A tragic accident on the Solomon Hochoy Highway has resulted in the death of one individual and left another severely injured. The incident occurred in the early hours of November 13, when a white Nissan Versa veered off the road and landed in a ditch near Indian Trail. The deceased, identified as 34-year-old Paul Nanan from Princes Town, was a front-seat passenger in the vehicle. The driver, a woman from Guanapo Estate in Rio Claro, reported losing control of the car while heading south shortly before 5 am. Both occupants sustained serious injuries and were rushed to Couva Hospital by Emergency Health Services (EHS) personnel. Despite medical efforts, Nanan succumbed to his injuries during treatment. The Highway Patrol Unit, including PCs Boodoo and Bridgemohan, were among the first responders, arriving approximately ten minutes after the crash. Additional support came from the Couva Fire Station and Couva Police Station. Cpl Boodlal is leading the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
标签： Trinidad and Tobago
特立尼达和多巴哥
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Transfer system failing students
In a distressing case that highlights systemic failures in the education system, a 14-year-old girl from Calvary Hill, Arima, has been deprived of her right to education for over two years due to severe bullying and bureaucratic inefficiency. The girl, who excelled in her SEA exams in 2023, was forced to withdraw from school after her parents’ repeated pleas for help went unanswered. Despite filing an official police report and seeking assistance from the Ministry of Education, the family encountered a labyrinth of red tape and delays. By January 2025, the girl was enrolled in a private school, where she achieved an impressive 75% average, but her education was cut short when her parents could no longer afford the fees. Now, she remains at home, her dreams of learning fading away. Minister of Education Dr. Michael Dowlath acknowledged the case but cited bureaucratic challenges within the ministry. This incident is not isolated, as former TTUTA president Martin Lum Kin revealed that similar cases have been reported. The government’s inability to address such basic procedural failures raises serious concerns about its commitment to safeguarding children’s education and well-being.
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No faith in Gasparillo police
In a heartfelt letter to the editor, Beatrice McFarlane, a retired public servant and widow from the Guaracara/Tabaquite community, has voiced her growing concerns over the escalating crime rates and the apparent inaction of local law enforcement. McFarlane, who recently fell victim to a robbery, described the fear that has gripped her and her fellow villagers. She recounted a harrowing incident where individuals posing as military officers carried out a brutal home invasion, assaulting residents, including children.
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Hosein: Land Settlement Agency politicised under PNM
In a significant move to address land tenure issues, Minister of Legal Affairs and Agriculture Saddam Hosein accused the former PNM administration of politicizing the Land Settlement Agency (LSA), leading to delays in granting statutory leases to squatters. Hosein made these remarks during a ceremony at the Chaguanas Borough Corporation auditorium on November 13, where 103 eligible applicants received Certificates of Comfort (CoCs). These documents, issued under the State Land (Regularization of Tenure) Act, provide protection from eviction and recognize occupants as eligible for further steps toward legal land ownership. Hosein outlined a three-phase process, with the CoC being the first step, followed by a statutory lease, which allows a 30-year payment period for obtaining a deed of tenure. He emphasized that the current UNC government is committed to rectifying delays and ensuring the LSA serves society’s most vulnerable. Hosein also highlighted the creation of his ministry to expedite the issuance of statutory leases, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision of inclusive care for all citizens.
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Molino: Hurricane trauma will spur on Jamaica
Trinidad and Tobago’s senior men’s football team captain, Kevin Molino, is acutely aware of the heightened stakes as his team prepares to face Jamaica in a pivotal Concacaf Group B FIFA World Cup qualifier on November 13. The match, set to take place at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo at 8 pm, carries significant implications for both teams. A victory would bring either side closer to securing a spot in the 2026 World Cup, to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. However, the encounter is more than just a football match for Jamaica, as the nation seeks to uplift its citizens following the devastation wrought by Hurricane Melissa two weeks ago. The Category 5 storm left widespread destruction, including damaged homes, downed electricity poles, and a shortage of clean water. Molino acknowledged Jamaica’s added motivation, stating, “They have a chip on their shoulder, coming here to fight and also put a smile on the Jamaicans’ faces.” He emphasized the need for Trinidad and Tobago to improve their performance in the final third of the pitch to secure a favorable outcome. Molino also addressed the absence of key players Rio Cardines and Molik Khan due to injuries, highlighting the importance of a collective effort. “It’s going to take a whole group, not just one or two players,” he said, expressing confidence in the team’s depth and preparation under the guidance of coach Dwight Yorke and assistant coach Russell Latapy. Currently, Trinidad and Tobago sit third in Group B with five points, while Jamaica leads with nine points and Curacao follows closely with eight. The group winner will secure direct qualification to the World Cup, with the runner-up advancing to the intercontinental playoffs for another shot at qualification.
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Months after rig’s partial collapse – work begins to recover man’s body
Well Services Petroleum Company Ltd has announced the commencement of a salvage operation to recover the remains of Pete Phillip, an employee presumed dead following the partial collapse of Rig 110 in December last year. The operation, led by a US-based contractor, is being conducted in two phases. Phase one, currently underway, focuses on risk mitigation and site stabilization to ensure the safety of personnel, protect the marine environment, and preserve the integrity of surrounding assets. Regulatory approvals, including a Certificate of Environmental Clearance (CEC) from the Environmental Management Authority (EMA), have been secured. Additionally, ‘Letters of No Objection’ have been obtained from the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries, the Ministry of Works and Transport – Maritime Services Division, and the Occupational Safety and Health Agency. Phase two will involve the recovery of Phillip’s remains and the removal of the rig structure. The company has kept Phillip’s family informed and remains committed to a safe, transparent, and environmentally responsible process, coordinating closely with regulators and stakeholders.
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Fatima, Holy Name PoS aim to defend 3×3 basketball crowns
Fresh off their triumphant victory at the RBC Royal Slam College Basketball tournament on November 9, Fatima College is poised to defend their titles as the TT Schools Basketball Association (TTSBA) annual 3×3 basketball tournament kicks off on November 14. The competition will commence at the Eastern Regional Indoor Sporting Arena in Tacarigua before moving to the Maloney Indoor Sporting Arena on November 15. This year marks the debut of the boys’ under-15 division, adding a new layer of excitement to the event. Fatima College, the reigning champions in both the under-17 and under-20 divisions, will face stiff competition from over 15 teams in each category. Notable participants include Arima North Secondary, Hillview College, Queen’s Royal College, and St Benedict’s College. In the girls’ open division, Holy Name Convent Port of Spain, the defending champions, will face a determined Bishop Anstey High School, alongside other contenders like East Mucurapo Secondary and St Francois Girls’ College. Last year’s finals saw Fatima narrowly defeat Trinity College East 14-12 in the under-17 category and Hillview 13-11 in the under-20 division. Holy Name Convent secured the girls’ title in a thrilling best-of-three series against Bishop Anstey. The tournament promises to be a showcase of young talent and fierce competition.
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NWAC calypso queen registration opens
The National Women’s Action Committee (NWAC) has announced significant updates to the 2026 National Calypso Queen competition, aiming to foster greater artistic development and inclusivity. In a press release issued on November 12, NWAC revealed that the competition will introduce a semi-final round and welcome back past winners, thanks to a revision of the entry rules. Previously, winners were barred from re-entering the competition, but this restriction has now been lifted. Starting in 2026, a winner can participate again until she secures a second title, effectively allowing her to exit the competition only after two victories. This rule change has been made retroactive, enabling any past winner to re-enter, provided she has not won titles in other major competitions such as the calypso monarch, road march, soca monarch, or chutney monarch. The final is scheduled for January 25 at Queen’s Hall in Port of Spain, while auditions will commence on December 13 at Scarborough Secondary School in Tobago. These updates aim to enhance the competition’s dynamism and provide more opportunities for female calypsonians to showcase their talent.
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Jackie Hinkson launches Sketchpad Collection at Nalis on November 12
The National Library and Information System Authority (Nalis) has partnered with renowned artist Jackie Hinkson to present an interactive exhibition featuring The Jackie Hinkson Sketchpad Collection. The event, scheduled to commence on November 12, will be held at the Rotunda, National Library of Trinidad and Tobago, located at 23 Abercromby Street, Port of Spain, starting at 5:30 pm. This exhibition will display over 210 sketchpads, offering a glimpse into Hinkson’s creative process and preliminary artistic perspectives. Among these, 60 items were generously donated by Hinkson and are now part of The University of the West Indies’ collection. For more than six decades, Hinkson has significantly enriched Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural landscape through his street art, large murals, and wood sculptures. His contributions were internationally recognized in 2010 when over 100 of his sketchpads were inscribed by UNESCO into the Local Memory of the World Register. Additionally, he was awarded the Chaconia Medal (Gold) for his outstanding contributions to the nation’s cultural heritage. Hinkson believes that drawing is the most direct and intimate way to respond to the physical and social environment, and he aims to inspire future generations of artists through his work. The exhibition will remain open to the public until November 22, during regular library hours at the Rotunda, Nalis.
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Roxborough Hospital’s outpatient clinic gets recognition
Roxborough Hospital’s medical outpatient clinic has made history by becoming the first facility in the Caribbean Community (Caricom) to be recognized as an Age-Friendly Health System (AFHS) by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI). This prestigious designation underscores the clinic’s commitment to delivering exceptional, personalized care tailored to the needs of older adults. The AFHS initiative, a collaborative effort between The John A. Hartford Foundation and the IHI, aims to elevate the standard of healthcare for the elderly population. Dr. Naila Edwards, a leading geriatrician and age-friendly initiative leader at Roxborough Hospital, emphasized that this recognition is more than an accolade—it is a pledge to the community to provide evidence-based, harm-free care that aligns with patients’ priorities. The AFHS framework is built on four core principles, known as the 4Ms: What Matters (aligning care with patients’ health goals), Medication (ensuring medications do not hinder mobility or cognition), Mentation (addressing mental health issues like dementia and depression), and Mobility (promoting safe daily movement). To celebrate this milestone, Roxborough Hospital and the Tobago Regional Health Authority (TRHA) will host a community outreach event on November 14 at the Belle Garden community center. The event will feature educational booths, physical therapy demonstrations, dementia screenings, and medication safety consultations, engaging older adults and their support networks. Dr. Edwards highlighted the significance of this achievement, positioning Tobago as a leader in geriatric healthcare within the Caricom region. The TRHA continues to provide high-quality healthcare services, with Roxborough Hospital’s outpatient clinic at the forefront of innovation and excellence in patient care.