Trinidad and Tobago (TT) made a resounding statement on the first day of the XXXVIII Carifta Aquatics Championships 2025 Water Polo tournament, held at the Coral Springs Aquatic Complex in Florida on November 7. The TT teams showcased exceptional skill and determination, securing multiple victories across various age groups. The Under-16 and Under-19 male squads delivered back-to-back wins, while the U-14 co-ed team, along with the U-16 and U-19 female teams, also triumphed in their opening matches. The U-16 boys set the tone with a hard-fought 13-11 victory over Bahamas, despite a closely contested first half. They later extended their dominance with a 20-14 win against the same opponent. The U-19 males were equally impressive, defeating Curacao 24-11 and overwhelming Cayman Islands 27-3. On the female side, the U-19 team secured a commanding 12-3 win over Cayman Islands but faced a setback with a 13-3 loss to Bonaire. The U-14 co-ed team started strong with an 18-5 victory over Curacao but fell to Bahamas 10-4 later in the day. The U-16 females also began their campaign with a 17-12 win over Cayman Islands. The tournament continues on November 8, with the final matches scheduled for November 9.
标签: Trinidad and Tobago
特立尼达和多巴哥
-

Four schools vie for honours as Royal Slam basketball reaches crescendo
The stage is set for an electrifying showdown as the semifinals of the RBC Royal Slam College Basketball competition kick off on November 8 at the Eastern Regional Indoor Sporting Arena in Tacarigua. Four elite schools will battle for a spot in the championship, with Fatima College, Presentation College San Fernando, St Mary’s College, and Queen’s Royal College (QRC) vying for glory. The action begins at 4 pm with Fatima College taking on Presentation College, followed by St Mary’s College facing QRC at 6 pm. The stakes are high, as the winners will advance to the gold-medal match on November 9 at noon, while the third-place playoff will commence at 10 am. The semifinalists have little time to recover, making endurance and strategy crucial. Fatima College enters the semifinals with momentum, having dominated QRC 112-67 in their final preliminary-round game on October 26, thanks to standout performances from Williams Francis, Zachary Julien, and Idriis Martin. St Mary’s College also impressed, securing their Group B victory with a 96-83 win over St Anthony’s College on October 25, led by Nkobi Ince’s 35 points and Zane Peters’ 31 points. This weekend, one of these four teams will emerge victorious, claiming the prestigious RBC Royal Slam title and etching their name in college basketball history.
-

Carnival 2026 countdown begins
The vibrant spirit of Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival 2026 was ignited with an electrifying launch event held at the Brian Lara Promenade in Port of Spain on November 7. Organized by the National Carnival Commission, the celebration marked the official countdown to the highly anticipated festivities, set to take place on February 16 and 17, 2026. The event showcased a dazzling array of traditional carnival characters and performances, offering a glimpse into the cultural richness of the ‘greatest show on earth.’ Among the highlights were the iconic blue devil, a whip master demonstrating his skills, and the rhythmic beats of the Exodus Steel Orchestra. Minister of Culture and Community Development Michelle Benjamin joined the festivities, playing a few notes with the steelpan band. Young Messiah Bailey, aged 5, stole the spotlight in his steelpan costume, while traditional Indian characters and playful clowns added to the festive atmosphere. The launch not only celebrated the upcoming carnival but also highlighted the cultural heritage and creativity that define this world-renowned event.
-

San Juan North, Trinity draw 1-1 in SSFL rescheduled tie
In a tightly contested rescheduled Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premiership fixture, Trinity College (Moka) and San Juan North Secondary played to a 1-1 draw at Trinity College Grounds in Maraval on November 7. San Juan North, currently positioned 13th in the 16-team league, took the lead in the first half with a goal from Malique Marrast. However, Trinity Moka quickly responded as Anton Joseph equalized before halftime. Despite both teams pushing for a decisive goal in the second half, neither could break the stalemate, resulting in a shared point. The outcome had minimal impact on the league standings, with Trinity remaining in sixth place and San Juan North holding onto their 13th position, just two points above the relegation zone. Both teams have one league match remaining to conclude their campaigns.
-

EU funds solar-power project at Office of Prime Minister
In a significant step toward sustainable energy, Trinidad and Tobago has inaugurated a state-of-the-art solar-powered media briefing room at the Office of the Prime Minister in St Clair, Port of Spain. The project, part of the EU-funded GCCA+ Renewable Energy initiative, was officially unveiled on October 30. The €2.4 million program, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Ministry of Planning and Development, aims to promote solar energy and energy efficiency across the nation. The initiative includes the installation of solar systems at schools, NGOs, and public sites, alongside the replacement of outdated energy-consuming equipment. For instance, an inefficient chiller at the Prime Minister’s Office was replaced with a modern, energy-efficient model that reduces carbon emissions and energy consumption. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar emphasized the importance of transitioning from traditional oil and gas reliance to innovative, sustainable energy solutions. She highlighted the nation’s commitment to balancing development goals with environmental protection, urging developed countries to avoid imposing climate agendas on developing nations. Minister of Public Utilities Barry Padarath reiterated the government’s dedication to reducing carbon emissions and advancing energy conservation. This project marks a pivotal moment in Trinidad and Tobago’s journey toward a greener, more sustainable future.
-

Police, Army lock horns in servicemen’s TTPFL derby
The TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) is set to witness an early-season blockbuster as defending champions Defence Force face off against title contenders Miscellaneous Police FC on November 9 at the St Police Barracks. The match, scheduled for 7 pm, promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of the league’s most formidable teams. Police FC has begun the 2025/26 season in dominant fashion, securing back-to-back victories. They opened their campaign with a resounding 4-0 win over San Juan Jabloteh on October 24, followed by a hard-fought 2-1 triumph against MIC Central FC Reboot on November 1. In contrast, Defence Force has struggled to find their rhythm, starting their title defense with two consecutive draws. They were held to a goalless stalemate by 2023/24 champions AC Port of Spain in their opener and then squandered a lead to draw 2-2 with FC Eagles on October 31, conceding a late stoppage-time goal. Despite their slow start, Police FC coach Todd Ryan remains wary of the defending champions. ‘Police and Army, that’s probably the biggest rivalry in top-tier football,’ Ryan remarked. ‘We don’t care what start they got…they’re still unbeaten from last season. We need to ensure they stay at the bottom of us.’ Ryan emphasized the importance of this match, calling it a ‘local derby’ and a crucial step toward achieving their ultimate goal: qualifying for Concacaf football. Meanwhile, Defence Force’s interim coach Devorn Jorsling remains optimistic, dismissing their early struggles as a temporary setback. ‘When the smoke clears, we will be champions of the league,’ Jorsling asserted. The clash is part of a packed matchday, with Caledonia AIA vs. Terminix La Horquetta Rangers and AC Port of Spain vs. FC Eagles also set to take place on November 9.
-

President: UN youth programme promotes pathways of peace
President Christine Kangaloo addressed the youth at the 25th Annual Model United Nations (MUN) 2025, hosted by the Rotary Club of Central Port of Spain at Cascadia Hotel, St Ann’s, on November 8. She highlighted the stark contrast between the ideals of peace and cooperation promoted by the United Nations and the divisive, often hostile discourse prevalent in Trinidad and Tobago (TT). Kangaloo described the local environment as ‘hostile,’ emphasizing the challenges young participants face in applying the pathways of peace they learn at the MUN. She noted that public discourse in TT often divides rather than unites, making it difficult for youth to foster healing and unity. Despite these challenges, Kangaloo expressed confidence in the youth’s ability to address contemporary issues incrementally. She urged them to persevere, even in the face of adversity, warning that failure to do so could risk global instability and the potential collapse of the United Nations, reminiscent of the League of Nations’ failure to prevent World War II. Kangaloo underscored the MUN’s critical role in exposing young people to diplomacy, negotiation, and collaboration, equipping them to become advocates for peace in their respective fields. This year’s MUN saw 210 participants from TT and neighboring countries, doubling the usual attendance. The program has benefited over 2,000 participants since its inception, with many alumni assuming leadership roles across the region. Kangaloo called for continued support for such initiatives, which empower youth to communicate effectively, collaborate, and contribute meaningfully to their communities and nations.
-

The last chance
As the FIFA international match window approaches, Trinidad and Tobago (TT) men’s football team coach Dwight Yorke is leaving no stone unturned in preparing his squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. With critical matches against Jamaica on November 13 and Bermuda on November 18 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo, Yorke has been conducting intensive training sessions to ensure his team is in peak condition.
-

Army to face Cibao for Concacaf Champions Cup spot
Trinidad and Tobago Premier Football League (TTPFL) champions Defence Force are set to face Dominican Republic’s Cibao FC in a high-stakes third-place playoff of the Concacaf Caribbean Cup. The winner of this two-legged tie will secure a coveted spot in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup, the region’s premier club competition. The first leg will take place at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo on November 25, with the second leg scheduled for December 2 in the Dominican Republic. The victorious team will join this year’s Caribbean Cup finalists, Mount Pleasant Football Academy and Universidad O&M FC, in the Champions Cup. Defence Force’s journey to the playoff was marked by a crucial 2-0 victory over Cibao on October 1, ensuring their progression to the semifinals. However, Mount Pleasant eliminated them with a 5-2 aggregate win, while Universidad O&M edged past Cibao 2-1 in their semifinal clash. Cibao, last season’s Caribbean Cup runner-up, now aims to redeem themselves against the TTPFL holders in this decisive playoff.
-

The perfect caramel sauce
Naomi Anderson, the founder of Unicakery, a renowned baking studio in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, has shared her cherished caramel recipe that has captivated her students and garnered rave reviews. This simple yet elegant recipe employs the dry method, akin to making browning but with a lighter touch, ensuring a smooth, glossy, and buttery caramel that is versatile enough for drizzling, filling, or flavoring a variety of desserts.
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup sugar
– ⅔ cup heavy cream
– 1 tbsp unsalted butter
– 2 tsp salt
– Dash of vanilla extract**Instructions:**
1. Place the sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously until it melts and turns a deep amber or copper color. Be vigilant to avoid burning.
2. Carefully pour in the heavy cream while stirring; the mixture will bubble up. Continue stirring or whisking until smooth.
3. Add the salt and remove from heat.
4. Stir in the butter until melted, then let the caramel cool slightly before adding the vanilla.**Chef’s Note:**
As the caramel cools, it thickens into a rich, velvety sauce, ideal for enhancing cakes, ice cream, pancakes, brownies, or even as a macaron filling.**Serving Ideas:**
Drizzle it over your favorite desserts, use it as a filling, or swirl it into buttercream. The possibilities are endless.Naomi Anderson, with over 12 years of professional pastry experience, has transformed Unicakery into a hub for specialty cakes, desserts, and hands-on culinary education. She continues to inspire through community-driven classes, mentorship, and creative desserts. For more information, visit @unicakery on all social media platforms or www.unicakery.com.
