Furness Anchorage General Insurance Ltd has bolstered its leadership team with the appointment of Jo-Anne Julien and Roger Packer as non-executive directors. Executive Chairman William Ferreira emphasized that these additions are poised to enhance the company’s governance, strategic planning, and long-term growth. Julien, a founding partner at MG Daly and Associates and former chair of the Unit Trust Corporation, brings extensive experience in corporate governance and investment management. Packer, a former CEO of Tucker Energy, adds significant expertise from his roles on boards such as RBC Royal Bank TT and Yara Trinidad. Ferreira highlighted that these appointments align with the company’s commitment to prudent management and its 180-year legacy in the insurance industry. Established in 1979 as part of the government’s initiative to localize the sector, Furness Anchorage has grown into one of Trinidad and Tobago’s largest non-life insurers, with group assets nearing $500 million. Supported by global reinsurers through AON Reinsurance, the company remains focused on stability, customer trust, and growth in a competitive market.
标签： Trinidad and Tobago
特立尼达和多巴哥
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One Seed for Change Initiative redefines youth empowerment
The One Seed for Change Initiative, founded by Dr. Lorraine Waldropt-Ferguson, is redefining youth empowerment across the Caribbean through innovative, purpose-driven programmes. This NGO, supported by partners like the Digicel Foundation and Shell Caribbean, focuses on fostering sustainable livelihoods, climate resilience, and community engagement. At its core is the Youth Apprenticeship and Entrepreneurship Movement (YAEM), a national model designed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical, real-world skills. YAEM equips young people aged 12-25 with entrepreneurial mindsets and hands-on experience in critical sectors such as Food and Agriculture, Media and Communication, Visual and Performing Arts, and Environment and Nature-Based Enterprises. Dr. Waldropt-Ferguson, an agricultural economist and lecturer at UWI, emphasises the importance of experiential learning and community-driven projects. YAEM’s holistic approach not only prepares youth for employment but also cultivates livelihoods that create meaningful impact. Programmes like Reach, Kairi Rise, and Agro-ecological Field Experiences empower participants to design and execute projects that address food security, environmental conservation, and social issues. The initiative also includes Loud, a youth media empowerment programme that teaches storytelling and digital ethics, enabling young people to amplify their voices and advocate for community issues. Supported by partnerships with government agencies, local businesses, and international collaborators, YAEM is expanding across the Caribbean, inspired by the Netherlands’ model of linking agriculture, education, and entrepreneurship. Dr. Waldropt-Ferguson and YAEM facilitator Khalil Joseph envision a future where Caribbean youth lead with purpose, creativity, and resilience, transforming their communities and building sustainable futures.
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Kamla: We don’t need Venezuelan gas
In the wake of Venezuela’s announcement to suspend all gas agreements with Trinidad and Tobago (TT), Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has firmly stated that TT does not rely on Venezuelan gas and never has. Speaking to Newsday via WhatsApp, she emphasized that TT’s economic growth strategy is diversified across both energy and non-energy sectors, ensuring resilience against external pressures. Persad-Bissessar criticized the previous administration for over-reliance on the Dragon gas project, asserting that her government has avoided such vulnerabilities. She maintained that TT remains committed to peaceful relations with Venezuela, dismissing claims of tensions between the two nations. This statement follows Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez’s televised declaration to sever energy ties, citing TT’s alleged complicity with U.S. military actions in the Caribbean. Earlier, Persad-Bissessar led a TT delegation to Washington, securing an OFAC license for the Dragon gas deal, and expressed readiness to lead negotiations in Venezuela if necessary. Attorney General John Jeremie confirmed the license was officially granted on October 8.
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Ekesa, Bailey cop UWI Half Marathon titles
The 2025 UWI International Half Marathon, held on October 26 in St. Augustine, witnessed remarkable performances from distance runners Alex Ekesa and Aniqah Bailey, who clinched the overall men’s and women’s titles, respectively. Ekesa, representing the Trinidad and Tobago Road Runners Club, secured his first-ever UWI Half-Marathon victory with an impressive time of 1:08.33 over the 21.1-kilometer course. Bailey, from Pace and Performance Factory, crossed the finish line in 1:30.36, marking a significant improvement from her fourth-place finish in 2024. Both athletes showcased their dedication by surpassing their previous year’s performances. In the men’s division, Tafari Waldron of UTT Patriots claimed second place with a time of 1:08.58, while Nicholas Romany of TTRRC secured third in 1:11.06. The women’s category saw Alexia John of Pacelink Elite finish second in 1:33.09, followed by Samantha Shukla of TTRRC in third with 1:33.33. The event also highlighted team achievements, with Ekesa, Romany, and Donnell Francis leading TTRRC to the overall team prize. Additionally, the 5K race featured standout performances from unattached runners Kerry McLaren, Zidan Hamid, and Triston Bessor in the men’s category, while Praveen Ramdeo, Reeta Mathai, and Ziya Hosein Livingstone dominated the women’s division. The marathon underscored the growing talent and competitive spirit in long-distance running.
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Brilliant law student dies on eve of UWI grad
In a heartbreaking turn of events, Alexia Trim, a 23-year-old Belmont native and exceptional law student, passed away on October 22 in Colombia, where she had been undergoing medical treatment. Just one day before she was set to graduate with first-class honours in Law from the University of the West Indies (UWI) St. Augustine campus, her life was tragically cut short. Trim had been battling Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM), a rare condition involving abnormal blood vessels that can lead to brain bleeding. Despite her health struggles, she remained a beacon of brilliance, humility, and determination throughout her academic journey. Her untimely death sent shockwaves through the Faculty of Law and her peers, who learned of her passing via a WhatsApp group chat on the eve of their graduation ceremony. During the ceremony, valedictorian Jehoshua Williams paid a poignant tribute, stating, “We remember our classmate, Alexia Trim, who should have crossed the stage with us today. Her absence is deeply felt, yet her spirit remains part of our journey.” Trim had been airlifted to Colombia for a surgical procedure related to her condition, but complications arose post-surgery, leading to her passing in intensive care. Tributes have poured in from friends, classmates, and lecturers, who admired her courage and academic excellence. Dr. Alicia Elias-Roberts, Dean of the Faculty of Law, described Trim as an exceptional student who faced every challenge with grace and determination. Dr. Safiya Ali, one of her lecturers, highlighted Trim’s remarkable achievements, including leading UWI’s team to second place in the XV Annual Caribbean Court of Justice International Law Moot Competition, where she was also named Best Oralist. Despite her physical discomfort, Trim continued to excel academically and inspire those around her. Her legacy has sparked calls for the university to memorialize her contributions, a proposal the faculty may consider after consulting her family. Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.
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Port of Port of Spain services relocated to Port of Pt Lisas
In a strategic move to ensure smooth port operations, the Customs and Excise Division, alongside the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TT), the Port of Port of Spain (PPOS), and the Point Lisas Industrial Port Development Corporation Ltd (PLIPDECO), has introduced coordinated measures to manage vessel traffic at the Port of Port of Spain from October 22 to 30. This initiative was necessitated by the docking of the USS Gravely at the port from October 26 to 30. The Finance Ministry, in a statement on October 26, highlighted the collaborative efforts of these entities to temporarily redirect and process vessels and cargo to the Port of Point Lisas. This redirection ensures that shipping lines, agents, and shippers opting for this alternative can receive their cargo as expected. The ports’ management teams have been diligently working to guarantee seamless berthing, cargo handling, and documentation processes. The PPOS has forwarded all pertinent information to the Port of Point Lisas, and interested agents have provided their vessel details, which are now included in the vessel schedule at the Port of Point Lisas. Shipping agents have been advised to contact their vessel agents to confirm the availability of services at the Port of Point Lisas. Additionally, Customs and Excise Officers have been deployed to support enhanced inspection and clearance operations at both ports. Accommodations have been made for full export and transshipment containers in inventory at the Port of Port of Spain to be transferred to the Port of Point Lisas. Measures have been implemented to minimize disruptions to normal customs port operations, ensuring a seamless and timely transfer of containers. The Port of Point Lisas has extended its gate hours to accommodate all service requests. This arrangement will remain effective until October 30, ensuring that export containers are transferred efficiently and without delay. This collaboration underscores the shared commitment to national trade resilience and operational flexibility within TT’s port network. The teams have worked closely to efficiently accommodate all vessels and maintain the integrity of cargo flows across both ports. The agencies expressed their gratitude to all stakeholders for their cooperation and promised continuous updates as normal operations resume at the Port of Port of Spain.
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Ramkissoon elected TTCB treasurer, John remains 2nd VP
In a decisive outcome at the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board’s (TTCB) annual general meeting (AGM) held on October 25 at the National Cricket Centre in Balmain, Couva, Stephen Ramkissoon successfully retained his position as treasurer. Ramkissoon, who assumed the role earlier this year following the removal of his predecessor Kiswah Chaitoo, secured a 29-12 victory over Central Sports owner Richard Ramkissoon. The AGM also saw Kerwin John, head of the Tobago Cricket Association, re-elected as second vice-president with a 27-13 win over Rajendra Mangalie. Avinash Suruj of Central Zone was elected third vice-president, defeating Parasram Singh 29-12. Five new members—Ravi Teeluck, Anand Rampersad, Ann Brown John, Frank Simmons, and Mitra Ragoonanan—joined the executive with membership status, while Sharaz Mohammed fell short with only ten votes. Azim Bassarath, TTCB president since 2009, retained his position uncontested, marking his sixth consecutive term. However, due to recent amendments limiting presidents to two successive four-year terms, this is likely his final term. Altaf Baksh and Henry Chase were also elected unopposed as first vice-president and general secretary, respectively. Ammar Samaroo, TTCB elections committee secretary, confirmed the voting process was seamless, with no issues reported.
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Catholic Bishops call for peace amid rising military tensions in Caribbean
The Catholic Bishops of the Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC) have issued a fervent plea for peace and dialogue in response to escalating military activities in the Southern Caribbean. In a statement released on October 25 following their annual conference, the bishops expressed deep concern over the increasing presence of naval and military assets in the region, warning that such developments could destabilize the socio-economic and political fabric of Caribbean nations. The bishops emphasized that the well-being of the region’s people is at stake, urging leaders to prioritize dialogue over conflict. Their appeal coincides with the arrival of the USS Gravely, a US warship, in Port of Spain on October 26. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar defended the vessel’s presence, citing potential benefits such as technical assistance and humanitarian efforts. However, the bishops cautioned that the militarization of the Caribbean could have broader geopolitical implications, particularly in the context of ongoing tensions between the US and Venezuela. Archbishop Jason Gordon, president of the AEC, stressed the need for cooperation and reconciliation to foster lasting peace. The bishops also condemned the arbitrary use of force, particularly in anti-drug operations, and reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to protecting human dignity and sovereignty. They called on regional leaders to de-escalate tensions and recommit to unity, emphasizing that war or the threat of war is never a viable solution. The statement concluded with an appeal to the faithful to seek hope through prayer and acts of reconciliation, underscoring the Church’s unwavering mission to safeguard the vulnerable and promote the common good.
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PNM: Budget betrays people’s trust
The People’s National Movement (PNM) has vehemently opposed the 2025/2026 national budget, labeling it a ‘betrayal of the people’s trust’ and a continuation of the United National Congress (UNC) government’s ‘deliberate campaign of deception.’ The budget, passed on October 25 after five days of deliberation in the House of Representatives, faced unanimous rejection from the 12-member Opposition. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar condemned the PNM’s stance, accusing them of betraying the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago. However, the PNM countered, asserting that the budget disproportionately burdens the poor, squeezes the middle class, and protects the wealthy. Key measures criticized include the landlord tax, electricity rate hikes, increased NIS contributions, and taxes on single-use plastics, all of which are expected to escalate living costs. The PNM also highlighted unfulfilled promises, such as the broken housing pledge, cuts to training programs, and the absence of a 10% salary increase for public officers. Additionally, the opposition criticized the government’s ‘National Recruitment Drive’ as a publicity stunt, citing re-advertised jobs and insufficient funding. The PNM accused the UNC of hiding the true fiscal deficit, manipulating expenditure figures, and engaging in political victimization by slashing funding to PNM-led corporations while favoring UNC-controlled regions. The opposition vowed to continue exposing what they describe as the UNC’s ‘reckless economic mismanagement’ and deceptive practices.
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Jamaicans brace for Hurricane Melissa
As Hurricane Melissa approaches Jamaica, residents across the island are grappling with mounting anxiety and taking urgent measures to prepare for the storm’s impact. Forecasted to make landfall on October 28 as a Category 3 hurricane, Melissa has already begun to unleash its fury on the eastern parishes of St. Thomas and Portland, bringing flooding, powerful winds, and storm surges. The hurricane, which has lingered off Jamaica’s coast for several days, remains a formidable Category 4 storm with winds reaching 145 miles per hour as of October 26, located 115 miles south-southwest of Kingston. Its trajectory is also expected to affect Cuba and Haiti.
Dr. Kai Barratt, a lecturer at the University of Technology, shared insights with Newsday via WhatsApp, highlighting the community’s preparation patterns honed since Hurricane Gilbert in 1988. She noted the widespread rush to stockpile essentials like bread, water, and medicine, as well as the surge in demand for solar-powered devices and batteries. However, Barratt emphasized the disparity in preparedness, with wealthier individuals able to secure their homes while vulnerable populations remain at risk.
In Kingston, concerns about flooding due to unchecked urban development are prevalent. Despite the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) issuing a list of shelters, uncertainty lingers about whether all residents are informed. Amelia Dunn, a land manager from St. Andrew, described the frantic efforts to fortify homes and businesses, with many boarding up windows and securing supplies. She also expressed concerns about debris and prolonged power outages.
In Westmoreland, residents have been clearing debris and reinforcing their homes, though uncertainty about the hurricane’s exact timing has complicated preparations. A local resident criticized the government for delayed efforts in cleaning watercourses but acknowledged ongoing updates via social media. Meanwhile, major hotels have implemented emergency plans, relocating guests and securing property.
The Jamaican government has activated 881 shelters, with 218 people already seeking refuge. Ministers have assured the public of coordinated efforts by utility providers to restore services post-hurricane. Trinidad and Tobago’s Foreign Minister Sean Sobers also pledged support for Jamaica, dismissing claims of strained Caricom relations and emphasizing solidarity in times of crisis.