After months of captivating audiences with its uproarious humor and sold-out shows, RS/RR Productions’ acclaimed play, ‘Yuh Doh Leave Fowl to Watch Corn!’, is set to conclude its run with two final performances on November 15 and 16 at Cipriani College. The play, a riotous comedy, takes viewers through a day of escalating chaos, featuring women waking up in the wrong beds, men vehemently denying their involvement, and a maid who struggles to keep secrets. As the Trinidadian proverb suggests, leaving a fowl to watch corn is a recipe for disaster, and this production delivers an evening of unbridled mischief and laughter. The stellar cast includes Richard Ragoobarsingh, Leslie Ann Lavine, Zo Mari Tanker, Kala Neehall, Benita Wilson, and Andrew Friday, under the co-direction of Debra Boucaud Mason and Ragoobarsingh. The box office opens on November 12 from 12 pm to 6 pm, with showtimes scheduled for November 15 at 8:30 pm and November 16 at 6:30 pm. For ticket inquiries, contact 481-2185, 338-6024, or 744-7581.
标签： Trinidad and Tobago
特立尼达和多巴哥
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Yara Trinidad Ltd tops Amcham HSSE awards
Yara Trinidad Ltd emerged as the standout winner at the American Chamber of Commerce’s TT (Amcham TT) 15th Annual National Excellence in HSE Awards, held on November 10 at the Hyatt Regency in Port of Spain. The company secured the prestigious Excellence in HSE Award, while Sonriz Engineering Services Ltd received an honorable mention. Additionally, Yara Trinidad Ltd claimed first place in the Towards Operational Resilience Category, with ASCO Logistics Ltd earning honorable mention in the same category. The event, which marked a significant milestone for Amcham TT, celebrated outstanding achievements in Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) across various industries. In the Outstanding Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) and Environment Project category, National Energy Corporation of TT Ltd won the large energy category for its Phase II Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Education Project, while La Brea Industrial Development Company Ltd took the small energy category. The Airports Authority of TT triumphed in the large services category. Acado Foods, a division of Acado Trinidad Ltd, won the large manufacturing category in the HSE Evolution Award, with Nu-Iron Ltd securing the large energy category and the TT Unit Trust Corporation winning in the large services category. CEO Nirad Tewarie emphasized the evolution of the awards from a recognition program to a movement fostering shared values of safety, health, and environmental care. He praised the leadership of awardees, highlighting their resilience and innovation in the face of adversity. Head judge Gerard Rajkumar noted the awards’ expansion beyond the energy sector, reflecting the growing importance of HSE across industries. He also detailed recent enhancements to the awards process, including mentorship programs aimed at supporting companies in achieving HSE excellence.
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Tobago Visual Arts Association elects new executive board
The Tobago Visual Arts Association (TVAA) has unveiled its newly elected executive board for the 2025-2027 term, following a pivotal election held at the historic Kimme Museum in Mt Irvine, Tobago. The election, conducted on October 5, underscores the association’s unwavering commitment to nurturing and promoting the visual arts and artists of Tobago. The newly appointed leadership includes Martin Superville as president, Arletys Arias Valdespino as vice president, Natasha Amber Shaw as secretary, Latoyaa Roberts-Thomas as assistant secretary, Duneski Lora Pileta as treasurer, Nicolas McKenna and Kemo De Leon as ordinary members, and Dr. James Armstrong as immediate past president. Martin Superville, a self-taught artist with over three decades of experience and the owner of an art gallery in Tobago, expressed his enthusiasm for his new role. ‘It is an honor to lead the Tobago Visual Arts Association during such a transformative period for our creative community,’ Superville remarked. ‘My goal is to fortify the connection between Tobago’s artists, our institutions, and the broader Caribbean art world. Together, we will continue to narrate our stories through color, movement, and imagination, celebrating Tobago’s unique spirit with every brushstroke.’ The TVAA extended its gratitude to the outgoing members and past leadership for their invaluable contributions to the local arts community. The new board has vowed to enhance creativity, collaboration, and opportunities for Tobago’s artists through exhibitions, educational initiatives, and advocacy for the visual arts sector. The association remains steadfast in its mission to cultivate a vibrant and inclusive artistic community that mirrors Tobago’s cultural richness and diversity. For more information, contact the TVAA via email at tobagovisualarts@gmail.com, call 771-5455 or 709-9988, or visit their Facebook page.
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Vincy PM’s son threatens to sue Anil Roberts over HDC claims
A political storm has erupted in St Vincent and the Grenadines as Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves vehemently denies allegations of impropriety in the purchase of high-end apartments for his family. The controversy was sparked by Minister in the Ministry of Housing Anil Roberts, who claimed in a social media blog that Gonsalves’ wife, daughter, and son had acquired three luxury apartments at the Victoria Keys complex in Diego Martin, Trinidad and Tobago, valued at $1.96 million, $1.625 million, and $1.3 million respectively. Roberts questioned whether Gonsalves’ recent criticisms of Trinidad and Tobago’s foreign policy were influenced by these transactions.
In response, Gonsalves dismissed Roberts’ claims as “misrepresentations” and “falsehoods,” accusing him of violating his family’s privacy and engaging in political mischief. He asserted that his family members had acted lawfully, paying mortgages for the properties without any preferential treatment. Gonsalves emphasized that he had never sought to influence Trinidad and Tobago’s government or its housing administration.
Meanwhile, Gonsalves’ son, Storm Gonsalves, has threatened to sue Roberts for defamation, vowing to invest any compensation in cryptocurrency. Storm suggested that the allegations were a politically motivated distraction ahead of St Vincent and the Grenadines’ general elections on November 27.
Former Trinidad and Tobago Housing Minister Randall Mitchell also weighed in, defending the sale of the apartments. He explained that the units were sold on the open market, bypassing the usual Housing Development Corporation (HDC) criteria, and that the process had saved taxpayers $400 million. Mitchell stressed that purchasers were entitled to privacy regarding their financial information.
The controversy has intensified political tensions in the region, with Gonsalves maintaining his innocence and accusing his detractors of spreading falsehoods for electoral gain.
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More nauseating US visa rules
The Trump administration has introduced stringent health-based criteria for legal migrants, sparking controversy and criticism. According to a directive reportedly issued on November 5 to US embassies worldwide, individuals seeking to immigrate to the United States through formal channels can now be denied entry based on pre-existing medical conditions or obesity. The guidelines cite conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, respiratory illnesses, cancers, diabetes, and mental health disorders, which could potentially incur significant healthcare costs. This move has drawn sharp scrutiny, particularly given President Donald Trump’s own history of obesity and his recent diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency, a cardiovascular condition. Despite his health challenges, Trump has consistently portrayed himself as fit and capable of fulfilling his presidential duties. Critics argue that the new policy reflects a double standard, as Trump’s ailments are deemed inconsequential, while migrants with similar conditions are labeled as burdens on the public healthcare system. Public health experts have countered this narrative, with a July 2024 analysis by Drishti Pillai and Samantha Artiga revealing that immigrants generally incur lower healthcare costs than US-born citizens. The policy also raises concerns about the arbitrary nature of decision-making, as visa officers, rather than medical professionals, are tasked with assessing applicants’ long-term health viability. This development marks another chapter in the Republican Party’s contentious approach to immigration, which has increasingly targeted legal migrants, including college students and others, under the guise of fiscal responsibility.
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KFC spreads ‘Kindness for Change’ through harvest programme
In a heartwarming celebration of World Kindness Day, KFC, the globally renowned fast-food chain, demonstrated the profound impact of small acts of kindness through its Harvest Programme. On November 13, KFC staff and volunteers gathered at the Chef Sharaz Culinary Academy in Trinidad and Tobago to prepare and distribute 1,000 nourishing meals to vulnerable individuals and families. This initiative, aligned with this year’s global theme ‘Kindness for Change,’ underscores KFC’s commitment to making a meaningful difference in communities. Guided by the message ‘Harvesting Hope,’ the Harvest Programme transforms surplus food from KFC kitchens into meals for those in need, with the support of dedicated NGO partners. Trisha Baksh, Brand Lead at Prestige Holdings Limited, the local franchise holder of KFC, emphasized that kindness is integral to the company’s identity. ‘Our Harvest Programme embodies the belief that food has the power to unite, uplift, and inspire change,’ she said. Teddy Kim, from KFC’s partner organisation, International Youth Fellowship, shared his personal connection to the initiative, stating, ‘Being part of the Harvest Programme allows me to fulfil my purpose of serving the youth.’ Since its inception, the programme has donated over 768,000 meals to disadvantaged communities, reflecting KFC’s dedication to compassionate practices. This World Kindness Day, KFC encourages everyone to embrace simple yet impactful acts of kindness, whether through sharing food, offering time, or lending a helping hand.
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Legal obstacles to revitalisation plan
The success of any revitalisation plan, particularly one aimed at attracting substantial domestic and foreign investment, hinges on a supportive legal and regulatory framework. In Trinidad and Tobago (TT), the Exchange Control Act, Foreign Investment Act, and the role of the Industrial Court are pivotal components of this framework. However, these legal instruments, while designed to protect national interests, may inadvertently create barriers for potential investors. This analysis delves into how each of these mechanisms can hinder investment flows and the broader revitalisation agenda.
The Exchange Control Act, established to regulate the flow of foreign currency, aims to protect reserves and maintain economic stability. Yet, stringent controls on profit repatriation, capital transfers, and currency conversion can lead to uncertainty and operational challenges for investors. Delays in profit repatriation, limited access to foreign exchange, and increased administrative burdens can deter both local and foreign investors, prompting them to seek more flexible environments.
The Foreign Investment Act, intended to regulate foreign participation in TT’s economy, particularly in sensitive sectors, introduces several obstacles. Ownership caps, approval requirements, and policy unpredictability can discourage large-scale investments and joint ventures. These limitations may lead foreign investors to perceive TT as a less open and predictable market, diverting capital to more liberalised jurisdictions.
The Industrial Court, crucial for maintaining industrial harmony and upholding workers’ rights, can also present challenges for investors. Rigid labour regulations, delays in dispute resolution, and increased operational costs can deter investors who prioritise labour flexibility and certainty. While the court’s mandate is to ensure fairness, the perception of a pro-worker bias and unpredictable outcomes may hinder investment.
In summary, while the Exchange Control Act, Foreign Investment Act, and the Industrial Court serve important national objectives, their cumulative effect can obstruct investment into revitalisation plans. Regulatory uncertainty, administrative burdens, and perceived inflexibility may drive potential investors to seek alternative destinations. To attract and retain investment, policymakers may need to reassess these instruments and consider reforms that balance national interests with the need for economic dynamism and growth.
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Alexander: I don’t know why tribunal reports haven’t reached me yet
Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander has expressed his intention to investigate the reasons behind the delay in receiving reports from the State of Emergency (SoE) Review Tribunal. The tribunal, which reviews challenges to Preventive Detention Orders (PDOs), has reportedly submitted six reports to Alexander’s office, yet the minister claims he has not seen any of them. PDOs are issued under SoE regulations to detain individuals considered threats to national security or public safety, with detainees having the right to challenge their detention through the tribunal. Last week, the tribunal defended itself against claims by detainees’ attorneys that decisions on their clients’ detentions were delayed or withheld, stating that multiple reports had been completed and forwarded to the ministry between September 12 and October 22. However, Alexander, in conversations with Newsday on November 6 and 12, reiterated that he had not received any reports and was unsure of the cause of the delay. He emphasized the independence of the tribunal and expressed his reluctance to interfere in its processes, stating that he would consult his permanent secretary to avoid any perception of undue influence. Alexander acknowledged the concerns of detainees but assured that the process remains transparent and professional.
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Grand revitalisation plan leaves Sea Lots residents sceptical
Residents of Sea Lots, a community in Trinidad and Tobago, have expressed mixed feelings about the government’s national revitalisation blueprint, which includes plans to build an industrial park in their area. While some are open to relocation if compensated fairly, others are staunchly opposed, citing the community’s unique value and their deep-rooted connections to the area. The government’s plan, unveiled by Works and Infrastructure Minister Jearlean John, aims to create a 100-acre industrial park and free trade zone to boost trade and create jobs. However, residents remain skeptical, given past unfulfilled promises by previous administrations. Many fear being relocated to substandard housing and losing the sense of community and security they currently enjoy. The government has promised robust consultations, but residents demand transparency and fair treatment. The community’s skepticism underscores the challenges of implementing large-scale development projects in areas with strong local identities and histories.
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Latapy: We’re building and getting better
As Trinidad and Tobago’s men’s national football team prepares for a pivotal Concacaf World Cup qualifier against Jamaica on November 13, assistant coach Russell Latapy reflects on the team’s progress under head coach Dwight Yorke. Appointed just over a year ago, Yorke has instilled a new philosophy and style of play, aiming to achieve two primary objectives: qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and restoring stability to the nation’s football. Currently third in Group B with five points, the team faces a must-win match at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo to keep their World Cup dreams alive. The top team in each of the three final-round groups will secure a spot in the World Cup, with the two best second-placed teams advancing to an intercontinental playoff. Latapy emphasized the importance of defensive solidity and clinical finishing, acknowledging the team’s improvement but highlighting the need for better conversion of chances. Despite scoring only four goals in four matches, compared to Jamaica’s ten and Curacao’s six, Latapy expressed satisfaction with the team’s progress and their commitment to Yorke’s methods. The inclusion of uncapped forward Roald Mitchell and other fresh talents underscores Yorke’s strategy to strengthen the squad. With the ultimate prize of World Cup qualification still within reach, Latapy remains optimistic about the team’s potential to achieve their goals.