A festive outing turned perilous at Tobago’s Nylon Pool on Saturday, October 25, when a glass-bottom boat partially sank due to overcrowding. The vessel, named Rush Hour, had departed from Pigeon Point Jetty at 4 pm with 65 passengers for a reef tour. However, by 6:15 pm, while docked at the Nylon Pool jetty, the boat began to take on water after patrons from other reef boats boarded, causing the stern to submerge. Local pirogue operators swiftly intervened to evacuate the passengers, averting a potential disaster. Authorities from the Crown Point Police Station promptly responded to the incident, ensuring the safety of all involved. This incident highlights the need for stricter safety regulations and crowd control measures during popular tourist activities.
标签： Trinidad and Tobago
特立尼达和多巴哥
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Why still pay TTRA employees?
The recent repeal of the Trinidad and Tobago Revenue Authority (TTRA) Act by the new UNC government has sparked significant debate over the continued employment and funding of its hierarchy within the Ministry of Finance. Despite the repeal, the TTRA’s top officials, who were hired under the previous administration, remain on the payroll, costing taxpayers substantial sums. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo faces mounting questions regarding the rationale behind this financial burden on taxpayers.
The TTRA, a politically charged entity, saw its top officials earning over $150,000 monthly. Established under a prior administration’s policy agenda, the TTRA’s alignment with the current government’s priorities is now in question. Critics argue that continuing to fund such an entity undermines democratic accountability and represents a misallocation of public resources.
Governments are elected to implement their own policy objectives and allocate resources accordingly. Funding legacy entities that no longer serve the current administration’s goals is seen as wasteful, especially when these entities may have been established without proper feasibility studies or governance structures. The current administration is urged to assess the legal constitution, effectiveness, and necessity of these personnel before continuing payments.
Efficient and transparent use of public funds is a fundamental duty of any government. Paying for an entity that may no longer be operational, relevant, or producing measurable results contradicts sound fiscal management. Instead, funds should be redirected toward current national priorities or more impactful programs that align with present needs.
The current administration should not automatically inherit financial responsibility for organizations created by a previous government unless these entities continue to serve a clear, lawful, and strategic national purpose. Continued funding without such justification represents poor governance, weak accountability, and a misallocation of public resources.
Nizam Ganga, via e-mail
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Trinidad and Tobago women’s coach: Asha James ‘not left out forever’
The Trinidad and Tobago women’s football team remains united and fully focused as they prepare for their October 28 international friendly against Jamaica, despite the recent exclusion of playmaker Asha James. James was omitted from the 23-member squad announced on October 24, following a critical Facebook post she directed at team captain Kennya “Yaya” Cordner on October 20. This incident occurred just one day after former head coach Angus Eve resigned after only 20 days in charge.
Newly appointed co-head coach Damian Briggs addressed the situation during a pre-match interview at Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva on October 27. Briggs clarified that James’ omission was not disciplinary but had been handled internally before his appointment. He emphasized that the decision was not permanent and that James was informed of the outcome, with both parties reaching an amicable resolution. Briggs confirmed that James is expected to rejoin the team after the Jamaica match.
Briggs, who replaced Eve, stated that the squad has moved past the distractions and is focused on performing well against their regional rivals. He highlighted the team’s unity and shared goals, saying, “We’ve bonded and gelled together. Everyone’s singing from the same hymn sheet.” The team aims to create a legacy in women’s football for Trinidad and Tobago, with the Jamaica game serving as a platform to showcase their progress and unity.
Briggs also noted that the technical staff has implemented measures to minimize distractions and ensure the team remains focused on their upcoming challenges, including the Concacaf Women’s qualifiers starting on November 30. The Jamaica friendly marks Briggs’s first assignment as head coach of the Women Warriors.
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Paul misses Track World Championship medal
Trinidad and Tobago’s cycling sensation Nicholas Paul narrowly missed out on a podium finish at the 2025 Track World Championships in Santiago, Chile, on October 26. Paul, who had previously secured silver medals in the 2021 and 2023 editions, finished fourth in the men’s sprint event, marking a disappointing end to the nation’s campaign. This year’s result contrasts sharply with the past two championships, where Paul had been a standout performer. Ranked fourth in the International Cycling Union’s individual sprint standings, Paul faced Dutch speedster Harrie Lavreysen in the semi-finals. Despite a valiant effort, Paul was outclassed by Lavreysen, who went on to claim gold in the final. In the bronze-medal race, Paul faced Australian Leigh Hoffman. Although Paul briefly took the lead in the first race, Hoffman’s resilience in the sprint lane secured him the bronze. The second race saw Hoffman dominate, leaving Paul without a medal. The championships also saw mixed results for other Trinidad and Tobago cyclists. Makaira Wallace, making her World Championships debut in the women’s keirin, failed to advance beyond the first round. Akil Campbell finished 16th in the men’s elimination race, while his sister Teniel did not complete the women’s points race. Despite the setbacks, Paul’s performance in the keirin and 1km time trial, along with the participation of veteran Njisane Phillip, highlighted Trinidad and Tobago’s presence on the global stage.
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Venezuela: Trinidad and Tobago helping US start a war — Warship worries
In a dramatic escalation of regional tensions, Venezuela has issued a scathing statement condemning the joint military exercise between the United States and Trinidad and Tobago (TT) as a ‘hostile provocation’ and a ‘serious threat to Caribbean peace.’ The statement, released on October 26, came hours after the US naval warship USS Gravely docked at Port of Spain, sparking accusations of military aggression from Caracas. Venezuela claims the exercise, scheduled from October 26 to 30, is part of a broader US strategy to ignite conflict in the region. The Venezuelan government also alleged that the US is planning a ‘false flag attack’ to justify military intervention, drawing parallels to historical incidents like the Battleship Maine explosion in 1898 and the Gulf of Tonkin incident in 1964. Venezuelan Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez accused the US of using disinformation and manipulation to pave the way for war, while also criticizing TT Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar for allegedly surrendering TT’s sovereignty to US interests. The statement further referenced recent US military actions in the Caribbean, including the alleged killing of 49 drug traffickers and the deaths of TT citizens Chad Joseph and Rishi Samaroo in a missile strike. Despite Venezuela’s vehement opposition, TT’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs defended the USS Gravely’s visit, emphasizing its focus on combating transnational crime and enhancing regional security. Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers welcomed the warship’s presence, highlighting the long-standing partnership between TT and the US. Meanwhile, opposition leader Dr. Amery Browne criticized the government for escalating tensions with Venezuela, calling the situation ‘completely unnecessary’ and urging a return to diplomatic prudence.
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Prime Minister announces SoE extension on TV show
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad and Tobago has revealed plans to extend the ongoing state of emergency (SoE), citing recommendations from the Commissioner of Police. The announcement was made during an interview on the prime-time TV programme Crime Watch, hosted by Ian Alleyne, on October 27. The current SoE, initially declared on July 18 and extended on July 28, is set to expire on October 28. A motion to prolong the SoE has been tabled in Parliament for debate on October 31, requiring a three-fifths majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate for approval. The SoE was originally implemented in response to the alleged emergence of a dangerous criminal network targeting senior government officials and national institutions. Under the SoE, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service and Defence Force have been granted enhanced powers, including the authority to arrest suspects, conduct searches, and detain individuals without bail. Additionally, several high-security prisoners have been relocated to military bases. The Prime Minister has not specified the duration of the proposed extension, but constitutional provisions limit further extensions to three-month increments, necessitating support from independent senators for a three-fifths majority.
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Foreign Minister, students disagree on Jamaica evacuation
As Hurricane Melissa approached Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago’s Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Sean Sobers addressed concerns about the safety of TT nationals studying on the island. Speaking at a press conference on October 26, Sobers detailed the government’s efforts to assist students, though many students claimed the reality on the ground differed significantly from the minister’s assurances. The US National Hurricane Center began monitoring the storm on October 21, warning of potential impacts on Jamaica by October 23. Sobers stated that the ministry acted swiftly after receiving emails from concerned students and parents on October 22. A ‘blast email’ was sent to all 268 students in Jamaica on October 23, offering them the option to return home. However, only 72 students accepted the offer, 13 declined, and 183 did not respond. Caribbean Airlines Ltd (CAL) was informed, and additional flights were arranged on October 24 to accommodate students. Despite these efforts, students reported issues with flight availability and increased ticket prices, with some paying over $700 for one-way tickets. Sobers acknowledged that some students might not afford the flights but defended the government’s decision not to fund the trips, citing the low response rate. He also announced plans for a free flight after the storm. Meanwhile, students criticized the lack of timely communication, with many claiming they were notified too late to book flights. The government provided supplies to students who remained in Jamaica, though social media posts suggested the provisions were insufficient. Sobers condemned the opposition for spreading misinformation and reaffirmed TT’s commitment to assisting Jamaica during the crisis.
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Angostura reports over $100m in profit
Angostura Holdings Ltd has unveiled impressive financial results for the nine-month period ending September 30, 2025, showcasing robust growth across key metrics. The company reported $757 million in revenue and a $145 million profit before tax, with profit after tax climbing 10 per cent to $104 million. Total assets expanded by six per cent year-over-year to $1.9 billion, supported by a low debt ratio of 0.16. Earnings per share also rose from $0.46 to $0.51, reflecting the company’s strong performance. The international segment experienced significant growth, with Branded Rum sales surging 182 per cent and Angostura Chill sales increasing by eight per cent. Exports now account for 45 per cent of total group revenue, while domestic growth rose by three per cent, driven by the launch of new ready-to-drink products. Operating activities generated $124 million, up from $113 million, and finance income grew by 42 per cent due to strong returns from US dollar investments. Recently appointed chairman Gary Hunt expressed optimism about sustaining long-term growth and maximizing shareholder value through innovation and operational excellence. The company’s board underwent significant changes in 2025, with six former directors resigning in June and five new members appointed in August. These changes delayed the approval of a final dividend of $0.28 per share, originally scheduled for July 31, 2025. Angostura’s financial momentum continues, having achieved $33 million in profit before tax in the first quarter of 2025 and surpassing $1 billion in revenue for the financial year ended December 31, 2024.
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Kamla: Caricom chose Venezuela over Trinidad and Tobago, not a reliable partner
In a recent appearance on the Crime Watch television show hosted by Ian Alleyne on October 27, Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar expressed her dissatisfaction with Caricom, labeling it as an unreliable partner. She accused the regional organization of siding with Venezuela over its own member state, Trinidad and Tobago. Her remarks came shortly after Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez announced that Venezuela would not collaborate with Trinidad and Tobago on any energy projects. Rodriguez had previously criticized Trinidad and Tobago for what she described as an act of aggression—the docking of the US destroyer USS Gravely at the Port of Spain. The vessel is part of a US anti-narcotics fleet currently stationed in the Southern Caribbean, which some analysts speculate could be aimed at influencing regime change in Venezuela. Persad-Bissessar countered by asserting that Trinidad and Tobago does not depend on Venezuelan gas, highlighting alternative projects in both energy and non-energy sectors. Additionally, she announced that the House of Representatives would convene on October 31 to vote on extending the current state of emergency (SoE), initially declared on July 18 and extended on July 28 for three months. The SoE was prompted by allegations of criminal gangs plotting to overthrow the government. Meanwhile, former Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Amery Browne criticized Persad-Bissessar, accusing her of isolating Trinidad and Tobago from Caricom and rejecting the concept of a zone of peace. Browne emphasized the importance of unity within Caricom, stating, ‘The truth about TT and Caricom is that we are always stronger together.’
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Mottley: US military threatening regional peace
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley has strongly criticized recent US military airstrikes in the southern Caribbean, labeling them as a threat to regional peace. Speaking at the Barbados Labour Party’s annual conference on October 25, Mottley emphasized that disputes should be resolved through the United Nations rather than unilateral military actions. Her remarks were later shared by former Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley on his Facebook page on October 26. Mottley argued that extra-judicial killings, even of suspected criminals, violate the rule of law and undermine regional stability. She urged the US to share intelligence with Caribbean nations if there is an immediate threat, stressing that dialogue and negotiation are essential to prevent conflicts. Mottley’s comments came shortly after an Al Jazeera report where Trinidad and Tobago’s Defence Minister Wayne Sturge defended the US actions, stating that the US has the prerogative to interpret and act against perceived terrorist threats in international waters. Mottley countered that almost all wars in history have been resolved through dialogue, advocating for preemptive discussions to avoid violence.