Furillo Narine, a 39-year-old from Couva, Trinidad, never imagined that a small lump in his chest would change his life forever. Initially dismissing it as insignificant, it was only after a playful moment with his son and his wife’s insistence that he sought medical advice. In August 2022, Narine was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer, a condition he didn’t believe could affect men. His disbelief turned to shock when the diagnosis escalated to stage 3A after the cancer spread to his lymph nodes. Undergoing surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone therapy, Narine’s battle was grueling. The emotional toll of losing his hair and a near-fatal sepsis episode during his final chemotherapy session marked the darkest moments of his journey. Yet, through it all, his wife Joanne Sinanansingh remained his pillar of strength. Post-recovery, Narine left his corporate career to start his own business, The Mac Man TT, focusing on online sales and tech support. More importantly, he prioritized his health and family, reclaiming precious moments with his loved ones. Narine now uses his story to raise awareness that breast cancer is not exclusive to women, urging men to seek medical attention if they notice unusual symptoms. His journey is a testament to resilience, love, and the importance of redefining life’s priorities.
标签： Trinidad and Tobago
特立尼达和多巴哥
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BIR & Customs to embark on recruitment drive
In a significant move to enhance tax collection and streamline government revenue, Trinidad and Tobago’s Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo has announced a comprehensive hiring initiative for the Board of Inland Revenue (BIR) and the Customs and Excise Division (CED). The announcement was made during the presentation of the 2025/2026 national budget, with the aim of optimizing revenue collection and improving the ease of doing business.
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Tancoo: 0.25 % asset levy for banks, insurance companies
In a significant fiscal move, Trinidad and Tobago’s Finance Minister, Davendranath Tancoo, announced the introduction of a 0.25% asset levy on commercial banks and insurance companies operating in the country. The announcement was made during the presentation of the 2025/2026 national budget at the Red House on October 13. Minister Tancoo highlighted that these institutions, due to their substantial size, profitability, and strong asset bases, have consistently reported high earnings and liquidity ratios. He attributed these outcomes to conservative lending practices and favorable monetary conditions. However, he noted that the average citizen continues to face exorbitant fees and negligible returns on savings and investments. The proposed levy, which excludes institutions operating under the Special Economic Zones Act, is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and is projected to generate approximately $575 million annually for the national revenue.
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Problem of politicising crime
In 2010, Debbie Jacob faced a pivotal moment in her career as an educator at the Youth Training Centre (YTC). Overwhelmed by the fear of failing her students—teenagers incarcerated for violent crimes—she sought advice from Sgt. Roger Alexander, now the Minister of Homeland Security. His encouragement to continue teaching proved invaluable. Jacob’s experiences, documented in her book *Wishing for Wings*, highlight the transformative power of education and the importance of societal acceptance for troubled youth. She emphasizes that many of her students lacked positive male role models and felt abandoned by society, factors that often led them into crime. Jacob’s work at YTC and later at Port of Spain (PoS) Prison revealed a recurring pattern: minors involved in crimes were frequently influenced by older, more experienced criminals. Despite this, Jacob argues that treating young offenders as adults is not the solution. She criticizes Minister Alexander’s stance on trying minors as adults, pointing out that such measures fail to address the root causes of crime. Jacob calls for a focus on social reform and education, rather than punitive measures, to break the cycle of crime. She believes that many young offenders are redeemable and that society must take responsibility for its failures in providing adequate support and guidance to at-risk youth.
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Caribbean cryptocurrency concerns
At a recent webinar on October 2, hosted by the Caribbean Digital Finance Alliance (CDFA), fintech professionals across the Caribbean convened to discuss the pressing issue of cryptocurrency regulation. The event, set to formally launch in November, was prompted by Trinidad and Tobago’s (TT) recent proposal to ban virtual assets, sparking a broader regional dialogue on the matter. Moderator Dennis Augustine emphasized that the discussion aimed to explore fundamental policy questions rather than critique specific legislation. He posed a critical question: Should the Caribbean adopt a cautious approach to virtual assets, or is outright prohibition the more prudent stance? Mark Pereira of ZLabs highlighted TT’s forex constraints, noting that the Central Bank’s opaque distribution of US dollars has led individuals to seek alternative methods, including cryptocurrency. Pereira advocated for regulated use of stablecoins to improve forex accessibility. Annie Bertrand of the CDFA underscored the influence of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in shaping regional financial compliance, while Prof Louis De Koker warned against the pitfalls of both pausing and banning virtual assets. Pereira proposed a public-private partnership framework, suggesting a regulatory sandbox to allow the Central Bank to test its systems. He emphasized that collaboration between the government and private sector could lead to a progressive virtual asset bill. De Koker echoed this sentiment, highlighting the private sector’s market insights as invaluable to regulators. With the global crypto market now valued at $4 trillion, the consensus was clear: all countries must adapt to this evolving financial landscape.
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Tancoo: Republic Bank board to be appointed
In a significant move to enhance economic fairness and regional representation, Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo announced that the government will soon appoint a majority of directors at Republic Bank Ltd. This announcement was made during the presentation of the 2025/2026 national budget at the Red House on October 13. Minister Tancoo emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that Tobago’s interests are represented on the boards of major financial institutions, including Republic Bank Ltd, First Citizens Bank, and Eximbank. He proudly stated that each of these boards will include a Tobago union-based presence, reflecting the government’s dedication to regional inclusivity. Currently, Republic Bank Ltd’s board includes chairman Vincent Pereira, president and managing director Nigel Baptiste, and directors Trevor Gomez, Edward Ince, Jacqueline HC Quamina, Caroline Toni Sirju-Ramnarine, Kristine Thompson, and Gregory Thomson. Republic Bank Ltd is a subsidiary of Republic Financial Holdings Ltd (RFHL), which recently saw the resignation of two directors: Shameer Ronnie Mohammed on October 3 and Waltnel Sosa on October 7. This strategic move by the government aims to strengthen governance and ensure equitable representation across the nation’s financial sector.
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Cool It, Xclusive win in Big Ballers Football League
The Big Ballers Football League witnessed another thrilling round of matches on October 11, with Cool It FC and Xclusive FC delivering standout performances. Cool It FC continued their unbeaten streak with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over 1st Engineer Battalion at the Northeastern Regional Multipurpose Sporting Facility in Sangre Grande. The decisive moment came in the second half when Ryan ‘Frye’ Stewart showcased his brilliance with a perfectly executed free kick, securing the win and maintaining their reputation as the league’s most formidable defense.
Meanwhile, Xclusive FC bounced back from their previous defeat with an emphatic 5-1 triumph over Boys Town Strikers. Despite a competitive first half, Xclusive capitalized on a turnover to score the opening goal. Boys Town briefly equalized after the break, but Xclusive quickly regained control, netting three more goals in rapid succession to seal their dominance.
In other league action, Manzanilla Challengers Rebirth defeated Dream Team 3-1, with Jerry Williams, Josimar Belgrave, and Darkeil Ferreira finding the net. Seed of Greatness Biche also impressed, overpowering Eastern County 4-2 with an early goal surge led by Shirvin Charles, Derrick Ali, and Nicholas Lanes.
The league continues on October 17 and 18, with key matchups including Cool It FC vs Dream Team and Seed of Greatness vs Xclusive FC, promising more excitement for football enthusiasts.
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A lesson in consequences, or Bravo, Jim Gavin
The southern Caribbean finds itself in a precarious position, caught between two volatile forces: the United States under its controversial former President Donald Trump and Venezuela led by its embattled leader Nicolás Maduro. Trinidad and Tobago (TT), seemingly powerless to influence the situation, faces a diplomatic dilemma. The Prime Minister’s strategy of picking a side and hoping for the best lacks inspiration, while neutrality risks alienating both parties. The region’s fate appears to hinge on developments beyond its control, leaving little room for meaningful intervention. Amid this uncertainty, attention shifts to Ireland, where a presidential election offers a glimmer of hope for political accountability. The race, now a two-person contest between Catherine Connolly and Heather Humphreys, was briefly disrupted by the withdrawal of Jim Gavin, a former Gaelic football star. Gavin’s exit followed revelations of an unpaid debt dating back to 2009, when a tenant accidentally overpaid rent. Despite repeated requests for repayment, Gavin failed to return the money, a decision that resurfaced during his presidential campaign. His abrupt withdrawal, though causing a minor political stir, stands in stark contrast to the global trend of shameless political behavior. From Argentina’s President Javier Milei, accused of nepotism and corruption, to Donald Trump’s continued political success despite multiple legal and ethical controversies, the bar for public office seems alarmingly low. Gavin’s decision to step down, albeit under pressure, offers a rare example of accountability in public life. While some argue his actions reflect his lack of political experience, others see it as a hopeful sign that integrity still matters. Ireland’s election process itself is noteworthy, as the presidency, though largely ceremonial, is determined by direct public vote rather than parliamentary appointment. This democratic exercise underscores the importance of accountability and responsibility in governance, lessons that resonate far beyond Ireland’s borders.
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EOC supports Jaipur Foot Centre in Trinidad and Tobago: Walking toward equality
In a landmark move toward social justice and inclusion, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has announced the establishment of a Jaipur Foot Artificial Limb Fitment Centre in Trinidad and Tobago (TT). This initiative, unveiled during a ceremony at the Diplomatic Centre in St. Ann’s on October 3, underscores the government’s commitment to restoring independence and dignity to individuals with disabilities. The Jaipur Foot Organisation, renowned globally for its cost-effective and innovative prosthetic solutions, has already transformed millions of lives worldwide. By bringing this model to TT, the nation takes a significant step toward ensuring free, world-class prosthetic services for its citizens. This project transcends healthcare, embodying a broader vision of equity and social participation. It aligns with the Equal Opportunity Commission’s (EOC) mandate to combat discrimination and promote equal opportunities for all, particularly for those with disabilities, who are protected under the Equal Opportunity Act. The centre will not only provide medical support but also empower individuals to rejoin the workforce, pursue education, and engage fully in their communities. The initiative’s far-reaching benefits include economic empowerment, emotional well-being, and national development, as restored mobility enables individuals to contribute meaningfully to society. The project is a testament to international collaboration, with the TT government partnering with India’s government and the Jaipur Foot Organisation. This partnership emphasizes sustainability through knowledge transfer and local capacity building. The EOC lauds this effort as part of a broader national strategy to foster inclusion, urging employers and educational institutions to embrace accessibility and diversity. The establishment of the Jaipur Foot Centre is a moral and national achievement, reflecting TT’s commitment to treating its most vulnerable members with dignity and respect. It serves as a reminder that investing in people’s potential strengthens the nation’s future. The EOC encourages citizens to celebrate this progress while continuing to address challenges to ensure every individual in TT has the opportunity to thrive.
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Tancoo’s budget theme: Promises made, promises delivered
The Trinidad and Tobago government has unveiled its 2025/2026 national budget under the theme “Promises made, promises delivered,” emphasizing its commitment to fulfilling election pledges. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo, delivering his maiden budget speech, highlighted the government’s focus on national development and improving citizens’ lives. The budget, described as a realignment of objectives towards a TT-first policy, is structured around five strategic pillars: restoring fiscal stability, unlocking productive investments, commercializing public assets, modernizing infrastructure and digital services, and enhancing social investment and safety nets. Tancoo reiterated the government’s mandate, granted by the people on April 28, to drive sustainable outcomes across the nation. The presentation was met with enthusiastic approval from government officials, signaling confidence in the budget’s potential impact.