After nearly two decades at the helm of Trinidad and Tobago’s Judiciary, Chief Justice Ivor Archie has officially announced his retirement, effective October 22. In a statement released on October 21, Archie reflected on his tenure, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve his country and emphasizing the importance of leadership succession. ‘Trinidad and Tobago has been good to me, and I hope I have been equally good to my country,’ he stated. Archie, who became the youngest Chief Justice in 2008, had previously signaled his intention to retire before reaching the mandatory age limit of 70, a decision he described as deliberate and well-considered. He highlighted the need for fresh leadership and new ideas, likening his role to a relay race where the baton must be passed to the next runner. Archie’s successor will be appointed by the President after consultation with the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader. During his tenure, Archie spearheaded significant judicial reforms, including the integration of technology and initiatives to modernize the Judiciary. However, his leadership was not without controversy, facing legal challenges and criticism over certain decisions. Born in Tobago, Archie’s distinguished career spanned engineering, law, and public service, culminating in his appointment as Chief Justice. Beyond the Bench, he is known for his involvement in church ministry, sports, and music. Archie concluded his statement by pledging full support to his successor, vowing to offer no unsolicited advice, and expressing gratitude to his colleagues, family, and God for the privilege of serving.
标签： Trinidad and Tobago
特立尼达和多巴哥
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St Lucian Olympic champ Alfred launches jewellery line
GROS ISLET: A unique jewellery collection celebrating the achievements of Olympic champion Julien Alfred has been unveiled, with proceeds dedicated to supporting her charitable foundation. The “Julien Alfred Legacy Collection,” crafted by Eleanor Prospere, founder of Fearless Jewellery, was officially launched at a fundraising event for the Julien Alfred Foundation on October 11. The foundation is committed to nurturing the development of young athletes in St Lucia, Alfred’s home country. Inspired by Alfred’s gold medal-winning performance in the 100-metre sprint at the Paris 2024 Olympics, the collection includes unisex bracelets, earrings, and necklaces. Each piece is designed around the shape of the Olympic medal and incorporates symbols of St Lucian national pride, such as the flag and the national flower. “Her victory was transformative for St Lucia. She has truly put our nation on the global stage,” Prospere shared with the St Lucia Times. “I wanted to create something that would allow everyone to celebrate her success.” After receiving approval from Alfred and her manager, Prospere personally financed and produced the collection. The launch aligns with the establishment of Alfred’s foundation, ensuring her legacy inspires and supports the next generation of athletes. CMC
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Reopening the hotel school
The Trinidad and Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute (TTHTI), once a cornerstone of the nation’s hospitality sector, is set to reopen following an announcement by the Finance Minister. This move has reignited hope for the revitalization of an industry that has long struggled with systemic challenges. The institution, located in Chaguaramas, was abruptly closed in 2020, ostensibly due to COVID-19 restrictions. However, the closure was merely the culmination of years of financial neglect, administrative mismanagement, and dwindling government support. The TTHTI had been grappling with unpaid subventions totaling $13.17 million, and its registration with the Accreditation Council remained incomplete, raising concerns about the transferability of student records. Despite efforts by some students to transfer to the Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute, the abrupt shutdown left many in limbo. The closure also drew criticism from then-Education Minister Dr. Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, though no concrete action was taken to address the issue. Over its 48-year history, the TTHTI had not only trained aspiring hospitality professionals but also offered popular short courses in culinary arts to individuals of all ages. Its graduates played a pivotal role in initiatives like the School Feeding Programme and went on to establish successful businesses in the hospitality sector. The Finance Minister’s pledge to reopen the institute must go beyond mere restoration; it demands a comprehensive modernization of the facility to align with the evolving needs of the industry. This revival could serve as a critical step in the broader agenda of economic diversification, ensuring that the hospitality sector remains a vital contributor to the nation’s economy.
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Sneaky Cheeky set to fly at Santa Rosa
The Santa Rosa Park in Arima is set to host a thrilling day of horse racing on October 25, 2025, with the highlight being the Fly Junior Sprint, a Grade Three contest over 1,100 metres on the turf course. This penultimate event of the racing season has attracted a competitive field of five thoroughbreds, with the American-bred Sneaky Cheeky emerging as the pre-race favorite. The race will also feature three other American-bred runners, including Midnight Lover, El Chico Malo, Striking Chrome, and The Goddess Nike, each representing top trainers and owners in the industry. Additionally, the day will mark the first juvenile contest of the season, a 1,000-metre race on the main track, featuring three promising two-year-olds. Barbadian apprentice rider Raheem Thorpe, the leading apprentice for the 2025 Barbados racing season, has secured four rides on the six-race card, including the feature event aboard Sneaky Cheeky. The racing action is scheduled to commence at 12:45 pm, promising an exciting day for turfites and punters alike.
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Art and tradition illuminate the Divali night of dance
On the evening of October 18, the National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC) in Chaguanas transformed into a vibrant hub of spirituality and cultural expression during the ‘Night of Dance’ at Divali Nagar. The event, illuminated by the glow of diyas and the rhythmic movements of dancers, celebrated the rich traditions of Indian culture and the unifying power of art. Thousands of attendees gathered under a gentle drizzle to witness a mesmerizing array of performances that blended traditional and modern choreography, accompanied by dazzling lights and the palpable energy of the audience. The stage came alive with acts from renowned dance groups such as the Matilda Mandir Dance Group, Zina’s Creative Dance Academy, and the Krishna Kala Dance Academy, each showcasing discipline, grace, and devotion. Chaguanas West MP Dr. Colin Neil Gosine, the evening’s special guest, emphasized the significance of Divali Nagar as a symbol of national identity and unity. ‘Divali Nagar is more than an event; it is a celebration of who we are,’ he remarked, highlighting the festival’s role in preserving heritage and fostering community spirit. The central theme, ‘Loka Samgraha’ (the welfare of the world), resonated deeply with the teachings of Divali, reminding attendees of the importance of shared prosperity and the triumph of light over darkness. The night concluded with a standing ovation and the echoing beats of drums, leaving a lasting impression of cultural pride and spiritual inspiration.
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Tickets on sale for Trinidad and Tobago World Cup November qualifiers
The Trinidad and Tobago men’s senior football team is gearing up for a crucial phase in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with two high-stakes matches scheduled for November at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo. The team is determined to secure six points to bolster their position in Group B, where they currently stand third with five points, trailing Jamaica (nine points) and Curacao (eight points).
Their first challenge will be against Jamaica on November 13 at 7 pm, followed by a match against Bermuda on November 18 at 8 pm. Both games are expected to draw significant local support, with fans eager to witness their team’s pursuit of World Cup qualification.
Tickets for the matches are available at various outlets across Trinidad and Tobago, including Cache outlets, 519 in C3 Centre, Fan Club in Trincity Mall, Jade Monkey in Crown Point, and Cookkin Vibez in Woodbrook. Prices are set at $200 for the uncovered section and $300 for the covered section.
The top team from each of the three groups will automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Additionally, the two best second-placed teams will have a chance to advance through the intercontinental playoffs, adding further intensity to the competition.
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Point Fortin infant dies at home
A heartbreaking incident unfolded in Sugar Hill, Point Fortin, on October 18, when a two-and-a-half-year-old toddler tragically passed away at her residence. According to the 23-year-old mother, she had breastfed the child around 12:30 AM and subsequently put her to sleep. Upon checking at 7:30 AM, the mother discovered her daughter unresponsive. Emergency medical services were immediately summoned, but no signs of life were detected. A district medical officer pronounced the child dead and ordered an autopsy to determine the cause of death. Upon arrival, police found the baby lying on her back in a yellow onesie on the bed, with no visible signs of violence. PC Roberts is leading the ongoing investigation into this tragic event.
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Rugby Union prepares to host 2025 RAN Sevens in Malabar
Trinidad and Tobago (TT) is set to host the 2025 Rugby Americas North (RAN) Annual Senior Sevens tournament from November 21-23 at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar. This marks the second consecutive year TT has been granted hosting rights under a three-year allocation bid. The event will feature 15 countries competing across men’s and women’s categories, with TT aiming to build on their 2024 performances. Last year, the TT men’s team reached the final but were defeated 38-0 by Canada, securing a runner-up finish that earned them a spot in the 2025 Junior Pan American Games. The women’s ‘A’ team placed third, while the ‘B’ team finished fifth. Mexico claimed the women’s title with a 19-12 victory over Jamaica. This year’s tournament will see a six-team women’s competition, including newcomers Bermuda and Guyana, alongside Barbados, Jamaica, Mexico, and hosts TT. The men’s tier one category will feature eight teams, with Barbados, Bermuda, Canada, Cayman Islands, Guyana, Jamaica, and Mexico joining TT. The tier two men’s competition will include Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, Curacao, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Turks and Caicos Islands. Winners of the men’s tier one and women’s categories will qualify for the SVNS pathway, part of World Rugby’s HSBC SVNS model. Additionally, the top three men’s tier one teams (excluding Canada) and the top two women’s teams will secure spots in the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games in the Dominican Republic. The tier two men’s winner will also have a promotion opportunity, provided they are a full RAN member union. The tournament will feature pool and knockout stages for men’s tier one, while tier two and women’s categories will adopt a round-robin format.
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Adverse weather alert extended to 10 pm Monday
The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service has issued its fourth yellow-level adverse weather alert, extending the warning until 10 pm on October 20. The alert, initially activated at noon on October 18, was prompted by an active tropical wave traversing the Caribbean Sea. Although the core of the tropical wave has moved on, residual moisture and atmospheric instability continue to trigger sporadic heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms across the region. Residents are advised to prepare for localized street and flash flooding, potential landslides in hilly and vulnerable areas, gusty winds accompanying severe weather, and agitated seas. Authorities have urged the public to secure loose outdoor objects and remain vigilant about rapidly changing weather conditions. Motorists and those living in flood or landslide-prone zones are particularly cautioned to exercise heightened awareness and caution during this period. The extended alert underscores the persistent risks posed by the lingering effects of the tropical wave, emphasizing the need for preparedness and safety measures.
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Dylan Carter seventh in butterfly final at Swimming World Cup
Trinidad and Tobago’s swimming sensation Dylan Carter faced a challenging outing at the World Aquatics Swimming World Cup, securing a seventh-place finish in the men’s 50-metre butterfly final held in Westmont, Illinois, on October 19. Competing in lane seven, Carter showcased a strong start with the joint third-best reaction time among the eight finalists. However, his final time of 22.48 seconds left him 0.39 seconds behind the podium finishers. The event was dominated by Canada’s Ilya Kharun, who clinched gold with a blistering 21.69 seconds, followed by Switzerland’s Noe Ponti (21.80) and American Finn Brooks (22.09) in second and third places, respectively. Kharun had earlier set the tone by improving his heat time by 0.35 seconds to secure his spot in the final. Carter had advanced to the final with the sixth-best time of 22.62 seconds from heat seven, where he finished second behind Ponti. Earlier in the competition, Carter had shared a joint-fifth position in the men’s 50m backstroke final alongside France’s Lucien Vergnes, both clocking 23.17 seconds. Despite entering the backstroke final with the second-best time, Carter couldn’t replicate his earlier performance to secure a medal. The Swimming World Cup has seen Carter claim two medals so far: a bronze in the 50m backstroke in Carmel, Indiana, on October 11, and another bronze in the 50m freestyle in Westmont on October 17. The competition will conclude with its third and final leg in Toronto, Canada, from October 23-25.