Anya Ayoung-Chee, the renowned Caribbean fashion designer and former Miss Trinidad and Tobago Universe, is advocating for the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into small businesses across the region. Ayoung-Chee, who gained international fame after winning the 2011 season of Project Runway, believes AI can revolutionize the way Caribbean businesses operate, especially as the region shifts its focus from oil and gas to more sustainable sectors.
标签： Trinidad and Tobago
特立尼达和多巴哥
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US seeks to deny visa applicants with co-morbidities
The US State Department has issued a directive to embassies worldwide, intensifying the screening process for visa and green card applicants with pre-existing health conditions. This policy aims to safeguard the American public from the financial burden of providing healthcare to immigrants. The directive highlights that certain medical conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, respiratory illnesses, cancers, diabetes, metabolic disorders, neurological issues, and mental health conditions, can incur substantial healthcare costs, potentially amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Applicants must now demonstrate sufficient financial resources to cover these expenses throughout their expected lifespan without relying on public assistance or government-funded long-term care. Guerline Jozef, director of the Haitian Bridge Alliance, has criticized the policy, warning that it could jeopardize the safety and eligibility of all immigrants seeking visas or green cards.
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Lost in the system – Arima teen out of school for two years
In Trinidad and Tobago, where free government-funded education is a norm, 14-year-old Annalisa (name changed) has been left behind due to systemic failures and relentless bullying. Despite passing her SEA examinations in 2023 and being assigned to a secondary school, her educational journey turned into a nightmare. Annalisa faced severe bullying, including physical threats and online harassment via a WhatsApp group, which escalated to the point where she was forced to hide in school and eventually withdraw entirely. Her parents, Cynthia and her husband, sought help from school authorities and the Ministry of Education (MoE) but encountered resistance and bureaucratic hurdles. Despite filing a police report and reaching out to multiple officials, including the Minister of Education, Dr. Michael Dowlath, the family received no substantial support. Annalisa briefly attended a private school but had to stop due to financial constraints. Now, she remains at home, her dream of becoming an attorney fading with each passing day. Minister Dowlath acknowledged the case but cited the ministry’s bureaucracy as a significant barrier to resolving such issues. This case highlights the persistent problem of school violence and the inefficiencies within the education system, leaving many children like Annalisa without access to education.
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25 TTEC workers to bring ‘light, hope’ to Jamaica
A team of 25 professionals from the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (TTEC) has been dispatched to Jamaica to assist in restoring power following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. The mission, costing approximately $2.24 million, was announced by Minister of Public Utilities Barry Padarath during a media briefing at Piarco Airport on November 10. The hurricane, a Category 5 storm, struck Jamaica on October 28, resulting in over 30 fatalities and widespread damage to infrastructure. Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared the island a disaster zone. Padarath emphasized the importance of the mission, stating that it reflects compassion and humanity rather than financial considerations. The TTEC team will remain in Jamaica for 30 days, focusing on restoring electricity in severely affected areas, particularly Montego Bay. Preliminary assessments revealed that 55% of the island remains without power two weeks post-hurricane. The government mitigated costs by chartering a flight with Caribbean Airlines. Acting General Manager of TTEC, Vijay Ramnanansingh, praised the team for their commitment and urged them to prioritize safety while restoring hope and infrastructure in Jamaica.
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Queen of Soca extended for another week
The highly acclaimed film *Queen of Soca*, starring Terri Lyons, the former Calypso Monarch, has been granted an extended theatrical run at MovieTowne, Port of Spain, following an overwhelming turnout on its initially scheduled final night. Originally set to conclude on November 5, the movie will now continue screening until November 12. The decision came after the cinema’s eight screens, each accommodating around 250 patrons, were completely sold out, prompting the opening of an additional screen to accommodate the surge in demand. Despite this, many eager fans were left disappointed as tickets were entirely unavailable. The film’s success has been a testament to its compelling narrative and Lyons’ captivating performance. The story, set in various Trinidadian locales such as Santa Cruz, Sangre Grande, La Canoa, and Port of Spain, follows the journey of Olivia, a character portrayed by Lyons, who rises from adversity to triumph. The film explores themes of struggle, poverty, faith, and societal oppression, resonating deeply with audiences. Lyons’ portrayal of Olivia, a humble yet determined individual overshadowed by her mother, played by Penelope Spencer, has been widely praised. The film’s cliffhanger ending has sparked anticipation for potential sequels. The final night on November 5 was attended by prominent entertainers, including SuperBlue, Patrice Roberts, and Nadia Batson, as well as Minister of Culture and Community Development Michelle Benjamin, who lauded the production for its authentic local storytelling. Writer and director Kevin Adams revealed that the film’s open-ended conclusion was intentional, drawing inspiration from the *Rocky* series. Adams, who previously collaborated with Lyons on *No Soca, No Life*, expressed his desire to diversify his creative portfolio beyond soca-themed films. Lyons, celebrated as the Caribbean’s Calypso Queen, expressed profound gratitude for the support of her fans, family, and the production team, emphasizing the importance of her father, Austin “SuperBlue” Lyons, and her son Mathias in her journey.
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Republic Financial Holdings reports $2.2b profit
Republic Financial Holdings Ltd (RFHL) has announced a remarkable financial performance for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025. Under the leadership of Chairman Vincent A Pereira, the group achieved a profit attributable to equity holders of $2.2 billion, marking a 9.8% increase from the previous year’s $2 billion. This growth was driven by sustained loan expansion, effective risk management, and enhanced operational efficiency. Pereira highlighted the group’s ability to deliver record results despite a challenging global economic landscape, emphasizing strengthened balance sheets and deepened customer relationships. The board declared a final dividend of $3.85 per share, raising the total annual dividend to $6 per share, a 5.3% increase from 2024. With a share price of $106.62, the dividend yield stands at 5.63%, reflecting a total payout of $983 million. Pereira also underscored RFHL’s robust capital and liquidity positions across its 16 operating countries, enabling continued growth and innovation. Strategic priorities, including digital transformation, customer experience enhancement, and sustainability integration, were key drivers of success. Additionally, RFHL’s social investment programs supported community development, youth empowerment, and small business growth. Looking ahead, Pereira expressed confidence in navigating global uncertainties and seizing new opportunities, reaffirming the group’s commitment to delivering sustainable value to shareholders and fostering a culture of integrity and inclusion.
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Fatima take RBC Royal Slam basketball crown
Fatima College emerged victorious at the first-ever RBC Royal Slam College’s Basketball Tournament, held on November 9 at the Eastern Regional Indoor Sporting Arena in Tacarigua. In a high-energy championship final, Fatima dominated St Mary’s College with a decisive 122-84 victory, showcasing exceptional teamwork and defensive prowess. The team’s ‘Big Three’—William Francis, Zachary Julien, and Idriis Martin—led the charge, delivering standout performances that left fans in awe. Francis achieved a remarkable triple-double with 28 points, 13 rebounds, 12 steals, seven assists, and three blocks, while Julien topped the scoring charts with 32 points. Martin also shone brightly, contributing 24 points and seven steals. Despite a valiant effort from St Mary’s Nkobi Ince, who scored 32 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists, his team fell short. In the third-place playoff, Presentation College San Fernando secured a hard-fought 85-77 win over Queen’s Royal College, thanks to Michael McCarthy’s dominant double-double of 28 points and 24 rebounds. McCarthy’s stellar performance earned him the Tournament MVP award, while Francis was named Finals MVP. The event also featured electrifying halftime performances by the Studio 7 Spartans cheerleaders, adding to the festive atmosphere. The tournament concluded with a celebration of individual excellence, as players like Julien, Martin, Ince, and McCarthy were honored in the All-Star 5 lineup, alongside awards for best defensive player, most promising player, and more.
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UTT’s new honorary doctorates
The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) has announced that it will award honorary doctoral degrees to three distinguished citizens at its 2025 graduation ceremony on November 19. The honorees include Peter Elias, who will receive an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts; Israel Khan, who will be awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws; and Jamwant Maharaj, who will be honored with an honorary Doctor of Science. Additionally, Gilman Figaro, founder and chairman of the Sunshine Awards and a prominent supporter of Caribbean music, will be named an honorary distinguished fellow.
Peter Elias, a renowned figure in the fashion industry, has made significant contributions to couture and Carnival costume design, particularly through his work with The Lost Tribe. His selection marks only the ninth honorary doctorate in fine arts at UTT, with Meiling Esau (2017) being the only other active fashion designer previously honored.
Israel Khan, president of the Criminal Bar Association and founder of Justitia Omnibus Law Chambers, has been a leading figure in the legal field since 1979. In 2023, he was recognized as one of the six most distinguished graduates of the Hugh Wooding Law School on its 50th anniversary. Khan has also served as a tutor at the institution for over three decades.
Jamwant Maharaj, a former chemistry teacher at Naparima College, has authored and published educational books for CSEC and CAPE students. He continues to mentor students through the online platform WEXL, leaving a lasting impact on the field of education.
An honorary doctorate, or honoris causa, is a prestigious recognition of an individual’s lifetime achievements and contributions to society. Unlike traditional academic degrees, it does not require formal scholarship but acknowledges the profound impact of the recipient’s work. This award inverts the conventional educational paradigm by celebrating a body of work that may itself become a subject of academic study.
UTT has a history of honoring influential figures, including Nelson Mandela, who received over 50 honorary degrees for his anti-racism and peace advocacy. Since 2005, UTT has recognized a diverse group of luminaries, such as Geoffrey Holder, Mungal Patasar, and Le Roy Clarke. Notably, only five of these honors have been awarded posthumously, highlighting the importance of celebrating living contributors to society.
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Women In Art Organisation of Trinidad and Tobago hosts Transformations
The Women In Art Organisation of Trinidad and Tobago (WIAOTT) is set to host its 29th annual exhibition, themed ‘Transformations,’ at Arnim’s Art Galleria’s south branch in La Romaine. The event, which runs from November 11 to November 22, will showcase the works of 29 talented female artists, highlighting themes of resilience, transition, and reinvention. Founded in 1996, WIAOTT has been a cornerstone in promoting and empowering women in the visual arts, providing a platform for artistic growth and visibility. This year’s exhibition features a diverse range of media, including acrylic painting, drawing, mixed media, oil, fabric, pastel, architecture, watercolour, and abstract expressions. Participating artists such as Andrea Barry, Bernadette Hospedales, and Gizelle Winter will present their interpretations of personal and collective transformations, reflecting the dynamism of Trinidad and Tobago’s women artists. The exhibition will also include several categories of artist awards, recognizing excellence across various artistic disciplines. Artworks will be available for purchase both at the exhibition and online via the WIAOTT website. For more information, contact 610-9289.
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Marissa Yung Lee on show at Horizons Art Gallery
Horizons Art Gallery is proud to present a captivating new exhibition by Marissa Yung Lee, a self-taught artist renowned for her evocative oil portraits of cultural and traditional mas performers. Titled ‘A Love Letter to Trinidad and Tobago,’ the exhibition showcases Lee’s mastery of oil painting, blending Contemporary Realism with Impressionism to create works that transcend mere representation, evoking deep emotion and mystery. Each piece tells a unique story, capturing fleeting moments through her alla prima brush and knife techniques. Lee’s inspiration stems from the profound connections she forms with her subjects and the inherent beauty and challenge of the medium itself. Her latest collection celebrates the people, culture, and spirit of Trinidad and Tobago, offering both heartfelt tributes and playful twists. Lee’s work has been featured in prestigious venues such as the National Museum and The Art Society of Trinidad & Tobago, and her accolades include a distinction from the Portrait Society of America and a finalist spot in The Almenara 2025 Art Prize in Spain. The exhibition opens on November 11 at 6:30 pm and runs until November 22 at Horizons Art Gallery, 37 Mucurapo Road, St James. Admission is free.