Trinidad and Tobago’s table tennis representatives, Derron Douglas and Imani Edwards-Taylor, encountered a challenging beginning to their 2025 Pan American Table Tennis Championship journey. The tournament commenced on October 12 at the Rock Hill Sports and Event Centre in South Carolina, USA. The duo teamed up for the mixed doubles event but were outplayed by Canada’s Simeon Martin and Natalie Chan, suffering a straight-sets defeat with scores of 4-11, 6-11, and 5-11. Edwards-Taylor then faced a tough battle in the women’s singles round-of-64, losing 4-1 to Mexico’s Monica Munoz. Despite a brief comeback in the fourth set, Edwards-Taylor was overpowered in the decisive fifth set. Similarly, Douglas struggled in the men’s singles, falling 4-0 to Mexico’s Axel Emmanuel Lovo Alvarez, who dominated the match with consistent performances across all sets. The early setbacks have placed Trinidad and Tobago’s athletes under significant pressure as they aim to regroup for their upcoming matches.
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Officials elated with standard at Carifta Gymnastics trials
The future of gymnastics in Trinidad and Tobago (TT) is looking exceptionally promising, as over 170 young athletes demonstrated their talent during the Carifta Gymnastics Trials held on October 11 and 12 at the National Cycling Centre in Couva. The trials, which featured gymnasts aged seven to 19, aimed to select the national team for the upcoming Carifta Gymnastics Championships scheduled for December 6-7 at the same venue. Michelle Frankland, chairperson of the TT Gymnastics Federation’s women’s artistic committee, expressed her enthusiasm for the sport’s rapid growth and increasing competitiveness. ‘The level of our gymnastics in TT is tremendous,’ she said, highlighting the participation of 177 gymnasts across various categories, including the US Artistic Gymnastics and the Pan American Gymnastics Union Hopes. Frankland noted that the sport has expanded significantly, with 15-16 clubs now producing top-tier gymnasts, a marked increase from just a few dominant clubs in previous years. TT is set to host the regional championships for the first time, and Frankland is optimistic about the federation’s renewed energy and purpose. ‘We’re expecting participation from Aruba, Bahamas, Bermuda, Barbados, and others,’ she said. ‘It’s giving our federation a new energy and purpose.’ Christopher George, president of the TT Gymnastics Federation, echoed this optimism, emphasizing the steady improvement of the nation’s gymnasts. ‘Every year, we’re building up on the last,’ George said. ‘We dominated last year and we’re hoping to do it again this year.’ He added that the trials and training are crucial for preparing the athletes to perform at their best, with the ultimate goal of seeing homegrown gymnasts reach the World Championships and Olympics. With four local athletes now competing at level ten, the highest junior tier, George believes the pathway to international success is becoming clearer. ‘It’s monumental,’ he said. ‘We have three years until the Olympics, and it’s quite possible that one of these girls could get an opportunity to compete at the World Champs, and if they train extremely hard, they can get to the Olympics in 2028.’
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St James Police Youth Club hosts Beyond the Beat concert
The St James Police Youth Club marked its 33rd anniversary with a spectacular concert titled ‘Beyond the Beat,’ held at the Four Roads Community Centre in Diego Martin on October 5. The event was a vibrant celebration of culture and talent, featuring a lineup of distinguished performers and honoring cultural icon Gene Toney, founder of Cocorite YuJamaas. The concert showcased a diverse array of performances, including the rhythmic beats of the Diegoville Drummers, the energetic moves of Organized Chaos, and the captivating dances by the St James Police Youth Club Ballroom Dancing Academy, featuring Taylor McCalfin and Malik Sharbodie. Austin ‘SuperBlue’ Lyons, a legendary calypsonian, thrilled the audience with his dynamic performance, while Xhaiden Darius, the 2025 National Junior Calypso Monarch, delivered a standout act. The Cocorite Ujamaa Folk Performers added a traditional touch with their fan dance, and the Ignited Dancers (Juniors) brought youthful energy to the stage. The event also included a special award presentation to calypsonian Philip ‘Black Sage’ Murray by Corporal Derrick Sharbodie, founder and manager of the St James Police Youth Club. Newsday photographer Faith Ayoung captured the essence of the celebration through her lens, documenting the memorable moments of this cultural extravaganza.
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West Indies rely on ‘application’ in fightback against Kuldeep-inspired India
In a display of determination, the West Indies cricket team ended day three of the second Test against India at 173-2 in their second innings, still needing 97 runs to force India to bat again. Despite being forced to follow-on after being bowled out for 248 in their first innings, the visitors showcased a spirited performance, particularly from opener John Campbell and Shai Hope, who remained unbeaten at 87 and 66 respectively. Their unbroken 138-run partnership stands as the highest for the West Indies in Tests this year. Earlier, India’s Kuldeep Yadav claimed five wickets, helping the hosts enforce the follow-on. Assistant Coach Ryan ten Doeschate defended the decision, stating it was a valuable test for the team. West Indies spinner Khary Pierre emphasized the importance of application, noting the deteriorating pitch could pose challenges for India’s batsmen. India had previously won the first Test in Ahmedabad by an innings and 140 runs.
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Tufton hoping to end stigma with Bellevue name change
For many Jamaicans, the mention of Bellevue Hospital evokes images of a ‘madhouse’ or ‘mad people,’ a perception deeply rooted in its history since its establishment in 1861 as the Jamaica Lunatic Asylum. This negative stigma has persisted for over a century, but Jamaica’s Health and Wellness Minister, Dr. Christopher Tufton, is determined to change this narrative. Speaking at a recent Jamaica Observer Monday Exchange, Tufton emphasized the need to rebrand the institution to foster a more positive public perception of mental health care. ‘The name Bellevue itself carries a stigma,’ Tufton stated, adding that renaming the hospital is a consideration he will recommend as part of broader reforms. The hospital is set for redevelopment, with plans to construct a 100-bed facility to address acute mental health cases. The 50-acre site will be segmented, with portions dedicated to mental wellness and other health-related purposes. Tufton stressed the importance of repositioning Bellevue as a place of healing and support, rather than a source of societal ostracism. Historically, Bellevue began as a mental health facility in the 1840s, evolving from the Jamaica Lunatic Asylum to its current name in 1946. Today, it serves approximately 400 patients across 23 wards and is the largest psychiatric institution in the English-speaking Caribbean. Since 2010, the hospital has undergone significant reforms, focusing on de-stigmatization, decentralization, and reducing long-term institutionalization. The goal is to rehabilitate patients swiftly and reintegrate them into their communities, marking a shift toward a more progressive approach to mental health care in Jamaica.
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Advocate.Pioneer.Prodigy
The transformative impact of Allan ‘Skill’ Cole on Jamaica’s music landscape was celebrated during a heartfelt thanksgiving service at the National Arena on October 11. Kay Osbourne, a close friend of Cole for over six decades and former general manager at Television Jamaica, highlighted his pivotal role in breaking barriers for reggae and Rastafari music on Jamaican radio in the 1970s. At a time when such genres were shunned by mainstream media, Cole’s relentless efforts ensured that the music of The Wailers, including Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Bunny Wailer, found its way onto airwaves, particularly through the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation. This marked a significant shift in the cultural and musical identity of Jamaica. Cole, a prodigy who represented Jamaica in football at just 15, was deeply intertwined with the music scene. His defiance of societal norms and his advocacy for Rastafari messages through music were instrumental in the roots-reggae explosion of the era. The service featured tributes from prominent artists such as Beenie Man, Junior Reid, and Stephen Marley, underscoring Cole’s enduring legacy. Cole, who managed Bob Marley during his final U.S. tour in 1980, epitomized the social awakening of Jamaica in the 1960s and 1970s. His contributions to music and culture were honored by industry figures, including Marcia Griffiths, Olivia Grange, and Mark Golding, who gathered to pay their respects.
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Trelawny focuses on the homeless
FALMOUTH, Trelawny — The Trelawny Municipal Corporation (TMC) is gearing up to host its second annual 5K run/walk event on November 23, aiming to raise funds to support the parish’s homeless population. Notably, the proceeds from last year’s inaugural event remain untouched due to the suspension of a planned chicken-rearing project at the homeless center, following concerns raised by the health department regarding potential risks. This year’s funds will be combined with last year’s to finance a new, yet-to-be-determined initiative for the shelter. The event is organized by the TMC’s Poor Relief Department and Disaster Management unit. Mayor of Falmouth, Councillor C Junior Gager, enthusiastically encouraged widespread participation during a recent TMC meeting, highlighting strong private sector support. One company has pledged full staff participation, underscoring the community’s commitment. Registration fees are set at $2,000 for adults and $1,000 for children, with all proceeds directly benefiting the homeless community.
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TRACING THE J’CAN BLUEPRINT
WILLEMSTAD, Curacao — Amid growing concerns over Jamaica’s football program, Gilbert Martina, President of the Curacao Football Federation, has hailed Jamaica as a regional benchmark. Martina is determined to leverage Jamaica’s expertise to elevate Curacao’s football standing in the Caribbean. Since gaining independence in 2011 following the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles, Curacao has made significant strides in international football. Their 2017 Caribbean Cup victory over Jamaica propelled them to 68th in the FIFA rankings, and they reached the quarter-finals of the 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup. Despite falling short in previous World Cup campaigns, Curacao is now closer than ever to qualifying for the global tournament, thanks to a recent 2-0 win over Jamaica in a crucial Concacaf World Cup Qualifier. This victory placed them atop Group B with seven points, surpassing Jamaica’s six. Martina, a seasoned businessman, has been instrumental in addressing financial and organizational challenges since assuming the federation’s presidency earlier this year. He has secured sponsorships, including Corendon Airlines, and revived the national football league after a three-year hiatus. Martina is also collaborating with Jamaican officials to replicate their successful professional league model and integrate Jamaica’s physical and technical strengths into Curacao’s gameplay. With three games remaining, Curacao aims to maintain its lead in the qualifiers, with Martina believing that World Cup qualification would be a transformative moment for the nation, inspiring hope and pride among its youth.
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5 years, no progress
Five years after the Mental Health (Offenders) Inquiry Committee, commissioned by Chief Justice Bryan Sykes, urged the Jamaican Ministry of Health to establish dedicated facilities for mentally ill individuals in conflict with the law, no such space has been identified. Hundreds of these individuals remain detained in correctional institutions, often for decades, with half still awaiting trial. The committee, comprising representatives from the judiciary, human rights organizations, and health and correctional services, highlighted the systemic failure to address the therapeutic needs of these detainees. Dr. Kevin Goulbourne, consultant psychiatrist and director of Mental Health and Substance Use at the ministry, recently confirmed that efforts are ongoing to create a more humane environment outside the prison system. The 2020 report emphasized that correctional facilities are ill-equipped to handle mental health care, a responsibility historically shifted from Bellevue Hospital to the Department of Correctional Services in the 1970s. Justice Georgiana Fraser, the committee chair, stressed the urgency of designating appropriate facilities, noting that many detainees have not been tried or found guilty. The report also criticized successive health ministers for failing to address this issue. Goulbourne acknowledged the challenges, including the lack of early assessments and the absence of a forensic psychiatric unit. Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton emphasized the need for collaboration between health, justice, and security sectors to improve mental health support for incarcerated individuals. Chief Justice Sykes has called for systemic reforms to ensure timely court appearances and appropriate care for mentally disordered defendants, who currently cannot be discharged without a trial verdict.
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Tracking travel
A groundbreaking smart card system is set to revolutionize the safety and efficiency of Jamaica’s Rural School Bus Programme, offering parents real-time tracking of their children’s journeys to and from school. Developed by El Hydro, the technology partner for the initiative, the system will notify parents instantly via SMS or a dedicated app when their child boards or exits a school bus. This feature aims to bolster confidence in the programme, which is still in its developmental stages.