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THURSDAY OCTOBER 23, 2025
TRINIDAD vs. CARICOM PM Persad-Bissessar Stands Firm Amid Regional Backlash
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No other country besides the U.S. is willing to assist us to aggressively fight the drug and arms traffickers. I am not going to toe CARICOM’s line while our country is going to hell with drugs, out-of-control violent crime and murders for the last 20 years. My only care and concern is for the people of Trinidad and Tobago.” – Persad-Bissessar
Trinidad and Tobago has positioned itself firmly apart from its Caribbean Community (CARICOM) neighbors, with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar insisting that the country’s security and sovereignty take precedence over regional consensus — even as her stance draws criticism from fellow Caribbean leaders. The tension has intensified after a series of U.S. government strikes in Caribbean waters targeting suspected drug traffickers reportedly claimed the lives of at least two Trinidadians. In response, the U.S. Embassy in Port of Spain issued an unusual advisory urging Americans to avoid U.S. government facilities in the country, citing potential threats linked to the regional tensions. Persad-Bissessar has maintained that Trinidad and Tobago’s cooperation with Washington is crucial to combating crime and arms trafficking. continues on B3 – Trinidad vs. CARICOM
Broward County unveils $1.1 billion Convention Center expansion, new Bypass Road Broward County celebrated two major milestones Monday with the grand opening of the Convention Center East Expansion and the new Convention Center Connector (Bypass Road), marking a significant step forward in the county’s $1.1 billion initiative to modernize and expand its convention infrastructure.
“When you look at the big picture, this connector is a crucial piece of infrastructure that will ease congestion, improve access, and support the continued growth of our Convention Center district. Today is a moment to celebrate — but it’s also a moment to look ahead,” said Broward County Mayor Beam Furr. The East Expansion adds more than 1.2 million square feet to the existing facility, including 525,000 square feet of meeting space, a 350,000-square-foot exhibit hall, and
a 65,000-square-foot ballroom overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway. Built to LEED Gold Certified standards, the expansion features energy-efficient systems, cutting-edge technology, and new dining concepts designed to showcase South Florida’s character and culture. “This expansion establishes our Convention Center as South Florida’s premier waterfront conference center, continues on B2 Center Expansion
W H AT ’ S I N S I D E
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CARIBBEAN 79,000 Jamaicans still living in multidimensional poverty a5
TLC A new spin on luxury: Jamaica’s rst VegasStyle casino coming to Princess Grand Resort B1
ENTERTAINMENT Mavado to headline major return concert in Jamaica this December B5