United Way Trinidad and Tobago (UWTT) commemorated its 25th anniversary with a grand gala titled ‘United is The Way’ on October 19 at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad. The event brought together corporate leaders, government officials, community advocates, and philanthropic partners to celebrate the organization’s enduring commitment to fostering stronger and more equitable communities across Trinidad and Tobago. The evening was filled with inspiring stories from beneficiaries and featured performances by the Necessary Arts School and violist Darion Dennis. Notable attendees included Vincent Pereira, vice chair of UWTT; Karen Yip Chuck, director; Ian Benjamin, chairman; and Dr. Jennifer Sancho, former UWTT CEO. Sonya Anderson, United Way Worldwide vice president of International Networks, also addressed the gathering, highlighting the global impact of UWTT’s initiatives. The celebration served as a platform to renew collective efforts toward social development and community empowerment.
标签： Trinidad and Tobago
特立尼达和多巴哥
-
Buon pasta
On a dreary, rain-soaked day, few dishes can uplift the spirit like a steaming bowl of pasta, whether drenched in a spicy arrabiata sauce or a creamy cheese blend. Wendy Rahamut, a culinary expert, shares her insights and recipes that showcase pasta’s versatility, from hearty casseroles to refreshing salads and even innovative frittatas using leftovers. Loved by all ages, pasta is a mealtime staple that transcends cultural boundaries. For those who prefer authenticity, making pasta from scratch is an option, but high-quality dried varieties are readily available in supermarkets. Rahamut emphasizes the importance of choosing pasta made from 100% durum wheat semolina, preferably Italian, for the best texture and flavor. She also highlights the growing popularity of healthier alternatives like whole grain, spinach, and gluten-free pasta. Her recipes, including Penne Arrabiata, Pasta Norma, and Tuscan Penne with Chicken, are not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making them perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Rahamut’s approach to cooking is both practical and inspiring, encouraging home cooks to experiment with flavors and ingredients. Her tips on pairing pasta with fresh herbs, cheeses, and seasonal vegetables elevate simple dishes into gourmet experiences. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned chef, Rahamut’s recipes promise to bring comfort and joy to your table. Buon appetito!
-
Banished from the kingdom
In a bold and unprecedented move, King Charles III has stripped his brother, Prince Andrew, of his princely titles and honors, marking a significant moment in the British monarchy’s history. The decision, announced on October 30, comes in response to renewed scrutiny over Prince Andrew’s ties to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The Duke of York will now be known simply as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, effectively reducing him to the status of a private citizen. Buckingham Palace stated that these measures were necessary, despite Prince Andrew’s continued denial of the allegations against him. The announcement also emphasized the royal family’s sympathy for victims of abuse, signaling a clear stance on the issue. The move follows the publication of a posthumous memoir by Virginia Giuffre, who accused Prince Andrew of participating in her sexual trafficking. Giuffre, who died by suicide earlier this year, did not live to witness this moment of vindication. The scandal has raised uncomfortable questions about the royal family’s knowledge of the allegations and their delayed response. Additionally, reports suggest Prince Andrew may have abused his position to discredit his accuser, further tarnishing his reputation. The Epstein scandal, with its transatlantic reach, has exposed the dark underbelly of power and privilege, highlighting the urgent need to address sexual abuse at all levels of society. King Charles’ decisive action sends a powerful message: no one, regardless of their status, is above accountability.
-
St Benedict’s go two points clear atop SSFL standings
St Benedict’s College solidified their position at the top of the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division standings with a commanding 2-0 victory over St Mary’s College on October 31. Goals from Jelani Roberts and Josiah Ochoa in the 70th and 90th minutes secured the win at the Mahaica Sporting Complex in Point Fortin, extending their lead to two points. The La Romaine Lions now sit comfortably with 33 points as the competition for the 2025 league title intensifies. Meanwhile, St Anthony’s College emerged as this season’s wild card, stunning defending champions Fatima College with a 2-1 away victory. Kanye Glasgow’s brace, including a decisive 59th-minute goal, sealed the win for the Westmoorings Tigers, marking their second major upset in four days after defeating former leaders Naparima College earlier in the week. Despite their impressive form, St Anthony’s remains in fifth place. Fatima’s loss saw them drop to third, while Presentation College San Fernando surged to second with a dominant 9-0 win over Carapichaima East, fueled by Isaiah Jacob’s five-goal haul. Naparima College’s match against Signal Hill was postponed due to flight unavailability, leaving them in fourth. In other results, Trinity College Moka climbed to sixth after a thrilling 5-3 victory over Malick, while Arima North edged San Juan North 1-0 to claim seventh place. The league continues to deliver high-stakes drama as teams vie for supremacy in the remaining rounds.
-
Jit Samaroo Festival this weekend
The Jit Samaroo Festival, a vibrant celebration of the life and legacy of the legendary steelpan arranger and composer, commenced on October 31 at the First Citizens Supernovas Panyard in Surrey Village, Lopinot. The three-day event, running through November 2, honors Samaroo, who would have turned 75 this year, and continues to inspire the steelpan community and Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural identity. The festival opened with the screening of two documentary films: ‘From Surrey With Love,’ a 20-minute short chronicling Supernovas’ 2025 journey to Iron Park, and ‘Iconography: Jit Samaroo,’ a 90-minute film that debuted in August, offering an intimate look into Samaroo’s life and musical journey through interviews, rare footage, and photographs. On November 1, a seminar at the University of the West Indies’ Department of Creative and Festival Arts in St Augustine will delve into Samaroo’s enduring influence, featuring panelists Satanand Sharma, Dr. Jeannine Remy, Carlton Maltin, and Wesley Gibbings, moderated by Jessel Murray. The festival will culminate on November 2 with ‘The Grand Concert’ at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port of Spain, showcasing performances by the National Steel Symphony Orchestra of Trinidad and Tobago, First Citizens Supernovas, and BP Renegades. Attendees will be treated to Samaroo’s timeless arrangements and Panorama classics. Tickets, priced at $250, are available at NAPA’s box office, Island E-Tickets, and the panyards of Supernovas and Renegades.
-
Appeal Court reserves ruling on ex-Cepep contractor’s challenge
The Court of Appeal has deferred its decision on an appeal lodged by Eastman Enterprises Ltd, a former contractor of the Cepep Company, challenging a High Court order to halt its lawsuit. The lawsuit pertains to the termination of over 300 contracts by Cepep shortly after the April 28 general election. Justices Peter Rajkumar, James Aboud, and Ricky Rahim heard arguments on October 31 before reserving their ruling. The central issue revolves around whether the High Court was correct in staying Eastman’s lawsuit due to an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) clause in the contract. Eastman’s legal team, led by Larry Lalla, SC, argued that the trial judge erred by treating the ADR clause as mandatory and failing to consider the contractor’s right to seek urgent injunctive relief. Lalla emphasized that a mediator could not grant such emergency relief and contended that the referral to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) was premature. Representing Cepep, Anand Ramlogan, SC, defended the trial judge’s decision, asserting that the ADR process should precede court intervention and highlighting the alleged $1.4 billion in unauthorized contract extensions. The appeal stems from a High Court ruling by Justice Margaret Mohammed, who stayed Eastman’s lawsuit in August, directed case documents to the DPP, and ordered Eastman to pay Cepep’s legal costs. Eastman seeks to have its lawsuit and injunction application returned to the High Court, a declaration that the DPP referral was improper, and, if successful, for the Appeal Court’s decision to be forwarded to the DPP. The case underscores broader concerns over contract management and dispute resolution in public procurement.
-
CDS, regiment commander promoted in Red House ceremony
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Defence Minister Wayne Sturge officiated a significant military promotion ceremony at the Red House in Port of Spain on October 31. The event marked the elevation of former naval captain Don Polo to the rank of commodore and former Lt Col Dwayne Edwards to colonel. Polo assumed the role of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) on October 7, succeeding Air Vice Marshal Darryl Daniel, whose contract was terminated by President Christine Kangaloo following consultations with the Prime Minister and Defence Minister. Daniel had served as CDS for six years, with two extensions granted by the previous administration. Edwards, now a colonel, took command of the regiment on October 14, replacing Col Keston Charles, who was placed on leave. The ceremony also saw the wives of the promoted officers pinning their new rank insignia. Additionally, naval officer Akenathon Isaac was promoted to captain and appointed commanding officer of the Coast Guard, succeeding Polo. Isaac’s promotion, along with Edwards’, was effective from October 10, though Isaac was absent from the ceremony. The Ministry of Defence emphasized that the decision to terminate Daniel’s service was made after thorough deliberation and would not impact the operational effectiveness of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force.
-
Citizens worried, schools, businesses close early
Trinidad and Tobago experienced heightened anxiety on October 31 as the nation’s Defense Force was placed on high alert, prompting schools to dismiss students early and businesses to close as a precaution. The alert followed escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela, with reports suggesting an imminent US military strike on Venezuelan installations suspected of involvement in drug trafficking. While US President Donald Trump denied these claims, the uncertainty fueled widespread concern among citizens. Schools across Trinidad, including La Horquetta South Government Primary and a denominational school in Curepe, urged parents to collect their children early. Businesses, including a prominent law firm and a software development company, also sent staff home by mid-afternoon. The Supermarket Association of Trinidad and Tobago reassured the public that supply chains remained intact, discouraging panic buying. Despite the unease, many residents maintained their daily routines, with some expressing skepticism about the likelihood of war. However, others, like Arlene Alexander of Vistabella, prepared for potential conflict by stocking up on essentials. Jeremy Deonarine of Retrench criticized Trinidad’s involvement in the US-Venezuela tensions, while Samantha of Princes Town condemned the spread of misinformation on social media. As the Defense Force mobilized, with soldiers reporting to bases like Camp La Romaine, the nation remained on edge, balancing fear with resilience.
-
New faces for Red Force as Da Silva resumes captaincy for Super50 Cup
Trinidad and Tobago Red Force captain Joshua Da Silva is set to lead his team in the 2025 CG United Super50 Cup, which kicks off on November 19 in Trinidad. The Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) confirmed Da Silva’s appointment on November 1, alongside the announcement of the 14-member squad. The team will face Barbados Royals in their opening match at the Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Ground in St Augustine.
The squad features a mix of seasoned players and fresh talent, with five newcomers making their debut in the Super50 Cup. Among them are all-rounders Shatrughan Rambaran and Ricky Naipaul, fast bowler Abdul Raheem Toppin, batsman Cephas Cooper, and leg-spinner Navin Bidaisee. While Bidaisee and Cooper have previously represented Trinidad and Tobago in the West Indies Championship, Rambaran has prior experience in the Super50 Cup with Combined Campuses and College.
Despite the absence of key players like Akeal Hosein, Anderson Phillip, Amir Jangoo, Jayden Seales, and Khary Pierre—who are on international duty with the West Indies—head coach Rayad Emrit remains optimistic. He emphasized the importance of blending youth with experience, viewing the tournament as an opportunity to integrate emerging talent into the squad.
Emrit praised Da Silva’s leadership, noting his ability to lead by example and his growing experience in high-pressure situations. The coach highlighted the team’s focus on playing positive, engaging cricket while fostering a strong team culture. Emrit also acknowledged the challenge posed by Barbados, a formidable opponent with a strong white-ball record.
The Red Force’s campaign begins on November 19, with their match against Barbados Royals set to be a crucial early test. The tournament’s opening day will also feature clashes between Jamaica Scorpions and Guyana Harpy Eagles, as well as Windward Islands Volcano and Leeward Islands Hurricanes.
-
Police square off with Central in tasty TTPFL clash
The 2025/26 TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) is heating up as MIC Central FC and Miscellaneous Police FC prepare for a thrilling encounter on October 31 at the Arima Velodrome. This match pits last season’s runners-up against the third-placed team, promising high stakes and intense competition. Both teams have started the season strongly, with Police FC securing a dominant 4-0 victory over San Juan Jabloteh, thanks to a first-half brace from Kwesi ‘Jep’ Allen and a goal from veteran Joevin Jones. Meanwhile, Central FC edged out Point Fortin Civic with a 2-1 win, courtesy of goals from Daniel David and Junior Asson. The history between these two teams adds to the anticipation, as their previous encounter in the 2024/25 season ended in a dramatic 7-5 victory for Police FC. Jones, who previously played for Central FC in the Concacaf Caribbean Cup, will now lead Police FC against his former team. In the second match of the double-header, AC Port of Spain will face San Juan Jabloteh, aiming to build on their opening-weekend draw against defending champions Defence Force. The TTPFL action continues on November 1 and 2 with several key matchups, including Army/Coast Guard vs. Eagles FC and 1976 FC Phoenix vs. Prisons FC. The league’s opening weekend saw Police FC, Prisons, Central FC, and Club Sando all secure wins, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.