Boston-based music producer Diamond Dale has joined forces with Tobago’s renowned entertainment hub, Jade Monkey, to create the vibrant riddim titled *Jade Monkey Carnival Project*. Featuring four talented Tobagonian artists—Mikie Tower, Verse, J-Kez, and Shurwayne Winchester—the project blends the traditional soca sound with the trending Bouyon genre, offering a fresh musical experience for carnival enthusiasts. Initially conceived ahead of the 2025 Carnival season, the project faced delays due to the artists’ busy schedules. Winchester, the first to contribute, later encouraged Dale to share the riddim with other Tobago-based artists, leading to a full collaboration. Dale expressed his excitement about the all-Tobagonian lineup, emphasizing its significance in showcasing the island’s artistic talent. With the support of Dominican producer Dada, the riddim was finalized, with each artist crafting their unique track. Dale hopes this initiative will boost confidence in Tobago’s artists and encourage more collaborations. He also extended gratitude to Shurwayne Winchester and Jade Monkey for their unwavering support, calling the project a dream come true and a testament to Tobago’s rich cultural heritage.
标签： Trinidad and Tobago
特立尼达和多巴哥
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Why we are struggling in crime war
In a heartfelt letter to the editor, Tesse Wilson of Marabella highlights the urgent need for a collective and apolitical approach to addressing crime in Trinidad and Tobago. Wilson argues that crime has become a political tool, exploited by the two main political parties, which distracts from the real suffering of victims and their families. She emphasizes that citizens must set aside political differences and demand that authorities act impartially to ensure swift justice for perpetrators. Wilson stresses that crime is a societal issue that affects everyone, particularly vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly, and calls for zero tolerance toward injustice. To effectively reduce crime, Wilson advocates for adequate resources for law enforcement, proactive policing, a fair judicial system, public cooperation, prison reform, and rehabilitation programs. Additionally, she underscores the importance of addressing community and family dynamics, as these environments shape individual character. Wilson concludes with a plea for the nation to uphold respect for law, order, and the sanctity of life, urging a united, God-fearing approach to tackling crime.
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Veterans honoured as Tobago celebrates Calypso History Month
The Tobago House of Assembly (THA) officially launched Calypso History Month on October 7 at the Scarborough Library, marking the start of a month-long celebration of this iconic musical genre. Assistant Secretary of Tourism, Culture, Antiquities, and Transportation Niall George emphasized that calypso is more than just music—it is a profound expression of history, identity, and cultural heritage. Under the theme ‘Calypso: Heritage in Harmony, Empowering Tobago Voices,’ the event aims to educate, preserve, and honor the art form that has shaped Tobago’s national identity. The celebration, organized in collaboration with the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (TUCO) Tobago, includes exhibitions, school tours, calypso-yard performances, and public displays. These activities are designed to engage communities across generations, from students to elders, and even the diaspora. George highlighted the educational significance of the event, stressing the importance of teaching young people about calypso’s power to convey truth, inspire resilience, and uplift spirits. The launch also honored ten calypso veterans, including Roslyn Reid-Hayes and posthumous recognition for Rawle Titus, Henson Wright, and Sherwin Cunningham. George underscored the need to preserve the legacy of these icons, stating, ‘We must give flowers to our icons while they can still smell them.’ The month-long festivities will culminate in a Calypso Yard concert at Fort King George on October 21, ensuring that calypso remains a vibrant and enduring testament to Tobago’s cultural heritage.
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RBC Royal Slam Basketball tips off
The inaugural RBC Royal Slam College Basketball tournament officially launched last weekend with a dynamic opening ceremony at the Eastern Regional Indoor Sporting Arena in Tacarigua. This landmark event represents a significant investment in youth sports and education across the region, aiming to elevate school basketball and nurture athletic talent. Organized in collaboration with Next Level Performance (NLP) and the TT Schools Basketball Association (TTSBA), the tournament features seven top college basketball programs competing over four weekends. Key stakeholders, including Garvin Warwick of NLP, Allison Bastian of TTSBA, and Marc Jardine of RBC, attended the ceremony. Jardine emphasized RBC’s commitment to fostering excellence and community development through sports, stating, ‘This tournament is a direct investment in the future leaders and athletes of TT.’ Warwick highlighted the event’s broader mission to showcase top talent and provide collegiate pathways for athletes. The opening day saw thrilling matchups, with St Mary’s College narrowly defeating Presentation 94-91, led by Nkobi Ince’s 33 points, and Fatima College dominating Holy Cross College 118-72, powered by Idriis Martin’s 26 points. The tournament continues with doubleheaders on October 11 and 12.
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Digicel staff join buddy walk in support of inclusion
In a vibrant display of solidarity and support, over 40 Digicel employees and their families participated in the Buddy Walk 2025, an event organized by the Down Syndrome Family Network (DSFN) on October 5. The event, which has become a cherished annual tradition for the company, celebrated inclusion, awareness, and the unique abilities of individuals with Down syndrome.
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Tobago gets ‘critical’ free hearing screening
Residents of Tobago recently benefited from a series of free hearing and screening assessments held from October 8 to 10. The initiative, organized by the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Division of Health, Wellness and Social Protection in partnership with the Tobago Regional Health Authority (TRHA) and the Trinidad and Tobago Association for the Hearing Impaired (DRETCHI), aimed to address the island’s pressing hearing health needs. The event commenced at Roxborough Hospital and later moved to the Scarborough Library to accommodate more participants. Dr. Nathaniel Duke, Medical Chief of Staff at Roxborough Hospital, emphasized the necessity of bringing such services to Tobago, noting that previous events were oversubscribed, particularly by elderly individuals in need of hearing aids. He also highlighted the challenges faced by children awaiting hearing screenings, many of whom are placed on long waiting lists for services in Trinidad. The initiative provided diagnostic hearing screenings, neonatal hearing screenings, and support for hearing aids. Dr. Faith Brebnor, THA Secretary of Health, Wellness and Social Protection, described the event as highly successful, with over 70 individuals screened on the first day alone. She stressed that this initiative is part of a broader commitment to comprehensive health care, encompassing physical, mental, and sensory health. Dr. Brebnor assured that such events would continue, ensuring that Tobago residents have access to essential hearing health services.
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Dutch-born Payne ready to rumble with Trinidad and Tobago
Dutch-born right-back Deron Payne is set to make his international debut for Trinidad and Tobago as the team prepares for a pivotal FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifier against Bermuda on October 10. The match, scheduled for 6 PM at the Bermuda National Stadium in Devonshire, marks a significant moment for Payne, who has chosen to represent the country of his father’s birth.
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Junior Benjamin set to act as CoP
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Junior Benjamin is set to assume the role of acting Commissioner of Police for the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), as indicated in the Order Paper for the House of Representatives’ session on October 10. The document, published online on October 9, also revealed that Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Curt Simon will temporarily fill Benjamin’s position as DCP. The first agenda item for the House session involves a paper to be presented by Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander, which includes the nomination of Benjamin for the acting Commissioner role and Simon’s confirmation as acting DCP. Speculation surrounds the duration of these appointments and the reasons for the absence of substantive Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro, who could not be reached for comment on October 9. The Order Paper also outlines two motions for these nominations, to be debated by Members of Parliament (MPs). The motions reference Section 123 of the Constitution, which grants the Police Service Commission (PSC) the authority to appoint individuals to act as Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner. The PSC forwards nominees to the President, who issues notifications subject to parliamentary approval. President Christine Kangaloo issued Benjamin’s notification on October 3, with similar provisions for Simon. Additionally, Attorney General John Jeremie, SC, will introduce The Administration of Justice (Indictable Proceedings) (Amendment) Bill, 2025, for debate. The House will also review reports from the Auditor General’s office, led by Jaiwantie Ramdass, concerning the delayed submission of annual financial statements by three regional corporations. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo will present these reports and propose their referral to the Public Accounts Committee.
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PM optimistic after high-level energy talks
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad and Tobago has conveyed a sense of optimism following high-level discussions with executives from three leading energy corporations. The meetings, held on October 9, involved representatives from bpTT, Proman, and Woodside, focusing on mutual interests and potential collaborative opportunities. The Energy Ministry highlighted the significance of these talks in a statement released on October 10, emphasizing the critical role of robust partnerships in advancing the nation’s energy sector and delivering long-term benefits to its citizens. Attorney General John Jeremie, Energy Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal, and Minister in the Energy Ministry Ernesto Kesar were also present during these discussions. In a separate statement from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), Persad-Bissessar reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing energy security by fortifying ties with major energy players. She emphasized that such efforts aim to position Trinidad and Tobago as a competitive and attractive hub for investment. The Prime Minister further stated that these international partnerships are pivotal in strategically and responsibly harnessing the country’s energy resources, paving the way for a more prosperous future.
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Yorke: Time for Trinidad and Tobago to deliver
Trinidad and Tobago’s men’s football team, led by coach Dwight Yorke, is gearing up for a crucial match against Bermuda in the final round of Concacaf World Cup qualifying. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the US on the horizon, Yorke is confident his squad is ready to elevate their game and secure a spot in the prestigious tournament. Currently, TT sits third in Group B with one point, trailing Jamaica (six points) and Curacao (four points). The team is eager to claim their first victory and goals in the final round when they face Bermuda on October 10 at the Bermuda National Stadium. Yorke, who assumed the coaching role in November 2024, emphasized the intense competition within the squad and expressed optimism about their progress. ‘This is my squad now,’ he stated, highlighting the team’s growing confidence and cohesion. The 26-man roster includes standout players like captain Kevin Molino, goalkeeper Denzil Smith, and forward Levi Garcia, alongside new additions such as Slovakia-based midfielder Molik Jesse Khan and Dutch-born right-back Deron Payne. Yorke stressed the importance of securing three points against Bermuda, acknowledging the challenges ahead but remaining focused on the immediate task. The team arrived in Bermuda on October 8 after an intense training camp in Miami, where Yorke and his staff worked diligently to prepare the squad for the upcoming matches. With the group stage’s top three teams automatically qualifying for the World Cup, TT is determined to make their mark and advance to the next stage of the competition.