In a significant law enforcement operation, police have apprehended the owner of an illegal quarry in Manuel Congo, Guanapo, along with 17 employees, charging them with unlawful mineral processing without a license. The arrests, made on October 9, were part of a coordinated effort led by Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro and other senior officers, including Deputy Commissioner Natasha George and ACP Richard Smith. The suspects were charged under Section 45 of the Minerals Act and are set to appear in court on October 22. Each was granted $50,000 bail early on October 11. The operation targeted a site that had been under surveillance for over a year due to its involvement in illegal activities, including deforestation, unauthorized mineral extraction, and the financing of organized crime. Commissioner Guevarro commended the officers for their dedication and precision, emphasizing the TTPS’s commitment to safeguarding national resources and public safety. He urged citizens to support law enforcement in dismantling criminal networks. The site remains under police guard as investigations continue, with officers pursuing additional evidence and identifying further conspirators.
标签： Trinidad and Tobago
特立尼达和多巴哥
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Presbyterian Board: Only Christian celebrations in our secondary schools
A recent decision by the Presbyterian Board of Education to restrict non-Christian religious observances in its secondary schools has ignited a heated debate, drawing criticism from prominent figures including former government minister Surujrattan Rambachan and ex-Naparima College teacher Jamwant Maharaj. The policy, outlined in a circular to administrators of five Presbyterian schools—Hillview College, Naparima College, Naparima Girls’ High School, Iere High School, and St Augustine Girls’ High School—states that only Presbyterian denominational celebrations, such as Easter and Christmas, will be permitted on school grounds. Other religious observances must be conducted in an educational format, with agendas reviewed by the Board beforehand. The circular emphasizes adherence to the Presbyterian Church’s ethos, prohibiting prayers or texts that diminish the sovereignty of Jesus Christ. The Board defended the policy, asserting that it aims to preserve the institution’s religious identity while fostering educational awareness of other faiths. However, critics argue that the move undermines religious freedom and cultural inclusivity. Rambachan questioned whether Hindu students’ rights to celebrate Divali were being curtailed, while Maharaj lamented the potential end of a 49-year tradition of cultural Divali celebrations at Naparima College. The Ministry of Education responded by acknowledging the Board’s position but stressed the importance of promoting tolerance and mutual respect in schools. The controversy highlights the delicate balance between religious identity and cultural diversity in educational institutions.
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Trinidad and Tobago teams placed in pot two for 2026 Concacaf U-17 qualifiers
Trinidad and Tobago’s under-17 men’s and women’s football teams are set to embark on their respective journeys toward the 2026 Concacaf Under-17 World Cup qualifiers, with both teams placed in pot two for the upcoming draws. The women’s draw is scheduled for October 15, followed by the men’s draw on October 21, marking the beginning of their campaigns early next year. The women’s qualifiers will kick off on January 24, 2026, with 30 Concacaf member associations divided into six groups for round-robin matches. The top six group winners and two best second-placed teams will advance to the final round, joining the top-ranked teams: Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the United States. Matches will be hosted across Aruba, Bermuda, Curacao, and Nicaragua. Trinidad and Tobago’s women’s team, placed in pot two alongside Bermuda, Cuba, Guatemala, Jamaica, and Nicaragua, aim for a favorable draw to secure a spot in the youth World Cup in Morocco. Their previous campaign in the 2025 qualifiers saw them finish at the bottom of their group, which included El Salvador, Honduras, and the US. On the men’s side, the qualifiers will adopt a new format, with 34 teams split into eight groups for a single round of matches from February 3-12, 2026. The eight group winners will automatically qualify for the World Cup. Trinidad and Tobago’s men’s team, placed in pot two with Bermuda, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Jamaica, Nicaragua, and Puerto Rico, will look to improve on their previous performance, where they narrowly missed qualification after a loss to Costa Rica in the final group match. The qualifiers will be held in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago.
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Five overnight murders take weekly toll to 17
Trinidad has been gripped by a wave of violent crimes, with five murders recorded overnight, including a double homicide in Valencia. This alarming spike in violence has pushed the monthly murder toll to 20, surpassing the 16 recorded during the same period last year. The annual count now stands at 292, compared to 490 in the previous year. The recent incidents have left communities in shock and raised concerns about public safety. The double murder in Valencia occurred at a bar along Valencia Old Road shortly after 1 am. Two men, Derrick Rowley, 26, and Shane Fulchan, 42, were shot dead by gunmen who stormed the establishment. Two others were injured but are reportedly in stable condition. In a separate incident, 73-year-old Stephen Lewis was fatally stabbed near the office of Arima MP Pennelope Beckles. Witnesses reported seeing an unidentified man and woman leaving Lewis’ home before he collapsed in a supermarket parking lot. Around the same time, 32-year-old Aledo Roberts was shot dead at his home in Wallerfield by a masked assailant. Earlier in the evening, 42-year-old Kurleigh Simon was gunned down in Maloney while walking with a relative and her 12-year-old son. The relative sustained a gunshot wound to her calf but survived. These tragic events highlight the urgent need for enhanced security measures and community intervention to curb the rising tide of violence.
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Illegal quarry ‘boss’ falls ill, taken to private hospital
In a significant crackdown on illegal quarrying operations, Gregory Mc Burnie, identified by police as the ‘main boss’ of a multi-million dollar illegal quarrying empire, fell ill shortly after his arrest on October 9. Mc Burnie, along with 18 others, was apprehended during a raid by heavily armed police on an illegal quarrying plant in the forests of Manuel Congo, Guanapo. Following his arrest, Mc Burnie was permitted to seek medical treatment at a private hospital in north Trinidad, accompanied by a police escort, at his own expense. Police sources indicated that the illnesses were not serious, and Mc Burnie was discharged by 11 am on October 10. The arrests were part of a coordinated effort involving multiple agencies, with charges expected to be filed this weekend. At least three suspects are likely to face charges under section 45 of the Minerals Act, which prohibits the unlicensed processing of minerals. The penalties for such offenses include a $500,000 fine and five years imprisonment for first-time offenders, escalating to a $700,000 fine and seven years imprisonment for subsequent convictions. Additionally, individuals and companies involved in trading illegally obtained minerals are barred from bidding on government-funded construction projects. Police are expected to remain at the quarry site as they lack facilities to store the equipment and vehicles, which may serve as crucial evidence in the prosecution of the suspects.
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Young: Moonilal has not seen OFAC licence
Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Stuart Young has publicly criticized Energy Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal for his apparent lack of understanding regarding the Dragon gas project negotiations with Venezuela. Young revealed that Moonilal confirmed his unfamiliarity with the details of a six-month provisional licence issued by the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) during a statement on October 10. This licence is crucial for initiating discussions with Venezuela on the project. Young further emphasized that Moonilal’s ignorance was evident in his comments about ministry documentation being in Spanish, as well as his unawareness of the previous OFAC licences issued last December under the People’s National Movement (PNM) administration. Young clarified that OFAC licences are issued in English and that the National Gas Company (NGC) and its legal team had access to translated documents. He accused Moonilal of incompetence, stating that the minister’s lack of knowledge highlights the government’s inability to manage complex energy negotiations. Young also defended former Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley, who Moonilal had criticized earlier, by clarifying that Rowley’s statements were not based on official Energy Ministry documents. Additionally, Young pointed out that the recent transfer of former ministry permanent secretary Pennelope Bradshaw-Niles has left Moonilal without access to critical institutional knowledge. Young concluded that Moonilal’s exclusion from key energy negotiations is a direct result of his incompetence.
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India in full control after day two of 2nd Test vs Windies
India continued their formidable performance in the second Test against the West Indies, establishing a commanding 378-run lead by the end of the second day at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. Resuming their innings at 318 for two, India faced an early setback as opener Yashavi Jaiswal (175) was run out after adding just two runs to his overnight score. However, captain Shubman Gill (129 not out) anchored the innings with crucial partnerships, first with Nitish Reddy (43) and then with wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel (44 not out). Gill’s innings, adorned with 16 boundaries and two sixes, propelled India to a formidable total of 518 for five before declaring. The West Indies struggled to counter India’s dominance, ending the day at 140 for four. Ravindra Jadeja (three for 37) was instrumental in dismantling the visitors’ top order, while Shai Hope (31 not out) and Tevin Imlach (14 not out) provided some resistance. The Windies face an uphill battle to avoid the follow-on and stay competitive in the match. Day three begins on October 12, with India firmly in control.
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National powerlifting team picked for North American Regional Bench Press Champs
The Trinidad and Tobago Powerlifting Federation (TTPF) has unveiled a formidable ten-member squad to compete at the North American Powerlifting Federation (NAPF) Regional Bench Press Championships in Panama City, Panama, from October 22-25. The team, announced via an Instagram post on October 7, features a mix of seasoned athletes and rising stars, all poised to make their mark on the international stage. Among the standout competitors are Deresay Alleyne and Kezia Hunte, both of whom have already proven their mettle at the NAPF/Pan Am Regional Championships held in the Cayman Islands earlier this year. Hunte clinched gold in the 76kg open category, while Alleyne secured silver in the 84kg open division. Alleyne further cemented her reputation by claiming the overall female title at the National Bench Press Championships in June. The team also includes Rondel Hunte, the overall male winner at the national championships, alongside a diverse group of athletes such as Sabir Abdul-Malick, Shay Grant, and Shaquille Nelson. Rounding out the squad are masters competitors Dale Hosten and Orion Williams, as well as junior athlete Keshav Maharaj. Leading the team as coach is Marlon Belfon, a veteran of the masters category, with Gabre McTair joining as a referee. The team’s participation follows a recent triumph by national champion Joseph McDonald, who set a new world junior record in the bench press category at the International Powerlifting Federation World Classic Junior Powerlifting Championships in September.
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Gymnasts compete for national spots at trials
Trinidad and Tobago’s top gymnasts are gearing up for a high-stakes competition as the TT Gymnastics Federation organizes the Carifta 2025 TT team trials. Scheduled for October 11 and 12 at the National Cycling Centre in Couva, the event will serve as a critical selection process for the national team. Action kicks off at 9 am on October 11 and resumes at 10 am on October 12. The trials are particularly significant as they will be held at the same venue that will host the 2025 Carifta Gymnastics Championships in December, providing athletes with a valuable rehearsal opportunity. The championships will see regional competitors vying for supremacy against TT’s finest. The TT team is looking to replicate their stellar performance from the inaugural Carifta Gymnastics Championships in 2024, where they dominated with an impressive haul of 80 gold, 57 silver, and 26 bronze medals, securing the overall title. The first edition of the games was held in Kingston, Jamaica, last year. Prominent clubs such as Tots and Tumblers, Thema Williams Athletic Academy, Olympia Gymnastics Club, and Lee’s Gymnastics Club are expected to field athletes in the trials, showcasing the depth of talent in the nation’s gymnastics community.
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Nothing changes: Yorke preaches focus ahead of Curacao clash
Trinidad and Tobago’s men’s football team secured a decisive 3-0 victory over Bermuda in their Concacaf World Cup qualifying match on October 10, marking their first win in the final round of qualifiers. The triumph, achieved at the Bermuda National Stadium, propelled TT to third place in Group B with four points. Coach Dwight Yorke lauded his team’s mentality and attitude, emphasizing the need to maintain the same focus in their upcoming clash against group leaders Curacao on October 14. Curacao, fresh off a 2-0 win over Jamaica, currently tops the group with seven points, setting the stage for a high-stakes encounter in Willemstad. A victory for TT would intensify the race for the group’s automatic World Cup qualification spot. Yorke highlighted the importance of consistency, stating, ‘Our mindset and goal remain the same. We need to be at our best.’ The match against Bermuda saw standout performances from Dante Sealy and Tyrese Spicer, who scored in the first half, while Kobi Henry sealed the win with his first international goal in the 49th minute. Yorke praised Henry’s leadership and composure, noting his seamless integration into the team. Despite the win, Yorke identified areas for improvement, particularly in finishing. He also commended debutants Molik Khan and Deron Payne for their contributions, stressing the importance of building a competitive squad. With the Curacao match looming, Yorke urged his team to refocus and continue their quest for World Cup qualification.