In response to a series of tragic LPG cylinder explosions that have claimed four lives since April, Dr. Roodal Moonilal, Minister of Energy and Energy Industries, has emphasized the urgent need for technological advancements and stricter regulatory oversight to mitigate such risks. Speaking at the American Chamber of Commerce of TT (AmCham TT) Health, Safety, Security & Environment conference on November 11, Moonilal declared that these incidents ‘must come to an end.’ He has directed the ministry to collaborate with the National Petroleum (NP) and other regulators to investigate the recent accidents and implement tighter controls. The findings from these investigations are expected to significantly improve safety practices in the use of LPG. Moonilal also announced that NP’s subsidiary operations will undergo a comprehensive review, and draft LPG regulations and licenses are in the final stages of preparation. NP has been instructed to ensure that all cylinders supplied by its subsidiary, Natpet, are thoroughly inspected for leaks or defects. Additionally, the TT Bureau of Standards is set to reconvene and advance draft national LPG standards for public comment. The minister highlighted the availability of various safety technologies, such as LPG monitoring systems that detect leaks, shut off gas supply, and provide immediate alarms, as well as blast-proof technology that can be integrated into cylinders to reduce explosion risks. NP has publicly pledged its cooperation with authorities and is currently reviewing its standards and internal processes. Moonilal questioned the underutilization of such technologies and affirmed the government’s commitment to pursuing legislative, technical, and enforcement measures to address the issue.
标签： Trinidad and Tobago
特立尼达和多巴哥
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De Boulet, Metha crowned mixed doubles badminton champs
The TT International 2025 Badminton Tournament concluded on November 9 at the National Racquet Centre in Tacarigua, delivering a series of intense matches and crowning champions across multiple categories. In the mixed doubles final, the Trinidad and Tobago (TT) duo of Chequeda De Boulet and Parth Mehta emerged victorious after a hard-fought battle against the Barbadian pair of Sabrina Scott and Shae Martin. The TT champions secured their title with a narrow 21-19, 21-19 win, showcasing their resilience and skill. Earlier in the semifinals, De Boulet and Mehta had defeated the Jamaican team of Kenneth Anglin and Tahlia Richardson with scores of 21-18, 21-17. Meanwhile, TT’s Aditya Maharaj and Samiya Karim claimed the bronze medal after falling to Scott and Martin in the semis. The women’s doubles final saw TT’s Nekeisha Blake partnering with Sabrina Scott, but they were outplayed by the Jamaican duo of Breanna Bisnott and Tahlia Richardson, who clinched the title with a 21-13, 21-17 victory. Two TT sister pairs, Danyelle and T’Shelle Barnes and Aliyah and Amara Urquhart, shared the bronze medal after semifinal losses. In the men’s singles final, Swiss players Julien Scheiwiller and Nicolas Mueller faced off, with second-seeded Scheiwiller prevailing 21-19, 21-18 over fourth-ranked Mueller. Parth Mehta tied for third place after a semifinal defeat to Mueller. The women’s singles final was dominated by Italy’s Gianna Stiglich, who overpowered Argentina’s Iona Gualdi with a commanding 21-8, 21-8 win. The men’s doubles title went to Slovakia’s Simeon and Andrej Suchy, who justified their top seeding with a 21-13, 21-12 victory over India’s Achutaditya Doddavarapu and Pochana Reddy. TT’s Kaveer Ramoutar and Verone Salick secured a joint third-place finish in the men’s doubles after their semifinal loss to the Indian pair.
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Dream big with ‘one percenters’
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has unveiled the government’s Revitalisation Blueprint, a comprehensive and actionable strategy aimed at redefining Trinidad and Tobago’s economic landscape. Unlike previous plans that often lacked substance, this blueprint is rooted in economic logic and structured ambition, offering a clear pathway for sustainable growth. The initiative has garnered significant support from key business leaders, including A. Norman Sabga, Executive Chairman of ANSA McAL, who emphasized the importance of dreaming big to achieve national progress. Sabga’s endorsement underscores the critical role of the private sector in driving innovation, employment, and investment confidence. The blueprint is not just a government-led effort but a call for national collaboration, where policy stability and infrastructure from the government meet the capital, innovation, and operational excellence of businesses. This initiative is designed to benefit not only large corporations but also small and medium enterprises, creative entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals. With ANSA McAL, a symbol of stability and regional success, leading the charge, the blueprint is poised to inspire broader economic momentum. The plan highlights the collective responsibility of citizens, companies, and leaders in building a stronger Trinidad and Tobago, emphasizing that economic transformation is a shared endeavor. As Sabga aptly stated, ‘We need to dream big, manage the details, and move the country forward.’
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Prisons march on with 3rd win, keep TTFPL lead
In a week marked by uncertainty and dramatic reversals, Prisons FC has solidified its position at the top of the 2025/26 TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) standings. After initially threatening to withdraw from the season, the team reversed its decision following discussions with the TT Football Association (TTFA). Prisons FC continued their winning streak with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Club Sando at the Mahaica Sporting Complex on November 9. The decisive moment came in the 71st minute when substitute Jeremiah Vidale capitalized on a well-executed play, slotting a close-range shot past Club Sando’s goalkeeper Teshorne Ragoo. This marked Vidale’s third goal in as many matches, further cementing his impact as a key player for the team. Prisons FC now leads the 12-team league with nine points, remaining undefeated alongside reigning champions Defence Force. Club Sando, despite the loss, holds third place with six points. In other matches, Point Fortin Civic and San Juan Jabloteh played to a 1-1 draw, while Defence Force secured their first win of the season with a 1-0 victory over Police FC. Caledonia AIA and AC Port of Spain also celebrated their first wins of the campaign, adding to the competitive dynamics of the league. The TTPFL action resumes on November 15, with La Horquetta Rangers set to face 1976 FC Phoenix in a rescheduled match.
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Lessons from the New Deal, Singapore, Dubai
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar recently unveiled the TT Revitalisation Blueprint, a comprehensive plan aimed at reshaping Trinidad and Tobago’s economy and physical infrastructure. Launched at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann’s on November 6, this initiative draws inspiration from globally successful models such as America’s New Deal, Singapore’s urban transformation, and Dubai’s rapid development. The blueprint outlines over 100 major projects targeting job creation, urban renewal, and sustainable development, with a focus on diversifying the economy beyond energy into construction, tourism, digital transformation, and manufacturing. The government envisions this plan as a catalyst for economic recovery, aiming to create over 50,000 jobs and attract private sector investment. Key projects include the San Fernando Waterfront Redevelopment and the Port of Spain Invaders Bay development, which mirror Dubai’s emphasis on tourism and urban design, as well as industrial renewal zones inspired by Singapore’s economic clustering. While the blueprint has been praised for its bold vision, its success will hinge on effective execution, strong governance, and long-term planning. If implemented successfully, it could position Trinidad and Tobago as a global example of infrastructure-driven economic transformation.
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Three gold, two silver for Trinidad and Tobago water polo teams
The Trinidad and Tobago (TT) water polo teams showcased their exceptional talent and skill at the Carifta Water Polo Championships 2025, held from November 7 to 9 at the Coral Springs Aquatic Complex in Florida. Despite the event being hosted in Florida, TT was the official host country. The national contingent, comprising five teams, competed against regional teams from the Caribbean and US club teams, securing an impressive haul of five medals. The Under-16 girls, Under-16 boys, and Under-19 boys teams clinched gold medals, while the Under-14 coed team and Under-19 girls earned silver medals. Other participating teams included Bahamas, Bonaire, Curacao, and Cayman Islands. The TT teams returned home on November 10, celebrating their remarkable achievements and solidifying their reputation as a powerhouse in Caribbean water polo.
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Redefining justice with prison plan
The Port of Spain Prison has long been labeled as a ‘university of crime,’ but a groundbreaking new initiative seeks to redefine its role in society. The recently unveiled prison plan envisions transforming correctional facilities into campuses for human development, where inmates can access rehabilitative and restorative programs. This transformative approach aims to reduce recidivism, lower prison populations, and foster societal reintegration. Central to this plan is the empowerment of prison officers, who will evolve into professional human development agents, gaining greater respect and job satisfaction in their roles. The initiative emphasizes maintaining family ties, equipping inmates with income-earning skills, and facilitating job placements post-release. Education, school policing, and efforts to curb narco-trafficking are also prioritized to redirect young people away from illegal activities and into legal networks. Drawing inspiration from the Abdullah Report (1980) and the Penal Reform and Prison Transformation Reports in Trinidad and Tobago (2003), this project aspires to redefine justice based on the lived experiences of those most affected by the system. Catherine Ali, in her letter to the editor, highlights the potential for this initiative to create a ripple effect across the Caribbean, the Commonwealth, and globally. Thousands eagerly anticipate the launch of this creative justice project, which could mark a historic first in defining justice from the perspective of the marginalized.
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‘Naps’ edge St Mary’s 1-0, regain control in SSFL title race
In a tightly contested match on November 10, Naparima College secured a crucial 1-0 victory over St Mary’s College on Serpentine Road, St Clair, reclaiming the top spot in the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division. With this win, Naparima now holds 34 points, narrowly surpassing St Benedict’s College, who trail by a single point. The decisive moment came in the 40th minute when national under-17 wing back Jayden Caprietta headed in from a right-side corner, marking the only goal of the game. Despite a lackluster performance, Naparima managed to control the match, fending off St Mary’s sporadic attempts, including a close-range shot by Jaylon Roberts in the 80th minute that narrowly missed the target. The victory positions Naparima favorably with just one game remaining in the season. Meanwhile, Signal Hill Secondary, currently sixth with 22 points, remains a dark horse with five games left, including a pivotal clash against Naparima later this month. In other matches, Arima North Secondary climbed to seventh place after a dominant 3-0 win over Carapichaima East, while St Augustine Secondary moved out of the relegation zone with a 2-0 victory against St Anthony’s. The SSFL season is nearing its climax, with the top five teams separated by just five points and the relegation battle intensifying.
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Alexander mum on SoE review tribunal recommendations
Six reports from the State of Emergency Review Tribunal have been submitted to Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander, yet it remains unclear whether detainees have been informed of the tribunal’s findings. The reports, delivered on September 12, 19, and 28, and October 6, 9, and 22, contain recommendations on whether detainees, including prisons supervisor Garth Guada, should remain in custody. Despite repeated inquiries sent to Alexander on November 10 and 11, neither the minister, the ministry’s permanent secretary, nor its corporate communications unit have responded. Guada’s attorneys also remain silent, while attorney Darren Mitchell, representing six detainees, confirmed his clients have not received any updates. The tribunal’s secretary, however, indicated that reports for three of Mitchell’s clients were sent to the minister. Under regulations gazetted on July 18, the tribunal is tasked with assessing whether sufficient cause exists for detention and may recommend its continuation or termination. Detainees are entitled to receive the tribunal’s conclusions, though the full report remains confidential unless the minister authorizes its disclosure. The minister retains sole discretion to act on the tribunal’s recommendations, as its findings are not binding. A 2024 Court of Appeal ruling emphasized that detainees must be informed of the grounds for their detention and that ministerial decisions are subject to judicial review. The tribunal recently defended its role, stating it operates within the Emergency Powers Regulations 2025, which limit its function to reviewing detentions and reporting to the minister. Critics, including attorneys, have accused the police of using preventative detention orders (PDOs) as a substitute for proper investigations. The government extended the state of emergency for a second three-month period on October 31, with 98 of 156 PDOs executed so far.
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NCRHA hosts Mental Health Open Day for staff, public and patients
The North Central Regional Health Authority (NCRHA) marked Mental Health Awareness Day with a series of events aimed at fostering understanding, reducing stigma, and encouraging mental well-being. Celebrated globally on October 10, the NCRHA extended its observance throughout the month with activities designed to engage the public in meaningful ways. Key events included a Mental Health Open Day at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EWMSC) on October 15 and another at Arima General Hospital on October 24. These events provided a welcoming environment for individuals to relax, reflect, and seek support. Attendees enjoyed fun games, giveaways, practical mental wellness tips, and one-on-one consultations, all aimed at teaching positive stress management techniques and promoting overall well-being. Prof Gerard Hutchinson, head of the Mental Health Unit, emphasized the importance of such initiatives in bridging the gap between awareness and access to care. He noted a significant increase in individuals seeking help for anxiety, depression, and stress-related issues, highlighting the growing recognition of the need for early intervention. The NCRHA’s Mental Health Unit continues to offer essential outpatient and stress relief services, with approximately 3,000 individuals accessing care monthly across various clinics. Interim CEO Bhadase Seetahal Maraj reaffirmed the NCRHA’s commitment to addressing mental health through strategic, non-judgmental approaches. Chairman Dr Tim Gopeesingh praised the dedication of staff and the encouraging turnout, underscoring the importance of accessible mental health support. The NCRHA remains steadfast in its mission to provide holistic care and ensure mental wellness services are available to all.