The Ministry of Health is currently reassessing the medications provided under the Chronic Disease Assistance Programme (CDAP), according to Dr. Rishad Seecheran, Minister in the Ministry of Health. This announcement came in response to a query from Independent Senator Dr. Desiree Murray during a Senate session on October 29. Dr. Seecheran highlighted that the CDAP drug list was recently updated on October 1, now including treatments for glaucoma such as Timolol Maleate 0.5 percent, Pilocarpine two percent, and Pilocarpine four percent. The CDAP technical committee, established by Health Minister Dr. Lackram Bodoe on June 5, is tasked with ensuring the medications are both cost-effective and aligned with clinical guidelines. The committee employs a methodology based on World Health Organisation (WHO) standards and National Disease Burden Profiles to review all identified disease states. Dr. Seecheran also mentioned that future consultations with the Ophthalmological Society are planned to further modernize the drug list while considering cost-effectiveness. In the same session, Labour Minister Leroy Baptiste assured that the government is committed to improving job accessibility for people with disabilities, stating that all positions are open to them.
标签： Trinidad and Tobago
特立尼达和多巴哥
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Promenade Chess tour continues at Valpark November 2
The Promenade Chess Club Grand Tour, a celebrated chess competition series, is set to continue its journey at Valpark Plaza in Valsayn on November 2, starting at 1 pm. This event will feature multiple divisions, including the open section, Under-12, and Under-8 categories, catering to chess enthusiasts of all ages. Participants in the open division will compete for cash prizes, with the winner taking home $1,000, the runner-up receiving $700, and the third-place finisher earning $500. Meanwhile, the Under-12 category will award trophies to the top three players, and medals will be given to the leading participants in the Under-8 division. Registration remains open until noon on November 2, with senior players required to pay $120 and juniors $110 via the Hayden Lee chequing account at Republic Bank (Account Number: 340045180501). The first 100 registrants will enjoy complimentary pizza and ice cream. For further details, interested individuals can contact 743-7359, 734-8562, or 780-2437. The event has been made possible through the generous support of sponsors such as Pizza Hut, Radica Trading, Basic Transport, Marios, Galactica, KFC, and Tyco Farms. Over the past few months, the Promenade Chess Club has successfully hosted tournaments at various locations, including South Park Mall and Trincity Mall, fostering a vibrant chess community across the country.
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Nelson Street, Carenage Govt win football league titles
The Port of Spain and Environs Primary School Football League concluded on October 28 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium training field in Mucurapo, with Nelson Street Boys’ RC School and Carenage Girls’ Government Primary School emerging as champions in their respective categories. Nelson Street Boys’ RC School secured two titles, winning both the boys’ Under-15 division and the boys’ 11-and-Under category. In the Under-15 final against Belmont Government Primary School, Nelson Street faced an early setback as Belmont took the lead in the eighth minute. However, Shuquan Noel equalized in the 23rd minute, followed by Tafari Charles giving Nelson Street the lead in the 27th minute. Belmont leveled the score in the 40th minute, but Noel’s decisive goal in the 52nd minute sealed the victory for Nelson Street. In the 11-and-Under final, Nelson Street dominated with a 2-0 win over the International School of Port of Spain, thanks to goals from Jovanni Johnson and Tafari Charles. Meanwhile, Carenage Girls’ Government Primary School claimed the girls’ Under-15 title after defeating St Agnes Anglican Primary School in the final. The awards ceremony was graced by former national footballer Radanfah Abu Bakr, who serves as the director of sponsorship and community outreach for Sports and Games Ltd. Abu Bakr praised the young athletes, emphasizing the company’s dedication to fostering youth development through sports. The event was made even more special with Sports and Games sponsoring the prizes, celebrating the remarkable talent on display.
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St Benedict’s aim to stretch SSFL lead, Fatima meet roaring ‘Tigers’
The 2025 Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division has reached a thrilling juncture, with St Benedict’s College emerging as the new frontrunners. On October 28, Naparima College, previously at the top of the 16-team table, were dethroned, setting the stage for an intense title race. St Benedict’s, the national intercol champions, now hold a narrow one-point lead over Fatima College, with Naparima and Presentation College San Fernando trailing closely behind. The league’s climax is set for November 3, when St Benedict’s and Naparima face off in a highly anticipated match at Lewis Street, San Fernando. Meanwhile, Fatima and Presentation College will be closely monitoring the outcome as they continue their own title pursuits. Naparima’s recent stumble, including a 3-2 loss to St Anthony’s College, has added unpredictability to the competition. With seven matches scheduled for October 31, including key clashes like St Benedict’s vs. St Mary’s College and St Anthony’s vs. Fatima, the league’s final weeks promise high drama. The postponed match between Naparima and Signal Hill further complicates the standings, as Signal Hill must now play eight games in a condensed period. As the season nears its end, every match could prove decisive in determining the 2025 SSFL champions.
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1 dead, 1 wounded in La Horquetta shooting
A tragic incident unfolded in La Horquetta on the evening of October 30, resulting in one fatality and another individual sustaining injuries. The shooting took place at approximately 10 pm on Bernard Primus Crescent, where the two victims were reportedly engaged in casual socializing, commonly referred to as ‘liming.’ An unidentified assailant approached the men and opened fire, striking both. Emergency services transported the injured to a nearby hospital, where 38-year-old Jamal Austin was pronounced dead. The second victim remains hospitalized but is reported to be in stable condition. Authorities from the Homicide Bureau of Investigations, Region Two, have taken charge of the case, with ongoing efforts to uncover the circumstances surrounding the attack and identify the perpetrator. The community has been left in shock as investigations continue.
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Ministry of Culture, TUCO present cheque to Lady Gypsy
In a heartfelt gesture of support, Minister of Culture and Community Development Michelle Benjamin and Ainsley King, president of the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organisation (TUCO), presented veteran calypsonian Lynette “Lady Gypsy” Steele with a $25,000 cheque. This financial assistance follows the disappointing turnout at her benefit concert, “We Remember You,” held on September 6 at Palms Club, San Fernando, aimed at raising funds for legendary musician Errol Ince, who is now paralyzed due to health complications. Despite her dedication, the event incurred significant debts due to low attendance and unforeseen expenses. The ministry and TUCO stepped in to alleviate her financial burden and contribute to Ince’s ongoing medical care. Minister Benjamin emphasized the importance of supporting cultural icons who have shaped Trinidad and Tobago’s national identity, stating, “Our cultural icons are the backbone of our national identity. We cannot allow them to bear their burdens in silence.” King echoed this sentiment, reaffirming TUCO’s commitment to empowering artistes and preserving the nation’s cultural heritage. Lady Gypsy, while initially critical of the ministry’s delayed response, expressed gratitude for the aid, acknowledging the relief it brought after weeks of financial and emotional stress. Through her Lady Gypsy Help Someone Foundation, she continues to support Ince, who is recovering from surgery and preparing for therapy. The ministry reiterated its dedication to strengthening partnerships with cultural organizations to ensure veteran artistes receive the recognition and support they deserve.
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Republic Bank empowers SMEs to ‘think global’
Republic Bank, in partnership with the Caribbean Association of Banks (CAB), successfully hosted its third annual SME Workshop and Marketplace on October 28 at the Hyatt Regency in Port of Spain, Trinidad. The event, themed ‘Expanding from Local to Global: Turning Sustainability into an Export Differentiator,’ aimed to equip small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from the manufacturing and agricultural sectors with actionable strategies to enhance their operations, embrace sustainability, and prepare for global export opportunities.
Richard Sammy, Vice President of Republic Bank, emphasized the bank’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurs beyond financial services. ‘Our entrepreneurs challenge us to listen, understand their realities, and provide more than just credit facilities. We are dedicated to offering resources, training, and tools that empower SMEs to thrive. At Republic Bank, we see it as our responsibility to be true partners in their growth,’ he stated.
The workshop featured interactive presentations and success stories from industry leaders, including Rachel Renie-Gonzales, founder and CEO of d’Market Movers; Tisha Marajh, Group Sustainability Officer at Republic Bank; Fedell Solomon, co-founder of Nabdell Enterprise Ltd; and export specialists from Global TT and the Caribbean Export Development Agency (CEDA). Attendees were encouraged to integrate sustainability practices into their business models to gain a competitive edge in global markets.
Republic Bank’s initiative underscores its dedication to fostering innovation, sustainability, and economic resilience within the region’s MSME sector. Through tailored financing, capacity-building programs, and strategic collaborations, the bank continues to champion entrepreneurship and sustainable development across the Caribbean.
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Don’t lectureto us, Maduro
In a bold and unflinching open letter addressed to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, Curtis A. Obrady of Arima, Trinidad and Tobago (TT), delivers a scathing critique of the Venezuelan leader and his regime. The letter, published in Newsday, accuses Maduro of transforming Venezuela into a ‘living hell,’ forcing millions to flee due to hunger, fear, violence, and political persecution. Obrady highlights the hypocrisy of Maduro’s regime, which has been accused of silencing dissent, imprisoning journalists, and driving families to seek refuge abroad, now attempting to lecture TT on humanity and deportations. The author emphasizes that TT has shown compassion by welcoming Venezuelan refugees, providing them with safety, dignity, and support—actions starkly contrasting with Maduro’s oppressive governance. However, Obrady asserts that compassion does not equate to weakness, defending TT Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s right to enforce border security and protect the nation’s interests. The letter concludes with a powerful reminder that Venezuelans fled to TT seeking leadership, order, and humanity—qualities absent under Maduro’s rule. Obrady urges Maduro to address his own human rights violations before criticizing others, reaffirming TT’s unwavering support for its Prime Minister and its commitment to standing tall against dictators.
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Flow raises breast cancer awareness, helps victims
Flow Trinidad has demonstrated its commitment to Breast Cancer Awareness Month through two impactful initiatives: donating care packages to the TT Palliative Care Society and participating in the annual Scotiabank Women Against Breast Cancer 5K Walk. These efforts aim to support breast cancer patients, educate the public, and emphasize the critical importance of early detection. The company’s team members contributed hundreds of care packages filled with essential items such as skincare products, personal care supplies, and medical consumables for patients at the Caura Palliative Care Unit. Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager of Flow Trinidad, highlighted the company’s dedication to community support, stating, ‘We believe in supporting our community not just with words, but with action. By providing care packages and participating in the 5K, we hope to uplift those battling breast cancer and help raise awareness to encourage early screening that can save lives.’ On October 25, over 100 Flow employees joined thousands of participants, including survivors and advocates, in the Scotiabank Women Against Breast Cancer 5K. Breast Cancer Awareness Month, observed globally every October, focuses on promoting screenings and reducing the disease’s risk, which affects 2.3 million women worldwide. Flow Trinidad expressed pride in contributing to this vital cause and reaffirmed its commitment to making a meaningful difference annually.
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Windies in search of T20 sweep in Bangladesh
The West Indies cricket team is poised to secure a clean sweep in their three-match T20 series against Bangladesh as they prepare for the final showdown in Chattogram on October 31. This potential victory would mark their first series sweep since August 2024, when they triumphed over South Africa 3-0. Since then, the West Indies have struggled, winning only two out of nine T20 series, including the current one against Bangladesh. The first two matches of this series followed a similar script, with the West Indies batting first and securing victories by margins of 16 and 14 runs, respectively. In the opening match on October 27, captain Shai Hope and Rovman Powell led the charge with unbeaten scores of 46 and 44, respectively, propelling the team to a total of 165/3. Bangladesh fell short, bowled out for 149 in 19.4 overs, with Jayden Seales and Jason Holder claiming three wickets each. The second match on October 29 saw the West Indies falter after a strong start, collapsing to 149/9 despite half-centuries from Hope (55) and Alick Athanaze (52). Romario Shepherd and Akeal Hosein then stepped up, taking three wickets apiece to restrict Bangladesh to 135/8. Head coach Daren Sammy has expressed concerns over dropped catches and may consider changes to the starting XI, particularly with Sherfane Rutherford’s poor form. Following this series, the West Indies will face New Zealand in a multi-format tour starting November 5, aiming to avenge their 2-1 T20 series loss in 2022.