St Benedict’s College solidified their position at the top of the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division standings with a commanding 2-0 victory over St Mary’s College on October 31. Goals from Jelani Roberts and Josiah Ochoa in the 70th and 90th minutes secured the win at the Mahaica Sporting Complex in Point Fortin, extending their lead to two points. The La Romaine Lions now sit comfortably with 33 points as the competition for the 2025 league title intensifies. Meanwhile, St Anthony’s College emerged as this season’s wild card, stunning defending champions Fatima College with a 2-1 away victory. Kanye Glasgow’s brace, including a decisive 59th-minute goal, sealed the win for the Westmoorings Tigers, marking their second major upset in four days after defeating former leaders Naparima College earlier in the week. Despite their impressive form, St Anthony’s remains in fifth place. Fatima’s loss saw them drop to third, while Presentation College San Fernando surged to second with a dominant 9-0 win over Carapichaima East, fueled by Isaiah Jacob’s five-goal haul. Naparima College’s match against Signal Hill was postponed due to flight unavailability, leaving them in fourth. In other results, Trinity College Moka climbed to sixth after a thrilling 5-3 victory over Malick, while Arima North edged San Juan North 1-0 to claim seventh place. The league continues to deliver high-stakes drama as teams vie for supremacy in the remaining rounds.
标签： Trinidad and Tobago
特立尼达和多巴哥
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Jit Samaroo Festival this weekend
The Jit Samaroo Festival, a vibrant celebration of the life and legacy of the legendary steelpan arranger and composer, commenced on October 31 at the First Citizens Supernovas Panyard in Surrey Village, Lopinot. The three-day event, running through November 2, honors Samaroo, who would have turned 75 this year, and continues to inspire the steelpan community and Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural identity. The festival opened with the screening of two documentary films: ‘From Surrey With Love,’ a 20-minute short chronicling Supernovas’ 2025 journey to Iron Park, and ‘Iconography: Jit Samaroo,’ a 90-minute film that debuted in August, offering an intimate look into Samaroo’s life and musical journey through interviews, rare footage, and photographs. On November 1, a seminar at the University of the West Indies’ Department of Creative and Festival Arts in St Augustine will delve into Samaroo’s enduring influence, featuring panelists Satanand Sharma, Dr. Jeannine Remy, Carlton Maltin, and Wesley Gibbings, moderated by Jessel Murray. The festival will culminate on November 2 with ‘The Grand Concert’ at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port of Spain, showcasing performances by the National Steel Symphony Orchestra of Trinidad and Tobago, First Citizens Supernovas, and BP Renegades. Attendees will be treated to Samaroo’s timeless arrangements and Panorama classics. Tickets, priced at $250, are available at NAPA’s box office, Island E-Tickets, and the panyards of Supernovas and Renegades.
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Appeal Court reserves ruling on ex-Cepep contractor’s challenge
The Court of Appeal has deferred its decision on an appeal lodged by Eastman Enterprises Ltd, a former contractor of the Cepep Company, challenging a High Court order to halt its lawsuit. The lawsuit pertains to the termination of over 300 contracts by Cepep shortly after the April 28 general election. Justices Peter Rajkumar, James Aboud, and Ricky Rahim heard arguments on October 31 before reserving their ruling. The central issue revolves around whether the High Court was correct in staying Eastman’s lawsuit due to an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) clause in the contract. Eastman’s legal team, led by Larry Lalla, SC, argued that the trial judge erred by treating the ADR clause as mandatory and failing to consider the contractor’s right to seek urgent injunctive relief. Lalla emphasized that a mediator could not grant such emergency relief and contended that the referral to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) was premature. Representing Cepep, Anand Ramlogan, SC, defended the trial judge’s decision, asserting that the ADR process should precede court intervention and highlighting the alleged $1.4 billion in unauthorized contract extensions. The appeal stems from a High Court ruling by Justice Margaret Mohammed, who stayed Eastman’s lawsuit in August, directed case documents to the DPP, and ordered Eastman to pay Cepep’s legal costs. Eastman seeks to have its lawsuit and injunction application returned to the High Court, a declaration that the DPP referral was improper, and, if successful, for the Appeal Court’s decision to be forwarded to the DPP. The case underscores broader concerns over contract management and dispute resolution in public procurement.
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CDS, regiment commander promoted in Red House ceremony
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Defence Minister Wayne Sturge officiated a significant military promotion ceremony at the Red House in Port of Spain on October 31. The event marked the elevation of former naval captain Don Polo to the rank of commodore and former Lt Col Dwayne Edwards to colonel. Polo assumed the role of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) on October 7, succeeding Air Vice Marshal Darryl Daniel, whose contract was terminated by President Christine Kangaloo following consultations with the Prime Minister and Defence Minister. Daniel had served as CDS for six years, with two extensions granted by the previous administration. Edwards, now a colonel, took command of the regiment on October 14, replacing Col Keston Charles, who was placed on leave. The ceremony also saw the wives of the promoted officers pinning their new rank insignia. Additionally, naval officer Akenathon Isaac was promoted to captain and appointed commanding officer of the Coast Guard, succeeding Polo. Isaac’s promotion, along with Edwards’, was effective from October 10, though Isaac was absent from the ceremony. The Ministry of Defence emphasized that the decision to terminate Daniel’s service was made after thorough deliberation and would not impact the operational effectiveness of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force.
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Citizens worried, schools, businesses close early
Trinidad and Tobago experienced heightened anxiety on October 31 as the nation’s Defense Force was placed on high alert, prompting schools to dismiss students early and businesses to close as a precaution. The alert followed escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela, with reports suggesting an imminent US military strike on Venezuelan installations suspected of involvement in drug trafficking. While US President Donald Trump denied these claims, the uncertainty fueled widespread concern among citizens. Schools across Trinidad, including La Horquetta South Government Primary and a denominational school in Curepe, urged parents to collect their children early. Businesses, including a prominent law firm and a software development company, also sent staff home by mid-afternoon. The Supermarket Association of Trinidad and Tobago reassured the public that supply chains remained intact, discouraging panic buying. Despite the unease, many residents maintained their daily routines, with some expressing skepticism about the likelihood of war. However, others, like Arlene Alexander of Vistabella, prepared for potential conflict by stocking up on essentials. Jeremy Deonarine of Retrench criticized Trinidad’s involvement in the US-Venezuela tensions, while Samantha of Princes Town condemned the spread of misinformation on social media. As the Defense Force mobilized, with soldiers reporting to bases like Camp La Romaine, the nation remained on edge, balancing fear with resilience.
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New faces for Red Force as Da Silva resumes captaincy for Super50 Cup
Trinidad and Tobago Red Force captain Joshua Da Silva is set to lead his team in the 2025 CG United Super50 Cup, which kicks off on November 19 in Trinidad. The Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) confirmed Da Silva’s appointment on November 1, alongside the announcement of the 14-member squad. The team will face Barbados Royals in their opening match at the Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Ground in St Augustine.
The squad features a mix of seasoned players and fresh talent, with five newcomers making their debut in the Super50 Cup. Among them are all-rounders Shatrughan Rambaran and Ricky Naipaul, fast bowler Abdul Raheem Toppin, batsman Cephas Cooper, and leg-spinner Navin Bidaisee. While Bidaisee and Cooper have previously represented Trinidad and Tobago in the West Indies Championship, Rambaran has prior experience in the Super50 Cup with Combined Campuses and College.
Despite the absence of key players like Akeal Hosein, Anderson Phillip, Amir Jangoo, Jayden Seales, and Khary Pierre—who are on international duty with the West Indies—head coach Rayad Emrit remains optimistic. He emphasized the importance of blending youth with experience, viewing the tournament as an opportunity to integrate emerging talent into the squad.
Emrit praised Da Silva’s leadership, noting his ability to lead by example and his growing experience in high-pressure situations. The coach highlighted the team’s focus on playing positive, engaging cricket while fostering a strong team culture. Emrit also acknowledged the challenge posed by Barbados, a formidable opponent with a strong white-ball record.
The Red Force’s campaign begins on November 19, with their match against Barbados Royals set to be a crucial early test. The tournament’s opening day will also feature clashes between Jamaica Scorpions and Guyana Harpy Eagles, as well as Windward Islands Volcano and Leeward Islands Hurricanes.
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In memory of Mariah – Family to mark birthday of murdered teen on All Saint’s Day
As thousands prepare to visit cemeteries on All Saints’ Day to honor their departed loved ones, the family of Mariah Seenath will gather at the site where her body was discovered over a month ago to commemorate what would have been her 14th birthday. On October 31, at her grandmother’s home in Friendship Village, Mariah’s uncles, Krishna and Shiv Seenath, were seen decorating a metal cross with vibrant flowers in red, white, silver, and yellow, chosen to contrast against the green backdrop of the location where she was found. Blue flowers were also added, symbolizing her favorite color, as part of a memorial shrine to honor her tragically short life. Krishna, seated on the front porch, expressed the family’s struggle to cope with the loss, stating, ‘It’s unbelievable. It’s hard to cope with, but they said don’t question God. It’s in the hands of God. It’s just to manage.’ He emphasized that Mariah’s memory would always remain with them. On the evening of November 1, relatives planned to visit the site to pay tribute, and if weather permitted, release lanterns into the night sky. Krishna recalled how Mariah’s birthdays were always a special occasion, marked by her favorite meals—barbecue and fries or roti and curry—followed by cake and ice cream. However, this year, the family chose not to cut a cake, as Krishna explained, ‘Knowing that she’s not here…it wouldn’t feel comfortable.’ He expressed hope that the perpetrator would soon be brought to justice, providing the family with closure. Senior homicide detectives confirmed to Newsday that no arrests have been made yet, as police await toxicology and blood reports to further the investigation. Mariah, a Form Three student at San Fernando East Secondary, went missing on September 19 after leaving her Friendship Village home. Her body was found the following day in bushes along a path she frequently used. An autopsy revealed she died from blunt force trauma to her head, leading investigators to conclude she was beaten to death.
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Top performing cops rewarded for hard work
In a prestigious ceremony held at the Police Administration Building in Port of Spain on October 31, several police officers were recognized for their exceptional contributions in various fields, including gun recovery, road safety, and investigative excellence. The event, attended by Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro, Deputy Commissioners Junior Benjamin, Natasha George, and Suzette Martin, as well as other senior executives, highlighted the dedication and outstanding performance of these officers. Monetary rewards were presented to the honorees as a token of appreciation for their efforts. Additionally, the commendation extended to several attorneys who have successfully prosecuted criminal cases, further emphasizing the collaborative efforts within the justice system. Commissioner Guevarro emphasized the importance of such ceremonies in boosting morale and inspiring officers to continue striving for excellence. ASP Gideon Dickinson, President of the Police Social and Welfare Association, also attended the event to show his support for the recognized officers.
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AG: SoE extended to dismantle criminal gangs
Attorney General John Jeremie announced the extension of Trinidad and Tobago’s State of Emergency (SoE) for an additional three months, emphasizing its necessity to dismantle criminal networks and ensure national security. The decision, approved by the House of Representatives on October 31, follows intelligence reports revealing advanced plots orchestrated from within the country’s correctional facilities targeting political and justice systems. Jeremie highlighted that the SoE, initially declared on July 18 and extended in July, has already yielded significant results, including the disruption of gang leadership and a notable reduction in serious crimes. Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro described the criminal syndicate as operating from within prisons, necessitating enhanced security measures. Since July, security forces have conducted over 7,300 operations, resulting in 3,409 arrests and the seizure of 192 firearms and 2,424 rounds of ammunition. Murders have decreased by 45% compared to the same period last year, with August recording the lowest monthly total in a decade. Jeremie stressed that the SoE is not a crime plan but a preventive measure against unprecedented chaos. While the current extension requires only a simple majority, extending the SoE beyond six months would necessitate a three-fifths majority in both the House and Senate, posing a potential challenge for the government.
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Dexter Ali takes on 80-mile sea-to-sea run across Trinidad
Endurance athlete Dexter Ali is set to undertake one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most demanding solo runs, the ‘Sea-to-Sea’ challenge, starting from the Sea Wall in Galeota and concluding at Teteron Barracks in Chaguaramas. The 55-year-old businessman and multi-sport competitor will cover approximately 80 miles (130km) — equivalent to more than three marathon distances — in a test of physical and mental stamina. The run, which began on November 1, is expected to conclude the following day. Ali’s coach, Derrick Simon, described the endeavor as a ‘personal challenge’ inspired by Ali’s recent birthday. Ali, who trains with Simon’s Pace Performance Factory, has spent months preparing for this grueling feat. His training regimen included multiple long-distance runs around the Queen’s Park Savannah, sometimes completing 24 laps (57.2 miles) in a single session. Simon, a national middle- and long-distance coach, noted that Ali’s training plan required innovative thinking due to its unique demands. The preparation also focused on hydration, fatigue management, and sleep deprivation, with Ali often running double sessions to simulate the challenges of the event. To ensure success, Simon and Ali drove the entire route to strategize terrain navigation. While Ali will run solo, he will receive intermittent support from fellow runners, a vehicle crew, family members, and a police escort. Simon emphasized that Ali’s safety remains a priority, and the attempt will be halted if his well-being is compromised. This monumental effort is not only a personal achievement for Ali but also a significant milestone for Caribbean endurance sports.