Caribbean Kings and Defence Force emerged as the winners of the respective men’s and women’s categories at the Harvard International Rugby 7s tournament which was held at St Mary’s College grounds in St Clair from November 29-30.
The Caribbean Kings touring team won the men’s category as they held off Defence Force in their finale, while the Defence Force ladies had better fortunes in their category and edged Royalians to take top spot after round-robin action.
Whanau under-20 player Skyler Hope stretches his legs during action in the Harvard International Rugby 7s Tournament. – Photo by Ayanna Kinsale
The Caribbean Kings advanced to the final when they got a 19-12 win over the host team Harvard Rugby Club 19-12 in the semis. In the final, the Caribbean Kings were pushed hard by the Defence Force ruggermen but they stood firm to grind out a 19-14 win to seal the crown. Harvard finished in third place in the men’s category.
The women’s under-20 category was won by San Juan RFC, who beat SEPOS Ruggers into second position. Whanau Rugby Academy placed third in the women’s under-20 category.
A Royalians women’s player tries to maker her way through a swarm of Defence Force players. – Photo by Ayanna Kinsale
Whanau made up in the men’s under-20 category, though, as they defeated Silvos’ Youth Academy 12-5 in their final to top that division. Meanwhile, Silvo’s got a measure of revenge in the men’s under-16 division as they beat Whanau into second, with Harvard finishing third.
A Whanau player makes a catch against Harvard in rugby action recently. – Photo by Ayanna Kinsale
The next item on the calendar will be the Tobago Classic 7s which will be staged from January 9-10.
FATIMA College and St Anthony’s College sealed a meeting in this year’s Secondary Schools Football League’s (SSFL) boys’ north zone intercol final with contrasting results over St Mary’s College and Malick Secondary in their respective semis at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo on November 21.
Meanwhile, in the east zone intercol semis on November 22, San Juan North Secondary booked their spot in the zonal final when they defeated Arima North Secondary 5-4 on penalties after the teams were tied 2-2 at the end of regulation time. The “Dial Dynamos” will certainly feel like they let one slip against the reigning east zone intercol champions, as they took a two-goal lead to the half before the game was tied up late by San Juan attacker Jahdel Chase-Charles.
At the Arima North compound, the hosts took the lead in the 27th minute with a penalty from their prolific midfielder Darren DeFour, before Rickeel Phillip made it 2-0 in the 44th minute. After the break, San Juan midfielder Daniel Lewis cut into Arima’s lead with a 68th-minute strike, with Chase-Charles then sending the game into the shootout with his goal in the 86th minute.
From the spot, San Juan kept their nerves and just edged their rivals to get the 5-4 victory to keep their zonal title-defence well and truly alive.
San Juan, who are still battling for premier division survival in the ongoing league campaign, will now meet the “Green Machine” of St Augustine Secondary in the east final after the latter school got a 2-0 victory over St George’s College on November 20 in the other semifinal.
In Mucurapo on November 21, there was also a lot of penalty drama as reigning north zone champions Fatima saw off a late comeback effort from St Mary’s in regulation time to eke out a 4-3 win on penalty kicks after the teams were deadlocked at 3-3 through 90 minutes.
Perhaps, fittingly, Fatima opened the scoring in regulation time via a 52nd-minute penalty from Seth Hadeed, with Eran McLeod then equalising for St Mary’s with a penalty of his own 12 minutes later.
By the 80th minute, Fatima looked to be sailing to the north finale as Phillip Nelson scored his second goal in the space of five minutes to give his team a 3-1 lead. St Mary’s battled back, though, with the burly Jaylon Roberts cutting Fatima’s lead to 3-2 with a thunderbolt from outside the area before Josiah Hunte notched the equaliser in the dying moments of the game.
From the spot, St Mary’s squandered a 3-2 lead as Fatima came back to pull off the 4-3 shootout victory.
In the first match of the north zone semifinal double-header, the “Westmoorings Tigers” of St Anthony’s got a 3-0 win over Malick to set up a tasty final with Fatima.
NAPARIMA College manager Percy Samlalsingh said the 2025 Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division title race is now theirs to lose after they reclaimed the lead on the 16-team table with a 1-0 victory away to the tenth-placed St Mary’s College on Serpentine Road in St Clair on November 10.
With the result, Naparima (34 points) moved a point ahead of St Benedict’s College (33 points) with just one game left in the campaign for both teams. Another southern school in Presentation College San Fernando (31 points) are currently third and also have one match left. Holders Fatima College are fourth on 29 points and also have one league game left, but now have no chance of retaining their crown.
After the scrappy win over the “Saints” on the road, Samlalsingh described the “Naps” performance as their worst of the season. However, the manager said it was all about results at this stage of the campaign and was pleased the team is back in the driver’s seat after a late-season blip, which saw them getting just one point in a three-match stretch – including losses to Presentation and St Anthony’s College.
“It’s in our hands now. We have to win. We can’t study what the other teams are doing. We just have to win our last game,” Samlalsingh told Newsday.
“We lost, drew, lost and now we’re back again. Teams will go through little patches. We didn’t want to go through it this season, but it has happened. We just have to keep back on that winning record like the last couple of games and we look forward to that Signal Hill game.”
The Angus Eve-coached Naparima team and their title-chasing rivals will have a wait before they could resume their race towards the premier division title, though, as Signal Hill (22 points) still have four games to make up before a November 27 meeting with Naparima on Lewis Street in San Fernando, while the early stages of the national intercol competition will also be contested in the intervening period.
“We’ll have the national intercol to look at as well too because that’s a knockout. If you have a bad day at the office, you’re out.”
With the solitary match to go in their league campaign, Naparima are on the cusp of getting a fifth premier division crown, having previously achieved the feat in 2014, 2015, 2018 and 2019. Samlalsignh praised the strides made by the team this season.
“It’s better than last season. Last season, we finished seventh,” the Naps manager said. “Where we’re at right now, fighting for a title is a massive improvement, and we just look forward to trying to win back one trophy for Naparima College.”
FATIMA COLLEGE reigned supreme at the inaugural RBC Royal Slam College’s Basketball Tournament on November 9, subduing St Mary’s College 122-84 at the Eastern Regional Indoor Sporting Arena, Tacarigua.
It capped off weeks of intense competition, school pride and standout individual performances, and fans were treated to two thrilling matchups.
The championship final delivered on every ounce of anticipation as Fatima faced off against St Mary’s College in a high-octane showdown. Fatima displayed superior teamwork and relentless defence, storming to comprehensive victory, led by their standout “Big Three” of William Francis, Zachary Julien and Idriis Martin.
Michael Mc Carthy of Presentation College San Fernando, top left, fights for a rebound against player William Francis of Fatima College at the Royal Slam College’s Basketball Tournament at the Sporting Complex in Tacarigua, on November 8. – Photo by Faith Ayoung
Francis had an incredible all-round performance with a triple-double, scoring 28 points, grabbing 13 rebounds, with 12 steals, seven assists, and three blocks. Julien was the leading scorer, torching the CIC defence for 32 points. Martin was also in excellent form with 24 points and seven steals.
For St Mary’s, Nkobi Ince continued his stellar tournament form, registering 32 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists in a spirited performance that went in vain.
RBC’s CEO Marc Jardine presents Presentation College’s Michael Mc Carthy with the Tournament MVP trophy at the closing of the RBC Royal Slam College’s Basketball Tournament at the Eastern Regional Sporting Complex in Tacarigua on November 9.
In the third-place playoff, Presentation College San Fernando edged past Queen’s Royal College with an 85-77 victory to claim the final podium spot. Presentation’s dominant centre Michael McCarthy once again proved unstoppable, recording a massive double-double of 28 points and 24 rebounds, securing his team’s third-place finish. Despite a heroic effort from Talib Daniel of QRC, who dropped 44 points and ten rebounds, the southern powerhouse held firm to clinch the win.
Zachary Julien of Fatima College dunks the ball at the Royal Slam College’s Basketball Tournament. – Photo by Faith Ayoung
The cheerleaders of the Studio 7 Spartans added to the electrifying atmosphere with two spectacular half-time performances as well as provided support to the playing teams on the evening.
Tournament All-Star 5
Point Guard: Zachary Julien (Fatima College) – 24.8 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 6.2 APG
Four schools will put everything on the line on November 8 when the semifinals of the RBC Royal Slam College Basketball competition are held at the Eastern Regional Indoor Sporting Arena, Tacarigua.
From 4 pm, Group A winners Fatima College will play Presentation College San Fernando, with Group B victors St Mary’s College meeting their northern rivals Queen’s Royal College (QRC) in the second semifinal from 6 pm. Meanwhile, the schools will have less than 24 hours to rest when they go for gold the subsequent day, as the gold-medal match will be played at noon on November 9 with the third-place playoff being played from 10 am.
On the final day of preliminary-round play on October 26, Fatima sealed Group A honours when they got a 112-67 blowout win over QRC. The Fatima “Big Three” of Williams Francis, Zachary Julien and Idriis Martin all scored 20-plus points in the victory over QRC. Meanwhile, on October 25, St Mary’s wrapped up Group B when they defeated St Anthony’s College 96-83. Nkobi Ince was impressive for St Mary’s in their victory over St Anthony’s with 35 points, eight boards and six steals, with Zane Peters draining 31 points.
This weekend, Fatima, ‘Pres’, QRC or St Mary’s will finish off the Royal Slam with a bang to lift the coveted crown.
Signal Hill climbed three places up the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division standings after securing a 1-0 victory over St Mary’s College when action continued at the school grounds in Tobago on November 6.
A second-half strike from J’meke Watkins was the lone goal that separated both teams at the final whistle.
The result for the hosts saw Signal Hill leapfrog three teams – St Mary’s, Queen’s Royal College and Arima North Secondary – to go from tenth to seventh. Signal Hill, Arima North and QRC are all tied on 19 points each, but the Tobagonians hold a superior goal advantage.
This season, Signal Hill missed several matches owing to postponement, and still have six games in hand. If victorious in the remainder, they can break into the top three in a late-season surge.
The result for CIC (18 points), however, saw them slip from ninth to tenth with just one match remaining in the league for them.
Three south teams control the current standings with St Benedict’s College (33 points) in pole position, followed by Naparima College (31) and Presentation College San Fernando (31). Defending champions Fatima College (29) are fourth.
Benedict’s, “Pres” and Fatima both have one match to play to complete the league season while “Naps” have two.
FATIMA College, Presentation College (San Fernando), Queen’s Royal College and St Mary’s College will take their places in the final four of the RBC Royal Slam College tourney after emerging from the group phase which concluded on October 26 at the Eastern Regional Indoor Sporting Arena in Tacarigua.
In group A action on October 26, Fatima whipped QRC 112-67 to seal top spot in the group and set up a semis meeting with Presentation.
Fatima showed their dominance early in the top-of-the-table clash with the Royalians, and it was their “Big 3” of Williams Francis, Zachary Julien and Idriis Martin who got the job done again.
Francis led the way with a strong triple-double showing (25 points, 13 rebounds and a whopping 11 steals), Julien had 29 points, to go along with six rebounds and five steals, while Martin chipped in with 23 points and also grabbed eight steals.
QRC captain Talib Daniel had another solid game with 29 points and nine rebounds but it wan’t nearly enough to stop the boys from Mucurapo Road from registering a big victory.
Also in group A, Holy Cross College ensured a third-place finish on October 26 when they beat St Francis Boys’ College 71-36. Zion Redwood led the Holy Cross effort with 17 points, eight rebounds and six steals.
A day before, Holy Cross were hapless against a surging Daniel who poured in 35 points and pulled down 13 rebounds as QRC got an 85-56 victory over the eastern school as the Royalians got their second win which was eventually good enough for a semifinal place.
Meanwhile, in group B play on October 25, the “Saints” of St Mary’s College earned a 96-83 victory over St Anthony’s College.
The impressive Nkobi Ince dropped 35 points, to go along with eight rebounds and six steals, while Zane Peters racked up 31 points as the Saints marched into the semifinals as group B victors. “Pres” finished as group B runners-up.
St Anthony’s led in the first half and had strong performances from Amir Balgobin (33 points, eight rebounds, four steals) and Jahiem McLeod (29 points), but were unable to topple their northern rivals.
From 4 pm on November 8, St Mary’s will meet another northern rival QRC in the first semi, with Fatima battling Presentation in the next semi. The tournament’s final will be held on November 9. All matches will be held at the Tacarigua venue.
Naparima College staved off a persistent Queen’s Royal College (QRC) outfit 2-0 to maintain pole position on the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premiership standings when round 11 matches kicked off on October 18.
At a patchy QRC grounds in Port of Spain, a 41st minute goal from attacker Adasa Richardson and an own goal from QRC defender Xavier Caruth in the 82nd sealed the deal for “Naps” as they secured a precious away win, adding three more points to their unspoilt record this season.
The result saw the south team remain atop the 16-team standings, on 27 points, unbeaten after nine matches, with six still to play.
From the get-go, both teams showed early aggression. The Royalians’ Shazard Nabbie had the first real chance for the hosts as he collected the ball atop the box and shot towards the top left corner, which Naparima goalie Mikhail Clement palmed down for an easy stop.
“Naps’” defence delivered another solid showing, and despite some intermittent blunders at the back, they held firm to the end.
In the 20th minute, Richardson fed a ball through to a goalwards-charging Riquelme Phillips, but he was crowded out by a QRC defender and goalkeeper Jaheim Affan.
A shot from distance from Naparima’s Marion France in the 25th minute tested Affan, who dove to his left to prevent a certain goal. Two minutes later, Cabbie could have levelled things, but his shot went over the top.
QRC’s Jasai Theophilus tried to hold off two Naps defenders and got his shot off, but it ricocheted off the defender’s leg and out for a corner.
Forty minutes in, a free kick for “Naps” from the top left side of the QRC box saw Richardson get his foot on to the ball played into the area, which beat Affan to draw first blood. So it remained at the break.
At the resumption, “Naps” continued to press to double the lead while QRC kept searching for the equaliser.
Presentation College Mahkaya Mahon (C) gets control of the ball against St Anthony’s College during the Secondary Schools Football League championship division at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium, San Fernando, on October 18, 2025.
It would never come for the home team, and a defensive mix-up at the back saw Caruth head the ball back to Affan, who was too close for comfort, as the pass sailed over his head and into his goal.
A scrambling Affan tried to make up ground but could not as “Naps” went 2-0 up.
QRC striker Jahseem Pierre could have pulled one back in the 87th, but he shot straight to Naparima goalkeeper Mikhail Clement, who boasts conceding only two goals so far this season.
In other matches, second-placed Fatima College (22 pts) suffered a surprising 3-2 defeat away to Signal Hill Secondary. They, however, still maintain second place.
Presentation College San Fernando (21 pts) slipped to fourth after going down to St Anthony’s College (16 pts) 1-0 at Manny Ramjohn Stadium in Marabella. The Westmorrings Tigers are now fourth.
However, St Benedict’s College (21 pts) rose to third, via superior goal difference, after edging San Juan North (eight pts) 2-1.
Other results saw Trinity East (nine pts) defeat Carapichaima East 1-0, Trinity Moka (12 pts) squeeze past St Mary’s College 1-0, Arima North (13 pts) drub Malick (eight pts) 4-0, while St Augustine (nine pts) and Scarborough Secondary (six pts) play to a 2-2 draw.
SECONDARY Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division holders Fatima College (22 points) and challengers Naparima College (21 points) registered contrasting victories ahead of their midweek clash when action in the 2025 season continued on October 11.
At Fatima grounds, Mucurapo, the league leaders, Fatima maintained their slim one-point advantage over “Naps” when they got a comeback 2-1 victory over fellow north zone outfit Queen’s Royal College (16 points) in a battle between last season’s north zone intercol finalists. Meanwhile, at their Lewis Street, San Fernando base, coach Angus Eve’s relentless Naparima team stretched their winning run in this campaign to seven matches when they hammered St Augustine 8-0. Forwards Arron Raymond and Jabari Rodriguez both scored braces as Naparima made light work of the eastern visitors. With the jaw-dropping victory, Naps took their goal tally in the division to 28 goals – the most among the 16 teams. On the defensive end, Naparima have also been a tough nut to crack and have conceded just one goal so far this season.
On Lewis Street, on October 15, something will have to give when first meets second as Naparima play hosts to Fatima as both teams put their unbeaten runs on the line.
On match day nine, Fatima were in a proper contest against the fourth-placed QRC team, which pressed hard and didn’t allow their hosts much time to settle. After just 11 minutes, QRC’s early pressing paid dividends when the lively Jasai Theophilus slapped into the far corner from a tight angle on the right after latching onto a through pass. It was a lead the Royalians deserved for their early robust pay, and one almost turned to two in the 24th minute, but striker Kai Williams had his shot charged down by Fatima goalie Jadon Pollard after overpowering central defender Daquan Jackman in the area.
Pollard was forced into another save from a deep Jordan Grant free kick in the 32nd minute, with right back Zain Griffith seeing a wicked right-footed drive deflected wide just three minutes later.
Before the end of the first half, the reigning champs showed some life when Jeremai Nanton forced QRC captain Jahiem Affan into a low save with a stiff left-footed drive from outside the area. It would be a sign of things to come from the hosts.
Fatima head coach Kerdyn Moe said the occasion was an emotional one, as the funeral for the father of playmaker Seth Hadeed was held on the morning of October 11. Hadeed put in a strong performance in midfield and was instrumental in turning the game around for Moe’s charges.
For the second period, Moe changed to a 3-4-3 shape, which seemed to cause more trouble for QRC as the home team’s front players became more active and also got more overlapping support from their wing backs.
Fatima still had work to do defensively, and Pollard just palmed a dangerous free kick away from Theophilus’ reach in the 65th minute, with former QRC forward Phillip Nelson seeing a close-range header cleared from the goal mouth just seconds later at the other end.
In the 71st minute, the hosts got on level terms when Hadeed picked the pocket of Elijah Noel in midfield before playing a through pass for substitute Jonathan Mason, who scored with a sublime left-footed shot from just inside the area. Four minutes later, Hadeed was involved again for Fatima when he put on his dancing shoes down the left to evade a number of tackles before a Nelson touch took the ball into the path of Nanton, who applied a clinical finish.
Just a minute later, QRC had the chance to make it 2-2, but winger Jahseem Pierre was unable to get his shot off with Pollard stranded out of his goal. It was a chance the visitors would go on to rue, with an unlucky Theophilus hitting the outside of the post in the 90th minute when a left-side cross dangerously flashed across the goal.
The Royalians fought well, but ultimately fell to their third loss of the season.
At Manny Ramjohn Stadium, Marabella, the visiting Signal Hill Secondary (nine points) arguably pulled off the shock of the round when a first-half goal from Immanual Wright saw them edging the third-placed Presentation College San Fernando (18 points) 1-0.
At Mahaica Oval, Point Fortin, reigning national intercol champions St Benedict’s College (15 points) moved one spot up to fifth when they defeated east powerhouse Arima North Secondary 2-0.
At Serpentine Road, St Clair, the sixth-placed St Mary’s College (13 points) scored in the first minute but were ultimately downed by goals from Anest DeSilva and Jahda Riley as Malick Secondary (eight points) got a 2-1 victory to move two places to 11th.
In Westmoorings, St Anthony’s College (ten points) moved up two spots to seventh when they defeated Trinity College East (six points) 4-2, with Jean-Marc Thomas bagging a first-half brace.
Meanwhile, in a battle between relegation-threatened teams in Shaw Park, Tobago, Samuel Marcelle and Varel Wilson found the net to give Scarborough Secondary (five points) their first win of the season – a 2-1 result over the cellar-placed Carapichaima East Secondary (zero points).
The match between Trinity College Moka (six points) and San Juan North Secondary (five points) was called off after 14 minutes due to a waterlogged surface in Moka, Maraval.
The highly anticipated inaugural RBC Royal Slam College Basketball tournament officially tipped off last weekend with a vibrant opening ceremony at the Eastern Regional Indoor Sporting Arena in Tacarigua, marking a significant investment in the future of youth sports and education across the region.
“The high-energy competition is dedicated to elevating the profile of school basketball, fostering athletic talent, and creating opportunities for student-athletes,” a media release from organisers said.
The tournament is proudly sponsored by RBC and executed in collaboration with Next Level Performance (NLP) and the TT Schools Basketball Association (TTSBA). It will showcase seven of the top college basketball programmes competing over four action-packed weekends.
The ceremony was attended by key stakeholders, including Garvin Warwick, president of Next Level Performance; Allison Bastian, president of the TTSBA; and Marc Jardine, senior executive, RBC managing director and vice-president, Commercial Business.
“The partnership with RBC, a global financial institution committed to community investment and youth development initiatives, underscores the bank’s commitment to fostering excellence, teamwork and community development through sport.”
Jardine, speaking about RBC’s role in the tournament, said, “We see this tournament as a direct investment in the future leaders and athletes of TT. RBC is immensely proud to support an initiative that not only provides elite competition but also creates meaningful pathways for student-athletes to succeed both on the court and in their future careers, giving them the visibility and support they need to reach their full potential.”
Warwick emphasised the broader mission of the competition. “This tournament is more than just games; it is an unrivaled opportunity to showcase the absolute top talent in the country through the Next Level Performance TT platform, providing these athletes the spotlight they deserve for collegiate pathways.”
In the first thrilling matchup on the opening day, St Mary’s College edged out Presentation 94-91. St Mary’s star player Nkobi Ince delivered a spectacular performance, recording 33 points, nine rebounds, and four steals, supported by Zane Peters, who contributed 21 points. For Presentation, Michael McCarthy posted a monstrous double-double with 42 points, 16 rebounds, and three blocks, while Justin Francis added 11 points.
In the second contest, Fatima College defeated Holy Cross College with a dominant performance 118-72. Leading the charge for Fatima were Idriis Martin with 26 points and seven steals, Zachary Julien added 25 points and eight steals and William Francis posted an impressive double-double with 20 points, 11 rebounds, five steals and two blocks.
Action continues on October 11 and 12 at the Eastern Regional Indoor Sporting Arena with double headers from 3 pm and 5 pm on both days.
Nineteen-year-old Presentation College San Fernando captain Isaiah “Baby Hulk” Jacob continues to be a nuisance for defenders in the 2025 Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division season, and his excellence was on full display once again on October 8 when he scored a second-half hat-trick to lead his team to a 4-2 win over St Mary’s College on Serpentine Road, in St Clair.
In Jacob, the “Pres Lions” have certainly struck gold this season as the tricky forward has scored a whopping 13 of his school’s 17 goals this season, keeping them close to the title challengers as they are currently third on the 16-team table with 18 points from seven games.
With Presentation’s rivals Naparima College (18 points) inactive on this matchday because of the postponement of an appetising clash with St Benedict’s College (12 points), premier division holders Fatima College (19 points) took full advantage as they moved to the top of the table with a 3-1 victory away to a San Juan North Secondary team which drifted into the relegation zone. National youth players Seth Hadeed, Raegan Rowe and lanky striker Phillip Nelson scored to take the 2024 league champs to the summit as they maintained their unbeaten run this season.
In sluggish conditions in St Clair, St Mary’s didn’t have the same luck in extending their unbeaten streak as they ran into a Presentation team who were led by a determined Jacob.
Isaiah Jacob, captain of Presentation College San Fernando, tries to dribble past a St Mary’s College defender in a Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division match at St Mary’s Grounds, St Clair, on October 8.
Through the first 45 minutes, Jacob was still to flex his muscles in the contest, as the teams went into the break tied at 1-1 after Nadeem Grant’s neat first-time finish at the back post cancelled out Presentation’s scrappy 33rd-minute opener from national youth midfielder Nikosi Foncette.
Early in the second half, both teams flirted with scoring the go-ahead goal as Presentation goalie Marcelo Phillip fumbled a left-side corner in the 49th minute, with Josiah Superville making a brilliant near-post save at the other end seconds later to stop Jacob from a tight angle.
The league’s runaway leading scorer couldn’t be kept at bay for long, though, as he scored with a beautiful right-footed curler into the top corner from the edge of the area in the 54th minute after Foncette headed a Jimally Renne free kick into his path. Just eight minutes later, Jacob made it 3-1 to the visitors when he punished the Saints defence for failing to deal with a tame swipe at goal by Josiah Bain.
St Mary’s were in desperate need of a lifeline which came in the 66th minute when playmaker Finn De Freitas left a defender for dead in the area before calmly slotting past Phillip. The boys in blue and white simply couldn’t live with Jacob’s movement and deadly finishing, and he gave his team a 4-2 lead in the 76th with a right-footed shot which he arrowed into the bottom corner from the edge of the area.
St Mary’s did have another chance to get back into the contest in the 83rd minute, but Eran McLeod had his penalty well-saved by Phillip to end any thoughts of a late Saints rally.
Also in St Clair, Queen’s Royal College (16 points) moved from fifth to fourth when they defeated the “Green Machine” of St Augustine 4-1 thanks to a Jasai Theophilus double. Elsewhere, Trinity College East (six points) earned their second win of the season when a late Dexter Croal goal gave them a thrilling 4-3 result over Malick Secondary, with Kyle James scoring a brace to help Signal Hill Secondary (six points) hand the cellar-placed Caripichaima East Secondary their eighth straight loss. Arima North Secondary (ten points) and St Anthony’s College (seven points) played to a 1-1 draw at the Arima Velodrome after trading goals in the 15th and 16th minutes of the match.
THE defence of Presentation College San Fernando will be put to the test against the high-scoring outfit of St Mary’s College in what is expected to be a fierce battle when the teams clash in round eight of the Secondary Schools Football League premier division, on October 8. All matches kick off at 3.30 pm.
Third-placed Presentation and fourth-placed St Mary’s will meet at the latter’s school ground in St Clair.
Presentation have only allowed four goals in six matches this campaign as their defence have made scoring difficult for opposing teams.
On the other hand, St Mary’s have been scoring goals for fun with 23 goals – the most by any team this season.
Following a narrow 1-0 win over Queen’s Royal College (QRC) in the last round, Presentation will try to keep pressure on first-placed Naparima and second-placed Fatima College.
“Naps” will not play on October 8 as their match against St Benedict’s College has been postponed. There was a fire on the St Benedict’s compound last week and the school has not yet resumed physical classes. This has led to the postponement of the football match.
If “Pres” win and Fatima drop points, the southerners will join Naparima on 18 points at the top of the standings.
“We are confident, just taking one game at a time,” Presentation coach Dunstan Williams said.
“We understand that St Mary’s has been scoring a lot of goals, so we have to pay attention to that and try to get our goal scorers to do their job.”
Isaiah “Baby Hulk” Jacob has netted ten of Presentation’s 13 goals this year, but Williams said Jacob in not overwhelmed by the pressure to deliver every game.
“He is in a good place (with) his confidence…you are always wary of the fact that you don’t want to be dependent on one person alone. We are working behind the scenes on getting the other guys involved.”
Despite allowing just four goals this season, Williams said he wants more discipline at the back.
“On a scale of one to ten, I will give them a six. (There) are some areas that we need to improve. I don’t like the goals we conceded so far because, at the end of the day, I don’t think the teams really broke us down to score. It was some lil defensive errors.”
In other round eight matches, second-placed Fatima will leapfrog Naparima and take the lead with a win over 12th-placed San Juan North Secondary.
Fifth-placed QRC will aim to rebound against eighth-ranked St Augustine Secondary; Arima North (seventh) and St Anthony’s College (ninth) will face off in a mid-table match; last-placed Carapichaima East will battle 13th-placed Signal Hill Secondary; Trinity College East (14th) play Malick Secondary (11th) in a contest between struggling teams; and Trinity College (tenth) will fancy their chances against 15th-placed Scarborough Secondary.
Standings:
Team*GP*W*D*L*GF*GA*GD*Pts
Naparima*6*6*0*0*20*1*19*18
Fatima*6*5*1*0*19*8*11*16
Presentation (Sando)*6*5*0*1*13*4*9*15
St Mary’s College*7*3*4*0*23*10*13*13
QRC*7*4*1*2*12*11*1*13
St Benedict’s*6*4*0*2*16*8*8*12
Arima North*7*2*3*2*14*13*1*9
St Augustine*6*2*3*1*8*10*-2*9
St Anthony’s*4*2*0*2*14*8*6*6
Trinity Moka*7*2*0*5*11*21*-10*6
Malick*6*1*2*3*13*14*-1*5
San Juan North*5*1*2*2*11*13*-2*5
Signal Hill*3*1*0*2*10*7*3*3
Trinity East*6*1*0*5*5*23*-18*3
Scarborough*7*0*2*5*7*24*-17*2
Carapichaima East*7*0*0*7*5*25*-20*0
Fixtures:
Carapichaima East vs Signal Hill, Carapichaima East
NAPARIMA College continued their splendid run of form by recording their fourth Secondary Schools Football league (SSFL) premiership win, while Coca-Cola Intercol champs St Benedict’s College suffered their first loss of the season when round four kicked off on September 23.
Up against Malick Secondary at home on Lewis Street in San Fernando, “Naps” cruised past the visitors with a convincing 3-0 result to remain unbeaten after four matches, and atop the standings on 12 points.
Twenty-eight minutes in, Riquelme Phillips successfully converted a penalty kick to send the hosts 1-0 up. Two minutes into first half extra time, “Naps” were awarded another penalty, which Jabari Rodriguez made no mistake, doubling the lead just before the half. In the 61st minute, Phillips bagged another for the boys in blue as they rallied to a comfortable victory.
Over at Manny Ramjohn Stadium in Marabella, Presentation College San Fernando eclipsed St Benedict’s College by 1-0.
Queen’s Royal College player Jasai Theophilus (L) goes past St Anthony’s College’s Jasai Theophilus (R) during their Secondary Schools Football League premiership division match, on September 23, at the QRC Grounds, Port of Spain.
Talismanic striker Isaiah Jacob scored his fifth goal two matches after breaking the deadlock between the two South giants in the 49th minute. After a fairly balanced first 45 minutes, “Pres” rattled the 2024 winners four minutes into the second period as Jacob latched on to a defence-splitting pass to slot past La Romaine Lions custodian. In other matches, defending SSFL premiership champions Fatima also kept form with a 3-2 home victory over Trinity Moka at the College grounds.
St Mary’s also notched a victory by a heavy margin as they crushed a visiting Scarborough Secondary 5-0 at CIC grounds in St Clair.
Hosts San Juan North and Trinity East were a high-scoring affair, with the former coming out on top courtesy of a 4-2 triumph. Arima North also got past Signal Hill Secondary 3-1.
Queen’s Royal College fired three past St Anthony’s to churn out a 3-1 home result, while St Augustine Secondary edged Carapichaima East 2-1 at home.
SSFL Premiership
Round 4 Results
Presentation College San Fernando 1 def. St Benedict’s College 0
Naparima College maintained their flawless start to the 2025 Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premiership campaign when they made it three wins on the trot, courtesy a 2-0 victory over Trinity College Moka, on September 20.
At Trinity College Grounds, second-half goals from Riquelme Phillips in the 57th and Adasa Richardson in the 69th minutes affirmed “Naps” full points in round three, as they continued their impressive run this season.
Over at Manny Ramjohn Stadium in Marabella, Presentation College San Fernando’s Isaiah Jacob sounded an early warning to all rival schools when he slotted four past San Juan North Secondary, in a comfortable 4-1 result.
At Fatima Grounds in Mucurapo, hosts and last year’s Coca-Cola Intercol champions Fatima College edged defending league champions St Benedict’s College 3-2 in a thrilling second-half showdown.
St Benedict’s College players (green) and Fatima College footballers mark each other following a corner kick in a SSFL match at Fatima College Grounds, Mucurapo Road, Port of Spain, on September 20.
Josiah Fernandes opened the scoring for Fatima in the first half and so it stayed until the half-time break. Malachi Fraser pulled one back for the La Romaine Lions in the 75th, before Fatima’s Jaheim Bailey restored their one-goal advantage.
However, Benedict’s player Joshua Figaro levelled the game with a strike in the 87th minute to tie things up once more.
Backed by a chanting home crowd, Fatima made a last-gasp breakthrough in the final seconds of the second period as Xavier Barrow found the back of the net following a free kick to seal a precious three points.
In other matches, St Augustine Secondary’s Shumba Cudjoe sent them one-up in the 33rd minute versus Arima North Secondary, before Michel John netted the equaliser in the 77th to grab a 1-1 result, with both teams sharing the spoils.
Additionally, St Mary’s College slammed five past an unresponsive Trinity East, Malick Secondary and Scarborough Secondary played to a 2-2 draw, Queen’s Royal College snared a 1-0 win over Carapichaima East while the St Anthony’s versus Signal Hill fixture was not played.
Reigning Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division champions Fatima College started their 2025 title defence in fine style when they earned a 3-0 victory away to Scarborough Secondary in Tobago, on September 17.
On a bye for the first round of matches after their penalty shootout win in the Super Cup against St Benedict’s College on September 12, Fatima got down to business in quick order in the league and goals by Jahaem Bailey, Seth Hadeed and Reagan Rowe got them the win against a Scarborough team who eked out a 3-3 draw with Arima North Secondary on matchday one.
At Serpentine Road, St Clair, St Mary’s College gave newly-promoted Carapichaima East Secondary a rough welcome to the top flight when they got a handsome 5-2 win to move to four points from their first two matches.
At Signal Hill Secondary, Tobago, the hosts Signal Hill also treated their guests with scant courtesy when they hammered Trinity College Moka 7-1. Trinity took an early lead through Jediah David. However, Signal Hill fought back and jumped out to a 2-1 lead by the half thanks to goals from Jmeke Watkins and Immanual Wright. Late in the second half, Signal Hill turned up the heat as star player Kyle James scored a double, with Jahmiah Gibbes, Jediael Marcelle and Nickel Williams also getting in the act to complete the demolition job of a Trinity team who thumped Carapichaima 4-1 in their first game.
At the Mahaica Oval, Point Fortin, versatile national youth player Adam Pierre scored a brace, including a cheeky second-half free kick, as St Benedict’s got a comfortable 4-1 win over Queen’s Royal College to start their league season with a bang.
At the Arima Velodrome, another south powerhouse, Naparima College, landed a big scalp when they defeated Arima North Secondary 3-1. Zion Metivier scored the opener for Arima, but Naparima equalised before the end of the half through Xarion France, while second-half goals from Ryan Radellant and national under-15 wing back Sebastian James sealed the deal. Naparima have now won two straight games after dismantling Trinity College East (TCE) 7-0 in their first game of the season.
Having to contend with southern opposition for a second straight game, TCE were no match for Presentation College San Fernando as they were handed a 3-0 defeat at Manny Ramjohn Stadium, Marabella. Meanwhile, eastern rivals San Juan North Secondary and St Augustine Secondary battled to a 1-1 draw in Bourg Mulatresse.
The game between St Anthony’s College and Malick Secondary didn’t play as scheduled because of a waterlogged surface at St Anthony’s Westmoorings base.
Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division holders Fatima College will commence their title defence for the 2025 campaign on September 17 when they take on the newly-promoted Scarborough Secondary in Tobago.
All eight matches on matchday two will kick off at 3.30 pm, and Fatima will be looking to continue the momentum from their Super Cup win over rivals St Benedict’s College at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo on September 12. The teams played to a goalless draw, before Fatima won the match 4-2 on kicks from the penalty mark.
Meanwhile, Scarborough had quite the exciting start to life in the premier division when they played to a gripping 3-3 draw against east zone giants Arima North Secondary on September 13. Jaden Pope scored a brace and opened Scarborough’s premier division with a rocket of a right-footed shot from outside the area. Pope and company will do well to manufacture a similar result against the Fatima team who have now captured the last two premier division titles.
At the Arima Velodrome, southern giants Naparima College will definitely be keen to get back to the playing park after a thumping 7-0 win over Trinity College East (TCE), and are expected to face a stern test when they journey to the east to face Arima North.
At Serpentine Road in St Clair, St Mary’s College will aim to build on their strong second-half performance from their clash with old rivals Queen’s Royal College when they host the newly-promoted Carapichaima East Secondary. Last year’s central zone championship division winners Carapichaima didn’t have the best of outings on matchday one as they were spanked 4-1 by fellow promoted team Trinity College Moka.
At Mahaica Oval in Point Fortin, St Benedict’s, who were stripped of last season’s premier division title honours for their improper use and registration of SSFL 2024 Player of the Year Derrel Garcia, will start their 2025 premier division quest against QRC.
In the televised match, St Anthony’s College will tackle Malick Secondary in an appetising clash between two northern teams who finished third and tenth respectively last season.
At Bourg Mulatresse, reigning east zone Intercol champs San Juan North Secondary will meet their old foes St Augustine Secondary in a game which should be a treat for the neutrals. St Augustine started their league campaign with a 2-1 win over Malick.
In other matches, Signal Hill Secondary will take on Trinity Moka at Signal Hill’s school compound in Tobago, while south powerhouse Presentation College San Fernando will take on a TCE outfit which will hope to rebound from their humiliating loss to “Naps” on the opening day of the premier division campaign.
BRANDON DE SOUZA is a simple guy. He enjoys music, advocacy, exercising and economics.
Even with his simplicity, life for him wasn’t always the simplest. As the Laventille teen recalled the journey to his achievement, he spoke of financial hardships as well as overcoming some mental hurdles. But he remained focused. He knew his end goal was to become successful and help his mother. He can now boast of achieving eight grade ones in CSEC and he is thrilled.
De Souza, 16, attended the Belmont Boys’ RC Primary School, later moving on to St Mary’s College, where he wrote CSEC exams this year.
The teen got all ones in the subjects of mathematics, English A, English B, additional mathematics, economics, principles of accounts, French and IT.
His mother Phyllis De Souza was right next to him while he anxiously checked his results online using his laptop. They were at his dedicated studying space in the living room, he recalled. He said he felt a mixture of emotions when the results screen finally loaded.
Speaking to Newsday at his Sandy Trace, Upper St Barbs Road, home on August 30, he said, “For me, it’s excitement, happiness and relief, obviously, because exams are stressful. And it was not just relief that I passed the exam but that I got all ones.”
But he quirkily added, “I think my mother was more excited than me.”
But she seems to remember it a bit differently. She said he “almost fell through the floor” as he celebrated his achievement.
“I had to tell him the floor can’t take the jump!” she said with a laugh, as she sat proudly next to her son.
She continued, “My heart beat so fast. I was so anxious and we were waiting and I knew he would do good, but when we saw all ones, oh my God! I felt so excited. I was clapping and smiling and I’m still on cloud nine.”
Brandon admitted he, in fact, jumped and did a “little happy dance” too.
Asked if he expected to get all ones, he said he was confident in what he wrote on the exam papers, that he knew the work and that he knew what examiners were looking for.
“I said I would get some ones and twos, so it was a surprise to see all ones.”
As for what challenges he faced while preparing for his exams, he said some of them were funny.
“For example, trying to study and you’re hearing the neighbours’ dogs and chickens…One neighbour even has a monkey,” he said as he laughed.
Brandon De Souza sits at his study area at his home in St Barbs, Laventille. – Photo by Ayanna Kinsale
But there was another challenge that was no laughing matter.
“Because I live in Laventille, an area people consider to be the ghetto but I don’t, there was a mental challenge (dealing with that stigma). Yes, this is where I’m from but I’m able to make a better life for my mother and I.”
He said it took a while for him to get over the stereotypes associated with the area, given its crime woes and negative stigma.
“There were also financial challenges. My mom worked Cepep and, yes, it was a liveable wage, but we weren’t always able to cover all the costs relating to school. I used the school feeding programme, I didn’t go out with friends much (so we could save more)…”
Brandon’s parents separated when he was just three years old.
He said even with all these challenges, he remained focused on his goal, which is to get an education and help his mom.
He also briefly discussed how he remained on a straight path, and how he did not become influenced by those his age who may not necessarily have cared about academics.
“I know what I want, and I think most people in life would have ideals of what they deem as success. Some people deem success as having a nice car, a nice house…To some, success is being happy every day. And for me, success is being able to live in a comfortable house with my family. So I was just focused on that goal.
“I said, ‘This is what I want,’ and I realised I had to take certain steps to get there. I said to myself, ‘Nobody is going to do it but you.’ I’m not a sports person, I wasn’t born into a rich family…So I really sat down and said if I wanted to be successful, academics were probably going to be my best option.”
And even when Brandon didn’t have, he still tried to give back to fellow students as best as he could and in different ways.
“I used to help people in lower forms with their school work for free…maths, add maths, IT – anything they came to me for help with.”
He is also president of the student council, a scout, and was the valedictorian of his year group.
Brandon De Souza at his home in St Barbs, Laventille on August 30. – Photo by Ayanna Kinsale
“I think, despite the predispositions you have, be it lack of access to some resources, a big one being parents’ lack of income, I think we live in a modern world where there are so many resources available, whether it be online or physical. If a person motivates themselves and sets a clear objective in mind, they would be able to achieve it in whatever field – academics, sport, or some other (thing).”
He concluded, “The main thing is knowing what you want to get and, of course, having a good support system around you.”
He isn’t too certain of the exact career title he would like someday, but he said he is definitely interested in pursuing actuarial science and economics at a tertiary level. He hopes his passes are enough to earn him a scholarship, too.
His mother said she will continue to be overjoyed at what her son has achieved and will continue to achieve.
“My pride is (in the fact that) he was steadfast. He told me what he wants to do and pushed himself and I supported him…All the hard work paid off.”
ETHAN JOSEPH exudes purpose and ambition – traits that have taken him from St Mary’s College to the halls of Harvard and Capitol Hill.
In May, 22-year-old Joseph graduated summa cum laude from the University of South Florida and has earned the King O’Neal Scholar Award – a rare academic honour reserved for students with perfect academic records. Out of more than 7,700 graduates, only 131 received this prestigious recognition.
“I didn’t actively work toward receiving the award itself,” Joseph told Newsday.
“I simply focused on doing my best, one exam at a time. Eventually, those small efforts added up.”
But this level of discipline and academic excellence began long before he entered university. Joseph completed his second and third form work in just one year as part of an accelerated class.
Much of his childhood was spent travelling, particularly to the US, enjoying beach outings, and actively participating in his church community where he served as a lector and volunteered for lunch rounds. He was also deeply dedicated to martial arts, earning a black belt in karate and winning six Caribbean Cup championship titles. He credits his early love for learning to his parents and the grounding influence of martial arts and church. “From a young age, my parents instilled in me that success was not about being first or getting perfect grades – it was about doing your best and being eager to learn,” he said.
When Joseph left TT in 2022 to begin studies at the University of South Florida, what followed was a whirlwind of achievements. In addition to his academic pursuits, he founded and led the university’s karate club, growing it from five members to over 30 within a semester and serving as both president and coach. “It was fulfilling to create a space where students could rediscover martial arts, focus on fitness and support each other,” Joseph said. “It reminded me that leadership is not just about guiding others – it’s about building something that outlasts you.”
Throughout his time at the university, Joseph immersed himself in intensive academic research, with a particular focus on coronary artery disease. His work earned him a spot as a plenary speaker at the National Collegiate Research Conference at Harvard University in January 2025, where he presented to an audience of top scholars, faculty and innovators. Prior to that, his research journey also led him to present at the University of Pennsylvania National Research Conference in October 2024, and the Global Health Catalyst Summit at Johns Hopkins University in June 2024, where he shared findings from cancer workshop initiatives.
Asked what the experience was like presenting at such prestigious institutions, Joseph described it as “incredible.” At Johns Hopkins, he presented on stage as part of a group of seven and at the University of Pennsylvania, he participated in a group poster presentation with two other teammates. But his most memorable was at Harvard. “I spoke in an auditorium filled with hundreds of people, including deans from Harvard and MIT, distinguished faculty, professors from top universities around the world, and even CEOs of multimillion-dollar startups who were alumni of those institutions.”
He and his research partner, Faris Hassan, were originally chosen for the highly competitive poster presentation, with only 100 applicants selected from several thousand applicants worldwide. From that group, just 12 were invited to speak – most from elite US institutions. “Being selected as one of them felt surreal and incredibly humbling,” he said. “I never thought our research would resonate so deeply or be seen as so impactful.”
When asked to elaborate on his research into coronary artery disease and the cancer workshop initiatives, Joseph explained, “The cancer workshop aimed to make research more accessible and bridge the gap between undergraduate and graduate-level work.”
Ethan Joseph, centre, with his mother Sharlene and father, Sean. –
His interest in coronary artery disease research was sparked by the discovery that, despite its high prevalence in Africa, the condition remains significantly under-researched. “We explored the connections between lifestyle changes, urbanisation and diet and found that oral bacteria – particularly from untreated cavities – can enter the bloodstream, trigger inflammation and contribute to plaque build-up in the arteries,” he said. “It was eye-opening to see how dental hygiene can play a major role in cardiovascular health.”
But Joseph’s interest in the medical field stems from a deeply personal place. His mother was misdiagnosed three times with macular degeneration in TT, but later received breakthrough treatment through a clinical trial in the US. “Witnessing her vision return within minutes after an injection was life-changing,” he shared. “That moment made me want to pursue medicine.”
His path doesn’t end with medicine, though. Frustrated by how long it takes life-saving treatment to become accessible to others, Joseph began to see the crucial role of law and policy in healthcare. “I believe professionals who understand both the medical and legal landscapes can remove barriers to care, accelerate the approval of life-saving treatments and reform healthcare laws that currently limit access” he explained.
It’s why he is preparing to pursue a dual Doctor of Medicine/Juris Doctor degree, combining medical and legal training to push for healthcare reform. “My goal is to bridge the gap between healthcare and policy by advocating for more equitable, efficient systems.”
Though accomplished, Joseph’s journey has not been without its challenges. As an international student, he faced financial hardship, limited job opportunities and even transportation challenges. “Public transit in Florida isn’t very reliable and Uber is expensive,” he recalled. “I had to work two jobs (limited to 20 hours per week during the semester and up to 40 hours a week for a month during the summer, which was the maximum allowed) and save enough to buy a car.”
Joseph said research opportunities for international students are limited, prompting him to launch an independent project on Caribbean cultural hybridity, which he presented at the University of South Florida’s research conference.
Then post-graduation, shifting immigration policies made it difficult to secure employment, with some job offers even being rescinded. “I kept pushing forward,” he said. Today, he balances two jobs: one as a medical scribe at a surgery centre and another in chemical testing for a cleaning company.
Joseph’s next chapter begins this October, when he will start a Congressional internship on Capitol Hill, working directly with a US House Representative. It’s a rare opportunity for an international student and one that aligns perfectly with his long-term goals. “As part of our coursework at the Honours College at USF, we had to propose policy initiatives,” he explained. The course was taught by Congressman Gus Bilirakis, and after reading Joseph’s proposals the congressman offered him the internship to help turn those ideas into real legislation and work on health-related policy issues. “It’s an incredible opportunity,” and Joseph is particularly excited about advancing healthcare access for veterans in rural areas and drug repurposing policies. “There are two other projects I’m working on,” he added, “but I can’t disclose the details just yet.”
Throughout his journey, Joseph has remained grounded in his Catholic faith, which he credits as his foundation. “My relationship with God has truly been my anchor. During the toughest times, whether I was overwhelmed with classes, juggling jobs or feeling far from home, prayer gave me strength and clarity. I wouldn’t have made it this far without God. He’s at the centre of everything I do and I’m grateful for the way he continues to guide my path.”
He is determined to stay connected to TT, with plans to mentor local students, contribute to local health and education initiatives and collaborate with regional institutions. “Trinidad and Tobago will always be home,” he said, adding that he hopes to one day return to serve in public office to help shape policies that strengthen TT’s healthcare system, legal framework and access to education. “A future in politics isn’t off the table – it’s something I’m seriously considering.”
He also want to make research more accessible in TT and help to create opportunities for this country’s research to be recognised and presented at leading universities around the world.
To young Trinbagonians dreaming of studying or making a difference abroad, Joseph advises, “Believe in yourself, even when others do not. Your dreams are valid. Don’t be afraid to take the unconventional path, work hard and stay focused. Success abroad isn’t about where you start; it’s about how determined you are to grow, learn and adapt. And always remember where you came from.”
TRAUMA specialist Dr Hanif Benjamin called on teachers to stop bullying their students and provide a safe and sympathetic ear for them to report incidents of bullying. He said parents sometimes set their children up to be bullied.
He was speaking to students and teachers at the Caribbean Colour Splash Committee’s 10th bi-annual secondary schools anti-bullying conference at the National Academy for the Performing Arts, Port of Spain on May 28.
Benjamin was the featured speaker at the event which featured schools performing dramatic pieces and original calypsoes all about bullying, its consequences and how to fight it.
He said students and teachers should stand up for students being bullied, in a safe way. He said teachers should monitor social media as it will help them know when something is about to happen.
“You will know when something is about to pop off in a school. You will need to be there to protect. The theme of the conference is Seek Help, and what we have to recognise is that young people will not seek help if they do not feel safe enough to seek help from you.
“So if you do not create a safe environment where they feel they can walk into your office or your space and say, ‘this is what we need to do, this is happening to a friend, this is happening to a colleague,’ they will continue to live and suffer, and we don’t want that for our children.”
He said both teachers and parents must understand the risks posed by bullying.
“When you are quiet, people come at you. When you are insecure, they take advantage, because people smell insecurity. Teachers, your role is to help instil a level of self-esteem in our young students. Young students with strong self-esteem, you must help others as well.”
Benjamin said bullying that happened to someone as a teenager could affect them in their adult lives, leading to them having less confidence and not being able to speak up for themselves. He said some university students have difficulty doing presentations because they had been told “sit down and shut up” so often when they were younger.
Benjamin also took aim at parents who he said create scenarios for their children to get bullied.
“Comb the children’s hair properly! Have the children dressed proper! Because sometimes parents are the problem, because they have an idea of how, ‘I in 1900 used to be,’ and you have to understand that you are creating scenarios to be bullied.
Benjamin called on teachers to look into the reasons why people were bullies or were being bullied.
He outlined the definition of bullying, which he said was a cycle of repeated aggressive behaviour over time. He said there was often an imbalance of power which did not have to be about physical strength.
He said there were four main types of bullying: cyber, mental/psychological, physical and emotional, but that there are sub-types within these.
He outlined the people who participated in bullying as a group exercise: the ringleader/instigator, the target, the assistant(s), the reinforcers, the defenders, and the outsiders.
Guest speaker Jamel “Certified Sampson” Sampson – a notable social media content-creator – captivated the audience as he spoke about how he began creating content, grew his platform and expanded into other businesses. He had the children sing along with him and answered questions from students about being bullied and other topics.
Asked how he dealt with bullying growing up and while he was building his platform over the last ten years, he said,
“I does read my Bible, Proverbs, Revelation, Job, Psalms, all of that, I does read my Bible. Two, you have to be secure in yourself. Sometimes all of those things will happen, people will have things to say. You have to be as confident as you could, it’s not going to be easy but the quicker you get to it, the better it is.
“Confidence takes a while to grow but once you have it, the word is unstoppable. So all you need to do is always remind yourself, give yourself affirmations about I am who I am, I appreciate myself, and I will do better to the best of my abilities.”
The committee said the theme of the conference, Seek Help, delved into the issue of unresolved trauma from bullying in teenagers and its subsequent impact on adult behaviour.
There were 800 schools and 100 teachers present from the following schools: ASJA Girls College Tunapuna, Arima North Secondary, Barataria North Secondary, Barataria South Secondary, Belmont Secondary, Bishop Anstey High School (PoS), Bishop Centenary College, Blanchisseuse Secondary School, Brazil Secondary School, Chaguanas South Secondary, Corpus Christi College, Coryal Secondary School, Diego Martin Central Secondary School, Diego Martin North Secondary, El Dorado East Secondary School, El Dorado West Secondary School, Miracle Ministries Pentecostal School, Morvant Laventille Secondary School, Mucurapo West Secondary School, Preysal Secondary School, Providence Girls Catholic Secondary School, Queen’s Royal College, San Juan North Secondary School, St Francois Girls College, St James Secondary School, St Mary’s College, Success Laventille Secondary School, Tranquillity Secondary School and Woodbrook Secondary School.
HEALTH Minister Terrence Deyalsingh says he was bullied as a student at St Mary’s College.
He was speaking at the Ministry of Health’s launch of its TeenCareTT website on April 15 at the National Library, Abercromby Street, Port of Spain.
The website aims to provide a space for young people by offering tools and resources to help them cope with issues. There is also a Youth Advocates Corner featuring tips from other young people, and it encourages users to check in with themselves.
“That was how it was at St Mary’s. I only had to deal with it for a few months. Today, cyberbullying reaches into your bedroom. It follows you on your phone.”
Describing bullying as a constant thing, Deyalsingh told guests it is “okay to not be okay”.
“It’s okay to have diabetes or hypertension: there is no stigma attached to those conditions. It is also okay to have a mental health issue.”
Deyalsingh said young people face various stressors that he did not in his youth and there is a lot more pressure on youths to excel academically. However, he emphasised success exists on a spectrum and everyone can find their place.
He said the TeenCareTT initiative took two years to develop and stressed it was completed with the input of various youth clubs and young people.
“We create this app by talking with youths, not to them or down at them.”
Deyalsingh said his ministry held focus groups with children and teens between ten and 19 years old and also discussed the pressure teens face in keeping with the growing glorification of high-end brands. He said in his youth, his generation did not have that added stress.
“In my time, poverty was not an embarrassment; it was a way of life. We must help young people cope with these external pressures.”
He believes with the rise of social media, young people are now exposed to constant stimulation 24/7 and no longer have downtime to play or read.
“With TikTok, young people’s attention span is 45 seconds and there is very little we can communicate in that time.”
Deyalsingh expressed concern over how modern life is changing adolescent expectations and said it was not good enough to just talk about problems but instead find solutions.
He reiterated that the TeenCareTT website was developed with the guidance and insight of young people.
“Moving forward, we must increase awareness of mental health. Because of stigma and discrimination, too many suffer in silence.”
He hopes the website provides young people with an outlet to express their feelings, connect with experts and agencies and access the help and resources they need.
With support from the Ministry of Health and other agencies, Deyalsingh said the future is bright and urged youths to use the resources available.
“Young people today are coping with anxiety, depression, behavioural disorders, eating disorders and substance abuse.”
Turning to the issue of cyberbullying, he reflected on his time at St Mary’s College. He said bullying is far more pervasive today because of technology.
He urged youths to disconnect from technology and use it for good only and insisted social media is not the problem – how it is used is. He spoke about religious institutions as safe spaces and questioned how many young people still see them that way.
He said despite his busy schedule, he was happy to attend, as mental health is a cause he always supports.
