标签： Trinidad and Tobago

In a heartfelt letter to the editor, Arthur Dash extends his congratulations to Jack Austin Warner on earning a PhD from the University of TT at the remarkable age of 82. Dash emphasizes that age is merely a number and urges Warner to embrace his new role with vigor. He calls on Warner to leverage his extensive knowledge and experience to lead the effort in securing a spot for their team in the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal. Dash reminds Warner that while football may seem simple, it is a challenging sport to master, and his leadership will be crucial in navigating the complexities ahead. The letter, signed by AV Rampersad from Princes Town, serves as both a celebration of Warner’s academic achievement and a rallying cry for his continued contributions to the world of football.

Sourdough bread, renowned for its unique flavor and chewy texture, is a rewarding culinary project for home bakers. Unlike commercial yeast, sourdough relies on natural fermentation, making it a healthier and more flavorful option. While the process may seem daunting at first, mastering sourdough is achievable with the right techniques and ingredients. Naomi Anderson, founder of Unicakery in Trinidad & Tobago, shares her expertise to help beginners embark on their sourdough journey.

**Choosing the Right Flour**
For beginners, bread flour is the ideal choice due to its higher protein content, which aids in gluten development and ensures a proper rise. Lower-protein flours, while suitable for softer doughs, are better reserved for more advanced bakers.

**Creating a Sourdough Starter**
A sourdough starter, the foundation of the bread, is a simple mixture of flour and water that ferments over several days. Anderson recommends a 1:2:1 feeding ratio for consistency. Here’s how to create your starter:

– **Day 1**: Mix 100g of flour with 50g of water.
– **Days 2-5**: Discard half of the mixture, then add 100g of flour and 50g of water. Stir and cover loosely.

The starter is ready when it becomes bubbly, rises after feeding, and emits a slightly fruity aroma. If progress is slow, feed it twice daily, eight hours apart.

**Classic Sourdough Bread Recipe**
Once your starter is active, you can begin baking. Here’s a simple recipe:

**Ingredients**:
– 150g active sourdough starter
– 500g bread flour
– 350g water
– 10g salt

**Method**:
1. Mix the starter with water until dissolved, then add flour and salt to form a rough dough.
2. Let the dough rest for 30 minutes, then perform 2-3 sets of stretch and folds every 30 minutes.
3. Allow the dough to rise until puffy, then shape it into a round loaf.
4. Proof the dough for 1-2 hours at room temperature or overnight in the fridge.
5. Preheat the oven to 450°F with a Dutch oven inside. Score the dough, place it in the Dutch oven, and bake covered for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

**Versatility of Sourdough**
The same dough can be adapted to create focaccia or rustic-style loaves, showcasing the versatility of sourdough baking.

Naomi Anderson, a seasoned pastry chef with over 12 years of experience, has transformed Unicakery into a hub for culinary education and creative desserts. Through her workshops and mentorship, she continues to inspire bakers worldwide. For more information, visit @unicakery on social media or www.unicakery.com.

At the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) graduation ceremony held on November 18, 2025, Attorney Israel Khan SC, a distinguished legal figure and president of the Criminal Bar Association of TT, received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree. The event, hosted at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port of Spain, saw Khan addressing the graduates with a powerful message: to leverage their education for the betterment of society. Khan emphasized the critical role of the justice system, highlighting the plight of over 300 individuals languishing in legal limbo for more than a decade while awaiting trial. He described this as a moral failure, unfair to both the accused and the victims’ families. Additionally, Khan pointed to the unresolved inquests of more than 1,000 police-involved shootings over the past 30 years, calling it a miscarriage of justice. He urged the graduates to take action against systemic inequalities and to uphold the principles of fairness and accountability. Khan also reminded the graduates of their roots, encouraging them to support future generations and perpetuate a cycle of progress. Alongside Khan, other honorees included businessman and fashion designer Peter Elias, educator Jamwant Maharaj, and songwriter Gilman Figaro, each recognized for their contributions to their respective fields.

In a landmark development, Public Utilities Minister Barry Shiva Padarath announced a $131 million settlement to resolve a long-standing Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) issue affecting nearly 3,000 TTEC workers. The announcement was made during the House of Representatives’ 12th sitting on November 21, following the signing of a historic memorandum of agreement between TTEC and the Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU) on November 13. The first tranche of retroactive payments was deposited into workers’ accounts on November 18, marking a significant step toward justice for employees whose COLA payments had been frozen for nearly a decade. The settlement introduces new COLA rates and outlines a four-stage disbursement plan for retroactive payments, set to be completed by February 2026. Weekly-paid workers will now receive a COLA rate of $5.75 per hour, bringing their total to $15.64 per hour, while monthly-paid workers will see their COLA increase by $1,050, totaling $2,721.36. Minister Padarath emphasized that the settlement provides immediate relief to households struggling with rising living costs and criticized the previous administration for a decade of inaction. The agreement also includes safeguards such as mandatory monthly cash-flow reviews to ensure financial responsibility. Padarath hailed the settlement as a restoration of dignity and fairness, ensuring workers receive their rightful dues in time for Christmas 2025.