To some, 868 is just another number, but for Trinbagonians, those three iconic digits have become part of our identity. While 868 is the unique dialing code that routes international calls to the phones of consumers in Trinidad and Tobago, those three digits have also become a symbol that evokes a sense of national pride, passion and love for country. Despite being a common thread that connects citizens at home and within the diaspora to T&T, few know that TSTT had a role in creating that country code and the particular digits were selected because they corresponded to the letters ‘TNT’ on a phone dial pad.
The Backstory
Before Trinidad and Tobago took on the country code of “868”, there was just one common regional code -809. This code had been in existence since 1958 and used for all of the Caribbean, with the exception of Cuba, Haiti, Aruba, the Netherlands Antilles, and the French West Indies. Area code 809 had been developed by the North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA) which served countries in the Caribbean, North America and neighboring territories. Back in 1994, as the telecoms market in the region grew it was recognized that having this single code for all of the countries would limit the amount of phone numbers that could be created and in fact, it was projected that new numbers under the 809 code would be exhausted by the year 2007.
By the mid-1990’s, countries in the Caribbean began to split off from the 809 code and adopt their own unique digits in a coordinated effort with the NANPA. TSTT chose the unique country code ‘868’ for Trinidad and Tobago because it represented the letters ‘T’ ‘N’ ‘T’ on a dial pad. The new country code was ratified by the NANP Administration and the change was introduced from June 1, 1997 where both the 809 area code and the new 868 area code co-existed. This was just to facilitate the transition over the course of one year and from June 1, 1998 the 868 code became Trinidad and Tobago’s exclusive area code.
868 Today
Marsha Caballero, TSTT’s Vice President, Corporate Communications stated, “TSTT is proud of the technology that we’ve introduced over the years and the innovation that we continue to champion; all of which improve the lives of our people. Many other people and organisations have equally important stories to tell about milestones in the country’s history that gave every citizen an immense feeling of pride for our country. We are therefore rolling out an extended ‘868’ campaign to celebrate the creativity and drive that has become so intimately woven into the identity of Trinidad and Tobago. Adopting 868 twenty years ago represented the continued evolution of Trinidad and Tobago’s unique identity, strengths and ambition. For TSTT it marked another milestone in the decade of the 90’s when we introduced our mobile and broadband services to the nation. Since then, 868 has become more than a TSTT story, it has become a symbol of building a powerful Trinidad and Tobago legacy.”
Caballero also noted that celebrating the 868 places patriotism at the fore, “The iconography in the logo was intentional. It is infused with elements from our culture and historical influences and draws on the uniqueness of Trinidad and Tobago’s landscape, nature and the ingenuity of our people.”
“It is the perfect way to celebrate how ‘868’ has become a rallying point for national identity and for citizens who are proud of where they are from, proud of their own aspirations and proud of everything, great and small, that makes us stand out.”
Source:  Daily Express

The jabiru stork has come to our land to add its red, white and black colours to our Independence and Republic Day celebrations. This stork is not one of our home species but a visitor that has appeared in the wetlands of East Trinidad at this time.
According to the female gardener who discovered its presence, the stork seems to be her guardian angel while she works alone on the land.
Source:  The Daily Express, September 2018

Popular fashion photographer Calvin French has died. 
French lost his battle with cancer after ailing for a short period.
A former model, French was born in Trinidad and Tobago and migrated to Canada at the age of 14.
He worked as a model in Montreal before moving to Milan, Italy, to continue his modelling career.
He later migrated to New York where he worked as a photographer for magazines such as GQ, Details, L’Uomo Vogue, and Gentlemen’s Options before returning to Trinidad.
Back home, French became a mainstay in the media working with the Trinidad Guardian's WomanWise Magazine and later the Trinidad Express' Woman magazine. 
He was instrumental in discovering new models and fashion faces alongside his friend Peter Elias and worked with a number of soca artists such as Destra Garcia and Alison Hinds. 
In 2008, French launched his book, Calvin French on The Avenue: Everyplace Has an Avenue, a celebration of the social scene on Ariapita Avenue.
In 2017, he launched You, a digital magazine that focused on the best in fashion, style and entertainment.
Source:  The Loop, Sept 2018

Former PNM Minister Wendell Mottley will receive the country’s highest award, the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago at the National Awards ceremony on Monday night.
President Paula Mae Weekes released the list of awardees on Sunday.
Veteran journalist Jones P. Madeira, Former Central Bank Governor Ewart Williams and former PNM Government Minister Joan Yuille Williams will receive the Chaconia Gold Medal. See the full list below.


The Order of Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (ORTT)
For Distinguished and Outstanding Service to Trinidad and Tobago in the Sphere of:


Wendell Mottley –National Development/Public Service
(Former Minister of Finance/Athlete)


The Chaconia Medal (GOLD)
For the Long and Meritorious Service to Trinidad and Tobago in the Sphere of:


Jones P. Madeira-Public Service/ Journalism
(Editorial Executive Consultant)


Dr. Romesh Mootoo-Medicine/Health
(Medical Practitioner)


Dr. Waveney Charles-Medicine
(Haemotologist)


Ewart Williams- Public Service
(Former Governor of Central Bank)
                                                  
Mrs. Joan Yuille Williams-Culture/Public Service
(Former Minister of Community Development and Gender Affairs)


The Chaconia Medal (SILVER)
For Long and Meritorious Service to Trinidad and Tobago in the Sphere of:


Dr. Clifford Alexis-Culture/Community Service
(Musical Instrument- Specialist/ Educator/Composer)
                                                                                   
Mr. Neville Jules-Culture/Community Service         
(Retired Pan Player, Tuner, Arranger of All Stars Steel Orchestra)                         


Mr. Roy Narinesingh-Education
(Publisher/ Author/ Editor)    


Pundit Seereeram Maharaj-Religion/Culture
(Pundit )                                  


Dr. Kern Tobias-Community Service
(President Caribbean Union Conference)      


Pundit Bhownath Maraj-Religion/Culture
(Pundit)                                              
​

The Hummingbird Medal (GOLD)
For Loyal and Devoted Service to Trinidad and Tobago in the Sphere of:


Kent Bede Bernard-Sport
(Court Case Worker-USA)


Hazel Thompson- Ahye-Public Service/Youth Development
(Attorney at Law)


Angela Murphy-Medicine/Health
(Physiotherapist)           


Breast feeding Association of Trinidad and Tobago-Community Service/Health                                                                                                                              
Dr. Helene Marceau- Crooks- Medicine/Psychiatrist/Public Service
(Medical Doctor)


Winston “Explainer” Henry-Culture/Education
(Culture/Education)


Dr. Ian Anthony Hypolite- Sport Coach
(Psychiatrist/ Athletic)


Dr. Varma Deyalsingh-Medicine/Health
(Family Doctor & Psychiatrist)                                             


Thomas E. Lawrence-Public Service
(Chairman Trinidad and Tobago Civil Aviation Authority and Retired Airline Captain, Check Airman)


The Hummingbird Medal-(SILVER)
For Loyal and devoted Service to Trinidad and Tobago in the Sphere:


Michael Paul- Sport/ Community Service
Retired Technician (TSTT)                                                    


Haji Mohammed Hosein- Sport/Education
(Retired School Principal)


Narrie Aproo-Culture/ Community Service
(Black Indian Masquerader)                          


Keith Thomas- Community Service/ Youth Development
(Swim Coach)                        
                                                                                               
Arnold Alpheus Ransome-Culture        
(Lead Baritone Singer of the Southernaires Choir of San Fernando)
                                                                                       
Ella Andall-Culture Minister
Calypsonian/Actress                                      
                                                                                                                                               
Willard “Relator” Harris-Culture
(Calypsonian)            


 Donric “Funny” Williamson-Culture
(Calypsonian)


Fred “Composer” Mitchell-Culture
(Calypsonian)


Teniel Campbell-Sport
(Cyclist)                                             


Dylan Carter-Sport                
(Swimmer)


Nicholas Paul-Sport
(Cyclist)


Kwesi Browne -Sport
(Cyclist)                                             


Njisane Phillip-Sport
(Cyclist)
           
The Hummingbird Medal (BRONZE)
For Loyal and Devoted Service to Trinidad and Tobago in the Sphere of:


Sariah Estrada
(Student of the University of the Southern Caribbean)


The Public Service Medal of Merit (GOLD)
For Outstanding and Meritorious Service to Trinidad and Tobago in the Sphere of:


Michael Scott-Arts/Community Service (Posthumously)
Retired Teacher                                              


Dr. Oswin Christian Rose-Public Service
Consumer Law Specialist


Beryl Irma Brewster-Public Service/Health
Senior Nursing Lecturer                                                        
                                   
Prem Premanand Nandlal-Medicine
Retired Industrial Chemist     


Dr. Rasheed Usman Adam- Public Service/Medicine
Medical Doctor/Neurosurgeon                                                                      
                                               
Ronald Richardson- Community Service/Education
(Retired Teacher II)   
Bronson Berry Merritt-Education/Public Service
Retired School Supervisor III                                               


Teddy Brathwaite-Public Service/Defence Force (Posthumously)
Retired Deputy Commissioner of Prisons


 Liaquat Ali Shah-Public Service
Chief Executive Officer/ Chemical Engineer


Camille Hosein- Education/ Public Service
Retired Principal                    


Mr. Francis Seupaul-Education/Community Service (Posthumously)
Retired Principal                    
                                                                                   
Mrs. Lynette Lalla-Chote- Education/Communication
Retired Principal                    


Dr. Lester Efebo Wilkinson-Public Service
Retired Ambassador/ Permanent Secretary/Consultant


Mr. Mahmud Sultan Dean Aziz-Public Service
(Retired Barrister)      


Medal for the Development of Women (GOLD)
For Outstanding Contribution to the Development of Women’s Rights and Issues in Trinidad and Tobago in the Sphere of:


Dr. Krishendaye Rampersad- Journalism/Development of Women
(Writer, Journalist, Multimedia of Multi-Cultural Heritage Sustainable Development Educator)

One of the Caribbean’s main universities has for the first time ever, entered the five percent bracket of the 2019 Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
The University of the West Indies (The UWI) made it into the ranking among the elite band of top institutions worldwide based on data showing that there are over 25,000 recognised universities, globally.
The UWI ranked 591 in the world for 2019 out of the 1,258 universities which made the list and is the only Caribbean institution on the worldwide list. It was also the only Caribbean university ranked earlier this year in THE’s 2018 Latin America University Rankings, in the region that is home to over 100 universities contributing to sustainable development. 
Regarded as the definitive list of the top universities, THE’s World University Rankings is the only global university performance table to judge research-intensive universities across their core missions of teaching (the learning environment); research (volume, income and reputation), international outlook (staff, students and research); citations (research influence); industry income (knowledge transfer). The 70-year-old regional university, which is relatively young among its counterparts in the World Rankings, scored in the top 10% of universities (#290) for its international outlook and in the top 30% (#370) for research influence.
Elated about the news, Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles said, “The excellence of The UWI has been a well-kept secret for far too long. Now, with these very impressive global ranking results, we can begin to share with the world the story of this academic enterprise in the West Indies that highlights the intellectual achievement and scholastic contributions of the Caribbean community.”
In 2015, Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles took over the reins and declared an intention to radically globalise the University and to prepare it for regional and global comparisons within the THE’s rankings. This required considerable mobilising of the evidence relevant to its academic legacy and current strategic agenda as a strategic project. Vice-Chancellor Beckles, in establishing an Office for Global Affairs, and giving a remit to the redesigned Office of Strategic Planning, recognised the need for The UWI to be competitive internationally within a global sector.  The Vice-Chancellor’s vision to have The UWI recognised within the top five% of the best universities in the world has now been realised. 
The UWI’s exceptional performance in the 2018 Latin America University Rankings and now the 2019 World University Rankings demonstrates a series of deliberate strategic initiatives advanced by the implementation of the University’s five-year strategic plan for 2017-2022. Themed the Triple A Strategy, the plan is centred around widening Access to quality tertiary education, greater Alignment of The UWI with academic-industry partnerships relevant to the region's needs and Agility and alertness in engaging global connections and possibilities.
The Loop: Sept 2018

The US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has designated and sanctioned two T&T nationals  - an Emraan Ali and one Eddie Aleong - as financiers of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terror network.
In a release, the US Department of the Treasury revealed, "As of January 2017, a Trinidadian ISIS supporter possibly planned to work with Eddie Aleong, to transfer funds to Emraan Ali, who would then provide the funds to Trinidadian ISIS fighters in Syria."
As a result of yesterday's action, all property and interests in property of the two men, subject to US jurisdiction are blocked and US persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with them."
OFAC's sanction action was pursuant to its executive orders which targets terrorists and those providing support to terrorists or acts of terrorism.
The department stated that while coalition efforts have led to the collapse of ISIS’s self-declared caliphate, the Treasury continues to aggressively target financiers supporting the terrorist group’s radical agenda. 
"We are sanctioning individuals involved in financial facilitation to obstruct and deter ISIS financial operations in regions across the world,” said Sigal Mandelker, Treasury Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence.
“Our actions coincide with the 10th meeting of the Counter-ISIS Finance Group (CIFG), which includes 52 countries and international organizations committed to disrupting critical sources of ISIS revenue to permanently prevent ISIS from accessing the international financial system.”
Today's designations of the two Trini nationals was part of Treasury and the broader US government’s ongoing and concerted efforts to disrupt ISIS-related financial activities around the globe, the department added.
Throughout this year, the Departments of the Treasury and State targeted ISIS branches, facilitators and networks in Bangladesh, Iraq, Somalia, the Philippines, and across West and North Africa, it added.

President Paula-Mae Weekes has appointed an Independent Senator to fill the vacancy created following the resignation of Dr. Dhanayshar Mahabir earlier this year.
A statement from the Office of the President on Saturday, indicated that contrary to certain media reports an Independent Senator was appointed last week.
“Her Excellency signed the Instrument of Appointment last Wednesday September 19 and it along with all other relevant documents were delivered to the Clerk of the Senate by Friday September 21. It is now for the appointee to be sworn-in at the Senate.”
It added that like former Senator Mahabir, the incoming Independent Senator is an economist. Dr. Mahabir, who was appointed by former President Anthony Carmona in August 2013, tendered his resignation in March.

Ken “Professor” Philmore - steelpan arranger, composer and ace pannist – died at the Intensive Care Unit of the San Fernando General Hospital on Sunday.
Philmore, 58, succumbed to severe internal injuries suffered in a crash on the Republic Day holiday.
He sustained broken ribs and his lungs had collapsed, police said.
Philmore was driving his Toyotal Hilux van north along the Solomon Hochoy Highway when he picked up a skid near Claxton Bay at around 8.45am.
The vehicle flipped several times and Philmore was thrown out of the cabin.
His wife, Sophia Philmore, had called on the nation to pray for her husband.
San Fernando Mayor Junia Regrello confirmed that Philmore died at around 9.30am.
Regrello said, “He was in the ICU. He suffered some internal injuries. Yes, his lungs had collapsed twice in that time and I understand he suffered a heart attack as well. His passing is a really, really big loss to the pan fraternity.”
Regrello said Philmore played with many south steelbands and made his mark in the artform.
“He represented San Fernando with pride. He was like a brother to me He had so much to offer. This is really, really sad. I want to express condolences to his family and say thank you for his contributions to the city of San Fernando,” he said.
Philmore began his steelpan career with Hatters and then moved to Fonclaire, where he settled in 1981. He also began a successful career in composing.
In 1988, he appeared with international artistes Tina Tuner and Lionel Hamptom in New York. He was honoured by Pan Trinbago as one of the most promising arrangers.
Philmore was described locally and internationally as a pannist of today and tomorrow.
Source:  Daily Express, Oct 2, 2018

Olatunji Yearwood will take on the X Factor's dreaded Six Chair Challenge tonight.
Loop understands Ola will be singing in the first position.
The former Groovy Soca Monarch who wowed the four judges with his 2018 song 'Bodyline' won't be singing soca in this elimination challenge. He will be singing Lou Bega's Mambo Number Five according to a promotional clip on Youtube.
In this challenge, the contestants compete before a live audience and the judges. The hopefuls are split into four different categories and mentors are assigned to each group. 
The mentors will decide if each act deserve one of six coveted seats but they could be replaced with a subsequent performer.
For the 2018 edition, a new element has been added to the challenge called the Golden X where each judge will have the right to offer an act a 'safe seat', or the Golden X, which will guarantee them a place for Judges' Houses.
The Six Chair Challenge will be the last round before the live shows. 
X Factor will air on the UK's ITV channel at 3.35 pm T&T time.
Source: The Loop, Sept. 2018