GROS ISLET: A unique jewellery collection celebrating the achievements of Olympic champion Julien Alfred has been unveiled, with proceeds dedicated to supporting her charitable foundation. The “Julien Alfred Legacy Collection,” crafted by Eleanor Prospere, founder of Fearless Jewellery, was officially launched at a fundraising event for the Julien Alfred Foundation on October 11. The foundation is committed to nurturing the development of young athletes in St Lucia, Alfred’s home country. Inspired by Alfred’s gold medal-winning performance in the 100-metre sprint at the Paris 2024 Olympics, the collection includes unisex bracelets, earrings, and necklaces. Each piece is designed around the shape of the Olympic medal and incorporates symbols of St Lucian national pride, such as the flag and the national flower. “Her victory was transformative for St Lucia. She has truly put our nation on the global stage,” Prospere shared with the St Lucia Times. “I wanted to create something that would allow everyone to celebrate her success.” After receiving approval from Alfred and her manager, Prospere personally financed and produced the collection. The launch aligns with the establishment of Alfred’s foundation, ensuring her legacy inspires and supports the next generation of athletes. CMC
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TTPFL 2025/26 season launched, TTFA VP: ‘This is the heartbeat of TT football’
The Trinidad and Tobago Premier Football League (TTPFL) has officially launched its 2025/26 season, marking the fourth year under its current banner. The league, described by TTFA third vice-president Jameson Rigues as the ‘heartbeat of TT football,’ aims to strengthen the nation’s men’s football team by fostering a robust local competition. The season was unveiled at the Hasely Crawford Stadium’s VIP lounge in Mucurapo on October 19, with the action set to commence on October 24 at the Dwight Yorke Stadium in Bacolet, Tobago. The opening double-header will feature San Juan Jabloteh vs. Miscellaneous Police FC at 6 pm, followed by Terminix La Horquetta Rangers vs. 1976 FC Phoenix at 8 pm. For Phoenix, this season offers a chance to reconnect with their Tobago fanbase after playing the entirety of the 2024/25 campaign without home fixtures. They are scheduled to feature in at least six Bacolet double-headers by early January. Reigning champions Defence Force, who enjoyed an unbeaten run last season, will begin their title defense against 2023/24 winners AC Port of Spain at the Arima Velodrome on October 25. Meanwhile, last season’s runners-up, MIC Central FC Reboot, will face cellar-placed Point Fortin Civic on October 26 at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva. The league, running from October 2025 to March 2026, plans to introduce a knockout tournament alongside the First Citizens Cup, which Defence Force successfully defended last season. Acting CEO Yale Antoine also revealed intentions to implement promotion and relegation at the season’s end, with both on-field and off-field performance being considered. However, clubs with teams in both tiers—Police, Defence Force, Prisons, and Eagles—will be exempt from this system. The prize structure remains unchanged, pending Cabinet approval, with winners receiving $150,000, runners-up $90,000, and third-placed teams $50,000. Rigues emphasized the TTPFL’s role in youth development, unity, and providing a pathway for aspiring footballers. He stated, ‘When our local leagues thrive, our national teams thrive. And when our national teams thrive, our people stand taller.’ The league continues to attract sponsors, including ADM, KFC, and Stag, with efforts ongoing to enhance branding and marketing.
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Opposition Leader: Strenghten the bonds of unit this Divali
Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles recently participated in the Divali Nagar celebrations in Chaguanas, Trinidad and Tobago, on October 16, lighting a deya alongside National Council of Indian Culture president Surujdeo Mangroo and dancer Samara Mohammed. In a heartfelt statement issued on October 19, the eve of Divali, Beckles described the festival as one of the most sacred and auspicious occasions on the Hindu calendar, extending warm greetings to the Hindu community and the nation at large. She emphasized the spiritual significance of Divali, highlighting its themes of light overcoming darkness, knowledge dispelling ignorance, and righteousness triumphing over evil. Beckles underscored the festival’s role in fostering unity, compassion, and hope, particularly during challenging times. She called on leaders to act with integrity, communities to show compassion, and citizens to be beacons of light for one another. As Arima MP and Opposition Leader, Beckles reaffirmed her commitment to building a nation rooted in fairness, justice, and opportunity for all. She concluded by wishing for the divine blessings of Mother Lakshmi to bring peace, prosperity, and purpose to every home, guiding the nation toward a future filled with justice, compassion, and hope.
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Acting President: Reflect on the spiritual meaning of Divali
Acting President Wade Mark delivered a heartfelt national message in honor of Divali, the Festival of Lights, urging citizens to embrace the spiritual and communal significance of the celebration. Speaking on October 11, Mark highlighted the festival’s core themes of light triumphing over darkness, unity, and compassion. He emphasized that Divali, which commemorates the return of Lord Rama and Mother Sita to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, symbolizes resilience, duty, and the enduring strength of family and community bonds. Mark described the lighting of deyas (oil lamps) as a powerful tradition that serves as a reminder of the ability of even a single light to dispel darkness. He encouraged citizens to embody this light by fostering love, understanding, and peace in their communities. The acting president also noted the widespread celebrations across the nation, with thousands illuminating their homes and businesses while offering prayers to Mother Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Mark called for both personal and national transformation, urging citizens to reflect on values such as freedom, integrity, truth, and justice. He emphasized that Divali’s true essence lies not only in lighting physical lamps but also in keeping one’s spiritual light radiant. Mark concluded his message by extending warm greetings on behalf of President Christine Kangaloo and his family, wishing the Hindu community and the nation a joyous and holy Divali. ‘May the joy and peace of Divali fill all homes throughout the nation. Shubh Divali!’ he said.
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Prime Minister absent from Divali Nagar finale
Amid escalating security concerns following a United States advisory to its citizens in Trinidad and Tobago, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar was conspicuously absent from the final night of Divali Nagar on October 19, where she was slated to deliver the keynote address. Despite multiple attempts by Newsday to reach her for comment, the Prime Minister remained unresponsive. Surujdeo Mangaroo, president of the National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC), which organized the nine-night event, indicated around 1 pm on Sunday that no security sweep had been conducted at the Chaguanas venue, suggesting Persad-Bissessar’s attendance was unlikely. Nevertheless, the NCIC implemented additional security measures as a precaution. Later that evening, ushers and NCIC members confirmed to the media that the Prime Minister would not be attending. In her Divali message, Mangaroo emphasized the importance of unity and harmony, urging citizens to strengthen the bonds that unite them. In a special message in the Divali Nagar 2025 commemorative magazine, Persad-Bissessar reflected on the event’s theme, ‘Loka Sangraha – the Welfare of the World,’ highlighting the need for compassion, justice, and peace in a world plagued by conflict and division. She underscored the nation’s commitment to building a society where every individual can live with dignity, opportunity, and hope. Meanwhile, tensions have been rising nationwide since the US deployed military assets off the Venezuelan coast to combat the drug trade. Persad-Bissessar has faced criticism for her support of US operations and her controversial statement advocating violent measures against drug runners. On October 18, the US Embassy in Port of Spain issued a social media alert warning of a heightened state of alert and advised its nationals to avoid US government facilities in Trinidad and Tobago. Rumors circulated that Persad-Bissessar and Attorney General John Jeremie had been relocated to safe houses, a claim denied by acting Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin. Both Benjamin and Minister of National Security Roger Alexander acknowledged a credible threat but urged the public not to panic. Calls have grown for the Prime Minister to address the nation regarding the nature of the threat, particularly its connection to the US military presence in the southern Caribbean and potential risks to Trinidad and Tobago nationals. While Persad-Bissessar has remained publicly silent, she shared photographs on October 18 of herself and Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers hosting US Embassy staff at a private Divali celebration at her home in Phillipine, South Trinidad—coinciding with the embassy’s alert.
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‘Even the simplest infraction’ could bring jail time in the US, immigration attorneys warn
In New York, immigration attorneys are issuing urgent warnings to Jamaicans eligible for U.S. citizenship about the severe repercussions of incarceration, even for minor offenses. This caution was a central theme at a recent forum organized by the Ex-Correctional Officers Association of Jamaica and the North Bronx Seventh-day Adventist Church. The event aimed to raise awareness about the consequences of imprisonment, particularly for young people, as the Trump Administration intensifies its crackdown on illegal immigration. Immigration attorney Shane R. Brown highlighted that the U.S. has the world’s largest incarcerated population, with 1.9 million people behind bars. New York alone has an average daily prison population of over 16,000, with systemic issues like mandatory sentencing laws and racial disparities contributing to the high numbers. Brown emphasized that African American and Hispanic individuals are disproportionately represented in the prison system. Maurice Maitland, another immigration attorney, warned that even minor offenses such as traffic violations, disorderly conduct, or marijuana use—legal in some states but not federally—can lead to deportation. Social worker Carmeta Albarus pointed out that inadequate parental supervision often leaves Jamaican youth vulnerable to the criminal justice system. She noted a recent surge in deportations, with monthly flights doubling. Immigration attorney Winston Tucker urged eligible Green Card holders to apply for citizenship promptly, citing increasing complexity in the process. He also highlighted the benefits of citizenship, including voting rights. Ronnie Hammick, president of the Ex-Correctional Officers Association, stressed the need for community efforts to prevent incarceration, emphasizing its emotional and financial toll.
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Selena Whyte’s St Thomas no longer the forgotten parish for business
St Thomas, often referred to as Jamaica’s ‘forgotten parish,’ is undergoing a significant transformation, emerging as a vibrant hub for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Spearheaded by the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC), the parish is witnessing a surge in entrepreneurial activity, particularly in sectors like cosmetology, skincare, aromatherapy, and retail. Located at 49 Queen Street in Morant Bay, the JBDC Business Centre serves as a pivotal resource for local entrepreneurs, offering a range of support services to help them formalize and scale their operations. Selena Whyte, a dedicated business development officer at the centre, has been instrumental in this shift. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the parish’s cultural and economic landscape, Whyte provides hands-on coaching, formalization support, and access to critical resources. Despite the parish’s potential, entrepreneurs in St Thomas face significant challenges, particularly in securing funding. Many MSMEs start with minimal capital, relying on personal savings or family support. Whyte emphasizes that while funding is a major hurdle, other obstacles like marketing, packaging, and market research also impede growth. To address these issues, the JBDC offers a structured program that guides entrepreneurs through business registration, market validation, pricing strategies, and regulatory compliance. Whyte’s commitment to fostering business development is deeply personal, rooted in her own journey from assisting her mother’s corner shop to becoming a trusted advisor at JBDC. She believes that empowering local businesses is key to transforming St Thomas and its communities. Entrepreneurs interested in tapping into this growing business ecosystem can contact Selena Whyte at 876-516-8158 or 876-436-3925 for a consultation.
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PNP mourns passing of theatre pioneer Yvonne Brewster
The Jamaican cultural landscape is in mourning following the passing of Yvonne Brewster, a trailblazing actress, director, and cultural visionary. The Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) joined the artistic community in honoring her legacy, which has profoundly shaped Jamaican and Caribbean theatre. Brewster’s contributions, the PNP noted, have been instrumental in defining the trajectory of the region’s performing arts.
Born in Jamaica, Brewster studied and taught drama before returning to her homeland in the mid-1960s. Alongside playwright Trevor Rhone, she co-founded The Barn Theatre in Kingston, Jamaica’s first professional theatre company. This institution became a crucible for nurturing local talent and a stage for authentic Jamaican narratives. Shadow Minister of Creative Industries, Culture, and Information, Nekeisha Burchell, emphasized that Brewster’s work provided a platform for stories told in the unique voice of the Caribbean.
In the early 1970s, Brewster relocated to the United Kingdom, where her career flourished across stage, screen, radio, and television. She directed and acted in iconic productions such as *The Harder They Come*, *Smile Orange*, and *The Marijuana Affair*. Her directorial prowess was also showcased in BBC Television projects like *Maybury*, *The Fight Against Slavery*, and *My Father Sun Sun Johnson*. These works cemented her international reputation as a creative force dedicated to portraying Caribbean life with authenticity and dignity.
Brewster later co-founded the Talawa Theatre Company, now recognized as one of the UK’s most esteemed black theatre institutions. From 2000 to 2001, she reached broader audiences as Ruth Harding in the BBC drama *Doctors*, further amplifying Jamaican talent on the global stage.
The PNP paid tribute to Brewster for her courage and enduring contributions to Jamaica’s national identity. Burchell remarked, ‘Yvonne Brewster was one of the architects of modern Jamaican theatre and a bridge between our island and the wider world. She demonstrated that Jamaican stories, told in our language and from our perspective, deserve a place on every stage. Her legacy reminds us that culture is not only who we are but also how we evolve.’
Brewster’s vision continues to inspire efforts to bolster Jamaica’s creative industries and uphold the integrity of local storytelling as a driver of development. The PNP extended its condolences to her family, colleagues, and the global theatre community she influenced. ‘Jamaica has lost a remarkable cultural pioneer, but her example will continue to inspire generations of artists and cultural workers. May her soul rest in peace,’ Burchell concluded.
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Eltha ‘Paulette’ Brown was not a household name but she was a Jamaican heroine
On the day following what would have been Eltha Brown’s 68th birthday, family, friends, and colleagues gathered to honor her remarkable life and legacy. A woman of modest stature but immense impact, Brown’s contributions to Jamaica and the world were profound, particularly through her work with the United Nations (UN), which touched countless lives across the globe. Born in Granville, St. James, on September 19, 1957, Brown was the youngest of six children. Her early academic excellence at Montego Bay High School, where she served as head girl and achieved nine distinctions in her GCE exams, foreshadowed her future accomplishments. Brown’s career spanned agriculture, finance, and international development, with significant roles at the Ministry of Agriculture, the National Commercial Bank, and the Commonwealth Secretariat. Her 16-year tenure at the UN-affiliated Common Fund for Commodities in Amsterdam saw her travel to 50 countries, embodying her Afrocentric pride and dedication to global progress. Despite health challenges, Brown returned to Jamaica, continuing her service with the UN Development Programme. Her brother Wemley Brown fondly recalled her generosity, humility, and unwavering commitment to family and community. Eltha Brown’s life was celebrated at the Boulevard Baptist Church in St. Andrew, where tributes highlighted her magnetic passion, tenacity, and the indelible mark she left on all who knew her. She passed away on September 7, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, leadership, and global impact.
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Watson, DaCosta dominate with four winners at Caymanas Park
Carlton Watson and Jason DaCosta delivered an extraordinary performance at Caymanas Park on Sunday, clinching four victories across the nine-race card. The highlight of their remarkable day was Dothraki’s triumph in the $1.25-million Vassel “Jolly Man” Najair Memorial Trophy, an Overnight Allowance race for three-year-olds and older, covering five and a half furlongs (1,100m). Guided by jockey Robert Halledeen, Dothraki seized an early lead, maintaining his position despite challenges from Incredible Jo (Raddesh Roman) and A Gift From Ben (Ramon Nepare). He crossed the finish line a length and a quarter ahead of Digital One (Dane Dawkins) and Teflon Don (Shaheem Gordon), clocking an impressive time of 1:05.4 (23.2 x 47.1 x 59.3). This victory not only showcased Dothraki’s exceptional speed and endurance but also set the stage for his upcoming participation in the Mouttet Mile this December. Watson and DaCosta’s other successes included Midnight Traveller (Halledeen) in the second race, Mineola (Clive Lynch) in the sixth race, and H Two O (Halledeen) in the seventh race. The three-day Heroes’ Day racing carnival concluded on Monday, with the first post scheduled for 11:35 am.