DEVELOPMENT Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) on December 16 approved the incorporation of St Kitts and Nevis and Haiti as new shareholder countries.
The decision, taken during a board of directors meeting, opened the door for both countries to access agile and flexible development financing, technical assistance, and knowledge programmes tailored to the needs of small island and climate-vulnerable states, a news release from CAF said on December 16.
Minister of Finance Davendranath Tancoo is currently the chairman of CAF and presided over the meeting.
The release said, With these decisions, CAF will triple its shareholder countries in the Caribbean as compared with 2023.
During the meeting in Panama City, CAF approved US$3.175 billion for new operations across the region in areas such as electricity infrastructure, water security, sustainable transport, support for vulnerable communities, and financing for SMEs and productive sectors.
These approvals help to reinforce CAF’s growth and increased development assistance to the Caribbean.
In June 2025, during its board meeting in Seville, Spain, the institution approved the incorporation of St Lucia, and over the past twelve months has welcomed The Bahamas, Antigua and Barbuda, and Grenada into its shareholder base. CAF now counts six Caribbean shareholder countries with several others at various stages of the incorporation process. CAF is committed to continue strengthening its engagement with Caribbean governments and to providing agile and flexible development financing solutions that allow countries to advance their development priorities.
CAF executive president Sergio Diaz-Granados expressed his gratitude to the new shareholder countries, highlighting that the incorporation of the two countries reinforces CAF’s commitment to the Caribbean at a pivotal moment for the region.
“St Kitts and Nevis and Haiti are joining a home-grown development bank that was set up by the region for the region,” he said.
With its mandate to promote sustainable development and regional integration, he added that “CAF is more than a bank; it is a bridge that brings Latin America and the Caribbean closer together. We are focused on delivering solutions that reflect the realities of vulnerable Caribbean SIDS. CAF brings a fresh approach to development financing, one that works directly with each country to convert its development priorities into sustained progress and impactful development outcomes for their communities.”
The board of directors also confirmed Barbados’ compliance with the conditions to transition to a full member country of the institution, joining Trinidad and Tobago as the only other CAF full member from Caricom.
The release said, “CAF’s engagement in the Caribbean has continued to deepen since the establishment of its regional office in Trinidad and Tobago in 2022. Since then, the institution has advanced a broad portfolio of initiatives across the region, including climate financing, resilient infrastructure, modernisation of public services, water security, cultural and heritage tourism, education and digital transformation programmes, initiatives that support the blue and green economy, and many other areas critical to the region’s development.
THE Prison Officers’ Association (POA) has expressed concern and condolences on the death of Kelvin Wallace while on remand at the Port of Spain Prison over the weekend, but warned the public against speculating on the circumstances while it is being investigated.
“Any death while in the care of the State is a matter of serious concern and must be treated with the gravity it deserves,” POA president Gerard Gordon told Newsday.
“We note the commentary circulating online, much of which is speculative and unfairly targets prison officers. Our officers operate daily in conditions that are far from ideal. Failing infrastructure, severe overcrowding, and outdated systems of work place both officers and inmates at risk and compromise our ability to hold persons in safe custody and to effectively contribute to public safety.”
Gordon said the association has consistently warned that facilities such as the Port of Spain Prison are no longer fit for purpose. He said the long-standing deficiencies create an environment where incidents are more likely to occur despite the best efforts of officers on the ground.
“We welcome a full and transparent police investigation into this matter and trust that its findings will be guided by facts rather than public conjecture. We also hope that this tragic incident will further underscore our continued call for the closure of the Port of Spain Prison and strengthen support for the development of the Correctional Campus at Tamana, which represents a more modern, humane, and safer approach to corrections for all concerned.”
In September, Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander announced the government was moving forward with plans to decommission the prison after 268 years in service. He said the prisoners would be moved into a modern facility, but did not give any timelines.
In November, Minister of Works and Infrastructure Jearlean John announced the government’s vision for a 500-acre Tamana Prison Campus to house 6,000 inmates as part of its Revitalisation Blueprint event.
Wallace, 35, was found hanging in a cell on December 14 while prison officers were making their rounds, a Prison Service statement said on December 15.
“Upon discovery, all established protocols were immediately engaged. The Medical Services promptly responded and rendered first aid, but to no avail. The District Medical Officer was contacted as well as the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, who subsequently responded to the scene.
The inmate’s next of kin has been contacted by an assigned Welfare Officer, who informed of the tragic incident.”
Wallace was one of four people arrested in connection with the 2013 fatal shooting of Sgt Wendell Manwarring, 42.
Manwarring was responding to a robbery at Mom’s Diner at Cipero Street, San Fernando, in February of that year. Also arrested in connection with the killing were Kerron Nicholas Garcia, Kofi Cropper, and Anthony Clement. Cropper died in July 2014 at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex after he complained of feeling unwell and was transferred to the facility from prison.
In June 2013, Wallace complained of being beaten by other inmates when he reappeared before Deputy Chief Magistrate Mark Wellington in the San Fernando First Court.
In November 2024, High Court Judge Ricky Rahim ordered that compensation in the sum of $75,000 be paid to Wallace in a matter in connection with prison officers beating him in August 2021.
A clinical touch from point-blank range from Jaheim Toney turned out to be the most pivotal moment in Scarborough Secondary’s season as they maintained their spot in the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division for another campaign after getting a 1-0 victory over San Juan North Secondary in a rescheduled match in Shaw Park, Tobago, on December 15.
The match between San Juan and Scarborough was a relegation battle in every sense of the word, as both teams entered the match on 11 points and sat in 14th and 15th spots, respectively, on the 16-team table. Due to a superior goal difference, San Juan just needed a draw to stave off relegation. However, the defining moment of the season for both teams arrived in the 74th minute when Toney tapped in from close range after San Juan goalkeeper Elijah Lawrence made a meal of a low, left-side free kick from Jalani Johnson. Just seconds before, from open play, there was no evident danger as Johnson held up the ball with his back to goal before referee Nikolai Nyron whistled for a push in the back of the Scarborough player. Johnson dusted himself off and sent in his right-footer, which bounced awkwardly in front of Lawrence, whose spill allowed Toney to provide the touch that took Scarborough from 15th to 11th on the standings as they moved to 14 points.
In the fifth minute of second-half stoppage-time and with the last kick of the game, San Juan had the chance to salvage their premier division season, but Jaydon Moraldo volleyed over bar after captain Daniel Lewis floated in a left-side free kick.
With the result, Scarborough leapfrogged San Juan, St Augustine Secondary and Malick Secondary (both 12 points) and Trinity College East (13 points) to make a timely climb up the table.
‘GREEN MACHINE’ GET GREEN LIGHT
At present, the bottom three schools are St Augustine, San Juan and Carapichaima East Secondary, who finished the premier division campaign with 15 losses in as many matches. Interestingly, there could still be late adjustments to the premier division table, as the 14th-placed St Augustine will play a rescheduled match against national intercol runners-up Signal Hill Secondary. On November 24, the SSFL’s disciplinary committee awarded three points to Signal Hill for St Augustine’s no-show for a rescheduled match in Tobago on November 17. However, St Augustine successfully appealed that ruling as the league’s disciplinary committee was found to be improperly constituted. In their second run-in with the league’s disciplinary committee on December 15, the “Green Machine” found favour as the league reversed its earlier decision, which initially rewarded Signal Hill three points for the November 17 no-show. SSFL officials confirmed the reversal of the league’s original decision to Newsday.
At this time, it’s unclear when the fixture will be played, but Newsday understands the Signal Hill and St Augustine match may play no earlier than January 5, which is the designated day for the re-opening of school after the Christmas holidays. Whenever the Green Machine and Signal Hill take to the pitch, a point for the former team will see them saving their season and will send Malick through the relegation door. A defeat will relegate St Augustine alongside Carapichaima and San Juan.
ORGANISERS of the Ultimate Soca Champion, introduced in 2025 as a replacement for the defunct Soca Monarch competition, are nervously awaiting feedback from the government ahead of Carnival 2026.
The competition was noticeably missing from the National Carnival Commission’s (NCC) 2026 calendar of events released on December 16.
Responding to queries from Newsday, Ultimate Soca Champion CEO Jerome “Rome” Precilla said, “We have formally written to the honourable Minister of Culture (Michelle Benjamin) and the National Carnival Commission requesting a meeting to discuss the status of the Ultimate Soca Champion competition for 2026. To date, we are still awaiting an official response.”
In a written statement, Rome said the organisers were fully prepared to move forward with the competition.
“Ultimate Soca Champion 2025 was a strong success, and the response from artistes has been overwhelming. Many performers have already been reaching out, expressing their excitement and eagerness to be part of the 2026 edition.”
He said organisers are mindful of the country’s challenging economic circumstances and are more than willing to sit with Benjamin and NCC to “explore practical and sustainable ways in which the competition can be executed within the current climate.”
He added, “As this is still a relatively new competition, government partnership is critical at this stage to help build it to a level where it can eventually become self-sustaining. At this point, it would be extremely difficult to mount the competition independently without that support.”
He said he is hopeful – in the interest of soca – that an agreement can be reached.
“We remain committed to working collaboratively with the government to ensure that our culture continues to be supported, nurtured, and allowed to flourish,” Rome said.
In April of 2024, the former culture minister Randall Mitchell announced the People’s National Movement (PNM) administration’s intent to partner with private organisations to host a soca competition, following the cancellation of the Soca Monarch.
In July 2024, the government invited expressions of interest. That closed on August 23, 2024 and the ministry received eight submissions.
It then issued, through the NCC, a request for proposals on October 29, 2024 and that closed on November 19, 2024.
Star Global Productions was chosen as the winning bidder.
The organisers revealed in a press conference on January 17, 2025 that the winner would walk away with $1 million.
They also shared that it would mirror international reality-TV formats where the stories of some of the competitors would be told during streamed episodes. There were two categories: the ultimate soca champion and the youth soca champion.
Eventually, Grenada’s Akim “Blaka Dan” Ogiste walked away with the ultimate prize for his popular song, Blessings.
The NCC calendar showed the earliest event next year being the opening of Flava Food Village on January 2 at 7 pm, followed by the January 3 launch of a stickfighting event called Welcome to the Gayelle, to be held at the Moruga Multi-Purpose Youth and Sports Facility. This is a government-led event aimed at adding more stickfighting events to the Carnival calendar, Newsday was told.
The John Cupid Carnival Village is scheduled to open on January 9 and close on January 29.
Chutney Soca Monarch is scheduled to be held on February 14 at Skinner Park, San Fernando.
CHARITIES and unofficial organisations which provide help to the public are reporting that there has been an increase in people asking for donations as the Christmas season progresses.
Avonelle Hector Joseph of Is There Not A Cause (Itnac) said there has been an uptick in people asking for assistance.
“Some organisations do Christmas drives, but because we are doing this all through the year, supplying food, housing, books, etc, we already have a clientele that resort to us for Christmas and of course this year, we have more people.
“What is always interesting is that people make requests on behalf of other people. ‘I have a mother up the road who…, I know it have some people with some children, could you help them,’ that kind of thing.”
She said people are requesting assistance for rental payments and more so housing.
“Itnac has two transition houses, one in Central, one in St James, and then we have a guesthouse we sometimes make available as well, and they’re all packed up. What we have is an increase in people. Because they don’t have jobs they’re getting evicted, they can’t pay their rent and the landlords are running a business, so we have an increase in requests for housing. We generally don’t give cash just to pay people’s rent. If we can, and it’s not something we can do often, we make the arrangement directly with the landlord.”
Living Water Community co-founder Rhonda Maingot said there has definitely been an increase in requests for assistance in the form of funds and food supplies. She said while the numbers have been increasing over the years, there was a sharp increase this year.
Sieunarine Coosal, group executive chairman of Coolsal’s Ltd, presents a woman with a hamper at the Salvation Army’s food hamper distribution at Salvation Army headquarters on Henry Street, Port of Spain, on December 16.
Speaking to Newsday after the blessing of the creche at the Archbishop’s House on Maraval Road, Port of Spain, on December 13, Archbishop Jason Gordon said, “The society is experiencing pain from poverty like we’ve not seen for a while. We have all the tensions with the geopolitics landing at our shores and surrounding us.”
Before he prayed to bless the creche, he urged people to give one gift to Jesus who has blessed his people in so many ways, by reaching out to or doing something for someone.
Gordon repeated this call during the Holy Mass at the Living Water Community on December 14, asking members to donate to the Christmas meal.
“The community serves quite a few people, I think 6,000 people over this Christmas time and if you could sponsor one or two lunches for poor families, that would go a long way to ensure that those who have nothing receive a little something at this Christmas time. It’s a beautiful way of giving a gift to Jesus Christ.”
Salvation Army: Demand exceeds supply
The Salvation Army distributed 600 hampers on December 16, with another 400 to be distributed on December 18. Women’s Ministries divisional director Major Rhonda Matthias said there has been an increase in requests for hampers this year.
“We are still trying to understand what happened this year. We have put it down to what’s happening in the economy, but for our registration this year there was a huge demand, and we could not, we could not meet it.”
She said there would be distributions at other locations and in Tobago.
SEWA head Reevan Teelucksingh told Newsday said while it had not seen an increase in requests, about 30-40 people had reached out. He said the organisation did not have the resources to give out hampers and had focused its efforts on providing relief to Jamaica following the passage of Hurricane Melissa.
Other private citizens and organisations who provide aid said there had been an increase in requests for all kinds of help.
Administrator of the private Facebook group TT Woman’s Forum Alicia J Walters said while the organisation was not a charity, the members tried to assist each other where they could.
“I think there has been an increase in the number of people asking for assistance for this period and for most of the year thus far. The top two things they always ask for are food and rental help, because someone is always on the verge of losing their home or being evicted, or whatever the case is. No-one really asks for cash, unless it is for paying rent or buying food.”
She said the members of the forum donate towards assisting each other as needed.
“There is an ongoing hamper drive in the forum and members would contribute to that drive, and then we would do distribution to members in need. So that’s basically how we do it, we pool our resources and then we’re able to help the other members who are in need.”
Coosal’s Group of Companies executive chairman Sieunarine Coosal told Newsday via phone that he had seen an increase in requests for donations over the last few weeks.
“Many more people need assistance. Many of the community projects will call and send letters for assistance. That has been half my correspondence coming in, for donations to assist communities, to assist schools. People around this time want to do things for the community but there is a lack of funds. It’s more community-based projects where they want to treat children and give out hampers.”
In a release, Coosal said the group of companies had been honoured to serve as the chief patron of the Salvation Army for almost a decade.
“Our continued support of the annual Kettle Drive is something we hold very close to our hearts. The Salvation Army’s unwavering commitment to caring for the most vulnerable in our society strongly aligns with our own values as a family business rooted in service, responsibility, and community upliftment.
“At Coosal’s, giving back at Christmas time is not an obligation – it is a deeply cherished tradition. Each year, we make it a priority to support the Madras Government Primary School and the Maracas Presbyterian School, not only through financial contributions, but by spending meaningful time with the children. Sharing a Christmas meal, distributing gifts and treats, and simply being present brings immense joy to me personally and to the entire Coosal’s team. These moments remind us of the true spirit of the season.”
The release said the organisation supported the schools beyond the Christmas season, reflecting its commitment to education, youth development, and community well-being.
“As a family-owned company, we believe that when our communities thrive, our nation thrives. It is a privilege for Coosal’s to continue partnering with organisations like the Salvation Army and supporting our schools in meaningful, lasting ways. This is the essence of who we are, and it is a legacy we remain committed to carrying forward.”
LESS than an hour after burying his murdered son, trade union leader Michael Annisette stood before mourners to pay tribute to PNM stalwart and one of the labour movement’s most revered figures, Ferdinand “Ferdie” Ferreira, describing him as a mentor, a father figure and a warrior for justice.
Annisette, accompanied by his eldest daughter and his first grandson, delivered the tribute at the Seventh-day Adventist Church on Stanmore Avenue, Port of Spain, on December 16, honouring Ferreira’s lifelong service to workers, his deep patriotism and his unwavering belief in justice.
“I knew I had to be here today,” Annisette said quietly. “Unfortunately, I had to bury my son at the same time. But I told my daughter and my first grandson we had to be here. With the guidance of the ancestors, we would make it on time.”
His son, Micah Annisette, was shot and killed on December 12 in Sangre Chiquito, while two other men were injured in the attack. Around 3 pm, the men’s car was targeted by gunmen in another vehicle.
The driver attempted to flee in reverse but crashed into a yard, where the gunmen fired several more shots.
Speaking on behalf of the Seamen and Waterfront Workers’ Trade Union, which Ferreira served for decades, Annisette described Ferreira as “a towering figure in the labour movement and a lifelong servant of the PNM.
Former prime minister Dr Keith Rowley, centre, among the mourners at the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Port of Spain, at the funeral of Ferdinand ‘Ferdie’ Ferreira, on December 16. –
“He was more than a trade unionist: he was a patriot, he was a serious warrior for justice. His service was defined by discipline, courage, loyalty and a deep belief in the dignity of the working class.”
Annisette reflected on their close personal relationship, revealing for more than 11 years the two men held near-weekly Sunday discussions that often lasted hours.
“I often marvelled at his remarkable memory. It was a gift from above, not an ordinary gift.”
He recalled Ferreira’s disappointment in recent years that no representative from the labour movement contested national elections under the PNM banner, describing it as a “burning desire” that remained close to Ferreira’s heart.
Coming from the Seamen’s Union, which Annisette jokingly referred to as “Duxford University”, he said Ferreira was its dean.
“The man we are speaking about today lived for the people.”
Annisette urged mourners not to bow in sorrow but to stand in honour of Ferreira’s legacy.
“Memories do not live like people do, they stay with you. I know his memory will stay with each and every one of us.”
Describing Ferreira as both soldier and warrior, Annisette said his friend had simply “laid down his tools”.
“Ferdie knew this truth: labour built this nation. Workers move this country, and justice is never given, it is won. That is something he always told me.”
Addressing his daughter and grandson, Annisette spoke of death not as an end but a transformation.
“When an elder dies,” he said, “the village gains a protector in the spiritual world.”
In closing, he thanked Ferreira’s family for sharing him with the nation. With a final farewell to his mentor and friend, Annisette said
“Well done, good and faithful servant, 93 years of life. You have served well. Rest in peace, a true patriot of TT.”
WEST INDIES and TT left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein has been snapped up by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, which will be held between March 26-May 31.
The 32-year-old Hosein, the number-seven-ranked bowler in T20 Internationals, was bought for 2 crore (approximately US $200,000) during the 2026 IPL auction on December 16. Though his stock has steadily risen over the years as a wily and reliable left-arm orthodox bowler – particularly in the power play phase – Hosein is yet to feature heavily in the IPL despite frequent stints in other global leagues such as the Pakistan Super League, International League T20, the Big Bash and the Hundred. Hosein had a brief stint with the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2023 IPL campaign.
To date, Hosein has played 87 T20s for the Windies, to go along with 40 One-day Internationals. In September, he had the distinction of captaining an inexperienced West Indies team, which played Nepal in a three-match T20 series.
Also being purchased by the five-time IPL champs CSK in the auction were the Indian pair of Prashant Veer, 20, and wicket-keeper Kartik Sharma, 19, both of whom are uncapped in the IPL.
Notable players on CSK’s roster for the 2026 season are skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, exciting South African batsman Dewald Brevis, New Zealand fast bowler Matt Henry, legendary wicket-keeper/batsman MS Dhoni and another wicket-keeper/batsman in Sanju Samson, who was traded to the franchise last month.
That blockbuster trade saw the allround pair of Sam Curran and Indian superstar Ravindra Jadeja moving from CSK to the Rajasthan Royals.
Other Windies players set to feature in the upcoming IPL campaign are: Shimron Hetmyer (Rajasthan); Jason Holder (Gujarat Titans); Sunil Narine and Rovman Powell (both Kolkata Knight Riders); Sherfane Rutherford (Mumbai Indians); Romario Shepherd (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) and retired, former Windies white-ball captain Nicholas Pooran (Lucknow Super Giants).
Royal Challengers Bengaluru are the IPL’s defending champs after capturing their maiden crown in the 2025 season.
WEST Indies batting coach Floyd Reifer called for his batsmen to take more responsibility during their innings in an effort to level the three-match Test series against New Zealand. The third and final Test bowls off in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand, from 6 pm (TT time) on December 17.
After battling to a draw in the first Test, West Indies flatered to deceive in the second match as they were crushed in three days by nine wickets as New Zealand grabbed a 1-0 lead in the series.
The Windies will again be without the services of opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul as the left-hander has not recovered from a side-strain injury.
Brandon King and John Campbell are expected to bat at the top of the order for the regional team.
Reifer said West Indies had promising moments in the second Test, but the players only showed flashes of it.
“In terms of the totality of our game, I thought we played a decent game of cricket,” Reifer told Cricket West Indies media. “Obviously, we put ourselves in very good positions being in control of the game, but you could see that we did not control the game for long enough periods of time, especially in the batting department…going into this game that is something that we spoke about and it is something that we want to improve on in terms of when we are in control of the situation to stay in control for longer periods of time.”
Looking at the conditions in Mount Maunganui, Reifer said the batsmen will have to be watchful in the first two days of the contest, which will lead to the players converting their starts.
“All the pitches here are green…the first two days are good for bowling.
“The ball will nip around a lot here in New Zealand, so it is just a matter of, like I said, respecting the starts. Certain shots you can and cannot play early in New Zealand with the new ball, so it is just staying disciplined and for players to take more responsibility in terms of how they go about their innings.”
In the second Test, many West Indies batsmen spent time at the crease but failed to carry on. No players scored a fifty in the match as batsmen were dismissed in the twenties, thirties and forties.
West Indies will be hoping for a repeat of the first Test, led by Justin Greaves.
The tall right-hander struck 202 not out and with ample support from Shai Hope (140) and fast bowler Kemar Roach (58 not out), West Indies held on for a draw.
“I always believe in Justin’s ability to score runs and perform at this level,” Reifer said.
“It was proven in the last (first) Test. He has been batting well for a long period of time, so it is just for him now to put in the consistent performances.”
Roach can create history in the final Test as he is seven wickets away from 300 wickets in the format.
Roach, 37, has played 87 Test matches and will join just four other West Indians in the 300-wicket club.
Pacer Courtney Walsh is the leading wicket taker for West Indies with 519 scalps, Sir Curtly Ambrose is second with 405, followed by Malcolm Marshall (376) and spinner Lance Gibbs (309).
For the second straight evening, Jamaica flexed their muscles in the DecembHER Football – Jewels of the Caribbean tourney when they spanked a TT Women’s League Football (WoLF) United XI 6-0 at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva on December 16.
Twenty-four hours after their under-17 countrywomen brushed aside the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) Future Stars XI, Jamaica’s under-20 girls also displayed their quality in front of goal as they made light work of the makeshift WoLF team in the under-20 category of the Jewels showcase. It was one-way traffic for most of the 90 minutes in Balmain, with the Jamaica outfit being led by a rampant performance from winger Maya Raghunandanan, who scored a rapid first-half brace and troubled the WoLF defence all game with her speed and direct play.
From as early as the seventh minute, WoLF goalkeeper Faith Lawrence was in the firing line, with her palms being stung by a right-footed shot on the swivel from Avery Johnson. Just three minutes later, Lawrence was beaten for the first time on a long night when flanker Alyssa Stephenson passed calmly into the net after the WoLF goalie stuck out her feet to save a shot from Destiny Powell. By the half, Jamaica, the winners of last year’s Jewels under-20 tournament, were four goals to the good as Raghunandanan’s brace was followed up by a goal by impressive holding midfielder and captain Jaileah Cox-McPherson.
TT’s lone attacking spark was winger Shurella Mendez, who put in a good shift on both sides of the ball as she tried to go toe-to-toe with the speed of the Reggae Girlz on the flanks. The WoLF defence was overwhelmed, though, with Kyla Gairy, Akilah Gomez and Temia St Clair put under constant pressure by the Jamaicans.
After missing a couple of good chances, Jamaica made it 2-0 in the 26th minute when Raghunandanan guided the ball into the net from close range after Powell and marauding left back Andrene Smith linked up beautifully down the left before the ball was squared into the area. A minute later, the relentless Raghunandanan was back for more as she rifled a right-footer into the far corner after going on a run down the right, which saw her edging both Gomez and Mendez in a foot race.
The Jamaicans ought to have made it three goals in as many minutes, but Malayna Mighty Johnson swept her shot wide of the mark with the goal at her mercy after Stephenson squared from the left flank. The Jamaicans got their fourth goal just before the interval, as Cox-McPherson took a brief break from her holding responsibilities to squeeze a left-footer through some bodies and into the net in the 43rd minute after more tireless wide play by Raghunandanan.
Now in cruise control, the Jamaicans nearly brought the house down in the 59th minute and it’s no surprise Raghunandanan was in the thick of the action. She dug out a brilliant cross in a tight spot on the right, with Powell sending a powerful right-footed volley just over the bar. Jamaica did get their fifth goal just four minutes later, albeit via a much simpler fashion. Smith was rewarded for her industry as she ran onto a ball over the top from substitute Ciara Mitchell to beat Lawrence with ease. In the final minute of regulation time, Mitchell also got on the scoresheet when she slammed a left-footer into the bottom corner after collecting a pass just inside the area.
Up to press time on December 16, Indy Premier SC led TT’s under-20 women 1-0 in their opening-night clash in the under-20 category. On December 18, the Jamaicans will try to put on another ruthless display when they take on Indy Premier from 5 pm at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo, with the TT under-20s playing the WoLF XI.
In the under-17 age group on December 17, Indy Premier will play the SSFL XI, with TT’s under-17s facing the Jamaicans in an appetising matchup.
The respective under-17 and under-20 finals in the one-week Jewels tourney will be played on December 21.
Coach Ayana Russell and her Trinidad and Tobago under-17 women’s team received a rude awakening on the opening night of the DecembHER Football – Jewels of the Caribbean tournament when they were whipped 4-0 by US-based club Indy Premier SC at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo on December 15.
The match was the second game of a double-header in the under-17 age group of this year’s Jewels competition, with the Jamaica under-17 women spanking a Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) Future Stars XI 5-2 in the opening match of the tourney.
Similar to the young Reggae Girlz, the Indy Premier outfit is fielding teams in both under-17 and under-20 age groups in the Jewels tournament this year. And although TT’s national under-17 team are preparing for the 2026 Concacaf Women’s Under-17 Qualifiers, which kick off next month, it took roughly 20 minutes in the clash with Indy Premier to see the work still to be done with the local squad as the visitors’ tempo and precision of passing posed a serious threat to the hosts from the jump.
By the 25th minute, busy Indy Premier flanker Zoey Montgomery made a nuisance of herself as she found the back of the net three times with a fine display of finishing. However, Montgomery’s luck wasn’t quite working in Mucurapo as she was ruled to be offside on each occasion. Indy Premier did have something to show for their dominance and occupation in the TT half, though, with striker Olivia Jones steering home from close range in the 12th minute after meeting a right-side cross from Adelyn Thomas.
TT offered very little by way of an attacking threat, with a hopeful long-range punt from substitute Hackeemar Goodridge in the 26th minute being one of the few times they troubled goalkeeper Gwenyth Provost. SSFL Girls’ Player of the Year for 2024, Nikita Gosine, was deployed in a defensive midfield role as she tried to shield the backline. And though she did have forays where she showed glimpses of her ability, her influence on the game never grew enough to trouble the well-organised visitors.
In the 35th minute, Indy Premier got their second item when Skylar Mueller scored with a beautiful left-footed curler from the edge of the area, which beat a spectacular diving effort from goalkeeper Zofia Richards.
It didn’t take long for Indy Premier to extend their lead after the break, as Jones was Johnny-on-the-spot to tap in a rebound in the 59th minute after Richards made a sharp save to stop a well-drilled shot by Ashlyn Bazile. In the 66th minute, the small but noisy TT supporting crew got excited after Gosine carved out a chance for Sydney Pollard after making a run down the right. However, the chance quickly went to waste as Pollard missed her kick when the ball rolled to her at the edge of the area.
At the other end in the 85th minute, Bazile showed she brought her finishing boots when she shot into the net from close range after Jones held up the ball nicely before squeezing a through pass into her path.
From 5pm at the Sangre Grande recreation ground on December 17, the Indy outfit will aim to continue their dominance when they play the SSFL XI. In the second game from 7 pm, TT will try to rebound when they take on their Jamaican counterparts.
ACP Richard Smith, head of the Anti Extortion Unit, said it was a “sad state of affairs” to see one of its members arrested and charged for gun offencers.
A media release from the TT Police Service (TTPS) on December 16 identified PC Kushal Karamthesingh as the officer charged with gun offences stemming from a December 10 incident aboard a boat on the Caroni River.
Karamthesingh was charged with transferring his Glock 48 pistol, transferring ten rounds of 9mm ammunition, possession of three 12 gauge cartridges, failing to have his Firearm User’s Licence (FUL) when carrying his legal firearms and ammunition in a public place, not being authorised to keep and the improper use of a TTPS shotgun, and not being authorised to keep five TTPS 12 gauge cartridges.
Civilian Ramjit Ramlochan was arrested along with Karamthesingh and charged with possession of the officer’s Glock 48 pistol and ammunition.
Karamthesingh was granted bail with surety in the sum of $175,000 while Ramlochan was granted bail with surety in the sum of $120,000.
Both men are expected to appear in court on December 17, to answer their respective charges.
Speaking with Newsday on December 16, Smith described the incident as a “sad state of affairs” but said the unit continues to operate.
He called on the public to not let the incident dampen their confidence in the unit which was founded in October 2024 under former police commissioner Erla Harewood-Christopher.
“We have worked hard to build the confidence of the members of the public…This doesn’t change that. We have officers with integrity who are highly trained and we expect members of the public to continue making reports to us.
“The unit is not going to be disbanded for this. It’s not that all the members of the unit were involved in any nefarious activities, so they will continue to function just as normal.”
Smith noted in the 14 months the unit has been operating, it has been successful, and said the numbers prove it.
“We have an over 50 per cent detection rate and we continue to perform above and beyond the set standard.”
He said the unit has done great work and was even recognised by current commissioner Allister Guevarro for its successes.
“Approximately a month ago they received commendations and a monetary award for their performance. So (Guevarro) is pleased with their performance and there is no talk or anything afoot to disband that unit.”
He said the unit is still necessary given the current crime landscape.
“The unit will be there as long as it needs to be there. We haven’t had any discussions about disbanding the unit any time soon because we are still seeing reports of demanding money by menace or extortion coming in on a daily basis.”
Smith insisted he will do his best to ensure the image of the unit is not tarnished.
“That is the first officer from that unit to be arrested on any kind of offence, and that will also be the last.”
THE Trinidad and Tobago Police Service on December 15 held its Carols and Cans Christmas outreach in Arima.
A news release from the TTPS on December 16 said, “Carols and Cans is aimed at fostering unity and goodwill within the community.”
It brought together churches, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), Police Youth Clubs, schools and the public for a festive evening filled with music, carolling and giving.
A young chac chac player takes the spotlight during a parang performance at Carols and Cans. – Photo courtesy TTPS
The release said, the performances highlighted the spirit of unity and community engagement, not only entertaining but also bringing people together in celebration of the season.
Among those present were Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro; Deputy Commissioner of Police – Operations Suzette Martin; Mayor of Arima Balliram Maharaj; the Assistant Chief Fire Officer, the chief executive officer of the Municipal Police, the head of Municipal Police, and a lieutenant from the 1st Engineer Battalion of the TTDF.
The event, held at the Arima Velodrome, kicked off with a vibrant parang performance by students from the Arima Boys’ RC School, “setting a joyful and festive tone for the evening.”
La Horquetta Police Youth Club then presented an skit, which provided the audience with practical tips on how to become “hard targets” and stay safe during the holiday season.
Deputy Commissioner of Police – Operations Suzette Martin with performers. – Photo courtesy TTPS
There were musical performances by the Malabar RC School, as well as renditions from the Pinto/Santa Rosa and Oropune Police Youth Clubs.
A key feature of the Carols and Cans, the release said, was its charitable component.
Officers from the Northern Division North organised a week-long food collection drive. The donations, form police officers and specially invited guests, will be distributed to those in need within the community.
“We are thrilled with the turnout and the level of community involvement in our first Carols and Cans outreach event,” said Snr Supt Northern Division North, Sherma Maynard Wilson. “This initiative highlights the importance of building strong relationships between the police and the community. We hope that this event will serve as a reminder of the power of unity, kindness, and the true spirit of the holiday season.”
Musicians perform at Carols and Cans on December 15 at the Arima Velodrome. – Photo courtesy TTPS
She added “Cans and Carols is a reminder of what this season truly represents. The carols remind us of hope, peace, and the reason we celebrate Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ, and the cans reflect our compassion in action, allowing those in need to experience hope and love during this season as well as to demonstrate our collective commitment of compassion.”
“The TTPS is committed to continuing its outreach efforts and fostering positive relationships with the community through initiatives like Carols and Cans. Plans for future events are already in motion, with hopes of making this an annual tradition to further strengthen community ties,” the release said.
A Claxton Bay family was robbed at gunpoint in their Soldad Road home on December 15 by attackers who showed up in a car bearing false number plates.
Reports said the 49-year-old man was in his front yard around 6.20 am when a grey Nissan Note pulled up, and two masked men exited, announcing a robbery. One of the men pointed a gun at the man and forced him inside the house, where his 45-year-old wife and 18-year-old daughter were, and began searching for valuables. The men took cash, jewellery and cellphones before running out of the house and escaping in the waiting car.
Investigators are retrieving CCTV footage. A search revealed that the license plate fitted to the assailants’ car was registered to a Toyota RAV4. Enquiries are continuing.
TWO MEN were robbed on December 15, when they went to Tunapuna to sell an air rifle to a man they met on Facebook.
The victims, 45-year-old men from Couva and Marabella, went to Upper Fairley Street, Bamboo Trace, Tunapuna around 5.30 pm to meet a man who had agreed on Facebook to buy the rifle.
Upon reaching the street, the man invited them behind a two-storey house to conduct the transaction.
As they entered the yard behind the house, three other men approached them with guns and announced a robbery.
The two bandits stole the air rifle, $500 cash, a gold chain worth $7,000, a $3,000 white Samsung S10 plus and a grey Redmi phone valued at $2,500.
Both victims then ran off and escaped the bandits but one victim injured his knees while escaping.
The men reported the matter to the Tunapuna Police Station and PC Brown has been assigned to investigate.
Meanwhile, police in Arouca are searching for bandits who accosted a man at Trincity Mall car park and stole his bag with more than $40,000 inside.
The 34-year-old victim from Corinth exited the mall around 1.30 pm on December 15 and was standing in the car park near Pennywise.
Two men wearing ski masks ran up to him and announced a robbery.
They grabbed his grey backpack containing $42,000 cash, his national identification card and his driving permit.
The men then got into a white- Nissan AD wagon and drove off.
PC Lalsingh of the Arouca Police Station is investigating the robbery.
VALENCIA hunter Paul Campo, who has been missing since December 13, was safely found around midday on December 16.
Hunters Search and Rescue Team head Vallence Rambharat shared the positive news in a video on the group’s Facebook page from the Guayaguayare forest, where search operations were underway.
“It seems as if he made his way from Guayaguayare over the last 70 hours and would have journeyed to the Rio Claro Guayaguayare Road and started to make his way out to Rio Claro where he was picked up.”
He added: “We elated, we’re so happy that Paul Campo, who is 49 from Valencia, has been safely located.”
According to reports, Campo went to the Guayaguayare forest for the first time at night on December 12 with a friend from Valencia. They were joined in the morning on December 13 by hunters familiar with the area; however, Campo got separated from the group around 2.30 pm.
A search was immediately launched and by the next day had grown to include about 20 villagers.
ExxonMobil’s work on the TT Ultra Deep 1 (TTUD 1) block is running on schedule, with the first shot of the seismic survey expected to begin in about two months, the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries (MEEI) said.
A MEEI release on December 16 said the update was provided to the ministry by a high-level delegation from the US Embassy and ExxonMobil.
“ExxonMobil indicated that operations projected for TTUD 1 are on schedule and confirmed that the company has now selected a seismic acquisition vendor and expressed gratitude for the support and cooperation of the Government thus far as the company proceeds to ambitiously begin seismic acquisition within six (6) months of the Production Sharing Contract signing that occurred in August 2025. The anticipated first shot window is projected for February 2026,” the release said.
The MEEI said during the meeting, whose location and date were not disclosed, Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal and Minister in the Ministry Ernesto Kesar reiterated the government’s commitment to support the project by optimising the necessary permitting and approvals processes to ensure minimal delays on the State’s end to achieve the accelerated timeline for the execution of the minimum work committed by ExxonMobil.
The energy ministers and the officials from the US Embassy reaffirmed their mutual commitment to the collaboration between both countries, particularly on energy sector matters.
“All parties remain committed to the accelerated and successful development of TTUD 1, committing to continued open dialogue and communication,” the release said.
Joining the ministers at the meeting on behalf of the MEEI were acting permanent secretary Karinsa Tulsie and acting senior chemical engineer Terrence Ali.
The US Embassy’s delegation included Chargé d’affaires Dr Jenifer Neidhart de Ortiz and deputy Chief of Mission Charlie J Franta III.
ExxonMobil’s team included South America exploration manager Paul Riley, upstream commercial manager Gboyega Ayeni and senior director, international government relations Ambassador Craig Kelly (retired).
The update came one day after the Venezuelan government immediately terminated all energy ties with TT, as it accused the government of knowing about the US military’s interception of an oil tanker reportedly headed to Cuba from Venezuela on December 10.
Responding to the announcement out of Caracas, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said she was not bothered by the cancellations.
“We have never depended on Venezuela for natural gas supplies. We have adequate reserves within our territory. We are aggressively working to reduce bureaucratic barriers to speed up approvals for energy companies.”
FOR the first time, Scotiabank Trinidad and Tobago Ltd has earned over $2 billion in revenue.
The company also declared a profit after tax of $696 million for the year ended October 2025, surpassing October 2024 numbers by $38 million.
The subsidiary of the Canada-based Bank of Nova Scotia also recorded its highest ever earnings per share, which increased to 395 cents with a dividend yield of 6.26 per cent.
Dividends also stood at 90 cents per share for the fourth quarter, totalling 300 cents for 2025.
Managing director Gayle Pazos said, “I am pleased to report another successful year for our group. This strong financial performance reflects the success of our strategic initiatives, deliberate investment in digital technologies, delivering product and payment capability coupled with customer-focused execution.
“For the first time in our history, total revenue exceeded $2 billion, with year-on-year growth of seven per cent, with strong retail loan growth. Our investment portfolio also grew by $522 million or eight per cent, and deposits with customers grew by $1.4 billion or six per cent, demonstrating our customers’ confidence in our portfolio of products.
“The company’s digital adaptation increased to 57 per cent as it continues to modernise daily transitions. He said only two per cent of all transactions are processed over the counter at the bank’s branches.
“The company’s net interest income also increased by over $100 million to $1.5 billion in 2025. Interest income on loans to customers rose by $58 million, with retail loan income growing by four per cent and commercial by six per cent.
“Apart from leveraging digital advancements within the retail and corporate/commercial segments, we have committed to working alongside our customers, understanding their needs and providing better opportunities for our clients. In closing, I want to extend heartfelt thanks to all Scotiabankers for their hard work and commitment over the last year. Your lean in ensured another year of outstanding achievement for our bank.”
In the latest consumer price index, released on December 16, the Central Statistical Office (CSO) said the inflation rate for November 2025, which measures the percentage change in the all items index for the month of November 2025 as compared to the same month the year before, reported an inflation rate of 0.5 per cent.
This represents an increase for the previous period (October 2025/October 2024) when the rate was 0.4 per cent.
The CSO added that the all items index was reported at 125.2, representing an increase of two per cent or 0.3 points as compared to the month before.
Food and non-alcoholic items increased by 0.4 per cent for the month of November, being reported at 152.8 in November as compared to 152.2 in October.
The CSO said contributing significantly to the increase was the general increase in prices of cucumber, tomatoes, fresh carite, chive, garlic, mixed fresh seasoning, table margarine, cheddar cheese, melon and instant coffee.
The full impact of the price increases was offset by the general decrease in the prices of fresh whole chicken, Irish potatoes, ochroes, oranges, pumpkin, mauby, melongene, onions, cakes and pastry products.
The release said, “A further review of the data for November 2025 compared with October 2025 reflected an increase in the sub-index for alcoholic beverages and tobacco of 21.2 per cent. This period also showed decreases in the sub-indices for clothing and footwear of 0.3 per cent and Health of 0.1 per cent.”
All other sections, it said, remained unchanged.
On October 13, during his presentation of the national budget for 2025-2026, Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo announced a 100 per cent increase in customs duties on rum and spirits, beer and tobacco products with immediate effect.
