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.
标签： Trinidad and Tobago
特立尼达和多巴哥
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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.
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Debate rages: anti-drug mission or move on Venezuela?
The recent US military strike on an alleged drug vessel in the southern Caribbean has ignited a heated debate over the true intentions behind the US military deployment in the region. On November 1, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced the strike, which resulted in the deaths of three individuals described as ‘narco terrorists.’ The operation, conducted in international waters, is part of a series of 15 such strikes since early September, claiming a total of 64 lives. While the US maintains that these actions are aimed at curbing drug trafficking, local and international voices question whether this is a prelude to a larger military operation targeting Venezuela. Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has publicly supported the US stance, contrasting with other Caribbean leaders who advocate for the region to remain a ‘zone of peace.’ Critics, including former officials and international relations experts, argue that these strikes bypass due process and violate international law, raising concerns about extrajudicial killings and the potential for escalating tensions in the region. The situation has also sparked fears of a proxy war involving global powers, with Venezuela at the center of the geopolitical chessboard.
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Foreign Minister gives hope to family of man missing in Antigua
The family of 21-year-old Thomas Vasquez, who has been missing for nearly seven months, has been offered renewed hope by Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Foreign and Caricom Affairs, Sean Sobers. Speaking after a media briefing on October 26, Sobers assured the family that the government remains committed to resolving the case and will connect them with regional security services and the Caricom Caribbean Community Implementation Agency for Crime and Security. Sobers admitted he had not yet contacted the family due to a lack of updates on the investigation, stating, “I did not want to contact them without having information to share. As soon as I speak with the relevant people, officials will contact the family.” Vasquez disappeared on April 15, just one day after returning to Antigua to resume work at a cannabis farm. He had initially traveled to Antigua in 2024 at the invitation of a fellow Trinidadian Rastafarian priest and reportedly worked at what was believed to be a legal cannabis operation. Sobers, who took office on May 6, immediately instructed staff to reach out to Antiguan officials for updates. Vasquez’s mother, Candy Jageshar, described the ongoing agony of not knowing her son’s fate. She recounted a mass held on October 15, the six-month anniversary of his disappearance, at La Sevia Church in Diego Martin, where prayers were offered for her son’s soul. “It was very heartbreaking,” she said, expressing hope that Sobers would reach out to her directly. Jageshar found a glimmer of hope in Antigua’s recent announcement of a cold-case unit, which will revisit unsolved cases. The investigation has included several searches, including a house in Hodges Bay and English Harbour Marina, but no significant leads have been found. The case has also sparked tensions between Trinidad and Tobago and Antigua and Barbuda, with Antiguan Prime Minister Gaston Browne criticizing Sobers on social media. Despite the challenges, Jageshar continues to lean on her faith for strength as she awaits news of her son.
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Defence Minister confirms operation to verify migrants’ legal status
Defence Minister Wayne Sturge has confirmed an ongoing operation to assess the legal status of Venezuelan migrants in Trinidad and Tobago (TT). While Sturge refrained from divulging specifics, he acknowledged reports of police detaining individuals resembling Venezuelans and verifying their documentation. In a WhatsApp response, Sturge stated, “I am aware, I will address this question raised by you at the appropriate time,” adding that further details would be provided toward the end of the operation. This development follows Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers’ recent reaffirmation of Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander’s pledge for “mass deportations” of Venezuelan nationals residing illegally in TT. Sobers emphasized that illegal entry into TT constitutes an offense, regardless of criminal activity. The government’s stance coincides with a significant reduction in work permits issued to Venezuelans. Former Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Amery Browne expressed concern over the potential for xenophobic undertones in the deportation process. Browne highlighted the previous administration’s collaborative efforts with Caracas to deport Venezuelan migrants involved in criminal activities, emphasizing a smooth and non-provocative approach. He cautioned against mimicking actions from other nations or adopting measures that could inflame tensions with Venezuela, TT’s nearest neighbor. The Opposition has pledged to monitor the government’s deportation strategies, ensuring adherence to constitutional responsibilities and international law.
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PM to address special THA sitting
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is set to deliver a pivotal address at the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) in Scarborough on November 4, focusing on Tobago’s longstanding quest for autonomy and other critical issues facing the island. The special sitting, commencing at 2 pm, marks her first official appearance before the THA since her UNC-led coalition secured victory in the April 28 general election, winning 26 seats compared to the PNM’s 13 and the Tobago People’s Party’s two. This visit also signifies her inaugural official trip to Tobago post-election. Accompanied by a high-level ministerial delegation, including Attorney General John Jeremie, Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo, and Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander, among others, Persad-Bissessar aims to strengthen governance, foster inter-island collaboration, and accelerate shared development goals. The invitation, extended by THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine under Act 40 of 1996, underscores the government’s commitment to national outreach and partnership with Tobago’s business and institutional stakeholders. The event is expected to drive inclusive growth and reinforce national progress.
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Holy Name, St Joseph’s Convent seize north zone volleyball bronze
The 2025 Secondary Schools Volleyball League (SSVL) north zone competition witnessed intense battles for bronze medals on October 30 at Aranguez North Secondary. Holy Name Convent Port of Spain and St Joseph’s Convent Port of Spain (SJCPoS) were among the standout performers, securing podium finishes across multiple divisions. In the Under-17 category, SJCPoS claimed bronze with a dominant performance, defeating Holy Name in straight sets (25-11, 25-12). However, Holy Name’s Under-15 team showcased resilience, overcoming Maple Leaf International School in a thrilling three-set match. After losing the first set 25-17, Holy Name bounced back to win the next two sets 26-15 and 15-11, securing the bronze medal. In the open division, Maple Leaf avenged their younger team’s loss by defeating Holy Name in straight sets (25-20, 25-22). The north zone finals, initially scheduled for October 31, were postponed due to widespread hysteria as parents withdrew their children from school early. This followed an order for military personnel to report to their bases by 6 pm, leading to early closures of schools and businesses in the capital. The rescheduled finals will see the International School of Port of Spain (ISPS) face SJCPoS in both the Under-15 and open divisions, while ISPS will compete against Maple Leaf in the Under-17 final.
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Ansa McAL sells Standard Distributors to Term Finance
In a significant business move, Ansa McAL, a prominent conglomerate in Trinidad and Tobago, has sold its long-standing retail subsidiary, Standard Distributors, to Term Finance (TT). The deal, announced on November 3, includes Standard’s Barbados-based arm, Standard Distribution and Sales Barbados. The transaction is set to finalize by December 31, pending regulatory approvals. Term Finance plans to transform Standard into a dedicated credit provider and e-commerce platform, leveraging its 80-year legacy in hire-purchase services. The new entity, rebranded as Standard Credit, aims to offer innovative financial solutions while maintaining the trust of its loyal customer base. Standard’s retail outlets ceased operations on November 1, marking the end of an era for the iconic brand. Customers with active hire-purchase agreements will continue to receive support, with payments accepted at existing branches and through various digital channels. Ansa McAL has assured affected employees of redeployment opportunities or enhanced separation packages, alongside access to financial counselling and job fairs. The sale reflects Ansa McAL’s strategy to streamline operations while supporting Term Finance’s regional expansion. Founded in 1945, Standard Distributors joined the Ansa McAL Group in 1967, becoming a cornerstone of Caribbean retail. The transition underscores the evolving retail landscape, with a shift toward digital financial services.
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DOMA head: Nothing good comes from panic
Gregory Aboud, President of the Downtown Owners and Merchants Association (DOMA), emphasized the importance of maintaining composure in the face of heightened military alertness and public speculation. In a phone interview on November 2, Aboud reflected on the recent order for all military personnel to report to their bases on October 31, stating that the mobilization of police and military forces did not directly disrupt Port of Spain. Instead, he attributed the unrest to the public’s reaction to the situation. Aboud dismissed the notion of impending danger, pointing out that the atmosphere was dominated by threats and counter-threats between the US and Venezuela, along with increased military presence. He questioned the logic behind fears that Venezuela might retaliate against Trinidad and Tobago (TT) if the US took military action, calling such assumptions unrealistic. Aboud stressed the need for rationality and calm, highlighting TT’s longstanding issues with porous borders that facilitate the illegal trade of drugs and firearms. He expressed concern over the spread of inaccurate stories and rumors, which have damaged reputations and deterred good citizens from participating in national development. Aboud voiced support for robust national defense measures to secure TT’s borders and curb the societal corruption fueled by illicit activities. He acknowledged the government’s stance on American intervention in the region, viewing it as a potential means to disrupt the damaging illegal trade that has plagued TT for decades. Aboud concluded by advocating for greater transparency and information sharing, where possible, to alleviate public panic and foster a more informed society.
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NCRHA denies ‘chronic nurse shortage’ at Mt Hope hospital
The North Central Regional Health Authority (NCRHA) has attributed the recent staffing crisis at the Eric Williams Medical Science Complex (EWMSC) in Mt Hope to ‘unexpected absenteeism.’ This admission comes in response to allegations made by the TT Registered Nurses Association (TTRNA) on November 2, which highlighted a ‘severe staff shortage’ at the facility. The TTRNA described the issue as ‘chronic,’ exacerbated by management’s reduction of the extra duty pool and a hiring freeze that redirects all new hires through the central government campaign. The association warned nurses against working alone and emphasized the need for at least three registered nurses (RNs) per ward, with two being the absolute minimum for safe care. In a media release, the NCRHA dismissed the TTRNA’s claims as ‘reckless, inaccurate, and misleading,’ but conceded that four wards operated with only one RN on November 1 due to absenteeism. The authority maintained that all other wards had a ‘satisfactory’ nurse-to-patient ratio, though it did not specify the exact figures. The TTRNA countered, stating that the NCRHA’s admission of nurses working alone undermines patient safety, particularly with ratios as high as one nurse to 24 patients. International standards, however, suggest a ratio of one nurse to four or five patients as acceptable, with 1:8 being the safe minimum. Studies from the US National Library of Medicine indicate that low/middle-income countries (LMICs) often face even worse ratios, with one nurse caring for over 25 patients. The NCRHA defended its practices, asserting that patient care and safety remain uncompromised and that recruitment efforts are ongoing, with 345 vacancies advertised for enrolled nursing assistants. Despite these efforts, only 34 qualified candidates have been appointed. The authority expressed its commitment to engaging with stakeholders to strengthen the national health system. Calls to NCRHA chairman Dr. Tim Gopeesingh and TTRNA president Idi Stuart went unanswered, with Stuart visiting EWMSC to assess staffing levels firsthand.