Last Friday, the nation was thrown into a state of widespread panic as unverified rumors of a potential attack or war spread rapidly across social media and traditional news outlets. This led to the premature closure of schools, businesses, shops, and offices, causing massive traffic congestion on roads and highways. Grocery stores saw a surge in panic buying, with items like toilet paper becoming highly sought-after. Deputy Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin revealed that the police executive, relying on information from these platforms, decided to cancel the leave of all officers. This reaction to unverified information highlights a concerning dependence on media sources for critical decision-making. The incident raises questions about the role of social media in spreading misinformation and the adequacy of the police’s response mechanisms in such scenarios.
标签： Trinidad and Tobago
特立尼达和多巴哥
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‘Naps’ rise to second after 2-0 win over SSFL leaders St Benedict’s
The Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premiership is heating up as Naparima College delivered a crucial 2-0 victory against league leaders St Benedict’s College on November 3. The match, held at Lewis Street in San Fernando, saw Naparima climb to second place in the standings, keeping their title aspirations alive. Strikers Jabari Rodriguez and Riquelme Phillips were the heroes of the day, scoring quick-fire goals in the 65th and 67th minutes, respectively. The win not only ended St Benedict’s impressive run of form but also tightened the race at the top of the 16-team table. Naparima now boasts two games in hand, making their title chase even more compelling. The game started cautiously, with both teams failing to capitalize on chances in the first half. However, Naparima emerged as a transformed side after the break, showcasing relentless attacking pressure. Phillips, despite missing an earlier opportunity, redeemed himself by capitalizing on a defensive error to score the second goal. St Benedict’s struggled to break through Naparima’s solid defense, with their attempts consistently thwarted. In another match, Malick Secondary School secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over St Anthony’s College, thanks to Jahda Riley’s match-winning strike in extra time. The SSFL premiership continues to deliver thrilling encounters as teams vie for the coveted title.
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TTDF staff sergeant appeals High Court ruling on denied promotion
A legal dispute involving a Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) staff sergeant has escalated to the Court of Appeal, following a 2023 High Court ruling that dismissed his challenge against the Chief of Defence Staff’s (CDS) decision to block his promotion. Staff Sergeant Russell Reyes contends that Justice Nadia Kangaloo erred in her judgment, arguing that the CDS overstepped legal boundaries by rejecting a recommendation for his promotion to Warrant Officer Class II. Reyes maintains that the disciplinary infraction cited against him was a “spent” conviction and should not have influenced the decision, as it was no longer part of his service record under military law. He also highlighted an unreasonable delay in addressing the disciplinary matter, which further complicated his case. Reyes first challenged the CDS’s decision in 2022, filing a judicial review application with a certificate of urgency, as he was nearing his mandatory retirement date of January 25, 2023. Had he succeeded, he would have remained in the Defence Force until 2026. However, Justice Kangaloo ruled in October 2023 that Reyes was still under probation when his disciplinary reprimand expired, rendering him ineligible for promotion. She also affirmed that the CDS acted within his authority to deny the promotion in the operational interest of the TTDF. In his appeal, Reyes argued that the judge miscalculated key dates and misinterpreted the CDS’s authority under the Defence Act. He emphasized that his severe reprimand, imposed in March 2021, was “spent” by November 2021, months before his promotion recommendation in early 2022. Reyes is seeking to have the High Court’s ruling overturned, reinstatement to the rank of Warrant Officer Class II, or compensation for lost pay and benefits. His attorney, Arden Williams, argued that the CDS unlawfully intervened in the promotion process, which is an administrative function under the Defence Force Act. Williams also questioned whether the CDS was acting as the designated officer for the Defence Council, which oversees the TTDF’s command, administration, and discipline. The Appeal Court judges have requested additional submissions on the presumption of regularity regarding the CDS’s actions, with a ruling expected after further consideration.
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Franklyn Seechan cops masters crown at Trinbago Youth Masters table tennis tourney
The National Racquet Centre in Tacarigua witnessed an exhilarating display of skill and determination as Harvard’s Franklyn Seechan emerged victorious in the masters division of the Trinbago Youth Masters table tennis tournament. The two-day event, held over the weekend, showcased intense competition across various age categories, with Seechan’s performance standing out as a highlight. In a gripping final against Powergen’s Anil Ramlakhan, Seechan clinched the title with a commanding 11-8, 13-11, 11-3 victory, demonstrating both resilience and precision. Earlier in the tournament, Seechan navigated a challenging path to the final, defeating formidable opponents such as Jerry Joseph, David Gopaul, and Satash Jodhan in the semi-finals, quarter-finals, and opening rounds, respectively. Meanwhile, Ramlakhan’s journey to the final included victories over Harnarine Moonasar, Ishwar Sookoonsingh, and Vasdev Roopnarine. The youth categories also saw remarkable performances, with Crusaders’ Malik Gopaul and QPCC’s Jordan Thong claiming top honors in the boys and girls singles, respectively. Other notable winners included Crusaders’ Nirav Basant and Mateo Mollineau in the boys U17 and U13 divisions, Blasters’ Elizabeth Rajah in the girls U13 singles, and Samir Radge Coomar in the boys U11 category. The tournament concluded with Central’s Ishta Ramdatt securing victory in the girls U9 singles, capping off a weekend of thrilling table tennis action.
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Families seek next steps after reporting fishermen missing
The families of two Trinidad and Tobago fishermen, Chad Joseph and Rishi Samaroo, are anxiously awaiting official confirmation regarding their loved ones’ fate after they were believed to have been killed in a US military strike on October 12. The strike targeted an alleged drug-transporting vessel in international waters. Relatives filed missing person reports on November 1 and 2, following advice from Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander. Joseph’s family held a memorial, claiming Venezuelan sources confirmed his presence on the destroyed vessel. Samaroo’s sister, Sallycar Korasingh, appealed to the Prime Minister for assistance, expressing uncertainty about his whereabouts but desperation for answers. Both families faced challenges in filing reports, with police citing jurisdictional issues due to the incident occurring in international waters. Minister of Foreign and Caricom Affairs Sean Sobers stated there was no evidence linking the fishermen to the strike, emphasizing it occurred outside Trinidad and Tobago’s waters. Despite repeated attempts, neither Alexander nor Minister of Defence Wayne Sturge responded to inquiries from Newsday regarding updates or coordination with US authorities.
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Towards future WI success
The West Indies cricket team secured a resounding 3-0 victory over Bangladesh in a T20 series on October 31, showcasing their dominance on the field. This clean sweep, achieved on Bangladeshi soil, marks a significant milestone for the Caribbean side, which had been languishing at ninth place in the international T20 rankings prior to the series. While the triumph is commendable, it underscores the long road ahead for West Indies cricket to regain its former glory. The series win, however, serves as a testament to the team’s potential and the importance of taking incremental steps toward improvement.
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Hillview edge ‘Naps’ in Secondary School Chess Champs
In a thrilling conclusion to the National Secondary Schools’ Chess Championship, Hillview College emerged victorious over Naparima Boys’ College via a tiebreak. The championship, held on October 11 and 12 at Presentation College Chaguanas, showcased intense competition among 170 players from approximately 15 schools. The event was organized by the TT Chess Association and sponsored by Genesis Insurance Brokers and Benefits Consultants Ltd.
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Digicel Foundation hosts internal staff blood drive
In a commendable effort to address the critical need for blood donations, the Digicel Foundation collaborated with the North West Regional Health Authority (NWRHA) Port of Spain General Hospital Blood Bank to organize an internal staff blood drive on October 28. Held at the Digicel TT head office, the initiative aimed to strengthen the nation’s blood bank reserves and promote a culture of volunteerism among employees.
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Trini UWI students in Jamaica eye return to normalcy
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which wreaked havoc across Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago has stepped up its humanitarian efforts to assist those affected. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar personally oversaw the preparation and dispatch of the first shipment of relief supplies from the PLIPDECO Warehouse Complex at Point Lisas Industrial Estate. The aid, which includes essential items such as water, toiletries, canned food, pasta, and bread, is part of a broader initiative to support the Caribbean neighbor in its time of need.
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Benign prostatic hyperplasia: Breaking the silence on men’s health
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, affects nearly all men as they age, with incidence nearing 100% by the age of 90. Dr. Vimal Seetahal, a consultant urologist, is urging men to pay closer attention to this condition, which often goes undiagnosed due to cultural attitudes toward men’s health in the Caribbean. Symptoms include frequent urination, urgency, nocturia, and a weak urinary stream, which many dismiss as a normal part of aging. However, untreated BPH can worsen over time, leading to severe complications. Risk factors include age, genetics, and lifestyle choices such as obesity and diets high in red meat. Diagnosis involves ultrasounds, CT scans, and PSA blood tests. Treatment options range from medication to surgical procedures, including the innovative laser prostatectomy. Dr. Seetahal emphasizes the importance of lifestyle changes, such as reducing alcohol and caffeine intake, exercising, and using natural remedies like saw palmetto, to manage early-stage BPH. He also highlights the need for early detection and a cultural shift in how men approach their health, advocating for routine PSA testing over invasive rectal examinations. Public education and family support are crucial in encouraging men to seek timely medical attention.