Trinidad and Tobago (TT) Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has emphasized the country’s unique challenges in combating narco-trafficking, human trafficking, and weapons smuggling, distinguishing it from other Caribbean nations. Speaking to reporters outside the Red House on October 25, she highlighted TT’s geographical proximity to South America as a key factor in its heightened vulnerability to these crimes. Persad-Bissessar welcomed the presence of the US military in the region, including the USS Gravely, a guided-missile destroyer scheduled to dock in Port of Spain on October 26. She stressed that TT’s reality of being “crime-ridden, drug-ridden, cartel-ridden, and gang-ridden” necessitates a distinct approach to security. While Caricom has declared the Caribbean a “zone of peace,” TT stands apart due to its severe crime rates, including over 600 murders last year. Persad-Bissessar criticized former Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley’s support for the zone of peace declaration, attributing his stance to his administration’s failure to address rising crime. The US military’s deployment, including the USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier, aims to combat drug cartels and stem the flow of drugs from South America. US Embassy Charge D’Affaires Dr. Jenifer Neidhart de Ortiz underscored the long-standing US-TT partnership in addressing transnational crime through training, humanitarian missions, and security efforts. However, Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles expressed concerns over TT’s role in the US military presence, while Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro accused the US of fabricating a war narrative against his country.
标签： Trinidad and Tobago
特立尼达和多巴哥
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Syrian Lebanese Women’s Association celebrates 75 years of service
The Syrian Lebanese Women’s Association of Trinidad and Tobago (SLWA) marked its 75th anniversary with a grand Diamond Jubilee Gala on October 11 at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad in Port of Spain. The event, attended by President Christine Kangaloo, her husband Kerwyn Garcia, Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles, and other dignitaries, celebrated the association’s legacy of service, sisterhood, and faith. SLWA President Genevierve Hadeed delivered a heartfelt speech, emphasizing the organization’s humble beginnings in 1950 and its evolution into a powerhouse of charitable work. The gala, coinciding with the Divali season, symbolized the association’s mission to dispel darkness with light. Over the decades, the SLWA has supported education, feeding programs, housing relief, and medical assistance, leaving an indelible mark on the community. The event also highlighted the intergenerational commitment of its members, with younger women bringing fresh energy and ideas. The celebration concluded with a call to continue serving with faith and unity, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.
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Palo Seco Secondary clinch south championship division crown
The 2025 Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) First Citizens Boys’ ‘Big 5’ tournament has reached a pivotal stage with the confirmation of the five teams competing for promotion to the premier division. Palo Seco Secondary emerged victorious in the south championship division, securing their win with 22 points, just two points ahead of Pleasantville Secondary. The top four teams in this fiercely competitive zone were separated by a mere seven points, highlighting the intensity of the matches. Palo Seco’s final zonal match against Point Fortin East Secondary ended in a 1-1 draw at the Guapo Recreation Ground on October 24, a rescheduled fixture after their previous encounter was abandoned due to a bee invasion. Earlier, Palo Seco was awarded three points for an abandoned match against Rio Cloo West Secondary on September 26, following a ruling on October 22 that found Rio Claro West guilty of fielding an underprepared pitch. Similarly, Chaguanas North Secondary faced a setback when their match against Presentation College Chaguanas was abandoned due to unsuitable field markings, resulting in a 3-0 win for Presentation College. Joining Palo Seco and Presentation Chaguanas in the ‘Big 5’ tournament are Hillview College (east), Mucurapo West Secondary (north), and Speyside Secondary (Tobago). The tournament kicks off on October 29, with Mucurapo West hosting Hillview and Palo Seco facing Speyside, while Presentation College enjoys a bye on the first match day. The top three teams from the ‘Big 5’ will secure their spots in the Premier Division for the 2026 season.
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Jeremy Ledbetter: Jazz star in Canada with musical roots in Trinidad
Jeremy Ledbetter, a renowned keyboardist and composer, has carved a unique niche in the global music scene, blending jazz, Latin, and Caribbean influences. Born and raised in Toronto, Ledbetter’s musical journey took a transformative turn when he studied at the University of the West Indies in Trinidad, where he immersed himself in steelpan and soca music. This experience laid the foundation for his deep connection to Trinidadian culture and its vibrant music scene. Ledbetter’s career has been marked by collaborations with legendary artists like David Rudder and his wife, Venezuelan vocalist Eliana Cuevas, as well as his leadership of the Caribbean jazz group CaneFire. His recent Juno Award win for his jazz trio album *Gravity* underscores his versatility and talent. Beyond performing, Ledbetter has become a sought-after producer, contributing to numerous acclaimed albums. His dream of bringing his jazz trio to Trinidad and conducting orchestral arrangements for Cuevas’s music reflects his enduring passion for bridging musical traditions.
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Four players crack fifties in Red Force Super50 trial match
In an intense trial match at the National Cricket Centre in Couva, Trinidad, the Vikash Mohan XI edged out the Terrance Hinds XI by two wickets, showcasing a thrilling contest ahead of the upcoming CG United Super50 tournament. The match, held on October 24, featured standout performances from several players, including Trinidad and Tobago Red Force batsman Cephas Cooper and National Cricketer of the Year Jason Mohammed. Batting first, the Hinds XI posted a competitive total of 242 in 46.1 overs, thanks to Cooper’s 73 off 84 balls and Mohammed’s 68 off 75. However, their efforts fell short as the Mohan XI chased down the target with 244 for eight in 43.5 overs. Shatrughan Rambaran’s aggressive 66 off 58 and Navin Bidaisee’s composed 54 not out off 76 were pivotal in the victory. Despite losing wickets steadily, Bidaisee and Andrew Rambaran’s 20-run partnership ensured a smooth finish. Earlier, Shaaron Lewis’s three-wicket haul and Mikkel Govia’s two scalps kept the Hinds XI in check. The next trial matches are set for October 26 and 27 at the same venue.
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We want peace now
On October 20, just before 4 pm, Elspeth Duncan heard what she initially thought was a vehicle backfiring near her home. Assuming it was the typical noise from drag-racing cars, she dismissed it, expecting it to cease soon. However, the persistent explosions revealed a different source: individuals bussing bamboo in preparation for Divali. The noise, though less intense than fireworks, continued for hours, distressing her dogs and prompting her to administer calming tablets before leaving the house. Upon encountering the young men responsible, she learned that the tradition, fueled by the unavailability of fireworks, would persist until 7 pm. This exchange highlighted a broader issue: the disruption caused by such activities during festive seasons. That night, the community was further disturbed by extended firework displays, leaving dogs and residents alike in distress. Efforts to contact the police proved futile, underscoring the lack of enforcement. Duncan’s reflections extended to Tobago’s aspiration to become the ‘Best Little Island on the Planet,’ suggesting that banning fireworks could be a significant step toward this goal. She also emphasized the need for a unified approach across Trinidad and Tobago, advocating for the prohibition of both the sale and use of fireworks. As the festive season approaches, with Christmas and New Year’s on the horizon, the potential for increased noise pollution looms large. Duncan called for government action, referencing the Prime Minister’s promise to address excessive noise through legislation. She concluded with a plea to hold leaders accountable, emphasizing the need for peace and quiet in a time of growing unrest.
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CJ praises teachers who shaped his career
Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh, Trinidad and Tobago’s ninth Chief Justice, was sworn into office on October 22 by acting President Wade Mark, marking a significant milestone in his distinguished legal career. Known for his humility and dedication, Boodoosingh’s journey from his humble beginnings in Sewlal Trace, Pepper Village, and Fyzabad to the highest judicial office in the nation is a testament to the transformative power of education and community support.
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J’Ouvert action shakes up Scarborough
The streets of Scarborough, Tobago, came alive on October 25 as thousands of revelers and spectators gathered for the fourth staging of the island’s J’Ouvert celebrations. The event, described by Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro as ‘pure niceness,’ showcased the vibrant culture and hospitality of Tobago. The parade route, spanning from the Shaw Park Complex along the Claude Noel Highway, Wilson Street, and Calypso Rose Boulevard, provided ample space for participants to ‘play mas’ and immerse themselves in the festivities. Despite regional tensions, including US Navy operations in the Caribbean and narco-trafficking concerns, the atmosphere remained carefree and celebratory. The Fog Angels’ Wild Wild West band stood out as the largest and most colorful, with over 6,000 masqueraders and a fleet of music and support trucks. Guevarro praised the efforts of ACP Oswain Subero and Snr Supt Earl Elie, along with officers from Trinidad, for ensuring an ‘incident-free’ event. Zorisha Hackett, Secretary of the Division of Education, Research and Technology, expressed her elation at the success of the parade, which marked a significant milestone in Tobago’s carnival history. She emphasized the need for collaboration between Trinidad and Tobago bands while preserving Tobago’s unique identity. Kern Cowan, CEO of the Tobago Festivals Commission, highlighted the smooth execution of the event and plans to expand the parade route in future years. The festivities continued with Pan and Powder later in the day, culminating in the grand parade of the bands on October 26.
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Government brings home over 100 students from Jamaica, 300 stranded in hurricane
As Hurricane Melissa approaches Jamaica, the Trinidad and Tobago government has successfully repatriated over 100 students studying in the region. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced the evacuation efforts following a meeting of the Standing Finance Committee on October 25. She emphasized that the government has been proactive in ensuring the safety of its citizens abroad. Caribbean Airlines Ltd. (CAL) has been issuing notices on social media, and the TT High Commission in Jamaica has been coordinating with students who wished to return home. However, some students chose to remain, possibly due to delayed communication or personal decisions. The Prime Minister assured that once the hurricane passes, efforts will be made to bring those students home if they still desire to return. The TT High Commission is also ensuring that students have emergency supplies to weather the storm. Despite these measures, a representative from the TT Student Association revealed that nearly 300 students remain stranded at the UWI Mona campus in Jamaica. Many students received evacuation emails too late, and financial constraints prevented others from securing flights. The student representative criticized the government’s response, comparing it unfavorably to the swift actions of other countries like the Bahamas and Antigua and Barbuda, which evacuated their students earlier and provided accommodations. Hurricane Melissa, upgraded to a category one storm on October 25, is expected to intensify significantly before making landfall in Jamaica on October 27.
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Fewer dancing queens
A recent report by The Times highlighted a peculiar trend in Britain: many individuals, particularly the youth, rely on alcohol to muster the courage to dance. This phenomenon, however, is not unique to Britain but appears to be a global trend. Historically, dancing has been a universal expression of joy and cultural identity, yet modern societal changes seem to have altered this dynamic.