The Trinidad and Tobago Powerlifting Federation (TTPF) has unveiled a formidable ten-member squad to compete at the North American Powerlifting Federation (NAPF) Regional Bench Press Championships in Panama City, Panama, from October 22-25. The team, announced via an Instagram post on October 7, features a mix of seasoned athletes and rising stars, all poised to make their mark on the international stage. Among the standout competitors are Deresay Alleyne and Kezia Hunte, both of whom have already proven their mettle at the NAPF/Pan Am Regional Championships held in the Cayman Islands earlier this year. Hunte clinched gold in the 76kg open category, while Alleyne secured silver in the 84kg open division. Alleyne further cemented her reputation by claiming the overall female title at the National Bench Press Championships in June. The team also includes Rondel Hunte, the overall male winner at the national championships, alongside a diverse group of athletes such as Sabir Abdul-Malick, Shay Grant, and Shaquille Nelson. Rounding out the squad are masters competitors Dale Hosten and Orion Williams, as well as junior athlete Keshav Maharaj. Leading the team as coach is Marlon Belfon, a veteran of the masters category, with Gabre McTair joining as a referee. The team’s participation follows a recent triumph by national champion Joseph McDonald, who set a new world junior record in the bench press category at the International Powerlifting Federation World Classic Junior Powerlifting Championships in September.
标签： Trinidad and Tobago
特立尼达和多巴哥
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Gymnasts compete for national spots at trials
Trinidad and Tobago’s top gymnasts are gearing up for a high-stakes competition as the TT Gymnastics Federation organizes the Carifta 2025 TT team trials. Scheduled for October 11 and 12 at the National Cycling Centre in Couva, the event will serve as a critical selection process for the national team. Action kicks off at 9 am on October 11 and resumes at 10 am on October 12. The trials are particularly significant as they will be held at the same venue that will host the 2025 Carifta Gymnastics Championships in December, providing athletes with a valuable rehearsal opportunity. The championships will see regional competitors vying for supremacy against TT’s finest. The TT team is looking to replicate their stellar performance from the inaugural Carifta Gymnastics Championships in 2024, where they dominated with an impressive haul of 80 gold, 57 silver, and 26 bronze medals, securing the overall title. The first edition of the games was held in Kingston, Jamaica, last year. Prominent clubs such as Tots and Tumblers, Thema Williams Athletic Academy, Olympia Gymnastics Club, and Lee’s Gymnastics Club are expected to field athletes in the trials, showcasing the depth of talent in the nation’s gymnastics community.
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Nothing changes: Yorke preaches focus ahead of Curacao clash
Trinidad and Tobago’s men’s football team secured a decisive 3-0 victory over Bermuda in their Concacaf World Cup qualifying match on October 10, marking their first win in the final round of qualifiers. The triumph, achieved at the Bermuda National Stadium, propelled TT to third place in Group B with four points. Coach Dwight Yorke lauded his team’s mentality and attitude, emphasizing the need to maintain the same focus in their upcoming clash against group leaders Curacao on October 14. Curacao, fresh off a 2-0 win over Jamaica, currently tops the group with seven points, setting the stage for a high-stakes encounter in Willemstad. A victory for TT would intensify the race for the group’s automatic World Cup qualification spot. Yorke highlighted the importance of consistency, stating, ‘Our mindset and goal remain the same. We need to be at our best.’ The match against Bermuda saw standout performances from Dante Sealy and Tyrese Spicer, who scored in the first half, while Kobi Henry sealed the win with his first international goal in the 49th minute. Yorke praised Henry’s leadership and composure, noting his seamless integration into the team. Despite the win, Yorke identified areas for improvement, particularly in finishing. He also commended debutants Molik Khan and Deron Payne for their contributions, stressing the importance of building a competitive squad. With the Curacao match looming, Yorke urged his team to refocus and continue their quest for World Cup qualification.
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US Air Force plane touches down at Piarco Airport
A United States Air Force (USAF) C17 aircraft touched down at Piarco International Airport on October 9, sparking widespread speculation on social media. Many speculated that the arrival was linked to ongoing US military operations in the Caribbean Sea, particularly against Venezuelan narco-terrorists. However, the US Embassy in Port of Spain clarified that the aircraft was there to repatriate the remains of a US embassy official who had passed away on October 2. The embassy expressed gratitude for the support of the Trinidad and Tobago government and its people during this challenging time. Despite the official explanation, social media users remained skeptical, with some claiming the US military was using Trinidad as a staging ground for actions against Venezuela. The aircraft departed Piarco later that afternoon after completing its mission.
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Cops raid illegal quarry in Manuel Congo – 19 arrested
In a significant crackdown on illegal quarrying activities, Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) conducted a high-profile raid in Manuel Congo, Guanapo, resulting in the arrest of 19 individuals. The operation, which took place on the morning of October 9, was the culmination of a year-long investigation into a multi-million-dollar illegal quarrying operation. Among those detained was one of the directors of the illicit business, who was present at the site during the raid. The operation was led by Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro and Deputy Commissioner of Police (Intelligence and Investigations) Natasha George, who were both on-site to oversee the proceedings. According to a statement released by the TTPS corporate communications unit via WhatsApp, the raid also resulted in the seizure of millions of dollars’ worth of equipment. The investigation is ongoing, and further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
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COP backs PM’s stance on MP Lee
The Congress of the People (COP) has publicly endorsed Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and the United National Congress (UNC) regarding the re-arrest and subsequent charges against Housing Minister David Lee on October 7. Lee, a UNC deputy political leader and Member of Parliament for Caroni Central, was re-arrested alongside businessman Hugh Leong Poi on allegations of defrauding the State of $1.4 million in tax revenue. The charges stem from the importation of a luxury Mercedes Benz G63 AMG sedan valued at over $2 million, with Lee accused of falsely claiming the vehicle as his own to exploit tax exemptions available to MPs. The case involves $293,094.02 in value-added tax (VAT), $298,650 in motor vehicle tax, and $824,548.62 in customs duty. The alleged offenses occurred between March 24 and June 8, 2019. Earlier this year, Acting Chief Magistrate Christine Charles dismissed the case, citing insufficient evidence to proceed to trial. However, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has since initiated steps to potentially reinstate the charges. COP Chairman Lonsdale Williams emphasized the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, stating, ‘We note that a minister of government along with another individual has been charged. At the COP, we reiterate that unless proven guilty, all such persons are innocent, and the law must take its course.’ Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar expressed confidence in the judicial process, affirming respect for the courts. The COP, formerly part of the People’s Partnership coalition led by the UNC, has not secured any ministerial or parliamentary positions following the April 28 general election.
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Defence Force welcomes new chief of staff
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.
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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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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.