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.
标签: Trinidad and Tobago
特立尼达和多巴哥
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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.
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$100K reward for missing businessman
Crime Stoppers has announced a substantial $100,000 cash reward for any information that could lead to the discovery of Imraz Ali, a central businessman who has been missing since early September. Ali was last spotted on September 4 at around 4 pm, departing from a mechanic shop in Freeport. He was driving a black Nissan X-Trail with the license plate PDT 6829. Since that day, there has been no trace or communication from him.
The organization is urging the public to come forward with any details that might shed light on Ali’s disappearance. ‘Do you have any information regarding the possible location of Mr. Imraz Ali? Have you overheard conversations about him? Did you notice anyone familiar in the area around the time he was last seen?’ the Crime Stoppers flyer inquired.
To be eligible for the full reward, individuals must provide their tips anonymously. They can reach out via phone at 800-TIPS (8477), submit information online at www.crimestopperstt.com, or use the Crime Stoppers P3 TIPS app. This initiative underscores the urgency and seriousness of the search for Ali, as authorities and the community alike hope for his safe return.
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Padarath meets with PowerGen executive
In a significant move to streamline the nation’s energy sector, Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath convened a pivotal meeting with the executive team of the Power Generation Company (PowerGen) on October 9. The gathering, held at the ministry’s head office in Port of Spain, marked a new chapter in the governance of Trinidad and Tobago’s power generation framework. This meeting followed a recent Cabinet reshuffle, as detailed in an October 4 gazetted notice, which transferred the oversight of PowerGen, Trinidad Generation Unlimited, and Powergen from the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries to the Public Utilities Ministry. The transition was previously under the stewardship of Dr. Roodal Moonilal, the former Minister of Energy and Energy Industries. Joining Minister Padarath were Clyde Elder, Minister in the Public Utilities Ministry, and Shivanna Sam, Parliamentary Secretary in the same ministry. The discussions centered on enhancing the operational efficiency of PowerGen and reviewing existing Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). Minister Padarath expressed optimism about the realignment, emphasizing its potential to foster greater synergy between electricity generation and distribution across the nation. PowerGen, established in 1994 as a subsidiary of the TT Electricity Commission (T&TEC), manages key power stations in Port of Spain, Point Lisas, and Penal. Despite several divestment initiatives, T&TEC retains a 51% stake in PowerGen. Padarath reiterated the ministry’s dedication to ensuring the reliability, transparency, and sustainability of the country’s power generation infrastructure, vowing to take a proactive approach to addressing sectoral challenges. In addition to his public utilities portfolio, Padarath, who represents Couva South in Parliament, also serves as a Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister. Reflecting on the Cabinet reshuffle, Padarath highlighted the urgent need to revisit the PPAs, which he claimed had been neglected by the previous administration. He underscored the government’s commitment to making these agreements more commercially viable and exploring new investment opportunities, in consultation with all stakeholders, as part of a long-term strategy for the energy sector.
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Author Scarlet Ibis James to launch books in Trinidad and Tobago
Award-winning author Scarlet Ibis James is set to embark on a month-long Scarlet Book Tour, beginning on October 11, to promote her acclaimed works, *Scarlet Yearnings: Stories of Love and Desire* and *Scarlet Birthright: What They Left Behind*. The tour, announced on October 8 by Outright Concepts Ltd communications strategist Alette Liz Williams, highlights James’ growing international readership and her unique ability to explore themes of love, family legacy, and Caribbean identity through her tender and layered storytelling.
To celebrate her return to her roots, James will unveil a limited-edition print of *Scarlet Birthright: What They Left Behind*, featuring exclusive artwork by Nick Low and locally produced by Print on Demand Ltd. This special edition will be available exclusively at tour events.
The tour kicks off on October 11 with a premium sip-and-read experience at Scribbles and Quills Bookstore in Chaguanas, curated by literary expert Kevin George. On October 12, James will participate in the second edition of *Chapters and Chats*, hosted by Arlene Holman of the *Sunbeam Chats* podcast, at The Normandie Hotel’s Bird and Palm in St Ann’s. This event, a collaboration with LiveStyle Books, promises a relaxed afternoon of reading, reflection, and conversation in a cozy, book café-inspired setting.
The tour will extend to Tobago on October 15, with her books available at Heritage Haven Boutique and Shore Things Café and Craft. The journey will culminate on October 25 with an intimate author conversation at Paper Based Bookshop in Port of Spain, where James will be joined by author and publishing professional Marsha Gomes-McKie.
Each stop on the tour is designed to foster meaningful connections between James and her readers, offering more than just book signings. As the release notes, the events aim to create a genuine exchange, reminding attendees of the enduring power of storytelling in preserving culture and community.
For more details, visit www.scarletibisjames.com or follow @scarlet.ibis.james for updates.
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Man freed of 2017 shooting in Princes Town
In a landmark verdict on October 9, Jeremiah Joshua was unanimously acquitted of all charges related to a 2017 shooting incident in Princes Town. The trial, overseen by Justice Nalini Singh at the O’Meara Judicial Centre, concluded swiftly after the jury deliberated for approximately one hour. Joshua had faced serious allegations, including shooting with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, illegal possession of a firearm, and possession of ammunition. The prosecution alleged that on May 29, 2017, Joshua visited the home of his children’s mother in New Grant, where an argument ensued. He reportedly threatened to return and harm the woman. Later that night, he allegedly forced entry into the residence and fired two shots at the woman’s brother before fleeing the scene. Investigators recovered two spent shells and a projectile but failed to submit these items for forensic analysis until 2019, and no conclusive scientific report was ever produced. The defense, led by attorney Roshan Tota-Maharaj, highlighted critical gaps in the prosecution’s case, including the absence of forensic evidence, gunshot residue testing, fingerprint analysis, and CCTV footage. Tota-Maharaj also questioned the credibility of the alleged victim, pointing out inconsistencies in her testimony. An alibi witness testified that Joshua was attending a family gathering for his parents’ memorial at the time of the incident and remained there until the following day. After the judge’s summation, the jury returned a unanimous not-guilty verdict on all counts, exonerating Joshua. The prosecution team included Maria Lyons-Edwards, Cassie Bisram, and Afeisha Williams.
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Creamery Yogurt partnerswith Cancer Society
In a significant move to bolster community health and cancer awareness, Creamery Yogurt has joined forces with the Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society (TTCS) in a groundbreaking partnership. The collaboration, officially launched at a press conference in Port of Spain, aims to raise funds and awareness for cancer prevention and support. For every tub of Creamery Yogurt sold between October 1 and November 30, fifty cents will be donated to the TTCS. This initiative aligns with Creamery Yogurt’s broader mission to enhance societal well-being and promote healthier lifestyles. Anastasia Pickering, the brand manager for Creamery Yogurt, emphasized the partnership’s alignment with the brand’s core values, stating, ‘Wellness extends beyond what’s on the shelf; it’s about nurturing a healthier, stronger society.’ Liza Yunis, Treasurer of the TTCS, expressed gratitude for the initiative, highlighting its potential to bolster the society’s long-standing efforts in cancer education, screening, and patient support. Marc Clarke, Marketing Manager at Hadco Limited, the local distributor of Creamery Yogurt, underscored the importance of private-public partnerships in driving meaningful social change. The funds raised will directly support TTCS’s cancer awareness campaigns, early detection programs, and patient services. Hadco Group, the parent company of Creamery Yogurt, continues to expand its influence across various sectors, including distribution, manufacturing, and recycling, with operations spanning Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, and the USA.
