For the fourth consecutive year, bmobile has solidified its position as a cornerstone of Tobago’s October Carnival, serving as the Gold Sponsor for the 2025 edition. This partnership underscores the telecommunications giant’s commitment to fostering Tobago’s cultural economy, creative industries, and event infrastructure, extending its impact beyond the carnival season into year-round initiatives. Onica Blackman, bmobile’s country operations manager for Tobago, emphasized that this collaboration transcends mere sponsorship, representing a sustained dedication to cultural empowerment and innovation. Through strategic partnerships, vibrant on-the-ground activations, and upgraded network infrastructure, bmobile ensures that Tobago’s Carnival remains an unforgettable celebration of culture, community, and connectivity. Themed Mud, Mas and Music, this year’s Carnival promises to be a high-energy showcase of Tobagonian expression, with main events scheduled from October 25-27. bmobile’s involvement includes targeted investments in mobile infrastructure across high-traffic routes and event zones, ensuring seamless connectivity for residents, visitors, and content creators. The company’s on-the-ground presence will feature collaborations with local mas bands, support for community-based events, and the revival of popular initiatives like the Text-to-Vote Band of the Year competition. Additionally, bmobile continues to work alongside the Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) to provide reliable communications support for public safety and emergency coordination during the festival. Kern Cowan, CEO of the Tobago Festivals Commission Limited (TFCL), highlighted the pivotal role of bmobile’s support in elevating the event’s execution and potential. As Tobago Carnival evolves into a global destination event, bmobile remains deeply invested in its growth, not only as a sponsor but as a builder of creative capacity, connectivity, and cultural legacy.
标签： Trinidad and Tobago
特立尼达和多巴哥
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BIGWU: Government recruiting for positions already filled
The Banking, Insurance and General Workers’ Union (BIGWU) has strongly criticized the government’s National Recruitment Drive, labeling it a severe breach of trust. The union alleges that the drive includes positions already occupied by current employees, causing significant distress among workers. In a media statement issued on October 24, the final day of the drive’s first phase, BIGWU President Don Devenish demanded the immediate withdrawal of such advertisements. The union described the situation as a ‘gross lapse in industrial and human resource practice,’ urging the government to issue a public apology and take corrective measures to prevent recurrence. BIGWU emphasized that advertising filled positions undermines job security and breaches employment contracts, potentially amounting to constructive dismissal. The union highlighted the psychological and economic toll on affected employees, who face anxiety, humiliation, and fear of unemployment. BIGWU warned that such actions could lead to legal consequences, including claims for damages. The government defended the drive, stating it aims to fill 20,000 critical vacancies across 25 ministries, modernize the workforce, and improve public services. However, BIGWU stressed that workers’ dignity and rights must not be compromised by administrative errors.
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UN, Japan help Tobago with sargassum management
Tobago has taken a significant step forward in addressing its sargassum problem with the donation of specialized management equipment by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Japanese government. The handover ceremony took place on October 21 at the Shaw Park Complex, attended by THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine, UNDP resident representative Ugo Blanco, and Japanese Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Akima Umezawa. Augustine highlighted the severe environmental and economic impacts of sargassum, which first appeared in Tobago East in 2011, affecting fisheries, tourism, and coastal businesses. He expressed gratitude for the investment, emphasizing that the equipment would be managed by the Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) with guidance from the Department of Environment. Augustine also noted that the donation marks the beginning of a broader effort, with plans to acquire boats and booms for further sargassum management. Allan Stewart, Director of TEMA, described the event as historic, recalling the devastating effects of sargassum on the island since 2011. He stressed the importance of capacity building for small-island developing states in the Caribbean. Ambassador Umezawa reiterated Japan’s commitment to supporting Tobago in its cleanup efforts, calling the donated tractor a symbol of cooperation. UNDP’s Ugo Blanco also emphasized the collaborative nature of the initiative, underscoring its significance for Tobago’s environmental sustainability.
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‘Natty’ James scores double in historic Portland win
In a spectacular display of skill and teamwork, Portland Hearts of Pine delivered a resounding 6-1 victory over Spokane Velocity in their USL League One match on October 21. The star of the match was Trinidad and Tobago striker Nathaniel “Natty” James, who scored two stunning goals to set the tone for his team’s dominant performance. The match, held at Fitzpatrick Stadium in Portland, drew a record-breaking crowd of 6,440 spectators, who witnessed Portland’s relentless attack and clinical finishing. James opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a precise left-footed shot into the top corner, following a brilliant assist from Jay Tee Kamara. Ollie Wright extended the lead with a penalty in the 35th minute, but Spokane managed to pull one back in the 41st minute. James quickly restored Portland’s two-goal advantage with another left-footed strike from outside the box. Nathan Messer and Titus Washington added to the tally, while Kamara capped off the scoring with a stylish finish in the 67th minute. This historic win keeps Portland in playoff contention with one game left in the season.
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A humble CJ amid bacchanal
Ronnie Boodoosingh officially commenced his tenure as Chief Justice on October 22, delivering a heartfelt and unscripted address that underscored his humility and dedication to the judiciary. Speaking extemporaneously, Boodoosingh emphasized his commitment to hard work and humility, setting a reassuring tone for his leadership. He paid tribute to his predecessors, including former Chief Justice Ivor Archie, and acknowledged the support of his family, stating, ‘They make me a better person.’
The swift transition following Archie’s departure was met with relief, though the televised swearing-in ceremony appeared rushed, with key guests arriving late and logistical hiccups such as the absence of glasses during a toast. Behind the scenes, acting President Wade Mark faced objections from Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles, who advocated for a more senior judge to act as Chief Justice. Despite these tensions, the Constitution grants the President the authority to appoint the Chief Justice after consulting with the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader.
Boodoosingh’s recent ruling in the Court of Appeal, which affirmed a constitutional right to return home after international travel, highlights his focus on human rights. This commitment, coupled with his sponsorship of a human rights award at the Hugh Wooding Law School, suggests that fundamental rights will be a cornerstone of his tenure. As the dust settles, the nation looks forward to a judiciary led by a Chief Justice known for sound judgment, fairness, and dedication.
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Bangladesh win ODI series 2-1 as Windies rolled over
West Indies head coach Daren Sammy expressed deep disappointment following his team’s 2-1 One-Day International (ODI) series defeat to Bangladesh. The series, held at the Shere-e-Bangla Stadium in Bangladesh, highlighted the West Indies’ inability to adapt to spin-friendly conditions, culminating in a crushing 179-run loss in the final match on October 23. Chasing a formidable target of 297, the West Indies were bowled out for a mere 117 in 30.1 overs, with Akeal Hosein, batting at number ten, emerging as the top scorer with 27 runs. Bangladesh’s spin quartet—Nasum Ahmed, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, and Mehidy Miraz—dominated the proceedings, collectively claiming all ten wickets. Sammy lamented his team’s lack of consistency and skill, particularly in handling spin, and acknowledged Bangladesh’s superior performance. Despite the challenging pitch conditions, Sammy refused to use them as an excuse, emphasizing the need for better mindset and temperament. Bangladesh’s openers, Soumya Sarkar and Saif Hassan, set the tone with a 176-run partnership, propelling their team to a commanding total. The teams will now shift focus to a three-match T20 series starting on October 27.
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‘Pres’ blow SSFL title race open with win over rivals ‘Naps’
In a thrilling encounter at the Naparima College Ground on October 22, Presentation College San Fernando delivered a significant blow to Naparima College’s unbeaten streak in the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division, securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory. The decisive moment came in the second minute of first-half extra time when Josiah Bain’s audacious long-range effort from just outside the center circle found the back of the net, albeit with a stroke of luck. The ball ricocheted off the crossbar, evaded goalkeeper Mikhail Clement’s grasp, and ultimately bounced into the goal, sending the Presentation supporters into a frenzy. Despite Naparima’s relentless efforts to equalize in the second half, including opportunities for substitutes Adasa Richardson and Ryan Radellant, they were unable to break through Presentation’s resilient defense. The result narrows the gap between fourth-placed Presentation (24 points) and league leaders Naparima (27 points), reigniting the title race. Presentation’s coach, Dunstan Williams, expressed satisfaction with the outcome but acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating that their title hopes hinge on other teams’ performances. Meanwhile, defending champions Fatima College capitalized on the situation, moving within two points of the top after a high-scoring 6-4 victory over Arima North. The league now heads into its final phase, with several key matches scheduled for October 25, promising intense competition as teams vie for the coveted title.
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Give CSO greater role in budget affairs
The Central Statistical Office (CSO) recently announced a decline in inflation to one per cent for the previous month. While this is a positive development, questions arise about the timing of this information, released just four days after Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo presented the national budget. The budget included fiscal measures directly impacting prices, such as reductions in super gasoline costs and increased duties on alcohol and tobacco. This raises concerns about the CSO’s role in forecasting the effects of such budgetary measures. Currently, the CSO collaborates with government departments in data collection and analysis but lacks a formal role in projecting budget impacts. Historically, the CSO’s data has been somewhat delayed, though this gap has significantly narrowed in recent years. The budget process is inherently forward-looking, with only a minor focus on past reporting. Given the CSO’s annual budget of at least $55 million, there is a strong argument for its involvement in estimating future fiscal impacts. Globally, independent fiscal oversight bodies, such as the UK’s Office for Budget Responsibility and the US Congressional Budget Office, are common. Locally, the establishment of an Economic Resilience Council is underway, but a neutral, independent body outside Parliament is deemed essential for thorough budget scrutiny. Utilizing existing institutions like the CSO and the Central Bank could enhance the timeliness and relevance of fiscal data, ensuring it remains useful rather than outdated.
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Fitch upgrades Sagicor’s investment rating
Sagicor Financial Company Ltd has achieved a significant milestone as global credit rating agency Fitch Ratings elevated its long-term issuer default rating from BBB- to BBB. Additionally, the company’s senior unsecured debt rating was upgraded from BB+ to BBB-. Fitch also assigned Sagicor a ‘stable’ outlook, reflecting confidence in the company’s financial health. The upgrade was attributed to Sagicor’s improved core profitability, consolidated contributions from its Canadian subsidiary ivari over the past two years, reduced debt financing costs, and a robust capitalisation profile. Fitch further affirmed ivari’s financial strength rating at A-, maintaining a stable outlook. Andre Mousseau, Sagicor’s President and CEO, expressed satisfaction with the upgrade, emphasizing its validation of the company’s strong capitalisation and its alignment with stable and profitable growth strategies. He noted that the enhanced rating would improve Sagicor’s access to capital and support the execution of its strategic initiatives. Founded over 180 years ago, Sagicor is a leading financial services provider headquartered in Barbados, offering a diverse portfolio of products and services, including life, health, and general insurance, banking, pensions, annuities, investment management, and real estate across the Caribbean.
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Padarath: No plan to fire WASA workers
In a heated session before the Standing Finance Committee of the House of Representatives, Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath assured that the government has no intention of dismissing workers at the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA). This declaration came as the committee approved a substantial budgetary allocation of $3.27 billion to the Ministry of Public Utilities. Padarath emphasized the administration’s commitment to retaining WASA employees and enhancing the authority’s financial viability, stating, ‘This administration is hell-bent on keeping WASA employees in their jobs.’ He also highlighted collaboration with the Public Services Association (PSA), which represents the majority of WASA workers and is aligned with the ruling United National Congress (UNC).
Opposition Chief Whip Marvin Gonzales, a former public utilities minister, criticized the UNC’s past actions, recalling that the People’s Partnership coalition, led by the UNC, had planned to lay off 30,000 workers during the 2010-2015 period. He credited the People’s National Movement (PNM) with thwarting this plan upon assuming office in 2015 and implementing a transformation strategy that improved water supply for many citizens. Padarath, however, dismissed these claims, asserting that the PNM’s efforts yielded no significant results and instead led to questionable state contracts benefiting certain individuals.
The session grew contentious as opposition MPs, including Stuart Young and Colm Imbert, questioned Padarath about potential job cuts at WASA, particularly in light of a review of National Insurance System (NIS) contributions. Padarath maintained that the review would not result in job losses, but Young expressed skepticism, accusing the government of planning significant workforce reductions. The debate escalated into personal jabs, with Padarath suggesting Imbert consult a psychiatrist and Imbert dismissing Padarath’s remarks as irrelevant. Speaker Jagdeo Singh intervened multiple times to restore order.
Padarath also addressed concerns about a $50 million reduction in contract employment at WASA, asserting that vacant positions would be filled through the government’s National Recruitment Drive, which aims to create 20,000 jobs in its initial phase. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo, in his recent budget presentation, announced the termination of the Cepep and URP programs, pledging to replace them with better-paid, full-time employment opportunities funded by a $475 million Employment Fund. The government’s focus remains on ending state funding of criminal gangs and improving public utility services.