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.
标签： Trinidad and Tobago
特立尼达和多巴哥
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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.
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Guy Beckles eager to open kinetic art museum
Guy Beckles, a 72-year-old kinetic artist, is on a mission to share his unique artistic vision with the world. Described by the late cultural icon Pat Bishop as “one of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets,” Beckles has dedicated nearly five decades to mastering kinetic art, a medium defined by movement and creativity. His dream is to establish a kinetic art gallery in Trinidad, where he can showcase his work, mentor emerging artists, and collaborate across genres to incorporate movement into diverse art forms.
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Spooky fun at Miss Dixie’s Preschool, Daycare and Vacation Camp
Miss Dixie’s Preschool, Daycare and Vacation Camp in San Fernando embraced the spirit of Halloween with a vibrant dress-down day on October 31. The event, held at their Prince of Wales Street location, saw young students donning creative costumes, from the Grim Reaper to Wonder Woman, showcasing their imaginative flair. School principal Dixie-Ann McKenzie emphasized the importance of inclusivity, noting that while some parents may not traditionally celebrate Halloween, the school uses the occasion as an educational tool to foster growth, understanding, and acceptance among its students. Newsday photographer Innis Francis captured the festive moments, highlighting the joy and creativity of the children. Among the standout costumes were three-year-old Keenai Joseph as the Grim Reaper, Kenli Dottin as Lady Dracula, Crysta-Ange Cooper as Wednesday Addams, Rain Maillard as Wonder Woman, and Grace Leigh as a cheerful witch. The event underscored the school’s commitment to creating a welcoming environment where every child feels valued and celebrated.
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A myth about the old
The adage ‘once a man, twice a child’ often surfaces in discussions about aging, but the reality of caring for an elderly adult is far more complex than tending to a child. Dr. Taureef Mohammed, a physician from Trinidad and Tobago now practicing in Canada, shares his personal experiences and challenges in caring for his elderly father, shedding light on the often-overlooked difficulties of elder care.
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Deal with fireworks terror now
The tragic death of a three-day-old baby following Divali celebrations has sparked widespread outrage and renewed calls for stricter regulations on fireworks. Fireworks Use Sufferers (FUS), an advocacy group, has expressed profound sympathy for the grieving family, who reportedly endured relentless noise from fireworks despite pleas for restraint. While the exact cause of the infant’s death remains unclear—whether due to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or the stress induced by the fireworks—the incident has highlighted the government’s perceived negligence in addressing the issue. Critics argue that the administration’s decision to ban fireworks for Independence Day but not for Divali reflects a reckless and biased approach. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has been urged to issue guidelines promoting the use of silent fireworks and enforce stricter permitting processes. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the government’s alleged favoritism toward Fireone Fireworks, a major importer of these devices, despite their non-essential nature and the strain they place on foreign exchange reserves. The incident has also exposed the inadequacies of law enforcement, with reports of police failing to respond effectively to noise complaints. As the year-end celebrations approach, activists and stakeholders are demanding immediate action to prevent further harm to vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, and animals. Public protests and calls for accountability from the Prime Minister and Attorney General are being organized to address this pressing issue.
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Hillview whip Mucurapo 3-0, stay perfect in SSFL ‘Big 5’
Hillview College continued their impressive streak in the 2025 Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) First Citizens Boys’ ‘Big 5’ playoff, securing a commanding 3-0 victory over Mucurapo West Secondary on November 1. The match, held at Mucurapo West’s school grounds, showcased Hillview’s tactical prowess and determination to maintain their flawless record in the tournament. With two consecutive wins and a staggering +10 goal difference, Hillview is now a strong contender for promotion to the SSFL premier division in 2026. The game was a clash of contrasting styles, with Hillview’s patient passing game overpowering Mucurapo’s more direct approach. Mucurapo struggled to create significant chances, with their best opportunity coming in the fifth minute when striker Amenhotep Harper missed a shot over the bar. Hillview, on the other hand, dominated possession and tested Mucurapo’s goalkeeper Kenwyn Williams repeatedly. The breakthrough came in the 52nd minute when 15-year-old substitute Darnell Walcott volleyed in a close-range shot. Walcott’s stellar performance continued as he scored two more goals, sealing the victory and earning the Man of the Match award. Despite the loss, Mucurapo remains in second place, having won their opening game against Palo Seco Secondary. The tournament’s next matches are set for November 5, with Presentation College Chaguanas hosting Mucurapo and Palo Seco facing Speyside Secondary.
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St Benedict’s, ‘Naps’ meet in SSFL south derby
The Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division is heating up as St Benedict’s College, currently leading with 33 points, prepares for a pivotal match against Naparima College on November 3. The clash, rescheduled to take place at Naparima’s home ground in San Fernando, could see Benedict’s edge closer to clinching the 2025 title. A victory would propel them to 36 points, a tally that would be unassailable for their closest rivals, Presentation College San Fernando (31 points), Naparima (28 points), and reigning champions Fatima College (29 points).
Naparima, despite a recent slump after a strong start to the season, still has a mathematical chance to challenge for the title. A win would elevate them to 31 points with two games remaining, keeping their hopes alive. Meanwhile, Signal Hill Secondary, currently tenth with 15 points, could theoretically reach a maximum of 39 points if they win all their remaining eight matches, though their campaign has been marred by numerous postponements due to travel issues.
In other fixtures, St Anthony’s College, known as the ‘Westmoorings Tigers,’ will face Malick Secondary in Westmoorings, while Trinity College Moka takes on Scarborough Secondary in Moka. Signal Hill’s packed schedule includes matches against San Juan North Secondary, St Mary’s College, Queen’s Royal College, and St Augustine Secondary in the coming days.
The standings reflect a tightly contested season, with St Benedict’s leading the pack, followed by Presentation College, Fatima, and Naparima. The final weeks of the league promise high drama as teams vie for supremacy in one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most prestigious school football competitions.