In response to a series of tragic LPG cylinder explosions that have claimed four lives since April, Dr. Roodal Moonilal, Minister of Energy and Energy Industries, has emphasized the urgent need for technological advancements and stricter regulatory oversight to mitigate such risks. Speaking at the American Chamber of Commerce of TT (AmCham TT) Health, Safety, Security & Environment conference on November 11, Moonilal declared that these incidents ‘must come to an end.’ He has directed the ministry to collaborate with the National Petroleum (NP) and other regulators to investigate the recent accidents and implement tighter controls. The findings from these investigations are expected to significantly improve safety practices in the use of LPG. Moonilal also announced that NP’s subsidiary operations will undergo a comprehensive review, and draft LPG regulations and licenses are in the final stages of preparation. NP has been instructed to ensure that all cylinders supplied by its subsidiary, Natpet, are thoroughly inspected for leaks or defects. Additionally, the TT Bureau of Standards is set to reconvene and advance draft national LPG standards for public comment. The minister highlighted the availability of various safety technologies, such as LPG monitoring systems that detect leaks, shut off gas supply, and provide immediate alarms, as well as blast-proof technology that can be integrated into cylinders to reduce explosion risks. NP has publicly pledged its cooperation with authorities and is currently reviewing its standards and internal processes. Moonilal questioned the underutilization of such technologies and affirmed the government’s commitment to pursuing legislative, technical, and enforcement measures to address the issue.
标签： Trinidad and Tobago
特立尼达和多巴哥
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De Boulet, Metha crowned mixed doubles badminton champs
The TT International 2025 Badminton Tournament concluded on November 9 at the National Racquet Centre in Tacarigua, delivering a series of intense matches and crowning champions across multiple categories. In the mixed doubles final, the Trinidad and Tobago (TT) duo of Chequeda De Boulet and Parth Mehta emerged victorious after a hard-fought battle against the Barbadian pair of Sabrina Scott and Shae Martin. The TT champions secured their title with a narrow 21-19, 21-19 win, showcasing their resilience and skill. Earlier in the semifinals, De Boulet and Mehta had defeated the Jamaican team of Kenneth Anglin and Tahlia Richardson with scores of 21-18, 21-17. Meanwhile, TT’s Aditya Maharaj and Samiya Karim claimed the bronze medal after falling to Scott and Martin in the semis. The women’s doubles final saw TT’s Nekeisha Blake partnering with Sabrina Scott, but they were outplayed by the Jamaican duo of Breanna Bisnott and Tahlia Richardson, who clinched the title with a 21-13, 21-17 victory. Two TT sister pairs, Danyelle and T’Shelle Barnes and Aliyah and Amara Urquhart, shared the bronze medal after semifinal losses. In the men’s singles final, Swiss players Julien Scheiwiller and Nicolas Mueller faced off, with second-seeded Scheiwiller prevailing 21-19, 21-18 over fourth-ranked Mueller. Parth Mehta tied for third place after a semifinal defeat to Mueller. The women’s singles final was dominated by Italy’s Gianna Stiglich, who overpowered Argentina’s Iona Gualdi with a commanding 21-8, 21-8 win. The men’s doubles title went to Slovakia’s Simeon and Andrej Suchy, who justified their top seeding with a 21-13, 21-12 victory over India’s Achutaditya Doddavarapu and Pochana Reddy. TT’s Kaveer Ramoutar and Verone Salick secured a joint third-place finish in the men’s doubles after their semifinal loss to the Indian pair.
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Dream big with ‘one percenters’
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has unveiled the government’s Revitalisation Blueprint, a comprehensive and actionable strategy aimed at redefining Trinidad and Tobago’s economic landscape. Unlike previous plans that often lacked substance, this blueprint is rooted in economic logic and structured ambition, offering a clear pathway for sustainable growth. The initiative has garnered significant support from key business leaders, including A. Norman Sabga, Executive Chairman of ANSA McAL, who emphasized the importance of dreaming big to achieve national progress. Sabga’s endorsement underscores the critical role of the private sector in driving innovation, employment, and investment confidence. The blueprint is not just a government-led effort but a call for national collaboration, where policy stability and infrastructure from the government meet the capital, innovation, and operational excellence of businesses. This initiative is designed to benefit not only large corporations but also small and medium enterprises, creative entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals. With ANSA McAL, a symbol of stability and regional success, leading the charge, the blueprint is poised to inspire broader economic momentum. The plan highlights the collective responsibility of citizens, companies, and leaders in building a stronger Trinidad and Tobago, emphasizing that economic transformation is a shared endeavor. As Sabga aptly stated, ‘We need to dream big, manage the details, and move the country forward.’
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Prisons march on with 3rd win, keep TTFPL lead
In a week marked by uncertainty and dramatic reversals, Prisons FC has solidified its position at the top of the 2025/26 TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) standings. After initially threatening to withdraw from the season, the team reversed its decision following discussions with the TT Football Association (TTFA). Prisons FC continued their winning streak with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Club Sando at the Mahaica Sporting Complex on November 9. The decisive moment came in the 71st minute when substitute Jeremiah Vidale capitalized on a well-executed play, slotting a close-range shot past Club Sando’s goalkeeper Teshorne Ragoo. This marked Vidale’s third goal in as many matches, further cementing his impact as a key player for the team. Prisons FC now leads the 12-team league with nine points, remaining undefeated alongside reigning champions Defence Force. Club Sando, despite the loss, holds third place with six points. In other matches, Point Fortin Civic and San Juan Jabloteh played to a 1-1 draw, while Defence Force secured their first win of the season with a 1-0 victory over Police FC. Caledonia AIA and AC Port of Spain also celebrated their first wins of the campaign, adding to the competitive dynamics of the league. The TTPFL action resumes on November 15, with La Horquetta Rangers set to face 1976 FC Phoenix in a rescheduled match.
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Lessons from the New Deal, Singapore, Dubai
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar recently unveiled the TT Revitalisation Blueprint, a comprehensive plan aimed at reshaping Trinidad and Tobago’s economy and physical infrastructure. Launched at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann’s on November 6, this initiative draws inspiration from globally successful models such as America’s New Deal, Singapore’s urban transformation, and Dubai’s rapid development. The blueprint outlines over 100 major projects targeting job creation, urban renewal, and sustainable development, with a focus on diversifying the economy beyond energy into construction, tourism, digital transformation, and manufacturing. The government envisions this plan as a catalyst for economic recovery, aiming to create over 50,000 jobs and attract private sector investment. Key projects include the San Fernando Waterfront Redevelopment and the Port of Spain Invaders Bay development, which mirror Dubai’s emphasis on tourism and urban design, as well as industrial renewal zones inspired by Singapore’s economic clustering. While the blueprint has been praised for its bold vision, its success will hinge on effective execution, strong governance, and long-term planning. If implemented successfully, it could position Trinidad and Tobago as a global example of infrastructure-driven economic transformation.
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Central cops arrest 4, seize guns, ammo, ganja
In a series of coordinated operations across the Central Division, law enforcement officers have successfully apprehended four individuals and confiscated a cache of illegal firearms, ammunition, and narcotics. The operations, which spanned from November 7 to November 9, were conducted based on intelligence reports and targeted various locations within the division.
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Resilient spirit of pan – Ramsey-Moore says Panorama launch staged without government funds
The launch of Panorama 2026 at Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain on November 9 marked a celebration of Trinidad and Tobago’s national instrument, the steelpan, despite the absence of government funding. Pan Trinbago president Beverley Ramsey-Moore described the event as a ‘happy day,’ emphasizing the unifying power of pan music. The event, which officially kicks off on November 12, saw a strong turnout, with performances by bands like the Royal Stars Pan Symphony and the Laventille Rhythm Section. Ramsey-Moore highlighted the communal spirit of pan, stating that its essence lies in the build-up within communities rather than just the final performances. She expressed hope for future funding and the eventual establishment of a permanent headquarters for Pan Trinbago. Meanwhile, Marabella West councillor John Alibocas, attending his first town launch, praised the event’s ability to bring people together and boost the local economy. Despite financial challenges, the launch showcased the resilience and passion of the steelpan community, underscoring its role as a cultural and unifying force in Trinidad and Tobago.
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Murdered Rio Claro businessman buried
During the funeral of Sylvan Boodan, a 58-year-old businessman tragically murdered on November 3, the officiating imam delivered a heartfelt message to the mourners gathered at his home on Tabaquite Road in Rio Claro. The funeral, streamed live on social media on November 9, became a platform for the imam to reflect on the transient nature of life and the importance of living with purpose and compassion. He emphasized that life is a one-way journey, urging attendees to make amends and live harmoniously with others while they still have the opportunity. The imam also stressed the inevitability of death, reminding everyone to prepare for the afterlife and cherish their loved ones, particularly their parents. He encouraged mourners to express their love and gratitude to their parents, as memories are the only remnants left after their passing. The body of Boodan, who was gunned down near his car in Poole Village, was laid to rest at the New Grant Cemetery. The imam’s message resonated deeply, urging everyone to live without regrets and make the most of their time on earth.
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Immunisation and human rights
World Immunisation Day, observed on November 10, serves as a global reminder of the critical role vaccines play in preventing infectious diseases. While often confused with World Immunisation Week in April, both events share the same mission: to raise awareness about the life-saving benefits of immunisation. However, the conversation around vaccinations extends beyond health benefits, touching on issues of discrimination and individual rights, particularly highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Vigil for peace calls for unity, reflection amid regional tensions
On the evening of November 9, a modest yet diverse assembly gathered at Woodford Square in Port of Spain for a candlelight vigil advocating peace. This event coincided with Trinidad and Tobago’s annual Remembrance Day, traditionally a time to honor those who perished in World Wars I and II and other conflicts. However, this year’s vigil shifted focus to address the pressing need for peace and dialogue amidst escalating regional and political tensions. The gathering saw participation from at least ten civil society and religious organizations, including the Concerned Muslims of TT, the Emancipation Support Committee, and the Joint Trade Union Movement (JTUM), among others. Representatives from Muslim, Hindu, and Christian communities, as well as cultural and activist groups, were present. The event was set against the backdrop of increasing geopolitical strain between the United States and Venezuela, a situation that has drawn Trinidad and Tobago into diplomatic crossfire. Recent controversial remarks by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, urging the US to ‘kill them all’ in reference to alleged drug smugglers, and her accusation that Caricom was ‘siding with Venezuela,’ added to the tension. Despite these political undertones, organizers emphasized that their involvement was not political but a collective appeal for peace. Rauold Keith Simon, shaman of the Warao Community of San Fernando, stated, ‘This is not political; this is purely spiritual… We want peace.’ However, his message carried a warning: ‘We won’t take it any more. We will fight back.’ Cacica of the Warao Nation of TT, Anicia Benjamin, offered a somber reflection on the long-term consequences of conflict, drawing parallels to the prolonged recovery periods post-World War II. Religious leaders also used the occasion to emphasize moral responsibility and collective renewal. Pandit Lloyd Mukram Sirjoo, head of the Trinidad Academy of Hinduism, urged greater spiritual engagement from citizens, lamenting the neglect of moments of prayer and reflection. JTUM reaffirmed its support for the initiative, calling for the Caribbean to remain a ‘Zone of Peace’ and warning that military escalation ‘can only be to the detriment of Caribbean people.’ The union stressed that progress ‘requires stability and peace,’ pledging solidarity with all groups advocating for calm and unity.