Super Bowl 59 unfolded with Trump, Swift & the Eagles Soaring
They came expecting a gripping contest between the NFL's two best teams.
But President Trump, Taylor Swift and the rest left New Orleans wondering what had happened to two-time champion Kansas City Chiefs as they were steamrollered 40-22 by the Philadelphia Eagles.
Inspired by quarterback Jalen Hurts and a bone-crunching defence, the Eagles left the Chiefs' dreams of an unprecedented 'three-peat' in ruins - and served notice on their plans to build their own kingdom at the top of the NFL.
Last season's Super Bowl was watched by a record 123m as the Chiefs edged the San Francisco 49ers in overtime to win their second straight Lombardi Trophy.
It was an illustration of their recurring ability to find their best form when it mattered.
After another commanding season, the Chiefs hoped to be the first team to win three in a row - but they wilted in the New Orleans heat.
After a quiet first quarter, the Eagle's defence exploded in the second, bullying and battering the Chiefs' offensive line and panicking the NFL's most reliable quarterback Patrick Mahomes into a catalogue of uncharacteristic errors.
In that period, the 28-year-old threw two interceptions, one that was immediately returned for a touchdown by a brutal Eagles defence and the other turned into a score by receiver AJ Brown from the resulting play.
It left the scoreless Chiefs well beaten before Kendrick Lamar's half-time stage had even been assembled.
By the time Worthy finally got the Chiefs on the board, the Eagles had extended their lead through DeVonta Smith and a field goal from Jake Elliott, the kicker later adding two further scores.
The Eagles did not even need a performance from Saquon Barkley, their brilliant running back who only had 57 yards on the ground but still managed to break Terrell Davis' record for most rushing yards in a season, including the playoffs.
While Mahomes ended up with three late touchdowns, he was tackled for a loss a career-high six times and was intercepted twice as Philadelphia dethroned the king of the NFL - and thoroughly humbled their former head coach Andy Reid.
There has never been a sitting US president at a Super Bowl but within 20 days of returning to the White House, Donald Trump has changed that.
Trump has a complicated relationship with the NFL - during his first term in office he was embroiled in a row with players who took a knee during the national anthem as part of a protest against racism.
His appearance in New Orleans coincided with the NFL's decision to remove the words "End Racism" from the end zone messaging, instead replacing them with "Choose Love" for Super Bowl 59.
For this showpiece event, the US commander-in-chief arrived about an hour before kick-off and walked around the field flanked by his daughter Ivanka and a large entourage.
After that, when shown on the big screen to mostly cheers from the thousands in the stadium, the president was understated during the anthems, offering plenty of opportunity for photographers to drink their fill of patriotic pictures.
While Trump commanded much of the attention, last season's most noteworthy spectator Taylor Swift was also in attendance, with boyfriend Travis Kelce once again trying to win the Super Bowl.
In 2024, Swift offered a tremendous subplot to the Super Bowl, jetting in from the Tokyo leg of her record-breaking Eras tour to witness Kelce haul in nine catches for 93 yards in their victory.
This year however, she shared a wry smile as her first appearance on the big screens was greeted with resounding boos from the raucous Philadelphia fans.
And her boyfriend was given similarly short shrift on the field - Kelce anonymous as the Eagles' NFL-leading defence demolished the previously untouchable Chiefs.
"The only one that had a tougher night than the Kansas City Chiefs was Taylor Swift. She got booed out of the stadium. MAGA is very unforgiving," Trump posted on his Truth platform.
Swift had endorsed Trump's presidential rival Kamala Harris during the 2024 election.
Tennis legend Serena Williams, who appeared in the half-time show, wrote on X: "I love you, Taylor Swift, don't listen to those booos!!"
Resplendent in a star-spangled hat and jacket, Hollywood legend Samuel L Jackson played host as Uncle Sam to announce multiple award-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar for the half-time show.
After scooping five Grammys last week in Los Angeles, the US rapper was on top form in the Superdome, bristling through a 13-minute set.
Frequent collaborator SZA joined him on stage for their hits 'All the Stars' and 'Luther' while 23-time grand slam winner Williams also made a surprise cameo as a dancer.
The title song on his Grammy-winning Record of the Year 'Not Like Us' was the culmination (and the fatal blow) in an escalating rap beef with Drake - in which he accused his nemesis of cultural appropriation and paedophilia.
With the song the subject of an active defamation lawsuit, it was unclear whether Lamar would be permitted to perform it.
In the end, he did, self-censoring the word "paedophile" but leaving other lyrics intact, including the one that went viral.
That was the only moment in Lamar's 13-minute set where the crowd audibly joined in with the words.
Just five weeks ago, the city of New Orleans was struck by tragedy.
Early on 1 January, a US Army veteran drove a high-speed truck into a crowd of people, killing 14 and wounding dozens before being apprehended and killed by police fire.
For Super Bowl 59, with 65,719 fans in attendance, thousands more in the city and the US president in town, security was heavy throughout the build-up.
Police lined the streets and, in the balmy 25C weather, their reassuring presence brought a lively and convivial atmosphere, far removed from the terror of last month.
It was classic New Orleans for the pre-match anthems, jazz musicians and Louisiana natives Trombone Shorty and Jon Batiste bringing local heritage and elegance to the regalia.
There was a poignant moment too immediately before kick-off as members of the New Orleans emergency services held up framed photos of the victims of the January attack and family members participated in the honorary coin toss.
Done with class and dignity, the Big Easy's 11th time of hosting the Super Bowl - a record with Miami - once again made putting on America's biggest game look simple.
Source-BBC
Trinidad to hold talks with US government on Venezuelan oil project
The Trinidad and Tobago government says it will be seeking to “engage and apprise” the new Donald Trump administration in the United States of the important projects being developed with Venezuela not only to Trinidad and Tobago but to the energy security for the region.
Addressing the three day, Trinidad and Tobago Energy Conferences here on Monday, Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley said a joint venture project, the Loran-Manatee and the Venezuelan Dragon Gas field had been sanctioned for development and monetization in Trinidad and Tobago.
The conference organised by the Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago, is being held under the theme “Investing for the Future”.
Rowley told delegates that in 2018, a term sheet was finalized for gas to be supplied from the Dragon field and a development plan for the Loran- Manatee field was being prepared by the exploration and production companies.
However, both initiatives were curtailed due to sanctions imposed by the US government, which blocked US companies from doing business with the Venezuelan energy company, PDVSA.
Rowley told the conference that the sanctioning of the Loran-Manatee and Dragon projects was not in Port of Spain’s best interests, adding that the “2018 US decision denied Trinidad and Tobago access to Dragon gas field which was projected to come on stream in 2020 and sterilized Loran- Manatee project”.
But he said that given the country’s critical gas supply situation the matter had to be resolved and that in order to access gas from Trinidad’s Manatee field Trinidad and Tobago sought and received in 2019 the agreement of the Venezuelan government to delink the Venezuelan Loran field from the Manatee field.
Rowley said that following the delinking of the gas fields and the agreement between the government and Shell on contractual arrangements for the Manatee field final investment decision was taken.
He said the project is underway with production due to come on stream in 2027 at 600 mmscf per day.
“The development of the Manatee field provides a pathway for the monetization of the Loran field with its reserves of 7.2 tcf of gas in the future. The turnaround in the Manatee project is an example of the alacrity with which this government is progressing from decision-making to execution,” Rowley said.
He said that for decades it has been confirmed that there are gas fields on the border, shared by Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago.
“As per normal arrangements under these circumstances, the initial approach was to try to facilitate joint exploitation of these reserves. For 15 years this exercise was pursued but brought us no nearer to getting gas to shore. As declining Trinidad and Tobago reserves became more critical the government had to act on very many fronts.”
He said that one of the main decisions taken by his government was to approach Venezuela with a firm proposal to have both countries abandon the unitization approach to exploiting cross-border fields. By obtaining early agreement on this idea, it opened the door for swift access to the Loran-Manatee field followed by other similarly placed deposits.
Rowley said the government, with the support of CARICOM and the Dominican Republic also simultaneously requested a review by the United States government on the sanctions on the Dragon gas Project.
“Following discussions and negotiations with US Government officials, the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) approved a request by Trinidad and Tobago to waive ongoing sanctions against Venezuela to allow for the development of the neighbouring Dragon gas field.
“This was followed by a 30-year licence between Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago that grants selected operators, Shell and NGC (National Gas Company), the right to produce and export gas to Trinidad and Tobago,” Rowley said, adding that the government in May last year, received an OFAC licence to pursue, with Venezuela, the exploitation and development of hydrocarbon reservoirs of the Manakin-Cocuina Field.
He said the exploration and production companies have been undertaking preparatory work to bring Manakin-Cocuina and Dragon Projects, which cumulatively possess 5.2 trillion tcf gas, on stream in the shortest interval.
“The government in collaboration with the government of Venezuela and our energy stakeholders have made great strides in advancing the development of both the Dragon Project and the Manakin-Cocuina Project.
“We will be seeking to engage and apprise the new US administration of the importance of these projects not only to Trinidad and Tobago but to the energy security for the region.”
Rowley said that energy security is a major issue for the majority of countries in the Caribbean with oil and gas accounting for 60 per cent of the energy needs of the region. “There is an opportunity for the petroleum-producing countries in the region to pool their resources and optimize their monetization using existing infrastructure to the benefit of the resource owner and wider community. As a region susceptible to the effects of climate change, pooling of resources will contribute to reducing the carbon footprint of the region”.
Rowley said that it is this principle that governs economic cooperation between Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela and which has been extended to Guyana, Grenada, Suriname and Barbados, “CARICOM partners with whom we have signed Memoranda of Understanding to facilitate future cooperation and collaboration in energy matters.
“Our energy assets comprising, LNG (liquified natural gas) assets, 10 ammonia plants, and eight methanol plants, are not all operating at full capacity due to gas constraints. We also have a mothballed and preserved oil refinery, for which bids are currently being evaluated to the conclusion.”
Prime Minister Rowley said that these existing international-grade investment structures are available to the Caribbean neighbours and other participants to monetize their hydrocarbon resources.
He said the global oil and gas sector is currently at a critical juncture and that the interplay of global energy demand, climate change, financial decision-making and swift technological advancements is transforming the industry.
“This changing landscape offers both significant challenges and remarkable opportunities. Trinidad and Tobago has long been a leader in this business and will continue to be so as we make the urgent and necessary adjustments, even in turbulent geopolitical waters.
“Notwithstanding anything else, the oil and gas industry remains a cornerstone of global energy supply, even as it faces increasing pressure to evolve. In 2025, economic factors such as fluctuating demand, geopolitical tensions, and investment patterns will shape the industry’s trajectory.
“Global energy demand is growing steadily, largely influenced by Asia-Pacific’s energy needs, industrial expansion and the interest in natural gas as a cleaner alternative, especially in developing countries.”
Rowley said that Mc Kinsey & Company, the well-known American consulting and strategy firm, in its September 2024 report, projected that fossil fuels, including oil, natural gas, and coal, will continue to continue to play a role, in the global energy system to 2050, meeting between 40 and 60 per cent of global energy demand in 2050.
He said McKinsey further advised that investment and capital flow into fossil fuels are required for at least the next ten years to ensure the global energy system can keep up with demand.
“We, in Trinidad and Tobago, have resolved not to be left behind but instead to ensure that we get our share of the available investment in all our prospects whether they be inshore, cross border or across the border.”
He said offshore drilling in particular is projected to play a significant role in global energy supply, as next-generation drilling platforms offer faster setup and fewer emissions. Global investment in offshore drilling is projected to increase from US$43 billion in 2025 to US$64 billion by 2030.
He said one notable trend in the ongoing offshore revolution is a large increase in deep-water and ultra-deep-water drilling.
“For us this is of particular interest since we are currently turning our gaze into these horizons which only now are able to attract the necessary technical examination and required investment. Deepwater oil and gas production is set to increase by 60 per cent by 2030 and contribute eight per cent of overall upstream production, according to a new report from Wood Mackenzie, a leading global data analytic firm.
Rowley said as it stands Trinidad and Tobago’s deep-water province is largely unexplored but coming into view.
“Therefore, we stand to gain from the increase in exploration in deep-water, globally. The recent exploration work conducted in the deep-water area by Woodside has confirmed the prospectivity of our deep-water province.
“Of the fourteen exploration wells drilled eight were successful in discovering hydrocarbons. Following an evaluation of these discoveries, the Calypso project was developed targeting 3.5 tcf of reserves in Blocks TTDAA 14 and 23(a),” he said telling the delegates “if you do hear any of the contrived misinformation about our work and attention to the deep and ultra-deep horizons of Trinidad and Tobago offshore acreage, please ignore it, as the idle chatter that it is”.
Source-CMC
Commonwealth Day to be observed next month
Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland KC said Monday that Commonwealth Day 2025 will be celebrated on March 10 under the theme “Together We Thrive.”
She said that events and activities will take place throughout the month, including civic and faith gatherings, school assemblies, debates, flag-raising ceremonies, and cultural celebrations.
“Commonwealth Day is an opportunity to reaffirm our shared commitment to the principles of unity, peace, and equality. This year’s theme, ‘Together We Thrive’, encapsulates the strength of the Commonwealth Family – a network of nations working together to uplift all citizens and build a future defined by opportunity and resilience,” Scotland said.
The Commonwealth Advantage, a 21 percent reduction in trade costs between the 56-member member countries, attributed to shared language, legal systems, and institutional frameworks, which facilitates easier and more efficient trade and investment, is built on a shared commitment to democracy, human rights and sustainable development.
Across the Commonwealth, countries will mark the day with readings of the Commonwealth Proclamation, educational initiatives, and events to increase awareness of the Commonwealth’s values and achievements.
In London, the Commonwealth Secretariat said it will host a reception welcoming representatives from across the member states, and a vibrant multi-faith service at Westminster Abbey will celebrate the diversity and unity of the Commonwealth.
Highlights of the service will include reflections, performances, and the iconic procession of flags, with young flag bearers representing each of the 56 member states.
“As the Commonwealth Family reflects on this year’s theme, ‘Together We Thrive’, it renews its commitment to building a future where all 2.7 billion Commonwealth citizens can live in societies that are safe, equitable, and united by a spirit of peace and partnership.,” the Secretariat added.
Source-CMC
Incident Free Election
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force wishes to extend our sincere gratitude to the public for their cooperation in adhering to the rules and guidelines during yesterday’s electoral process.
Your commitment to maintaining peace and following the guidelines was crucial in assisting officers in performing their duties. We also wish to acknowledge our partners, the TCI Regiment and the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, for their invaluable support in providing resources. Their efforts helped ensure that Turks and Caicos remained under a firm security blanket throughout the election period.
The RT&CIPF is pleased to announce that the election was conducted without significant incidents. This is a testament to the collective efforts of law enforcement officers, election officials, and the community, all working together to uphold the integrity of the democratic process.
A special thanks to the officers stationed at polling stations across the islands. Your dedication, professionalism, and vigilance ensured a safe and seamless voting experience for all. Your service does not go unnoticed, and we sincerely appreciate your sacrifices to uphold democracy and public safety.
Once again, we commend everyone involved for making this election a model of order, security, and integrity.
3rd Black Hawk soldier killed in DC crash identified
The Army on Saturday identified the third soldier on the Black Hawk helicopter involved in the midair crash over the Potomac River as Capt. Rebecca M. Lobach.
Lobach, of Durham, North Carolina, was the last member of the helicopter's crew to be identified. The six-year Army member was assigned to the 12th Aviation Battalion at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, according to the Army.
Lobach's family initially withheld her identity when the Army released the names of the other two soldiers killed in the collision, Staff Sgt. Ryan Austin O'Hara and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Lloyd Eaves.
Lobach was among the 67 people killed in the Wednesday night crash between the helicopter and an American Airlines regional jetliner.
Engines and cockpit voice recorder recovered from wreckage
Investigators have located the engines and cockpit voice recorder from the small medical transport jet that crashed in Philadelphia Friday evening, killing seven people.
The jet, which was carrying a child and her mother along with four other people, was in the air for less than a minute after taking off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport before coming down in a fiery "high-impact" crash.
All six people aboard the jet died in the crash, including the child, who had just received care from Shriner's Hospital in Philadelphia and was returning home to Mexico with her mother. There were also four crew members on board. All were Mexican citizens, according to a statement from the Mexican government.
Meanwhile, in Washington, Family members of the victims of the plane crash in Washington, D.C., visited the crash site on Sunday morning.
Dozens of the victims' loved ones could be seen gathered by the Potomac River to commemorate the 67 people killed in the deadly midair collision last week.
An American Airlines regional jet collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter on Wednesday night near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
There were no survivors.
Among those lost in the crash were a civil rights attorney, a biology professor and several champion figure skaters.
Source-ABC
Mexico, Canada respond to Trump's tariffs: 'Difficult times' are ahead
White House officials announced that President Donald Trump has imposed 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada and 10% tariffs on goods from China.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum both responded Saturday evening to the imposed tariffs.
Trudeau said Canada will implement 25% tariffs on $155 billion of U.S. goods.
But he warned, "Of course, I won't sugarcoat it -- our nation could be facing difficult times in the coming days and weeks."
Sheinbaum said she has instructed officials in her government to implement Plan B, "which includes tariff and non-tariff measures in defense of Mexico's interests."
Providenciales Lights Up with Solar Streetlights
The Energy and Utilities Department (EUD), under the Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities (MPSU), announces the installation of sixty (60) state-of-the-art solar streetlights in key areas of Providenciales.
This project, made possible by funding from the European Union through the RESEMBID programme and implemented by Expertise France, represents a significant advancement in public safety and disaster resilience for the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The streetlights have been strategically installed in areas that were previously vulnerable due to limited lighting, including portions of South Dock Road, the Five Cays roundabout, Kewtown Road, Wheeland, and The Bight Park.
By targeting these high-priority zones, the project aims to improve safety, reduce crime, and enhance the quality of life for residents.
Mr. Desmond Wilson, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities, commended the initiative.
“The installation of these solar streetlights is a testament of our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our citizens,” he said.
“This project not only enhances public safety but aligns with our national goals for sustainability and disaster preparedness. We are proud to deliver tangible results that directly benefit the residents of Providenciales and beyond.”
More than just providing illumination, the solar streetlights are a critical component of the country’s disaster preparedness strategy.
In a region frequently impacted by hurricanes, these solar-powered lights ensure reliable lighting even during power outages. The consistent illumination supports emergency response efforts by allowing rescue teams to navigate affected areas safely and more effectively.
During crises, well-lit communities help maintain order, sustain essential services, and ensure the safety of residents in the aftermath of a disaster.
The solar streetlights offer several long-term environmental and economic benefits that align with the Turks and Caicos Islands’ commitment to sustainability and fiscal responsibility:
Environmental Benefits: By harnessing renewable energy, the lights reduce dependency on fossil fuels, lowering the country’s carbon footprint and contributing to global climate change mitigation efforts.
Cost Savings: Solar lighting eliminates electricity costs associated with traditional grid-tied systems and minimizes operational expenses, providing a cost-efficient alternative.
Low Maintenance: Built for durability, the streetlights require minimal upkeep, reducing long-term maintenance costs and freeing up resources for other community projects.
Hurricane Resilience: The streetlights are engineered to withstand Category 5 hurricanes, ensuring continued functionality during extreme weather events.
Further, these solar streetlights feature cutting-edge technology designed specifically for hurricane-prone regions. Key innovations include:
Wind-Resistant Design: The poles’ cylindrical shape minimizes wind resistance, ensuring stability during high winds and storms.
Efficient Solar Capture: Vertically mounted solar panels optimize energy absorption throughout the day, even in cloudy or overcast conditions.
Weatherproof Integration: Solar modules are seamlessly integrated into the pole design, protecting them from severe weather impacts and enhancing durability.
“This initiative is a clear reflection of our dedication to sustainable development and disaster resilience,” said EUD Commissioner Delano R. Arthur. “I’d like to express my gratitude to the European Union, Expertise France, and RENERGY (the contracting firm) for their invaluable contributions to this project and for the safe execution of the initiative. Through these partnerships, we are fostering a safer and greener future for our islands.”
With robust political support and strong partnerships, the Government aims to expand the project to additional areas, ensuring that more communities benefit from sustainable and reliable lighting.
Kew Town Male Sentenced
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) remains committed to ensuring justice and enhancing public safety.
On January 30, 2025, JERMAINE WELCH, 26, of Kew Town, Providenciales, was sentenced to one year in prison after pleading guilty to TWO COUNTS of BURGLARY for offences committed in 2024.
The court heard that on December 1, 2024, a business establishment on Airport Road, Providenciales, was secured by its owner. Upon returning the next day (December 2), the owner discovered that the premises had been broken into and burglarized. CCTV footage from the establishment identified Mr Welch as the perpetrator.
A similar incident occurred on December 6, 2024, when another business owner secured their establishment, only to return on December 7 and find it had also been burglarized. CCTV footage from this location also identified Mr Welch as the culprit.
Following a thorough investigation, Mr. Welch was arrested on December 11, 2024, and subsequently charged.
Acting Superintendent Grantly Williams, Head of Serious Crime, Safeguarding, and Public Protection, emphasized the critical role of security systems in crime prevention.
“The use of CCTV footage significantly aided our officers in arresting and charging the accused. I strongly encourage businesses and homeowners to take proactive measures by installing reliable security systems. If you already have one in place, please ensure it is regularly serviced and fully operational. These systems assist in solving crimes and serve as a deterrent to potential offenders. Become a hard target by safeguarding yourself and your property.”
The RT&CIPF asks the public to notify the closest police station, contact 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 to anonymously provide any information on illegal activities. Additionally, individuals are encouraged to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app to share information anonymously.
Dock Yard male convicted
A 20-year-old Dock Yard male pleaded guilty to four charges on (January 31) following a robbery that occurred in 2024.
JAMES SIMON is expected to be sentenced on April 03rd, 2025, having been convicted for the following offenses:
One Count of Possession of a Firearm, One Count of Possession of Ammunition, One Count Robbery, and One Count of using a Firearm in the Commission of a Serious Offence.
Based on the evidence presented before the court, Mr Simon was arrested on May 02, 2024, along South Dock Road, where he was found with an illegal firearm.
Acting Superintendent in charge of Crime, Safeguarding, and Public Protection Grantley Williams said, “Given the prevalence of firearm-related incidents, the Force has successfully removed one more illegal firearm from our streets. I applaud my officers for their vigilance and dedication to their duty.
I urge the public to assist us by reporting illegal firearms. If you have any information, don't hesitate to get in touch. Please contact the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477. You can also anonymously share information via the Crime Stoppers P3 app. Together, we can make the Turks and Caicos Islands safer."