In a compelling letter to the editor, Gordon Laughlin outlines a transformative vision for Trinidad and Tobago (TT), emphasizing the nation’s rich cultural heritage, natural wonders, and untapped tourism potential. The author highlights the importance of attracting world-class hotel chains like Sandals, which recognize TT’s unique appeal—from its vibrant Carnival, pan, and calypso traditions to its pristine beaches, waterfalls, and world-renowned fishing spots. With Tobago’s recent airport upgrades, Laughlin sees a golden opportunity to develop twin destinations such as Nylon Pool and No Man’s Land, offering tourists diverse experiences in a single trip, thereby encouraging longer stays and higher revenue. Tobago’s charm, rooted in its quaint villages, vibrant culture, and natural attractions, positions it as a global competitor. However, the push for Tobago’s full self-governance must be carefully balanced with national unity to safeguard economic stability, currency, and development plans. Strategic tourism development, including initiatives like tours to Argyle Waterfalls, salt ponds, and community-based fishing experiences, can maximize foreign exchange earnings, create jobs, and support local communities. Laughlin calls for strong leadership, urging patriots to make tough decisions in the nation’s best interest, fostering equitable development and preserving TT’s cultural legacy for future generations.
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Time bomb in the kitchen
A recent tragedy involving an LPG gas tank explosion has highlighted critical gaps in public safety awareness and corporate responsibility. Ria George, a victim of the incident, followed advice to ‘take out the rubber and flip it over’ when she detected a gas leak in her kitchen. This fatal misunderstanding led to an explosion that claimed her life, underscoring the dangers of improper handling of LPG cylinders. The incident raises urgent questions about the adequacy of safety education and the accessibility of crucial information for households, particularly those in lower socio-economic brackets. Despite detailed safety guidelines available on the NP website, many remain unaware of these resources, leaving them vulnerable to similar disasters. The NP company’s passive approach to disseminating safety information has come under scrutiny, with calls for more proactive public education campaigns across social and conventional media. Historically, LPG-related incidents have been a persistent issue, with past measures like plastic seals proving insufficient. The recent tragedy has reignited debates about the need for stricter safety standards, routine testing of cylinders, and more robust consumer protection. As LPG remains a staple in households worldwide, especially in regions where electric stoves are cost-prohibitive, the onus is on companies like NP to ensure that safety is not an afterthought but a priority.
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Author Scarlet Ibis James to launch books in Trinidad and Tobago
Award-winning author Scarlet Ibis James is set to embark on a month-long Scarlet Book Tour, beginning on October 11, to promote her acclaimed works, *Scarlet Yearnings: Stories of Love and Desire* and *Scarlet Birthright: What They Left Behind*. The tour, announced on October 8 by Outright Concepts Ltd communications strategist Alette Liz Williams, highlights James’ growing international readership and her unique ability to explore themes of love, family legacy, and Caribbean identity through her tender and layered storytelling.
To celebrate her return to her roots, James will unveil a limited-edition print of *Scarlet Birthright: What They Left Behind*, featuring exclusive artwork by Nick Low and locally produced by Print on Demand Ltd. This special edition will be available exclusively at tour events.
The tour kicks off on October 11 with a premium sip-and-read experience at Scribbles and Quills Bookstore in Chaguanas, curated by literary expert Kevin George. On October 12, James will participate in the second edition of *Chapters and Chats*, hosted by Arlene Holman of the *Sunbeam Chats* podcast, at The Normandie Hotel’s Bird and Palm in St Ann’s. This event, a collaboration with LiveStyle Books, promises a relaxed afternoon of reading, reflection, and conversation in a cozy, book café-inspired setting.
The tour will extend to Tobago on October 15, with her books available at Heritage Haven Boutique and Shore Things Café and Craft. The journey will culminate on October 25 with an intimate author conversation at Paper Based Bookshop in Port of Spain, where James will be joined by author and publishing professional Marsha Gomes-McKie.
Each stop on the tour is designed to foster meaningful connections between James and her readers, offering more than just book signings. As the release notes, the events aim to create a genuine exchange, reminding attendees of the enduring power of storytelling in preserving culture and community.
For more details, visit www.scarletibisjames.com or follow @scarlet.ibis.james for updates.
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Yorke: Time for Trinidad and Tobago to deliver
Trinidad and Tobago’s men’s football team, led by coach Dwight Yorke, is gearing up for a crucial match against Bermuda in the final round of Concacaf World Cup qualifying. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the US on the horizon, Yorke is confident his squad is ready to elevate their game and secure a spot in the prestigious tournament. Currently, TT sits third in Group B with one point, trailing Jamaica (six points) and Curacao (four points). The team is eager to claim their first victory and goals in the final round when they face Bermuda on October 10 at the Bermuda National Stadium. Yorke, who assumed the coaching role in November 2024, emphasized the intense competition within the squad and expressed optimism about their progress. ‘This is my squad now,’ he stated, highlighting the team’s growing confidence and cohesion. The 26-man roster includes standout players like captain Kevin Molino, goalkeeper Denzil Smith, and forward Levi Garcia, alongside new additions such as Slovakia-based midfielder Molik Jesse Khan and Dutch-born right-back Deron Payne. Yorke stressed the importance of securing three points against Bermuda, acknowledging the challenges ahead but remaining focused on the immediate task. The team arrived in Bermuda on October 8 after an intense training camp in Miami, where Yorke and his staff worked diligently to prepare the squad for the upcoming matches. With the group stage’s top three teams automatically qualifying for the World Cup, TT is determined to make their mark and advance to the next stage of the competition.
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Dutch-born Payne ready to rumble with Trinidad and Tobago
Dutch-born right-back Deron Payne is set to make his international debut for Trinidad and Tobago as the team prepares for a pivotal FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifier against Bermuda on October 10. The match, scheduled for 6 PM at the Bermuda National Stadium in Devonshire, marks a significant moment for Payne, who has chosen to represent the country of his father’s birth.
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RBC Royal Slam Basketball tips off
The inaugural RBC Royal Slam College Basketball tournament officially launched last weekend with a dynamic opening ceremony at the Eastern Regional Indoor Sporting Arena in Tacarigua. This landmark event represents a significant investment in youth sports and education across the region, aiming to elevate school basketball and nurture athletic talent. Organized in collaboration with Next Level Performance (NLP) and the TT Schools Basketball Association (TTSBA), the tournament features seven top college basketball programs competing over four weekends. Key stakeholders, including Garvin Warwick of NLP, Allison Bastian of TTSBA, and Marc Jardine of RBC, attended the ceremony. Jardine emphasized RBC’s commitment to fostering excellence and community development through sports, stating, ‘This tournament is a direct investment in the future leaders and athletes of TT.’ Warwick highlighted the event’s broader mission to showcase top talent and provide collegiate pathways for athletes. The opening day saw thrilling matchups, with St Mary’s College narrowly defeating Presentation 94-91, led by Nkobi Ince’s 33 points, and Fatima College dominating Holy Cross College 118-72, powered by Idriis Martin’s 26 points. The tournament continues with doubleheaders on October 11 and 12.
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Jade Monkey Carnival Project riddim features 4 Tobago artistes
Boston-based music producer Diamond Dale has joined forces with Tobago’s renowned entertainment hub, Jade Monkey, to create the vibrant riddim titled *Jade Monkey Carnival Project*. Featuring four talented Tobagonian artists—Mikie Tower, Verse, J-Kez, and Shurwayne Winchester—the project blends the traditional soca sound with the trending Bouyon genre, offering a fresh musical experience for carnival enthusiasts. Initially conceived ahead of the 2025 Carnival season, the project faced delays due to the artists’ busy schedules. Winchester, the first to contribute, later encouraged Dale to share the riddim with other Tobago-based artists, leading to a full collaboration. Dale expressed his excitement about the all-Tobagonian lineup, emphasizing its significance in showcasing the island’s artistic talent. With the support of Dominican producer Dada, the riddim was finalized, with each artist crafting their unique track. Dale hopes this initiative will boost confidence in Tobago’s artists and encourage more collaborations. He also extended gratitude to Shurwayne Winchester and Jade Monkey for their unwavering support, calling the project a dream come true and a testament to Tobago’s rich cultural heritage.
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Manuel Congo illegal quarrying – Cycle of raid, rebuild, resume ended
A recent exposé by Sunday Newsday has brought to light the alarming environmental and infrastructural impacts of illegal quarrying operations in Trinidad. The story, initially published on June 29, 2025, revealed how an illegal quarrying site in Manuel Congo, Guanapo, was wreaking havoc on the region’s water supply and natural ecosystems. Following the report, newly-appointed Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro visited the site in July, leading to a temporary shutdown of the operation. However, in a shocking turn of events, Guevarro returned to the same location on October 9, this time shutting down a multimillion-dollar illegal quarrying outfit equipped with advanced machinery that had devastated acres of virgin forests, hills, and rivers. The operation, which had been converting tonnes of earth and rock into valuable aggregate, had been polluting the Guanapo River and threatening the Caroni Water Treatment Plant, which supplies potable water to hundreds of thousands of people. The Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) had earlier issued warnings about the pollution, but enforcement actions were delayed until the media spotlight forced authorities to act. Investigations revealed that the quarry operator, based in Sangre Grande, had illegally excavated over five hectares of state land and was linked to similar activities in other regions. Despite political connections and profits funding legitimate businesses, the operator was arrested in the October 9 raid, along with 18 others. The case highlights systemic failures in environmental regulation and enforcement, raising questions about the future of Trinidad’s natural resources.
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Ding Dong releases 2 songs ahead of Tobago carnival
Soca artiste Ding Dong, born Andre Houlder, is making waves ahead of the Tobago Carnival and the upcoming Trinidad Carnival in 2026. Known for his dynamic performances and innovative sound, Ding Dong has already released two singles, signaling his commitment to delivering a diverse musical experience for fans of all demographics and tastes.
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Chairman of selectors : Red Force can win Super50 Cup
Rajendra Mangalie, the newly appointed chairman of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board’s national selectors, has expressed confidence in the TT Red Force’s ability to clinch the Cricket West Indies (CWI) CG United Super50 Cup title. The tournament is set to commence in Trinidad this November, and Mangalie, a former opening batsman for Trinidad and Tobago, is optimistic about the team’s chances, particularly given their home advantage. Mangalie, who is joined on the selection committee by Frank Simmons, David Mohammed, Ricardo Paty, and head coach Rayad Emrit, emphasized the importance of assembling a balanced team to continue their proud record in the competition. The Red Force are the defending champions, having won the title in 2023 after a controversial finish last year saw the final forfeited by both Barbados Pride and Jamaica Scorpions. Mangalie highlighted the strong performances in the ongoing trial matches, noting the impressive contributions from players like Abdul-Raheem Toppin, Shaaron Lewis, and Tion Webster, who have already made their mark. He also praised the mix of youth and experience in the squad, which he believes will be crucial in maintaining their dominance in the limited-overs format. Despite the abundance of talent, Mangalie acknowledged the challenges of selecting the final squad but remains focused on giving Trinidad and Tobago the best chance to lift the trophy once more.