A catastrophic explosion at an explosives manufacturing plant in Tennessee has left multiple people dead or missing, according to local authorities. The incident occurred on Friday at Accurate Energetic Systems, located in the Bucksnort area of Hickman County. Emergency services swiftly responded to the scene, with the local sheriff’s office confirming the explosion on social media. Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis described the blast as ‘very devastating,’ noting that it completely engulfed one of the facility’s buildings. While the exact number of fatalities remains unconfirmed, Sheriff Davis acknowledged ‘some’ deaths and reported that several individuals are still unaccounted for. Authorities have secured the area but warned of potential smaller explosions. Accurate Energetic Systems, established in 1980, has yet to comment on the incident. The cause of the explosion is still under investigation.
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Anna-Lisa Guthrie named creative director of Yard Mas Carnival 2026
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Yard Mas Carnival has unveiled Anna-Lisa Guthrie as its new Creative Director for the highly anticipated 2026 carnival season. The announcement precedes the official band launch scheduled for late November 2025, which the organization claims will usher in a transformative era of design innovation, inclusivity, and artistic excellence for the Yard Mas brand.
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Rowley challenges government on OFAC licence details
Former Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley has called on the current government to disclose the specifics of the six-month OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control) licence granted by the United States to facilitate negotiations for a Dragon gas deal with Venezuela. Speaking at a press conference on October 10, Rowley emphasized that withholding such details could pose significant risks to Trinidad and Tobago, potentially endangering the nation’s future generations. The licence, announced by Attorney General John Jeremie on October 9, permits Trinidad and Tobago, along with entities like NGC, Shell PLC, and Futura Clara Ltd, to engage in transactions with Venezuela’s state-owned energy company, PDVSA. Jeremie highlighted that the current arrangement differs from the previous PNM administration’s approach, which involved licensing the entire project. Instead, the new ‘tiered approach’ grants a licence valid until April 2026, secured at a cost of less than $500,000—a stark contrast to the PNM’s $120 million expenditure with no tangible results. Rowley criticized the government’s indirect communication with Venezuela, attributing potential failures in negotiations to the administration’s alleged mismanagement since 2016.
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Creamery Yogurt partnerswith Cancer Society
In a significant move to bolster community health and cancer awareness, Creamery Yogurt has joined forces with the Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society (TTCS) in a groundbreaking partnership. The collaboration, officially launched at a press conference in Port of Spain, aims to raise funds and awareness for cancer prevention and support. For every tub of Creamery Yogurt sold between October 1 and November 30, fifty cents will be donated to the TTCS. This initiative aligns with Creamery Yogurt’s broader mission to enhance societal well-being and promote healthier lifestyles. Anastasia Pickering, the brand manager for Creamery Yogurt, emphasized the partnership’s alignment with the brand’s core values, stating, ‘Wellness extends beyond what’s on the shelf; it’s about nurturing a healthier, stronger society.’ Liza Yunis, Treasurer of the TTCS, expressed gratitude for the initiative, highlighting its potential to bolster the society’s long-standing efforts in cancer education, screening, and patient support. Marc Clarke, Marketing Manager at Hadco Limited, the local distributor of Creamery Yogurt, underscored the importance of private-public partnerships in driving meaningful social change. The funds raised will directly support TTCS’s cancer awareness campaigns, early detection programs, and patient services. Hadco Group, the parent company of Creamery Yogurt, continues to expand its influence across various sectors, including distribution, manufacturing, and recycling, with operations spanning Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, and the USA.
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Padarath meets with PowerGen executive
In a significant move to streamline the nation’s energy sector, Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath convened a pivotal meeting with the executive team of the Power Generation Company (PowerGen) on October 9. The gathering, held at the ministry’s head office in Port of Spain, marked a new chapter in the governance of Trinidad and Tobago’s power generation framework. This meeting followed a recent Cabinet reshuffle, as detailed in an October 4 gazetted notice, which transferred the oversight of PowerGen, Trinidad Generation Unlimited, and Powergen from the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries to the Public Utilities Ministry. The transition was previously under the stewardship of Dr. Roodal Moonilal, the former Minister of Energy and Energy Industries. Joining Minister Padarath were Clyde Elder, Minister in the Public Utilities Ministry, and Shivanna Sam, Parliamentary Secretary in the same ministry. The discussions centered on enhancing the operational efficiency of PowerGen and reviewing existing Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). Minister Padarath expressed optimism about the realignment, emphasizing its potential to foster greater synergy between electricity generation and distribution across the nation. PowerGen, established in 1994 as a subsidiary of the TT Electricity Commission (T&TEC), manages key power stations in Port of Spain, Point Lisas, and Penal. Despite several divestment initiatives, T&TEC retains a 51% stake in PowerGen. Padarath reiterated the ministry’s dedication to ensuring the reliability, transparency, and sustainability of the country’s power generation infrastructure, vowing to take a proactive approach to addressing sectoral challenges. In addition to his public utilities portfolio, Padarath, who represents Couva South in Parliament, also serves as a Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister. Reflecting on the Cabinet reshuffle, Padarath highlighted the urgent need to revisit the PPAs, which he claimed had been neglected by the previous administration. He underscored the government’s commitment to making these agreements more commercially viable and exploring new investment opportunities, in consultation with all stakeholders, as part of a long-term strategy for the energy sector.
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PM optimistic after high-level energy talks
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad and Tobago has conveyed a sense of optimism following high-level discussions with executives from three leading energy corporations. The meetings, held on October 9, involved representatives from bpTT, Proman, and Woodside, focusing on mutual interests and potential collaborative opportunities. The Energy Ministry highlighted the significance of these talks in a statement released on October 10, emphasizing the critical role of robust partnerships in advancing the nation’s energy sector and delivering long-term benefits to its citizens. Attorney General John Jeremie, Energy Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal, and Minister in the Energy Ministry Ernesto Kesar were also present during these discussions. In a separate statement from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), Persad-Bissessar reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing energy security by fortifying ties with major energy players. She emphasized that such efforts aim to position Trinidad and Tobago as a competitive and attractive hub for investment. The Prime Minister further stated that these international partnerships are pivotal in strategically and responsibly harnessing the country’s energy resources, paving the way for a more prosperous future.
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Tobago gets ‘critical’ free hearing screening
Residents of Tobago recently benefited from a series of free hearing and screening assessments held from October 8 to 10. The initiative, organized by the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Division of Health, Wellness and Social Protection in partnership with the Tobago Regional Health Authority (TRHA) and the Trinidad and Tobago Association for the Hearing Impaired (DRETCHI), aimed to address the island’s pressing hearing health needs. The event commenced at Roxborough Hospital and later moved to the Scarborough Library to accommodate more participants. Dr. Nathaniel Duke, Medical Chief of Staff at Roxborough Hospital, emphasized the necessity of bringing such services to Tobago, noting that previous events were oversubscribed, particularly by elderly individuals in need of hearing aids. He also highlighted the challenges faced by children awaiting hearing screenings, many of whom are placed on long waiting lists for services in Trinidad. The initiative provided diagnostic hearing screenings, neonatal hearing screenings, and support for hearing aids. Dr. Faith Brebnor, THA Secretary of Health, Wellness and Social Protection, described the event as highly successful, with over 70 individuals screened on the first day alone. She stressed that this initiative is part of a broader commitment to comprehensive health care, encompassing physical, mental, and sensory health. Dr. Brebnor assured that such events would continue, ensuring that Tobago residents have access to essential hearing health services.
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Veterans honoured as Tobago celebrates Calypso History Month
The Tobago House of Assembly (THA) officially launched Calypso History Month on October 7 at the Scarborough Library, marking the start of a month-long celebration of this iconic musical genre. Assistant Secretary of Tourism, Culture, Antiquities, and Transportation Niall George emphasized that calypso is more than just music—it is a profound expression of history, identity, and cultural heritage. Under the theme ‘Calypso: Heritage in Harmony, Empowering Tobago Voices,’ the event aims to educate, preserve, and honor the art form that has shaped Tobago’s national identity. The celebration, organized in collaboration with the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (TUCO) Tobago, includes exhibitions, school tours, calypso-yard performances, and public displays. These activities are designed to engage communities across generations, from students to elders, and even the diaspora. George highlighted the educational significance of the event, stressing the importance of teaching young people about calypso’s power to convey truth, inspire resilience, and uplift spirits. The launch also honored ten calypso veterans, including Roslyn Reid-Hayes and posthumous recognition for Rawle Titus, Henson Wright, and Sherwin Cunningham. George underscored the need to preserve the legacy of these icons, stating, ‘We must give flowers to our icons while they can still smell them.’ The month-long festivities will culminate in a Calypso Yard concert at Fort King George on October 21, ensuring that calypso remains a vibrant and enduring testament to Tobago’s cultural heritage.
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Brace for unstable weather conditions this weekend — Met Service
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Meteorological Service of Jamaica has issued a weather advisory, warning residents to prepare for rainy conditions as a broad trough sweeps across the western Caribbean this weekend. The weather system is expected to linger over the region for several days, bringing unstable weather patterns to Jamaica and neighboring countries.
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WATCH: Police widens search for missing schoolboy Jayden Smith
MANCHESTER, Jamaica — The search for Jayden Smith, a Manchester schoolboy who vanished two weeks ago, has intensified as law enforcement agencies expand their efforts to locate him. Jayden’s guardians, Ann-Marie Thompson and Omar Thompson, have expressed their willingness to cooperate with authorities, welcoming a thorough search of the vicinity surrounding their home in Wales, Newport, Manchester. The Thompsons have been deeply affected by persistent rumors and speculations regarding Jayden’s disappearance, which have escalated to threats against them. The Jamaica Constabulary Force has deployed multiple specialized units, including the Specialized Operations team, the canine unit, and the missing persons desk, alongside local Newport police, to meticulously comb the area. Despite the extensive search operations, Jayden’s whereabouts remain unknown, leaving the community anxious and hopeful for his safe return. The Thompsons have vehemently denied allegations of ill-treatment, dismissing them as baseless and harmful. As the investigation continues, authorities urge the public to provide any information that could aid in locating the missing child.