Chief Secretary of Tobago, Farley Augustine, is poised to reveal the date for the upcoming Tobago House of Assembly elections following a crucial meeting of the Tobago People’s Party (TPP) screening committee. The announcement, expected on November 24, will outline the party’s chosen candidates for the 15 electoral districts. Augustine hinted at the impending announcement during a press briefing at the Lowlands Multipurpose Facility, though he refrained from disclosing specifics. Sources close to the matter have confirmed to Newsday that the announcement will indeed pertain to the election date. The TPP has yet to finalize candidates for two pivotal districts: Buccoo/Mt Pleasant, where the Opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) has nominated former Chief Secretary Ancil Dennis, and Mason Hall/Moriah, previously won by Ian “Whitey” Pollard. Augustine dismissed public criticism of the selection process, emphasizing the importance of strategic candidate selection to secure all 15 seats. He highlighted the party’s commitment to earning the trust of Tobago’s citizens through diligent work and addressing the island’s issues over the past four years. Augustine expressed confidence in the party’s ability to build a robust economy for Tobago, should they return to office.
标签： Trinidad and Tobago
特立尼达和多巴哥
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Central man killed by cops, Alexander warns of ‘slow singing, flowers bringing’
A police-involved shooting in Trinidad and Tobago’s Central Division on November 22 resulted in the death of Trevon Cumberbatch of Kelly Village and the seizure of two firearms along with ammunition. The incident occurred during an operation led by the Central Division task force, supported by air units and canine teams, in the Caroni area. According to a police media release, officers approached the residence of a 38-year-old suspect who allegedly confronted them with a weapon. The suspect reportedly pointed the firearm at the officers, prompting them to discharge their service weapons in accordance with the use-of-force policy. The suspect sustained injuries and was pronounced dead after being transported to the hospital. Authorities recovered a Glock 17 pistol and a magazine containing ammunition from the scene. The operation was coordinated by Senior Superintendent Bhagwandeen, Superintendent Glodon, and Assistant Superintendents Hernandez and Harrilal. In a separate operation on the same day, the Western Division Task Force conducted an exercise in Cocorite, where they discovered a Glock 19 pistol loaded with 13 rounds of ammunition. Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander praised the officers for their bravery, emphasizing the risks they face in confronting armed criminals. Alexander urged criminals to reconsider their actions, highlighting the impact on their families and society. He also warned that raising a weapon at law enforcement would inevitably lead to severe consequences.
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Agostini CFO to step down at year’s end
Agostini Group’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Nigel Campbell, is poised to resign from his position by the end of this year, as disclosed in a recent notice to the Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange. Company Secretary Nadia James-Reyes Tineo confirmed Campbell’s departure, effective December 31, in a statement issued on November 24. While the notice did not specify a successor, it expressed gratitude for Campbell’s significant contributions to the group during his tenure as head of the finance function and as a key member of the executive team. Campbell, who assumed the CFO role on February 1, 2024, succeeding Barry Davis after his promotion to CEO, brought over three decades of financial expertise from his previous role at an energy company. His resignation coincides with Agostini’s ongoing efforts to merge with Prestige Holdings. The company recently announced its fifth extension of the share-swap offer deadline to January 20, pending regulatory approvals, including a merger application currently under review by the TT Fair Trade Commission. Under the proposed terms, shareholders are offered one Agostini share for every 4.8 Prestige shares. Agostini has committed to acquiring and paying for all shares deposited and not withdrawn within the legally mandated timeframe. The offer, initially set to close on July 20, has seen multiple extensions, reflecting the complexities of the merger process. Despite achieving the minimum target shareholding required for the merger in September, Agostini has continued to extend the deadline to navigate regulatory hurdles and ensure a smooth transition.
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Double bronze for Trinidad and Tobago at RAN Sevens
The Trinidad and Tobago (TT) senior men’s and women’s rugby teams delivered impressive performances at the 2025 RAN Sevens tournament, held at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar on November 23. The men’s team triumphed over Bermuda with a commanding 29-5 victory, securing their qualification for the 2026 Caribbean American and Caribbean (CAC) Games. Meanwhile, the women’s team dominated their Bermudian counterparts with a resounding 27-0 win, earning a bronze medal. Despite their strong showing, the women’s team narrowly missed out on CAC Games qualification. The men’s team, led by standout performances from Jonathan Taylor, who scored a hat-trick, and Ruairi O’Farrell, who contributed two conversions, showcased their resilience after a semifinal loss to Canada. The women’s team, spearheaded by Fayola Jack’s two tries, demonstrated their prowess in the bronze medal match. Canada and Mexico emerged as the tournament champions in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively, with both teams advancing to the SVNS qualification pathway. TT Rugby Union Treasurer Chad Simeon expressed pride in the teams’ achievements and highlighted the union’s ambitions to establish TT as a premier rugby destination. The 2025 RAN Sevens, featuring 20 teams from 14 countries, was streamed globally on RugbyPass TV, further elevating the tournament’s profile.
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UTC celebrates Calypso fund maturity
The Unit Trust Corporation (UTC) is celebrating the impending maturity of its Calypso Macro Index Fund (CMIF), set for November 30, marking a significant achievement for the organization. Executive Director Nigel Edwards, in a statement on November 24, described the event as ‘a landmark moment for the UTC,’ highlighting the fund’s success in delivering robust returns to its 2,025 unitholders since its inception in 2016.
The Calypso Fund was designed to offer local investors access to a diversified portfolio of local equities and international energy stocks, capitalizing on key economic drivers. Its performance has been stellar, growing from an initial value of $500 million to $569.42 million by 2024, representing a 13.9% increase. Over the past decade, the fund has distributed approximately $128 million in dividends, with per-unit payouts rising by 5%, from 80 cents in 2023 to 84 cents in 2024.
Edwards emphasized that the fund’s success underscores UTC’s commitment to democratizing investment and delivering tangible value to its stakeholders. ‘The Calypso Fund’s performance serves as a testament to both our strategic foresight and the efficacy of our stewardship,’ he said.
The fund’s maturity aligns with UTC’s overall strong financial performance in 2024, which saw total investment income reach $1.045 billion, with distributions to unitholders increasing by over 60%. Looking ahead, UTC has assured its investors of a seamless transition and continued access to innovative, growth-oriented investment solutions.
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Hinds, Jaipaul shine for Red Force as Motie keeps Guyana hopeful
In a thrilling Super50 Cup encounter at Tarouba on November 23, the Guyana Harpy Eagles orchestrated a stunning recovery from a precarious position to post a competitive total of 196 against the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force. Despite a dominant start by the Red Force, who reduced Guyana to 21 for 4 and later 79 for 6, the Harpy Eagles’ middle-order batsmen Gudakesh Motie and Keemo Paul spearheaded a spirited fightback. Motie, who was dropped from the New Zealand tour due to poor form, showcased his batting prowess with a gritty 65 off 58 balls, while Paul contributed a brisk 39 off 40. Their partnership of 65 runs off 64 balls shifted the momentum in Guyana’s favor. Earlier, the Red Force’s bowlers, led by Terrance Hinds (3 for 18) and Ricky Jaipaul (3 for 29), had dismantled the top order. Hinds, in particular, made crucial breakthroughs, including the dismissal of Guyana’s skipper Matthew Nandu for just 2. The match, delayed by heavy rains and reduced to 44 overs per side, saw the Red Force aiming to extend their dominance over Guyana, having won their last four encounters. However, the Harpy Eagles, determined to reverse their recent poor record against the Red Force, fought valiantly to set a challenging target. The stage is now set for an intriguing chase as Trinidad and Tobago look to secure their fifth consecutive victory over Guyana in the Super50 Cup.
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Cops find $400k in high-grade ganja in US barrel
In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, law enforcement authorities have seized an estimated $400,000 worth of high-grade marijuana at the Port of Port of Spain. The discovery was made during a meticulously coordinated operation led by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) and its partner agencies on November 24. The illicit cargo, weighing approximately 4.6 kilograms, was concealed within a barrel shipped from Fort Myers, Florida. Acting on credible intelligence received on November 23, officers pinpointed a suspected storage location at the Port Authority on Dock Road. The operation, codenamed BLAST, involved multiple agencies including the Port Police, Customs and Excise Division, Special Branch, Special Investigations Unit (SIU), and the National Operational Task Force (NOTF). The search of two barrels awaiting clearance led to the discovery of cannabis packages hidden beneath clothing. Senior officials, including DCP Operations Suzette Martin and ACP Tactical Support Collis Hazel, oversaw the operation. The TTPS has reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with local and international law enforcement to combat the illegal narcotics trade and ensure public safety. Investigations into the matter are ongoing.
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More RoRo, more problems
The government’s recent decision to extend the import age limit for used vehicles from three to eight years has sparked significant debate. While the move is framed as a benefit to average citizens by potentially lowering vehicle ownership costs, it carries notable social and economic implications. Visham Babwah, president of the TT Automotive Dealers Association (TTADA), has voiced concerns, citing risks associated with importing older vehicles. These vehicles, often past half their expected lifespan, may face challenges in securing loans or comprehensive insurance. Additionally, the influx of older, cheaper cars could exacerbate traffic congestion, with over 1.1 million registered vehicles already on the roads as of September 2024. The lack of clarity on how the policy affects electric vehicles further complicates the issue. Critics argue that without stringent inspection and verification processes, the policy risks flooding the streets with potentially unsafe vehicles. The used car market, which accounts for roughly a third of total car sales, remains a competitive sector, but the extended warranty period of only three months or 3,000 kilometers offers limited protection to buyers. The government must balance this policy with robust oversight to ensure road safety and consumer protection.
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Scotia helps domestic-violence survivors gain financial independence
The Scotiabank Foundation has strengthened its collaboration with the Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CADV) by launching an innovative economic empowerment initiative aimed at supporting women affected by domestic violence. This program extends beyond traditional psychosocial assistance, focusing on equipping survivors with practical skills and entrepreneurial knowledge to foster financial independence and rebuild their lives. In 2024, Scotiabank’s contributions enabled CADV to provide critical services, including trauma counseling, legal aid, relocation support, and educational assistance for families in need. Building on this foundation, the Foundation has donated $120,000 to enhance CADV’s Psychosocial Services Programme with a six-month economic empowerment component. The initiative will benefit fifteen survivors, offering three months of hands-on training in garment construction and sewing, followed by three months of business development guidance. Participants will learn essential skills such as pattern drafting, machine operation, and garment assembly, alongside business planning, market research, financial management, and marketing strategies. Scotiabank emphasized that its commitment to CADV is action-oriented, with employees actively driving change through the bank’s Empower Employee Resource Group. Volunteers lead sensitization workshops to raise awareness and amplify CADV’s mission of creating safer, stronger communities. Sabrina Mowlah-Baksh, General Manager of CADV, praised the partnership as a model of multi-layered involvement, highlighting its developmental impact on participants and their families. Gayle Pazos, Senior VP and Managing Director of Scotiabank TT, underscored the initiative’s transformative potential, stating that it empowers women to gain confidence, rebuild their lives, and achieve economic independence.
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Government to roll out new crime-fighting initiative
The government of Trinidad and Tobago is set to unveil a significant crime-fighting initiative in the coming days, as part of a broader strategy to address the nation’s escalating crime rates. Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander revealed on November 23 that this initiative marks the beginning of an annual plan under the Kamla Persad-Bissessar administration. While specifics of the program remain undisclosed, Alexander emphasized its adaptability, stating it would undergo regular reviews and adjustments to ensure effectiveness.
Alexander acknowledged widespread public frustration with the current crime situation and called for citizen support in the government’s efforts. He highlighted the urgent need to rebuild the country’s law enforcement agencies, which he claimed were left to deteriorate under previous administrations. ‘Law enforcement was hampered in many ways,’ Alexander stated, criticizing the former regime for prioritizing nepotism over public safety.
The minister also addressed the impact of recent US-led operations targeting drug trafficking networks, which have reportedly led to the deaths of at least 80 alleged traffickers. While these efforts have improved safety in the waters between Trinidad and Venezuela, they have also sparked concerns among local fishermen. Many in northeastern communities, from Salybia to Matelot, are hesitant to venture far from shore, fearing they might become unintended targets of US strikes.
Alexander dismissed these fears, asserting that only those involved in illegal activities have reason to worry. ‘If you know you’re doing that type of activity, stop, and stop it right away,’ he warned. He also pointed out that many individuals engaged in illicit trade disguise themselves as fishermen, a fact he believes has been overlooked in media coverage of the US operations.
Despite the challenges, Alexander expressed optimism about the government’s ability to restore safety and security, urging citizens to remain vigilant and cooperative in the fight against crime.