标签: Trinidad and Tobago

特立尼达和多巴哥

  • Bandits rob woman but returns ID, bank cards

    Bandits rob woman but returns ID, bank cards

    In a startling incident that blends criminal violence with unexpected civility, Port of Spain police are hunting three assailants who robbed an Angostura employee shortly after she departed her workplace on November 27th. The 25-year-old victim was targeted while awaiting transportation on the Priority Bus Route opposite the Vehicle Maintenance Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago (VMCOTT) around 7:15 PM.

    The confrontation began when the trio approached the woman, with one attacker seizing her from behind and pressing a curved blade against her throat. Under direct threat to her life, she surrendered her possessions including a black handbag containing a premium Samsung S23 Ultra smartphone valued at $5,000, her company-issued mobile device, and $700 in cash.

    What followed however demonstrated paradoxical behavior from the criminals. As two accomplices fled into nearby vegetation, the remaining assailant—stationed on a distinctive black-and-white bicycle—accommodated the victim’s plea to retrieve her identification and banking cards from a red pouch within the stolen bag. The man complied with her request, calmly returning the critical documents before escaping through the Fernandes compound vicinity.

    In a separate but related development, law enforcement is simultaneously pursuing two additional suspects following an attempted hardware store heist earlier that same day. At approximately 10:10 AM, armed robbers invaded a business along El Socorro Main Road, assaulting the proprietor and stealing a gold chain before employees disrupted the crime through vocal alarms. The startled perpetrators abandoned their plunder and fled in a black Nissan Note vehicle without securing any monetary gain from the establishment.

    Police Constable Cyril of Besson Street Police Station is leading the investigation into the Angostura employee robbery, while PC Ball continues inquiries regarding the foiled hardware store incident. Both cases highlight concerning patterns of violent crime affecting Trinidadian citizens and businesses.

  • PM: Farley didn’t have to be told beforehand’

    PM: Farley didn’t have to be told beforehand’

    A diplomatic clarification has emerged regarding the installation of a temporary US military radar system in Tobago, revealing tensions between national security protocols and regional governance transparency. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar confirmed that Tobago’s Chief Secretary Farley Augustine was deliberately excluded from prior notifications regarding the defense installation, citing his non-membership in the National Security Council.

    The radar system, currently being established with approximately 100 fluctuating US personnel, represents a temporary solution to address critical gaps in Trinidad and Tobago’s surveillance capabilities. According to the Prime Minister’s statements to Newsday via WhatsApp on November 28, the existing radar infrastructure inherited by the current government operated sporadically and failed to provide comprehensive coverage of the nation’s territory. The Coast Guard reportedly lacked real-time data access, with the system additionally compromised by unspecified vulnerabilities.

    This development follows Chief Secretary Augustine’s November 28 declaration of Tobago’s neutrality in ongoing US-Venezuela geopolitical tensions. The Office of the Chief Secretary disclosed that Augustine had demanded comprehensive details about the installation during a Wednesday night telephone conversation with the Prime Minister and intends to convene formal meetings with involved Cabinet ministers regarding the radar’s purpose and operational scope.

    Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar defended the secrecy surrounding the deployment, explaining that public disclosure would have alertedly notified narcotraffickers and human smugglers about enhanced surveillance capabilities. The premature exposure by Guardian Media, she contended, eliminated the strategic advantage of covert implementation. The temporary system will remain operational until Trinidad and Tobago can procure and install a permanent, upgraded radar system independently. US personnel currently in Tobago include members of the Marine Expedition Unit conducting joint training exercises with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force alongside technical specialists establishing access roads and installation infrastructure.

  • Customers shop smart amid Black Friday sales

    Customers shop smart amid Black Friday sales

    Across retail centers in Trinidad and Tobago, Black Friday sales attracted steady shopper turnout while revealing a notable trend of financial restraint among consumers. Despite attractive promotions, many buyers demonstrated disciplined spending habits, focusing primarily on essential items rather than indulging in impulse purchases.

    At PriceSmart in MovieTowne Port of Spain, shopper Daniella Joseph from Morvant exemplified this cautious approach: “The temptation to overspend is real when you encounter numerous appealing deals throughout the store. However, I strictly purchased only what I initially intended and could realistically afford.”

    Retail managers observed similar patterns nationwide. One PriceSmart manager reported that although queues formed over an hour before opening, customers predominantly purchased single high-value items alongside household necessities. The JVC 55-inch LED TV, priced at $2,399, emerged as a popular big-ticket item, yet overall spending remained measured compared to previous years.

    The sentiment resonated across various retail locations. At Courts MegaStore in San Juan, early morning lines diminished considerably within hours of opening. Shopping districts including Trincity Mall, Frederick Street, and MovieTowne maintained consistent customer traffic without experiencing the traditional Black Friday frenzy.

    Despite the conservative spending climate, both consumers and retailers found value in the promotional events. Sandra Bollard from Valsayn reported saving “several hundred dollars” through strategic shopping. She noted the proliferation of Black Friday participation among smaller retailers, where incremental discounts of 10-15% collectively generated significant savings.

    Specialty retailers like Shock N Stock bookstore leveraged the shopping event to stimulate off-season sales. Their manager explained, “These discounts effectively attract customers during non-peak periods. Our current 20% discount on art supplies encourages new creative ventures while driving revenue.”

    One aspiring artist benefiting from these promotions shared: “The timing proved perfect as I’m establishing my personal art studio. Every discount contributes meaningfully to my project’s budget.”

  • Military expert on Tobago installation: ‘War on US radar’

    Military expert on Tobago installation: ‘War on US radar’

    Tobago has become the site of a significant military installation as the United States positions a battlefield operational radar system at Crown Point’s ANR Robinson International Airport. This development occurs against a backdrop of intensifying geopolitical friction between the US and Venezuela, signaling potential preparation for aerial combat operations according to military analysts.

    The advanced intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance system, with an operational range of 50-100 miles, represents the first-ever deployment of American military hardware on Tobagonian soil. Equipment components arrived via multiple C-17 aircraft transports, with installation proceedings commencing immediately.

    This strategic move follows the recent diplomatic engagement between US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Dan Caine and Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. During their meeting at St. Ann’s Diplomatic Centre, discussions presumably addressed regional security concerns and military cooperation frameworks.

    Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar initially treated the radar deployment as a matter of heightened national security confidentiality. However, following media disclosure of the Tobago installation, she confirmed plans for an additional radar system in Trinidad while acknowledging the compromised secrecy surrounding the operations.

    Military sources suggest Tobago may represent a secondary option after Grenada’s refusal to host similar US equipment last month. The island’s proximity to Venezuela makes it strategically valuable for monitoring potential air operations in the escalating conflict scenario.

    Local political leadership has expressed strong opposition to the deployment. Tobago Chief Secretary Farley Augustine emphatically declared the island’s neutrality stance, stating: “Tobago not going to be a part of no war! We have adopted a position of neutrality, which means we ent pro or anti anybody.” He emphasized that conflicts between US and Venezuelan leadership should remain their exclusive concern.

    Opposition leader Ancil Dennis of the Tobago Island Council has challenged Augustine’s professed ignorance of the developments, suggesting prior awareness and demanding unified resistance from political, religious, and civil society leaders against the federal government’s military cooperation decisions.

  • Moonilal: Gonsalves paid ultimate price

    Moonilal: Gonsalves paid ultimate price

    In a striking political analysis, Trinidad and Tobago’s Energy Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal has directly linked the dramatic electoral collapse of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves to his criticism of regional security cooperation with the United States. The commentary emerged during parliamentary debates on November 28, just one day after Gonsalves’ United Labour Party suffered a devastating 14-1 defeat against the New Democratic Party in general elections.

    Moonilal asserted that Gonsalves ‘paid the ultimate political price’ for his vocal opposition to Trinidadian Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s support for US military deployment in the southern Caribbean. The minister characterized the electoral outcome as a punishment from voters who have grown weary of drug trafficking and transnational crime plaguing the region.

    ‘Unless I am mistaken, I think he got one seat… his own,’ Moonilal remarked about Gonsalves’ narrow retention of his constituency. ‘By the skin of his teeth… he remained.’

    The Trinidadian official defended Persad-Bissessar’s security stance as demonstrating ‘courage, boldness and the strength to take action against narco-traffickers,’ adding that Trinidad and Tobago was ‘proud within the Caribbean to have taken that leadership.’ Moonilal specifically referenced tensions between the US and Venezuela, noting that negative comments about Trinidad’s foreign policy had ’emanated from the former prime minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.’

    Moonilal, who also serves as deputy political leader of the ruling United National Congress, advised other Caribbean Community (Caricom) leaders to heed the political consequences witnessed in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. He claimed regional populations are ‘fed up of drugs, murder and crime’ and want strong action with international allies.

    The minister concluded by praising Persad-Bissessar’s diplomatic efforts since assuming office six months earlier, stating she has ‘carried the torch of diplomacy and good will in the region’ with ‘a measure of dignity, and integrity uncommon for the last ten years.’

  • Red Force skipper on Super50 final: Play smart, win for Jason

    Red Force skipper on Super50 final: Play smart, win for Jason

    The Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba sets the stage for a poignant CG United Super50 Cup final showdown on November 29, where Trinidad and Tobago Red Force confront Barbados Royals in a match laden with historical significance and emotional undertones. This championship clash represents more than mere silverware—it marks the final 50-over appearance for veteran all-rounder Jason Mohammed, 39, whose distinguished career concludes amid his team’s pursuit of regional glory.

    Under the leadership of captain Joshua Da Silva, Red Force advanced decisively to the final with an emphatic eight-wicket semi-final victory over Leeward Islands Hurricanes on November 27. Da Silva, yet to secure a senior national title as skipper, emphasized the critical importance of disciplined execution against Barbados’ seasoned lineup. “We must play intelligent cricket,” he stated. “Barbados possesses considerable experience, but our focus remains on sustaining quality performance throughout to reclaim the title.”

    The tournament’s narrative has been persistently interrupted by adverse weather conditions throughout Trinidad, resulting in multiple abandoned matches. Red Force emerged atop the six-team standings with three victories from five outings, while Barbados secured second position with two wins amid three rain-affected fixtures. Despite these disruptions, TT’s comprehensive semi-final triumph established formidable momentum entering the championship decider.

    Strategic reinforcements have strengthened Red Force’s campaign, particularly the inclusion of international batsman Amir Jangoo following opener Kjorn Ottley’s tournament-ending back injury. Jangoo’s unbeaten 72 during the semi-final, complemented by Tion Webster’s 83 and Jyd Goolie’s 23 not out, demonstrated the squad’s batting depth at crucial moments.

    Mohammed’s impending retirement adds profound sentimental dimension to the contest. The all-rounder stands as the competition’s all-time leading run-scorer with 3,815 runs—a achievement he describes as allowing him to “lift my head high and say I’ve done good things for TT cricket.” His farewell coincides with head coach Rayad Emrit’s opportunity to secure his maiden Super50 trophy since assuming leadership.

    Both squads present formidable lineups: TT features Da Silva’s strategic captaincy alongside experienced campaigners including Cariah, Charles, and Webster, while Barbados counters with international quality through Mayers, Brathwaite, and Jordan. The final promises competitive intensity heightened by historical context and personal narratives, transforming a cricket match into a compelling sporting spectacle.

  • Defence Minister: Trinidad and Tobago flights not affected by Venezuela’s no-fly zone

    Defence Minister: Trinidad and Tobago flights not affected by Venezuela’s no-fly zone

    Trinidad and Tobago’s Defence Ministry has moved swiftly to dispel public concerns regarding potential airspace disruptions following former US President Donald Trump’s declaration of a no-fly zone over Venezuela. Defence Minister Wayne Sturge issued an official statement on November 29 characterizing social media speculation about flight interruptions as “misinformation” and “fearmongering” orchestrated by politically motivated influencers seeking to create instability.

    The ministerial response came hours after Trump’s social media proclamation that declared “THE AIRSPACE ABOVE AND SURROUNDING VENEZUELA TO BE CLOSED IN ITS ENTIRETY” while addressing “Airlines, Pilots, Drug Dealers, and Human Traffickers” in his characteristic blunt style. This escalation occurs against a backdrop of heightened US-Venezuela tensions, marked by significant US military deployment to the region and 21 missile strikes on vessels since September 21 that resulted in 83 fatalities among alleged drug traffickers.

    Minister Sturge emphasized that commercial aviation operations continue unaffected throughout Trinidadian airspace, with local, regional, and international flights operating without hindrance. The Defence Ministry, which maintains authority over the nation’s airspace and territorial waters, committed to providing official timely communications should any operational changes become necessary, urging citizens to disregard unverified social media speculation.

  • The Marionettes Chorale ushers in Christmas at Queen’s Hall

    The Marionettes Chorale ushers in Christmas at Queen’s Hall

    The Marionettes Chorale, one of the Caribbean’s most prestigious performing arts ensembles, announces its highly anticipated annual Christmas concert series scheduled for December 5-7 at Queen’s Hall’s Winifred Atwell Auditorium. This cherished holiday tradition promises to deliver musical excellence through three public performances and an exclusive matinée dedicated to care home residents.

    Under the artistic direction of Gretta Taylor, Joshua Joseph, and guest conductor Dr. Nathan Nagir—a Trinidad and Tobago-born musician and Texas State University faculty member—the chorale will present a diverse repertoire spanning traditional carols, classical pieces, gospel arrangements, musical theater selections, calypso rhythms, and parang music. The program showcases both the adult and youth choirs alongside acclaimed soloists including Jacqueline Johnson, Debbie Nahous, Errol James, and Khadija Huggins.

    This year’s production features two special guest artists: renowned tenor Nigel Floyd and Payge Turner, the multi-talented singer-songwriter who gained national recognition on season 19 of NBC’s The Voice. Turner will perform a specially arranged piece alongside her mother, Jacqueline Johnson, marking a memorable family collaboration on stage.

    Established in 1963 and incorporated as a non-profit organization in 2005, the Marionettes Chorale has maintained six decades of artistic excellence, having premiered works by Caribbean and international composers, toured globally, and produced eight professional recordings. Their Christmas concerts have become cultural fixtures that annually draw multi-generational audiences.

    The 2025 series receives support from One Caribbean Media Ltd, Flow (Columbus Communications), AVIT Support Ltd, and Music Radio 97.1FM. Performance times are set for 7:00 PM on December 5-6 and 5:00 PM on December 7. Ticket information is available through orders@marionetteschorale.com, telephone inquiries at 790-1751, or via Queen’s Hall Box Office at 298-9089/376-5699 and queenshalltt.com.

  • Renewed focus for Princes Town carnival

    Renewed focus for Princes Town carnival

    The Carnival Roots and Cultural Committee of Princes Town has officially inaugurated Carnival 2026 with a vibrant launch ceremony held at the Princes Town Triangle on November 28. This marks a significant transition in the organization of the community’s carnival celebrations, which have undergone multiple administrative changes in recent years.

    Committee Chairman Alesia Dyer-Stoute articulated a renewed vision for preserving the authentic values of carnival artistry during her address at the promenade. “Our organization extends beyond carnival festivities alone,” Dyer-Stoute emphasized. “As a cultural collective, we are dedicated to unifying the community through diverse events spanning the entire calendar year.”

    The launch event featured traditional carnival characters including elaborately costumed moko jumbies and dynamic red devils, who provided captivating entertainment for attendees. These cultural manifestations underscored the committee’s commitment to maintaining Trinidad’s rich carnival heritage.

    Dyer-Stoute issued a compelling appeal to all stakeholders, urging active participation through formal registration and patriotic engagement with the group. The committee has announced an ambitious schedule of upcoming events, including a J’Ouvert celebration, calypso tents, and pretty mas performances scheduled for Carnival Monday and Tuesday, demonstrating their comprehensive approach to cultural preservation.

  • Playwrights Workshop launches three plays for December

    Playwrights Workshop launches three plays for December

    Trinidad’s vibrant theatre community is set to host an extraordinary week of theatrical presentations during the first week of December. Three prominent organizations—Playwrights Workshop Trinbago (PWT), Trinidad Theatre Workshop (TTW), and Torch Theatre Company (TTC)—have joined forces to present a diverse program of performances and readings that highlight both emerging and established Caribbean talent.

    The cultural festivities commence on December 3 at 7 PM with PWT’s Monthly Readers Theatre Series, featuring a cold reading and audience discussion of ‘HerStory’ by Arnetia Thomas. This compelling drama explores the emotional journey of Claudette, a woman who channels her maternal instincts toward her extended family while grappling with her own inability to conceive. The narrative examines how personal pain can unconsciously affect relationships, following Claudette’s path toward self-discovery and empowerment.

    Thomas, an accomplished creative professional active since 2014, brings multifaceted experience to her writing. Holding a theatre arts degree from UWI, she has excelled as an actress, dancer, traditional mas performer, fire breather, educator, and director. She currently teaches theatre arts at Belmont Secondary School while co-managing her own theatre company, De Drama FacTTory, and traditional mas group Les Reines Djabbes.

    The theatrical journey continues on December 5 at 7 PM with a landmark off-script performance of Althea Milliband’s ‘Jury of Peers,’ directed by Marvin L Ishmael. This innovative production marks the first fully-staged interpretation of Milliband’s absurdist legal drama, which was inspired by a viral video depicting a crab wielding a knife. The play imaginatively explores the judicial implications of a crustacean potentially causing human fatality, questioning whether such an act could constitute self-defense, murder, manslaughter, or even suicide.

    Milliband, who describes herself as a revolutionary and aspiring playwright, developed this unconventional narrative after the bizarre video captured her creative imagination.

    Concluding the week’s events, Torch Theatre Company presents ‘Dat Is Mih Family’ on December 6 at 7 PM and December 7 at 6 PM. This improvisational Christmas comedy promises warmth and hilarity, offering audiences a lighthearted seasonal performance.

    All events will be hosted at the Trinidad Theatre Workshop’s venue at 6 Newbold Street, St Clair, Port of Spain. The Monthly Readers Theatre Series serves as a critical developmental platform for emerging playwrights, providing opportunity for script refinement through audience feedback and professional input. PWT encourages actors, directors, producers, and theatre enthusiasts to participate in these readings, as volunteers from the audience often contribute to the dramatic interpretations.

    Playwrights seeking to have their work featured in future readings must submit scripts for consideration through the MRTS program. Additional information regarding submissions and upcoming events can be obtained by emailing playwrightsworkshoptt@gmail.com, calling/texting/WhatsApping 351-6293, or visiting their social media channels @playwrightsworkshoptt on Facebook and Instagram.