In a scathing critique of Trinidad and Tobago’s government, Rudy Paul, a concerned citizen, highlights the impracticality of multi-billion-dollar projects announced without clear funding sources. These projects, earmarked for completion over a decade, starkly contrast with the government’s five-year mandate, raising questions about their feasibility and underlying political motives. Paul draws parallels to Patrick Manning’s “Vision 2020,” a plan inspired by the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) but derailed by early elections and political shifts. He also points to the unfinished Arouca project and other abandoned initiatives, suggesting that such long-term planning is a tactic to secure re-election rather than genuine development. Paul advocates for completing existing projects, improving infrastructure like internet connectivity, and prioritizing practical solutions over grandiose, unfulfilled promises.
标签： Trinidad and Tobago
特立尼达和多巴哥
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World champs medallist Baptiste throws support behind juniors
Two-time World Championship bronze medallist Kelly-Ann Baptiste delivered a powerful message of empowerment and perseverance at the National Association of Athletics Administrations’ (NAAA) annual women’s seminar-workshop, Accelerate-Her. Held on November 8 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo, the event aimed to inspire young female athletes to pursue their dreams with confidence and determination. Baptiste, a celebrated sprinter, shared her personal journey, highlighting the challenges she overcame to achieve success in her sport. The workshop attracted over 60 in-person participants and 143 virtual attendees, fostering an inclusive environment focused on self-esteem, motivation, and personal growth. A creative vision board activity allowed participants to visually map their goals, reinforcing the importance of focus and visualization. Attendees praised the event as transformative, offering practical tools for success both on and off the track. NAAA president Ephraim Serrette reaffirmed the association’s commitment to supporting female athletes, addressing attrition rates and ensuring their continued engagement in athletics. The event also featured a dynamic session by sport psychologist Amanda Johnson, who emphasized confidence, self-esteem, and motivation. The NAAA expressed gratitude to sponsors and volunteers for their support in making Accelerate-Her a resounding success.
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Kamla bans fetes at Brian Lara Cricket Academy
In a decisive move to address the growing issue of noise pollution, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced on November 12 the immediate cessation of all fetes at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba. The announcement, made via social media, highlighted the unbearable noise levels that have long plagued local residents. The Prime Minister emphasized that her government is committed to tackling this issue head-on, a promise made during her campaign. The Brian Lara Stadium has been a popular venue for major Carnival events such as Stink + Dutty, Out in South, and Prestige. Additionally, Persad-Bissessar revealed plans to introduce the Fireworks Legislation and enhanced noise pollution laws by the end of 2025. These new regulations will include designated quiet hours and stricter controls on fetes, music trucks, residential parties, and bars.
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Molino: Hurricane trauma will spur on Jamaica
Trinidad and Tobago’s senior men’s football team captain, Kevin Molino, is acutely aware of the heightened stakes as his team prepares to face Jamaica in a pivotal Concacaf Group B FIFA World Cup qualifier on November 13. The match, set to take place at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo at 8 pm, carries significant implications for both teams. A victory would bring either side closer to securing a spot in the 2026 World Cup, to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. However, the encounter is more than just a football match for Jamaica, as the nation seeks to uplift its citizens following the devastation wrought by Hurricane Melissa two weeks ago. The Category 5 storm left widespread destruction, including damaged homes, downed electricity poles, and a shortage of clean water. Molino acknowledged Jamaica’s added motivation, stating, “They have a chip on their shoulder, coming here to fight and also put a smile on the Jamaicans’ faces.” He emphasized the need for Trinidad and Tobago to improve their performance in the final third of the pitch to secure a favorable outcome. Molino also addressed the absence of key players Rio Cardines and Molik Khan due to injuries, highlighting the importance of a collective effort. “It’s going to take a whole group, not just one or two players,” he said, expressing confidence in the team’s depth and preparation under the guidance of coach Dwight Yorke and assistant coach Russell Latapy. Currently, Trinidad and Tobago sit third in Group B with five points, while Jamaica leads with nine points and Curacao follows closely with eight. The group winner will secure direct qualification to the World Cup, with the runner-up advancing to the intercontinental playoffs for another shot at qualification.
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Months after rig’s partial collapse – work begins to recover man’s body
Well Services Petroleum Company Ltd has announced the commencement of a salvage operation to recover the remains of Pete Phillip, an employee presumed dead following the partial collapse of Rig 110 in December last year. The operation, led by a US-based contractor, is being conducted in two phases. Phase one, currently underway, focuses on risk mitigation and site stabilization to ensure the safety of personnel, protect the marine environment, and preserve the integrity of surrounding assets. Regulatory approvals, including a Certificate of Environmental Clearance (CEC) from the Environmental Management Authority (EMA), have been secured. Additionally, ‘Letters of No Objection’ have been obtained from the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries, the Ministry of Works and Transport – Maritime Services Division, and the Occupational Safety and Health Agency. Phase two will involve the recovery of Phillip’s remains and the removal of the rig structure. The company has kept Phillip’s family informed and remains committed to a safe, transparent, and environmentally responsible process, coordinating closely with regulators and stakeholders.
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Fatima, Holy Name PoS aim to defend 3×3 basketball crowns
Fresh off their triumphant victory at the RBC Royal Slam College Basketball tournament on November 9, Fatima College is poised to defend their titles as the TT Schools Basketball Association (TTSBA) annual 3×3 basketball tournament kicks off on November 14. The competition will commence at the Eastern Regional Indoor Sporting Arena in Tacarigua before moving to the Maloney Indoor Sporting Arena on November 15. This year marks the debut of the boys’ under-15 division, adding a new layer of excitement to the event. Fatima College, the reigning champions in both the under-17 and under-20 divisions, will face stiff competition from over 15 teams in each category. Notable participants include Arima North Secondary, Hillview College, Queen’s Royal College, and St Benedict’s College. In the girls’ open division, Holy Name Convent Port of Spain, the defending champions, will face a determined Bishop Anstey High School, alongside other contenders like East Mucurapo Secondary and St Francois Girls’ College. Last year’s finals saw Fatima narrowly defeat Trinity College East 14-12 in the under-17 category and Hillview 13-11 in the under-20 division. Holy Name Convent secured the girls’ title in a thrilling best-of-three series against Bishop Anstey. The tournament promises to be a showcase of young talent and fierce competition.
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NWAC calypso queen registration opens
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.
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Trinidad and Tobago’s Kobi Henry: We must set tone vs Reggae Boyz
Trinidad and Tobago’s central defender Kobi Henry has called on his teammates to adopt an aggressive approach from the outset in their upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifier against Jamaica. The crucial match is scheduled for November 13 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo. Henry emphasized the importance of setting the tone early rather than waiting to fall behind, a pattern that has plagued TT in previous games. With TT needing two consecutive victories against Jamaica and Bermuda to keep their World Cup hopes alive, the stakes are incredibly high. Currently, TT sits third in Concacaf Group B with five points, trailing Jamaica (nine points) and Curacao (eight points). Only the group winner secures direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup, hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, while the runner-up enters the intercontinental playoffs. Head coach Dwight Yorke announced a 26-man squad on November 10, including newcomer Roald Mitchell, a striker who has impressed in the US league. Henry highlighted the significance of home support, urging fans to rally behind the team. Despite the absence of injured regular starter Rio Cardines, utility player Noah Powder expressed confidence in the squad’s depth and determination. The team remains optimistic, with Henry noting high morale and a collective focus on seizing this historic opportunity.
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Frightening fire failures
The tragic death of a government minister and her two children in a fire nearly a year ago remains shrouded in unanswered questions, exposing glaring deficiencies in the nation’s emergency response system. This issue was further underscored by the recent fire station debacle in Sangre Grande on November 7. While a neighbor’s quick actions prevented loss of life in a mini-mart blaze at Vega de Oropouche, the incident left 15 people homeless, including seven children, and destroyed significant property. The delayed and inadequate response from the Ojoe Road fire station, which was found shuttered and understaffed, highlights systemic failures. Reports indicate that the station’s sole fire truck was under maintenance, forcing reliance on distant resources from the Arima Fire Station, itself criticized following a 2024 tragedy. The Sangre Grande station serves a vast and growing area, including Valencia, Toco, Matelot, Manzanilla, and Mayaro, straining its limited resources. Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander has acknowledged the system as ‘a mess,’ with millions in grant funding and international resources potentially on the horizon. However, immediate action is crucial. Authorities must rethink the division of emergency services, enforce stricter building codes, and invest in long-term improvements to prevent future disasters. The recent near-miss serves as a stark reminder of the high cost of inaction.
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Workplace wellness and diabetes: Turning awareness into action
As the world observes World Diabetes Day on November 14, this year’s theme, ‘Diabetes and Well-being,’ with a focus on the workplace, resonates deeply in Trinidad and Tobago. With diabetes affecting 12-15% of adults, the workplace has become a critical arena for prevention and health management. Most adults spend the majority of their day at work—sitting, snacking, and stressing—often with limited opportunities for movement or mindful eating. This sedentary lifestyle exacerbates health risks, making workplaces pivotal in shaping healthier habits. Fitness and nutrition coach Abeni Procope emphasizes that employers play a vital role in fostering wellness. Healthier employees are more productive, take fewer sick days, and exhibit higher morale. Simple, cost-effective measures can make a significant impact. These include hosting on-site health screenings, encouraging movement through stretch breaks or walking meetings, promoting healthier food options, and creating a supportive environment for employees managing diabetes. Procope advocates for consistent, small changes, such as wellness talks or balanced meal ideas, to build a culture of health. Diabetes prevention is rooted in daily habits like movement, balanced nutrition, hydration, and stress management. By partnering with wellness professionals, workplaces can create a ripple effect, leading to healthier families and a stronger nation. This World Diabetes Day, Procope urges businesses to take actionable steps, from hosting health talks to sharing wellness information. Awareness is crucial, but action is transformative. Abeni Procope, a certified fitness trainer and nutrition coach, specializes in holistic wellness and empowers individuals and organizations to lead healthier lives. For more information, visit www.abenipro.com.