A coordinated effort between regular and municipal police in the Moruga district over the weekend resulted in a significant drug bust, with the seizure of a substantial quantity of marijuana and the detention of a male suspect. The operation, conducted on October 27, targeted illegal drug cultivation and trafficking in the area. Officers searched a property on St Clare Road in Marac Village, uncovering 14 fully grown marijuana trees, 37 seedlings, and a garbage bag filled with dried marijuana. A subsequent search at La Rufin Road, Moruga, yielded additional quantities of the illegal substance. The suspect is currently in custody as investigations continue. The operation also included a road traffic exercise, during which five fixed penalty notices were issued for various traffic violations. The initiative was led by officers from the Moruga Police Station, including acting Sgt Othello and PC Guerrero, with support from the Southern Division Task Force, the Princes Town Municipal Police, and the K9 Unit. Authorities remain committed to combating drug-related crimes in the region.
标签： Trinidad and Tobago
特立尼达和多巴哥
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SSFL title contenders St Benedict’s hunt victory
In a thrilling turn of events in the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division, St Benedict’s College, currently in second place, is set to face Malick Secondary in a crucial match on October 28. The game, scheduled for 3:30 PM at Mahaica Oval in Point Fortin, could potentially propel St Benedict’s to the top of the league table. Known as the La Romaine Lions, St Benedict’s has been in impressive form, accumulating 27 points, just one point behind the leaders, Naparima College. A victory against 12th-placed Malick, coupled with a stumble by Naparima, would see St Benedict’s take the lead. Naparima, who started the season with nine consecutive wins, have recently faltered with a 1-0 loss to Presentation College San Fernando and a 1-1 draw with San Juan North Secondary, leaving the title race wide open. The top four teams are now separated by just three points, with Fatima College in third place on 26 points and Presentation College still in contention with 25 points. As the season enters its final stages, Naparima and St Benedict’s each have four matches remaining, while Fatima and Presentation have three games left. In other key fixtures, Naparima will face fifth-placed St Anthony’s College, Fatima will take on bottom-placed Carapichaima East Secondary, and Presentation will meet 14th-placed St Augustine Secondary. The outcome of these matches could significantly impact the final standings, making the remaining games crucial for all teams involved.
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Karen Darbasie officially retires as First Citizens group CEO
Karen Darbasie, the trailblazing CEO of First Citizens Group, has officially retired after nearly a decade of leadership. Her departure was confirmed through a legal notice published on the Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange’s website on October 28, 2025. The notice stated that Darbasie’s retirement took effect on October 21, 2025, marking the end of her tenure that began in April 2015 when she succeeded Larry Nath. Notably, Darbasie was the first woman to hold the position of CEO in the history of First Citizens Group.
Darbasie’s retirement follows a period of significant organizational changes within the company. On August 21, 2025, she commenced approved vacation leave, as announced in an all-staff memorandum by then group chairman Anthony Smart. During her absence, Jason Julien, the group deputy CEO, assumed the role of acting CEO. The transition occurred amidst broader concerns about the bank’s operations, as hinted by Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo on August 22. Subsequently, a new board was appointed to First Citizens Holdings, the majority shareholder of First Citizens Group.
In a surprising turn of events, the entire board of directors resigned on October 7, just one day before a special general meeting scheduled to elect a new board and CEO. The meeting on October 8 resulted in the appointment of a new board led by chairman Shankar Bidaisee, who also serves as chairman of Udecott and First Citizens Holdings Ltd. Jason Julien remains in the acting CEO position as the organization navigates this transitional phase.
Darbasie’s legacy includes not only her groundbreaking role as the first female CEO of First Citizens Group but also her appointment as president of the Bankers Association of Trinidad and Tobago (BATT). Her retirement marks the end of an era for the financial institution, which now faces the challenge of maintaining stability and continuity under new leadership.
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Recasting teaching as a collaborative profession
The teaching profession stands out for its intrinsic need for collaboration among educators and stakeholders. The 2025 World Teachers’ Day theme, ‘Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession,’ championed by Education International, underscores unity, shared expertise, and mutual support as vital for strengthening teaching and enhancing learning outcomes. This theme, encapsulated by the slogan ‘Together for Teachers; Together for the Future,’ reframes teaching as a cooperative endeavor rather than a solitary one. Successful educators recognize the value of working within a learning community, sharing knowledge, and aligning with the common goal of improving student achievement. The narrative of ‘we’ and ‘us’ must replace ‘I’ and ‘me,’ fostering a mindset essential for school effectiveness. Collaboration is not optional but a fundamental characteristic of the profession. Policies, practices, and environments that promote mutual support and joint responsibility are crucial for teacher empowerment and educational transformation. Quality teachers understand that collaboration with peers, mentors, and other professionals enhances their practice and strengthens the education system. This approach is key to school improvement and success, enabling educators to adapt to evolving classroom dynamics. A shared understanding of learning narratives is essential for achieving these goals. Collaboration also transforms schools’ capacity to meet community needs and respond confidently to challenges. It highlights the importance of professional teamwork and addresses issues like unequal access to professional development and inadequate resources. Teachers must see themselves as part of a network of professionals pooling resources for better student outcomes. Continuous stakeholder engagement is integral to school systems, reflecting the unique and evolving needs of the community. Schools that neglect collaboration risk failing in their mandate as agents of human development. Reinventing schools requires ongoing rejuvenation of knowledge through collaboration at all levels. Mutual respect and humility are essential in acknowledging stakeholder input and addressing the diversity of school mandates. Collaboration, partnership, and teamwork must be core principles of school strategic plans, fostering constructive interaction and addressing teacher frustration. Lifelong learners among teachers must embrace collaboration as essential for professional development and survival. Empowered teachers create empowered learners, and students from professional learning communities reflect this collaborative capacity in their personal and professional lives. Meaningful collaboration rooted in mutual respect leads to enhanced learning outcomes.
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House sits October 31 to debate SoE extension
The Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago is set to convene on October 31 at 1:30 pm to deliberate on the government’s proposal to extend the current state of emergency (SoE). This follows Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s announcement on the Crime Watch television show on October 27. Attorney General John Jeremie will present the motion seeking a three-month extension of the SoE, initially declared on July 18, 2025, in response to intelligence suggesting criminal gangs were plotting to destabilize the government. The SoE was previously extended on July 28 for three months, with legal provisions allowing for further extensions up to six months in total. The motion emphasizes the necessity of maintaining the SoE to ensure national security and public safety. Concurrently, the Senate will meet on October 22 to discuss amendments to excise duties on tobacco and alcoholic beverages, as outlined in the recent budget. These amendments propose doubling the duties on rum, spirits, beer, and cigarettes, reflecting the government’s fiscal strategy to address economic challenges.
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Stakeholders: Full marks for Tobago carnival 2025
The 2025 Tobago October Carnival, themed ‘Unveiled: Mud, Mas, Music,’ has been hailed as a resounding success by organizers, participants, and spectators alike. Celebrating its fourth year, the event culminated on October 26 with a vibrant parade of bands through the streets of Scarborough, drawing thousands of revelers from groups such as Iconic Mas and Fog Angels. The festivities, which concluded around 8 pm, showcased the island’s rich cultural heritage and artistic creativity. Kern Cowan, CEO of the Tobago Festivals Commission (TFCL), emphasized the meticulous planning behind the event, noting improvements in road management and crowd control. The introduction of barriers ensured smoother movement of bands and enhanced safety, addressing challenges faced in previous years. Cowan highlighted the growing popularity of the carnival, with increased visitor numbers signaling its potential for further expansion. THA Deputy Chief Secretary Dr. Faith Brebnor praised the event for its economic impact, citing high hotel occupancy rates and its contribution to Tobago’s economy. She expressed pride in the administration’s efforts to establish the carnival as a premier cultural product. Minority Leader Kelvon Morris commended the improved organization and coordination, while suggesting the introduction of competitive elements to elevate artistic presentations. Minister of Culture and Community Development Michelle Benjamin lauded the carnival as a testament to Tobago’s unique cultural identity, uniting people through music, dance, and tradition. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the event, ensuring its continued growth as a global cultural phenomenon.
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Fireworks are of no value
In a compelling letter to the editor, Avisha Ali voices her frustration over the prolonged issue of fireworks misuse in society. She highlights the inadequacy of current noise pollution laws and the severe consequences of fireworks, which include health risks, anxiety, hearing loss, and harm to vulnerable populations such as infants, the elderly, and animals. Ali emphasizes that while the government exists to enact laws for the nation’s welfare, the public must also take a stand to demand change. She acknowledges that petitions may not always be effective but believes collective action can influence policymakers to address this persistent problem. Ali’s letter underscores the need for stricter regulations to curb the widespread availability and misuse of fireworks, which she describes as a societal menace.
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PNM condemns Government shutdown of Senate debate
The Opposition has strongly criticized the government for what it termed a premature conclusion to the 2024/2025 budget debate in the Senate on October 27. The debate ended abruptly at 9:57 PM after Opposition Senator Faris Al-Rawi completed his remarks, with Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Kennedy Swaratsingh, immediately moving to close the session. This left several key figures, including Opposition Senators Dr. Amery Browne and Foster Cummings, as well as senior government ministers, without the opportunity to contribute. Among those who did not speak were Attorney General John Jeremie, Leader of Government Business Darrell Allahar, and Agriculture Minister Ravi Ratiram, among others. Swaratsingh’s 16-minute wrap-up failed to address critical concerns raised by opposition and independent senators, including the implications of Venezuela’s cancellation of an energy framework agreement with Trinidad and Tobago, which could impact investments in the Manatee field operated by Shell. The Opposition also highlighted issues such as revenue shortfalls, unfunded public servant back pay, and overstated borrowing arrangements. The PNM accused the government of deliberately avoiding scrutiny and accountability, likening the Senate debate to the earlier House of Representatives debate, which also ended prematurely. The Senate is set to reconvene on October 29 to discuss amendments to excise duties on tobacco and alcoholic beverages, while the House will meet on October 31 to consider extending the state of emergency for another three months. The Constitution allows for a simple majority to extend the state of emergency, but a three-fifths majority is required for extensions beyond six months, posing a potential challenge in the Senate.
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PM: Trinidad and Tobago’s future does not depend on Venezuela gas
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad and Tobago (TT) remains resolute in the face of Venezuela’s proposal to suspend all gas agreements between the two nations. Speaking to Newsday via WhatsApp on October 27, Persad-Bissessar emphasized that TT’s economic future does not hinge on Venezuela, citing robust plans to diversify the economy across energy and non-energy sectors. She dismissed concerns over Venezuela’s actions, stating, “We are not susceptible to any blackmail from the Venezuelans for political support.”
Persad-Bissessar also addressed the ongoing fight against drug cartels, vowing that no external entity, including Venezuela, the opposition PNM party, or Caricom, would pressure her government into retreating. She expressed frustration over gang violence fueled by illegal drugs and arms trafficking, which has terrorized TT citizens. Despite these tensions, she reaffirmed that TT maintains peaceful relations with Venezuela.
The proposed suspension of gas agreements was announced by Venezuelan Vice President and Oil Minister Delcy Rodríguez via state media Telesur. Rodríguez cited “hostile and aggressive actions” by TT, including alignment with the US’s “warrior agenda,” as reasons for the move. She referenced a recent incident involving a group allegedly linked to the CIA, accusing TT of enabling a “false-flag operation” to frame Venezuela. Rodríguez asserted that suspending the agreements was necessary to protect Venezuelan sovereignty.
TT’s Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs dismissed Rodríguez’s allegations as unfounded, clarifying that the presence of the USS Gravely, an American destroyer, in TT waters was part of a routine joint training exercise with the TT Defence Force. The ministry emphasized that the visit was consistent with longstanding regional security partnerships and denied any provocation.
Political analyst Dr. Anthony Gonzales warned that unresolved tensions could escalate, urging TT to engage in proactive diplomacy to reassure Venezuela. He stressed the importance of avoiding involvement in the geopolitical struggle between the US and Venezuela, recommending dialogue to diffuse the situation. Former foreign affairs minister Winston Dookeran echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the necessity of diplomacy.
Historically, TT and Venezuela have maintained a complex relationship centered on energy cooperation, with multiple gas agreements and joint projects. However, the current tensions highlight the fragility of this partnership amid broader geopolitical pressures.
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Happy for the USS Gravely’s visit
The USS Gravely, a US naval warship, has docked at the Port of Port of Spain for a five-day visit to Trinidad and Tobago (TT), concluding on October 30. This visit is part of joint training exercises with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF), aimed at enhancing tactical readiness, operational efficiency, and maintaining international standards of excellence. However, the Opposition has raised concerns, labeling the visit as a threat to national sovereignty and security. In a letter to the editor, Leisha S. Dhoray strongly condemns the Opposition’s stance, describing it as misguided, irresponsible, and unpatriotic. Dhoray argues that the Opposition’s reaction is based on fear-mongering and misinformation, with no evidence to support their claims. She highlights the positive outcomes of previous US-TT defense collaborations, such as the Tradewinds 2025 exercise and the USNS Comfort’s medical mission, which brought free healthcare to hundreds of citizens. Dhoray emphasizes that the USS Gravely’s visit is a continuation of constructive defense cooperation, aimed at advancing regional security, strengthening defense partnerships, and building mutual trust. She calls on the Opposition to support initiatives that strengthen national security and global partnerships, rather than engaging in reckless political grandstanding.