Carib Scope

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  • Works Minister: Non-partisan approach to fixing potholes

    Works Minister: Non-partisan approach to fixing potholes

    Trinidad and Tobago’s Works and Infrastructure Minister Jearlean John has characterized the nation’s road infrastructure as a comprehensive ‘mess’ requiring urgent attention. In a December 22 telephone interview with Newsday, Minister John emphasized her ministry’s non-partisan methodology in addressing pervasive pothole problems affecting communities across the dual-island nation.

    The minister’s assessment follows controversial remarks from Phillip Alexander, Minister in the Ministry of Housing, who criticized residents of Westmoorings North for their complaints about road conditions. In a widely circulated Facebook video, Alexander asserted that constituents had effectively ‘voted for potholes’ by supporting incumbent MP Hans Des Vignes in recent elections, suggesting they should consequently endure the infrastructure deficiencies.

    Minister John maintained she was unaware of Alexander’s comments, noting ‘He is free to say whatever he wants. We’re free to speak, just as you’re free to speak. We’ve a democracy: we are all free to run our mouths.’ This reference to democratic principles echoes previous disciplinary actions involving Alexander, who was previously instructed by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to ‘stay in his lane’ following diplomatic controversies.

    Despite the political friction, John confirmed her ministry is implementing a systematic approach to national infrastructure rehabilitation. ‘We have started to clean up some of the mess along highways and in communities,’ she stated, adding that no geographic area receives preferential treatment regarding repair prioritization.

    Looking forward, Minister John revealed concrete plans for infrastructure revitalization, announcing that January 22 will mark the rollout of a comprehensive rehabilitation process in collaboration with Udecott (Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago). This initiative forms part of the United National Congress government’s broader strategy to address infrastructure deficits following their recent electoral victory.

    Beyond her ministerial responsibilities, John shared personal insights into her Christmas traditions, describing a quiet, family-oriented celebration centered around culinary customs including fresh bread, ham, and black cake. She particularly emphasized the significance of spending Christmas Eve with her mother in the kitchen, characterizing these moments as deeply treasured annual occurrences.

  • Armanii hits Billboard with ‘The Impact’, named among 10 Best Caribbean albums of 2025

    Armanii hits Billboard with ‘The Impact’, named among 10 Best Caribbean albums of 2025

    Emerging dancehall sensation Armanii has achieved a significant career milestone with his second studio album, ‘The Impact,’ securing the #10 position on Billboard’s prestigious Reggale Albums Chart. The independently released project, distributed through Armanii/United Masters on December 12th, marks a notable breakthrough for the ascending artist in the competitive music landscape.

    The comprehensive 15-track collection demonstrates Armanii’s artistic evolution, featuring strategic collaborations with prominent dancehall figures Jada Kingdom and Malie Donn. The album’s diverse tracklist includes standout singles such as the rhythmic ‘8:00 PM,’ emotionally charged ‘Bleach,’ and the titular anthem ‘Impact,’ alongside other notable compositions including ‘U a Gwaan,’ ‘Shy,’ and the captivating ‘Lose Your Love.’

    Beyond its chart performance, ‘The Impact’ has received critical recognition from Billboard, earning the #8 spot on the publication’s esteemed ’10 Best Caribbean Albums of 2025′ list. This dual accomplishment highlights both commercial success and artistic merit within the contemporary Caribbean music scene.

    The album’s independent distribution through United Masters represents a growing trend within the music industry where artists maintain creative and commercial control while achieving mainstream recognition. This achievement signals a shift in how dancehall and Caribbean music reaches global audiences without traditional label infrastructure.

    Armanii’s successful chart placement demonstrates the continuing global appeal of dancehall music and the genre’s evolving landscape where emerging artists can achieve international recognition through strategic releases and collaborative efforts that honor the genre’s roots while pushing creative boundaries.

  • Quinn Cabralis, Aradhana Ramnarine Singh crowned top chess players for 2025

    Quinn Cabralis, Aradhana Ramnarine Singh crowned top chess players for 2025

    The Trinidad and Tobago Chess Association (TTCA) has recognized FIDE Master Quinn Cabralis as its most outstanding player of 2025 following a remarkably dominant competitive season. Cabralis achieved his breakthrough by capturing the National Chess Championship title in September, completing the tournament undefeated against eleven national finalists at Cascadia Hotel in St. Ann’s. His impressive record included eight victories and three draws, marking a significant career milestone after illness forced his withdrawal from the previous year’s finals.

    Cabralis maintained his winning momentum throughout the year, securing third place in the National Blitz Tournament and claiming victory in the National Swiss Tournament at Hillview College in El Dorado during November—again without suffering a single defeat. His earlier success included winning the second National Qualifier in Arima last May.

    The newly crowned national champion demonstrated remarkable consistency across all chess formats, simultaneously elevating his international FIDE rating in every discipline and solidifying his status as Trinidad and Tobago’s premier chess competitor.

    In women’s chess, Aradhana Ramnarine Singh emerged as the standout female player of the year after achieving a rare feat—becoming only the second player in three years to defeat Venezuela-born Women’s FIDE Master Ysvett Hermoso Rodriguez (who now represents Trinidad and Tobago) in the national female finals. Singh continued to excel throughout the competitive calendar, securing third place in the Female National Swiss Tournament and finishing as runner-up in the National Rapid Tournament among women competitors.

    The current national girls’ U18 champion represented Trinidad and Tobago at the Central American and Caribbean Youth Championship in Puerto Rico earlier this month. Despite missing several tournaments due to academic commitments at Naparima Girls’ High School, Singh established herself as one of the country’s top female junior players under the guidance of coach Dev Soondarsingh.

    The TTCA underwent administrative changes in 2025 with Sandy Razark assuming the presidency. The association also mourned the passing of long-serving member Roderick Noel in August, who served as FIDE rating officer and was remembered for his dedicated contributions to local chess development.

    Looking forward, the TTCA is preparing to field both male and female teams at the 46th World Chess Olympiad scheduled for September next year in Uzbekistan.

  • Warrenville United lift east zone division two table tennis crown

    Warrenville United lift east zone division two table tennis crown

    In a thrilling conclusion to the 2025 East Zone Division Two table tennis championship, Warrenville United Table Tennis Club emerged victorious following a decisive 8-1 triumph over Arima Table Tennis Club. The final matches, held at Arima New Government Primary School on December 21, capped off an intense six-round, four-team round robin tournament that saw Warrenville and Hawks finish level on ten points each.

    The championship was ultimately determined by the slimmest of margins—superior win-loss ratio—with Warrenville’s record of 33 games won against 21 losses narrowly outperforming Hawks’ 30 wins and 24 losses. This mathematical advantage secured the title for Warrenville despite the points deadlock.

    Warrenville’s triumph was spearheaded by an exceptional team performance. Shahjahan Khan and Samir Hosein maintained perfect records in the final contest, both remaining undefeated throughout their matches. Triston Soomarie contributed significantly with two victories from his three encounters, demonstrating remarkable resilience after suffering a single defeat.

    The individual matches showcased exceptional skill and determination. Khan delivered particularly impressive performances, including a hard-fought five-set victory against Kenny Second (11-8, 5-11, 7-11, 12-10, 12-10) that demonstrated tremendous composure under pressure. Hosein’s consistent dominance was evident throughout his straight-sets victories against multiple opponents.

    Supporting players Jewel Serrette, Justin Bachan, and Adeeb Rajab provided crucial contributions during earlier rounds, building the foundation for Warrenville’s eventual championship success.

    In the final standings, Wasa secured third position with nine points (29 wins, 25 losses), while Arima finished fourth with seven points and a 16-38 win-loss ratio. Individual honors went to Wasa’s Joel Henry, who recorded the tournament’s highest individual match wins at 17, followed by Hawks’ Emmanuel Chuniesingh (16 wins) and Warrenville’s Khan (13 wins).

  • Chosen Few finish strong, land NCA GENESIS 3×3 basketball title

    Chosen Few finish strong, land NCA GENESIS 3×3 basketball title

    In a stunning display of resilience and skill, The Chosen Few quartet overcame early tournament adversity to capture victory at the New Chapter Global Sports Academy (NCA) GENESIS 3×3 Basketball Series. The dramatic finals unfolded on December 20 at Princess Royal Basketball Court in Arima, where eight carefully drafted teams competed in the fast-paced basketball format.

    The tournament journey proved particularly challenging for The Chosen Few—comprising Samuel Edwards, Matthias Phillips, Kai Sunich, and standout performer Jervais Edwards-Caracciolo—who concluded the group phase with a disappointing 0-3 record. Entering the knockout stage as considerable underdogs, the team miraculously found their rhythm and embarked on an impressive winning streak that ultimately propelled them to the championship match against The Mighty Men.

    Led by tournament Most Valuable Player Taalib Daniel, The Mighty Men established early dominance in the final, racing to a commanding 5-0 advantage. However, The Chosen Few mounted a spectacular comeback through enhanced defensive coordination and strategic offensive execution. The match evolved into an intense back-and-forth contest with both teams exchanging scores under mounting pressure.

    The game’s pivotal moment arrived with under three minutes remaining when Edwards-Caracciolo seized control, delivering a spectacular 14-point performance that shifted momentum decisively in his team’s favor. Their remarkable resurgence culminated in a 21-17 victory against the previously dominant opponents.

    Despite the loss, Daniel’s exceptional tournament performance deserved recognition, as he contributed 12 points during the final match and accumulated 49 points throughout the competition. In the third-place playoff, The Watchmen secured bronze medal honors with a 15-12 victory against The Ark Builders, powered by Antonio Vasquez’s 11-point contribution.

    The GENESIS tournament represents a strategic initiative by NCA to strengthen Trinidad and Tobago’s international presence in 3×3 basketball. Academy officials emphasized their commitment to developing young athletic talent through meaningful competitive exposure and creating structured pathways toward international competitions, including qualification for the 2026 FIBA 3X3 Under-18 World Cup.

  • Police top TTPFL tree at Christmas, big wins for ‘Cale,’ Eagles

    Police top TTPFL tree at Christmas, big wins for ‘Cale,’ Eagles

    Miscellaneous Police FC has claimed the top position in the TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) standings just before the Christmas holiday, following a crucial 2-1 victory over third-placed Club Sando at St James Police Barracks on December 20. This result propelled Police FC to 22 points, establishing a narrow two-point advantage over defending champions Defence Force, who remain undefeated this season with 20 points from eight matches.

    The league’s Boxing Day fixtures promise high-stakes drama with an anticipated double-header at Sangre Grande recreation ground. Defence Force will face last season’s runners-up MIC Central FC Reboot at 5 pm, followed by Police FC’s encounter with fourth-placed Prisons FC at 7 pm. Prisons, despite beginning the season with five consecutive wins, have recently struggled with three losses in their last four outings.

    Meanwhile, at the bottom of the table, FC Eagles orchestrated a remarkable resurgence with a 4-1 triumph over 1976 FC Phoenix at Mahaica Sporting Complex. Despite conceding an early goal to league top scorer Teejay Cadiz—his eighth of the season—Eagles mounted an impressive comeback. Coach Reshad Wint’s strategic double substitution at halftime proved instrumental, with Jomoul Francois scoring twice in his return from a two-year injury absence and Miquel Williams providing dynamic wing play.

    In the subsequent Mahaica fixture, Caledonia AIA delivered a commanding 4-0 performance against hosts Civic, featuring a first-half brace from Malachi Celestine complemented by goals from Jariel Arthur and Ernesto Rodriguez.

    The December 20 action also saw AC Port of Spain climb to sixth position with a 2-1 victory over Prisons, while Police FC’s winning goal against Club Sando came from Tobago-born striker Mickaeel ‘Jem’ Gordon during first-half stoppage time after goalkeeper Teshorne Ragoo mishandled a right-side cross.

    Current TTPFL Tier One Standings:
    1. Police FC: 22 pts (9 matches)
    2. Defence Force: 20 pts (8 matches)
    3. Club Sando: 18 pts (9 matches)
    4. Prisons FC: 16 pts (9 matches)
    5. MIC Central FC: 16 pts (9 matches)
    6. AC Port of Spain: 14 pts (9 matches)
    7. Jabloteh: 12 pts (9 matches)
    8. Caledonia AIA: 10 pts (8 matches)
    9. Point Fortin: 7 pts (9 matches)
    10. 1976 FC Phoenix: 6 pts (9 matches)
    11. Eagles FC: 4 pts (8 matches)
    12. La Horquetta Rangers: 4 pts (8 matches)

  • Dennis: Sustainable jobs will boost Tobago’s birthrate

    Dennis: Sustainable jobs will boost Tobago’s birthrate

    In a major campaign launch for the upcoming Tobago House of Assembly (THA) elections, PNM Tobago Council leader Ancil Dennis has positioned his party as the sole contender with a viable plan for the island’s sustainable development. Speaking at the Magdalena Grand Hotel on December 21, Dennis unveiled the ‘Big Bold Red Deal’ – a comprehensive strategy designed specifically for Tobago’s 60,000 residents through extensive community consultations.

    The centerpiece of PNM’s proposal involves creating 7,000 new jobs within four years across multiple sectors. Dennis emphasized that this employment initiative would directly address the island’s concerning birthrate decline by enabling families to achieve financial stability. The plan specifically targets 2,000 construction jobs, 1,000 agricultural positions, and 500 roles in the creative industries, with a firm commitment to prioritizing local contractors and workers.

    Dennis sharply criticized the current Tobago People’s Party (TPP) administration, accusing them of economic stagnation and sidelining local businesses. He promised a return to transparency and accountability, particularly regarding official foreign travel, vowing that any taxpayer-funded trips would exclusively focus on securing concrete investments for Tobago’s development.

    Additional components of the PNM plan include a $50 million annual contribution to community infrastructure development, micro-loans of up to $1 million for first-time entrepreneurs, and substantial support for the agricultural sector. Parlatuvier/L’anse Fourmi/Speyside candidate Maxslon N Robert revealed ambitions to transform Tobago into a ‘mega farm’ through new fishing ports and financial support for farmers developing five-acre plots.

    The party also committed to cultural revitalization, with Mason Hall/North Mariah candidate Kwesi Des Vignes promising to ‘involve every single community’ in developing Tobago’s rich cultural expressions. Contract workers would see improved job security under PNM governance, with contract terms extending from three to five years according to Scarborough/Mt Grace candidate Petal Benoit.

  • Divers search for Pete Phillip’s remains

    Divers search for Pete Phillip’s remains

    In a solemn operation marking the first anniversary of a devastating offshore accident, specialized divers have now accessed the waters beneath the partially collapsed Well Services Ltd Rig 110 to search for the remains of Pete Phillip. The tragic incident occurred on December 22, 2024, in the East Soldado Field, leaving Phillip unaccounted for among the 75 crew members present during the partial structural failure.

    Phillip’s wife, Candacy, received official notification from the company on December 23, just one day after the anniversary. “I just wish that I get another call saying that something (remains) come up,” she emotionally told Newsday. “It’s a whole year and the family and I not seeing nothing. We can’t recover up to now. We just want a little closure.”

    The recovery operation faced significant delays due to safety concerns regarding the rig’s structural instability, requiring specialized equipment to be sourced internationally. After obtaining all necessary approvals, a U.S.-based salvage company initiated a two-phase operation in November: first stabilizing the structure and removing hazardous materials, followed by the recovery of Phillip’s remains and eventual removal of the rig itself.

    Company officials indicate that if initial dives prove unsuccessful, the search will continue once the entire structure is lifted from the water. Meanwhile, Phillip’s immediate family held a memorial service at their La Romaine home on the accident’s anniversary, seeking emotional closure despite the absence of physical remains.

    Phillip’s sister Patricia explained the family’s perspective: “We decide we ain’t get to do the funeral and we have to do the one year, at least we can still put him at rest until we could get the last of the remains of the body… of the bones or whatever.” The emotional toll has been particularly heavy on Phillip’s five children, who continue to await resolution one year after their father’s disappearance.

  • Marinas fear $25m hit as yacht show is cancelled

    Marinas fear $25m hit as yacht show is cancelled

    The Bahamian maritime industry is facing a severe economic crisis as recent regulatory changes and substantial fee increases for visiting vessels trigger widespread cancellations and revenue losses. According to a comprehensive survey by the Association of Bahamas Marinas (ABM), the sector anticipates direct financial losses exceeding $25 million, coupled with the potential endangerment of approximately 1,000 jobs. A sharp 40 percent decline in both charter and cruising arrivals has significantly undermined the nation’s competitiveness as a premier yachting destination.

    The severity of the situation is highlighted by the cancellation of the fourth annual Bahamas Charter Yacht Show, scheduled for January 2026. Event organizers attributed the decision to an insufficient number of registrations, with fewer than 20 boats committed compared to 40 at the same time last year. ABM President Peter Maury confirmed the cancellation was a direct consequence of the new fiscal and regulatory environment, which has made the event economically unviable. The absence of a major sponsor and the inability to attract a critical mass of participants forced the cancellation, dealing a significant blow to local businesses that rely on the event.

    In response to months of advocacy from industry stakeholders, Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper announced a governmental review of the fee structure and regulatory processes implemented on July 1, 2025. The review will assess the ‘competitiveness’ and ‘impacts’ of the new regime. However, anonymous industry sources express skepticism, suggesting that any forthcoming reforms will likely be too late to salvage the crucial 2025-2026 winter season, with one source stating bluntly, ‘I think the damage is done.’

    The fallout extends beyond lost event revenue. Industry reports indicate that two major charter companies, each operating a fleet of 30 boats in Abaco, are ceasing operations due to the prohibitive cost of doing business. The negative trend is further evidenced by brokers reporting a 40 percent reduction in bookings for The Bahamas, while competing Caribbean destinations are experiencing a 25 percent uptick. The ABM emphasizes that the greatest impact will be felt by ancillary Bahamian-owned support businesses—from provisioners to cleaning services—which lose a vital platform to showcase their services to an international audience.

  • UPDATE: Police identify Manchester double murder victims

    UPDATE: Police identify Manchester double murder victims

    MANCHESTER, Jamaica — A violent double homicide has shaken the community of Mandeville, following a targeted shooting at a local bar on Manchester Road this Monday evening. The victims have been officially identified by law enforcement as Nicholas Tomlinson, a 40-year-old truck driver, and Chester Smith, a 32-year-old laborer. Both men were residents of the May Day district in Manchester parish.

    According to police reports, the incident occurred at approximately 8:45 p.m. Local residents reported being startled by a series of loud explosions, later confirmed as gunfire, which prompted emergency calls to the authorities. Upon arrival, police discovered both men with severe gunshot wounds. They were urgently transported to a nearby medical facility but were subsequently pronounced dead upon arrival.

    This tragic event marks the third homicide recorded in the Manchester parish within a devastating 24-hour timeframe. In a separate but related incident, the body of an unidentified man was discovered earlier on Monday morning along a haul road in the Brokenhurst community, further intensifying concerns over a potential surge in local violent crime. Investigations into both incidents are actively ongoing, with authorities pursuing multiple leads to apprehend the perpetrators responsible for the latest attack.