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.
标签： Trinidad and Tobago
特立尼达和多巴哥
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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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Dr Rachel Corridon: ‘Work-life balance isn’t easy’
Dr. Rachel Corridon, a 42-year-old obstetrician and gynecologist, has become a beacon of compassionate care in women’s health. Known online as “Your Gentle Gynecologist,” she balances her roles as a medical professional, entrepreneur, wife, and mother with honesty and humor. “Is there really balance? If there is, I haven’t perfected it,” she admits, emphasizing the importance of faith, compassion, and authenticity in her practice.
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Cutting style with Amayiah
At just 14 years old, Amayiah Thomas is already making waves in the world of cosmetology while nurturing her dream of becoming a professional footballer. A third-form student at Chaguanas North Secondary School, Amayiah has been honing her skills in hairstyling, nail art, and makeup for the past four years, inspired by her mother, Akeela Flanders, a professional hairstylist.
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PM: Trinidad and Tobago not in zone of peace …welcomes US help crushing narco-traffickers
Trinidad and Tobago (TT) Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has emphasized the country’s unique challenges in combating narco-trafficking, human trafficking, and weapons smuggling, distinguishing it from other Caribbean nations. Speaking to reporters outside the Red House on October 25, she highlighted TT’s geographical proximity to South America as a key factor in its heightened vulnerability to these crimes. Persad-Bissessar welcomed the presence of the US military in the region, including the USS Gravely, a guided-missile destroyer scheduled to dock in Port of Spain on October 26. She stressed that TT’s reality of being “crime-ridden, drug-ridden, cartel-ridden, and gang-ridden” necessitates a distinct approach to security. While Caricom has declared the Caribbean a “zone of peace,” TT stands apart due to its severe crime rates, including over 600 murders last year. Persad-Bissessar criticized former Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley’s support for the zone of peace declaration, attributing his stance to his administration’s failure to address rising crime. The US military’s deployment, including the USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier, aims to combat drug cartels and stem the flow of drugs from South America. US Embassy Charge D’Affaires Dr. Jenifer Neidhart de Ortiz underscored the long-standing US-TT partnership in addressing transnational crime through training, humanitarian missions, and security efforts. However, Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles expressed concerns over TT’s role in the US military presence, while Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro accused the US of fabricating a war narrative against his country.
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Syrian Lebanese Women’s Association celebrates 75 years of service
The Syrian Lebanese Women’s Association of Trinidad and Tobago (SLWA) marked its 75th anniversary with a grand Diamond Jubilee Gala on October 11 at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad in Port of Spain. The event, attended by President Christine Kangaloo, her husband Kerwyn Garcia, Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles, and other dignitaries, celebrated the association’s legacy of service, sisterhood, and faith. SLWA President Genevierve Hadeed delivered a heartfelt speech, emphasizing the organization’s humble beginnings in 1950 and its evolution into a powerhouse of charitable work. The gala, coinciding with the Divali season, symbolized the association’s mission to dispel darkness with light. Over the decades, the SLWA has supported education, feeding programs, housing relief, and medical assistance, leaving an indelible mark on the community. The event also highlighted the intergenerational commitment of its members, with younger women bringing fresh energy and ideas. The celebration concluded with a call to continue serving with faith and unity, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.
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Palo Seco Secondary clinch south championship division crown
The 2025 Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) First Citizens Boys’ ‘Big 5’ tournament has reached a pivotal stage with the confirmation of the five teams competing for promotion to the premier division. Palo Seco Secondary emerged victorious in the south championship division, securing their win with 22 points, just two points ahead of Pleasantville Secondary. The top four teams in this fiercely competitive zone were separated by a mere seven points, highlighting the intensity of the matches. Palo Seco’s final zonal match against Point Fortin East Secondary ended in a 1-1 draw at the Guapo Recreation Ground on October 24, a rescheduled fixture after their previous encounter was abandoned due to a bee invasion. Earlier, Palo Seco was awarded three points for an abandoned match against Rio Cloo West Secondary on September 26, following a ruling on October 22 that found Rio Claro West guilty of fielding an underprepared pitch. Similarly, Chaguanas North Secondary faced a setback when their match against Presentation College Chaguanas was abandoned due to unsuitable field markings, resulting in a 3-0 win for Presentation College. Joining Palo Seco and Presentation Chaguanas in the ‘Big 5’ tournament are Hillview College (east), Mucurapo West Secondary (north), and Speyside Secondary (Tobago). The tournament kicks off on October 29, with Mucurapo West hosting Hillview and Palo Seco facing Speyside, while Presentation College enjoys a bye on the first match day. The top three teams from the ‘Big 5’ will secure their spots in the Premier Division for the 2026 season.
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Jeremy Ledbetter: Jazz star in Canada with musical roots in Trinidad
Jeremy Ledbetter, a renowned keyboardist and composer, has carved a unique niche in the global music scene, blending jazz, Latin, and Caribbean influences. Born and raised in Toronto, Ledbetter’s musical journey took a transformative turn when he studied at the University of the West Indies in Trinidad, where he immersed himself in steelpan and soca music. This experience laid the foundation for his deep connection to Trinidadian culture and its vibrant music scene. Ledbetter’s career has been marked by collaborations with legendary artists like David Rudder and his wife, Venezuelan vocalist Eliana Cuevas, as well as his leadership of the Caribbean jazz group CaneFire. His recent Juno Award win for his jazz trio album *Gravity* underscores his versatility and talent. Beyond performing, Ledbetter has become a sought-after producer, contributing to numerous acclaimed albums. His dream of bringing his jazz trio to Trinidad and conducting orchestral arrangements for Cuevas’s music reflects his enduring passion for bridging musical traditions.
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Four players crack fifties in Red Force Super50 trial match
In an intense trial match at the National Cricket Centre in Couva, Trinidad, the Vikash Mohan XI edged out the Terrance Hinds XI by two wickets, showcasing a thrilling contest ahead of the upcoming CG United Super50 tournament. The match, held on October 24, featured standout performances from several players, including Trinidad and Tobago Red Force batsman Cephas Cooper and National Cricketer of the Year Jason Mohammed. Batting first, the Hinds XI posted a competitive total of 242 in 46.1 overs, thanks to Cooper’s 73 off 84 balls and Mohammed’s 68 off 75. However, their efforts fell short as the Mohan XI chased down the target with 244 for eight in 43.5 overs. Shatrughan Rambaran’s aggressive 66 off 58 and Navin Bidaisee’s composed 54 not out off 76 were pivotal in the victory. Despite losing wickets steadily, Bidaisee and Andrew Rambaran’s 20-run partnership ensured a smooth finish. Earlier, Shaaron Lewis’s three-wicket haul and Mikkel Govia’s two scalps kept the Hinds XI in check. The next trial matches are set for October 26 and 27 at the same venue.
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We want peace now
On October 20, just before 4 pm, Elspeth Duncan heard what she initially thought was a vehicle backfiring near her home. Assuming it was the typical noise from drag-racing cars, she dismissed it, expecting it to cease soon. However, the persistent explosions revealed a different source: individuals bussing bamboo in preparation for Divali. The noise, though less intense than fireworks, continued for hours, distressing her dogs and prompting her to administer calming tablets before leaving the house. Upon encountering the young men responsible, she learned that the tradition, fueled by the unavailability of fireworks, would persist until 7 pm. This exchange highlighted a broader issue: the disruption caused by such activities during festive seasons. That night, the community was further disturbed by extended firework displays, leaving dogs and residents alike in distress. Efforts to contact the police proved futile, underscoring the lack of enforcement. Duncan’s reflections extended to Tobago’s aspiration to become the ‘Best Little Island on the Planet,’ suggesting that banning fireworks could be a significant step toward this goal. She also emphasized the need for a unified approach across Trinidad and Tobago, advocating for the prohibition of both the sale and use of fireworks. As the festive season approaches, with Christmas and New Year’s on the horizon, the potential for increased noise pollution looms large. Duncan called for government action, referencing the Prime Minister’s promise to address excessive noise through legislation. She concluded with a plea to hold leaders accountable, emphasizing the need for peace and quiet in a time of growing unrest.