The Standing Finance Committee of the House of Representatives witnessed heated exchanges between government and opposition MPs on October 23 as they deliberated on the 2025/2026 budget. The focus of the debate centered on the allocation of $285,517,600 for the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism, alongside contentious discussions on expenditure for planting poui trees and the termination of the Cepep program. Trade, Investment and Tourism Minister Kama Maharaj outlined a $1 million initiative to beautify highways by planting poui trees, drawing parallels to similar projects in Japan involving cherry blossoms. He suggested involving volunteers and school children in the effort, prompting Port of Spain South MP Keith Scotland to question whether children would be paid for their participation. Scotland also criticized the government for dismissing former Cepep workers who could have been retained for such initiatives, leading to tense exchanges in the chamber. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo had previously announced the termination of Cepep and URP in his October 13 budget presentation, proposing a $475 million Employment Fund to replace these programs with full-time, better-paid jobs. Social Development Minister Vandana Mohit and Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath indicated that former Cepep workers could apply for jobs through the National Recruitment Drive. Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles raised concerns about potential political patronage in the new unemployment fund, questioning its fairness and transparency.
标签： Trinidad and Tobago
特立尼达和多巴哥
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KFC serves up $650k sponsorship for Clarke Road United
Clarke Road United, a prominent cricket club in Trinidad and Tobago, has secured a significant sponsorship deal with KFC TT, marking a pivotal moment ahead of the 2025 Premiership season. The fast-food giant has committed $650,000 over the next two years, rebranding the team as KFC Clarke Road United. The partnership was officially announced at KFC’s Gulf View branch in La Romaine, with key figures like club president Baldath Mahabir and KFC TT vice-president Roger Rambharose in attendance. Rambharose emphasized the collaboration as an investment in community development and the future of West Indies cricket. He highlighted the club’s legacy of nurturing talent, including international stars like Nicholas Pooran, and expressed optimism about the partnership’s potential to inspire young cricketers. The deal, initially set for two years, could extend further, reflecting KFC’s commitment to holistic cricket development. Rambharose also noted KFC’s broader involvement in cricket, including support for the Trinbago Knight Riders and local academies. Mahabir celebrated the partnership as a milestone in the club’s 40-year history, recalling its humble beginnings in Penal and its role in fostering regional cricket talent. The club’s community spirit was further underscored by Penal Debe Regional Corporation chairman Gowtam Maharaj, who shared a story of players halting a match to help extinguish a nearby house fire. This act of selflessness, he said, epitomizes the values of Clarke Road United, a club that excels both on and off the field.
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Phoenix wary of league’s quality, but aim for TTPFL top four
1976 FC Phoenix, under the guidance of new head coach Delroy Patterson, is gearing up for a transformative season in the TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) Tier One. The Tobago-based team, which finished ninth last season, is optimistic that the return of home games to their schedule will provide the momentum needed to climb the league standings. This season, Phoenix is set to play up to six home matches at the Dwight Yorke Stadium in Bacolet, a significant improvement from the previous campaign where they had no home fixtures. Their season opener on October 24 will see them face Terminix La Horquetta Rangers in a double-header event, following a match between Miscellaneous Police FC and San Juan Jabloteh. Patterson, who led Whim Leeds United to the Tobago FA Cup title last year, has set a top-four finish as the team’s primary goal. However, he acknowledges the competitive nature of the league and emphasizes a game-by-game approach. ‘Realistically, we have a lot to put in if we want to finish in the top four because there are a lot of other good clubs out there,’ Patterson told Newsday. ‘If we finish in the top six again, I’d take that any day.’ The team has undergone significant changes in the off-season, with the departure of key players like Kassidy Davidson and Jariel Arthur. However, Patterson is confident in the abilities of players such as Deleon Beckles, Trevin Caesar, Kerri McDonald, Che Richards, and captain Duvaughn Daniel to step up. With the TTPFL introducing a new promotion and relegation structure, Patterson is determined to keep Phoenix in the top flight. ‘The guys are upbeat, and we want to continue playing in Tier One and not get demoted,’ he said. The team’s schedule includes challenging home fixtures against last season’s runners-up MIC Central FC Reboot, holders Defence Force, and Police FC. Patterson believes the support of the Tobago faithful will be crucial in inspiring the team to success. ‘It’s a morale boost for the guys, and knowing they have the fans behind them will give them more energy,’ he added.
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Tenth US strike off Venezuela claims six lives
In a decisive move against narco-terrorism, the United States military executed a targeted strike on a vessel allegedly operated by the Tren de Aragua (TdA), a designated terrorist organization, in the southern Caribbean on October 24. The operation, conducted in international waters off the coast of Venezuela, resulted in the deaths of six alleged narco-terrorists. US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth confirmed the strike in a post on X, stating it was carried out overnight under the directive of President Trump. He emphasized that the vessel was identified by intelligence as part of a narcotics smuggling network and was traversing a known trafficking route. This marks the first nighttime strike in the ongoing campaign against narco-terrorism. Hegseth issued a stern warning to drug smugglers, vowing to treat them with the same severity as Al-Qaeda. Since September, the US military has reportedly killed 13 individuals in similar operations, including two Trinidad and Tobago nationals in a strike on October 14.
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Fireworks, scratch bombs blamed for infant’s death
A heart-wrenching tragedy has struck a Chase Village couple, Nicholas Badal and his wife, who are attributing the death of their three-day-old son, Kemani Gordon, to the deafening explosions of fireworks and the failure of law enforcement to intervene. The incident occurred during the Divali celebrations on October 19, when loud fireworks began disrupting their Bholai Street East home as early as 7 am. Badal recounted how the incessant noise caused his newborn to cry uncontrollably throughout the night, describing the ordeal as unbearable. By the early hours of October 21, Kemani had become unresponsive and was later pronounced dead at the hospital. An autopsy on October 23 revealed that the infant succumbed to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). However, Dr. Marlon Timmothy, president of the Paediatric Society of TT, suggested that the adrenaline surge triggered by the loud noises could have contributed to a fatal cardiac event. Badal expressed his frustration with the police, stating that multiple calls to the Freeport station and the 999 emergency line went unanswered. He now seeks justice for his son, calling for stricter regulations on fireworks and accountability from law enforcement. The grieving father also appealed for counselling and financial assistance to help the family cope with their devastating loss.
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Khary Pierre drafted into Windies T20 team to face Bangladesh
Trinidadian left-arm spinner Khary Pierre has been added to the West Indies squad for their upcoming three-match T20 series against Bangladesh, scheduled from October 27 to 31. The 34-year-old, who recently participated in the One-day International (ODI) series against Bangladesh, will replace the injured Shamar Joseph. Pierre, who played all three ODIs and claimed one wicket, will now team up with fellow left-arm spinners Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie in the 15-man T20 squad. Shamar Joseph, a promising fast bowler, has been sidelined due to a persistent shoulder injury, which also caused him to miss the Test series against India earlier this month. Cricket West Indies announced on October 20 that Joseph has been advised to consult a specialist in England for rehabilitation. Pierre, who last played a T20 for West Indies in 2020 against Ireland, has taken seven wickets in ten T20 matches with an economy rate of 9.60. The series will kick off in Chittagong on October 27, followed by matches on October 29 and 31. Pierre’s inclusion comes after an impressive 2025 First-Class season with Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, which earned him his first Test cap during the recent series against India. The West Indies T20 squad, led by Shai Hope, includes notable players such as Jason Holder, Roston Chase, and Romario Shepherd.
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Sir Hilary Beckles : Frank Worrell broke barriers that others could not
Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West Indies (UWI), recently unveiled his latest literary work, *Cricket’s First Revolutionary – Frank Worrell’s Political War Against Colonialism in the West Indies*, at the UWI St Augustine Campus on October 21. The book delves into the life and legacy of Sir Frank Worrell, a cricketing legend whose impact transcended the sport. While Worrell’s Test batting average of nearly 50 runs is widely celebrated, his true significance lies in his relentless advocacy for equality and better treatment of West Indies cricketers during the colonial era. Born in Barbados, Worrell became the first captain of African descent for the West Indies team in the 1950s, breaking racial barriers that predecessors like Learie Constantine and George Headley could not. Worrell’s activism extended beyond cricket; he served as a Senator in Jamaica and formed the Starvation XI, a club for underprivileged boys in Barbados. Beckles’ book, completed in just five months, highlights Worrell’s journey from star cricketer to revolutionary leader, emphasizing his role in dismantling colonial structures within West Indies cricket. The launch event featured insights from prominent figures, including Dr. Indira Rampersad, Rose-Marie Belle Antoine, and historian Selwyn Cudjoe. Beckles, inspired by his childhood admiration for Worrell and guided by Trinidadian scholar CLR James, aims to preserve Worrell’s legacy as a symbol of resilience and progress in the face of systemic oppression.
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LATT on PM’s ‘filth’ remark: Public discourse should be respectful
The Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago (LATT) has issued a stern call for mutual respect and dignified discourse in public discussions on legal and constitutional matters, particularly among high-ranking officials. This appeal follows recent comments made by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar in response to LATT’s critique of the appointment process for the new Chief Justice, Ronnie Boodoosingh. On October 23, LATT raised concerns about the consultation process, describing it as ‘hastened and truncated.’ In a sharp retort, Persad-Bissessar dismissed LATT’s concerns with derogatory remarks, stating, ‘I have no regard for anything the eat-ah-food filth of the hierarchy of the Law Association says.’ LATT, in its October 24 statement, reaffirmed its statutory duty to comment on matters affecting the administration of justice and the rule of law. The association emphasized its commitment to acting independently, without bias, and in alignment with the highest professional standards. It stressed the importance of constructive engagement among all branches of government to uphold democratic institutions. LATT also vowed to continue its mandate of providing principled guidance on legal matters, undeterred by external criticism. Boodoosingh was sworn in on October 22 by acting President Wade Mark, following the retirement of former Chief Justice Ivor Archie. Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles has criticized the appointment process, claiming she was not consulted as required by the Constitution. Mark is currently acting in place of President Christine Kangaloo, who is abroad.
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Assembly of Southern Lawyers congratulates new CJ
The Assembly of Southern Lawyers (ASL) has extended its congratulations to Ronnie Boodoosingh on his recent appointment as Chief Justice of Trinidad and Tobago. The ASL lauded Boodoosingh’s illustrious legal career, which began in 1992 when he was admitted to practice law. He initially worked as an advocate at JD Sellier & Company before transitioning to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions as a prosecutor. In 2007, he was appointed to the High Court bench, and in 2020, he was elevated to the Court of Appeal. ASL President Saira Lakhan highlighted Boodoosingh’s dedication, professionalism, and commitment to advancing access to justice, particularly in the southern region. Boodoosingh, who holds a master’s degree in international dispute resolution from the University of London, has also made significant contributions to legal education as a lecturer at the Hugh Wooding Law School and as the founder of the Human Rights Law Clinic. The ASL expressed optimism about collaborating with Boodoosingh to strengthen the administration of justice, reduce court backlogs, and enhance public confidence in the judiciary. The assembly also emphasized the importance of reopening and fully operationalizing courts in the southern region, including those in San Fernando. Meanwhile, attorney Prakash Ramadhar reflected on the tenure of outgoing Chief Justice Ivor Archie, who served for 17 years, calling for greater transparency and accountability in judicial appointments. Ramadhar also raised concerns about the current system of judicial appointments, advocating for public scrutiny of those in positions of power. Boodoosingh was officially appointed by acting President Wade Mark, marking a new chapter in Trinidad and Tobago’s judiciary.
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British High Commissioner Dean distributes rugby kits
On October 17, British High Commissioner Jon Dean hosted a significant reception at his official residence in Maraval, Trinidad and Tobago, to commemorate the handover of rugby equipment to the TT Schools’ Rugby Union. This event highlighted the British High Commission’s dedication to fostering youth development through sports in the region. The donation, facilitated by the UK-based charity SOS Kit Aid, included essential gear such as hoodies, polos, shorts, socks, tops, tracksuits, tackle shields, and kit bags. These items will be distributed to schools across Trinidad and Tobago, with particular emphasis on rural communities and Tobago, where rugby teams are emerging. During the event, Dean emphasized the unifying power of sports, stating, ‘Rugby has a rich tradition in the United Kingdom, and we are thrilled to see it growing here in TT. This donation will ensure the kit reaches the schools and students who need it most.’ Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs, David Nakhid, also attended, delivering remarks on behalf of Minister Phillip Watts, who was absent due to parliamentary duties. Watts praised the initiative, noting, ‘Through sport, we are shaping character, building discipline, and creating new opportunities for young people across TT, especially in areas where access and resources are often limited.’ The event brought together local professional rugby players and aspiring young athletes from various schools, showcasing a collaborative effort between the British High Commission and local partners to enhance youth engagement through sports.