The National Women’s Action Committee (NWAC) has announced significant updates to the 2026 National Calypso Queen competition, aiming to foster greater artistic development and inclusivity. In a press release issued on November 12, NWAC revealed that the competition will introduce a semi-final round and welcome back past winners, thanks to a revision of the entry rules. Previously, winners were barred from re-entering the competition, but this restriction has now been lifted. Starting in 2026, a winner can participate again until she secures a second title, effectively allowing her to exit the competition only after two victories. This rule change has been made retroactive, enabling any past winner to re-enter, provided she has not won titles in other major competitions such as the calypso monarch, road march, soca monarch, or chutney monarch. The final is scheduled for January 25 at Queen’s Hall in Port of Spain, while auditions will commence on December 13 at Scarborough Secondary School in Tobago. These updates aim to enhance the competition’s dynamism and provide more opportunities for female calypsonians to showcase their talent.
标签： Trinidad and Tobago
特立尼达和多巴哥
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Jackie Hinkson launches Sketchpad Collection at Nalis on November 12
The National Library and Information System Authority (Nalis) has partnered with renowned artist Jackie Hinkson to present an interactive exhibition featuring The Jackie Hinkson Sketchpad Collection. The event, scheduled to commence on November 12, will be held at the Rotunda, National Library of Trinidad and Tobago, located at 23 Abercromby Street, Port of Spain, starting at 5:30 pm. This exhibition will display over 210 sketchpads, offering a glimpse into Hinkson’s creative process and preliminary artistic perspectives. Among these, 60 items were generously donated by Hinkson and are now part of The University of the West Indies’ collection. For more than six decades, Hinkson has significantly enriched Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural landscape through his street art, large murals, and wood sculptures. His contributions were internationally recognized in 2010 when over 100 of his sketchpads were inscribed by UNESCO into the Local Memory of the World Register. Additionally, he was awarded the Chaconia Medal (Gold) for his outstanding contributions to the nation’s cultural heritage. Hinkson believes that drawing is the most direct and intimate way to respond to the physical and social environment, and he aims to inspire future generations of artists through his work. The exhibition will remain open to the public until November 22, during regular library hours at the Rotunda, Nalis.
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Roxborough Hospital’s outpatient clinic gets recognition
Roxborough Hospital’s medical outpatient clinic has made history by becoming the first facility in the Caribbean Community (Caricom) to be recognized as an Age-Friendly Health System (AFHS) by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI). This prestigious designation underscores the clinic’s commitment to delivering exceptional, personalized care tailored to the needs of older adults. The AFHS initiative, a collaborative effort between The John A. Hartford Foundation and the IHI, aims to elevate the standard of healthcare for the elderly population. Dr. Naila Edwards, a leading geriatrician and age-friendly initiative leader at Roxborough Hospital, emphasized that this recognition is more than an accolade—it is a pledge to the community to provide evidence-based, harm-free care that aligns with patients’ priorities. The AFHS framework is built on four core principles, known as the 4Ms: What Matters (aligning care with patients’ health goals), Medication (ensuring medications do not hinder mobility or cognition), Mentation (addressing mental health issues like dementia and depression), and Mobility (promoting safe daily movement). To celebrate this milestone, Roxborough Hospital and the Tobago Regional Health Authority (TRHA) will host a community outreach event on November 14 at the Belle Garden community center. The event will feature educational booths, physical therapy demonstrations, dementia screenings, and medication safety consultations, engaging older adults and their support networks. Dr. Edwards highlighted the significance of this achievement, positioning Tobago as a leader in geriatric healthcare within the Caricom region. The TRHA continues to provide high-quality healthcare services, with Roxborough Hospital’s outpatient clinic at the forefront of innovation and excellence in patient care.
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Final chance to see Yuh Doh Leave Fowl To Watch Corn!
After months of captivating audiences with its uproarious humor and sold-out shows, RS/RR Productions’ acclaimed play, ‘Yuh Doh Leave Fowl to Watch Corn!’, is set to conclude its run with two final performances on November 15 and 16 at Cipriani College. The play, a riotous comedy, takes viewers through a day of escalating chaos, featuring women waking up in the wrong beds, men vehemently denying their involvement, and a maid who struggles to keep secrets. As the Trinidadian proverb suggests, leaving a fowl to watch corn is a recipe for disaster, and this production delivers an evening of unbridled mischief and laughter. The stellar cast includes Richard Ragoobarsingh, Leslie Ann Lavine, Zo Mari Tanker, Kala Neehall, Benita Wilson, and Andrew Friday, under the co-direction of Debra Boucaud Mason and Ragoobarsingh. The box office opens on November 12 from 12 pm to 6 pm, with showtimes scheduled for November 15 at 8:30 pm and November 16 at 6:30 pm. For ticket inquiries, contact 481-2185, 338-6024, or 744-7581.
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Yara Trinidad Ltd tops Amcham HSSE awards
Yara Trinidad Ltd emerged as the standout winner at the American Chamber of Commerce’s TT (Amcham TT) 15th Annual National Excellence in HSE Awards, held on November 10 at the Hyatt Regency in Port of Spain. The company secured the prestigious Excellence in HSE Award, while Sonriz Engineering Services Ltd received an honorable mention. Additionally, Yara Trinidad Ltd claimed first place in the Towards Operational Resilience Category, with ASCO Logistics Ltd earning honorable mention in the same category. The event, which marked a significant milestone for Amcham TT, celebrated outstanding achievements in Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) across various industries. In the Outstanding Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) and Environment Project category, National Energy Corporation of TT Ltd won the large energy category for its Phase II Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Education Project, while La Brea Industrial Development Company Ltd took the small energy category. The Airports Authority of TT triumphed in the large services category. Acado Foods, a division of Acado Trinidad Ltd, won the large manufacturing category in the HSE Evolution Award, with Nu-Iron Ltd securing the large energy category and the TT Unit Trust Corporation winning in the large services category. CEO Nirad Tewarie emphasized the evolution of the awards from a recognition program to a movement fostering shared values of safety, health, and environmental care. He praised the leadership of awardees, highlighting their resilience and innovation in the face of adversity. Head judge Gerard Rajkumar noted the awards’ expansion beyond the energy sector, reflecting the growing importance of HSE across industries. He also detailed recent enhancements to the awards process, including mentorship programs aimed at supporting companies in achieving HSE excellence.
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Modern medicine brings new hope but: Diabetes on the rise in Trinidad and Tobago
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has revealed alarming statistics indicating that over 40% of adults in Trinidad and Tobago (TT) are overweight or obese, a significant risk factor for Type 2 diabetes. Currently, diabetes affects 12-15% of the population, with at least 150,000 individuals diagnosed. However, Dr. Chad Bisambar, a renowned diabetes specialist and endocrinologist, warns that the actual number is likely higher due to undiagnosed cases. Diabetes, a chronic condition characterized by elevated blood glucose levels, arises from insufficient insulin production or ineffective insulin use. Dr. Bisambar, who trained at the University of Cambridge and practices at multiple medical institutions in TT, highlights that 90% of diabetes cases are Type 2, often asymptomatic, leading to delayed diagnosis. He also notes a worrying surge in cases among children and young adults under 40. Major risk factors include poor diet, sedentary lifestyles, family history, East Indian descent, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in women. Dr. Bisambar emphasizes that diabetes is the leading cause of heart attacks, strokes, blindness, kidney failure, and lower limb amputations in TT. Addressing misconceptions, he clarifies that elevated blood glucose can cause organ damage even without symptoms and that lifestyle changes can sometimes eliminate the need for medication. Over the past decade, diabetes treatments have evolved significantly. Newer medications like SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 agonists not only lower blood sugar but also protect major organs and reduce body fat. These drugs are now recommended internationally as first- or second-line treatments, particularly for patients with heart or kidney disease. Despite these advancements, access to newer drugs like semaglutide and terzepatide remains limited in TT, posing financial and logistical challenges for patients. Dr. Bisambar stresses the importance of patient education, early detection, and a national screening program to combat the diabetes epidemic. He encourages those affected to seek support from family, healthcare providers, and organizations like the Diabetes Association of TT, emphasizing that with proper guidance, diabetes management can be simplified and remission achieved.
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Four Tobago hotels get $1.7m from TTAL
On November 11, four prominent hotels in Tobago were awarded approximately $1.7 million in financial reimbursements and grants by the Tobago Tourism Agency Limited (TTAL). The recipients—Crown Point Beach Hotel, Shepherd’s Inn, Tropikist Beach Hotel and Resort, and Sparkle’s B Lovely Events and Accommodation—were recognized for their commitment to enhancing the island’s tourism sector. The funds were disbursed under the Tourism Accommodation Upgrade Project (TAUP) and phase two of the Tourism Accommodation Relief Grant (TARG) programme, both aimed at elevating Tobago’s hospitality standards and fostering a sustainable tourism industry. The TAUP initiative, approved by the Cabinet, provides partial reimbursements to eligible accommodation providers for infrastructural improvements that enhance visitor experiences. Meanwhile, the TARG programme offers crucial financial support to help operators maintain high standards. Notable upgrades funded by these initiatives include the installation of solar energy and waste management systems at Shepherd’s Inn Tobago, refurbishments at Crown Point Beach Hotel, and significant health and safety improvements at Tropikist Beach Hotel & Resort and Sparkle’s B Lovely Events and Accommodation. At the grant distribution ceremony, Secretary for Tourism Tashia Burris highlighted the importance of these investments in positioning Tobago as a competitive destination. She emphasized the need to elevate accommodation standards to meet global expectations and called for collaboration between the public and private sectors to showcase Tobago’s unique cultural and natural offerings. TTAL reaffirmed its dedication to advancing the island’s tourism infrastructure and ensuring visitors experience Tobago’s unspoiled charm and Beyond Ordinary appeal.
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OPR to probe Tobago’s $18m ambulance scandal
The Tobago Regional Health Authority (TRHA) is under intense scrutiny following allegations of irregularities in its $18 million ambulance procurement. Minority Leader of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), Kelvon Morris, and Innovative Democratic Alliance (IDA) leader Dr. Denise Tsoiafatt Angus have both called for urgent investigations into the matter. The controversy centers around 12 ambulances purchased in 2023 from Biomedical Technologies Ltd (BMT), which are reportedly non-functional despite each costing approximately $1.5 million. Morris has accused officials of ignoring cheaper, reliable options in favor of a supplier with no prior experience in ambulance provision, suggesting potential corruption. The Office of Procurement Regulation (OPR) has launched an investigation, appointing three officers to examine the procurement process. Morris has also demanded the resignation of TRHA board members and THA Secretary of Health, Wellness, and Social Protection, Dr. Faith Brebnor, citing a failure to protect public funds. The situation has left Tobago with an unreliable emergency response system, forcing the island to lease ambulances from Trinidad at an additional cost of $7 million. Tsoiafatt Angus described the ambulances as ‘refurbished panel vans’ that required extensive modifications, yet remained unfit for purpose. The scandal has drawn widespread criticism, with both Morris and Angus emphasizing the dire impact on Tobago’s residents, who face prolonged waits for emergency services.
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Assemblyman wants one month paternity leave for fathers
In a groundbreaking debate held by the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), Eddison Thomas, the stand-in representative for Mt St George/Goodwood, passionately called for the establishment of a one-month paternity leave policy for fathers. The debate, which took place on November 10, was part of the THA’s first Men’s Debate to commemorate International Men’s Day, observed on November 19. Thomas emphasized the need for Tobago to lead the way in recognizing the importance of paternity leave until it is enshrined in law. He also highlighted the broader issue of mental health challenges faced by men in Tobago, urging the THA to implement a sustainable, multi-sectoral programme to address these concerns. Thomas shared his personal experience of being denied paternity leave when his wife gave birth, underscoring the disparity between maternity and paternity benefits. He pointed out that while mothers receive 14 weeks of maternity leave, fathers are only recommended three days of leave. Thomas also criticized the National Insurance Board (NIB) for not providing paternity benefits, despite raising contributions to the National Insurance System (NIS) from January 1, 2026. He called on the NIB to extend a one-time paternity benefit of $3,750 to fathers and advised the THA to establish a men’s group to advocate for gender-related programmes.
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Minister Zakour tours highway days after fatal crash
Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Eli Zakour spearheaded a critical safety assessment of the Solomon Hochoy Highway near the Corinth Overpass on November 11, just days after a tragic accident claimed the life of 32-year-old Arvin Williams. The fatal incident occurred on November 8 when Williams, driving his red Nissan Frontier, lost control near the Cipero Bridge, causing the vehicle to crash into the bridge’s walls and plummet 30 feet into a ditch below. Williams, who was en route home after dropping off a friend in Golconda, was pronounced dead at the scene. He was set to celebrate his 33rd birthday on November 11. The assessment tour, part of a broader multi-agency initiative to enhance road safety, included senior officials such as Chief Traffic Engineer Adande Piggott, Civil Engineer Sharaz Hosein, and Police Road Safety Project Co-ordinator Sgt Brent Batson. The team conducted a thorough evaluation of the site to identify necessary improvements and expedite corrective measures. The ministry reiterated its commitment to road safety through infrastructure upgrades, inter-agency collaboration, and public awareness campaigns. Recent efforts include the installation of new safety barriers along the San Fernando Hill roadway. Minister Zakour also expressed his condolences to Williams’ family, noting that the deceased was the son of Winston Williams, the newly appointed head of the Pan American Life Insurance Group for the Caribbean.