The National Senior 50 Overs Cup, serving as trials for the upcoming regional Super50 Cup, witnessed standout performances on October 15, with players vying for attention from the TT Red Force selectors. At the National Cricket Centre (NCC) in Couva, the Cocrico Warriors secured a commanding 116-run victory over the Steelpan Titans in a rain-affected match. Shatrughan Rambaran starred with a century, scoring 111 off 101 balls, while Navin Bidaisee, a recent West Indies debutant, showcased his bowling prowess with four wickets for 29 runs in five overs. The Warriors posted 275 for four in 37 overs, with Crystian Thurton contributing a brisk 81 off 57 balls. The Titans, chasing a revised target of 297, were bowled out for 180. Meanwhile, at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy (BLCA) in Tarouba, the Soca Strikers triumphed over the Scarlet Blazers by 106 runs. Cephas Cooper (87 off 96) and Andrew Rambaran (65) anchored the Strikers’ innings with a 115-run partnership, guiding them to 250 in 48.1 overs. Aneal Rooplal and Terrance Hinds led the bowling attack, restricting the Blazers to 144. The final of the tournament is set for October 18 at the BLCA.
标签： Trinidad and Tobago
特立尼达和多巴哥
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Water safety for all
Recent tragic drowning incidents in Trinidad and Tobago have underscored the critical need for enhanced water safety education. On October 2, 57-year-old Collin Trabulay drowned at Flower Pot Beach, Pointe-a-Pierre, following similar fatalities involving 22-year-old Andrew Curtis Clarke at Penzance Beach and 33-year-old Nigel Dudoon at Columbus Bay in August. These events have reignited calls for greater awareness and preparedness around water bodies. Neil A. Daniel, a seasoned swimming coach with over 34 years of experience and founder of Neil’s Swim School and Tsunami Swim Club, has dedicated his life to addressing this issue. Daniel emphasizes that water safety is not just about swimming skills but also about cultivating awareness and vigilance. He warns against complacency, urging individuals to observe their surroundings, avoid risky behaviors like diving into shallow water, and always swim in groups under supervision. Daniel also highlights the importance of securing open water sources at home, such as pools and tanks, to prevent accidents. He identifies four key signs of drowning distress: the wave, the climb, the stare, and the shout. Daniel advocates for formal swim instruction at any age, stressing that learning to swim is a process requiring time and practice. For those hesitant to start, he encourages taking the first step, regardless of age or fear. In emergencies, he recommends non-contact rescues using tools like sticks or ropes, cautioning against high-risk contact rescues. Daniel’s overarching message is clear: water safety is about respect, vigilance, and preparation to prevent tragedies.
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US steps up diplomacy in Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda to combat narco-terrorists
The United States Southern Command (SouthCom) is intensifying its efforts to bolster military presence in the Southern Caribbean, combining diplomatic engagement with military strategy. This initiative aligns with President Trump’s directive to dismantle narco-terrorist networks operating from Venezuela, which are reportedly exporting cocaine and fentanyl to the United States. On October 15, SouthCom Commander Admiral Alvin Holsey concluded his visit to Grenada with a high-level meeting at the police headquarters in St. George’s. He was joined by Royal Grenada Police Force Acting Commissioner Randy Connaught and National Security Advisor Willan Thompson to discuss bilateral security measures addressing regional threats. SouthCom emphasized the importance of its longstanding partnerships with Caribbean nations in combating transnational criminal organizations and illicit traffickers. Grenada’s government, led by Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, disclosed that the US has sought permission to install radar equipment and deploy technical personnel at the Maurice Bishop International Airport. Meanwhile, SouthCom showcased its military capabilities, including the deployment of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit with AH-1Z Cobra and UH-1Y Venom aircraft, conducting live-fire exercises over the Caribbean Sea. These operations are part of the USS Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group’s mission to disrupt drug trafficking and enhance homeland security. Admiral Holsey also met with Antigua and Barbuda’s Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Telbert Benjamin, to strengthen regional cooperation. However, Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne reiterated his country’s stance against hosting foreign military assets, emphasizing neutrality and sovereignty.
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Replacing VAT with sales tax requires care
In a groundbreaking move, Trinidad and Tobago’s Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo has announced a review of the Value Added Tax (VAT) regime, with plans to potentially replace it with a sales tax. This marks a significant departure from the fiscal landscape, where VAT has been a cornerstone since its introduction in 1989. The proposed shift aims to simplify the tax system, ensure revenue preservation, and promote equity, particularly for low-income households. However, the transition requires meticulous planning, including legal amendments, administrative restructuring, and IT reconfiguration, which will take considerable time. The budget also includes measures to make certain food items zero-rated, acknowledging that VAT will remain in place for the foreseeable future. The current VAT system has been a major revenue generator, contributing $6.6 billion in 2023, $9.5 billion in 2024, and an estimated $8.3 billion in 2025. These figures highlight the importance of careful implementation to avoid replacing one set of challenges with another. The idea of a sales tax is not new; it was first considered in the 1980s but was shelved due to administrative complexities. While businesses historically favored VAT, the proposed review signals a recognition of the need to address systemic inefficiencies, such as delayed VAT refunds and audit inefficiencies. A sales tax, applicable only at the point of transaction, could simplify the process and shift focus from what is being purchased to who is purchasing it.
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St Francois Girls’ College Orchestra leads cultural exchange in Panama
In a historic celebration of Caribbean culture, the St Francois Girls’ College Steelpan Orchestra has been invited to lead a series of steelpan workshops and performances in Panama, commemorating the country’s National Day of Calypso on October 17. This initiative, organized by the Center for Arts and Culture in Colón, aims to reconnect the province with its West Indian roots through the vibrant rhythms of steelpan music. The orchestra will conduct interactive workshops for secondary school students across Colón, culminating in a lively concert that honors the region’s rich musical heritage. This cultural exchange, facilitated by Afro-cultural activist Selvia Miller, Ernesto Polanco of the Institute of Art & Folklore, and Aleah Guitan of Trinitica International, underscores the deep historical ties between Panama and the Caribbean. Colón, home to descendants of Trinidadian, Jamaican, and Barbadian laborers who migrated during the Panama Canal construction, has long embraced calypso music. The introduction of steelpan aims to create a melodic bridge between generations and cultures, fostering a renewed sense of pride and memory for the Afro-Caribbean diaspora.
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Carib prices rise after excise duty hike
CARIB Brewery has announced a substantial price increase for several of its popular beverages, including Carib, Stag, and Guinness, in response to the government’s decision to double excise duties on alcoholic drinks as part of the 2026 budget. The new pricing, effective immediately, sees Carib, Stag, and Pilsner rise to $13 per bottle, up from $10-$11 previously. Stouts like Royal Extra Stout now retail at $15, while Guinness and Heineken have both increased to $22 per bottle. Non-alcoholic products such as Malta and Shandy have also risen to $10, though prices for Smirnoff Ice, Caribe Hard Cider, Vitamalt, Ginseng-Up, Smalta, Heineken 0.0, and Rockstone Tonic Wine remain unchanged. The price adjustments are directly linked to Legal Notice No 376, which raised the excise duty on alcoholic beverages from $5.14 to $10.28 per litre. This change took immediate effect for locally produced alcohol, including Carib Brewery’s products, as excise duties are payable when goods leave bonded warehouses for sale. Imported products will face similar increases later, pending review by the Solicitor General’s office. In a statement, Carib Brewery described the price adjustments as a ‘responsible and measured response’ to the government’s move, emphasizing efforts to balance economic realities with consumer affordability. The company also pledged to continue investing in its people, brands, and infrastructure while maintaining product quality. The announcement follows reports that Carib temporarily paused deliveries earlier in the week to recalculate costs, with bar owners awaiting new price lists before confirming retail adjustments. Bar Owners Association president Satesh Moonasar noted that the 100% rise in excise duty would likely be passed on to customers, as most bar operators cannot absorb the full increase. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo defended the duty hike during his October 13 budget presentation, stating it was part of a broader effort to raise revenue after years without adjustment, with the impact on individual bottles of beer being minimal.
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Kyle Hilaric’s journey through education: From homeless to hopeful
Kyle Hilaric, a 37-year-old resident of the Court Shamrock shelter in San Fernando, has transformed his life through education and resilience. Recognized as the Most Outstanding Welding Student and the Most Distinguished Student of the Class of 2025 at the National Energy Skills Centre (NESC), Hilaric’s journey is a testament to the power of determination and hope. His early life was fraught with challenges, including homelessness and family instability, but he credits the support and stability provided by Court Shamrock for enabling him to focus on his goals. Hilaric’s academic achievements include delivering the valedictory address at his graduation ceremony and being awarded the Wayne Bertrand Memorial Award, the institute’s highest honor. Now enrolled in a business management programme at the College of Science Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago (COSTAATT), Hilaric aims to build a career in leadership and entrepreneurship. He emphasizes the importance of education as a tool for personal growth and community impact, encouraging others facing similar struggles to persevere and believe in their potential.
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Additional sailings for Tobago carnival, Minority wants more flights
As the highly anticipated Tobago Carnival approaches, scheduled for October 24 to 26, concerns over transportation logistics have taken center stage. THA Minority Leader Kelvon Morris has urged Caribbean Airlines (CAL) to increase daily flights to accommodate the surge in demand for the event, now in its fourth year. Speaking at a media conference on October 15 at the Magdalena Grand Beach and Golf Resort, Morris revealed that CAL’s management has declined to add new flights, despite the overwhelming interest in the carnival. He called on the Chief Secretary to intervene, emphasizing the importance of ensuring smooth travel for attendees from Trinidad and beyond. Reports indicate that hotels, villas, and guesthouses are nearly fully booked, with hoteliers expressing concerns that visitors may struggle to reach the island due to limited transportation options. In response, The Port Authority has announced additional roundtrips on the TT Spirit ferry between October 22 and 29, with four inter-island vessels operating outside their regular schedules. Dexter Sandy, president of the Tobago October Carnival Association (TOCO), had previously appealed for increased air and sea transport to support the event, highlighting the need for collaboration with Caribbean Airlines and the TT Inter-Island Ferry. The carnival’s official events, including the Monarchs of Mas, Pan Omega, and the Parade of Bands, are expected to draw significant crowds, further underscoring the urgency of addressing transportation challenges.
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Privy Council going to pot?
In a recent letter to the editor, legal expert E Galy expressed strong disapproval of the Privy Council’s decision to accept the appeal in the Jason Jones case. Galy argued that the Privy Council, as Trinidad and Tobago’s supreme judicial tribunal, was not established to alter the Constitution or existing laws. According to Galy, such authority lies solely with Parliament. The court’s role, as outlined by Galy, is to ensure that new laws conform to the Constitution and to uphold laws that have already been passed. Galy emphasized that the court is not empowered to render laws inoperable if they fall within the constitutional framework. In the case of Jason Jones, Galy pointed out that a law was suspended to allow a claimant, whose personal declarations could subject him to police investigation, an opportunity to overturn a law clearly within the constitutional remit. Galy argued that there is no provision in the Constitution or procedural law that permits the judiciary or the Privy Council to entertain such claims. The invocation of ‘changed times’ or ‘new era’ is not a recognized formula in the Constitution, nor is it the role of the Privy Council to adapt the nation to social movements or ideas from elsewhere. Galy concluded by stating that these principles are well-established in law and that any deviation from them could lead to unintended mutations in other branches of law, which is not the responsibility of the Privy Council.
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1 dead, 2 schoolboys among 3 wounded in Brasso shooting
A tragic shooting in Brasso Village, central Trinidad, has left a family in mourning and a community in shock. On October 15, 20-year-old construction worker Christopher Ricardo “Ricky” Joseph was killed when gunmen opened fire at a house along Caparo Valley Brasso Road. His brother, Colly Joseph, 23, and two teenagers, Jerryl Ganness, 15, and Darias Shadrack, 16, were also injured in the attack. The incident occurred around 2 am inside an unfinished wooden structure on the compound of Darias’s relatives. Villagers reported hearing gunshots and later discovered Christopher’s body with multiple bullet wounds. The wounded were initially taken to the Chaguanas Health Centre before being transferred to Mt Hope Hospital. Christopher’s mother, Marsha Joseph, 45, who is visually impaired, recounted her last conversation with her son, who had called to express his love for her just hours before his death. She described Ricky as a reserved individual who, despite his interest in gangster music, was not involved in criminal activities. The family has faced tragedy before, with Marsha’s uncle, Rajindra “Syo” Ramcharan, 33, being shot and killed in February. Christopher’s father, Smith Joseph, 65, who suffered a stroke in 2020 and had a leg amputated, urged the police to fully commit to solving all crimes. The family is now seeking justice for Christopher’s death and his brother’s shooting, expressing their faith in divine justice if the legal system fails. The shooting is believed to be drug-related, and police investigations are ongoing. This incident adds to the growing concern over the rising crime rate in Trinidad, with 299 murders recorded so far this year, including more than two dozen in the past two weeks. Despite the ongoing state of emergency, the monthly murder toll for October has surpassed last year’s figures, highlighting the urgent need for effective crime control measures.