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.
标签： Trinidad and Tobago
特立尼达和多巴哥
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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.
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Trinidad and Tobago grouped with Mexico for 2026 Concacaf U-17 Men’s qualifiers
Trinidad and Tobago’s under-17 men’s football team has been placed in a challenging group for the 2026 Concacaf Under-17 Men’s Qualifiers, which will determine the participants for the FIFA Under-17 Men’s World Cup. The draw, held on October 21, placed TT in Group A alongside regional powerhouse Mexico, as well as Barbados, Saint Martin, and Sint Maarten. The qualifiers are scheduled to take place from February 3 to 12, with TT serving as one of the six host nations, alongside Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, and St Vincent and the Grenadines. A total of eight groups have been formed, with each team playing against every other team in their group once. The top team from each group will secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA Under-17 World Cup. Trinidad and Tobago, ranked 15th in Concacaf’s Men’s Under-17 rankings as of April 2025, were placed in Pot 2 prior to the draw. This marks a critical opportunity for the Shawn Cooper-coached team, which narrowly missed qualification for the 2025 World Cup after finishing as runners-up to Costa Rica in their group earlier this year. Mexico, a dominant force in the region, has already secured its place in the 2025 World Cup, set to be held in Qatar from November 3 to 27. The upcoming qualifiers will test TT’s resilience and determination as they aim to make their mark on the international stage.
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Ag CoP: Nothing suspicious around US offices last weekend
Acting Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin has reassured the public that no suspicious activities have been detected around the US Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago (TT), despite a recent advisory urging US citizens to avoid visiting US facilities during the Divali long weekend. Speaking to Newsday on October 20, Benjamin emphasized that the police intelligence has not identified any threats that warrant panic. He attributed the advisory solely to the US government’s precautionary measures for its citizens.
At 5 pm on October 20, the US Embassy confirmed via its website and social media that it would remain open on October 21, with visa appointments and citizen services proceeding as scheduled. The embassy also encouraged US citizens to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive timely alerts and updates.
Benjamin noted that while the situation remains calm, the police force has maintained a heightened state of alert in response to the embassy’s warning. He highlighted that increased police presence across the country has contributed to a notable reduction in the homicide rate over the weekend. As of October 16, the number of homicides for the month stood at 28, compared to 29 in the same period last year. By October 20, the figure had risen to 31, still significantly lower than the 37 recorded in 2024. Year-to-date, the total number of murders is 302, a substantial decrease from last year’s 511.
Benjamin expressed optimism about the ongoing efforts to reduce crime, stating, ‘If we keep pushing forward, we are heading in the right direction to achieve one of the highest reductions so far.’ He emphasized the importance of maintaining police visibility, targeting priority offenders, and fostering a collaborative relationship with the community.
The US Embassy had earlier issued a Facebook post on October 18, advising US nationals to avoid all US government facilities in TT, remain vigilant, and monitor reputable news sources. It also reminded travelers to ensure they possess a valid US passport and report any suspicious activities.
In a brief statement to Newsday, Defence Minister Wayne Sturge sought to allay public concerns, stating, ‘The Trinidadian public needn’t worry.’ Additionally, Benjamin dismissed unverified social media rumors claiming that the Prime Minister, Attorney General, and US officials were hiding in safe houses, asserting that investigations found no truth to these claims.
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Trini in US boat strike related to dead gang leader
A recent US military strike targeting an alleged Venezuelan drug boat has left two Trinidad and Tobago (TT) citizens dead, including Chad Joseph, a resident of Las Cuevas. The incident, which occurred on October 14 in international waters off Venezuela’s coast, has sparked controversy as Joseph’s family questions the relevance of his familial ties to the deceased drug lord Vaughn “Sandman” Mieres. Joseph, believed to be among the six men killed in the strike, was Mieres’ nephew. Mieres, a notorious figure, was charged during the 2011 state of emergency as a gang leader but was released due to insufficient evidence. He was later killed in a 2019 attack on his fortified home. Joseph’s aunt, Lynette Burnley, emphasized that Joseph had distanced himself from his past and was leading a normal life, urging the public not to tarnish his character. Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Homeland Security, Roger Alexander, has advised Joseph’s family to file a missing person’s report, referencing a 2018 incident where Joseph was arrested on a drug-carrying vessel. This strike marks the fifth such operation by the US in its campaign against alleged narco-traffickers in the southern Caribbean, with the death toll now exceeding 30. Survivors from the latest strike, two men from Colombia and Ecuador, have been repatriated to their respective countries.
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Christopher Geroge, Adam Laing shine at Queen’s Park Judo tourney
The Queen’s Park Judo Club (QPJC) Tournament 2025, held on October 18 at the Cascade Community Centre, was a showcase of talent and determination, featuring Trinidad and Tobago’s first judo Olympian, Christopher George, and promising junior Adam Laing. The event attracted over 30 judoka and grapplers from various clubs and schools across the nation, highlighting the growing popularity and competitive spirit of the sport.
Christopher George, 41, demonstrated his exceptional skills by participating in both judo and submission grappling disciplines, securing victories in each. His mastery of control and composure earned him the men’s open judo division title, followed by the men’s heavyweight grappling crown later in the day. Meanwhile, 13-year-old Adam Laing delivered a commanding performance to win the boys’ 12–14 judo category, expressing aspirations to emulate George’s Olympic journey.
The grappling events also saw standout performances, with Charles Greenidge of EB Athletics clinching the lightweight title through his technical prowess. Other clubs, including TT Budokai, Samma, and Island Porrada, also made their mark with strong showings across various divisions.
The tournament concluded with QPJC extending gratitude to the Cascade Community Centre’s management and staff, as well as participants, spectators, and volunteers, for their collective efforts in ensuring the event’s success. The results across multiple age and weight categories underscored the depth of talent within Trinidad and Tobago’s judo community, setting the stage for future champions.
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CJ Ivor Archie to step down October 22
After nearly two decades at the helm of Trinidad and Tobago’s Judiciary, Chief Justice Ivor Archie has officially announced his retirement, effective October 22. In a statement released on October 21, Archie reflected on his tenure, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve his country and emphasizing the importance of leadership succession. ‘Trinidad and Tobago has been good to me, and I hope I have been equally good to my country,’ he stated. Archie, who became the youngest Chief Justice in 2008, had previously signaled his intention to retire before reaching the mandatory age limit of 70, a decision he described as deliberate and well-considered. He highlighted the need for fresh leadership and new ideas, likening his role to a relay race where the baton must be passed to the next runner. Archie’s successor will be appointed by the President after consultation with the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader. During his tenure, Archie spearheaded significant judicial reforms, including the integration of technology and initiatives to modernize the Judiciary. However, his leadership was not without controversy, facing legal challenges and criticism over certain decisions. Born in Tobago, Archie’s distinguished career spanned engineering, law, and public service, culminating in his appointment as Chief Justice. Beyond the Bench, he is known for his involvement in church ministry, sports, and music. Archie concluded his statement by pledging full support to his successor, vowing to offer no unsolicited advice, and expressing gratitude to his colleagues, family, and God for the privilege of serving.