General Dan Caine, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff and a key military advisor to President Donald Trump, arrived in Trinidad and Tobago (TT) on November 26 for a high-level meeting with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. The meeting, held at the Diplomatic Centre in St. Ann’s, focused on reinforcing the strong bilateral relationship between the two nations, enhancing regional stability, and addressing the critical issue of drug trafficking and transnational criminal organizations. The US Embassy, in a statement issued on November 24, emphasized the shared commitment of both countries to these objectives. General Caine’s visit follows recent military exercises conducted by the US 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit in TT, which included two deployments in October and November. These exercises are part of a broader US-led anti-drug trafficking operation in the Southern Caribbean, supported by the TT government. However, the presence of US warships in the region has drawn criticism from Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who accused the US of pursuing regime change and TT of enabling such efforts. Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar has firmly denied these allegations, stating that the operations are solely aimed at combating drug trafficking.
标签： Trinidad and Tobago
特立尼达和多巴哥
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Red Force vs Volcanoes Super50 match abandoned due to rain
The 2025 CG United Super50 Cup faced yet another weather-induced setback as the highly anticipated match between Trinidad and Tobago Red Force and the Windward Islands Volcanoes was abandoned due to persistent rain. Scheduled to commence at 9 am on November 25 at the Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Ground in UWI, St Augustine, the game was called off just before 10 am due to a waterlogged outfield and unfavorable playing conditions. This marked the fourth consecutive match in the tournament to be disrupted by rain, leaving fans and players frustrated. The Red Force, coming off back-to-back victories against Jamaica Scorpions and Guyana Harpy Eagles, entered the match in second place with 20 points, trailing leaders Barbados Pride by seven points. The Windward Volcanoes, positioned third with 15 points, were unable to improve their standing due to the abandonment. The tournament, already reduced to six teams due to financial constraints, has seen its schedule further compressed. The round-robin stage will conclude on November 29 in Tarouba, where the top two teams will compete in the final. Meanwhile, other matches, including the clash between Guyana Harpy Eagles and Leeward Islands Hurricanes, were also delayed due to rain at the Queen’s Park Oval in St Clair. Weather permitting, the Red Force will face the Leeward Hurricanes on November 27 in their final preliminary round match.
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CoP: Handcuffs for social-media users destabilising TT
Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro has issued a stern warning to social media users, emphasizing that threats made online will be met with strict legal consequences. In a media release on November 25, Guevarro highlighted the role of the Cyber and Social Media Unit in monitoring online activities and gathering evidence against offenders. This warning follows a recent incident where Opposition senator Dr. Amery Browne shared screenshots of a Facebook post threatening his life and family. Additionally, a Diego Martin woman was arrested last week for allegedly inciting violence against Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar via social media. Guevarro expressed serious concern over the increasing trend of violent threats on social media, stating that such behavior is unlawful and dangerous. He clarified that while freedom of expression is a right, it does not extend to criminal conduct. Under the Emergency Powers Regulations 2025, Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander is empowered to issue Preventive Detention Orders to individuals who use social media to incite violence or endanger public safety. Guevarro urged citizens to engage responsibly online, reminding them that their words could lead to legal repercussions.
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Opposition to file Privileges motion, demands 3 apologies
The opposition has announced plans to file at least one privilege motion during the November 26 parliamentary session, targeting a senior government official for allegedly offensive remarks made in the previous sitting. Arouca/Lopinot MP Marvin Gonzales revealed at a media conference on November 25 that he intends to bring a motion against Attorney General John Jeremie over an alleged homophobic comment captured on a ‘hot mic’ during the November 21 session. The remark, ‘Hush yuh mouth, boy. Go and take yuh lil man,’ was made during a pause in proceedings as MPs debated the Virtual Assets and Virtual Assets Service Providers Bill, 2025. The target of the comment remains unclear. Gonzales condemned the statement as ‘reprehensible,’ expressing the opposition’s lack of surprise at such behavior. Additionally, Diego Martin North/East MP Colm Imbert is considering a similar motion against Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. During the sitting, the PM warned Imbert to stop pointing at her, to which he replied, ‘Why not?’ Persad-Bissessar responded, ‘Because I will cuff you down.’ Imbert is yet to decide whether to proceed with the motion. Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath defended the PM, stating she meant to address Imbert politically and accused him of initiating the conflict through ‘political molestation.’ Imbert denied these allegations. The opposition has demanded apologies from Persad-Bissessar, Padarath, and Jeremie.
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Judge in T&TEC’s ‘misrepresentation’ claim: Sort it out
In a significant legal development, Justice Frank Seepersad of the High Court has refrained from ruling on allegations of misleading the court in a contentious case involving the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) and a local doctor, Dr. Fayard Mohammed. The dispute centers on T&TEC’s policy for installing high-tension power lines on private property. Instead of issuing a verdict, Justice Seepersad corrected the official court record and called on T&TEC to conduct a thorough investigation into conflicting instructions reportedly given by its in-house legal officer to former external counsel. The judge emphasized the need for robust checks to prevent such discrepancies in the future. The issue arose after T&TEC’s legal officer, Candace Price, filed an affidavit claiming that former external counsel had misrepresented the commission’s position on policy documents. This followed a court order for T&TEC to produce the policy governing the installation of high-tension lines over private land. Price asserted that T&TEC had no intention to mislead the court. Earlier, in October, Justice Seepersad ruled that T&TEC had breached its statutory obligation under the Freedom of Information Act by failing to respond to Dr. Mohammed’s request for the policy. The judge noted that the court could not determine whether the conflicting accounts resulted from deliberate misrepresentation, confusion, or inadvertence, as Price’s affidavit contradicted previous statements by former counsel Keisha Kydd-Hannibal. Justice Seepersad formally amended the court record to reflect that T&TEC operates without a single policy document but relies on a combination of legislation, guidelines, and international standards. He directed T&TEC to investigate the matter internally to restore public trust and ensure transparency. The case continues to unfold, with Dr. Mohammed pursuing a separate lawsuit against T&TEC over the installation of high-tension wires on his property.
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Signal Hill up to 2nd after SSFL disciplinary ruling
The 2025 Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division witnessed a significant off-field development on November 25, as Signal Hill Secondary ascended to second place in the standings following a pivotal decision by the league’s disciplinary committee. The committee, led by Essiel Seecharan, convened on November 24 to address St Augustine Secondary’s failure to appear for a rescheduled match against Signal Hill in Tobago on November 17. With the league season nearing its conclusion on November 27, the committee swiftly ruled in favor of Signal Hill, awarding them a 3-0 victory and three points. This decision has intensified the title race, as Signal Hill now stands level on 34 points with league leaders Naparima College, albeit with a slightly inferior goal difference. The final matchday on November 27 will see Signal Hill face Naparima in a decisive clash, while St Benedict’s College, currently in third place with 33 points, remains in contention for the title. Meanwhile, St Augustine Secondary faces relegation to the championship division, as their 12-point tally leaves them vulnerable. The 14th-placed San Juan North Secondary and 15th-placed Scarborough, both with 11 points, will battle to avoid the drop, with one set to survive at St Augustine’s expense. Efforts to contact disciplinary chairman Seecharan and St Augustine coach Tacuma Jones were unsuccessful, but it is understood that St Augustine plans to appeal the committee’s ruling within the 72-hour window.
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Proper preparation prevents poor performance
The West Indies cricket team is facing a deepening crisis, with growing concerns over the leadership of head coach Daren Sammy and the overall management of the squad. Critics argue that the root of the problem lies not with the players but with the coaching staff and Cricket West Indies (CWI) president Dr. Kishore Shallow, who has been accused of deflecting blame rather than addressing systemic issues. Sammy’s decision to recall 37-year-old Kemar Roach, citing the need for experience, has been met with skepticism. Critics question why younger players are not being given opportunities to develop, especially in a sport where stamina and fitness are crucial. Roach’s recent injury and slow recovery further highlight the challenges of relying on aging players in international cricket. The team’s batting lineup has also been inconsistent, with players like Brandon King, Sherfane Rutherford, and Keacy Carty failing to deliver. While captain Shai Hope has shown consistency, the burden of carrying the team has limited his ability to inspire others. Despite Sammy’s praise for assistant batting coach Floyd Reifer and his emphasis on preparation, the team’s performance continues to decline. Sammy’s unwavering confidence in his staff and methods has drawn criticism, with many questioning his ability to lead the team out of its current slump. The lack of accountability and failure to address fundamental issues suggest that the West Indies cricket team may continue to struggle unless significant changes are made.
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Grenada PM: Sai Baba’s followers in TT helped hurricane recovery
Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell expressed profound gratitude for the love and support extended by followers of Sri Sathya Sai Baba in Trinidad and Tobago during the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl in 2024. Speaking at the vibrant centenary celebration of Sai Baba’s 100th birth anniversary at the Centre of Excellence in Macoya on November 22, Mitchell highlighted the rapid humanitarian response led by Sai devotee and Pennywise Cosmetics CEO Dalvi Paladee, who built and furnished 27 homes in Carriacou and Petite Martinique within three days. The event, hosted by the Paladee family and Pennywise Cosmetics, brought together regional leaders, diplomats, and devotees in a powerful display of unity and service. Mitchell praised the humility and selflessness of the Sai team, emphasizing that their actions restored hope, faith, and love to the affected communities. He described humility as a “superpower” essential for leaders and societies, urging a focus on service and purpose. Dalvi Paladee, in his address, called for a collective effort to address societal issues in Trinidad and Tobago, particularly crime, by infusing acts of service with genuine spiritual love. He emphasized that the nation is a “motherland” that cannot be abandoned in times of need. The celebration featured cultural performances and video presentations showcasing Sai Baba’s global humanitarian legacy and his principles of “Love all, serve all” and “Hands that help are holier than lips that pray.” Justice Minister Devesh Maharaj, representing Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, reiterated the government’s commitment to Sai Baba’s teachings, emphasizing that politics is fundamentally about service. Local Government Minister Khadijah Ameen echoed this sentiment, describing service as the highest expression of love. Sri Sathya Sai Global Council president Terry Maharaj outlined the organization’s ongoing humanitarian efforts, including building homes, feeding the needy, and conducting medical outreach. India’s High Commissioner Dr. Pradeep Singh Rajpurohit highlighted Sai Baba’s enduring message that “the world is one family,” which continues to inspire millions globally. The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks from Satnarine Paladee, who honored his late parents for instilling a lifelong devotion to service.
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‘Naps’, ‘Pres’ to face off in Intercol South Zone final
The stage is set for an electrifying showdown as Presentation College and Naparima College prepare to clash in the Coca-Cola Intercol South Zone final on December 1. Both teams secured their spots in the title match after impressive semi-final victories at the Ato Bolton Stadium in Couva on November 24. Naparima College delivered a dominant performance, crushing Palo Seco 6-0, while Presentation College edged out St Benedict’s with a 2-0 win. Naparima’s Jabari Rodriguez stole the spotlight with a hat-trick, supported by goals from Arron Raymond and Jaydon Caprietta, alongside an own goal from Palo Seco. Meanwhile, Presentation’s captain and prolific scorer, Isaiah Jacob, netted a second-half brace to secure their place in the final. The semi-finals were marked by intense midfield battles and missed opportunities, particularly in the first half of the Presentation vs. St Benedict’s match. Jacob’s clinical finishing in the second half proved decisive, as he twice outmaneuvered the opposition’s defense to seal the win. The match also saw moments of tension, with St Benedict’s Salim Soanes receiving a red card in the closing minutes. Now, all eyes are on the highly anticipated final, where the two city rivals will vie for the South Zone title and a chance to advance in the National Intercol competition.
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TTR, Fire Services rescue injured hiker after complex operation
A challenging and intricate search and rescue mission culminated in the successful extraction of an injured hiker from the dense forests of Brasso Seco, Trinidad and Tobago. Fayyad Hosine, who sustained severe injuries during a hiking expedition, was rescued on November 24 after a three-day operation involving the Trinidad and Tobago Regiment (TTR) and the TT Fire Services (TTFS). The incident occurred near the Sombasson Waterfall, a location that posed significant challenges due to its rugged terrain and limited communication capabilities. Hosine, part of a group of five hikers, injured his left leg on November 21 during a demanding 19-pitch descent approximately 17 km inside Lalaja South Road. While the other hikers sought help, hike organizer Justine Ramdhanie remained with Hosine. The rescue operation, led by five soldiers from the TTR’s 1st Engineer Battalion, including a female medic, and supported by TTFS search and rescue specialist Joseph Mohanlal, involved navigating steep and treacherous terrain both day and night. The successful rescue highlights the effectiveness of Trinidad and Tobago’s multi-agency emergency response framework and the dedication of the TTR and TTFS in ensuring public safety.