Carib Scope

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  • Devin Elcock appointed TTFA’s acting technical director

    Devin Elcock appointed TTFA’s acting technical director

    In a significant administrative shift, the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) has named Devin Elcock as its acting technical director, filling the vacancy created by Anton Corneal’s departure three months earlier. The appointment was formally announced on December 20, following executive committee approval on December 12.

    Elcock, who previously served as assistant coach at AC Port of Spain, will now oversee the technical direction, coordination, and strategic alignment of TTFA’s football development programs. His responsibilities include collaborating with coaches, technical staff, and stakeholders across all levels of Trinidad and Tobago’s football ecosystem.

    The newly appointed technical director brings substantial experience from various roles within Trinidad and Tobago’s national youth programs over the past decade. His journey includes positions ranging from equipment manager to assistant coach. Most notably, Elcock worked alongside Shawn Cooper as an assistant coach during both the 2023 and 2025 Concacaf Men’s Under-17 qualifying campaigns.

    Domestically, Elcock built his reputation through extensive involvement with Defence Force, where he contributed to the club’s coaching staff during their historic TT Premier Football League title victory in 2023. The team subsequently secured the knockout trophy in the same season. Following his October 2024 departure from Defence Force alongside coaching colleagues Lloyd Andrews and Hutson “Baba” Charles, Elcock joined AC Port of Spain, the 2023/24 TTPFL champions.

    TTFA President Kieron Edwards expressed confidence in the appointment, highlighting Elcock’s “continuity, institutional knowledge and strong understanding of our technical pathway” as valuable assets. Edwards emphasized expectations for “steady leadership during this period” of transition.

    The association’s announcement did not specify the duration of Elcock’s interim appointment or indicate when a permanent technical director might be named. Corneal, who first assumed the technical director role in 2012, had served multiple tenures in the position before his September departure.

  • 13 inmates baptised at Port of Spain Prison

    13 inmates baptised at Port of Spain Prison

    In a profound display of spiritual transformation, thirteen incarcerated individuals at Port of Spain Prison underwent baptism during a special Christmas ceremony on December 19. The religious service was conducted by Pastor Wilma Kelly and representatives from The Way of Holiness Ministries, marking a significant milestone in the church’s year-long prison outreach program.

    The emotionally charged ceremony began with inmates leading praise and worship through song, establishing what prison officials described as “a reflective and reverent tone” throughout the facility. Pastor Kelly commenced formal proceedings with an opening prayer before the baptism ritual began.

    Among those baptized were three convicted men and nine individuals on remand, each receiving enthusiastic applause and vocal support from fellow inmates following their spiritual commitment. One newly baptized inmate delivered an impassioned address, encouraging others—particularly those previously baptized—to embody positive examples within the prison community and to “love one another for the sake of Jesus Christ.”

    The Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service acknowledged the event as evidence of faith-based initiatives’ vital role in providing spiritual support, encouragement, and community for incarcerated individuals. While Pastor Kelly remained unavailable for comment, her Facebook page revealed her ministry had baptized 93 inmates at Maximum Security Prison throughout the year, demonstrating the program’s substantial reach within the correctional system.

  • Army cut Rangers’ light in La Horquetta to take TTPFL lead

    Army cut Rangers’ light in La Horquetta to take TTPFL lead

    In a dramatic evening of TT Premier Football League action on December 19, reigning champions Defence Force ascended to the league’s summit with a commanding 5-2 victory over Terminix La Horquetta Rangers, overcoming an unexpected 18-minute stadium blackout that threatened to derail their momentum.

    The match at Phase 2 La Horquetta recreation ground witnessed extraordinary drama when illumination towers failed abruptly in the 86th minute with Defence Force leading 4-2. Following an extensive delay, play resumed under restored lighting, allowing substitute Caden Trestrail to seal the victory deep into stoppage time with a deflected strike that ricocheted off defender Isaiah Raymond into the net.

    Defence Force’s offensive dominance was established early through a multifaceted attacking display. Phillip Tinto initiated the scoring in the 14th minute with a precise header from Joshua Araujo-Wilson’s corner. Despite Rangers’ temporary equalizer via Kesean St Rose’s clinical finish in the 33rd minute, the military team responded with relentless pressure. Kathon St Hillaire’s exquisite looping header in the 37th minute and winger Kaihim Thomas’s well-placed finish just before halftime established a commanding 3-1 advantage.

    Though Ricardo Williams reignited Rangers’ hopes with a deflected goal in the 52nd minute, Thomas extinguished the comeback with his second goal—an impressive chest-and-volley combination in the 73rd minute that demonstrated technical excellence.

    The victory propelled Defence Force (20 points) past both Police FC (19 points) and Club Sando (18 points) to claim pole position in the standings.

    In the evening’s preliminary match, San Juan Jabloteh edged MIC Central FC Reboot 4-3 in a breathtaking goal fest. Substitute Dwight Jordan emerged as the hero, converting a clever Jaheim Faustin pass in stoppage time to secure three vital points. The match featured dramatic momentum shifts, including a Jamal Jack own goal, a Daniel David penalty, and a brace from Malachi Webb that kept spectators enthralled until the final whistle.

  • Dowlath: Report of sexual misconduct against teachers concerning

    Dowlath: Report of sexual misconduct against teachers concerning

    Education Minister Dr. Michael Dowlath has voiced profound alarm following revelations in the 2024 annual report of the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) indicating that five educators face allegations of sexual misconduct involving female students. While emphasizing the TSC’s constitutional authority over teacher discipline, Dowlath asserted his ministry’s proactive stance in addressing such violations.

    The minister characterized the commission’s findings as raising ‘serious matters’ that demand urgent attention, particularly regarding student safety and educational environment integrity. He clarified the institutional framework, noting that while the TSC holds primary responsibility for disciplinary investigations and determinations, the ministry maintains vigilant oversight and cooperation protocols.

    Dowlath outlined specific protective measures already implemented, including immediate action requirements for schools upon identifying misconduct. These measures encompass student safeguarding, mandatory reporting, and interim protocols. In severe cases, the ministry may formally request the TSC to suspend teachers immediately during investigations—a protective measure without prejudicing disciplinary outcomes.

    Where alleged behavior constitutes criminal activity, matters may be referred to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) for independent investigation alongside administrative proceedings. The ministry is concurrently strengthening internal monitoring, reporting mechanisms, and supervisory systems to enable earlier detection and appropriate escalation of concerns.

    In response to these incidents, Dowlath detailed several concrete initiatives: enhanced guidance for school administrators on incident management, improved documentation and case-tracking procedures, strengthened teacher supervision systems, and specialized professional development focusing on ethical conduct and child protection. The ministry is also modernizing policies to streamline disciplinary processes while respecting all parties’ rights.

    The report, presented to Parliament on November 21 and publicly reported on December 18, documents 16 pending sexual misconduct cases involving three primary and two secondary school teachers. Allegations range from single to multiple offenses per teacher, with none currently facing criminal prosecution. Dowlath concluded by acknowledging the majority of teachers’ professionalism while emphasizing the necessity of robust systems to protect students and maintain educational integrity.

  • Hodge cracks 2nd Test century: WI cut Black Caps lead to 194

    Hodge cracks 2nd Test century: WI cut Black Caps lead to 194

    Kavem Hodge’s resilient unbeaten century has ignited West Indies’ resurgence on day three of the third Test against New Zealand at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. The right-handed batsman displayed remarkable composure in his 254-ball 109-run knock, guiding the visitors to 381/6 in response to New Zealand’s commanding first-innings total of 575/8 declared.

    The Caribbean side, resuming at 110 without loss, encountered early setbacks as openers John Campbell (45) and Brandon King (63) fell in quick succession to Jacob Duffy’s pace bowling. With regular captain Shai Hope sidelined by illness, wicketkeeper-batsman Tevin Imlach promoted to number four contributed a crucial 66-run third-wicket partnership with Hodge before departing to Michael Rae’s delivery.

    Hodge’s technical proficiency shone through as he orchestrated two vital middle-order partnerships—first adding 61 runs with Alick Athanaze (45) and then 81 runs with allrounder Justin Greaves (43). The 32-year-old Dominican batsman struck 14 boundaries in his marathon innings, demonstrating exceptional shot selection and patience against New Zealand’s varied attack.

    The Black Caps still maintain a substantial 194-run lead, with left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel (2/94) and Duffy (2/79) being the most successful bowlers. Anderson Phillip (12 not out) survived a late scare when Rae dropped a difficult chance off Patel, ensuring Hodge would return on day four to continue his pursuit of a career-best Test score.

    West Indies’ batting performance marked a significant improvement from their previous displays in the series, particularly through Hodge’s masterclass in concentration and shot execution against both pace and spin bowling.

  • Privy Council refuses appeal in Guppy extradition case

    Privy Council refuses appeal in Guppy extradition case

    In a significant legal development, suspected international drug trafficker Shurlan Guppy has been denied permission to appeal his extradition to the United States by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council. The London-based court dismissed Guppy’s special leave application on December 18, with Lords Lloyd-Jones, Leggatt and Stephens unanimously concluding that the case failed to present any arguable point of law or matter of general public importance.

    The ruling represents the latest judicial setback for Guppy, who faces eleven serious drug trafficking charges in the United States involving heroin and cocaine valued at approximately US$1 million. Court documents reveal that if convicted on all counts, Guppy potentially faces life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years.

    Parallel to his Privy Council petition, Guppy has initiated constitutional proceedings in Trinidad and Tobago’s High Court, alleging rights violations during his extradition process. His legal team, led by attorney Mario Merritt, contends that despite governmental assurances to maintain the status quo during the 56-day appeal window, authorities proceeded with Guppy’s extradition to the United States while his UK application remained pending.

    The constitutional motion, currently before Justice Jacqueline Wilson, seeks multiple remedies including financial compensation, vindicatory damages, and most notably, a court order mandating Guppy’s repatriation to Trinidad and Tobago. During November proceedings, state attorney Ian Roach maintained the extradition’s legality, arguing that the transfer occurred only after the expiration of the agreed-upon moratorium period.

    According to investigations by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s Philadelphia Division, Guppy allegedly orchestrated an international drug distribution network between 2017 and 2022. Federal indictments claim the operation utilized various communication platforms including cellular phones, FaceTime, and encrypted WhatsApp messaging to coordinate narcotics transactions across multiple jurisdictions.

    Justice Wilson has adjourned the constitutional matter until January 26, 2026, awaiting further developments in the ongoing legal proceedings. Guppy remains in federal custody in the United States following his initial appearance in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania on August 12.

  • ‘Does JFJ understand the realities on the ground?’

    ‘Does JFJ understand the realities on the ground?’

    A contentious debate has erupted in Jamaica following a controversial proposal from human rights organization Jamaicans For Justice (JFJ) that would establish legal defenses for sexual relationships between minors and adults. The group’s 42-page report, ‘A Civil Society Review of the Diversion and Alternative Measures for Children in Conflict with the Law in Jamaica,’ argues against prosecuting consenting minors in court, claiming current approaches misallocate resources and unnecessarily burden the justice system.

    JFJ’s recommendations include two primary defenses: a ‘statutory defense’ for partners both under 16 with less than two years age difference, and a more controversial ‘further defense’ that would apply to age differences up to five years when the younger party is 12-14 years old, the activity is consensual, and no position of authority exists. This latter provision has drawn significant criticism as it could potentially legalize sexual relationships between 14-year-olds and 19-year-olds.

    Prominent voices including criminologist Dr. Jason McKay have raised serious concerns about the proposal. McKay questioned whether JFJ understands community realities, noting that ‘the 19-year-old could be a gunman’ pressuring vulnerable minors. He warned that case-by-case approaches would ‘open a floodgate, enabling and empowering predators’ rather than protecting children.

    Children’s Advocate Diahann Gordon-Harrison expressed partial alignment with JFJ’s goals, having herself recommended decriminalizing consensual sex among minors seven years ago. However, she sharply distinguished her position, emphasizing that her proposed ‘close-in-age exception’ was strictly limited to relationships between minors, not between adults and minors. Gordon-Harrison stressed that any exemption would require both parties to be minors of very similar ages in completely consensual circumstances without coercion.

    The proposal has ignited a broader discussion about balancing adolescent sexual development with child protection frameworks, pitting judicial efficiency concerns against safeguarding vulnerabilities in Jamaica’s complex social landscape.

  • Consumers face delays in major money transfers after system overhaul

    Consumers face delays in major money transfers after system overhaul

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—Significant processing delays for substantial monetary transfers have emerged across Jamaica’s banking sector following a comprehensive upgrade to the nation’s core payment infrastructure, according to an official confirmation from the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ).

    The operational disruptions originate from the banking system’s transition to a sophisticated international messaging framework designed specifically for high-value transactions, including commercial payments and real estate acquisitions. This strategic modernization initiative, which became operational on December 15, represents Jamaica’s participation in a worldwide movement toward enhancing the speed and reliability of cross-border and large-scale financial operations.

    Despite long-term advantages, the immediate consequence has been substantial system interruptions. Multiple financial institutions have encountered technical challenges in promptly allocating funds to client accounts, creating considerable difficulties for both individual customers and business entities awaiting crucial financial settlements.

    The central banking authority emphasized in an official communication that the national payment infrastructure itself remains fully functional, attributing current processing delays to internal system adaptations required at commercial banking institutions. The BOJ has directed affected customers to address specific concerns directly with their respective financial providers.

    This technological transition was previously rescheduled from its initial November implementation target after several banking organizations cited operational preparedness challenges, compounded by disruptions from Hurricane Melissa. The extended December 15 deadline was established to ensure comprehensive participant readiness.

    Central bank officials are currently collaborating with financial institutions to address the accumulated transaction backlog. “BOJ is maintaining active surveillance of the situation and continues direct coordination with payment system participants to facilitate expedited resolution,” the statement noted, while recognizing the substantial inconveniences created by deferred fund accessibility.

    The Bank of Jamaica reiterated its dedication to maintaining a robust and efficient national payments ecosystem and confirmed ongoing cooperation with all relevant stakeholders to resolve outstanding operational challenges. Customers experiencing delays are recommended to obtain transaction-specific timelines directly from their banking institutions.

  • Haaland sends Man City top, Chelsea fightback frustrates Newcastle

    Haaland sends Man City top, Chelsea fightback frustrates Newcastle

    MANCHESTER, United Kingdom – Manchester City ascended to the Premier League’s apex with a commanding 3-0 victory over West Ham United on Saturday, largely powered by a stellar performance from Erling Haaland. The triumph, City’s seventh consecutive across all competitions, intensifies the pressure on rivals Arsenal, who face a later fixture against Everton with the opportunity to reclaim the top spot for Christmas.

    The match’s outcome seemed inevitable from the early moments as Haaland, demonstrating his signature clinical finishing, broke the deadlock after just five minutes. His initial strike was parried by West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, but the rebound fell fortuitously for the Norwegian striker, who emphatically smashed the ball into the top corner. Haaland then turned provider shortly before halftime, setting up Tijjani Reijnders for his inaugural goal at the Etihad Stadium.

    Despite several opportunities to narrow the deficit in the second half, West Ham’s efforts proved futile, leaving the club mired in the relegation zone. Haaland, in stark contrast, remained ruthlessly efficient, sealing his brace and 38th goal of the season for club and country in the 69th minute after another favorable bounce.

    In a parallel dramatic encounter, Chelsea orchestrated a remarkable second-half resurgence to secure a 2-2 draw against Newcastle United. The Magpies dominated the first half, establishing a 2-0 lead through a double from Nick Woltemade. However, Chelsea’s fortunes shifted post-interval with a spectacular Reece James free-kick reigniting their hopes. An equalizer materialized when Joao Pedro capitalized on a defensive error by Malick Thiaw. The match concluded amidst controversy as Newcastle’s vehement appeals for two late penalties and a potential red card for James were dismissed by the officials.

    Elsewhere in the league, Liverpool prepared for a crucial clash against Tottenham Hotspur without the services of Mohamed Salah, who has departed for the Africa Cup of Nations. Wolverhampton Wanderers’ struggles deepened with a 2-0 home defeat to Brentford, while Burnley snapped a seven-game losing streak with a last-gasp 1-1 draw against Bournemouth, courtesy of a 90th-minute goal from Armando Broja.

  • Amalgamated Security honours cops, PSC chairman

    Amalgamated Security honours cops, PSC chairman

    In a significant recognition of law enforcement excellence, four distinguished figures from Trinidad and Tobago’s policing community have been honored with the Amalgamated Impact Award for Distinguished Service Recognition 2025. The ceremony took place on December 18 at the headquarters of Amalgamated Security Services Ltd in El Socorro’s Garden Road.

    Deputy Commissioner of Police Suzette Martin received accolades for her exceptional leadership and substantial contributions to national security and public confidence. Her career, marked by unwavering integrity and professional excellence, has significantly enhanced institutional effectiveness while inspiring numerous officers throughout her tenure.

    Assistant Commissioner of Police Richard Smith was celebrated for his exemplary service and distinguished leadership in protecting the nation. His career demonstrates remarkable integrity, professional distinction, and selfless dedication to public safety. Through sustained advancements in policing strategy and operational efficiency, he has strengthened community trust and embodied the highest ideals of law enforcement.

    Sergeant Derrick Sharbodie earned recognition for his outstanding service as a Police Youth Club Leader and his steadfast commitment to youth empowerment. His inspirational leadership, integrity, and dedication to mentorship have profoundly influenced young people and strengthened community bonds, reflecting the true spirit of discipline and compassion.

    Police Service Commission chairman Dr. Wendell Wallace received the Lifetime Achievement Recognition for his exceptional contributions to public safety, security, education, and national development. Through decades of academic excellence, impactful teaching, and dedicated public service, he has shaped professional standards and informed national discourse on critical security matters.

    The award recipients expressed profound gratitude to Amalgamated Security Services for the honor, noting that the recognition reflects the collective dedication and professionalism of all police service personnel. They emphasized the importance of strong partnerships in building safer communities.

    The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service reaffirmed its commitment to serving with integrity, strengthening public trust, and collaborating with stakeholders to ensure national safety and development.