The streets of Scarborough, Tobago, came alive on October 25 as thousands of revellers gathered for the vibrant J’Ouvert celebrations, marking the largest street festival of the still relatively new Tobago Carnival on the global calendar. The event, characterized by its infectious energy and colorful displays, saw a mix of locals, returning Trinbagonians from abroad, and international visitors joining in the festivities. The standout band, Fog Angels, led the parade, while spectators and participants alike reveled in the lively atmosphere. Despite the large presence of police and defense forces, the event maintained its reputation as a clean and safe celebration, with revellers freely taking command of the streets. Soca music blared from speakers, and foam-covered partygoers danced with unbridled joy. The event also featured unique moments, such as a mas player being towed in a wheelbarrow and others proudly waving their national flags. Tobago Carnival, though new to the global stage, has quickly established itself as a must-attend event, drawing thousands to its vibrant and inclusive celebrations.
标签： Trinidad and Tobago
特立尼达和多巴哥
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Protesters condemn US ‘imperial arrogance’ in Caribbean
On October 24, approximately 20 demonstrators gathered peacefully outside the US Embassy in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, to protest what they termed as US aggression in the Caribbean. The protest, held at Queen’s Park Savannah, was organized by activists and representatives from various civil society organizations, who called for the protection of regional sovereignty and the preservation of the Caribbean as a “zone of peace.”
Among the participants was Abeo Jackson, a radio/television host and new mother, who expressed deep concern over the future of her child in a region she believes is under threat. Jackson condemned the extrajudicial killing of 43 men by US forces in the Caribbean, which the US justified as an attack on narco-trafficking. She described the incident as a violent desecration of regional sovereignty and criticized the Trinidad and Tobago government for its silence on the matter.
“This is not about drugs. It is about natural resources, oil, and power,” Jackson asserted. She accused the government of aligning with US military objectives, calling it a betrayal of the Caribbean consensus that the region must remain a zone of peace. Jackson emphasized that Caribbean sovereignty is not for sale and that Caribbean lives should not be treated as collateral damage.
Shan-Nia Lewis, a young protester, delivered an impassioned speech linking global conflicts to regional vulnerability. She expressed frustration over the government’s silence following the deaths of two Trinidad and Tobago nationals allegedly killed in recent US airstrikes. Lewis warned that young people would bear the brunt of any escalation in regional tensions.
Zakiya Uzoma-Wadada, Chairman of the Emancipation Support Committee (ESC), also condemned US military operations in regional waters, describing them as a threat to peace and sovereignty. Wadada criticized the US’s intensified military buildup off Venezuela’s coast, calling it a reassertion of the Monroe Doctrine and a smokescreen for broader geopolitical objectives, including possible regime change in Venezuela.
David Abdulah, political leader of the Movement for Social Justice (MSJ), commended former Caricom heads of government for issuing a joint statement rejecting military intervention and reaffirming the region as a “zone of peace.” He condemned the recent docking of a US destroyer off Trinidad’s coast, calling it an “abomination” and warning that any attempt at regime change in Venezuela would destabilize the entire region.
The protesters collectively demanded an end to US military intervention in the Caribbean, urging regional unity and the protection of sovereignty and peace.
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Woodland farmer robbed after fake Facebook cattle sale
A Woodland farmer fell victim to a brazen armed robbery after responding to a social media advertisement to purchase cattle. The incident occurred on October 24, when the farmer traveled to Pangola Road, Point Fortin, in his pickup truck at approximately 9:30 a.m. to meet a seller he had contacted through a Facebook group. Upon arrival, the farmer engaged in a conversation with two men. Suddenly, one of the individuals brandished a firearm and declared a robbery. The second suspect swiftly seized the farmer’s phone and wallet containing $2,400, which had been concealed under the passenger seat of the pickup. The assailants then fled into nearby bushes. Authorities from the Point Fortin Police Station have launched an investigation into the incident, though no arrests have been made yet. This case highlights the risks associated with online transactions and the importance of exercising caution when meeting strangers for business purposes.
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SSFL title race heats up with pair of top-five showdowns
The 2025 Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division season is heating up as four pivotal matches are set to unfold on October 25, starting at 3:30 pm. These games could significantly influence the title race, with the top five teams all in action.
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Tropical Storm forces postponement of Army’s return leg with Mt Pleasant
The semifinal matches of the 2025 Concacaf Caribbean Cup have been rescheduled due to the anticipated impact of Tropical Storm Melissa in Jamaica. The second leg between Defence Force and Mount Pleasant Football Academy, originally set for October 29, has been moved to November 5. This decision was announced by Concacaf’s chief football competitions officer, Carlos Fernandez, who emphasized the need to prioritize the safety of players, officials, and fans. Jamaica’s Meteorological Office had earlier upgraded the country’s alert level from a hurricane watch to a hurricane warning on October 24. The first leg of the match, held on October 22 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo, saw Mount Pleasant dominate with a 5-1 victory over Defence Force. Raheem Edwards scored twice, while Kimoni Bailey, Shaqueil Bradford, and Warner Brown added to the tally. Kaihim Thomas managed a late consolation goal for Defence Force. The other semifinal, an all-Dominican Republic clash between O&M FC and Cibao FC, has also been rescheduled. The first leg will now take place on October 30, with the second leg on November 6. The Caribbean Cup champion will secure a direct spot in the round of 16 of the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup, while the second- and third-placed teams will enter the first round.
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Tancoo: Build wealth, don’t depend on NIS
Finance Minister Dave Tancoo has issued a stark warning about Trinidad and Tobago’s rapidly aging population, emphasizing its profound implications for the country’s economic stability. Speaking at the TT Stock Exchange’s Capital Markets and Investor Conference in Port of Spain on October 24, Tancoo highlighted the urgent need for reforms to the National Insurance System (NIS) and initiatives to mobilize domestic capital. He revealed that the proportion of citizens aged 65 and older has surged from 5% in 1980 to over 11% today, with projections indicating it will exceed 26% by 2060. This demographic shift, he cautioned, threatens the sustainability of the NIS, which is already paying out more in benefits than it collects in contributions. Tancoo warned that without immediate action, the National Insurance Fund could be depleted by 2032, leaving thousands of retirees without support. To address this, the government plans to increase NIS contribution rates by 3% in 2026 and 2027, gradually raise the retirement age starting in 2028, and deepen the country’s capital markets. Tancoo also announced the launch of a $1 billion National Investment Fund bond and a state-sponsored Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) to encourage domestic investment and unlock value in public assets. These measures, he stressed, are essential to ensuring financial security for retirees and fostering long-term economic growth.
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Carter into 50m butterfly final in final leg of Swimming World Cup
Trinidad and Tobago’s elite swimmer, Dylan Carter, is set to conclude his 2025 World Aquatics Swimming World Cup journey with a determined push for a podium finish in Toronto, Canada. On October 25, Carter will compete in the men’s 50-meter butterfly final at 6:32 PM (TT time), aiming to cap off his campaign with a medal. Earlier in the day, during the preliminary rounds, the 29-year-old secured second place in heat four with a time of 22.49 seconds, trailing behind Canada’s Ilya Kharun, who dominated with a blistering 21.85 seconds—the fastest time across all heats. Carter’s performance ranked seventh overall in the prelims, signaling the need for a stellar effort in the final to add to his two bronze medals earned earlier in the competition. In the first leg of the Swimming World Cup in Indiana, Kharun claimed gold in the 50m butterfly with a time of 21.86 seconds, while Carter finished fifth in 22.57 seconds. The second leg in Illinois saw Kharun repeat his golden feat in 21.69 seconds, with Carter placing seventh at 22.48 seconds. Carter’s previous successes include bronze medals in the 50m backstroke (first leg) and 50m freestyle (second leg), showcasing his versatility and determination throughout the tournament.
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Alta announces Arlene Wallace-Romero as new CEO
Alta, a prominent non-governmental organization dedicated to literacy development in Trinidad and Tobago, has announced the appointment of Arlene Wallace-Romero as its new Chief Executive Officer. Wallace-Romero succeeds founder Paula Lucie-Smith, who will now focus on advancing the Alta programme. Since its inception in 1992, Alta has been offering free reading, writing, and spelling classes to both youth and adults, significantly impacting the community.
Wallace-Romero brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having held senior management positions at Carib Brewery and the Point Lisas Industrial Port Development Corporation (Plipdeco). Her journey with Alta began in 1999 as a volunteer, and over the years, she has taken on various roles, including class coordinator, tutor trainer, workplace administrator, and board member. With 26 years of involvement, she is deeply familiar with Alta’s mission and operations.
In a statement, Wallace-Romero expressed her admiration for Alta’s systematic approach to education, emphasizing how her management expertise aligns with the organization’s goals. She highlighted her commitment to protecting Alta’s legacy and expanding its reach, particularly through Alta Online, an interactive literacy programme designed for individuals aged nine and above. Wallace-Romero envisions a society where basic literacy skills are as valued as learning to play a musical instrument or swim.
Founder Paula Lucie-Smith praised Wallace-Romero’s dedication and leadership, noting that her industry experience is crucial for Alta’s next phase of growth. The board of directors has warmly welcomed her appointment, confident that her leadership will drive innovation and further the organization’s mission. Alta continues to invite individuals to join its classes, volunteer as tutors, or support its initiatives through sponsorship. For more information, contact Alta at 624-2582 or Altapos.tt@gmail.com, and follow their updates on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn under Alta TT.
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Hurricane Melissa forces postponement of Army’s return leg with Mt Pleasant
The semifinal matches of the 2025 Concacaf Caribbean Cup have been rescheduled due to the anticipated impact of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica. The second leg between Defence Force and Mount Pleasant Football Academy, originally set for October 29, has been moved to November 5. This decision was announced by Concacaf’s chief football competitions officer, Carlos Fernandez, who emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of players, officials, and fans. Jamaica’s Meteorological Office had upgraded the alert level from a hurricane watch to a warning on October 24, prompting the change. Additionally, the all-Dominican Republic semifinal clash between O&M FC and Cibao FC has also been postponed. The first leg of this matchup will now take place on October 30, with the second leg scheduled for November 6. In the first leg between Defence Force and Mount Pleasant, the latter dominated with a 5-1 victory, maintaining their flawless record in this year’s tournament. Raheem Edwards scored twice, while Kimoni Bailey, Shaqueil Bradford, and Warner Brown added to the tally. Defence Force’s Kaihim Thomas managed a late consolation goal. The rescheduled second leg will be held at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica. The Caribbean Cup champion will secure a direct spot in the round of 16 of the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup, with the second- and third-placed teams advancing to the first round.
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Christmas tree eggless sugar cookies
As the holiday season approaches, many are eager to dive into festive baking. Naomi Anderson, founder of Unicakery, shares a beginner-friendly recipe for eggless Christmas tree sugar cookies that are soft, buttery, and perfect for decorating. This recipe is ideal for those looking to create festive treats without the use of eggs, making it accessible to a wider audience.
To make the dough, you’ll need 3 cups of all-purpose flour, ¾ tsp of baking powder, ¼ tsp of salt, 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 2 tbsp of milk (with an optional extra tablespoon if needed), and 1 tsp of vanilla extract. Start by sifting the dry ingredients together. Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy, then add the milk and vanilla. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels dry, add a bit more milk.
Once the dough is ready, divide it in half, wrap it, and refrigerate for at least an hour. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), roll out the dough to ¼-inch thickness, and cut into Christmas tree shapes. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are golden. Let the cookies cool before decorating with royal icing, sprinkles, or powdered sugar.
Naomi Anderson, a seasoned pastry chef with over 12 years of experience, founded Unicakery in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago. Her studio offers workshops and classes, inspiring bakers of all levels to create beautiful desserts. Follow her on social media @unicakery or visit www.unicakery.com for more culinary inspiration.