The Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) has officially welcomed Captain Don Polo as its new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), marking a significant leadership transition within the organization. The appointment, described as a pivotal moment in the TTDF’s ongoing evolution, underscores its unwavering commitment to national defence and security. Captain Polo, previously the Commanding Officer of the Coast Guard, brings over three decades of dedicated service and a wealth of operational expertise to his new role. His promotion was announced on October 8, following the revocation of former CDS Air Vice Marshal Darryl Daniel’s appointment by President Christine Kangaloo, acting on the advice of Defence Minister Wayne Sturge. The leadership change, which took effect on the evening of October 7, was made public the following morning. Air Vice Marshal Daniel, who served for 37 years, including two extended terms beyond retirement age, was commended for his distinguished service and invaluable contributions to the nation’s security framework. The TTDF expressed profound gratitude for Daniel’s leadership, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to Trinidad and Tobago. As the organization embarks on this new chapter, it reaffirms its mandate to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while supporting government and public efforts toward peace, stability, and national development.
标签： Trinidad and Tobago
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US grants government licence to negotiate with Venezuela on Dragon gas deal
The United States has authorized Trinidad and Tobago (TT) to initiate negotiations with Venezuela regarding the highly anticipated Dragon gas deal. Attorney General John Jeremie disclosed that the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued the licence on October 8, marking the first step in a phased approach. This initial phase requires TT to meet specific benchmarks, which would subsequently provide US companies with certain advantages. Jeremie described these conditions as both reasonable and achievable, emphasizing that the licence is valid for six months. However, formal discussions with the Venezuelan government have yet to commence. Despite the absence of direct talks, Jeremie asserted that the Dragon gas deal remains active, citing ongoing, albeit undisclosed, communication between the two nations. The announcement was made at the Attorney General and Legal Affairs office in Port of Spain, underscoring the significance of this development in regional energy diplomacy.
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Sport ministry distributes $1.5m in funds
The Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs has taken a significant step in supporting Trinidad and Tobago’s athletic and youth development sectors by distributing $1.5 million in funding. On October 8, Minister Phillip Watts presided over a cheque presentation ceremony at the ministry’s headquarters in Port of Spain, where 15 individuals and organizations received financial support for their upcoming initiatives. The event, attended by Permanent Secretary Beverly Reid-Samuel and Director of Sports Gabre Jesu McTair, highlighted the ministry’s commitment to fostering excellence in sports and youth empowerment. McTair emphasized that the funding is not merely financial aid but a testament to the government’s belief in the potential of its citizens to excel on the global stage. Recipients expressed gratitude, noting the funds will enhance their training, competition preparation, and community engagement efforts. The ministry reiterated its dedication to building national pride and promoting social development through sustained investment in these critical sectors.
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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.