The United States Department of State has announced its intention to designate Cartel de los Soles as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), effective November 24. The announcement, made on November 16 by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, accuses the cartel of being based in Venezuela and led by President Nicolás Maduro. The statement further alleges that high-ranking officials within Maduro’s regime are involved in the cartel, which has allegedly corrupted Venezuela’s military, intelligence, legislature, and judiciary. The US government asserts that neither Maduro nor his associates represent Venezuela’s legitimate government. The release also claims that Cartel de los Soles, alongside other designated FTOs such as Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel, is responsible for terrorist violence across the hemisphere and drug trafficking into the United States and Europe. The US vows to utilize all available tools to safeguard national security interests and disrupt funding to narco-terrorists. The designation was made under section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and will take effect upon publication in the Federal Register. This move follows recent debates among US politicians regarding the legality of President Trump’s military strikes on alleged narco-terrorist boats in the southern Caribbean Sea, which resulted in numerous casualties.
标签： Trinidad and Tobago
特立尼达和多巴哥
-
Infant formula recall after botulism outbreak
The Ministry of Health (MoH) has issued a critical advisory to parents regarding an international recall of ByHeart Whole Nutrition baby formula, which has been linked to multiple cases of infant botulism. While the product is not officially listed for sale in Trinidad and Tobago, the ministry is urging caution as consumers may have purchased it online. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the contaminated formula has caused severe health issues in infants. Symptoms of infant botulism include poor feeding, loss of head control, difficulty swallowing, and decreased facial expression. Parents are advised to seek immediate medical attention if their child exhibits any of these symptoms after consuming the formula. The ministry emphasized that symptoms may take several weeks to manifest, urging continued vigilance. Additionally, the public is advised to discontinue use of the product, consult a physician if adverse effects are observed, and return the product to the point of purchase where possible. For further information, individuals can contact the Chemistry Food and Drug Division at (868) 217-4664 Ext. 13121.
-
Operation Trident leads to arrests, ganja seized
The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) has hailed its recent Operation Trident as a resounding success, following a series of coordinated anti-crime efforts in the Southern Division over the weekend. The operation, which spanned Saturday and Sunday, led to multiple arrests, the seizure of illegal drugs, and the recovery of a firearm.
-
Penal couple murdered in home invasion
In a harrowing incident that has shaken the community of Penal, Trinidad and Tobago, a married couple, Babita Vialva, 40, and Raffeak Vialva, 51, were fatally shot during a violent home invasion in the early hours of November 17. The tragedy unfolded at their residence on Penal Rock Road, where they were accompanied by their 19-year-old daughter at the time of the attack.
According to an eyewitness, who was preparing for work at the time, an unidentified man arrived at the couple’s home around 3 am in a vehicle. The assailant forcefully entered the premises by breaking down the front door. The witness recounted hearing three distinct gunshots, prompting them to retreat upstairs for safety.
Upon investigation, relatives discovered Babita deceased in the bedroom, while Raffeak was found critically injured in the corridor. Despite efforts to save him, Raffeak succumbed to his injuries en route to the hospital. The couple’s daughter, fortunately, remained unharmed and was comforted by friends and family outside the home.
Authorities are currently exploring the possibility that the attack was a botched robbery. However, family members, who chose to remain anonymous, suggested that the intruder may have left empty-handed, as there was no evidence of the home being ransacked. The investigation continues as the community mourns the loss of the Vialva couple.
-
Family, friends mourn Alexia Trim – law student hailed for her humility, strength
The St Francis of Assisi RC Church in Belmont was filled with heartfelt tributes and profound grief as family, friends, and educators gathered to honor the life of Alexia Trim, a 23-year-old UWI law student who passed away in Colombia on October 22. Trim, who was set to graduate with first-class honors in Law from the University of the West Indies (UWI) St. Augustine campus, succumbed to complications from arteriovenous malformation, a rare condition affecting blood vessels in the brain.
Her funeral on November 15 was a poignant celebration of her life, marked by eulogies that highlighted her ambition, intelligence, humility, and unwavering faith. Trim’s mother, Marsha Trim, shared a moving tribute through her friends, recounting the joys of her daughter’s birth and her remarkable ability to face life’s challenges with grace and dignity. Despite enduring health struggles during her final year of studies, Trim remained optimistic about her future, eagerly anticipating her graduation and further studies in law.
Former teachers and peers also paid homage to Trim’s extraordinary character. Lisa Rodriguez, a former teacher at St. Joseph’s Convent, described Trim as a beacon of faith and humility, whose life radiated a divine light. Dr. Timothy Affonso, deputy dean of the Faculty of Law at UWI, praised her civic-mindedness and the positive impact she had on her peers and faculty.
Fr. Mikkel Trestrail, who delivered the homily, reflected on Trim’s acceptance of her fate, sharing that she had expressed peace with her journey just days before her passing. He likened the mourners to ‘lumps of dough transformed into donuts,’ emphasizing that Trim’s death had left a void in their hearts but also a lasting legacy of love and faith. Trestrail encouraged those present to deepen their relationship with God, assuring them that Trim’s love and the love of Christ would guide them through their grief.
The funeral concluded with a powerful message of hope, as Trestrail reminded attendees that Trim’s spirit would live on in their hearts and in God’s Kingdom, a testament to the enduring power of love and faith.
-
Post-treaty tensions in Tobago
The Treaty of Paris in 1763 marked a significant moment for British control over Tobago, yet the aftermath was far from peaceful. The British administration faced immediate challenges, as France, though subdued at the negotiation table, harbored intentions to reclaim the island. Recognizing the precariousness of their position, the British prioritized security, understanding that their survival hinged on robust defenses. Their initial strategy involved increasing the British landowning population to bolster loyalty and defense against potential French incursions. However, this plan faltered, as the number of resident British landowners remained insufficient. The administration also established a militia to counter external threats, including French privateers and pirates, as well as internal resistance from the growing enslaved population. Despite these efforts, the island’s vulnerability persisted, particularly due to its numerous bays, which served as entry points for slavers and hideouts for pirates. The British sought to enhance security by appointing military ranks to defend the bays, but this proved inadequate given the limited human resources. Simultaneously, the administration focused on land division, creating plantations but neglecting essential infrastructure like roads. This oversight was later addressed through the imposition of a land tax and the enlistment of enslaved laborers for road construction. The ambitious plan aimed to connect the island’s parishes and improve communication, but progress was slow and hampered by resistance from enslaved Africans and the limited availability of qualified white men. Ultimately, the British administration’s inability to fortify Tobago’s defenses and establish effective communication networks left the island vulnerable. In 1781, France capitalized on these weaknesses, recapturing Tobago and dealing a significant blow to the British planting community.
-
Taking a win from the loss
The Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) senior men’s national football team concluded their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign with a 1-1 draw against Jamaica on November 13 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium. Despite a spirited performance in front of a passionate home crowd, the result left the team with only six points, eliminating any chance of advancing to the World Cup. Their final qualifier match against Bermuda on November 18 will be a mere formality, as they cannot secure a top-two finish in their group. Jamaica opened the scoring in the 53rd minute, but T&T’s substitute Kevin Molino equalized just four minutes before the final whistle. A promising stoppage-time effort by debutant forward Roald Mitchell, a New York Red Bulls player, was cut short due to a hamstring injury. Statistically, T&T dominated the game with 62% possession, 17 shots on goal compared to Jamaica’s six, and 411 passes to Jamaica’s 257. However, their inability to convert opportunities into goals proved costly. Coach Dwight Yorke defended his strategy, emphasizing that it worked as planned despite the lack of goals. He called for a focus on developing a stronger squad and nurturing home-grown coaching talent. Yorke’s first year as coach has revitalized local interest in football, with increased fan attendance and sponsorship support. However, T&T remains at the early stages of building a competitive team. The government’s ‘grandfather clause’ to expand the pool of eligible players is a step forward, but long-term success hinges on investing in youth development programs like the Secondary Schools Football League and improving talent identification processes, such as the poorly handled National Under-17 trials on November 9. Yorke’s experience as a former professional player will be crucial in guiding the next generation of T&T footballers, ensuring a more competitive future World Cup campaign.
-
Michelle Baptiste: Reshaping women’s future
Michelle Baptiste, a 48-year-old entrepreneur from Chaguanas, Trinidad, is redefining the future of women through her Caribbean shapewear brand, Selecfit. Her journey is one of resilience, independence, and self-belief, inspiring women across the region. Baptiste’s early life was marked by instability and hardship. Growing up in a single-parent household, she faced numerous challenges, including frequent relocations and emotional scars from abuse. Despite these struggles, she found solace in books, which nurtured her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. Baptiste’s family background in tailoring and her early ventures into entrepreneurship laid the foundation for her future success. After years of selling internationally made shapewear, she identified a gap in the market for products tailored to Caribbean women’s unique body types. This realization led to the creation of Selecfit in 2009. Despite financial constraints and personal losses, Baptiste persevered, expanding her brand to multiple locations and introducing complementary products like Slim Tea and Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies. Her commitment to quality and authenticity has earned her a loyal customer base, and she now aims to manufacture locally and expand regionally. Baptiste also uses her platform to promote body positivity and mentor aspiring female entrepreneurs, encouraging them to embrace their potential and take bold steps toward their dreams.
-
Gui’s Garvin Cadogan celebrates first anniversary – Trinis get a taste for Korean food
Garvin Cadogan, a 61-year-old entrepreneur with a diverse career spanning stock trading in New York to owning one of Trinidad’s most popular Korean BBQ restaurants, exemplifies the art of seizing opportunities. His journey began in Brooklyn, where he taught a Korean student how to trade stocks. Grateful for his mentorship, she encouraged him to open a Korean BBQ restaurant in his homeland, Trinidad. With her support, including menu development and staff training, Cadogan launched Gui Korean BBQ in November 2024 at Ariapita Avenue’s Food Square. The restaurant quickly gained popularity, offering authentic Korean dishes like BBQ meats, rice bowls, and dumplings. Despite initial resistance, Cadogan introduced fried rice to cater to local tastes, leading to the creation of the Gui Fried Rice Factory. The open-concept kitchen allows customers to interact with chefs, customizing their meals. Cadogan’s success has spurred expansion plans, with a new branch in Valpark set to open in December and future locations in Chaguanas, South Trinidad, Arima, and Tobago. His philosophy of seizing opportunities and adapting to customer demands has been key to his thriving business. Cadogan’s daughter, Leah, plays a pivotal role in managing and marketing the restaurant, with plans to diversify into retailing frozen dumplings and wontons. Despite challenges, their commitment to consistency and innovation ensures Gui Korean BBQ remains a beloved culinary destination in Trinidad.
-
Hadco offers Pasture Fresh lamb, prime cuts for Trinidad and Tobago market
Hadco, a leading food company, unveiled its new Pasture Fresh lamb range at a high-profile event held at The Forge in El Socorro on November 7. The launch aimed to highlight the superior quality of grass-fed lamb, sourced from New Zealand, and its potential to elevate culinary experiences. The event was attended by Hadco officials, restaurateurs, culinary partners, and media representatives. Marc Clarke, Hadco’s marketing manager, emphasized the company’s commitment to delivering not just food but culture, joy, and quality. He described the Pasture Fresh lambs as pasture-raised, free-roaming, and naturally fed, ensuring tenderness and exceptional flavor. Brandon Harry, the brand manager for Pasture Fresh, likened the product to the ‘Wagyu of lamb,’ promising unmatched quality. Chef Khalid Mohammed, one of nine global brand ambassadors for Pasture Fresh, prepared six innovative lamb dishes for the event, showcasing the versatility of the product. The dishes included spicy lamb chorizo tacos, Persian grilled lamb burgers, and Trinitario cacao-crusted rack of lamb. The Forge’s state-of-the-art kitchen allowed guests to witness the culinary process firsthand. Hadco’s new lamb range will soon be available in various cuts, including lamb chops, sausages, and patties, catering to both professional chefs and home cooks. The launch reflects Hadco’s dedication to raising industry standards and providing consumers with responsibly sourced, high-quality products.