In a landmark appointment, Leesa Murally has been named the first female managing director of Carib Brewery Ltd, a subsidiary of the Ansa McAL group, effective November 1. This historic move underscores the company’s commitment to diversity and leadership excellence. Murally, who currently serves as the beverage sector’s chief financial officer and corporate secretary to the board of Caribbean Development Company Ltd (CDC), brings a wealth of experience in finance, risk management, and corporate governance. Her career spans key roles at CDC and Witco, and she currently sits on the boards of CDC, Bayside Towers, and Community Chest. Murally’s academic credentials include an MBA in strategic planning from Heriot-Watt University, and she is a Fellow of the ACCA and a Certified Internal Auditor. Known for her people-centered leadership style, Murally has a proven track record of driving continuous improvement, fostering data-driven decision-making, and enhancing governance and cybersecurity. In addition to Murally’s appointment, Ansa McAL announced David Welch as the new managing director of AMCO, effective November 1. Welch, with over 25 years of experience in the FMCG industry, previously served as managing director of Carib Brewery and marketing director at CBL. The group expressed confidence that both leaders will play pivotal roles in advancing the beverage and distribution sectors’ growth and success.
标签： Trinidad and Tobago
特立尼达和多巴哥
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Transforming Tobago tourism
In a compelling appeal to Tobago’s tourism leaders, a concerned citizen has called for a transformative shift in the island’s tourism strategy. The current focus on luxury tourism, while beneficial in some aspects, risks creating economic exclusion and limiting opportunities for local communities. The author advocates for a more inclusive model termed ‘equal tourism,’ which aims to broaden participation and ensure that the benefits of tourism growth are shared equitably among citizens, small businesses, and communities. The proposal emphasizes the need for a balanced approach that prioritizes affordability, community engagement, and sustainable development. Key recommendations include reframing connectivity strategies, supporting mid-tier accommodations, expanding community-based tourism, and upgrading infrastructure. Additionally, the author stresses the importance of smarter marketing, stronger governance, and local empowerment to ensure Tobago’s tourism sector thrives in a way that benefits all stakeholders. The article highlights the success of similar strategies in other Caribbean nations and urges Tobago to embrace a model that reflects its unique identity and values. By fostering a tourism industry rooted in fairness and accessibility, Tobago can protect its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and community spirit while achieving long-term economic resilience.
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Witco announces change in directors
The West Indian Tobacco Company Ltd (Witco) has witnessed a significant change in its leadership as Luis Verenzuela resigned from his position as a director, effective October 10. Verenzuela, who joined the board in July 2023, is set to transition into a new role within the British American Tobacco (BAT) group. His departure was officially announced on the TT Stock Exchange website on October 21. Taking over Verenzuela’s responsibilities is Gustavo Gonzalez, who assumed the role of director on October 16. Gonzalez boasts an impressive track record, having spent over two decades with the BAT group, most recently serving as the operations director for Latin America North and Caribbean. The board of directors expressed gratitude for Verenzuela’s contributions and extended a warm welcome to Gonzalez, highlighting his extensive experience and expertise.
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Interpreting the budget
Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo’s 2025-2026 budget presentation, delivered at the TTMA post-budget conference in Port of Spain, has sparked intense scrutiny. The budget, laden with strategic language and ambitious promises, has been dissected for its underlying messages and potential implications. Here’s a closer look at the key themes and tactics employed in the document. The budget opens with hyperbolic claims, asserting that the previous PNM administration left the nation in ‘economic ruin’ and ‘absolute decay.’ Critics question whether this rhetoric is a political maneuver to position the current government as saviors or a prelude to unpopular fiscal measures. Promises dominate the budget, with the word ‘will’ appearing 296 times and ‘intends’ four times. While these pledges are framed as achievements, many echo long-standing, unfulfilled commitments from both PNM and UNC administrations. Strategic word choices, such as ‘halted’ instead of ‘scrapped’ for the property tax, raise concerns about the permanence of these measures. Buzzwords like ‘best international practices’ and ‘seamless digital tax ecosystem’ aim to project modernity, but their practical implementation remains uncertain. The budget also repackages ongoing projects as new successes, such as the PoS General Hospital and flood mitigation initiatives, which were initiated under previous governments. International collaborations, including gifts and grants from India, the US, and China, are celebrated, though critics argue these come with geopolitical strings attached. Euphemisms soften the blow of unpopular measures, such as increased utility bills and a higher retirement age for NIS pensions. The budget’s grand claims and deferred decisions on contentious issues like public servant pay hikes suggest limited fiscal flexibility. While the minister avoids drastic measures like devaluation or IMF intervention, the lack of a clear economic vision leaves many questioning the government’s long-term strategy.
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Eve resigns from Trinidad and Tobago women’s football team
In a surprising turn of events, Angus Eve, the newly appointed head coach of Trinidad and Tobago’s women’s football team, has resigned before overseeing his first match. The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) confirmed Eve’s resignation on October 21, following social media reports that he had submitted a resignation letter to Jinelle James, the TTFA’s director of women’s football. Eve, a former national standout, was officially appointed on September 30, with Densill Theobald named as his assistant coach. His departure leaves the team without a permanent head coach once again, just as they prepare for the Concacaf Women’s qualifiers next month. The team is scheduled to play a friendly against Jamaica on October 28 at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva. Efforts to reach TTFA officials for further comments were unsuccessful. In his resignation letter dated October 19, Eve expressed gratitude for the opportunity and offered to assist in the transition process. The team recently played a practice game against Naparima College’s under-14 team and is finalizing its squad for the upcoming friendly. Key players in the training squad include veterans Karyn Forbes, Naomie Guerra, Victoria Swift, and strikers Kennya Cordner and Nikita Gosine. Trinidad and Tobago will face Barbados in their first Concacaf qualifier on November 30.
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In Trump’s shadow
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad and Tobago has come under scrutiny for her contradictory policies and statements regarding justice, security, and international relations. Domestically, she emphasizes fairness, swift criminal trials, and constitutional integrity, while internationally, she has openly supported aggressive U.S. military actions, including summary executions at sea. Her dual approach has raised concerns about her commitment to human rights and due process. The U.S. military strike on a boat off Venezuela on October 14, which allegedly involved Trinidadian nationals, has further exposed the inconsistencies in her leadership. Despite her oath to uphold the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and due process, her administration has been slow to address the fallout from the incident. Critics argue that her actions have isolated Trinidad and Tobago regionally and undermined its commitment to peace. Her recent meeting with U.S. diplomats and her alignment with Donald Trump’s policies have only deepened the controversy, leaving many questioning her priorities and the implications for national sovereignty.
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Ato Boldon Stadium confirmed for Trinidad and Tobago’s women’s friendly vs Jamaica
The Trinidad and Tobago (TT) women’s football team is set to face Jamaica in a high-stakes friendly match on October 28 at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva. This encounter marks TT’s first significant test after an extended hiatus, serving as a vital preparation for the upcoming 2025/26 Concacaf W Qualifiers. The TT Football Association officially announced the venue and kickoff time via a social media post on October 20. Jamaica’s head coach, Hubert Busby, unveiled a 20-member squad on October 16, featuring key foreign-based players such as goalkeepers Sydney Schneider (Tampa Bay Sun FC) and Rebecca Spencer (Chelsea WFC), defenders Tiffany Cameron (Halifax Tides) and Tianna Harris (Damaiense FC), midfielder Vyan Sampson (INAC Kobe Leonessa), and striker Shania Hayles (Newcastle United WFC). On the TT side, former men’s team coach Angus Eve has been preparing a 35-member training squad, including seasoned players like goalkeeper Kimika Forbes, defender Victoria Swift, midfielder Asha James, and attackers Kennya Cordner and Nikita Gosine. However, James is rumored to miss the final squad selection following a controversial social media post on October 20. The friendly is a strategic move for both teams as they gear up for the Concacaf W Qualifiers, which kick off next month. TT is placed in Group F alongside Barbados, El Salvador, and Honduras, while Jamaica is in Group B with Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Guyana, and Nicaragua. TT’s campaign begins on November 30 against Barbados at the BFA Technical Centre in Bridgetown, while Jamaica starts their journey on November 29 against Dominica at the Daren Sammy Cricket Stadium in St. Lucia. The top six group winners from the qualifiers will advance to the 2026 Concacaf Women’s Championship, joining powerhouses Canada and the United States.
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Jason Mohammed leads 32-man Red Force trial squad ahead of Super50 Cup
The Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) has announced a 32-player shortlist for trial matches ahead of the Cricket West Indies CG United Super50 Cup, set to commence on November 19. Leading the roster is Jason Mohammed, the TTCB’s Cricketer of the Year and the Red Force’s top run-scorer this season. The trials, scheduled for October 22, 24, and 27 at the National Cricket Centre in Couva, aim to finalize the squad for the prestigious tournament. Despite the absence of key players like Evin Lewis, Joshua Da Silva, Jayden Seales, Khary Pierre, and Amir Jangoo due to injuries or international commitments, coach Rayad Emrit remains optimistic about the team’s depth. Emrit highlighted promising talents such as Shatrughan Rambaran, who recently scored a century, and young pacer Aadian Rachaa. The trials will also feature intense competition among spinners, including Joshua Davis and Yannic Cariah. The Red Force, defending champions from 2023, will open their campaign against Barbados Pride on November 19 at the Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Ground in St. Augustine.
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Agostini extends Prestige closing date for a fourth time
Agostini Ltd has once again postponed the closing date for its acquisition bid of Prestige Holdings Ltd, the local operator of prominent franchises including KFC, TGI Fridays, Subway, and Starbucks. This marks the fourth extension, with the new deadline now set for November 18. The announcement was made public on October 21 through a notice in local newspapers and on the Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange website. According to the notice, the delay is intended to allow for the completion of all necessary regulatory approvals, particularly the merger application submitted to the TT Fair Trade Commission. The initial share-swap proposal, introduced in June, offered one Agostini share for every 4.8 Prestige Holdings shares. Agostini has committed to purchasing all deposited shares within the timeframe mandated by securities law. The original closing date was July 20, with subsequent extensions pushing the deadline to August 5, September 5, and October 21. Agostini CEO Barry Davis previously cited delays in the share-swap process, attributing them to issues such as misplaced share certificates and the passing of some shareholders. Despite these challenges, Agostini confirmed on September 10 that it had secured the minimum shareholding required to proceed with the takeover.
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NCIC: Divali Nagar successful, incident-free
The final night of the Divali Nagar in Chaguanas on October 19 was a resounding success, despite adverse weather conditions that caused temporary flooding. Surujdeo Mangaroo, president of the National Council for Indian Culture (NCIC), expressed his delight at the large turnout, particularly among young people and families. He emphasized the event’s incident-free nature and the organization’s commitment to providing a safe and enjoyable environment for all attendees. Mangaroo noted that while the flooding was a minor setback, it was quickly managed, and the event proceeded smoothly. He also mentioned the absence of the Prime Minister, who has traditionally attended the closing night, but acknowledged her continued support for cultural events. Mangaroo extended his gratitude to all participants, including vendors, service providers, and the media, for their contributions to the successful celebration of Divali.