Carib Scope

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  • ‘A deep, deep crisis of civilisation’

    ‘A deep, deep crisis of civilisation’

    Despite the implementation of a State of Emergency (SoE), Trinidad and Tobago continues to grapple with an unrelenting surge in violent crimes, including homicides, kidnappings, and home invasions. Criminologists assert that the government’s reliance on emergency measures constitutes an ineffective, one-dimensional strategy that fails to address the complex nature of criminal activity in the nation.

    Official statistics reveal a murder toll of 76 as of 2026, showing only a marginal decrease from 85 recorded during the previous year. The current administration, led by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, has implemented two States of Emergency since assuming power in April 2025, citing escalating threats from organized criminal networks. This approach follows a similar emergency declaration by the preceding PNM government in December 2024.

    Dr. Randy Seepersad, a prominent criminologist, explains that the SoE primarily targets gang-related violence, which accounts for approximately 40% of homicides. ‘The operational methodology involves saturating high-crime zones with joint police and military personnel, which can suppress retaliatory gang killings,’ Seepersad noted. However, he emphasized that 60% of murders—including those stemming from domestic disputes, altercations, and robberies—remain largely unaffected by emergency measures.

    Fellow criminologist Daurius Figueira presented a more critical assessment, characterizing the SoE as fundamentally irrelevant to Trinidad’s evolving criminal landscape. He highlighted that emergency measures primarily instill fear in law-abiding citizens rather than deter hardened criminals. ‘In situations of extreme passion or organized criminal disputes, SoEs provide no persuasive deterrent,’ Figueira stated. ‘Transnational criminal operations continue unimpeded, with professional contract killers (sicarios) reemerging as significant threats in 2026.’

    Both experts concur that the government’s repetitive use of emergency declarations without accompanying structural reforms represents a ‘dance of futility.’ Figueira particularly criticized the outdated national security apparatus and prison system, warning that correctional facilities risk being overtaken by organized crime. ‘The national security apparatus we have is the creation of politicians—it works for politicians but not for the average citizen,’ he concluded, describing the situation as a ‘deep crisis of civilization.’

    The criminologists urge authorities to develop multifaceted strategies that address the diverse causes of violence beyond gang-related activity, emphasizing that sustainable solutions require modernization of security institutions and targeted interventions for domestic violence and other non-gang-related crimes.

  • Pavement repairs, street lighting to be prioritised, say ministers

    Pavement repairs, street lighting to be prioritised, say ministers

    The Trinidad and Tobago government has initiated a nationwide infrastructure rehabilitation program targeting deteriorated road networks and public utilities. Works Minister Jearlean John revealed that the Highways Division maintains systematic oversight through biweekly inspections across all eight operational districts, prioritizing interventions based on deterioration severity, traffic volume, and potential risks to public safety.

    Minister John detailed specific maintenance challenges, identifying approximately 113 defective manhole covers and over 223 linear meters of damaged pavement along the Southern Main Road corridor alone. The ministry is currently prioritizing procurement of materials for comprehensive repairs while maintaining inventories of missing bridge handrails for future installation as funding becomes available.

    Simultaneously, Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath announced an aggressive street light restoration initiative following a comprehensive national audit. The audit revealed widespread aging and outdated lighting infrastructure inherited from previous administrations. Padarath credited newly appointed T&TEC General Manager Ian Ramrattan, who rejoined the organization from Canada’s power sector, with driving rapid improvements in utility infrastructure.

    The government acknowledges inherited challenges including outdated power lines causing recent outages in Central and East Coast regions. Officials emphasize shifting focus from loss-yielding mega projects to practical infrastructure upgrades, with both ministries coordinating technical support and funding allocation for nationwide improvements.

  • New border security plan to get ‘bad guys’

    New border security plan to get ‘bad guys’

    Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to intensifying crime reduction efforts through enhanced border security measures and legislative action. Speaking during Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations at the Markaz Al-Asja Jamaat in Charlieville, the Prime Minister defended the implementation of a second State of Emergency while announcing the imminent introduction of the Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS).

    The new APIS legislation, scheduled for implementation by Friday, will establish sophisticated passenger screening capabilities at airports through digital entry forms. “We are collaborating with United States authorities to implement systems that will enable immediate identification of potentially dangerous individuals upon arrival,” Persad-Bissessar stated. “This integrated approach will provide clear differentiation between legitimate travelers and those posing security risks.”

    Addressing questions about the necessity of another State of Emergency despite a 42% reduction in murders, the Prime Minister emphasized that further progress remains essential. “Current statistics indicate we must achieve an additional 58% reduction in criminal activity. Public safety and national security remain paramount priorities for this administration,” she asserted.

    Regarding the recent withdrawal of US radar surveillance from Tobago, Persad-Bissessar acknowledged the system’s significant contribution to previous security operations while expressing understanding of American strategic requirements. “We maintain ongoing dialogue with US counterparts concerning radar capabilities. While we appreciated the temporary deployment, we recognize their operational needs in other regions,” she commented.

    During the Eid celebration, the Prime Minister also highlighted Trinidad and Tobago’s multicultural harmony, praising the Muslim community’s integral role in national development and social cohesion. She contrasted Trinidad and Tobago’s peaceful coexistence with challenges faced by Muslim communities elsewhere, stating, “Our nation remains blessed to celebrate religious festivals in unity while other global communities face difficulties observing their traditions.”

  • I will respond as I see fit

    I will respond as I see fit

    In a significant escalation of Trinidad and Tobago’s political tensions, former Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley has declared he will publicly respond to any perceived slander from current Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar made within Parliament’s chambers. The opposition leader’s statement comes amid a brewing controversy surrounding media regulation and freedom of expression.

    The political clash intensified when the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT) issued a formal warning to CNC3 television on March 20th, citing potential violations of broadcast content regulations. TATT’s letter specifically referenced Section D9 of licensing agreements, which prohibits content that discriminates or portrays individuals negatively based on race, origin, class, religion, or sex.

    This regulatory intervention follows Rowley’s controversial reference to Persad-Bissessar as a ‘jamette’ during a news conference at his Glencoe residence. The remark came in response to the Prime Minister’s allegations that the People’s National Movement (PNM) utilized criminal funds for Balisier House renovations. Both television broadcasts and print media coverage disseminated these exchanges nationwide.

    Rowley, communicating via WhatsApp and later Facebook, expressed profound concerns regarding TATT’s timing and motives. He questioned whether the authority represented a novel establishment in Trinidad and Tobago, suggesting possible political influence behind its recent actions. The former PM drew parallels to international patterns of media suppression, asking rhetorically if this constituted ‘threatening of the media part of what is happening abroad.’

    Highlighting perceived inconsistencies, Rowley referenced former United National Congress minister Jack Warner’s past allegations during election campaigns, demanding to know TATT’s whereabouts during those controversies. He specifically mentioned Warner’s claims about a former prime minister allegedly using taxpayer money to benefit associates with state positions.

    Rowley maintained that Persad-Bissessar ‘is only a victim when she is challenged,’ while defending his right to respond to parliamentary allegations externally. He concluded with defiance, stating critics ‘could take a hike’ and reaffirming his commitment to answer any slanderous statements made within Parliament through appropriate public channels.

  • Look down, not up

    Look down, not up

    Across Trinidad, from the capital Port of Spain to communities in Central, South, and East regions, a silent infrastructure crisis is endangering citizens’ daily lives. Pedestrians navigate a hazardous landscape of broken pavements, gaping manholes, and non-existent walkways, creating what residents describe as an ongoing public safety emergency.

    The human toll is both visible and painful. Farida Khan, 62, recounted her terrifying plunge into an uncovered manhole near her Enterprise home. “I just fell right in,” she said, describing how she stood crying for help in contaminated water filled with garbage. Her diabetic condition made the injuries particularly concerning. Adding to the danger, non-functional street lights have left the area in perpetual darkness despite repeated reports to authorities.

    This pattern repeats nationwide. Months after Khan’s accident, her 67-year-old brother suffered severe injuries from a fall on the same degraded pavement, requiring multiple stitches for deep cuts to his head and legs. Richard Gokool, a vendor from Longdenville, narrowly avoided catastrophe when his bicycle pitched into an open manhole on Old Southern Main Road. “What if I had pitched in front of a vehicle?” he questioned, highlighting the absence of compensation mechanisms for infrastructure-related injuries.

    The crisis disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. Elderly residents, children, and persons with disabilities face heightened risks when accessing essential services. Kerwyn Holder, who gained new perspective after a biking accident left him on crutches, emphasized that “pavements are life for the ordinary people” and directly impact living standards.

    Business owners like Chantelle Edward from Montrose acknowledge their role in pavement damage but stress that solutions remain elusive despite years of complaints. “They are unsightly and dangerous,” she stated, describing how some communities have begged for basic pavements for decades.

    In urban centers, the situation similarly deteriorates. Bank employees abandon high heels to avoid tripping on broken surfaces, while fast food workers describe walking in Port of Spain as “a miserable experience.” Beyond physical safety concerns, dark spaces created by faulty lighting increase opportunities for criminal activity.

    From Las Lomas to Cunupia, residents emphasize this transcends political blame games. Security officer Sherry Francis leaves for work at 3:30 a.m. in dangerous darkness, while her young children cannot walk to school safely due to missing infrastructure. As one resident summarized, functional pavements represent more than concrete—they “connect us to civilization” through safe access to transportation, education, and essential services.

  • Trump dreigt met aanval op Iraanse energie-infrastructuur

    Trump dreigt met aanval op Iraanse energie-infrastructuur

    The strategic Strait of Hormuz has become the epicenter of a rapidly escalating military confrontation between the United States and Iran, triggering global economic concerns and fears of regional warfare. President Donald Trump issued a stark 48-hour ultimatum via social media, threatening to “obliterate” Iranian power plants if Tehran fails to fully reopen the critical waterway without conditions.

    The crisis intensified as Iran launched ballistic missiles with unprecedented 4,000-kilometer range capabilities, targeting the Diego Garcia military base in the Indian Ocean and Israeli cities Dimona and Arad. Israeli military authorities confirmed these represent Iran’s first long-range missile deployments since hostilities began in late February, noting their potential reach extends to European capitals including Berlin, Paris, and Rome.

    Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed targeting military installations and security centers, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu characterized the assault as “extremely difficult” while reaffirming Israel’s determination to counter threats on all fronts.

    The economic ramifications are already materializing globally, with European gas prices surging 35% due to disrupted oil and gas shipments through the Strait, which facilitates approximately one-fifth of global energy exports. The conflict has claimed over 2,000 lives since its inception, creating mounting political pressure on the Trump administration ahead of midterm elections.

    Iran issued counter-threats through spokesman Ebrahim Zolfaghari, warning that any attacks on Iranian energy infrastructure would trigger retaliatory strikes against US and Israeli-linked facilities across the Middle East, including desalination plants and information technology infrastructure. Former Iranian National Security Council head Ali Larijani amplified these warnings, suggesting the entire region could experience power outages within thirty minutes if Iran’s electrical grid is compromised.

    G7 nations issued a joint statement condemning Iran’s “reckless attacks and proxy operations” while expressing support for regional partners and emphasizing the need to protect global energy supplies and secure maritime routes. Meanwhile, analysts observe Trump appears to be losing control of the conflict dynamics, facing criticism for inconsistent messaging after recently discussing winding down military operations before issuing the current ultimatum.

    The violence has expanded to neighboring countries, with Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility suffering attacks (though without radioactive leakage) and other strategic targets being struck across the region, increasing risks of broader regional warfare.

  • Bramble wrongly denies NDP promised VAT reduction in 60 days

    Bramble wrongly denies NDP promised VAT reduction in 60 days

    In a striking political development, East Kingstown MP Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble has publicly contradicted his party’s campaign promises regarding Value-Added Tax (VAT) reduction. Despite the New Democratic Party’s (NDP) explicit pre-election commitment to lower VAT from 16% to 13% within 60 days of assuming power, Minister Bramble now asserts this timeline was never part of their official agenda.

    During a contentious radio interview on Hot 97.1, the Foreign Affairs Minister and economist acknowledged the VAT reduction was indeed an election platform promise but vehemently denied it was ever designated for implementation within the first 60 days of governance. This position directly conflicts with documented campaign materials and public statements made by NDP leadership prior to November’s general election.

    Bramble instead identified three specific 60-day commitments: payment of salary bonuses, implementation of a VAT-free day, and doubling of Public Assistance benefits. When confronted with digital evidence contradicting his claims, the second-term MP dismissed the findings as artificial intelligence errors, stating, “AI is wrong with that one.

    The controversy deepens with Prime Minister Friday’s recent budget address indicating VAT reduction would now occur by October 2026, following comprehensive assessments by the Ministry of Finance and Inland Revenue Department. The government cites fiscal responsibility and sustainable implementation as reasons for the delayed timeline, emphasizing the need for evidence-based policy rather than impulsive action.

    This policy reversal occurs against the backdrop of St. Vincent’s ongoing cost-of-living crisis, with the Friday administration promising targeted relief measures while maintaining fiscal stability. The VAT system, initially introduced at 15% in 2007 by the previous Gonsalves administration, was increased to 16% in 2017 to fund natural disaster recovery efforts.

  • Dayron is still waiting for high-cost medication; Family calls for protest for approval

    Dayron is still waiting for high-cost medication; Family calls for protest for approval

    In Santo Domingo, a desperate plea for medical justice unfolds as one-year-old Dayron Almonte Socias battles Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a severe genetic disorder causing progressive muscle deterioration. His parents, Inmanol Almonte and Genesis Socias, face an agonizing reality: despite constitutional guarantees to healthcare, the Ministry of Public Health and the High Cost Drugs Program have delayed approval of Evrysdi—the critical medication sustaining their son’s life—for over a year.

    The drug, priced at approximately 620,000 Dominican pesos per bottle (required every two months), remains financially unattainable for the family. With existing supplies dwindling, Dayron’s survival hinges on institutional intervention. In response, his parents will lead a peaceful demonstration on March 25 at 10:00 a.m. outside the National Palace, urging authorities to honor legal obligations under the Dominican Constitution and General Health Law 42-01.

    Article 61 of the Constitution explicitly mandates the state to ensure access to essential medicines and comprehensive healthcare for all citizens. The protest extends beyond Dayron’s case, symbolizing a broader struggle for countless individuals awaiting approval of vital treatments. Community solidarity is urged to amplify calls for systemic accountability and the protection of fundamental health rights.

  • OECS throws support behind SKN connection with Nigeria

    OECS throws support behind SKN connection with Nigeria

    In a significant move for South-South cooperation, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) has formally endorsed an unprecedented diplomatic initiative spearheaded by St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Terrance Drew. The groundbreaking mission involves a chartered flight carrying a multi-sector delegation from eight Caribbean nations to Nigeria, marking the first large-scale commercial charter flight directly connecting the Caribbean region to the African continent.

    The diverse delegation, organized by Aquarian Consult Limited, comprises entertainment figures, business leaders, government representatives, and cultural ambassadors embarking on a historic 10-hour transatlantic journey. The OECS Secretariat characterized the undertaking as “a landmark achievement for South-South cooperation and regional integration” in an official statement released Sunday.

    Prime Minister Drew recently elaborated on the strategic rationale behind this diplomatic outreach during an appearance on Freedom FM. He emphasized Africa’s emerging global significance, noting that developed nations are increasingly focusing on the continent due to its abundant natural resources, vast arable land, and growing population. “Africa is gearing up for the African Renaissance. It’s about to take off, so everybody’s trying to get in there,” Drew stated. “We, who are descendants of Africans, we must get in there as well.”

    The Nigeria trip represents the initial phase of a broader five-continent bridge-building effort designed to create cultural and business opportunities for Caribbean citizens. Drew’s personal diplomatic engagements have already established preliminary connections that this delegation aims to expand upon, particularly strengthening ties between the Caribbean and its African heritage nations.

    This initiative occurs against the backdrop of shifting global geopolitical dynamics, with Caribbean nations increasingly pursuing South-South cooperation as a strategic foreign policy approach. The mission signifies a proactive effort to position Caribbean countries at the forefront of emerging economic and cultural partnerships with African nations.

  • IHS holds cultural celebration as part of centenary

    IHS holds cultural celebration as part of centenary

    Intermediate High School marks a monumental educational milestone this year, commemorating a century of academic service and transformative impact under the unifying theme “Educating Generations, Enriching Lives for the Future.”

    The institution’s Modern Languages and Arts Department, in collaboration with the Social Sciences Department, orchestrated a distinctive cultural celebration on March 12th. The event, titled “Echoes of Hope: A Century in Song, Story and Spirit,” masterfully intertwined the school’s hundred-year heritage with the vibrant cultural legacy of the Garifuna community.

    This historic centennial pays homage to the visionary foundation laid by Dr. J.P. Eustace, whose pioneering dream centered on delivering quality education to underprivileged youth and creating sustainable pathways toward brighter futures. Throughout its existence, the school has maintained an unwavering commitment to intellectual development, character formation, and student empowerment through knowledge, discipline, and community service.

    The celebration unfolded through three immersive segments. “A Century in Story” transported attendees through the institution’s evolutionary journey, featuring dance performances and original poetic compositions by faculty members Arlane Sutherland and Rohan Bellingy that artistically captured the school’s struggles, victories, and aspirations.

    The second segment honored Dr. Eustace’s Christian educational philosophy through hymns of gratitude and worship, marking the triumphant return of the school band after years of inactivity. Music students from Fourth and Fifth Forms demonstrated their refined skills through recorder ensemble performances, showcasing the institution’s ongoing musical development.

    The finale celebrated the resilience and unity defining the school’s legacy, paying tribute to foundational figures including “Timmy” Richards, whose 48-year dedication significantly shaped the institution’s trajectory. The event culminated in vibrant cultural displays featuring traditional Garifuna attire, historical garments, and innovative futuristic uniform concepts modeled by students Phobe and Tishawn.

    School representatives emphasized that the celebration transcended historical reflection, serving as profound recognition of educators and pioneers who championed education’s transformative power. Their enduring legacy continues to inspire the institution’s commitment to its foundational mission of educational empowerment and community service.