Carib Scope

作者： admin

  • Malcolm beats Arjoon in RBC Jr U14 singles

    Malcolm beats Arjoon in RBC Jr U14 singles

    The National Racquet Centre in Tacarigua served as the battleground for emerging tennis talents on December 14 as the RBC Junior Tennis Tournament entered its competitive phase. Young athletes across multiple age divisions demonstrated exceptional skill and determination in matches that highlighted both dominant performances and hard-fought victories.

    In the Boys 14 and Under singles division, Novak Malcolm delivered a masterclass performance against Adam Arjoon, securing a decisive 6-0, 6-0 victory. This marked a dramatic turnaround for Arjoon, who had previously celebrated success on the tournament’s opening day but found himself outmaneuvered by Malcolm’s precision play.

    The same category witnessed several other compelling matches: Justin Duncan claimed victory over Ryan Steuart with identical 6-4 scores in both sets, while Sanjay Ramcharitar dominated Harrison Hadeed 6-1, 6-0. Eli Paty demonstrated strong form against Dylan Clifford (6-0, 6-2), Cruz Thornton overcame Luke Bellamy (6-1, 6-2), and Sebastian Plimmer secured a convincing win against Navin Toppin (6-1, 6-0).

    Girls’ competition featured equally impressive performances, with Samiyah Mohammed achieving a flawless 6-0, 6-0 victory against Jadia-Marie Highly. Suri Ramcharan mirrored this achievement with a perfect scoreline against Sizaa Chadee, not conceding a single game in her commanding performance.

    In the Boys 18 and Under division, Jack Brown delivered a powerful showing against Javed Dowlat, cruising to a 6-0, 6-1 triumph. The Boys 16 and Under category saw Rohan Ramcharita overcome Anthony Frank with scores of 6-4, 6-0.

    The younger competitors in the Boys Under-10 division showcased their developing skills in closely contested matches. Zayden Sagramsingh prevailed against Hugh Hadeed (5-3, 4-1), while James Rostant defeated Nathaniel Toppin (4-0, 4-2). Division two of this category featured an especially thrilling encounter as Arun Ramtahal emerged victorious after a nail-biting contest against Kaiden George, ultimately winning 5-4 (5), 5-4 (8). Miles Bain completed the day’s action with a solid performance against Christopher Craig (4-0, 4-1).

  • Anthony edges Blackman for ASATT 100m fly gold

    Anthony edges Blackman for ASATT 100m fly gold

    The National Aquatic Centre in Couva witnessed an electrifying display of emerging talent during the Aquatic Sports Association of Trinidad and Tobago (ASATT) Invitational Age Group Championships this past weekend. The competition served as a critical proving ground for the nation’s next generation of swimmers, with numerous athletes achieving coveted qualifying standards for the upcoming Carifta Games.

    The highlight of the evening session on December 13 featured a thrilling showdown between two US-based national team prospects. University of Indianapolis freshman Zachary Anthony narrowly defeated University of Tennessee’s Nikoli Blackman in the marquee 100m long course butterfly event. Anthony captured gold with a blistering time of 54.56 seconds, merely 0.19 seconds ahead of Blackman’s 54.75 finish. Both swimmers comfortably surpassed the 54.78 ‘A’ standard required for Carifta qualification.

    In the Girls 15 & Over division, Toni Rae Yates of RWBAA edged out Davia Richardson (YMID-MR) by 0.04 seconds in another nail-biting butterfly final, clocking 1:05.76 to Richardson’s 1:05.80. Both athletes secured Carifta ‘B’ standard times.

    The 11-12 age category emerged as particularly promising, with Sapphire Parks (SJ’S) establishing herself as a standout performer. Parks achieved an ‘A’ standard in the 100m butterfly (1:07.70) and continued her dominance on December 14 with a winning time of 2:38.22 in the 200m individual medley, another ‘A’ standard performance. She additionally secured a ‘B’ standard in the 400m freestyle (5:04.41), finishing second to Zahara Anthony (MARL) who won in 5:03.87.

    On the boys’ side, Keone Deshong (BSSS) delivered exceptional performances with gold medals and ‘A’ standard times in both the 50m breaststroke (33.50) and 200m IM (2:31.07). Ethan Chu Fook (SAILF) also impressed with an ‘A’ standard time of 2:32.32 in the 200m IM and a ‘B’ standard victory in the 400m freestyle (4:39.23).

    The 13-14 age group saw strong performances from Jacob Collymore (SAILF) who won the boys’ 100m butterfly in 58.48 (‘B’ standard), and Anya DeGannes (VIPER) who took the girls’ title in 1:08.32 (‘B’ standard). Arush Rochlani (SASC) claimed the boys’ 13-14 400m freestyle in 4:26.23, while Marena Martinez (MARL) won the girls’ equivalent in 4:45.79 plus the 200m IM title in 2:37.84.

    Breaststroke specialists also made their mark with Ethan McMillan-Cole (boys 13-14, 31.08), Kristin Greesham (girls 13-14, 36.12), and Anpherne Bernard (boys 15 & Over, 29.58) all achieving ‘B’ standard times in their respective 50m events.

    The championships concluded with spirited relay competitions. The BASC team (Giddings, Antoine, Pantin, Dan) won the girls 9-10 200m medley relay in 2:33.33, while RWBAA (Valentine, Nesbitt, Nixon, Venture) captured the boys 11-12 medley relay title in 2:13.47.

  • KFC, Yung Bredda celebrate children of Sea Lots

    KFC, Yung Bredda celebrate children of Sea Lots

    The Sea Lots basketball court transformed into a vibrant hub of celebration on December 14th as the community witnessed an extraordinary youth event that far exceeded expectations. Organized by the Sea Lots Legacy Foundation in collaboration with rising musical artist Yung Bredda and supported by KFC Trinidad, the initiative initially planned for 250 children but ultimately welcomed hundreds more as word spread throughout the neighborhood.

    Children’s laughter filled the air as they participated in various activities including face-painting, games, and festive treats. The event marked a significant partnership between corporate resources and local leadership, with KFC additionally funding court improvements including fresh paint and new basketball equipment.

    At the heart of the celebration stood Akhenaton Lewis, professionally known as Yung Bredda, a 26-year-old soca artist who grew up and still resides in Sea Lots. Lewis performed his popular tracks including ‘The Greatest Bend Over,’ ‘Tap Out,’ ‘Rags,’ and ‘Blaze’ for his hometown community. Reflecting on his childhood experiences, Lewis shared: ‘Growing up, I anxiously awaited Christmas parties from outside organizations because my mother couldn’t always afford toys. Now I’m blessed to help create those moments for today’s children.’

    The Sea Lots Legacy Foundation, established in 2023 by brothers Nigel and Andy Charles alongside Lewis, has consistently worked to provide structure and opportunities for local youth through food drives, seasonal events, and educational initiatives. Nigel Charles emphasized their mission: ‘We’re building youth mindsets through community events that offer exposure to different lifestyles.’

    KFC’s involvement represents more than corporate social responsibility—it signals a strategic shift in cultural partnerships. Stacey Ryan, Marketing Head for KFC and Pizza Hut at Prestige Holdings, explained: ‘Our collaboration with Yung Bredda extends beyond using his music for brand elevation. We’re genuinely investing in his journey and the community that shaped him.’

    The company announced plans to launch a music-focused program in 2026 targeting at-risk communities, beginning with Sea Lots but eventually expanding to other underserved areas. This initiative reflects KFC’s evolving approach to cultural partnerships that prioritize genuine community engagement over traditional marketing.

    Both organizers and sponsors highlighted the event as a powerful demonstration of what becomes possible when corporate resources align with authentic community leadership and homegrown talent.

  • Stephon Gabriel: From sound engineering to soca

    Stephon Gabriel: From sound engineering to soca

    Couva-based music producer Stephon Gabriel has successfully transitioned from behind-the-scenes sound engineering to center stage as a recording artist, marking a significant career evolution with his debut single release. The accomplished sound technician unveiled his original composition “Soft Touch” on November 17th, representing a personal and professional milestone in his fifteen-year music industry journey.

    Gabriel’s musical transformation began unexpectedly earlier this year when his reimagined cover of Kes’ “Cocoa Tea” garnered substantial online engagement. The innovative rendition, featuring completely reworked instrumentation, demonstrated his creative vision and convinced him to pursue original music production more seriously.

    The Trinidadian creative’s path to music professionalism took a decisive turn after winning the World Bank’s Voices4Climate competition in 2013. This achievement prompted him to leave his position at Microsoft TT—despite holding a computer science degree from the University of Southern Caribbean—to fully commit to his musical aspirations. That same year, he established Gabriel Creative Studios, solidifying his dedication to audio production.

    Reflecting on his origins, Gabriel recalled his early fascination with music: “From the age of 14, I knew music lived in me. I was the guy at school everyone would come to, to record love songs for their girlfriends.” His passion was ignited upon receiving a guitar for his fourteenth birthday, eventually expanding to include work on feature films such as “Home” and “Again” produced in Trinidad.

    “Soft Touch” emerged from a collaborative creative process with producers Jumaane, Jaydot, and Amiel Duncan, with mastering handled by Andre Stewart. The track represents both personal expression and broader professional ambitions. Gabriel explained its genesis: “It started with one of my producers I work with—Jumaane, who sent me a couple tracks and I put aside a particular one and then, on one random night, I listened to it and got to writing.”

    Beyond his artistic pursuits, Gabriel operates a publishing division called Just In Time Music, designed to connect Caribbean creatives with international opportunities in Hollywood and global markets. He has secured several music placement deals for films and television shows, though specific projects remain confidential during ongoing negotiations.

    Recognizing educational gaps within the local music community, Gabriel has launched an educational TikTok account (@StephanGabrial868) to share crucial information about royalties, music publishing, and masters ownership—empowering fellow Trinidadian artists with industry knowledge essential for professional success.

  • La Romain man killed in car crash

    La Romain man killed in car crash

    A devastating single-vehicle accident on the Solomon Hochoy Highway has resulted in the death of a 50-year-old man from La Romain. The victim, identified as Dennis Ramesh Nehorah of Hibiscus Drive, lost his life when his car veered off the southbound lane near Gasparillo and subsequently caught fire.

    Preliminary reports indicate the incident occurred recently, with emergency services responding to the scene where the vehicle had already become fully engulfed in flames. The exact circumstances leading to the vehicle leaving the roadway remain under investigation by authorities.

    The tragic incident has prompted renewed discussions about road safety measures along this major transportation corridor. The Solomon Hochoy Highway serves as a critical artery for transportation in the region, making safety concerns particularly significant for regular commuters and transportation officials alike.

    Nehorah’s passing marks another somber addition to Trinidad and Tobago’s road traffic fatality statistics, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced in preventing such tragedies. Community members from La Romain have expressed shock and sadness upon learning of the incident, remembering Nehorah as a longtime resident of their community.

  • Family of Lisa Morris-Julian calls for fire report to be made public

    Family of Lisa Morris-Julian calls for fire report to be made public

    The grieving family of former D’Abadie/O’Meara MP Lisa Morris-Julian is calling for full public disclosure of the official investigation report into the devastating December 2024 fire that claimed her life along with her two children. This demand emerges just before the first anniversary of the tragedy that shocked the nation.

    Despite Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander’s assertion that the report exonerates responding fire officers and rules out foul play, the family confirms they have neither received the document nor been consulted about its findings. A family representative expressed profound frustration, stating, “The entire country needs to know what happened that morning,” while highlighting concerning discrepancies in the official narrative.

    The comprehensive report, completed by a special three-member committee on January 10, examined both the circumstances of the blaze and the emergency response effectiveness. The autopsy confirmed Morris-Julian, her 25-year-old daughter Xianne Julian, and six-year-old son Jesiah Julian all succumbed to smoke inhalation at their Farfan Street residence in Arima—notably located within walking distance of the local fire station.

    Family members raise serious questions about response times and resource allocation, particularly given reports that neighbors personally alerted the nearby fire station yet witnessed delayed emergency deployment. “I was there from the moment I found out her house was on fire, and there was nobody from the fire station there when I got there,” the relative recounted, challenging the official clearance of fire service procedures.

    The family maintains that public transparency would not only provide them with closure but could potentially prevent future tragedies through improved safety protocols. They find the government’s reluctance to release the document perplexing, noting: “If everything is well, then just release it. If you are able to publicly eliminate foul play, why not share what happened publicly? This concerns the public.”

    As the family prepares to endure their first Christmas without their loved ones, they remember Lisa as an exceptional mother and public servant, Xianne as a promising young woman with a bright future, and Jesiah as a child who touched everyone he met. Their profound loss is compounded by what they describe as insensitive public commentary and the politicization of their tragedy.

  • Mona continue Walker Cup defence against Hydel

    Mona continue Walker Cup defence against Hydel

    The stage is set for thrilling quarterfinal clashes in the ISSA Walker Cup on Monday, featuring historic rivalries and underdog ambitions. Defending champions Mona High commence proceedings at Waterhouse Stadium with a 2:00 pm encounter against Hydel High, followed by the marquee matchup between nine-time champions Kingston College and archrivals Calabar High at 4:15 pm.

    Simultaneously at Ashenheim Stadium, Vauxhall High—the sole remaining contender never to have secured the trophy—faces two-time winners St. Catherine High at 2:00 pm. The day’s fixtures conclude with Charlie Smith High, also two-time champions, confronting four-time holders Tivoli Gardens High at 4:15 pm.

    Mona High enters the contest with significant psychological advantage following Hydel’s devastating 0-5 defeat to Jamaica College on Saturday. The defending champions additionally draw motivation from the hospitalization of their football program head, Craig Butler, potentially overwhelming opponents grappling with physical and mental recovery.

    The Kingston College versus Calabar confrontation transcends ordinary competition, carrying the weight of recent history. Their last encounter ended 2-2, eliminating KC from the Manning Cup—a result that KC coach Vassell Reynolds acknowledges as motivation for redemption. Calabar’s coach Jeremy Miller anticipates intensified rivalry dynamics, noting: “We expect KC to seek revenge for their Manning Cup exit. We must overcome our own disappointment to pursue seasonal redemption with this trophy.”

    Historical context heightens stakes: Calabar last lifted the Walker Cup in 2007, while KC’s most recent triumph occurred in 2016. Meanwhile, St. Catherine High leverages their 2018 format-change advantage that propelled previous victories in 2019 and 2021 against a Vauxhall squad pursuing their inaugural title at this level.

    The Charlie Smith-Tivoli Gardens matchup introduces fatigue variables, with Charlie Smith recovering from a physically draining 0-1 defeat to Excelsior on Saturday. Their capacity to regenerate against a well-rested Tivoli squad—idle since Wednesday—could determine this contest’s outcome.

    Established in 1961 to honor HN “Chicken” Walker, devoted former general secretary and treasurer of ISSA, the Walker Cup adopted its current “best losers” format in 2018, permitting teams eliminated from later Manning Cup rounds to compete while excluding semifinalists.

  • Youth Arise Antigua Ends 2025 with Two Grand Community Initiatives

    Youth Arise Antigua Ends 2025 with Two Grand Community Initiatives

    Youth Arise Antigua has culminated its 2025 operations with two significant community engagement projects, demonstrating the organization’s sustained dedication to social welfare and youth development under Makiba Ward’s guidance.

    The first initiative occurred on November 29, 2025, at Fiennes Institute Nursing Home, where the organization conducted a Thanksgiving Lunch for elderly residents. Volunteers and members participated in meal service activities while establishing meaningful interpersonal connections with seniors. The event emphasized respect for older generations and highlighted the value of cross-generational relationships within community structures. Participants reported an atmosphere characterized by mutual appreciation and emotional fulfillment for both volunteers and residents.

    On December 13, 2025, the organization executed its annual Christmas Toy Drive, distributing more than 200 gifts to children throughout St John’s metropolitan area. This charitable endeavor brought festive celebrations to numerous families through contributions from donors and organizational members, ensuring widespread holiday enjoyment across the community.

    Concurrently, Youth Arise Antigua has commenced membership recruitment for the 2026 operational year. The registration period opened December 1, 2025 and will continue through January 16, 2026. The organization seeks motivated individuals committed to community advancement and youth-driven development projects throughout Antigua and Barbuda.

    Future objectives include expanded community outreach, enhanced partnership networks, and increased youth participation in national development initiatives, maintaining the organization’s core mission of service-oriented action and compassionate engagement.

  • Jonge ondernemers krijgen structurele steun

    Jonge ondernemers krijgen structurele steun

    The Surinamese government is developing a comprehensive structural program to train and mentor young entrepreneurs, with President Jennifer Simons announcing collaborative efforts with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) during Saturday’s Entrepreneurship Fair & Bazaar at the Congreshall. Existing institutions have already initiated training programs as part of this national initiative.

    President Simons emphasized the critical importance of providing youth with economic development opportunities to prevent cycles of poverty. She stated that sustainable entrepreneurship requires robust support through training, skill development, and continuous guidance. “Young people must be given the space to excel in their chosen fields,” Simons declared during her address.

    The event, organized by the RUMAS Foundation under Emmy Hart’s leadership and themed ‘Dream to Goal,’ focused on promoting self-employment among young Surinamese. The president commended the organization’s efforts, describing the participation of young trainers and attendees as “encouraging and hopeful.”

    Multiple government agencies are already implementing support measures. The Foundation for Labor Mobilization & Development (SAO) has commenced training sessions, while the Foundation for Productive Work Units (SPWE) requires further strengthening. The Ministry of Youth Development and Sports has also scheduled educational activities. Additionally, the government plans to establish a specialized institute next year to guide aspiring entrepreneurs through partnerships with private sector entities and existing community organizations.

    President Simons highlighted that well-prepared entrepreneurs will be positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities as Suriname’s oil and gas sector develops further. She urged young entrepreneurs to persevere and continue their education despite business challenges.

    The fair featured presentations from four entrepreneurial groups representing hairstylists, textile workers, landscapers, and pastry chefs. The Volkscredietbank (VCB) provided information about affordable loan options, while RUMAS director Hart announced new training programs for canteen management, car wash businesses, and construction sectors.

    Participant Kelvin Paiman, a hairstylist, described the event as a significant motivational boost. “My hobby has become my profession,” he stated, noting that such initiatives help eliminate doubts among youth considering business ventures.

  • Redefining Student Success Through Education and Wellness in St. John’s Rural West

    Redefining Student Success Through Education and Wellness in St. John’s Rural West

    A groundbreaking educational initiative combining academic reinforcement with comprehensive wellness support has been launched at Five Islands Primary School and Greenbay Primary School in Antigua. This innovative program represents a holistic approach to student development, addressing both educational needs and health requirements that fundamentally impact learning capabilities.

    The program operates on the principle that academic excellence and physical wellbeing are intrinsically linked. By simultaneously strengthening instructional support systems and health outcomes, the initiative creates an optimized environment where students can achieve their maximum potential. The project enjoys political backing from Senator Michael Joseph, ABLP Caretaker for St. John’s Rural West, who serves as Junior Minister in the Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs.

    Academic enhancement components include structured after-school instruction for Grade Six students in Mathematics and English Language. Two specialized educators—one dedicated to mathematics instruction and another focusing on English—deliver targeted academic support four days weekly. Students participate in rotating group sessions to ensure balanced exposure to both subjects. These additional instructional hours serve multiple purposes: reinforcing classroom learning, recovering lost instructional time, and preparing students more effectively for national standardized assessments.

    While the schools maintain responsibility for the academic framework, the program receives substantial augmentation through financial assistance, vitamin supplements, and additional resources provided through senatorial support, ensuring successful implementation.

    The wellness dimension constitutes a equally critical component, with all participating students receiving daily nutritional supplements specifically formulated to support immune function, cognitive development, and overall health. The supplementation regimen includes multivitamins, DHA, vitamin C, and elderberry, complementing existing school meal programs. This nutritional support aims to reduce illness-related absenteeism while promoting sustained engagement in learning activities. Each student receives a three-month supply of supplements for administration under parental supervision, with continuation evaluated based on observed outcomes.

    School administrators have enthusiastically endorsed the initiative as a timely intervention. Principal Alden James of Five Islands Primary School emphasized that the extended learning hours provide a structured, supervised environment during after-school periods. Acting Principal Cleopatra Henry of Greenbay Primary School highlighted the program’s dual approach to addressing both academic deficiencies and nutritional challenges affecting student populations.

    Currently, more than 95 Grade Six students across both institutions are participating in the comprehensive program. Implementation will be closely monitored throughout the academic year, with performance metrics utilized to evaluate effectiveness. Successful outcomes may lead to program expansion in subsequent academic years, potentially extending the integrated approach to additional grade levels and schools.

    This initiative reflects a broader commitment to youth development in St. John’s Rural West, aligning educational support with wellness interventions to not only improve examination results but also foster long-term student success and resilience.