In a thrilling second leg of the Concacaf Caribbean Cup semifinal, Mount Pleasant Football Academy secured their place in the final with a 5-2 aggregate victory over Defence Force, despite a 1-0 loss in Kingston, Jamaica, on November 5. Defence Force, the TT Premier Football League champions, fought valiantly but fell short of overturning the significant deficit from the first leg. Mount Pleasant now awaits the winner of the semifinal clash between Universidad O&M FC and Cibao FC, who are set to face off after press time on November 6. Defence Force’s captain Kevin Molino gave his team a glimmer of hope with a 13th-minute goal, but their reliance on counter-attacks and limited possession (32%) proved insufficient against Mount Pleasant’s solid defense. Goalkeeper Isaiah Williams shone for Defence Force with seven crucial saves, but Mount Pleasant’s first-leg dominance ensured their progression to the final and a spot in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup. Defence Force still has a chance to qualify for the Champions Cup through the third-place playoff against either Cibao FC or Universidad O&M FC.
标签： Trinidad and Tobago
特立尼达和多巴哥
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Accused drug trafficker wants extradition to US reversed
Shurlan Guppy, a 47-year-old Trinidadian accused of drug trafficking, has petitioned the High Court to order his return to Trinidad and Tobago (TT) after being extradited to the United States on August 5, 2025. Guppy, currently held in federal custody in Pennsylvania, faces 11 charges related to heroin and cocaine trafficking, with the alleged crimes valued at approximately $1 million. His legal team argues that his extradition violated procedural safeguards and breached his constitutional rights. The case has sparked a legal battle involving multiple jurisdictions, including the Privy Council in London, where a special leave application remains pending. Guppy’s attorneys contend that his extradition occurred prematurely, while his appeal was still active, despite assurances from state attorneys to wait. At a recent High Court hearing, Guppy’s legal team objected to the State’s request for an adjournment, accusing authorities of disregarding the rule of law. State attorneys, however, maintain that the extradition was lawful and occurred after the agreed-upon 56-day appeal window had expired. Justice Jacqueline Wilson adjourned the matter to January 26, 2026, pending the Privy Council’s decision. Guppy’s indictment in the U.S. alleges that he conspired to distribute controlled substances, including heroin and cocaine, from 2017 to 2022, using various methods such as delivery services and encrypted communication apps like WhatsApp. If convicted, he faces a potential life sentence with a mandatory minimum of 10 years. In Trinidad, Guppy’s claims of entrapment, selective prosecution, and disproportionate interference with his family life were dismissed by both the High Court and the Court of Appeal.
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Panorama 2026 launches November 9 at the Queen’s Park Savannah
The 2026 Panorama season, organized by Pan Trinbago, officially commenced on November 9 at the iconic Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain. This year’s theme, ‘Legacy: Ours to Love, Ours to Cherish,’ underscores the cultural and spiritual significance of the steelpan, an instrument born out of struggle, creativity, and community spirit. The event, described as a celebration of rhythm, resilience, and identity, featured libations, prayers, and performances by renowned steelbands such as Massy Trinidad All Stars, bp Renegades, and Republic Bank Exodus. Admission was free, with attendees encouraged to wave the national flag as a symbol of unity and pride. Pan Trinbago President Beverley Ramsey-Moore emphasized the festival’s role in empowering youth, engaging women, and preserving Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural legacy. However, the season faces challenges, including the withdrawal of sponsorship by the National Gas Company (NGC) from three bands and Pan Trinbago itself. Ramsey-Moore appealed for corporate and state support, highlighting the festival’s impact on community development. Despite these hurdles, she remains optimistic about the future of the steelpan movement, stating, ‘Pan will never die.’ The competition begins with single pan band judging on November 12, culminating in the Large Band finals on February 14, 2026.
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Murder accused at Teteron Barracks complains of inhumane detention
A remand prisoner held at the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force’s (TTDF) Teteron Barracks in Chaguaramas has filed a writ of habeas corpus, alleging his detention is unlawful and inhumane. The individual, facing multiple murder and firearm charges, is seeking justification for his continued confinement at the military facility. The case is set to be heard next week before Justice Carol Gobin. Teteron Barracks was designated as a prison in July 2025 under a state of emergency to house high-risk inmates transferred from the Maximum Security Prison in Arouca. However, not all detainees are held under Preventative Detention Orders (PDOs). The prisoner claims he was forcibly removed from the Port of Spain Prison on August 20 by masked officers, blindfolded, zip-tied, and transported to Teteron without a detention order. Initially, the Commissioner of Prisons stated he was held under a PDO, but this was later retracted, with the State confirming no such order exists. The inmate’s affidavit details harsh conditions at Teteron, including confinement in a small, poorly ventilated cell, limited access to water and sanitation, and inadequate food for his lactose intolerance. He also alleges restricted access to legal counsel and family visits, with virtual meetings monitored by prison staff. The prisoner, awaiting trial for multiple murders, claims his mental health has deteriorated and fears his detention could prejudice his upcoming trials. He is represented by a legal team including Ravi Rajcoomar, SC, Ryan Rajcoomar, Alejandro Gocking, and Enrique Singh. The Ministry of Homeland Security has denied complaints about conditions at Teteron, stating that refurbished cells include bunks, bathrooms, and ventilation, with inmates having access to daily medical services, meals, and water.
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Reflections 2 concert: Former monarchs go down memory lane
Former calypso queen Tameika Darius is set to captivate audiences with her upcoming production, ‘Reflections 2: Down Memory Lane,’ at the Little Theatre, SAPA, on November 9. Known for her iconic songs like ‘Ah Come Out to Equalise,’ ‘Now More Than Ever,’ and ‘Jahaji Bash,’ Darius has been a prominent figure in the calypso scene since her childhood. Recently returning from the Trinbago Toronto Festival, she is ready to showcase a blend of traditional calypso, jazz, gospel, and storytelling in this unique performance. Darius promises a heartfelt journey through her life experiences, emphasizing family roots, cultural preservation, and the intergenerational transmission of musical heritage. The event will also feature a surprise reveal of honorees and a special guest performer. Joining her on stage is her nine-year-old son, Xhaiden Darius, a prodigious talent who has already made waves as the reigning National Junior Calypso Monarch and Schools’ Intellectual National Chutney Soca Monarch. Xhaiden, who has performed at prestigious events like Barbados-Carifesta XV and the Trinbago Toronto Festival, will deliver several duets. Other notable performers include Roderick ‘Chuck’ Gordon, Vaughnette Bigford, Renee Fortune, and Freetown Collective. Darius describes the show as a celebration of community, continuity, and the enduring vitality of calypso, proving it remains a dynamic and evolving art form. The performance begins at 5 pm.
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Morris slams PM’s ‘mamagism’, Duke excited
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s inaugural address to the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) on November 4 has sparked a spectrum of reactions among stakeholders. Speaking at the Assembly Legislature in Scarborough, Tobago, the Prime Minister unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at bolstering the island’s financial autonomy and economic prospects. Key among these was the introduction of an export licence to market Tobago’s aggregate regionally, a move designed to generate foreign exchange and stimulate economic growth. Additionally, Persad-Bissessar pledged to implement a fair-share model for budgetary allocations and collaborate with the THA to establish a localised police force to address crime on the island. However, THA Minority Leader Kelvon Morris dismissed the speech as politically motivated, accusing the Prime Minister of prioritizing the upcoming THA elections over pressing issues affecting both Tobago and Trinidad. Morris criticized the lack of progress on autonomy, labeling the address as a repetition of long-standing promises. In contrast, Progressive Democratic Patriots (PDP) leader Watson Duke praised the initiatives, describing them as significant steps toward greater self-determination. He highlighted the potential economic benefits of the export licence and the enhanced security a localised police force could bring. The Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce also welcomed the focus on Tobago, though it emphasized the importance of effective implementation and transparency.
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Standard Distributors sale amid retail sluggishness
The retail sector continues to face significant challenges, as highlighted by the recent developments surrounding Standard Distributors, a long-standing furniture and appliance retailer. Established in 1945, Standard Distributors has been a household name for decades. However, on November 1, all its branches, including one in Barbados, were reportedly closed. Ansa McAL, the parent company, announced the sale of Standard Distributors to Term Finance, which plans to transform the brand into a dedicated credit provider and e-commerce platform under the new name Standard Credit. The transaction, expected to be finalized by December 31 pending approvals, aims to leverage Standard’s 80-year expertise in hire-purchase agreements to offer innovative credit products. This move comes amidst a broader decline in the retail sector, exacerbated by the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Central Statistical Office reported a 7.8% drop in the index of retail sales for household appliances and furnishings in the first quarter of 2025, with the overall retail index falling by 3.7%. Central Bank data further indicates a consistent decline in retail sales since 2024, reflecting reduced consumer spending and low confidence. While online shopping platforms like Amazon and Shein have impacted physical stores, high shipping costs for bulky items had previously given furniture retailers an edge. However, the sector now faces additional pressures, including unmet housing demand and consumers’ reluctance to spend. The government’s efforts to stimulate economic growth through sustained spending and institutional strengthening may provide some relief, but the ongoing challenges in the furnishings sector underscore the depth of the issue.
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Guardian Group pledges US$312k hurricane relief
In a significant move to aid Jamaica’s recovery from the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, the Guardian Group Charitable Foundation has committed US$312,000. This donation, one of the largest single contributions from Trinidad and Tobago (TT), is part of the broader ‘Building a Better Jamaica Fund,’ a coordinated recovery initiative led by the National Commercial Bank Jamaica Ltd (NCB) and managed by the NCB Foundation. The fund has already raised approximately US$2.8 million, including an initial US$1.25 million from NCB, supplemented by partner contributions and Guardian Group’s substantial donation. Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica on October 28, left widespread destruction across the island, damaging infrastructure, agriculture, and housing, and displacing thousands of residents. The Jamaican government declared a national disaster, prompting a large-scale relief and reconstruction effort supported by regional governments, businesses, and aid agencies. Guardian Group’s contribution will support both immediate relief and long-term rebuilding, working through experienced partners such as the American Friends of Jamaica, Food for the Poor Jamaica, Unicef Jamaica, and the Global Empowerment Mission. Shinelle Grant-Sealey, Guardian Group’s vice-president for environment, social and governance, emphasized the organization’s regional commitment to recovery and resilience, stating that the donation is an immediate investment in stability for affected families and institutions. Guardian Group has also provided care packages and internal support for its employees in Jamaica impacted by the storm. With operations across TT, Jamaica, Barbados, and the Dutch Caribbean, the group remains dedicated to helping Caribbean communities rebuild and recover.
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Stakeholders on PM’s project-based funding: What is Tobago’s vision?
Businesswoman Diane Hadad, former chair of the Tobago branch of the TT Chamber of Industry and Commerce, has praised the government’s initiative to shift towards project-based budget allocations for Tobago. This proposal, unveiled by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar during a special sitting of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) on November 4, aims to replace the current population percentage-based budgeting system with a more equitable and transparent model. However, Hadad emphasized the necessity of a comprehensive development plan for Tobago before any fiscal policy changes are implemented. Speaking to Newsday on November 5, she highlighted the island’s lack of a clear strategy for its 116 square miles, which she believes has hindered its progress. “Tobago needs to articulate its vision and goals before discussing autonomy or funding,” she stated. Hadad compared the situation to seeking a bank loan, where a solid business plan is essential to secure investment. She also criticized the past two decades of PNM-led governance, noting that Tobago’s infrastructure and human capital have not significantly improved despite budget allocations. Meanwhile, Mariano Browne, former trade minister and current CEO of the Arthur Lok Jack School of Business, cautioned that the Prime Minister’s proposal lacks detailed implementation strategies. He pointed out the nation’s strained fiscal capacity, with expenditures exceeding revenues, and questioned the feasibility of additional funding for Tobago. Browne explained that an equalization fund aims to redistribute resources to reduce regional disparities but stressed the importance of objective criteria for project selection and funding. He raised concerns about project viability, including technical, financial, operational, market, and legal considerations. While the shift to project-based budgeting is seen as a positive step, both Hadad and Browne agree that meticulous planning and transparency are crucial for Tobago’s sustainable development.
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Supply Solutions strengthens SME procurement
Supply Solutions Ltd, a prominent player in engineering and construction, is now positioning itself as a leading procurement service provider, particularly for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The company is broadening its horizons by targeting both regional and international markets while reinforcing its domestic presence. CEO Nicholas Ottley emphasized the company’s unique approach: \”My product is the ability to take your problem and implement the mechanism to solve it.\