The Tobago People’s Party (TPP) has announced that 55 individuals have submitted their nominations to stand as candidates in the upcoming Tobago House of Assembly (THA) elections. TPP leader Farley Augustine revealed this during a press briefing at Shaw Park on October 21. Augustine confirmed that the nomination process has concluded, and a committee is now rigorously vetting the nominees to ensure they meet the party’s membership and eligibility criteria.
标签： Trinidad and Tobago
特立尼达和多巴哥
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Sucre aims for bigger success in 2026
Sucre, the 2025 Youth Soca Champion, is poised to make waves in the soca music industry as he prepares for a monumental year in 2026. Representing the Zig Boi Music Group, this young artiste has already carved out a name for himself and is now gearing up to take on established acts in the upcoming Soca Champions competition. With a new single, *Gimme Wuk Darlin*, set to release soon, Sucre and his team are working tirelessly to ensure its success across diverse audiences.
Under the mentorship of Zig Boi Music Group CEO, Mr. Spine, Sucre has undergone a rigorous two-year development program. This initiative included exposure to live events, studio sessions, and networking opportunities, all while crafting unreleased music. In his second year, Sucre joined the legendary band Traffik, gaining invaluable experience in band dynamics and soundscapes. This led to the formation of the Evolution Band, a youth-centric group aimed at engaging younger audiences in soca music.
Spine reflects on the unexpected announcement of the Soca Champions competition, which provided a much-needed platform for young talent in Trinidad and Tobago. Sucre’s victory in the competition marked a significant milestone in his career, followed by a performance in St. Maarten, where he opened for the Morgan Heritage Family.
At just 24 years old, Sucre is not only focused on his own growth but also on inspiring the next generation of soca artists. With a music degree from the University of the West Indies and a Road March win in Guyana under his belt, Sucre is determined to create a community for young creatives and redefine the sound of soca music.
As he prepares to compete against top acts like Blaka Dan in the 2026 Soca Champions competition, Sucre remains committed to showcasing his talent and proving his worth on the grand stage. His journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the potential of youth in shaping the future of soca music.
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Nutrien shutdown puts 1,600 jobs at risk
The impending controlled shutdown of Nutrien Trinidad, a global leader in crop inputs and services, has raised concerns over the potential loss of more than 1,600 jobs. The shutdown, effective October 23, stems from limited port access and challenges in securing affordable natural gas supplies. Nutrien’s Point Lisas facility, operational since 1998, is a critical hub for its global fertilizer supply chain, exporting ammonia and urea to markets in North and South America, Europe, and Africa. The closure could significantly impact Trinidad and Tobago’s economy, as Nutrien contributes substantial foreign exchange earnings.
The National Energy Corporation (NEC), a subsidiary of the National Gas Company (NGC), issued formal notices to companies with significant arrears, including Nutrien, warning of suspended port access if balances exceeding $610 million were not settled within 14 days. Edmond Thompson, Nutrien’s Vice President and Managing Director, stated that the company disputes NEC’s claims of retroactive port service fees and has been engaged in constructive dialogue to resolve the matter. However, NEC’s decision to restrict port access has left Nutrien with no choice but to initiate a temporary shutdown.
Thompson acknowledged the potential need for temporary workforce adjustments, including short-term layoffs, while maintaining essential services and safeguarding assets. He emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting employees through the Employee Assistance Programme. The shutdown has sparked political tensions, with Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal attributing the crisis to the previous administration’s failure to negotiate new contractual arrangements with downstream operators. Former Energy Minister Stuart Young criticized the current government, warning that the energy sector is collapsing under its management.
The American Chamber of Commerce (Amcham) and the Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago have called for continued collaboration among stakeholders to address operational and infrastructural challenges. Both chambers emphasized the importance of maintaining investor confidence and ensuring Trinidad and Tobago remains an attractive destination for energy investment. The government’s efforts to resolve gas supply and infrastructure issues are seen as critical to safeguarding jobs and the future of Point Lisas.
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Reflections on the national budget
As the budget debate in Trinidad and Tobago’s Parliament concludes, the fiscal measures announced by Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo have come under scrutiny. While initially perceived as fair to the average citizen, the budget has revealed itself to be largely a continuation of past policies, lacking the bold reforms needed to steer the nation toward economic stability and growth. The government’s revenue projections remain heavily reliant on optimistic assumptions about oil and gas prices, the country’s primary income sources. This approach has drawn criticism for its failure to address systemic issues and its reliance on short-term fixes. Key concerns include rising tax burdens on consumers, ineffective tax collection mechanisms, and the absence of a clear strategy to diversify the economy beyond energy. The proposed reforms to the National Insurance Scheme also face skepticism, given the challenges posed by an ageing population and declining workforce participation. Critics argue that the budget lacks strategic direction, offering little insight into plans for critical sectors such as housing, education, agriculture, and national security. The financial burden, as in previous years, will likely fall on consumers, while escalating public debt threatens to burden future generations. Amid these challenges, the author advocates for the implementation of site value taxation, a system that could distribute the tax burden more equitably, promote economic diversification, and stimulate broad-based prosperity. This approach, phased in over several years, could correct imbalances in land, labor, and capital values, fostering a more inclusive and sustainable economy. While the current budget represents a missed opportunity for transformative change, the adoption of innovative fiscal policies could pave the way for a brighter economic future for Trinidad and Tobago.
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Trinidad and Tobago grouped with Mexico for 2026 Concacaf U-17 Men’s qualifiers
Trinidad and Tobago’s men’s under-17 football team has been placed in a challenging group for the 2026 Concacaf Under-17 Men’s Qualifiers, which will determine the participants for the upcoming Fifa Under-17 Men’s World Cup. The draw, held on October 21, placed TT in Group A alongside regional powerhouse Mexico, as well as Barbados, Saint Martin, and Sint Maarten. The qualifiers are scheduled to take place from February 3 to 12, with TT hosting their matches at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo. TT’s campaign begins on February 3 against Barbados, followed by games against Saint Martin (February 5), Sint Maarten (February 9), and Mexico (February 12). The top team from each of the eight groups will secure a spot in the World Cup. Mexico, already qualified for the 2025 Under-17 World Cup in Qatar, will be a formidable opponent for TT. Earlier this year, TT narrowly missed out on qualification for the 2025 World Cup after finishing second in their group behind Costa Rica. The 2026 qualifiers feature 34 Concacaf member associations divided into eight groups, with TT ranked 15th in the region’s under-17 rankings as of April 2025. The competition promises to be intense as teams vie for a chance to represent their nations on the global stage.
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![[UPDATED] CJ Ivor Archie retires, PM extends ‘deep gratitude’ for his service](https://wp.caribscopeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/931f73c75d0c3a572a37ab8119972698.jpg)
[UPDATED] CJ Ivor Archie retires, PM extends ‘deep gratitude’ for his service
After nearly two decades at the helm of Trinidad and Tobago’s Judiciary, Chief Justice Ivor Archie has officially announced his retirement, effective October 22. In a statement released on October 21, Archie reflected on his tenure, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve his country and optimism for the future of the Judiciary. He emphasized the importance of leadership succession, stating, “The office of chief justice is not private property… It is a sacred baton held in trust for one’s successors and the nation.” Archie, who became the youngest chief justice in 2008, highlighted his deliberate decision to retire at 65, rather than waiting until the mandatory retirement age of 70, to pursue new challenges and opportunities. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar extended her “deep gratitude” for Archie’s 18 years of distinguished service, acknowledging his significant contributions to the nation’s judicial landscape. During his tenure, Archie spearheaded judicial reforms, including the modernization of the Judiciary and the expansion of information technology use. However, his leadership was not without controversy, including legal challenges and allegations of misconduct. Archie’s successor will be appointed by the President after consultation with the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader. As he steps down, Archie pledged his full support to his successor, vowing to offer no unsolicited advice. He also expressed heartfelt thanks to his colleagues, staff, and family for their unwavering support throughout his career.
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Christopher Geroge, Adam Laing shine at Queen’s Park Judo tourney
The Queen’s Park Judo Club (QPJC) Tournament 2025, held on October 18 at the Cascade Community Centre, was a showcase of talent and determination, featuring Trinidad and Tobago’s first judo Olympian, Christopher George, and promising junior Adam Laing. The event attracted over 30 judoka and grapplers from various clubs and schools across the nation, highlighting the growing popularity and competitive spirit of the sport.
Christopher George, 41, demonstrated his exceptional skills by participating in both judo and submission grappling disciplines, securing victories in each. His mastery of control and composure earned him the men’s open judo division title, followed by the men’s heavyweight grappling crown later in the day. Meanwhile, 13-year-old Adam Laing delivered a commanding performance to win the boys’ 12–14 judo category, expressing aspirations to emulate George’s Olympic journey.
The grappling events also saw standout performances, with Charles Greenidge of EB Athletics clinching the lightweight title through his technical prowess. Other clubs, including TT Budokai, Samma, and Island Porrada, also made their mark with strong showings across various divisions.
The tournament concluded with QPJC extending gratitude to the Cascade Community Centre’s management and staff, as well as participants, spectators, and volunteers, for their collective efforts in ensuring the event’s success. The results across multiple age and weight categories underscored the depth of talent within Trinidad and Tobago’s judo community, setting the stage for future champions.
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CJ Ivor Archie to step down October 22
After nearly two decades at the helm of Trinidad and Tobago’s Judiciary, Chief Justice Ivor Archie has officially announced his retirement, effective October 22. In a statement released on October 21, Archie reflected on his tenure, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve his country and emphasizing the importance of leadership succession. ‘Trinidad and Tobago has been good to me, and I hope I have been equally good to my country,’ he stated. Archie, who became the youngest Chief Justice in 2008, had previously signaled his intention to retire before reaching the mandatory age limit of 70, a decision he described as deliberate and well-considered. He highlighted the need for fresh leadership and new ideas, likening his role to a relay race where the baton must be passed to the next runner. Archie’s successor will be appointed by the President after consultation with the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader. During his tenure, Archie spearheaded significant judicial reforms, including the integration of technology and initiatives to modernize the Judiciary. However, his leadership was not without controversy, facing legal challenges and criticism over certain decisions. Born in Tobago, Archie’s distinguished career spanned engineering, law, and public service, culminating in his appointment as Chief Justice. Beyond the Bench, he is known for his involvement in church ministry, sports, and music. Archie concluded his statement by pledging full support to his successor, vowing to offer no unsolicited advice, and expressing gratitude to his colleagues, family, and God for the privilege of serving.
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Paul, Phillip open Worlds quest in keirin, Wallace takes on sprint qualification
Trinidad and Tobago’s elite cyclists are set to make their mark at the 2024 Track World Cycling Championships in Santiago, Chile, commencing on October 23. The event will showcase the nation’s top talents across various disciplines, with high expectations for standout performances. Nicholas Paul and Njisane Phillip, renowned for their speed and precision, will kick off their campaign in the men’s keirin qualification at the Peñalolén Velodrome. Meanwhile, debutant Makaira Wallace will compete in the women’s flying 200m sprint qualification, marking her first appearance on the global stage. The sibling duo of Teniel and Akil Campbell will also represent Trinidad and Tobago, with Teniel participating in the women’s elimination race and Akil in the men’s scratch race. On October 24, Paul and Phillip are slated to compete in the men’s 1km time trial, while Teniel takes on the women’s omnium, a grueling multi-event competition. Wallace, if she advances past the sprint quarter-finals, will continue her journey in the semi-finals. Akil may also enter the men’s individual pursuit, adding to the nation’s medal hopes. The action continues on October 25, with Wallace returning for the women’s 1km time trial and Paul and Phillip, both two-time Olympians, beginning their quest in the men’s sprint. Akil will also commence his omnium races on the same day. The championships conclude on October 26, with Wallace vying for glory in the women’s keirin and Paul and Phillip aiming to secure podium finishes in the final rounds of the men’s sprint.
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AG tells law students: Confront anarchy, restore order in society
Attorney General John Jeremie, SC, has issued a compelling call to action to the nation’s aspiring lawyers, urging them to confront the escalating state of lawlessness in Trinidad and Tobago (TT). Speaking at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Faculty of Law’s Evening of Excellence on October 17, Jeremie emphasized the critical role of legal professionals in restoring balance, order, and the rule of law in a country grappling with one of the highest homicide rates globally.