In a significant blow to the illicit drug trade, the Customs and Excise Division has confiscated narcotics worth over $11 million in a series of coordinated operations over the past week. The seizures included 38.998 kilograms of marijuana, eight ampoules of fentanyl, one vial of ketamine, and 0.606 kilograms of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). The marijuana alone has an estimated street value of $9,737,800, while the MDMA is valued at $1,515,000.
标签： Trinidad and Tobago
特立尼达和多巴哥
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Sobers: US troops to return to Trinidad and Tobago for joint military training
The United States military is set to return to Trinidad and Tobago next week for a joint training exercise with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF). The 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) will participate in the drills, which are scheduled from November 16 to 21. This marks the second such exercise in just over a month, following a similar engagement in October that saw the USS Gravely dock in Port of Spain. The exercises, which will span both rural and urban environments, aim to enhance military-to-military collaboration, focusing on equipment familiarity, tactical training, and professional development. US military assets, including helicopters, will be utilized during the operations, which are planned primarily for dusk and nighttime. Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Sean Sobers emphasized the importance of these exercises, stating, ‘Steel sharpens steel,’ and highlighting their role in strengthening the TTDF’s capacity to combat illegal drugs and weapons. However, the exercises have drawn criticism from Venezuela, which accused Trinidad of facilitating US military aggression. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has placed his military on high alert and mobilized civilian militias in response. US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Dr. Jenifer Neidhart de Ortiz defended the exercises, stating they align with US Southern Command’s mission to promote regional stability and counter transnational threats. Meanwhile, former officials and critics have raised concerns about the timing and scale of the exercises, with some suggesting they may be a precursor to broader military actions in the region.
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Last dash for ‘Nash’: Molino to retire after final World Cup qualifier
Kevin “Nash” Molino, the talismanic captain of Trinidad and Tobago’s senior men’s football team, has declared that the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Bermuda on November 18 will mark his final appearance in national colors. The 35-year-old striker made the emotional announcement during a post-match interview with the TT Football Association (TTFA) on November 14, following the team’s elimination from World Cup contention after a 1-1 draw with Jamaica. Despite scoring a late equalizer in that match, Molino acknowledged that the team’s World Cup dreams had been dashed. Molino, who initially retired from international football in September 2023, was recalled to the squad a year later and has since been a key figure in the team’s campaign. He described his decision to step away as deeply personal, citing years of immense pressure and physical strain. Molino emphasized his pride in representing Trinidad and Tobago and expressed optimism for the team’s future under head coach Dwight Yorke. He urged young players to maintain the right mindset and attitude, believing the team has the potential to become a formidable force. Molino also highlighted the positive changes within the TTFA, including improved professionalism and fan engagement, which have revitalized interest in the national team. As he prepares for his final match, Molino remains focused on the collective success of the team, rejecting any notion of personal failure and instead framing his journey as a valuable learning experience for the next generation.
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Rhythm of Culture by UWI dance community
The Winifred Attwell Auditorium at Queen’s Hall came alive on November 7 and 8 with the two-day dance extravaganza, *Rhythm of Culture*. This event, part of the Legacy Year Celebration, paid tribute to Hazel Franco, the founding coordinator of the UWI Department of Creative and Festival Arts (DCFA) Dance Unit. The production showcased 28 distinctive pieces, blending Caribbean heritage with Indian, modern, hip-hop, and contemporary dance forms, creating a dynamic dialogue between tradition and innovation. Choreographed by a talented ensemble including Deon Baptiste, Bridgette Wilson, Sherma Burke, Colin Rampersad, Terry David, Kizzy Murray, and others, the performances were a testament to the diversity and vitality of Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural landscape. Students from the BA and certificate programs, alongside community dancers, brought these pieces to life. Deboleena Paul, the dance unit coordinator, emphasized that dance transcends artistic expression, serving as a profound connection between body, mind, spirit, and emotions. Rooted in the ancient concept of Nitta Yoga, the festival highlighted the unifying power of art to inspire, transform, and nurture the next generation of artists. The final night concluded with an electrifying bongo performance by the Caribbean dance degree class, leaving the audience dancing and clapping in rhythm.
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Youth Transformation and Rehab Centre make basketball return
The Youth Transformation and Rehabilitation Centre (YTRC) marked a significant milestone with their return to competitive school basketball at the Elevate 3×3 Secondary Schools Basketball Championship. The event, held at the Eastern Regional Indoor Sports Arena in Tacarigua on November 14, saw YTRC re-enter the fray after years of absence from formal competition. Historically a dominant force in the East Zone Secondary Schools Basketball League, YTRC has previously clinched multiple zonal titles and represented the zone at national championships. Their participation in this year’s tournament underscores their commitment to using sports as a transformative tool for youth development. In recent years, YTRC has integrated 3×3 basketball into its rehabilitative framework, organizing events like the R³ 3×3 Invitational tournament to foster teamwork, discipline, and leadership among its residents. The Elevate 3×3 Championship, a national tournament, features top young talent across four divisions: Under-15, Under-17, Under-20 male, and open female. YTRC will compete in the Under-20 and female categories, showcasing players from their active basketball programmes. The TT Prison Service, which oversees YTRC, continues to emphasize the role of structured sports and education in rehabilitation, viewing athletics as a powerful catalyst for personal growth and societal reintegration.
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Operation Festive Shield launched for Xmas, Carnival
In a proactive move to combat crime during the festive season, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) has unveiled its Christmas and Carnival crime prevention initiative, dubbed ‘Festive Shield.’ The program was officially launched through community walkabouts led by senior TTPS officials and local government representatives in Arima, Tunapuna, and San Juan. During the Arima event, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Rishi Singh, alongside Superintendents Maynard-Wilson and McKenzie, joined Arima Mayor Balliram Maharaj in engaging with residents to address their crime-related concerns.
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From scratch: The joy of baking
Baking at home offers a therapeutic escape and a delightful way to spend your time. This weekend, why not dive into the world of baking from scratch with some mouth-watering recipes? Here are a few to get you started:
**Chocolate Swirl Banana Bread**
This recipe combines the rich flavors of chocolate with the natural sweetness of bananas. Start by mashing two large overripe bananas and mixing them with coconut oil, eggs, and brown sugar. Combine flour, salt, baking soda, nutmeg, cinnamon, and tonka bean, then stir into the banana mixture. Add cocoa powder to a portion of the batter and swirl it into the main mixture before baking at 350°F for 50 minutes.**Traditional Sponge with Lime Meringue Frosting**
For a classic treat, prepare a sponge cake by creaming butter and sugar, then adding eggs, vanilla, and milk alternately with sifted flour. Bake in greased pans at 350°F for 35-40 minutes. Top with a lime meringue frosting made by beating egg whites, adding a sugar syrup, and incorporating lime peel.**Coconut Lime Crunchies**
These cookies are a zesty delight. Mix melted butter, sugar, grated coconut, flour, baking powder, baking soda, cream of tartar, vanilla, and lime zest. Roll into balls, press gently, garnish with cherries, and bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes.**Date Walnut Bran Muffins**
Combine all bran cereal with buttermilk, then mix with sugar, flour, baking powder, baking soda, walnuts, cinnamon, vanilla, eggs, dates, and vegetable oil. Spoon into muffin tins, top with a butter, walnut, flour, and sugar mixture, and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.These recipes are perfect for a cozy weekend baking session, offering a variety of flavors to satisfy any sweet tooth.
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Ashworth Jack: Studley Park will make bricks, enhance profitability
The export of aggregate from Studley Park Enterprises Limited (SPEL) has been hailed as a transformative development for Tobago, enabling the island to capitalize on its natural resources for the first time. Former SPEL chairman Ashworth Jack emphasized the significance of this milestone, countering claims by former prime ministers Dr. Keith Rowley and Stuart Young that the plant could not meet local demand and was thus incapable of exporting. Jack dismissed these assertions as unfounded, highlighting SPEL’s strategic plans to expand operations and maximize production.
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Kes The Band lends voice to Jamaica’s rebuild
In a heartwarming display of solidarity, Trinidad and Tobago’s Kes the Band will join a constellation of international stars at the Jamaica Strong Benefit Concert on December 12. This star-studded event, featuring luminaries such as Shaggy, Sean Paul, Tessanne Chin, TOK, Mikey Spice, Richie Stephens, and Inner Circle, aims to raise funds for Jamaica’s recovery following the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa on October 28. The Category 5 storm left a trail of devastation, claiming 45 lives, displacing 30,000 households, and causing an estimated $6-$7 billion in damages. Thousands remain in emergency shelters, underscoring the urgent need for relief efforts. Beyond the concert, celebrities like Jamaican dancehall queen Grace “Spice” Hamilton have been actively involved in on-the-ground support, distributing essential supplies and aiding in infrastructure repairs. The Jamaica Strong Benefit Concert, set to take place at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, symbolizes a collective commitment to rebuilding and resilience.
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Alexander in dark about US Operation Southern Spear
Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander has stated that the Trinidad and Tobago (TT) government has no additional information regarding the US anti-narco terrorism operation ‘Southern Spear,’ announced by US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on November 13. Hegseth’s announcement on X emphasized the mission’s goal to defend the Western Hemisphere, remove narco-terrorists, and secure the region from drug-related threats. Alexander, speaking to the media outside Parliament on November 14, clarified that the TT government is only aware of the ongoing joint exercises between TT and US law enforcement agencies, which have been conducted for years. He acknowledged the positive impact of US air-strikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats between TT and Venezuela, citing a significant reduction in firearms, human trafficking, and illegal drugs entering TT. However, Alexander emphasized that the government has no further details on ‘Southern Spear.’ This revelation follows Attorney General John Jeremie’s announcement in a UK Financial Times article on November 13, stating that the US will ‘intensify exercises’ in TT in the coming days. The 22nd US Marine Expeditionary Unit arrived in Trinidad aboard the USS Gravely two weeks prior for military exercises with the TT Defence Force, held from October 26-30. Minister of Foreign and Caricom Affairs Sean Sobers confirmed upcoming joint exercises from November 16-21, aimed at enhancing local law enforcement capabilities. Meanwhile, concerns persist over the deaths of over 70 individuals, including Trinidadians Rishi Samaroo and Chad ‘Charpo’ Joseph, following US air-strikes on alleged drug boats. Their bodies remain missing, and while Sobers denied evidence linking their deaths to the strikes, relatives insist they were killed in the operation.