is aimed at reducing maintenance costs. The draft estimates of recurrent expenditure revealed a significant shift in allocations, with $25 million earmarked for vehicle rentals—a rise from $18.5 million last year—while maintenance costs saw a $15 million reduction, dropping from $39.95 million to $25 million. Arouca/Lopinot MP Marvin Gonzales pressed Alexander on the number of suppliers involved, to which the minister responded with a vague ’18,’ declining to disclose specifics citing national security concerns. Opposition MPs, including Diego Martin North East MP Colm Imbert, challenged the secrecy, questioning how routine vehicle details could pose a security risk. Alexander remained steadfast, asserting that compromising national security was not an option. He later clarified that the government would lease vehicles to cut maintenance expenses, with Port of Spain North/St Ann’s West MP Stuart Young arguing that the public had a right to know the leasing companies. Laventille West MP Kareem Marcelle probed the leasing process, but Alexander’s responses remained evasive. The minister also announced plans to purchase 300 ‘purpose-built’ vehicles, though opposition MPs questioned the adequacy of the budget. Laventille East/Morvant MP Christian Birchwood highlighted a ‘sharp increase’ in funds for minor police equipment, with Alexander citing national security as the reason for withholding detailed purchase lists.