The decision by Cricket West Indies (CWI) to introduce a mental skills and performance coach for the senior men’s cricket team has sparked considerable debate. Critics argue that cricket, inherently a psychological game, relies on players’ temperament, passion, and enthusiasm, which are best nurtured by a coach with deep cricketing experience. The move was recommended by CWI’s Cricket Strategy and Officiating Committee, established in August following the team’s dismal performance against Australia, where they were bowled out for just 27 runs in Kingston. The committee includes cricket legends Clive Lloyd and Brian Lara, the latter being the first West Indies captain to lose all five Test matches in a single series during the 1998/99 tour of South Africa. Critics question the assumption that top international cricketers automatically make effective coaches, citing the challenges of transitioning from playing to coaching. While former players like Sir Vivian Richards have struggled in coaching roles, they can still offer valuable mentorship. CWI’s Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, defends the decision, emphasizing the importance of mindset and composure at the elite level. However, skeptics argue that a single, well-qualified coach should suffice, questioning the need for additional handlers and the associated costs. The effectiveness of this strategy remains to be seen, as the team’s performance under the current administration continues to be scrutinized.
标签： Trinidad and Tobago
特立尼达和多巴哥
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Nicki Minaj to address UN on November 18
In a surprising collaboration, Trinidadian rapper Nicki Minaj has partnered with former US President Donald Trump to draw global attention to the persecution of Christians in Nigeria. The initiative was announced by US Ambassador to the UN Michael Waltz on November 16 via social media platform X. Waltz lauded Minaj as the ‘greatest female recording artist’ and commended her for using her influential platform to address the ongoing violence against Nigerian Christians. Minaj is slated to speak at the United Nations on November 18 to amplify the issue. The rapper, whose real name is Onika Maraj, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, stating, ‘I am so grateful to be entrusted with an opportunity of this magnitude. I do not take it for granted. It means more than you know.’ She further emphasized her commitment to justice, asserting that neither she nor her fan base, known as the ‘Barbz,’ would remain silent in the face of wrongdoing. Minaj’s involvement follows Trump’s November 1 social media post, where he threatened to deploy US military forces to Nigeria if the government failed to curb the killings of Christians. Trump also directed the Department of War to prepare for potential military action and warned of suspending aid to the country. Nigeria, home to approximately 93 million Christians, has denied allegations of widespread religious persecution. President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to religious freedom, stating, ‘The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality.’ Tinubu expressed openness to collaborating with the US and other international partners to ensure the protection of all faiths.
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Regrello, GI to receive keys to San Fernando
San Fernando is set to commemorate its 37th anniversary as a city on November 18 with a series of events highlighting its rich cultural heritage and civic achievements. The celebrations, under the patronage of Mayor Robert Parris, will include an interfaith service, the unveiling of public art, and a formal civic reception. Four distinguished individuals and an institution will be honored with the keys to the city for their contributions to culture, business, public service, and community legacy. The day will begin with an interfaith service at the Krishna Mandir, marking the first time in 37 years the service is held at a non-Christian place of worship. Mayor Parris emphasized the city’s multicultural identity, stating, ‘San Fernando is a multicultural society, and hosting the service at the mandir reflects the unique diversity that defines us.’ The unveiling of The First People’s Statue and a collection of promenade art by renowned artist Russell Banfield will follow, depicting the Harris Promenade across various eras. The celebrations will culminate with a civic reception at City Hall, where keys to the city will be presented to Joshua Regrello, Guinness World Record holder for the Longest Marathon Playing Steelpan; Imran ‘GI’ Beharry, a dominant force in Chutney Soca and Caribbean entertainment; Diane Seukeran, former San Fernando West MP and the first woman to lead the Energy Chamber; and JE Guide Funeral Home & Crematorium Ltd, an 80-year-old institution. Mayor Parris also highlighted the revitalization of Harris Promenade, achieved through volunteerism and business sponsorship, without any city funds. He addressed recent public debates over charitable groups feeding the homeless on the Promenade, clarifying that food distribution must follow an ordered structure to ensure public health and safety. Despite reduced budget allocations, Parris noted San Fernando’s progress in cultural, infrastructural, tourism, and educational development. Plans include operationalizing the transfer of San Fernando Hill to the City Corporation and attracting cruise ship passengers via the Water Taxi from Port of Spain. Parris also welcomed the restoration of the long-abandoned Supreme Court building on the Promenade and appealed for urgent assistance to restore the burnt-out San Fernando Police Station and the Carnegie Free Library. Reflecting on the city’s history and culture, Parris expressed pride in leading San Fernando at this moment of renewed volunteerism and civic pride, wishing all residents a happy City Day and City Month.
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Yorke: I take full responsibilty for the team
Trinidad and Tobago’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup were extinguished after a 1-1 draw with Jamaica at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on November 13. Head coach Dwight Yorke, who took charge in November 2024 with the ambitious goal of leading the team to the World Cup, has shouldered full responsibility for the outcome. Despite the disappointment, Yorke expressed pride in his players’ efforts and the progress made during his tenure. He acknowledged that the team’s inability to secure more victories, particularly in crucial matches, ultimately cost them a spot in the tournament. Yorke emphasized his commitment to self-reflection and improvement, stating, ‘I always look at myself first rather than pointing fingers at anyone else.’ The former Manchester United star also highlighted the emergence of a new generation of players, many of whom were recruited from abroad and have quickly integrated into the squad. As Trinidad and Tobago prepares to face Bermuda in a match for pride on November 18, Yorke remains focused on maintaining high standards and motivating his team. He assured fans that the squad is ready to compete, despite the recent setback. The match against Bermuda will serve as an opportunity for the team to showcase their resilience and determination as they look ahead to future campaigns.
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SoE regulations updated: Police can charge suspects for crimes uncovered during operations
President Christine Kangaloo has introduced a significant amendment to the Emergency Powers Regulations, 2025, aimed at clarifying the scope of police authority during investigations under emergency conditions. The sixth amendment, officially gazetted on November 17, explicitly states that law enforcement officers are empowered to prosecute individuals for any offences uncovered while lawfully exercising emergency powers. This amendment, effective retroactively from July 18—the date the state of emergency was declared—ensures that evidence of crimes discovered during the enforcement of emergency regulations is subject to punishment under existing laws. The update, designated as Regulation 20A, does not provide immunity to offenders but reinforces the legal framework for police actions during emergencies. This development follows legal challenges from a murder suspect detained under the regulations, who threatened to seek judicial review, alleging unlawful detention. The suspect’s legal team argued that the extension of detention under Regulation 13(3) was unjustified, as the initial arrest was not explicitly made under emergency powers. In response, the police defended their actions, citing the discovery of prohibited ammunition during a search and asserting that the detention was lawful under the regulations. The police emphasized the necessity of continued detention for public safety, given the suspect’s alleged ties to criminal elements.
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CoP mum on police involvement in US military training
Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro remained tight-lipped regarding the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service’s (TTPS) involvement in joint training exercises with the US military’s 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit. Speaking at the passing-out parade for 126 new police officers at the Police Training Academy in St James on November 17, Guevarro emphasized the strategic nature of such collaborations, stating it would be unwise to disclose specific details publicly.
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Arrive Alive hosts 5K run, walk and ride
On November 16, hundreds of participants, including runners, walkers, and cyclists, gathered at Queen’s Park Savannah in Trinidad for the annual World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. Organized by the NGO Arrive Alive, the event featured a 5K run/walk, a memorial walk, and solidarity rides across various locations in Trinidad. The event aimed to honor those who lost their lives or were affected by road traffic accidents while advocating for safer roads. The United Nations formally endorsed this global observance in 2005, emphasizing the importance of remembering victims and supporting their families. The event’s slogan, “Remember. Support. Act.,” called for collective action to prevent future tragedies. Sharon Inglefield, President of Arrive Alive, stressed the need for national commitment to road safety, urging stakeholders to work together to save lives. Stéphane Barc, Country Manager of Perenco Trinidad and Tobago Ltd, highlighted the company’s dedication to safety, both in the workplace and on the roads. Eli Zakour, Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, emphasized the government’s data-driven approach to road safety, focusing on education, enforcement, and engineering. The event also recognized the contributions of sponsors, including Perenco as the Platinum Sponsor, Mobil, Starbucks, and Capital Signal Company Limited. Participants engaged with informational booths hosted by the police, fire service, and Global Medical Response Ambulance Services, reinforcing the importance of road awareness and emergency preparedness. The day concluded with a competitive 5K run, with winners in both male and female categories announced. Arrive Alive expressed gratitude to all participants, sponsors, and volunteers for their continued support in reducing road traffic fatalities and injuries.
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Maduro tells Trump: Let’s talk face-to-face
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has signaled his readiness to engage in direct talks with US government representatives, even as tensions between the two nations intensify. This development follows the recent deployment of the USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier and its strike group to the Caribbean, a move widely interpreted as a show of force by the United States. Maduro’s announcement came during his television program, Con Maduro, on November 17, shortly after US President Donald Trump expressed openness to dialogue with the Venezuelan leader. Maduro emphasized the importance of diplomacy, stating, ‘Those who want to speak with Venezuela will speak – face-to-face.’ He further underscored the need for mutual understanding through dialogue, citing the principles of the UN Charter and Venezuela’s Constitution. The US State Department, meanwhile, has announced its intention to designate the Venezuelan drug trafficking group, Cartel de los Soles, as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO), with the designation set to take effect on November 24. The Trump administration has accused Maduro of leading the cartel and has offered a $50 million reward for information leading to his arrest. Maduro has repeatedly addressed the US public directly in recent appearances, advocating for peace and dialogue. The USS Gerald R Ford strike group’s arrival adds to the US military presence in the region, which includes the nuclear attack submarine USS Newport News and members of the 22nd US Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). The MEU is currently conducting joint military exercises with Trinidad and Tobago’s Defense Force as part of Operation Southern Spear, aimed at combating narcoterrorism in the Western Hemisphere. Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has supported the US military deployment, framing it as an anti-narcotics initiative, while also asserting her country’s sovereignty and neutrality in the US-Venezuela conflict.
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CoP to illegal quarry operators: Beware the vengeance of Moko
Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro has issued a stark warning to illegal quarry operators, emphasizing that those engaging in unlicensed aggregate processing and quarrying will face severe legal consequences. Speaking at the Police Training Academy in St James on November 17 during the passing-out parade of 126 new police officers, Guevarro drew a parallel between illegal quarrying and unlicensed firearm possession, stating, ‘If you do not have an FUL (firearms users’ licence), would you walk around with a firearm? No, because you will be charged with possession. Similarly, if you lack a licence for quarrying, you open yourselves to prosecution.’ He concluded with a stern admonition: ‘Do not break the law. Or the vengeance of Moko will fall on you.’
The commissioner’s remarks came in response to recent statements by the TT Aggregate Producers Alliance (TTALPA), whose members claimed they were ‘comfortable’ operating without formal licences following discussions with the Ministry of Energy. However, Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander denied knowledge of any such talks, asserting, ‘If a conversation was held, it would trickle down from one ministry to another. I have not heard anything, so I stand with the commissioner on this.’
This issue has gained traction following the October arrest of quarry operator Danny Guerra and several others for unlawful aggregate processing. Guerra was later released on $50,000 bail. Earlier this month, quarry operators in Turure, Sangre Grande, staged protests, alleging unfair targeting by law enforcement while other prominent operators continue to function without licences. The situation underscores the ongoing tension between regulatory enforcement and the quarrying industry.
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Pancreatic cancer: Silent nature, growing threat
Trinidad and Tobago is grappling with the devastating loss of Alexandra Kong, a 24-year-old fourth-year medical student at the University of the West Indies (UWI), who succumbed to pancreatic cancer on November 5. Her untimely death has sparked a national conversation about one of the deadliest and most elusive forms of cancer, drawing attention to the urgent need for awareness, early detection, and improved treatment options.
Dr. Fawwaz Mohammed, a renowned hepatopancreatobiliary surgeon with 18 years of experience, provided critical insights into the disease. He explained that the pancreas, located behind the stomach, plays a dual role in digestion and blood sugar regulation. Pancreatic cancer arises from uncontrolled cell growth, with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) accounting for 95% of cases globally and in Trinidad and Tobago.
Risk factors include smoking, obesity, chronic pancreatitis, heavy alcohol use, age over 60, and family history. However, the disease’s silent progression and the pancreas’ deep abdominal location make early detection challenging. Symptoms such as jaundice, abdominal pain, and unexplained weight loss often appear only in advanced stages.
Despite the lack of a reliable screening test, Trinidad and Tobago boasts advanced diagnostic and treatment capabilities, including CT scans, MRI, and the complex Whipple’s procedure. Dr. Mohammed emphasized the importance of lifestyle changes, regular check-ups, and public education campaigns similar to those for breast cancer.
Looking ahead, advancements in technology, artificial intelligence, and genetics offer hope for improved outcomes. Minimally invasive robotic surgeries, 3D/4D imaging, and innovative chemotherapeutic drugs are transforming cancer care. Dr. Mohammed remains optimistic, urging early detection and a holistic approach to health to combat this silent killer.