SIX Trinidadians have been announced among the 2025 Cohort of the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) fellowship programme.
In a news release on January 8, the US embassy said the TT cohort includes Dominick Alexander, Naomi Anderson, Dharnel Duprey, Desirai Johnson-Phillip, Shereesa Khan and Simon Neptune

SIX Trinidadians have been announced among the 2025 Cohort of the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) fellowship programme.
In a news release on January 8, the US embassy said the TT cohort includes Dominick Alexander, Naomi Anderson, Dharnel Duprey, Desirai Johnson-Phillip, Shereesa Khan and Simon Neptune.

The US Department of State’s YLAI is a programme that promotes entrepreneurship and economic prosperity across the Western Hemisphere, connecting entrepreneurs across borders through an annual fellowship programme, it said.
It will benefit 280 entrepreneurs from 37 countries..
The release said 2025 marks ten years of the YLAI programme.

The six from Trinidad and Tobago will join young leaders from countries in Latin America, the Caribbean and Canada for the hybrid fellowship, which was launched on December 9, 2024.
The programme, the release said, starts with a virtual entrepreneurial leadership curriculum this month. Fellows will then travel to cities across the US in May for a four-week professional placement with a host organisation.
The programme concludes in June with all fellows attending a closing forum in Washington, DC.

The embassy said since YLAI’s launch in 2015, more than 1,750 fellows have built connections with over 1,250 US businesses and organisations.
The 2025 cohort, it added, will bring the number of TT fellows to 44.
After completing the programme, fellows use the strategies they learned to attract new resources to their business and improve operations.
YLAI promotes US business models, increases trade, encourages job creation, and builds lasting and sustainable networks of young entrepreneurs and business and social leaders across Latin America, the Caribbean, Canada and the US, the release said.
The 2025 young leaders:
Dominick Alexander, business: Alexander works in the music sector as the CEO of Laudem Music School. The school provides music education for students of all ages and abilities.

Naomi Anderson, business: Anderson works in the food and beverage sector as the owner and head pastry chef of Unicakery. The company creates custom cakes and desserts.
Dharnel Dariel Duprey, environment: Duprey is the founder and operations manager of Growing Essentials Agricultural Supplies and Services. The organisation focuses on sustainable agriculture, including hydroponics and beekeeping.
Desirai Johnson-Phillip, environment: Johnson-Phillip is the founder and CEO of Leading Seedling and Exotic Plants. The company provides seedlings, plants, and agricultural services and is focused on engaging a new generation of agricultural leaders by attracting and empowering youth in the field.

Shereesa Khan, business: Khan works in the beauty business sector as the founder and CEO of Vortex Sensations. The manufacturing company creates organic products for people with skin and hair issues.


Simon Neptune, environment: Neptune works in the energy sector as the founder of Neptune Biosystems. The company is focused on developing biorefineries that convert landfill waste into carbon-neutral diesel fuel. (Source:  Newsday Jan 10, 2025)

THREE days after revealing his intention to step down as Prime Minister, Dr Rowley announced on January 6 that Minister of Energy and Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Stuart Young will replace him as head of the government.
Speaking to reporters during a news conference at the close of the government’s two-day parliamentary retreat at the Tobago Plantations, Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort, Lowlands, Tobago, Rowley said deciding on his replacement as prime minister, and the way forward for the People's National Movement (PNM), were some of the main items on the agenda over the past two days.
He said Young, who has served in various capacities as a government minister over the past ten years, received the majority of support from the party’s parliamentary caucus.
“Once a vacancy arises with respect to the appointment of a prime minister, it falls to the President to respond to that by making an appointment on the person, who, in the President’s view, commands the majority in the House,” Rowley said, adding the provisions are contained in Section 76 of the Constitution.
“So we, as a caucus, as a PNM in the house (of Representatives), we discussed at length and in the end, we came up with a situation where the entire PNM caucus is in support of Member of Parliament Stuart Young, MP for Port of Spain North/St Ann’s West. And we are very pleased to announce that the promise of a smooth transition is going according to plan.”
Rowley said the PNM was a very stable and democratic organisation.
“In this case, the President would be guided by the expectation of the caucus and there would be no discrepancy between what the President thinks as against what others may think as to who has the majority of support in the House.”
Responding to his appointment in a post of his Facebook page, Young, who turns 50 on February 9, thanked his parliamentary colleagues for the confidence expressed in him.
He also thanked Rowley for his “continued and exemplary leadership in guiding through this historic process.”
ROWLEY CONFIDENT
Young said he was proud to be a member of the PNM and looks forward to working tirelessly “not only with all of our members but also with all citizens...as we continue working towards the building of our country and ensuring its future success.”
During the news conference, Rowley said apart from Young, Minister of Planning and Development and Arima MP Pennelope Beckles-Robinson had also thrown her hat into the ring, but did not get the majority support.
There was speculation that PNM general secretary and Minister of Youth Development and National Service Foster Cummings might also have been in the running.
Rowley declined to say how many parliamentarians voted for Young but expressed confidence in his ability to lead the government.


“Minister Young has been in the government for about ten years, operating first out of the Office of the Prime Minister, where he would have seen the government close up and would have participated in the government. I have seen him at work on many very detailed and technical assignments and he has not only done the job, but has distinguished himself.
“I have worked very closely with Minister Young, and while many other members of the Cabinet could also have been considered, I have no doubt that Minister Young’s experience, dedication and commitment...will ensure that during the period that he has the responsibility for being prime minister, he will continue to put the people's interest first, and his competence and experience will allow us to get the best from an officer in that position.”
Rowley, who served two terms as prime minister, said he expects Young to step into that position soon.
He said he has several obligations to fulfil, one being the Caricom meeting in Barbados on February 19. That meeting is to be chaired by Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley. That meeting, he said, will be his last.
Rowley said he also has to complete matters involving several Caricom sub-committees, which he chairs.
“Sometime after that I will be able to indicate the actual time I will leave."
Rowley said he also has several domestic matters to wrap up.
“I don’t want to walk away and leave things that I could do easily for somebody else to do with more difficulty. So I am pretty much wrapping up those matters.”
At a news conference in Tobago on January 3, Rowley also announced that he would not offer himself as a nominee for the Diego Martin West seat, which he has represented in the House of Representatives since 1991. He also intends to step down as PNM political leader.
Asked about the process, Rowley said, “The political leader matter comes up with respect to a convention, because once the resignation is effected, that is a matter involving the President on an appointment in the context of the majority in the Parliament.
“So while we did have some senators here who are ministers, they would not be part of the process, because that is a Lower House matter for elected members.”
OTHER PNM BUSINESS AT HAND
He said a convention is likely to be held on September 28.
Rowley, who turns 76 on October 24, said he has no regrets about quitting politics after 45 years in public life.
“I think that I used my time in a useful way. I have not been always successful in everything I embarked on. But I think by and large, I would like to believe I was able to contribute not only to my life, so that my children could have a country that they could be proud and can have an opportunity to be good citizens, but every other child from every other family.
“So from that standpoint, though there were times when I felt that it was difficult, it was stressful, I always persevered, because I know it was for the benefit of the wider national good.
“If you ask me if I was making a decision today (January 6) as to whether I would go into politics to become a minister or an MP or prime minister, I will tell you a different thing. That is a different story, because I didn’t start today.”
Rowley said he joined the PNM in 1974.


“At that time, I had a different perspective. I didn’t have a family. I had time on my hand. I had age on my side.
“But I want to see as I leave that public life is viewed as honourable and something in which young people can be encouraged to get involved in, rather than be scared away by this constant stream of hatred, bile and vitriol which some people seem to think must be the portion, once you come into public life.
“Because if that continues to be the way we treat it, and the population buys into the nastiness that people just put out and say that is politics, then good people will stay away from it. And if good people stay away, only a certain kind of people will rush in, and then that is what you will get as your leadership and your management, because there will never be a time when there is no government in this country. We will always get people wanting to be there.”
In the meantime, Rowley said the party’s general secretary has also been guided to open nominations for the two Port of Spain seats and the three Diego Martin seats.
He added the party also has opened nominations for the D’Abadie/O’Meara constituency, left vacant after the death of MP and Minister in the Ministry of Education Lisa Morris-Julian.
Morris-Julian, her son Jesiah, six, and her daughter Xianne, 25, died in a fire at their Farfan Street, Arima home on December 16.
Rowley said the party is preparing for the upcoming general election.
“We are moving steadily ahead to take part in the election that is due sometime this year and the PNM would be very ready, notwithstanding the fact that I am not offering myself in Diego Martin West.”
He said he had spoken to officials in his constituency “and they are quite happy that they are in a position to ensure that there is no hiccup in Diego Martin West.”
(Source:  Newsday, January 7, 2025)

At just 27 years old, Joshua Regrello has etched his name in history and hearts by attempting to set a Guinness World Records, for the Longest Marathon Playing Steelpan, surpassing an awe-inspiring 30 hours.
This remarkable feat, filled with resilience, passion, and national pride, brought tears of joy to many as he carried the soul of Trinidad and Tobago in every note.
Earlier this year, Joshua also made history as the first pannist to perform at the Great Wall of China, showcasing our culture on a global stage.
Joshua’s journey is a testament to the power of determination and the magic of the steelpan—a symbol of our identity. (Source: Life in Trinidad, Dec 28, 2024).
Watch interview with Joshua below. 

A vibrant and tangy Sorrel Jam made from fresh sorrel petals, perfect for spreading on toast, pastries, or as a topping for desserts!
Ingredients:
2 cups fresh sorrel petals, rinsed and dried (about 200 grams)
2 cups water
1 ½ cups granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 cinnamon stick (optional, for a hint of warmth)
1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional, for added flavor)
Instructions:
1. Prepare Sorrel:
Place the sorrel petals in a pot and add 2 cups of water.
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes until the petals soften and the liquid becomes dark and vibrant.
2. Blend and Strain:
Remove the pot from heat and let it cool slightly.
Blend the mixture until smooth, then strain it through a fine sieve to remove any solids, creating a smooth sorrel puree.
3. Make the Jam:
Return the strained sorrel mixture to the pot.
Add the sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon stick, and ginger (if using). Stir well to combine.
4. Cook Until Thickened:
Place the pot over medium heat and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Continue to cook for 20-30 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened to a jam-like consistency. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon and holds shape when cooled.
5. Cool and Store:
Remove from heat, let it cool, and discard the cinnamon stick.
Pour the jam into sterilized jars, leaving a little space at the top, then seal tightly.
Tips & Notes:
Test for Thickness: Place a small amount of jam on a chilled plate. If it holds shape after a few seconds, it’s ready!
Adjust Sweetness: If the jam tastes too tart, add a bit more sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired sweetness.
Storage: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks, or process in a water bath for longer storage.
Enjoy this delicious Sorrel Jam on toast, scones, or as a unique topping for desserts!
(Source: Mini Flavour, December 8, 2024)

The flavours of Christmas are in the air with tray vans full of sorrel begging to be cut and steeped and large mounds of ginger waiting to be taken home peeled grated and fermented to make our iconic ginger beer.
It’s also a time when we prepare our local home-made wines from sorrel, ginger and many times mixed with our local fruit. But after all is done there are always leftovers. Here are some ways to include some of our favourite Christmas flavours of sorrel and ginger.
Bon Appetit!
Ginger, orange, sorrel relish
1 lb sorrel
1 lime
Sugar
Cloves
Cinnamon
All spice
Peel of one orange cut into julienne
1 tsp grated fresh ginger
Remove petals from sorrel, discard the seeds, place in a pot, cover with boiling water. Squeeze lime and leave in sorrel.
Cover and let steep for 1-2 days.
Strain the liquid, (retain the petals) and measure, for every cup of liquid add one cup of granulated sugar.
Chop the petals and return to the sorrel and sugar, add the spices, orange and ginger.
Boil until thick.
Pour into sterilised glass jars.
Makes 16 ozs.

Sorrel glazed short ribs
For the glaze
1 cup sorrel unsweetened
2 tbs pepper jelly
2 tbs balsamic vinegar
3 cloves
1 one inch piece cinnamon
¼ tsp allspice
¼ tsp ground clove
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
½ tsp ginger powder
Juice of one lemon or 3 tbs fresh lemon juice
Place sorrel drink with cloves, and cinnamon in a small sauce pan, boil until reduced to half, about 15 minutes.
Add pepper jelly and stir to melt.
Add balsamic vinegar, allspice, cayenne and ginger powder.
Stir well.
Simmer covered until thick, about 20 minutes.
Finish with the lemon juice.
Stir add salt to taste.
Use to glaze ribs.

Sorrel Drink
To make sorrel drink just clean the sorrel, by removing the seeds, put the sepals into a large non-reactive pot, add some cloves and cinnamon bark.
It does not matter the quantities, do this to your taste preference.
Add enough boiling water to barely cover the sorrel, cover tightly and steep overnight. Sweeten to taste with sugar syrup.
Chill and serve over crushed ice or with club soda for a refreshing sorrel cooler.

Sorrel spritzer
3 ozs sorrel, sweetened
3 ozs very cold Prosecco
1 lime wedge
Place sorrel into fluted glass, pour on Prosecco and garnish with lime wedge.
Serve immediately.
Makes 1

Sorrel mojitos
12 leaves of mint
4 ozs sorrel
2 tsp sugar
Soda water
3 ozs white rum
In a small jug, muddle the mint and sugar with a bit of the sorrel.
Add rum stir to combine.
Pour mixture over crushed ice in two glasses.
Top with soda water, garnish with additional mint sprigs.
Makes 2

Ginger beer
1 pound green ginger
10 cups cold water
1 lime
2 sticks of clove
Wash, peel and grate ginger.
Peel and juice lime, keep the peel.
Mix ginger, water, cloves, lime juice and the lime skin.
Pour this mixture into clean bottles and leave to ferment for about one day, preferably in the sun.
Strain the ginger beer and sweeten to taste with basic sugar syrup.
Refrigerate until ready to use.
Makes roughly 10 servings

Gingery grilled king fish fillets with fresh tomato salsa
Serve these delicious fish fillets with a spiced basmati or jasmine rice and sautéed fresh vegetables for a colourful and delicious meal.
4 fish fillets, 1 inch thick, kingfish or carite about 4 oz’s each
1 tbs fresh ginger, grated
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbs minced chives
2 tsp fresh lime juice
1 tsp grated lime zest
1 tbs sodium reduced soy sauce
In a small bowl combine ginger, black pepper, sesame oil, garlic, chives lime juice and zest and soy sauce.
Rub marinade into fish and leave for about 15 minutes. Preheat broiler.
Lightly grease baking tray; place fillets on tray and broil for 3 mins per side.
Taste and adjust salt.
Serve immediately with salsa.

Salsa
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
½ tsp salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
¾ pound ripe tomatoes (2 to 3 tomatoes)
¼ cup finely chopped chives, including white portion
1 large clove garlic, minced
½ hot pepper, seeded and chopped
1½ tsp fresh lime juice
Meanwhile make the salsa.
Peel, seed and chop the tomatoes.
Add chopped chives, pepper, lime juice, and garlic.
Season to taste and set aside.
Just before serving add the chopped cilantro
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(Source:  Newsday, November 30, 2024)

TOBAGO has been showcased in two National Geographic features.
In a news release on November 14, Tobago Tourism Agency Ltd (TTAL) said, "We are pleased to share that the unspoilt island of Tobago has been featured in National Geographic’s newest documentary, Expedition Amazon.
"National Geographic also unveiled a special online photo essay titled The Plume, showcasing the island’s striking beauty beneath the surface through the captivating lens of noted National Geographic explorer and photographer Thomas Peschak."
TTAL said in a journey that "spanned the entire Amazon River Basin – from the icy 20,000-foot peaks of the Nevado Ausangate Mountain in the eastern Andes of Peru to its freshwater plume that reaches as far as the Caribbean islands, the unspoilt shores and vibrant reefs of Tobago present a stunning finale to National Geographic’s newest documentary, Expedition Amazon."
Expedition Amazon, it said, is the culmination of a two-year scientific exploration of the Amazon River Basin. Led by seven teams of National Geographic explorers under the Rolex and National Geographic Perpetual Planet Amazon Expedition, this new, ground-breaking documentary unearthed some of the region’s unique wonders, including its connection to the  reefs of Tobago.


“I’ve never seen blue sponges in my life,” said Angelo Bernardino, National Geographic explorer and ecologist, while exploring some of Tobago’s unique dive sites.
“A lot of marine life that we see here may be directly dependent on the food that is delivered by the Amazon River plume,” explained Bernardino during his exploration of the famous Japanese Gardens off the coast of Tobago’s Goat Island.
“And that translates into a completely different marine ecosystem…here, you have reefs that are dominated by sponges,” added Peschak.
Known by many as a diver’s paradise, Tobago boasts over 50 well-established dive sites, including the London Bridge Arch in Charlotteville, the Kelleston Drain off the coast of Little Tobago, Angel Reef in East Tobago and the Mount Irvine Wall and Kariwak Reef to the west of the island, thick with sponges, corals and the largest known brain coral in the western hemisphere. Divers can expect to find a vast array of marine life, including moray eels, lobsters, sea horses, barracudas, tarpons, rays and the leatherback turtle.
Director of marketing and communications at TTAL Jason Antoine said: “As one of the Caribbean’s hidden gems, Tobago remains a destination waiting to be discovered by many.
"With our reefs now featured in National Geographic, we hope to welcome more divers and travellers eager to experience their beauty first-hand. National Geographic's spotlight on Tobago’s mesmerising underwater landscape captures the essence of our natural allure, showcasing why Tobago should be on everyone’s travel list.”
"National Geographic’s recognition of Tobago further propels the island’s unique tourism offerings on the global stage, providing travellers, explorers and viewers around the world with a vibrant view of a rich dive experience that takes you beyond the ordinary," the TTAL release said.
Expedition Amazon is now streaming on Disney Plus, Hulu and NGTV: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCjFWTp2J_k.

The Plume online photo essay, "showcasing the island’s striking beauty beneath the surface through the captivating lens of Peschak," can be viewed at: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/into-the-amazon/the-plume.
(Source: Newsday, Nov 17, 2024)